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Stations of the Cross is a series of artistic representations, very often sculptural, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross to his crucifixion in the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus, and the devotions using that series to commemorate the Passion , often moving physically around a set of stations. The vast majority of Roman Catholic churches now contain such a series, typically placed at intervals along the side walls of the nave; in most churches these are small plaques with reliefs or paintings, simpler than most of the examples shown here. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It is commonly observed in Lutheranism, but it is less often observed in Anglicanism. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent.
Jesus is Condemned to Die Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross Jesus Falls the First Time Jesus Meets His Mother
Jesus even experiences our struggle to receive help. He is made to experience the poverty of not being able to carry his burden alone. He enters into the experience of all who must depend upon others to survive. He is deprived of the satisfaction of carrying this burden on his own.
Part of the indignity is to be crucified naked. Jesus is completely stripped of any pride The wounds on his back are torn open again. He experiences the ultimate vulnerability of the defenseless. No shield or security protects him. As they stare at him, his eyes turn to heaven.
Huge nails are hammered through his hands and feet to fix him on the cross. He is bleeding much more seriously now. As the cross is lifted up, the weight of his life hangs on those nails. Every time he struggles to pull himself up to breathe, his ability to cling to life slips away.
Between two criminals, a mocking title above his head, with only Mary and John and Mary Magdalene to support him, Jesus surrenders his last breath: "Into your hands I commend my spirit."
What tender mourning! Jesus' lifeless body lies in his mother's arms. He has truly died. A profound sacrifice, complete.
Kathryn Wilcox We moved to Erie, far away from family and friends when I was between four and five years old. The first thing my parents did after we got settled into our new apartment was locate the neighborhood Catholic Church. We found St Paul's just two blocks away, an easy walking distance in the early 50s when walking was how you got to most places. With no television, our faith was the center of our lives and our activities. The Stations of the Cross were a family event each Lent.
Francis Harris In the Old City of Jerusalem, deep within narrow stone passageways, you can find a street called the "Via Dolorosa" - that is, the Way of the Cross, or the Way of Suffering. It was established in the 18th century, to mark the route that Jesus of Nazareth allegedly walked, carrying his cross to death by crucifixion in around 30AD. We can't we sure of the exact route, but the historical evidence in the Bible and other sources, does certainly record the crucifixion event. It was common form of execution used by the controlling Roman powers.
Scott Scherr One doesnt need to take a pilgrimage through the streets of Jerusalem to feel the intensity, conviction and passion surrounding the final days of Jesus Christ, for that is what it means to visit the Stations of the Cross, or the Way of the Cross. When I reflect upon the passages of scripture that describe the sufferings of Gods only Son, and what that lasting act of love meant, I am moved to silence and overwhelmed by what Jesus had to endure for my sinful sake. From the garden to the cross, through the deepest realms of darkness to the highest place in heaven, this is the way of the cross, and the final atoning sacrifice for mankind.