Intro
These stations represent the last fourteen steps of Jesus' long journey to the cross.
It was a journey with many twists and turns, with joy and laughter, danger and sorrow, as any great journey is. But Jesus knew how it would end.
Yes, these are the last fourteen steps' of Jesus life. But for us they must be the first fourteen steps on a new journey.
Unlike Jesus we don't know where that journey will take us, but if it is shaped by our experience here, then we can know that wherever it takes we will be able to endure and keep faith.
For our journey can be no harder than His, and on it He will be our companion.
Amen.
Station 1: Jesus Is Condemned By Pilate
O: "We give thanks to you, Lord Jesus, for your gift upon the Cross."
R: "For by Your death You destroyed death. And by Your wounds we are healed."
O: Amen
Here Jesus, The Judge of the World, stands trial before a corrupt official. But who is really on trial here? Who is proved guilty and who really stands condemned? We must always beware when we judge others, that in our condemnation we are not really condemning ourselves. And let us seek to never overcome evil with evil. But like Jesus to let our love and obedience be so great, that in defeat God might bring us victory.
O: "Let us not judge lest we be judged."
R: "And not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."
Station 2: Jesus Takes His Cross
O: "We give thanks to you, Lord Jesus, for your gift upon the Cross."
R: "For by Your death You destroyed death. And by Your wounds we are healed."
O: Amen
Jesus is given a mighty burden to bear. But the physical weight of the Cross is only the tip of the iceberg. It reveals to the senses a much more terrible and hidden reality. For the real burden this frail man carries is the weight of all of our sins. Every lie, every betrayal, every harm visited upon anyone, now sits upon the body and soul of Jesus. So whenever we find and opportunity to fight against sin within, or injustice without, let us see that as an opportunity to relieve, if even to the smallest degree, the pain of our Lord.
O: "We know what is required of us."
R: "To love goodness, and do justice, and walk humbly with our God."
Station 3: Jesus Falls For The First Time
Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother
O: "We give thanks to you, Lord Jesus, for your gift upon the Cross."
R: "For by Your death You destroyed death. And by Your wounds we are healed."
O: Amen
The greatest spiritual pain a person can experience is helplessly watching the suffering of someone they love. But in a very real sense, we should all seek the perspective of Mary, watching Jesus bear this terrible burden. For if our sin causes the suffering of the Lord we love, then should not this knowledge push us away from evil? So let us not turn away, but witness boldly the consequences of our sin, so that we may sin less.
O: "Create in us pure hearts, O Lord"
R: "And send your Spirit upon us."
Station 5: Simon The Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross
Station 6: Veronica Wipes The Face Of Jesus
Station 7: Jesus Falls A Second Time
Station 8: Jesus Meets The Women Of Jerusalem
Station 9: Jesus Falls For The Third Time
Station 10: Jesus' Clothes Are Taken Away
Station 11: Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross
Station 12: Jesus Dies On The Cross
Station 13: The Body Of Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross
Station 14: Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb
Conclusion
And so Jesus' journey ends. But yours is just beginning. You do not know where it will take you, but now you know the real stakes in life. Every decision to sin or not to sin; to help or not to help; is a decision to participate in or to alleviate the suffering of God. You will not always make the right choice, but try my friends. And for good or I'll know that nothing, absolutely nothing in this world can separate you from the love of God, and all because of the gift Jesus Christ gave us upon that Cross. Amen.
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