MEDITATION ON THE PASSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: Of The First Accusation Of Our Lord Before Pilate

DUCCIO di Buoninsegna 
Christ Accused by the Pharisees 
1308-11

The 19. Meditation of the first accusation of Our Lord before Pilate
Then they brought Jesus from Caiphas into the Palace, and it was morning, and they entered not into the Palace, because they would not be defiled, but that they might eat the Pasch.
Consider 1. That they made hast betimes in the morning to procure the death of our Lord, least perhaps if it should be deferred, it might be hindered through the favor of the people: for it is the subtlety of the devil, to carry men headlong into mischief, least by delay they might alter their purpose. Be that on the contrary part quick to good (for the grace of holy Ghost admitteth no delay) and show unto evil, for the feet of wicked men are swift to do mischief. Take heed therefore that thou ommittest no occasion to do good, and in temptation resist, expecting, that the Devil being driven away, Christ may come and help.

Consider secondly, that Christ thy Lord being the lover of purity, was put into the house of a Gentile, as an unclean person, guilty of many crimes, (which house the Jews of religion refused to enter into, least they should be defiled with some spot whereby they might be forbidden to eat the Pasch) & was thought unworthy to be numbered amongst the children of God, or to be put to death by the hands of the Jews. If thou be accounted base, or a sinner, imitate this patience of thy Lord, and let thy chiefiest care be to be better esteemed of God then of men.

Consider thirdly, that that thing happened to the Jews which they feared: For they did not eat the mystical Pasch, because Christ the true Pasch took it away by his death, and that which they did eat, they celebrated with polluted minds & hateful unto God. Be thou therefore careful not so much for thy outward beauty & cleanness, as for thy inward purity of thy mind, that thou maist receive the true Pasch of our Lord in the Eucharist; & praying unto God that thou mayest be pure in heart, whereby thou mayest often eat worthily this holy Pasch.


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