This week we are sharing reflections from east London Christians on the second of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, the Scourging at the Pillar
Click here for an introduction to the People's Rosary Project, and links to earlier meditations.
The Scourging at the Pillar
Pilate spoke to them again, ‘Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?’
They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’
Pilate asked them, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Crucify him!’
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15.12-15
When I pray this mystery, I am always struck by the pain, agony and humiliation Jesus goes through
Behind the spareness of the Gospel's language is an agonising punishment. As Rámond explains, scourging was designed to cause pain and to humiliate - and was a fate embraced by our God and Saviour.
Those who are unjustly imprisoned and tortured around the world embody the reality of this mystery as it is lived today.
Sr Josephine explains how this mystery of the Rosary leads her to contemplate, and intercede for, prisoners of conscience and all who are unjustly punished in our own times.
Even in our suffering, we know that God is still with us, and we can still talk to him.
Rámond reflects on the way this mystery offers us comfort in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Son of God offers himself to us, he puts his Body and his Blood into our hands, so as to be with us always, to dwell among us.
In the Garden of Olives, and likewise in the trial before Pilate, he puts up no resistance, he gives himself; he is the suffering Servant, foretold by Isaiah, who empties himself, even unto death (cf. Is 53:12).
Jesus does not experience this love that leads to his sacrifice passively or as a fatal destiny. He does not of course conceal his deep human distress as he faces a violent death, but with absolute trust commends himself to the Father.
Jesus gave himself up to death voluntarily in order to reciprocate the love of God the Father, in perfect union with his will, to demonstrate his love for us.
On the Cross Jesus “loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). Each one of us can say: “he loved me and gave himself for me”. Each one can say this “for me”.
Pope Francis, March 2013
You are invited to pray the Rosary now.
Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus who was scourged for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
If you have not prayed the Rosary before, you can read our introductory page here.
The People's Rosary is a project of the Centre for Theology and Community and De Mazenod Retreat House in east London.
We are grateful for the support of the Lady Peel Trust and MB Reckitt Trust in developing this project.
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