What Was His Crime? Series

What was His Crime?

Scripture: John 18:1-40; John 19:1-42.

Reflection

Last week, I heard from my friend that one of her relatives had a car accident at midnight. She sent me the news link from Facebook in the local newspaper. The news carried a photo of the accident car, but there was no detailed information about the accident.

I wanted to know more about the accident, so I went on to read the comments for the news item. There were many comments; nevertheless, no one gave an authentic opinion on the accident.

Some of them criticized drunk driving. Some of them talked about the culture of the people. Some of them blamed the narrow road and potholes. Some of them remarked that rush driving was the cause.

At the same time, none of them knew how the accident took place, what time the accident was, how many people were in the car, and what happened to them.

It shocked me about the general public opinion. Why do we not care about the condition of people who travelled that midnight? Are they okay? Are they in the hospital? What happened to their families? How can I help them rather than senseless comments?

Today, I look at the same way how Jesus would have felt when he was made to stand half-naked with pressing thorns on his head and bruises on his body, taking the yield of using leather ropes.

How many people knew who Jesus was when they shouted at him to Crucify him? How many Pharisees and Sadducees knew Jesus personally? Did they think what was going on in the mind of Jesus at that time? Why were they so cruel towards a man who they didn't know properly?

What was his crime?

He stood with the truth. He loved and cared for humanity.

Fr. Stan Swamy, who stood with the tribals for their rights, Sr. Rani Maria, who stood for justice, Graham Stein and his two sons, who served the people with medical aid, Kandhamal martyrs, who had simple faith, and those who were killed in Manipur mindlessly, are victims of the political and capitalist game.

What was their crime?

They gave us food when we were starving. They educated us when we walked as untouchables. They touched and healed our wounds when we were socially marginalized.

There are innumerable stories around us, who sacrificed their lives for Christ.

Don't judge anyone. Love everyone. And care for them. Give them hope to live a life with dignity on this earth.

It is the call of Jesus. We need to respond. Many responded in India in different ways in different parts of the nation. They represented Jesus in the Gospel ways. Are we willing and ready?

May the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. Amen…