First Station – Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die

Celebrant: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. 

People: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection, You have redeemed the world.

Celebrant: The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward (Matthew 26:59-60). 

Jesus: (Celebrant) Do not be surprised that you are sometimes unjustly accused. I Myself first drank this cup of undeserved suffering for love of you (289). When I was before Herod, I obtained a grace for you; namely, that you would be able to rise above human scorn and follow faithfully in My footsteps (1164). 

S. Faustina: (People) We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it is God’s will that we should speak. A silent soul is strong; no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God (477). 

All: Merciful Jesus, help me to know how to accept every human judgment and do not allow me ever to render a condemnatory judgment on You in my neighbors. 

Celebrant: You, who suffered wounds for us, 

People: Christ Jesus, have mercy on us. 

Sung Verse: Through her heart, His sorrow sharing All His bitter anguish bearing Now at length the sword has passed.