Stations of the Cross for Lent 2009

First Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2009

• Way of the Cross, 1: Jesus is condemned to death.

Sometimes we are unjustly accused; sometimes life is not fair. Accidents and illnesses happen, we are “down-sized”, we have a string of “bad luck.” And we can still be critical and impatient, unwilling to stand up for others who are unjustly treated. We can feel alone and afraid. Help us to remember your love for us right in the midst of injustice and unfairness, and to share that love and support with others. Help us remember the humanity of even those who harm us.

• Way of the Cross, 2: Jesus takes up his cross.

We so often receive the crosses of daily life with complaining and grumbling, counting the burdens that we have without appreciating the burdens being borne by others. How aware are we of the burdens we place on others through our own lack of consideration, taking one another for granted, or even deliberately treating them out of bad will? It is so easy to take for granted the daily contributions of our friends and loved ones, easy to forget to say “thank you” for little courtesies and sacrifices others’ make for us. Forgive us, and strengthen us to face the challenges our lives bring…

• Way of the Cross, 3: Jesus falls the first time.

We frequently set out with anticipation, expectation, and excitement. Then, reality sets in and the “honeymoon is over.” We can feel like we are failing and no one is there to help. When the good feelings are gone, when we think we may have made a terrible mistake; when life seems boring, or dull, or long – then we must pick ourselves up and keep moving forward by choice and will and the grace of God, and work to make our journey beautiful again. Forgive us for the times we give up, and can’t find the will to go on…

Second Sunday of Lent, March 8, 2009

• Way of the Cross IV: Jesus Meets his Mother

All too many of us have known the agony of losing a child, through illness, accident, or violence. Help us remember, Lord Jesus, that even our enemies are beloved children of parents and are our brothers and sisters, children of the one God…

• Way of the Cross V: Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

So very often we overlook those around us, we shun or ignore those who are “different”, or criminal, ill or immigrant, poor or angry. Christ Jesus, help us live in solidarity with all the least of our brothers and sisters…

• Way of the Cross VI: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

When we see those in pain, we do not want to look… we can make them invisible and pretend they aren’t there. Lord Jesus, open our eyes to those around us. Help us to act with compassion toward all the suffering in our world…

Third Sunday of Lent, March 15, 2009

• Way of the Cross, Station VII: Jesus Falls the Second Time

You can do all the “right things.” You can “keep your nose clean” and try to live an honest, decent life. Yet, that old proverbial rug gets pulled out, and down you go. It is so hard to accept that one can try really hard, and still fall, still fail. Christ Jesus, help us to remember that you, too, fell, and that the falling isn’t the real problem. May we be encouraged and strengthened to get up again, and continue walking the path life brings to us with humility and compassion…
 

• Way of the Cross, Station VIII: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

Sometimes, like these women who were “professional mourners,” we, too, can hide behind a role or do things without fully understanding the meaning and impact of our actions. Lord Jesus, open the eyes of our minds and hearts to realize fully how we are living, and to make choices that respect the dignity of each human person and the sacredness of all creation…