Cardinal Ryś delivered a pastoral message to tens of thousands of faithful participating in the Stations of the Cross in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, Poland, on Good Friday.
Cardinal’s Reflection on Pilate’s Presentation of Jesus
Cardinal Ryś addressed the biblical scene of Jesus being presented by Pilate, who, after flogging him, declared “Behold the Man” to the crowd. He noted that this moment has been deeply considered by prominent theologians throughout Church history.
Saint Augustine interpreted the scene as Pilate potentially seeking to save Jesus, suggesting a necessary “image of evil, suffering, humiliation, and the degradation of man” to halt hatred. The Cardinal questioned whether Pilate’s true intentions are knowable.
A Call to Recognize the Boundaries of Evil
The Cardinal questioned whether contemporary society recognizes the limits that should be placed on evil, lamenting a perceived erosion of boundaries regarding evil, hatred, and animosity. He observed that norms accepted today would have been unimaginable to previous generations.
He passionately appealed to the faithful: “Stop! Let your hatred freeze.”
The Futility of Power Over the Heart
Referencing Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Metropolitan Archbishop explained that Pilate presented Jesus crowned with thorns and dressed in purple to mock the Jews and demonstrate his power. However, Pilate simultaneously appeared diminished in the face of Jesus.
Despite displaying brutality, Pilate recognized a different kind of greatness in Jesus. True power, the Cardinal asserted, resides in influence over the heart, as violence cannot truly control it.
The Measure of Humanity: Solidarity
The Cardinal invoked the teachings of Saint John Paul II, asking what constitutes the measure of humanity in the context of Pilate’s words. He stated that the Pope responded by defining it as solidarity and relationship with others.
He noted the ease of offering support to those who are successful or holy, but also the tendency to abandon or disregard those who sin. He urged the faithful to recognize the importance of solidarity, even with those who struggle.
Adoration Continues Through Easter
The Good Friday portion of the Passiontide mystery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska began with a scene before Caiaphas’ house. Tens of thousands of faithful witnessed the dramatization of the Savior’s Passion, prepared by Bernardines and laypeople.
The procession continued to Pilate’s Palace, where the “Decree condemning Jesus to death” was read, and Cardinal Ryś delivered his pastoral address. The Body of Christ was then carried to the Chapel of the Tomb atop the mountain for adoration until Easter Sunday.
The sanctuary in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska was founded in the early 17th century by the Zebrzydowski family, and the Stations of the Cross were created to replicate the holy sites in Jerusalem.
