Claudia had been in labour
for a few hours now. Word was sent to him that it was an unusually painful time
for her. Pilate walked to the balcony of the court, feeling helpless while
looking into the endless boundaries of Judaea, the province he ruled. It was
not too long ago when he stood exactly at the same spot and assessed the
agitating crowd which was getting even more restless with every passing moment.
There stood the man right
next to him who they called Messiah. They wanted him crucified. Pilate wasn’t
helpless then, but was confused. That was a new feeling for him. Being the Governor
he was usually clear on his decisions. But it was different this time. His conscience
seemed to be troubling him a lot. Decisions appeared hazy. But the mob kept
pushing him to the wall against his will.
He was about to make up his
mind when the note arrived. It was quite unusual for Claudia to interrupt him
in between a trial. He knew it must be that important. What he read made him
realize even more, but didn’t help ease the situation. On the contrary it added
to the gravity. "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I
have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
If there was one man who
could free the accused, it was him. He was the last word now, since Herod also
sent the man back. It was a fight between honesty and power. He didn’t want to
upset the sentiments of the mob and always preferred to portray himself as a
pro-Empire man. The accused meant nothing to him, compared to the throne he
will stand to lose if the decision was to free him. He crumbled the note from
Claudia and his conscience died along with that.
There was only one thing
left. He ordered for a washing bowl, took water and washed his hands in front
of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It
is your responsibility!" The verdict was given.
His thoughts were interrupted
by a messenger. The man had a grave face. Pilate had been summoned to the inner
chamber where he could see Claudia lying down. She no longer was in pain. He
looked around for the baby. The midwife was trembling while trying to wash her
hands covered in blood. One look at her face and Pilate knew something terrible
happened!
She kneeled down in front of
him and pleaded for mercy. The baby couldn’t be saved.
That was the moment when the
train of thoughts that got interrupted earlier, returned to him.
All the people answered,
"Let his blood be on us and on our children!"
