"Ecce Homo!" "Behold the man and his ability to forgive!"

"Ecce Homo!" {"Behold the man!"} - iconic words of Pilate in John 19,5. This arch was once part of Herod's "Antonia fortress," the location of Jesus' trial by Pilate. It is situated along the "Via Dolorosa" in Jerusalem, the path where, according to the tradition, Jesus walked, carrying his cross on the way to crucifixion. It is now part of the convent of the religious Sisters of Zion.

   Two thousand years later, Pilate's words continue to resonate: "Behold the man!" Look at him, once wounded, bruised and crowned with thorns. When I first saw the arch, I was very much distracted by our modern-day intrusions. I had to stop for a minute to recall this moment in the life of Jesus. A man with such a firm purpose and a stunning love for his people! Behold the man of sorrows ready to forgive! Are we that strong? Things we have done and things done to us carry tremendous weight. Can we let go? As we moved along the "Via Dolorosa," I kept asking myself that question: can we really let go without suffocating ourselves emotionally and damaging our health from bottled-anger and resentment which can trigger anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks?

We continued walking in this amazing city with its dynamic history. I thought of Jesus' remarkable ability to forgive others and the lessons we can still learn today. Forgiveness teaches us to forego anger and resentment if we are to move on. As we ambled along, I wondered if we have the courage to address and redress old injuries in a constructive and healing way? Can we release chains that hold us back in our lives and still be ready to relate to people as Jesus did. "Ecce homo" kept humming in my ears. 

   May our journey open us up to the possibilities of forgiveness and healing. Behold that same Jesus who walked this "Via Dolorosa" and see what he can still save in us.            {+Don Ronaldo, reflection #232}