Sixth Station: Jesus scourged and crowned with thorns

Reading:
And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. Mark 15.17-19

Pictures:
1. Hieronymus Bosch, 1495, Christ mocked (Crowning with thorns)
2. Bill Viola, 2000, Quintet of the astonished

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you faced the torment of barbaric punishment and mocking tongue:
be with those who cry out in physical agony and emotional distress.
You endured unbearable abuse:
be with those who face torture and mockery in our world today.
To you, Jesus, the King crowned with thorns,
be honour and glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Amen.