Stations of the Cross

 

 

Jesus Carries His Cross

       Here is a sampling of four versions of the Stations of the Cross that can be found on the internet. Reproduced here are the text and, when available, the accompanying image for the second station in each of these versions. Suggestions for a Stations of the Cross project with your students - Click Here.

station of the cross Holy Family Parish

       The Gospel of Luke, especially, portrays Jesus as intentionally accepting the suffering of the cross. It was the price that he had to pay in the revelation of the Reign of God. The mystery of the cross is so unpredictable. It arrives in each of our lives in an unexpected way. Part of maturing faith is the faithful acceptance and embracing of the mystery of the cross when it comes our way, always trusting that God's love works good from the pain of the cross. How do we handle the cross when it comes our way?

        Let us pray for the gift of faith full acceptance.

This Sation of the cross is produced by Holy Family Parish in Inverness, IL. The reflection can be heard in realaudio (the text above is a transcription). Father Pat Brennan leads us through a prayerful reflection on the mystery of the cross.		 station of the cross

Leader: We adore you O Christ.

Response: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

       Jesus was already exhausted from his agony in the Garden, his sleepless night of trial, the scourging and crowning with thorns. But, when handed the cross, he took it. He had emptied himself, becoming like us in all things but sin. Now he shouldered even the burden of our sin.

        Out of love for you Jesus, I will empty myself of selfishness and make a new attempt to accept my crosses. Forgive my complaining and my resentment of the sacrifices I must make to love and serve others.

Leader: Lord Jesus Crucified.

Response: Have mercy on us.

This is a transcription of a video reflection. Click here to see the section of the video on the second Station and to hear the meditation in realaudio.
station of the cross Collaborative Ministry - Creighton University

Jesus is made to carry the cross on which he will die. It represents the weight of all our crosses. What he must have felt as he first took it upon his shoulders! With each step he enters more deeply into our human experience. He walks in the path of human misery and suffering, and experiences its crushing weight.


We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. I contemplate the wood of that cross. I imagine how heavy it is. I reflect upon all it means that Jesus is carrying it.


I look into his eyes. It's all there.


This is for me. So I place myself with him in this journey. In its anguish. In his freedom and surrender. In the love that must fill his heart.


With sorrow and gratitude, I continue the journey. Moved by the power of his love, I am drawn to him and express my love in the words that come to me.


This Station of the Cross is part of the Creighton University Website. 		Drawing by Brandon M. Saint Bronislava School
and Father Pat Umberger

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, as you accepted your cross, you knew you would carry it to your death on Calvary. You knew it wouldn't be easy, but you accepted it and carried it just the same.

As a child, sometimes I don't like the problems that come my way. Sometimes I try to get others to take care of them or solve them for me. Sometimes I become upset and crabby when I'm asked to do even the smallest thing to help others.

As an adult I sometimes feel like I'm not appreciated. Sometimes I feel as if I accept more responsibility that I need to. I can feel sorry for myself, even though the crosses others carry are much larger than my own. In my self-pity, I don't reach out to help.

LET US PRAY:
God, my problems may seem small to those around me, but you know how hard they are for me to carry sometimes. Help me remember and pray for those who are handicapped and those whose problems are severe. When I'm tempted to complain, help me remember Jesus and the cross He carried for me. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The drawings used to illustrate the stations were done by the grade 5 students of Saint Bronislava School in Plover, Wisconsin USA. They did a great job! The beautiful text in both English and Spanish is from Father Pat Umberger.