Station 14: Jesus Body is Laid in the Tomb
Written Reflection:
The body of Jesus is taken to its resting place. At the very moment when he seems furthest from glory, when life seems darkest, hope is closest. Cold stone surrounds and imprisons his dead body. But we know that nothing can hold Jesus’ power of life over death. Reflect on how at the darkest moment life was closest to bursting forth. And if there is any difficulties in your life remember in this moment that life is never far away
Station 13: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Written Reflection:
The body of Jesus is taken to its resting place. At the very moment when he seems furthest from glory, when life seems darkest, hope is closest. Cold stone surrounds and imprisons his dead body. But we know that nothing can hold Jesus’ power of life over death. Reflect on how at the darkest moment life was closest to bursting forth. And if there is any difficulties in your life remember in this moment that life is never far away
Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Written Reflection:
Jesus breathe becomes slow and ragged. He cries out in a loud voice, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit”. And his drops heavily onto his chest, and his spirit and body shudder and Jesus dies. Look up to him hanging on the cross. Look up see the pain, the hurt, the disgrace. Look up and see our salvation. As you look share with him any of your deepest fears, needs, or hurts. Because this is a God who understands loss, hope, pain, and hurt. Share with our savior
Station 11: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Written Reflection:
Spikes are nailed into Jesus hands and feet. Flesh is torn, blood is seen, and pain is felt. With each nail waves of pain come over Jesus. This is a God who feels. This is a God who suffers. This is not a God removed from the world, but one that enters into it for you and for me. Can there be any pain and agony our Jesus would not understand? Spend time with Jesus today sharing your hurts, your wounds, your struggles because our God knows what it is like to go through pain. Share you struggles and let Jesus uplift you today
Station 10: Jesus is Stripped of his Garments
Written Reflection:
Jesus is now stripped for his garments. He is now totally open, vulnerable, able to feel the shameful looks and angry stares of the crowd. As the soldiers rip off his garments it opens the poorly closed wounds and fresh blood is seen.
Jesus stands naked, bloody, as people jeer at him. He is completely defenseless before them, as a lamb led towards the slaughter. And as the people look at him, Jesus looks to heaven. Picture the anger of crowd, the condemnation, the pride, and the arrogance. Take a moment and confess when you too have looked down at someone. Confess to Jesus moments when you have been like that crowd, and receive his forgiveness
Station #9: Jesus falls for the third time…
Jesus falls for a third time. This last fall he can barely move. His body shudders at each moment. Agony shoots throughout his limbs. The soldiers know he cannot carry the cross any more, and they drag him forward. This man who gave life everywhere – who healed the blind, cured the sick, and set free the oppressed…slowly his life is being drained by the cross…slowly he is dying. This depth of brokenness reveals the completeness of the love of Jesus Christ. He is this broken, this bruised, this devastated so that we might be made whole and healed. His love compels his actions, but the weights of our sin drag him down. As you reflect on this image offer thanks to Jesus for his love, and confess your own sin and brokenness that brought Jesus there…
Jesus falls for the 2nd time…
Written Reflection:
With each step Jesus takes the weight continues to grow. It grows to much, and Jesus falls to the ground. His knees scrap the earth, and his face hits the dust. Maybe he remembers the verse, “from dust you can and to dust you will return” He catches a raspy dust filled breath before he is forced to continue.
Store up this image in your heart and mind. Though he felt alone in the dust we never have to because of his sacrifice. Jesus is on the ground, so that we might be raised up. This is for me and this is for you. Jesus breathes in dust, so that he might breathe out life.
Today take a deep breathe and breathe in life. As you do reflect on this: you have been given a gift from Jesus how might you show him gratitude today.
Station #6: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Blood, sweat, tears, and pain drip from the face of Jesus. He has been whipped, beaten, spit at and betrayed. A woman from the crowd is said to have come and wiped his face. Her name in tradition is Vernoica.
We are reminded that moments of beauty and grace sometimes break the darkness if only for an instant. Like a shooting star on a black night, grace and light can break through in moments of deep pain. Spend a moment and reflect on when you were in darkness and difficulty and God gave you a glimpse of grace. Spend time reflecting on the glimpses of grace around you…
The fifth station of the cross, Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the cross.
Written Reflection:
Jesus experiences the depth of what it is to be human, to be weak, frail, and unable to continue. So Simon comes and is forced to help Jesus carry the cross. Jesus allows another to help him, just as he still does today.
Jesus allows us to partner with him in bringing life, hope, and love to others. Help us to remember Jesus to carry our crosses. Help us to remember to help others carry theirs as well. We are not meant to carry a cross alone. Remind us to depend on you, and to let others help us with our burdens. Jesus during this season will you remind us to stop, and see others who are struggling. Will you direct us to lift them up. Today Jesus who are you sending me to help?
Here is the fourth station of the cross reflection where Jesus meets his mother…
Written Reflection:
Jesus continues to carry his cross, and as he does he meets his mother. This is the one who has since the beginning treasured each moment with her son. Except that this isn’t a moment to be treasured.
There eyes connect and their pain meet. Think about how Jesus trust in God’s plan allows him to move forward. Think about how Mary’s trust in God must be challenged and how difficult it must be.
Walking through sorrow challenges trust. So today ask Jesus to strengthen your trust. He never gave up his trust in God the Father. Ask him to give you trust even in the darkness…
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