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BASEL CHRONICLES | EDITORIAL | APRIL 2021

people, and he allowed Jesus to be cruci-
ed. Pilate knowing that "his efforts were

futile", due to the outrage of people,
killed his conscience and joined hands
with injustice, and handed over Jesus to

be sentenced to death. He released
Barabbas in the place of Jesus.

People who needed Jesus to fulll their

hunger and for healing, now rejected him
and it was the people’s decision that He
deserved the death of the cross. Amid

this rejection, Jesus had to cross the
streets of Jerusalem, carrying the cross,

to the blasphemy, insult, and derision of
the people. He went ahead, carrying his

cross. He did not mourn for Himself but
called out for the women who were

shouting for him and weeping, asking
them not to weep for him, but to weep for
their children. Blood owing from the

body, the pain of the crown of thorns on
the head, and carrying the heavy cross

He went forward. In Golgotha, where the
prisoner is punished, even though Jesus

was innocent, He was crucied like a
criminal. Roman soldiers fastened Him to

the cross by nailing His hands and feet.
Jesus hung on the cross with excruciat-
ing pain, suffering, and torment. Yes, the

one who taught mercy to the people, who

taught them what God's love is, and how
to love the neighbor, was suffering from
the selshness of human beings with

cruel hearts. Is it possible to proclaim the
mercy of God in such a crucied Jesus?

Is there any opportunity to explain His
love further?