The First Station: 

Jesus Is Condemned to Death

“The governor said to them in reply, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They answered, ‘Barabbas! … Let [Jesus] be crucified!’”

-Matthew 27:21–22

As we imagine this scene in our minds, perhaps we see chaos, mayhem, people pushing and pulling at each other, screaming and shouting. There is manipulation and bribery afoot, a good man about to be killed as a public spectacle, and the laws of the land stand in silence. Perhaps this scene seems far removed-something we may glimpse in the news, something that happens in faraway countries under foreign governments.

Let us call to mind briefly the story of Michael Mzuli, whom we meet this week in Kenya, a man searching for a means to put food on his family’s table. We all know what it’s like to search for meaningful work, how at times a seemingly fruitless search appears to be a condemnation. This happens both in our country and around the world.

And yet, we are called to live in solidarity as one global family, each of us made in the image and likeness of God. We are responsible for one another, for what happens to our neighbors next door, and our neighbors overseas. Do we stand silent in the crowd, or do we shout? And if we shout, what is it that we say?