Walking with Jesus to the Cross
I want to meditate and pray at each station of the cross (one station a day). Mentally and spiritually I want to walk with
Jesus to his crucifixion while I reflect on my sinfulness. The way to the cross demonstrates his glory working in each
one of us and it is not worshiping his death (but instead it emphasizes our repenting attitude).
(Background) Things are changing too fast in Jesus’ world. There will be an angry crowd wanting to crucify him. This is because they are living in a “Culture of Fear”. They were fearful of the Romans, fearful of the corrupt religious authority and fearful of the changes proposed by Christ. It is not unlike the times I live in. Today, we can be fearful of people with drug addition, mental illness, poverty, those with guns and the stranger that is not like us. Help me to be different; to show compassion, to be merciful, to forgive, and to understand my life through a Christian heart. If I can’t
(Background) Things are changing too fast in Jesus’ world. There will be an angry crowd wanting to crucify him. This is because they are living in a “Culture of Fear”. They were fearful of the Romans, fearful of the corrupt religious authority and fearful of the changes proposed by Christ. It is not unlike the times I live in. Today, we can be fearful of people with drug addition, mental illness, poverty, those with guns and the stranger that is not like us. Help me to be different; to show compassion, to be merciful, to forgive, and to understand my life through a Christian heart. If I can’t
do this then I am condemned too by my soul's desire to do good.
NOTE: Most people believe there is no value in suffering at all but I feel it can be necessary at times (it purifies me so that I can appreciate my blessing better).
Station One – Jesus is Condemned to Death.
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(Day 1) I look at Jesus and he seems to be bowing to human selfishness - only because it is his Father’s will. Obedience cost him to be condemned to death. But with me today, it cost a simple act of CHANGING … to say in all sincerity, “No more” to sin. Yet it is hard for me to bend towards God’s will (because of so much temptation). Oh Lord, remove the binders from my eyes, so I may see that it is you that I should obey (not my desires or my ego or the demands of the world to conform to it alone). I look at you and I see that my struggles have become your suffering too.
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(Day 1) I look at Jesus and he seems to be bowing to human selfishness - only because it is his Father’s will. Obedience cost him to be condemned to death. But with me today, it cost a simple act of CHANGING … to say in all sincerity, “No more” to sin. Yet it is hard for me to bend towards God’s will (because of so much temptation). Oh Lord, remove the binders from my eyes, so I may see that it is you that I should obey (not my desires or my ego or the demands of the world to conform to it alone). I look at you and I see that my struggles have become your suffering too.
Station Two - JESUS BEARS HIS CROSS
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(Day 2) I look at Jesus and I see him carrying my sins like a yoke on an ox. Thank God I am not given a load that is more than I can bear. Let me have just a small piece of your cross (Lord) since you bear most of mine. With this piece I can understand the suffering of others like you understand most of mine. Together, we can carry our crosses. Like you, I carry my cross daily and I help others with their burdens. I bear my cross, dealing with the unpleasant things that sometimes mark my day (discomforts of all kinds; like sickness, extreme heat or cold, my disappointments, tensions, setbacks and worries). In addition there are the ordeals that are due to the consequences of sinfulness. They do not have to be hard if there is Christian companionship, forgiveness and hope. Help me (Lord Jesus) to see the light as we travel together to your crucifixion.
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(Day 2) I look at Jesus and I see him carrying my sins like a yoke on an ox. Thank God I am not given a load that is more than I can bear. Let me have just a small piece of your cross (Lord) since you bear most of mine. With this piece I can understand the suffering of others like you understand most of mine. Together, we can carry our crosses. Like you, I carry my cross daily and I help others with their burdens. I bear my cross, dealing with the unpleasant things that sometimes mark my day (discomforts of all kinds; like sickness, extreme heat or cold, my disappointments, tensions, setbacks and worries). In addition there are the ordeals that are due to the consequences of sinfulness. They do not have to be hard if there is Christian companionship, forgiveness and hope. Help me (Lord Jesus) to see the light as we travel together to your crucifixion.
Station Three - JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME
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(Day 3) I look at Jesus and I see my Lord is too weak to carry a timber beam. He is very human as he does God’s will – otherwise he would not have been my example. Lord Jesus, you have accepted your human limitations, so why can’t I accept mine (if they are your will)? Like you, I too fall because of the weight of my sin upon my back. But I thank you for being with me as I fall (for I want to be with you when you fell because of me). Give me strength. Help me (Lord Jesus) to lighten my sin through confession. May I defeat my sin through your forgiveness and rise again to resume my walk with you.
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(Day 3) I look at Jesus and I see my Lord is too weak to carry a timber beam. He is very human as he does God’s will – otherwise he would not have been my example. Lord Jesus, you have accepted your human limitations, so why can’t I accept mine (if they are your will)? Like you, I too fall because of the weight of my sin upon my back. But I thank you for being with me as I fall (for I want to be with you when you fell because of me). Give me strength. Help me (Lord Jesus) to lighten my sin through confession. May I defeat my sin through your forgiveness and rise again to resume my walk with you.
Station Four - JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
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(Day 4) It hurts so much to see a love one with pain, with sickness, or lost. Like the mother of Jesus, so many times we can do nothing to eliminate the problem. I look into the eyes of Jesus and know that he understands that beyond the suffering there is comfort and peace (that arises from a hope in him).Like his mother who saw his suffering, I too must witness the suffering of my loved ones through their sins. Sometimes my loved ones watch my suffering within sin. Help us (Lord Jesus) to ease into the “Peace of Christ” that is beyond all understanding. Lord, please ease the headaches, the sickness, and the grief that families experience through your grace for us.
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(Day 4) It hurts so much to see a love one with pain, with sickness, or lost. Like the mother of Jesus, so many times we can do nothing to eliminate the problem. I look into the eyes of Jesus and know that he understands that beyond the suffering there is comfort and peace (that arises from a hope in him).Like his mother who saw his suffering, I too must witness the suffering of my loved ones through their sins. Sometimes my loved ones watch my suffering within sin. Help us (Lord Jesus) to ease into the “Peace of Christ” that is beyond all understanding. Lord, please ease the headaches, the sickness, and the grief that families experience through your grace for us.
Station Five - JESUS IS HELPED BY SIMON
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(Day 5) I look at Simon and hope to see myself. My arms can be the physical arms of Jesus on earth today because I help him through helping others carry their loads. No one should bear their burdens alone (not even you - Jesus). Each time I help another, I lighten your load (Jesus). May I help others to carry their crosses of poverty, loneliness, sickness, indifference, and hopelessness for the love of you. When I see the trails of others and give them help (through you) – your light shines.
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(Day 5) I look at Simon and hope to see myself. My arms can be the physical arms of Jesus on earth today because I help him through helping others carry their loads. No one should bear their burdens alone (not even you - Jesus). Each time I help another, I lighten your load (Jesus). May I help others to carry their crosses of poverty, loneliness, sickness, indifference, and hopelessness for the love of you. When I see the trails of others and give them help (through you) – your light shines.
Station Six - VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
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(Day 6) I ask myself, where is the image of the bleeding Christ in my world? Is it with the unborn fetus (wanting to live) or in the jails, or with the sick or the dying? Jesus, give me the strength to encounter your face in distress within my world. Help me to allow your love to transform pain into joy – death into life.
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(Day 6) I ask myself, where is the image of the bleeding Christ in my world? Is it with the unborn fetus (wanting to live) or in the jails, or with the sick or the dying? Jesus, give me the strength to encounter your face in distress within my world. Help me to allow your love to transform pain into joy – death into life.
Station Seven - JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME
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(Day 7) I look at Jesus falling a second time. Lord Jesus, so many times I fall back into the same sin that almost destroyed me once before. Please sympathize with my hurt from sin and strengthen my personal weakness into courage to change. Give me the strength to again turn to you for forgiveness through confession. Jesus, may we help one another as we journey towards your crucifixion. You are my hope.
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(Day 7) I look at Jesus falling a second time. Lord Jesus, so many times I fall back into the same sin that almost destroyed me once before. Please sympathize with my hurt from sin and strengthen my personal weakness into courage to change. Give me the strength to again turn to you for forgiveness through confession. Jesus, may we help one another as we journey towards your crucifixion. You are my hope.
Station Eight - JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
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(Day 8) I look at Jesus as he speaks to these women. Lord Jesus, may I (like you) show compassion towards others even when I suffer myself. Help me Lord, to curb my tongue when I do not feel good and may I encourage others even when I am discouraged myself. May the “Ways of Christ” comfort me and all who I encounter with your love.
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(Day 8) I look at Jesus as he speaks to these women. Lord Jesus, may I (like you) show compassion towards others even when I suffer myself. Help me Lord, to curb my tongue when I do not feel good and may I encourage others even when I am discouraged myself. May the “Ways of Christ” comfort me and all who I encounter with your love.
Station Nine -. JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME
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(Day 9) Oh the suffering that I see Jesus is experiencing as he falls again. I know that sometimes sin is cyclic and I fall – fall – and fall again as a consequence. Through you, may no despair, hardship or distress ever control God’s will in me to do what is right and to love even when I am wronged. I want your love not any personal guilt or self-piety to dominate my soul. Lord, I want your love to heal my brokenness and protect me from sin again.
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(Day 9) Oh the suffering that I see Jesus is experiencing as he falls again. I know that sometimes sin is cyclic and I fall – fall – and fall again as a consequence. Through you, may no despair, hardship or distress ever control God’s will in me to do what is right and to love even when I am wronged. I want your love not any personal guilt or self-piety to dominate my soul. Lord, I want your love to heal my brokenness and protect me from sin again.
Station Ten - JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS
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(Day 10) I see Jesus alone and without any processions or support. Because of you (Lord Jesus), I will always be clothed with “Our Father’s Dignity”. No one will be able to take God’s love from me. Remove my luxurious possessions, good food, fine clothing and elaborate lifestyle if they cause me not to love you like I should. Detach me from the cravings of high position, prestige, or money should they cause me not to love my neighbor as myself. Forgive me for being wasteful and not considering others who are not as fortunate as me.
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(Day 10) I see Jesus alone and without any processions or support. Because of you (Lord Jesus), I will always be clothed with “Our Father’s Dignity”. No one will be able to take God’s love from me. Remove my luxurious possessions, good food, fine clothing and elaborate lifestyle if they cause me not to love you like I should. Detach me from the cravings of high position, prestige, or money should they cause me not to love my neighbor as myself. Forgive me for being wasteful and not considering others who are not as fortunate as me.
Station Eleven - JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
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(Day 11) Like a non-human object pinned to a bulletin board, I see Jesus being nailed to a cross as a common criminal. Lord Jesus, how much sacrifice was necessary to save my soul? It was not the nails but your desire to free people like me (from sins) that attached you to the cross. Therefore, your love can free me from my cross of burden. I am sorry for the pain that sinners like me caused you. Forgive me so my sins do not nail me to my personal damnation. May I confess my short comings so that my soul can always love you.
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(Day 11) Like a non-human object pinned to a bulletin board, I see Jesus being nailed to a cross as a common criminal. Lord Jesus, how much sacrifice was necessary to save my soul? It was not the nails but your desire to free people like me (from sins) that attached you to the cross. Therefore, your love can free me from my cross of burden. I am sorry for the pain that sinners like me caused you. Forgive me so my sins do not nail me to my personal damnation. May I confess my short comings so that my soul can always love you.
Station Twelve - JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
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(Day 12) I am afraid because it appears as if God’s love might be ending on a cross. My world with a dying Jesus is a dark world of no life or joy. So many times (Lord Jesus) I allowed your inspiration and your guidance to die within me for selfish reasons. May I see through my darkness to find the hope that only comes from you.
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(Day 12) I am afraid because it appears as if God’s love might be ending on a cross. My world with a dying Jesus is a dark world of no life or joy. So many times (Lord Jesus) I allowed your inspiration and your guidance to die within me for selfish reasons. May I see through my darkness to find the hope that only comes from you.
Station Thirteen - JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
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(Day 13) How sad I am to view the dead body of Jesus. Without Christ, my existence has no life or purpose (beyond my self). Without Christ, my ego lives in a body with no spiritual movement. Without Christ I will not fully understand God or myself. Lord, I keep your existence alive within my life.
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(Day 13) How sad I am to view the dead body of Jesus. Without Christ, my existence has no life or purpose (beyond my self). Without Christ, my ego lives in a body with no spiritual movement. Without Christ I will not fully understand God or myself. Lord, I keep your existence alive within my life.
Station Fourteen - JESUS IS BURIED IN THE TOMB
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(Day 14) I am horrified to see my faith buried away (as if it once was there but it will never be again). May I never bury you away within my past (Lord Jesus). May I not forget your “Christ Spirit” that heals and gives life. To bury you in a dark place goes against everything I believe. I am a resurrection person of light, hope, spirit and thanksgiving. May I never separate myself from you or the eternal life to come.
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(Day 14) I am horrified to see my faith buried away (as if it once was there but it will never be again). May I never bury you away within my past (Lord Jesus). May I not forget your “Christ Spirit” that heals and gives life. To bury you in a dark place goes against everything I believe. I am a resurrection person of light, hope, spirit and thanksgiving. May I never separate myself from you or the eternal life to come.
Conclusion – Easter Resurrection
(The rest of my life) I walked with Jesus to his crucifixion in order to experience his resurrection. Christians are an “Easter People”, for Christ is the resurrection and life (and we are all the body of Christ in which we find life through his forgiveness). The Lenten process of self-examination is important in order to understanding what the sacrifice of Christ on the cross means (in a nut shell it comes down to forgiveness through sacrifice). Now I must do the same, so I can experience the rebirth and the changed direction that Easter gives us each day. The tomb that contains my sin can be empty and my sins can be separated from me (as far as the east is from the west) because of God’s grace to forgive. Therefore, I will forgive the same way (as Christ does) so that Christ can use me to his glory. I will show Christian Love and see the eyes of Jesus within Lady Poverty. That is my penance … to see Jesus within the physical, the mental and the spiritual poverty of others. Then, I will respond as Christ would (with loving actions). I cannot respond to poverty of any kind with harshness, judgment, rigid rules, selfishness, pride or a violent attitude but I must respond with the love of Easter morning. I now move from a “Culture of Fear” into a “Culture of Love”.
(The rest of my life) I walked with Jesus to his crucifixion in order to experience his resurrection. Christians are an “Easter People”, for Christ is the resurrection and life (and we are all the body of Christ in which we find life through his forgiveness). The Lenten process of self-examination is important in order to understanding what the sacrifice of Christ on the cross means (in a nut shell it comes down to forgiveness through sacrifice). Now I must do the same, so I can experience the rebirth and the changed direction that Easter gives us each day. The tomb that contains my sin can be empty and my sins can be separated from me (as far as the east is from the west) because of God’s grace to forgive. Therefore, I will forgive the same way (as Christ does) so that Christ can use me to his glory. I will show Christian Love and see the eyes of Jesus within Lady Poverty. That is my penance … to see Jesus within the physical, the mental and the spiritual poverty of others. Then, I will respond as Christ would (with loving actions). I cannot respond to poverty of any kind with harshness, judgment, rigid rules, selfishness, pride or a violent attitude but I must respond with the love of Easter morning. I now move from a “Culture of Fear” into a “Culture of Love”.
REF. Note: Many of the comments at each station are from prayers from an EWTN shortwave program done on the Stations of the Cross during the 1990s.
QUESTIONS:
1 Can there be sincere love if there is no sacrifice?
2 What happens in a relationship when one person sacrifices and the other does not?
3 Can we have a relationship with God without sacrificing? Giving our Time, our energy and our love?
4 What kind of relationship would you have if you did nor sacrifice for God? Would it a one way relationship?
5. If God and poverty is closely related, how would God feel when you sacrifice for the poor?
6 How can we unite our suffering to the crucifixion?
7 Does struggles have any spiritual value?
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