Abandonment, Part 4 of 6

Meditations on the way to Palm Sunday

Jesus was betrayed by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who washed his hands in a politically expedient symbolic act, believing Jesus to be innocent, but abdicating his responsibility to do the admittedly risky, but right thing in the face of a howling mob.[1]

I wonder. To have the responsibility and to hold the requisite authority to act on the beneficial behalf of another, yet, fearing the loss of favor, choosing not to act, hence, leaving another to face loss or, at least, to lose face.

Has such a thing ever been done to any of us or by any of us?

I would guess, yes.

To be continued…

© 2023 PRA

Illustration: Pilate washing his hands, Hendrick Jansz ter Brugghen (1588-1629)

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[1] Matthew 27.24