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him from responsibility and heap guilt on the Jewish people.
Though Pilate’s wife name was not mentioned she received
honor as Pilate’s wife. Gender discrimination softly covered
under Pilate’s wife’s honor. As Pilate’s wife is a non – Jewish
woman, (the gospel writer) did not show interest to mention her
name. No independent identity she had. It is voice of descent
recorded in Passion Narratives. Though she is powerless she
is able to convey her descent over against killing an innocent.
Her voice is a minority voice with great courage to express with
her husband. Her voice could bring transformation yet because
of gender discrimination it was not heard. Here she is used as
significant female agent. However, Pilate is not interested as the
issue is being Jewish. On what grounds Jesus was arrested is not
clear. The allegations Jews put against Jesus is blasphemy which
is not political one but religious one. By listening to wife’s voice
his efforts were in vain. Here the judicial systems interplay with
family matter. She explained the vision she had in a rhetorical
way. During those days people used to fear for dreams. In the
midst of people and leaders who have plotted against Jesus to
kill him, here is a woman who entered into the scene to protect
Jesus’ life.

The crucifixion not only says something about God, but
it reveals humanity’s rejection of God’s ways as well and that not
by the thugs and hoodlums of this world, but officially by the
highest forms of religion and government. Not only humanity’s
worst, but also humanity’s best is indicated by this story. Pilate
emperor represents power, hegemony, and authority, while his
wife represents voices of discent and guide to her husband in
a crucial moment.
How do we contextualize this text to our present day?
Sometimes the Church and church leaders are holding power
and hegemony. Unheard voices of people are very common
today. Those who are in power do not give their ears to the poor
and the neglected. The Liberation theology that was emerged
out of Latin America where discrimination based on race
became the order of the day. ‘Preferential option towards the

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Lenten Meditations Re - Imaging People