Christians reminded of ultimate sacrifice made

MORE than one person declared Jesus’ innocence but He had to be condemned to die on the cross to save the sinners, fulfilling God’s promise, was an Easter message from Fr Savio Angelo, the rector of Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu.
During the Palm Sunday liturgy, the acting parish priest of Mary Help of Christian Parish in Sabama preached about Jesus’ innocence.
“Pontius Pilate is one of the prominent figures remembered for washing His hands and condemning Jesus to death as we recite every Sunday the Apostles’ Creed. Also it is good to know Pilate’s wish to let Jesus go free as he found no case against Him,” Angelo said.
“Pilate had gone into the matter and found no case against Jesus for any of the charges he brought against Him and defended Him for a third time.
“When hanging on the cross, one of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus, abused him but the good thief recognised Jesus’ innocence. This criminal said they were paying for what they did but this man (Jesus) had done nothing wrong.”
The church was told about Jesus response to all that had happened: “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”
“He was, in effect, trying to bear our guilt,” Angelo said.
“In the passion of Jesus, we see the cruelty and terrible suffering that we or those in power inflict on the innocent. And we understand that not all those who are condemned are guilty.”