Stations of the cross
Welcome to our online Stations of the Cross. Please click on the number of each station (see example button below-- no sound will play with example button) to hear Father Steve read the Station then click the back button to return to this page and continue to the next station.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, you gave your life to show us how completely, how absolutely we are loved. It was not a swift, easy death, but involved prolonged suffering. We recall that death today not only to remind ourselves of your love, but to call to mind the sins for which you died. As we follow the way of your suffering and death, we ask you to open our hearts and help us see were we have failed, where we have caused suffering for you, for those around us and even for ourselves. We seek reconciliation with you and with one another, and so we prayerfully join you on your final journey. Amen
Each station begins with: “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you" Please respond with "because, by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”
Pilate had the authority to execute Jesus or set him free. Unable to find evidence against Jesus, he sentenced him to death and then publicly washed his hands of the whole business. Have I condemned others to suffering, alienation and even death by my indifference or anger? Even though I believe people to be innocent, do I join the crowd to condemn them?
Knowing what was in store for him, Jesus had to carry the instrument of his own suffering and death. Throughout his whole life, he embraced the pain and limitations of being human; now, for our sake, he would take onto himself the final trial of death on a cross. Do I accept the burdens, crosses and responsibilities of my life, or do I find little-- and sometimes big-- ways to get around them?
Under the weight the and falls hard to growing weariness, to discouraged my mistakes from others? by he got myself of the cross, Jesus stumbles ground. Despite the pain and up failures that to be perfect continue on his way. Do I get so I want to give up? Do I try to force myself to be perfect and then hide my mistakes from others?
As their eyes met, Jesus saw the anguish of Mary’s heart. He did no turn away, even though he could not take away her pain, even though he was part of the cause of her pain. Instead, he momentarily forgot his own suffering and tried to comfort her. Am I willing to face my family and friends in their difficult times? Have I offered support to others or have I shielded myself from the sufferings around me?
Humiliated and physically exhausted, Jesus accepted Simon’s help. Am I willing to accept the assistance of others with humility and gratitude, or do I resent the offer of help?
Dripping with sweat and blood, Jesus’ face showed the strain of his ordeal. Although it did not rescue him from his predicament, Veronica’s gesture brought him a moment of relief. Am I willing to do what I can to ease someone else’s suffering, or will I give up if I can’t “fix” everything for them?
Although Simon helped him and Veronica had just wiped his face for him, Jesus is overcome and stumbles again. Have I taken good care of my own health? Do I treasure my sexuality as a gift from God not to be selfishly abused?
Jesus encounters a group of ritual mourners and bluntly tells them “Weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children.” Am I willing to tell the truth whenever necessary, even though it may hurt?
The third fall: suffering on top of suffering. Again the pain became unbearable and Jesus collapsed. Has the presence of evil in the world led me to become cynical? Do I make fun of other people and their values?
As horrible as it is to imagine, Jesus’ clothing stuck to his open wounds. When they tore off his garments, knives of pain shot through his body. Do I cling to my possessions, career, and friends, making them more important to me than Jesus?
The Roman soldiers could have tied Jesus to the cross, but instead they nailed his hands and feet. With hardened hearts, they gave little thought to their cruelty. Have I grown callous to others in my speech and actions? Have I come to accept human cruelty, no longer even being outraged by torture and murder?
Jesus hung lifeless on the cross, having poured out the last of his vitality. He held back nothing, counted nothing more important than doing the will of God the Father. And he did it for us. Do I appreciate the life God has given me, or do I grow bitter with envy as I think about the possessions and relationships other people have?
Stunned by all they had witnessed, the disciples took Jesus’ lifeless body down from the cross so it might no longer be subject to violation and scorn. Have I honored my promises and commitments?
With the stone rolled across the tomb opening, all was silent, finished. Those who had conspired against Jesus thought they had won the day. Those who had followed him thought all was lost. Am I willing to hope even when everything seems to be lost? Do I call upon God in the worst of times and offer thanks in the best?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, your Way of the Cross brought you to the shortcomings are not the last word, either. As the silence of the tomb, but we know that was not the end. We also know that our sinfulness and power of God raised you on the third day, we hope for a share in the salvation you won. Knowing fully what we would do and what we would fail to do, you offered yourself on the cross. For that we thank and praise you, and we come to you confidently asking for the gift of forgiveness. This we do in the name of God our Creator, Jesus our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier.