THE THIRD STATION: Jesus before the Sanhedrin

V/. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
R/. Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

READING: Matthew 26:57-68

Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’ The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?”  But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: 

"From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power’

and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!”  Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you?” 

REFLECTION: "It’s so rotten, gossip. At the beginning, it seems to be something enjoyable and fun, like a piece of candy.  But at the end, it fills the heart with bitterness and also poisons us. I tell you the truth: I am convinced that if each one of us would purposely avoid gossip, at the end, we would become a saint! It’s a beautiful path!" (Pope Francis)

*Moment of Silence

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be...

NEXT: THE FOURTH STATION: The Scourging and Crowning with thorns