Reading: (John 19:12-16)

Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “if you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend; everyone who make himself a king sets himself against Caesar.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and said to the Jews “Here is your king!” They cried out away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

Christ Speaks

In Pilate’s hands, my friend, I see my father’s will. It is true that Pilate is unjust but he is the lawful governor and he has power over me; and so the son of God obeys a son of man. If I will bow to Pilate’s rule because this is my Father’s will, can you refuse obedience to those whom I have placed over you?

Congregation

Lord Jesus, obedience cost you your life for me, it costs an act of will – no more and yet, how hard it is for me to bend. Remove the blinders from my eyes that I may see that it is you whom I obey in all who govern me Lord, it is you.

Our Father...

V. Have mercy on us, O Lord!
R. Have mercy on us
V. May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.