TWELFTH MEDITATION OF OUR SAVIOR'S PASSION ~ LUCY HERBERT

TIZIANO Vecellio 

Ecce Homo 

1543

Consider how Pilate, desirous to release our Savior, whom he judged innocent, being sensible it was only the envy of his enemies which made them seek his death, for that effect exposed our Lord in the lamentable condition the soldiers had reduced him to, thinking that the very sight of him would be enough to quell their fury.

Let us endeavor to be present in spirit at that doleful spectacle, and attentively observe our dear Redeemer: See with what shame and confusion he stands before that multitude; his hands bound; a garment of scorn on his shoulders; a crown of sharp thorns upon his head, and a reed in his hand; hi body all torn and running with gore blood; his face swelled with buffets; deformed with spittle and covered with blood, which ran from his sacred pierced head; for having his hands bound, he could not wipe off the blood which trickled down his face; his eyes were bloodshot and almost blind; in fine, such was his aspect, that he scarce looked like a Man, notwithstanding this dismal sight did not move his enemies to compassion.

LUCY HERBERT