MEDITATION ON OUR LORD'S PASSION: And Annas Sent Him Bound To Caiphas The High Priest, Where The Scribes And Seniors Were Assembled

 DUCCIO di Buoninsegna 
Christ Before Caiaphas (scene 10) 
1308-11

And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas the hight Priest,where the Scribes and Seniors were Assembled 

Consider first, that Christ suffered many wrongs in the house of Annas, for this word (he sent him) signifieth that he did not lightly suffer him to go away, but that he made some stay: But search out with thy self what those things were: For blessed Cyrill saith, that the blow was given him in the house of Caiphas, and many affirm that this word (he sent) should be taken in the Hebrew for this word (he had sent.)

Consider secondly what this word signifieth (bound:) to wit, that either he was newly bound, or else that his former bounds were not loosed, that he might be accounted & condemned as guilty & worthy of bounds by the judgment of this grave man: But as the wicked Priest did take no compassion upon him that was bound, so neither doest thou take any pity upon thy poor afflicted Neighbor, nor yet upon thy own soul, which is grievously tied with the bonds of sins.

Consider thirdly this wearisome journey, in which they Lord was cruelly drawn with cords, and whipped on with stripes, whether soever it pleased the wicked people to carry him. He walked indeed the hard ways, that he might make the way to Heaven easy and plain for thee, and that thous mightiest go in the way of the Commandments of God without trouble.

Consider fourthly, and enter with thy Lord into the counsaile of the wicked. Behold here many Calves an fat Bulls compassing the most innocent Lamb: (the Scribes) the Doctors of the Law:(the Elders) the Magistrates of the people: (the Pharrises) the religious people of the Jews, being Gluttons, insolent, and cruel. Consent not thou to their counsaile, nor their deeds; but take the poor out of the hand of the might; that God also may have mercy upon thee in the day of thy trouble.

Fr. Francis Costerus S.J. 1616

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