The First Station

Last week, I wrote a bit about the Stations of the Cross devotion. It is typically prayed from beginning to end while walking from station to station. We reflect on the steps Christ took as he journeyed toward the Cross. I thought it might be interesting to spread this walk out over these last several weeks of Lent. So, I will be posting one station a day periodically over the next three weeks. We'll conclude on Good Friday with a closing meditation. These reflections come from a meditation published by Bound By Grace Press. You will find the entire booklet available at www.BoundByGracePress.com.

Let's begin our walk . . .

The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Standing before a crowd was not new to You. But standing with Your hands bound and a crown of thorns on Your head certainly was. Only a few short days before, You entered the city to the cheers of

Hosanna to the Son of David;

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord:

Hosanna in the highest.

(Mt 21:9)

Now You are mocked and jeered. Flashes of memory cross Your mind with faces of the humble, the lowly, the tired, the blind, and the lame. Grateful faces that felt the healing touch of Your Spirit. These human memories soothe Your heart as You are condemned to the final hours of Your Heavenly Father's plan.

Father, so much pain and anger remains in the hearts of Your people. I stand before this crowd and feel each hurt like a knife. I know this is only the beginning. Be with me as I walk the path to the Cross. Give me the strength to show Your children the depth of Your heart and the power of Your love.

We pray. Father in Heaven, You gave Your Son so that we might know how much we are loved. Sometimes we lose sight of this love because the weight of the world is heavy. We allow others to condemn us and even condemn ourselves. We carry so much pain and hurt that we leave little room for You to live. Remind us as we walk this Way of the Cross that only You can soothe our wounds and bring us safely home. Open our hearts enough so that we might invite You back.

Amen.

[excerpt from Stations of the Cross by Denise Hemrich-Skomer and Fr. Joachim Tyrtania. ©2009. Nihil Obstat: Charles McNamee, J.C.L. Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: Thomas G. Doran, D.D., J.C.D, Bishop of Rockford]