"In Pilate's hands, my other self,
I see my Father's will.
Though Pilate is unjust,
he is the lawful governor
and he has power over me.

And so the Son of God obeys.

If I can bow to Pilate's rule
because this is my Father's will,
can you refuse obedience
to those whom I place over you?"

O Lord, give me the grace to choose humiliation to pretentiousness. Give me the stength to choose poverty rather than greed. Give me the courage to suffer pain rather than to hurt others.

Remove the blinders from my eyes that I may see it is you whom I obey in all who govern me.

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

Pilate was furious. The angry seething crowd outside his gates wanted this man's life. He'd tried to placate them with this man's flogging and even offered to free him in exchange for the life of Barabbas but no, they want this man's life.

Inspite of the crowd's pressure, he could see no reason to crucify this man. He knew he was being used, he had to act and to not be perceived as weak. As he prepared to pass judgement he received a message from his wife "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."

He momentarily hesitated then took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd saying "I am innocent of this man's blood, it is your responsibility!" With that he rushed inside and left Jesus in the hands of his soldiers to execute sentence.