Page 47 - laten-08-06-2020

ANNAS

Dehumanizing power

Luke 3:2; John 18: 13, 24
Introduction

here are many characters we see in the Passion Narratives
Tin the path of Calvary, who played a pivotal role in the
Crucifiction of Jesus Christ. The character of Annas is not
mentioned with any detail in the book of Luke and John. Annas
however played a silent but influencing role in Crucifying Jesus.
“Annas was appointed high priest by Quirinius, governor of
Syria in A.D. 6 but was deposed by Valerius Gratus , procurator
of Judea in A.D. 15. Eventually his son-in-law Caiaphas was
appointed to the position from A.D. 18-36”. The Jews identified
only Annas as the rightful high priest though Caiaphas
functioned in that role. Jesus was brought before 6 trials out of
which 3 interrogations by the religious hierarchy: before Annas,
Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Three Civil Trials: before Pilate,
Herod and again Pilate. Annas remained the power behind
the throne. He made a preliminary enquiry was carried out by
Annas before Jesus’ formal religious trial.

The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is the center of our
faith. It is God’s solidarity with all those carrying the Cross and
with all those who unjustly have to bear the Cross. As we look
at the Cross, we see these people behind this theatre of terror
unleashed by certain people. One very interesting character is
Annas, a person though did not occupy any position of power
at that time, yet had enormous authority. I see three pointers
in connection to the overarching theme: Re-Imaging People:
Encountering and Experiencing the Cross.

Power

Caiaphas was the high priest but Annas was the operating

41
Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People