Furthermore, Pilate's action illustrates the frailty of human devotion to truth. O guardians of truth, beseech the God of truth earnestly that He may open your eyes to see the truth and grant you the steadfastness needed to fulfill the works of truth. From Pilate’s example, one can perceive that heaven stands ready to assist you in times of trial. Remain attentive to the whispers of God’s will, rather than to the dictates of blind passions. Pilate's actions impart a lesson for those in authority: to act within their jurisdiction in alignment with a clear conscience, to wield their power resolutely, regardless of the consequences. It is indeed challenging to protect vulnerable innocence and to hold accountable a formidable wrongdoer when confronted by the cacophony of wild passions and the threats of those powerful in wealth, name, and influence. However, authority is bestowed to restrain evil, not to allow it to wreak havoc on society. Without conflict, there can be no triumph; and with triumph over evil comes the crown of truth in heaven. Is the weight of responsibility too burdensome for you? You must choose between two paths: either restore authority to the one who entrusted it to you or pray fervently and relinquish it. Pilate’s actions serve as a warning to the populace and all subordinates: do not take upon yourselves that which is not granted to you from above; do not pass judgment on matters that your superiors are meant to address, nor decide on issues where authority holds sway. Otherwise, you may find yourselves in rebellion against God, who commands you to listen and obey rather than to judge and govern. It may happen that, through guile and unnoticed passions, you will free the criminal while condemning the Innocent to crucifixion, thus calling forth the blood of innocence upon yourselves in your ignorance. Human truth—sometimes merely appearing to advocate for human rights—proclaims that all individuals hold equal rights. How misguided! How destructive! Is there any equity between Pilate and the Jewish people when the latter recognized Jesus’s innocence, yet clamored for the execution of an innocent man? Are men truly equal when one is blind, another deaf, and yet another disabled? Pilate's actions reveal that visions of equality in rights, devoid of proper foundation, lead to chaos, disorder, violence, and incite the righteous anger of God towards unwarranted judges. Without caution, you may find yourselves among those who justify Barabbas and condemn the Righteous to death. Do you truly understand another's heart? And what grants you the authority to judge your neighbor? “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” says the Lord (Matthew 7:1). If you focus solely on the shortcomings of others, you might boast like Pilate of your clean hands while shifting the blame onto someone else. It is imperative instead to examine your own conscience and render judgment upon yourself. This is your duty and a vital endeavor. But is it an easy task to fulfill? Will you be swift in achieving a fair judgment of yourself? Reflect, and you will discover that when preoccupied with examining your own transgressions, there is little time left to concern yourself with those of others. Understand that considerable focus, effort, and time are necessary to scrutinize the faults in your feelings, thoughts, desires, intentions, speech, vision, hearing, and touch. Recognize that by being acutely aware of your own vulnerabilities and wrongdoings, you will hesitate to render harsh judgments on others, and you will gain a true understanding of the weight of pious deeds. Blessed heavenly Father, we are feeble at every turn. Empower us with Your strength that we may carry out what is pleasing to You. Amen.
THEOSIS