Pilate goes back inside. He decides to try something different. Instead of killing Jesus (which he is trying to avoid), or simply releasing Jesus (which he is now afraid to do), he will compromise. He will punish Jesus with a severe whipping (even though he has declared him innocent). Once the crowd sees him bloodied and beaten, they will be satisfied.
That should do it. And then Pilate won't have to decide for or against the truth.
Compromise. The word means "to promise something together." It usually involves a mutual concession of position by two opposing parties. There are times for it.
But a concession of principle, of truth? That's how the founders of our country avoided facing the issue of slavery. And that compromise had terrible, lasting effects.
Courage is quite another thing. It comes from the word "heart" and it means to have the heart to struggle for truth.
Now you could spend you time thinking about how others make bad compromises. But maybe you should start by thinking about the compromises you make in your own life. The compromises you make with yourself.
Your Lenten prayer, fasting and almsgiving are meant to uncover your compromises with truth. And then deal with them. Truthfully.
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw