Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/208



I. "  Then,  therefore,  Pilate  took  Jesus,  and  scourged Him." (John xix.  1.)  He  did  this  cruel  act  in  order  that he might  satisfy  the  malice  of  the  Jews,  and  afterwards set his  prisoner  at  liberty. This sentence  was  unjust, infamous, and  cruel. It was  unjust,  because  it  was pronounced against  a  man  whom  the  judge  had  pronounced to  be  innocent. It was  infamous,  because  it was  the  punishment  inflicted  on  common  slaves. It was cruel,  for  it  was  purposely  inflicted  to  satisfy  the fury of  the  Jews. Observe, however,  how  readily  and cheerfully Christ  accepts  of  it,  saying  with  the  prophet* " I  am  ready  for  scourges"  (Ps.  xxxvii.  18),  in  order  that I may  atone  for  your  sins.

II. As soon  as  the  sentence  was  uttered,  the  ready  soldiers impudently  strip  Him  of  all  His  clothes,  and  bind Him to  a  pillar. Imagine the  modest  shame  and  virginal blushes  of  this  chaste  Lamb  of  God,  when  He  was thus exposed,  all  naked,  to  the  eyes  of  a  rude  and  licentious multitude. Observe with  what  readiness  He stretches  out  His  arms  to  be  bound,  without  making  the least complaint  or  resistance. During this  cruel  scene* imagine you  hear  Him  addressing  you,  "  Learn  of  me, because  I  am  meek  and  humble  of  heart." (Matt. xi.  29.)

III. Ponder the  cruelty  of  this  scourging. Ascetics say that the  instruments  used  were  of  three  kinds,  viz.,  thorny rods, sinews  of  beasts,  and  chains. His pains  were  greater in consequence  of  His  being  already  almost  exhausted  by His  bloody  sweat,  His  ill-usage,  restless  night,  and  painful journey  that  morning. The fury  of  His  tormentors was, besides,  increased  by  the  surrounding  Pharisees,