It Is Your Responsibility

"He then asked for water and washed his hands before the people, saying, "I am not responsible for his blood. It is your doing." - Matthew 27:24

Pilate lives in history as the man who handed Jesus over to be killed. We even announce it in our creed each week, although Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' death. And if you think of it logically, it really wasn't his fault so much, right? He tried to let Jesus go, but ultimately the people wanted Him crucified, right? After all, Pilate wasn't even a Jew and didn't want to get involved in their affairs. This is wrong. Today, as I prayed the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary and thought about Pilate, I saw so many of us in his shoes. Pilate did have a responsibility! Although he didn't want to be involved in Jewish affairs, as a leader he was called to serve justice and he should have defended an innocent person. So many times, many of us let the weak and defenseless get abused because we don't want to get involved. So many times we wash our hands from helping someone, of being there to support someone. Many of us act like Pontius Pilate and we don't even see it. He's a villain in the story of Jesus, but we do the same thing to others when we pass up a chance to come to their defense! From now on, look to see who you can serve. Who are the little people around you that need your protection and your help? Don't wash your hands of anyone's problem if you can be a blessing to that person.

Today's Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I realize that I act like Pilate sometimes when I don't stand up for the innocent. Strengthen my Spirit and make me more willing to serve others in need. In Your Name we pray, amen.