On Trial

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and “you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power”, and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him. Mark 14:53-65

Loving Creator who breathes life into all

you calm the winds and direct the storms

you delight in the laughter of children

and implant wisdom in all our elders.

You stood before the court being tested

standing in place of all of humanity

accused yet innocent, on trial for us all

loving us even when we turned angry.

We live in a world of violent storms

among people who ache and need

some have much and others nothing

and we live often for ourselves alone.

Help us to call upon you in the storm

make us those who stand with others

amidst the storms and the trials ahead

may we bring your love to all we meet. Amen.