"Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." (John 19:1)
Biblical Context The Scourging at the Pillar is a brutal episode in Christ’s Passion. After being falsely accused and unjustly condemned, Jesus is handed over by Pontius Pilate to be scourged—a cruel Roman punishment meant to weaken prisoners before execution. The Gospel of John describes this moment succinctly: "Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." (John 19:1). Yet, within these few words lies a depth of suffering beyond comprehension.
Historical records describe Roman scourging as a torturous ordeal. Jesus would have been stripped, tied to a pillar, and beaten with a flagrum—a whip with leather straps embedded with sharp bones and metal. Each lash tore into His flesh, leaving Him bloodied and barely recognizable. The Prophet Isaiah foretold this suffering centuries before: "He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his wounds, we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5).
This suffering was not just physical—it was redemptive. Jesus endured this torment out of love for us, accepting it as part of the Father's will for the salvation of the world. His pain reminds us that sin has consequences, yet His willingness to suffer shows the depths of God’s mercy.
Reflection & Meaning The virtue associated with this mystery is mortification, or self-discipline. Mortification is the practice of denying oneself in order to grow in holiness. It is not about punishment, but about mastering our desires so they do not control us. Jesus’ scourging teaches us the value of suffering embraced with love.
In our modern world, the idea of mortification can seem extreme. We live in a culture that encourages comfort, indulgence, and the avoidance of pain. Yet, Christian discipleship calls us to something deeper. St. Paul reminds us: "I discipline my body and bring it under control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27). Self-discipline is necessary for spiritual growth—it strengthens our will, detaches us from sin, and unites us more closely to Christ.
St. Alphonsus Liguori reflects on this mystery, stating that Jesus endured the scourging not because He had to, but because He wanted to take upon Himself the punishment we deserved. Every lash was an act of love, an offering for our sins. When we struggle with temptations or challenges, we can unite our sacrifices to His, remembering that suffering has meaning when embraced in love.
Practical Application
How can we live out this mystery in our daily lives?
1. Practice Self-Discipline in Small Things - True mortification begins with everyday choices. Choosing to fast from a favorite treat, waking up earlier for prayer, or resisting unnecessary distractions helps strengthen our will. By saying no to ourselves in small things, we prepare to say no to sin in bigger battles.
2. Embrace Suffering with Love - We all face suffering—physical pain, disappointments, or struggles with sin. Instead of complaining or avoiding them, we can offer them to Jesus. Like Him, we can endure suffering for the love of God and others, transforming pain into a source of grace.
3. Control Over Our Speech and Thoughts - One of the hardest forms of self-discipline is control over our words and thoughts. Choosing silence instead of gossip, patience instead of anger, or kindness instead of criticism are real forms of mortification. Jesus remained silent during His Passion, accepting suffering without resentment. We can strive to do the same.
4. Fasting and Simplicity - Jesus said, "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites." (Matthew 6:16). Fasting is not just about food—it can include giving up social media, unnecessary spending, or excessive entertainment. By simplifying our lives, we make room for God.
At St. Michael Parish, we strive to live in unity and charity. Mortification helps us build stronger communities. When we put others first—listening instead of interrupting, forgiving instead of holding grudges, or serving without seeking recognition—we reflect Christ’s love.
Testimony: St. Gemma Galgani A powerful witness to this mystery is St. Gemma Galgani, an Italian mystic known for her deep love for Christ’s Passion. Born in 1878, Gemma was blessed with extraordinary spiritual gifts, including visions of Jesus and the stigmata. Yet, what made her truly remarkable was her willingness to embrace suffering out of love.
From a young age, Gemma experienced severe physical pain, suffering from spinal meningitis and other illnesses. Doctors saw no hope for her recovery, yet she accepted her suffering with peace. She once wrote, "If I saw the gates of heaven open and knew I could enter by one little act of suffering, I would not hesitate to suffer a thousand pains for Jesus."
Her devotion to Jesus’ Passion was so intense that she often relived His sufferings in mystical experiences. On many occasions, she felt the lashes of Christ’s scourging on her own body, yet she never complained. Instead, she saw suffering as a way to unite herself to her beloved Savior.
One night, during a Holy Hour, she experienced a vision of Jesus after the scourging. He was covered in wounds, yet His eyes were filled with love. She heard Him say, "Gemma, do you want to comfort Me?" Overcome with love, she responded, "Yes, my Jesus, let me suffer for You." From that moment on, she embraced suffering joyfully, offering everything for sinners and for the conversion of souls.
Gemma’s life teaches us that mortification is not about harsh penance—it is about love. She did not suffer for the sake of suffering, but to console Jesus. She reminds us that every sacrifice, no matter how small, can be an act of love when offered to God. Final Encouragement The mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar challenges us to look at suffering differently. Instead of something to avoid, it can become a path to holiness. Jesus did not deserve to be scourged, yet He accepted it willingly for love of us. Every wound He bore was a testimony of His mercy. This week, let us take His example to heart: "Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." (John 19:1). May we embrace self-discipline not as a burden, but as a way to grow in love. Let us control our desires, offer our sufferings, and live with greater simplicity. And when we struggle, let us remember the words of St. Gemma Galgani: "Let us love Jesus, who has loved us so much."
Lord, teach us to embrace mortification, not with fear, but with joy—knowing that every sacrifice brings us closer to You. Amen.