First Station

First Station - Jesus is Condemned to Death

Consider how Jesus, after having been scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.

V. We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee
R. Because by the holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Leaving the house of Caiphas, and dragged before Pilate and Herod, mocked, beaten, and spit upon, His back torn with scourges, His head crowned with thorns, Jesus, who on the last day will judge the world, is himself condemned by unjust judges to a death of ignominy and torture.

Jesus is condemned to death. His death-warrant is signed, and who signed it but I, when I committed my first mortal sins? My first mortal sins, when I fell away from the state of grace into which Thou did place me by baptism; [it was these sins] that were your death-warrant, O Lord. The Innocent suffered for the guilty. Those sins of mine were the voices which cried out, " Let Him be crucified." That willingness and delight of heart with which I committed them was the consent which Pilate gave to this clamorous multitude. And the hardness of heart which followed upon them, my disgust, my despair, my proud impatience, my obstinate resolve to sin on, the love of sin which took possession of me--what were these contrary and impetuous feelings but the blows and the blasphemies with which the fierce soldiers and the populace [inflicted on] Thee, thus carrying out the sentence which Pilate had pronounced !

Our Father, Hail Mary.

V. Have mercy on us, O Lord.

R. Have mercy on us.