Pilate In Reflection

A poem of Pontius Pilate sealing his own fate
By Father John R. Green

Radiantly shone the sun o'er Jerusalem's gold and wood,
Invading the palace window where Pontius Pilate stood:
Surveying the majestic Temple, the glory of a nation,
Adorning a metropolis of haunting expectation.

Thoughts of a stormy trial three days ago,
Facing Jesus of Nazareth toward a vicious foe.
Though finding him innocent, and desiring to set him free,
Yielded to a passionate throng of hatred and glee.

Why remain I haunted by what Claudia dreamed?
Was Jesus of Nazareth mightier than he seemed?
Quoting the prediction of his resurrection,
They threatened my tolerance with riotous action.

Oh, a resurrected Jesus, what would my life be?
An ignoble ruler consigned to oblivion or infamy!
And what would be Rome's final story?
A dismayed Caesar no match for divine glory.

Cease, I Pilate, these musings, no need to weep;
Avoid the pain and misery of thought so deep!
Your service to render Caesar is plainly clear;
This at any price you must hold dear.

At that moment, Pilate's fate was sealed:
His disconcerting breach with Rome never healed;
Caesar long and scornfully deemed him dead!
And in the annals of time severed his head.

......
Claudia Procula Icon
on Picryl

For Claudia there is another story,
She came to meet her Lord in his triumphant glory.
Loving heaven left her not in a lurch;
And she was canonized in the Greek Orthodox church.