PONTIUS PILATE
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
By: TOM SMIKOSKI
(Originally written and published as a
"Letter to the Editors" of "THE NEW CATHOLIC EXPLORER",
Joliet, Illinois Diocese, June, 1996.)
Two thousand years ago, Pontius Pilate had an innocent man stand before him.
Pilate stated that he found no fault in the man. Yet the crowd screamed "crucify him".
Pilate again argued that the man was innocent. The crowd screamed louder, "Crucify
him".
Pilate, fearing an insurrection, fearing that he would be reported to Caesar and
lose his job, gave into the crowd. In a politically expedient move he washed his hands
of the blood of the innocent victim and granted the crowd "freedom of choice".
Was Pilate exonerated when he said, "Let the blood of this innocent man be on
you", or was he equally guilty of the murder of Jesus? How would Pilate have reacted
if he had met Mary the mother of Jesus? Would he have been able to face her? Would
he have been able to say, "I'm sorry about your son, but it wasn't my fault. Blame the
people that threatened me"? Or would he have had to hide his face in shame, knowing
that he could have saved her son?
Today we see many modern day Pontius Pilates. Many judges, politicians and
even President Clinton say that abortion is wrong. Yet, for political expediency they
vote in favor of freedom of choice. The President even vetoed the near term abortion
bill. They fear the special interest groups whose votes they will need in November.
They are virtually saying, "We are washing our hands of the blood of these
innocent children. Let their blood be on your hands." They like Pilate are saying "it is
your choice". Pilate gave the Jews freedom of choice. They are giving this same
freedom of choice to the butchers who want to murder innocent children.
Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Christians also believe that
we are all children of God. Even those innocent little unborn children.
How will these judges and politicians react when they stand before God the
Father? Will they say, "We are sorry about your children, but it wasn't our fault. We
had no choice. We could have lost our positions. After all aren't our political jobs
more important than the lives of thousands of innocent little children?" Or will they be
forced to hide their faces in shame?
They also overlook the souls of the poor unfortunate girls, who, because of
their actions, believe that abortion must be right since the Government allows it.
These girls are being led down the road of perdition. These leaders will one day have
to answer for their reckless abandonment of morality.
However, we as Christians cannot wait for God to pass judgement. We must
stop these barbarians. We must stop them now, before more souls are lost.
Unlike the followers of Jesus who had to hide in fear rather than voice their
opinion. We can stand up for what is right. We can voice our opinion. Not only do
we have a right to voice our opinion, but we have an obligation. Let us stand up to
these politicians and say, "No. The blood is not washed from your hands. The blood
of these innocent little babies remains on your hands. The stain of this blood effects
how I, as a Christian and God fearing individual, will cast my vote in November. Fear
me and my fellow Christians as much as you fear the special interest groups who are
screaming 'crucify them'."
As Christians we must be heard. We must tell our politicians that we will not
tolerate their Pilate like attitude. Let's all stand up for "life" not "choice".
TOM SMIKOSKI
HOME
