The
Stations of the Cross
Each week during the season of Lent the long-established
service of the Stations of the Cross is held at Saint Faith's Church. The
celebrant leads a slow procession around the church, pausing at each of
the fourteen 'stations' for a reading and a prayer. The walk ends in the
Chapel of the Cross, where the final stations are situated, and culminates
in a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with the pilgrims surrounding the
chapel altar.
Different settings are used each week, and
below we reproduce one of them, which sees Christ's final journey through
the eyes of his mother Mary.
For an explanation of the history and significance
of this very special Lenten devotion, you are invited to follow this
link, which also pictures the fourteen striking woven panels, designed
by Sister Anthony of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral, and worked by
members of our congregation.
Stations 1, 2 and 3
THE FIRST STATION
Jesus is condemned to die
It was early Friday morning when I saw my son.
That was the first glimpse I had of him since they took him away.
His bruised and bleeding skin sent a sword of pain
deep into my heart and tears down my cheeks.
Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment,
asked the crowd why they wanted my son executed.
All around me they shouted, "Crucify him!"
I wanted to plead with them to stop, but I knew this had to be.
So I stood by and cried silently.
Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to imagine the anguish
your mother felt at your condemnation.
But what about today, when I hold a grudge...? "Crucify him!"
When I judge others...? "Crucify him!"
Doesn't this bring tears of anguish to both you and your mother?
Forgive me, Jesus.
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THE SECOND
STATION
Jesus takes his cross
Regaining a little strength,
I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square.
A door flew open and my son stumbled out,
the guards laughing behind him.
Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it
on his shoulders. Then they shoved him down the road.
My pain for him was unbearable.
I wanted to take the cross from him and carry it myself.
But I knew this had to be, so I walked on silently
Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me for the many times
I have added more weight to your cross bv closing my eyes
to the pain and loneliness of my neighbor.
Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying
to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me.
Help me to be like Mary,
always seeking to lighten the crosses of others.
Forgive me, Jesus.
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THE THIRD
STATION
Jesus falls the first time
I followed close behind my son as he stumbled toward Calvary.
Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see him in such pain.
I saw the cross digging into his shoulders.
My heart dropped when I saw him fall face to the ground,
the heavy cross landing squarely on his back.
For a moment I thought my beloved son was dead.
Now my whole body began to tremble.
Then the guards kicked him.
He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped him.
I wanted to protect him with my own body.
But, I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.
Lord, how often have I seen you fall,
and, unlike Mary, have left you there without concern?
How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them?
How often do I find myself getting angry when someone
does things differently than I?
Mary offered you her support through your entire passion.
Help me to do the same for you by the support I give to others.
Lord, have mercy on me.
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Follow to the next three stations
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