It’s Good Friday.
Perhaps the hardest day of the year. And, as I try to keep my eyes on him today and prayerfully, quietly, walk through this hard hungry jangled day….I want to remember this:
What Our Savior Saw From the Cross
James Tissot, 1836-1902
He kept his eyes on us.
Yeah.
And, my hope and my joy is that he still does and will. Forever.
Blessed Good Friday to you on this High Holy Day.
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
It’s Palm Sunday.
Tissot, Christ's Procession into Jerusalem
It’s the day we commemorate Christ’s “joyful” entry into Jerusalem. This day he fulfills the prophecy and enters not only Jerusalem but the walk to his Passion.
It’s an odd day; joyful and hard too. It’s the day I face my not so hidden inner hypocrite, every year. That’s always uncomfortable, like getting snared in brambles. But these are of my own selfish thorns. It’s the day that we ALL enter into Holy Week. Lent is refined and the chaff of it burned off…into the high holy days of the year, the silent clanging shuffle of the Via Dolorosa.
Tissot, Christ's entry to Jerusalem
But, look more closely at that painting just above. See there, under Christ’s feet? Those heads don’t look so joyous, so awestruck. They are not waving to get his attention or autograph…there is an undercurrent of malevolence. And that, right there, is what Christ was really approaching. He knew it. We do too.
So, this morning, what sticks in my head are his words from that moment, right before he entered Jerusalem and kickstarted the week of his passion:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23:37
So, as I stand in Mass this morning, juggling my palm and the palm swords of my distracted little boys….as I choke out the words of the gospel, “crucify him,” I will remember that he just wanted to gather us in. And we would not.
Have a blessed Holy Week….it begins…
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
Painting by Michael O'Brien
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
Once again, it’s time for the Stations of the Cross.
Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the link to the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined.
This year I’m linking to Pope Benedict’s Stations, the meditations are great. Go here for the prayers.
And, for you techies out there, this app is a gorgeous thing, with beautiful paintings by Michael O’Brien. Totally worth the download!
Today is the day. Ash Wednesday. I’ve written a bunch about this in years past. But this link at Aggie Catholics has the yearly roundup (always updated to be current w/ good links) and here is what’s important to remember as well. So, instead of my yammering on about it, this video below is a good quickie summary for us attention and/or time challenged folks. Take a look, it’s the fast 411 on Lent.
So, wishing you a rich and good Lent. Into the desert. Steady on…..
Oh yeah, it’s Fat Tuesday!
Or, our personal favorite: Shrove Tuesday.
Or, many other’s personal favorite: Mardi Gras.
Or, Fasching.
Or, Carnival.
You get the idea….
Yup, it’s the day before Ash Wednesday, the eve before the fast. The vigil before the beginning of the season of Lent.
Because you can never have enough pics of flipping pancakes...it's just fun (click pic for source)
Now some of us love those Mardi Gras celebrations, floats, beads, revelry….and it is our biggest American Carnival tradition. I’ve never been a big one for the real Mardi Gras. Maybe because I’m not from the Big Easy and I am simply a foreigner to it all. Maybe because I could never hold my liquor, or maybe because I’ve never been a night owl, or maybe because those masks (like clowns) just tend to creep me out. I don’t know.
But I do like the tradition of Shrove Tuesday and even more so with children. It’s a minor thrill for them to have pancakes for supper, it’s a fun and positive start to a challenging season. It’s nice to sit around the table and go over all the Lenten resolutions and discuss what we’ll each work on individually and also as a family. The kids look forward to this and remember it, each year, and it’s a good way for them to understand the richness to be found in both feasting and fasting. It’s a tradition, it’s bonding, it’s literally sticky (kids, syrup, ’nuff said).
So, Happy Shrove Tuesday.
A timely new world record! (click for source)
It’s not an official Church feast day, but it certainly is, unofficially, a popular and traditional day of feasting. And really, a little cheer right now is much welcome and how can you not grin at an image like this?
Enjoy your own Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday. Let’s go eat some pancakes.
{text reprinted from 2009, because Shrove Tuesday is fun no matter the year, and I”m busy clearing out my cupboards…I’m sure you understand!}
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Gautsch, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>
 |
| Andy Warhol, Crosses, Giclee print, 1981-82 |
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>
 |
| Georgia O’Keefe, Horses Skull on Blue, 1030 |
It’s lent. The last full week of lent, actually.
Maybe that’s why its so hard.
Its quiet.
Slow. Heavy. Parched.
These last days.
They are a dust of indigo.
A hollow…. of what?
A mere funk?
Something more?
Maybe, but not what we might think.
Not permanent or medical.
Spiritual.
I think it is a hollow.
I am fallow.
I am, viscerally, waiting.
And my body and soul senses it; even before my intellect can process and analyze it.
I turn in when the quiet comes to the house.
And its good, that, but its hard. It brings unbidden sadness and constriction.
The gifts of busy with my clanging days offset this, and force me to see this flip side of the hard fallow time now.
The call to put that hollow hard into service, to serve, to draw myself bodily out of my head and heart by tangibly touching serving setting out to others.
My children call me back out; my husband looks over the car at me, with squinting eyes, gauging it all.
Considering.
He calls me during the quiet of the day.
I tell him it is just this time, this fallow hardness of lent.
It is here and I feel it.
And I don’t want to, not really.
But I think I must and really, maybe I do want that still indigo dust.
Because its the desert.
Its dry.
I thirst.
So does He.
Ah, now I get it; I understand a glimmer bit more.
Lent.
Its dry. Hard.
Desert fallow,
an open mouth waiting for the life giving rain.
But…
Easter – around the corner.
The smell of drops on the air, days off, faint.
C’mon rain.
 |
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
 |
| El Greco |
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
|
| El Greco |
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing….but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
|
| El Greco |
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
>Every Friday in Lent I’m putting up the Stations of the Cross.
It’s an uber Catholic thing, but then again not.
Anyone can meditate on the Stations of the Cross, and lent is the perfect time to do so.
It is a rigorous walk, in prayer…and has it’s own hard beauty.
Take a look, read, pray if you are inclined:
These are from the UCSSB site, and typically these are prayed with others. But I tend to pray them alone…because I send Tom and the bigs to the church to pray them and I stay with the littles and pray them on my own. Either way, it works for me.
Some tips: Yes, we pray all fourteen stations, every time. Yes, it’s long but if you meditate on the station/image it’s very powerful. Yes, I do get distracted, always, it’s a given. I just redirect, again and again.
“The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations1 and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion.”
So, let’s begin:
 |
| Michele Mahan, Stations/arrest |
Before each station:
Minister (or family leader, or you):
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
After each station:
All:
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Opening Prayer:
Minister:
God of power and mercy,
in love your sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.
All:
Amen.
Stabat Mater, sung:
*At the cross her station keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last
First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Reader:
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 25:36-41
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your strength and wisdom,
that we may seek to follow your will in all things
*Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed
Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested
Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.
Mark 14: 43-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the courage of our convictions
that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.
* O, how sad and sore depressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One
Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”
Luke 22: 66-71
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your sense of righteousness
that we may never cease to work
to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.
* Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son
Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter
Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
Matthew 26: 69-75
Minister:
Lord,
grant us the gift of honesty
that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult.
* Is there one who would not weep,
‘whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate
Reader: The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified.
Mark 15: 1-5, 15
Minister:
Lord,
grant us discernment
that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.
*Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
Reader:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,”Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19: 1-3
Minister:
Lord,
grant us patience in times of suffering
that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.
*Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent.
Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
Reader: When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
John 19: 6, 15-17
Minister:
Lord,
grant us strength of purpose
that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.
*For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent
Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Reader: They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Mark 15: 21
Minister:
Lord,
grant us willing spirits
that we may be your instruments on earth.
*O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Reader: A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
Luke 23: 27-31
Minister:
Lord,
grant us gentle spirits
that we may comfort those who mourn.
*Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified
Reader: When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]
Luke 23: 33-34
Minister:
Lord,
grant us merciful hearts
that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.
*Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
Reader: Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Luke 23: 39-43
Minister:
Lord,
grant us perseverance
that we may never stop seeking you.
*Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Reader: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
John 19: 25-27
Minister:
Lord,
grant us constancy
that we may be willing to stand by those in need.
*Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Reader: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.
Luke 23: 44-46
Minister:
Lord,
grant us trust in you
that when our time on earth is ended
our spirits may come to you without delay.
*By the cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb
Reader:
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.
Matthew 27: 57-60
Minister:
Lord,
grant us your compassion
that we may always provide for those in need.
*Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine
Closing Prayer:
Minister:
Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Scripture excerpts are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament Copyright © 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce these excerpts in free distribution of these stations.
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So many posts rattling my head, so many topics (Lent, adoption, adjustment, family life, art, cooking) so little time. So I’m keeping it kinda thematic today. Because, of course, Lent is on our doorstep and we are paused, about to step through the threshold.
In that vein, while I’m still finalizing my Lenten observances and plans….I thought I’d toss up some of the possibles in the media realm. Take a look and see if any catch your eye. Yeah, I know, there are those of you out there who do the whole ascetic Lent thing. But I’m a media gal in so many ways and I LOVE books and I LOVE movies…so I’m gonna make a short list here (So that I remember it and so that you might see some new treasures too).
Books first, in no particular order:
What is Lent without the Stations of the Cross? It’s not Lent for me, that’s for sure. This is the classic version, one you are probably familiar with if you’ve one who prays the Stations regularly, or, erm, Lenten-ly. I might do Stations posts…or I might not, depends on the busy factor, as usual.
And for you really plugged in types (me too), here is an Iphone app for the Stations of the Cross, written by the late Michael Dubruiel and his wife, Amy Welborn and illustrated by the very cool artist Michael O’Brien. These stations are not the traditional Liguori version, above, but rather based on Pope John Paul II’s biblical Stations of the Cross, and more modern lingo and prayer rhythm. So, it’s another option based on taste and time. Even better, it’s free! Definitely worth a look for those of us on the go, even during lent.
And, last for this round up, but not least, what is this blog or my musings without consideration of food!? Nothing! And yeah, Lent has all that food – to eat or not to eat – element to it. So, Father Leo might just be the ticket. He’s great faithful priest, fun, cheery, and a good cook to boot. Plus I’m a big believer in the whole “family dinner” gig. I’m gonna look at this book, new to me, and see if I can get inspired for some Lenten mindfulness regarding the family Lenten table. I’m also planning on cooking down the pantry, keeping it leaner, more soup {I can hear the groans of the kids now, but I love soup – so no penitential effort there for me, but still all good}.
Ok, enough books. Now to Movies! Why movies during Lent you say? Well, first, because I LOOVE movies. Second, because, let’s face it, we live in a mass media age and movies are a big deal and a way to tell great stories and also, when they are done very well, help us expand our horizons, thoughts, minds and hearts. So, with that, here are a few to consider, or that I’m considering:
Of course there are the obvious ones, certainly:
This is the most obvious one, I tend to watch it sometime in Holy Week, usually during the Triduum – Holy Thursday or Friday. It tears me up, every time. You all know it’s hard. It is. But, well, apropos of the season, of course.
This is the one I watched every year as a kid. Robert Powell as Jesus and Olivia Hussey as Mary become pretty much iconographic to me as a kid. Now supplanted by James Caviezel and Maia Morgenstern, but still. A classic for Lent, really.
There are also some that are worth thinking about, not so obvious, that I’ve been meaning to see, but I haven’t seen them all. So, let’s be clear. This isn’t a “must do” list, it’s an I’m looking into these list. Andiamo:
Tom and Marta watched this one yesterday afternoon, while I was cooking. It’s in Russian but has subtitles. That didn’t seem to bother either one and Tom said it was very interesting and very much worth watching. So, I’m putting it up.
This also is a great film. Hard to watch if you tend to fall asleep, as I do, because of course, it is largely silent. But it is beautiful and compelling at the same time. If you are in the doldrums or feel like throwing yourself a pity party due to the difficulty of Lent, pop this in the dvd or netflix que and get a reality check on what living a more austere life really can be. Then look around you and see how attached you really are to material goods…..ok, ME. Sigh. Good film though!
I think this is an oddball charming film about faith and life and do we, can we, really believe in miracles? Can or do they happen in our own little mundane cookie cutter lives? I really enjoyed this movie, fun and good for lent perhaps even more because it’s cheery.
Oh, I love this book and I love the movie. I think I love the book more than the movie but most of you won’t ever even try the book but you might the movie, so here it is. And Dianna Rigg is always lovely to watch anyhow. But this is a great story of trying to live in faith, how that plays out, the challenges and beauty. It’s layered and it stays with you. Get the book, or the movie….it’s worth the time.
This was an odd, popular, quirky movie that I liked. And I’m putting it in here because it ultimately calls us to think about our lives and what defines them, who we are living for and how. And it’s just a fun way to put those ideas out there, with a terrific fun turn by Emma Thompson. You’ve probably seen it, but we aren’t supposed to be dreary all through Lent, the best approach is to smile through it. Not always easy, that, so this might be a help.
And also these three from the terrific “Happy Catholic” blog (I trust her recommends and I have many overlaps):
Haven’t see it yet, because I know it’s violent and hard. But she says it’s most excellent so I think I’ll que it up for this season. Here is her one take on it: “Redemption, sacrifice, humanity in it’s worst and best are all mingled and shown here.” Sounds like it should be on the short list for Lent.
Also, this one. On my list to see for years, literally. We Catholics love a feast and a fast both, which sums up Lent nicely. So, too, I’ve read does this film. So, in our time of fasting this film of feasting abundance might be a good reminder on how that works when it’s at it’s best.
This is a film that “got away.” I always meant to see it and I didn’t, and now I think I’m lining it up for Lent. Obviously, this one hits very close to home. Direct hit. It’s about living for another, instead of ourselves. Which really, is the uber message of Lent, no? Of course it is. And on this blog, in my head, that’s what I have to learn to do better and better every day. Happily, this season of 40 days is an intensive inservice in that one. Hence, I’m watching this movie!
That’s it for now. Let me know what you think or add any other ideas, books or films, in the comments box!!
>It’s almost here. Lent that is.
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| Georgia O’Keefe |
I always end up doing loads of Catholic posting in this season because, lets face it, it’s an intense season!
It’s supposed to be.
But this last few days of Ordinary Time I’m thinking a lot about lent and my preparations for lent and such….
Just in case you are too, here is a link to the annual mega post on all things Lenten….from the terrific Aggie Catholic.
If you have any questions at all about Lent, serious or silly, the answers are there.
If you want to brainstorm on ideas for Lenten undertakings and activities, the ideas are there.
If you need inspiration or new ideas….go there.
Wanna be inspired and here some good thoughts in a video about the whole deal?
Yeah, you get the idea…go there.
No one does the Lenten Mega Resource Post better.
You all know I’ll end up posting about my Lenten efforts and ideas and, um, failures….I can’t help it.
But until then, WAKE UP!
Lent approaches……
See you in the desert!
>Holy Saturday is a day of silence.
It is the tomb.
It is the day of grieving and being still, quiet for it…or mindful of it and trying to find that still silent spot inside; ever difficult in our modern days and our/my busy loud lives.
This is the day when the tabernacles, across the world, are barren.
And the emptiness is visceral.
I feel it.
I think the world feels it.
I do.
Tonight is the vigil and the promise of the return of the light, Light itself.
But for today.
It is the deposition, the tomb.
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“They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.”
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>It is Holy Thursday.
The first day of the Triduum.
It’s also known as Maundy Thursday
But, no matter the term used, it’s a high holy day, and it’s one of the ones that is rich and complex and beautiful and difficult all at the same time.
(And, as an aside, everyone I know is kind of suffering all sorts of larger and smaller slings and arrows this week, escalating today. Right. Exactly. I guess that’s how we know it’s Holy Week and we get to participate in our own mini-wimpy-passion….because “we can’t handle the truth” {to paraphrase Jack} of the real experience. Just saying…..)
Tonight the Mass remembers that special Passover supper, the last supper. This is the supper of the institution of the Eucharist. The disciples didn’t even really realize what was going on…how typical, then, and now. But, oh the beauty of it all.
So too, this night, Christ washed their feet, showing them how to be the servant of servants that they would be called to be…that we are called to be. How often do I forget that one? Daily, how many times a day is the better question.
Sigh. This is such a complex layered night. I can’t begin to do it justice. The emotions range all over the map: from the quiet humbling of the washing of the feet, to the beauty of the institution of the eucharist, to the stripping of the altar and processing out that brings me to blinking away the tears…..It’s a rigorous beautiful piercing night. For me, this night does begin the vigil…the vigil that doesn’t end until the close of Saturday night’s vigil Mass (finishing Sunday).
“Why is this night different from any other night?”
This is one of the Passover questions. So too, it is our question, mine.
And these three days ahead, I get to ponder it and pray over it and grow my heart bigger to answer it well, or try.
Wishing you a mindful and Blessed Triduum.
>It’s Palm Sunday
>It’s World Water Day.
And it’s still lent.
Which means, as we are traveling through the far side of the desert and are feeling all “parched”…this day and what it means, in real tangible, corporeal life, is oh so apropos.
It’s World Water Day.
People are Thirsty.
Not only for renewal of their heart and soul…but truly, literally, thirsty for clean safe water.
I really like this charity. They do good work, and thus, I want to show you this, today.
Charity:Water.
Please watch, open your hearts, it’s Lent. We are called to care. We are called to give alms…and what better way than to provide safe water where we can. That is what lent is all about.
Look, again. Haiti needs us. Look, they are thirsty. Help.
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10260175&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=fc1c1c&fullscreen=1
Unshaken – charity: water’s campaign for Haiti from charity: water on Vimeo.
Lent is waning, Easter beckons…..
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You looked into eternity and to your everlasting reward with confidence. If our Savior blessed the shepherds, the Magi, Simeon, John the Baptist, and others, because they greeted His presence with devoted hearts for a brief passing hour, how much more did He bless you who have sanctified yourself for so many years in His company and that of His Mother? If Jesus regards every corporal and spiritual work of mercy, performed in behalf of our fellow men out of love for Him, as done to Himself, and promises heaven as a reward, what must have been the extent of His gratitude to you who in the truest sense of the word have received Him, given Him shelter, clothed, nourished, and consoled Him at the sacrifice of your strength and rest, and even your life, with a love which surpassed the love of all fathers.
God really and personally made Himself your debtor. Our Divine Savior paid that debt of gratitude by granting you many graces in your lifetime, especially the grace of growing in love, which is the best and most perfect of all gifts. Thus at the end of your life your heart became filled with love, the fervor and longing of which your frail body could not resist. Your soul followed the triumphant impulse of your love and winged its flight from earth to bear the prophets and patriarchs in Limbo the glad tidings of the advent of the Redeemer.
Saint Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of being able to die in the arms of Jesus and Mary. As a token of your own gratitude to God, obtain for me the grace of a happy death. Help me to spend each day in preparation for death. May I, too, accept death in the spirit of resignation to God’s Holy Will, and die, as you did, in the arms of Jesus, strengthened by Holy Viaticum, and in the arms of Mary, with her rosary in my hand and her name on my lips!
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
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Saint Joseph, your share of suffering was very great because of your close union with the Divine Savior. All the mysteries of His life were more or less mysteries of suffering. Poverty pressed upon you, and the cross of labor followed you everywhere. Nor were you spared domestic crosses, owing to misunderstandings in regard to the holiest and most cherished of all beings, Jesus and Mary, who were all to you. Keen must have been the suffering caused by the uncertainty regarding Mary’s virginity; by the bestowal of the name of Jesus, which pointed to future misfortune. Deeply painful must have been the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the disappearance of Jesus at the Paschal feast. To these sufferings were surely added interior sorrow at the sight of the sins of your own people.
You bore all this suffering in a truly Christ-like manner, and in this you are our example. No sound of complaint or impatience escaped you — you were, indeed, the silent saint! You submitted to all in the spirit of faith, humility, confidence, and love. You cheerfully bore all in union with and for the Savior and His Mother, knowing well that true love is a crucified love. But God never forsook you in your trials. The trials, too, disappeared and were changed at last into consolation and joy.
It seems that God had purposely intended your life to be filled with suffering as well as consolation to keep before my eyes the truth that my life on earth is but a succession of joys and sorrows, and that I must gratefully accept whatever God sends me, and during the time of consolation prepare for suffering. Teach me to bear my cross in the spirit of faith, of confidence, and of gratitude toward God. In a happy eternity, I shall thank God fervently for the sufferings which He deigned to send me during my pilgrimage on earth, and which after your example I endured with patience and heartfelt love for Jesus and Mary.
You were truly the martyr of the hidden life. This was God’s Will, for the holier a person is, the more he is tried for the love and glory of God. If suffering is the flowering of God’s grace in a soul and the triumph of the soul’s love for God, being the greatest of saints after Mary, you suffered more than any of the martyrs.
Because you have experienced the sufferings of this valley of tears, you are most kind and sympathetic toward those in need. Down through the ages souls have turned to you in distress and have always found you a faithful friend in suffering. You have graciously heard their prayers in their needs even though it demanded a miracle. Having been so intimately united with Jesus and Mary in life, your intercession with Them is most powerful.
Saint Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of being able to suffer for Jesus and Mary. As a token of your own gratitude to God, obtain for me the grace to bear my suffering patiently for love of Jesus and Mary. Grant that I may unite the sufferings, works and disappointments of life with the sacrifice of Jesus in the Mass, and share like you in Mary’s spirit of sacrifice.
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
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Saint Joseph, you devoted your time at Nazareth to the work of a carpenter. It was the Will of God that you and your foster-Son should spend your days together in manual labor. What a beautiful example you set for the working classes!
It was especially for the poor, who compose the greater part of mankind, that Jesus came upon earth, for in the synagogue of Nazareth, He read the words of Isaiah and referred them to Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor…” (Luke 4:18). It was God’s Will that you should be occupied with work common to poor people, that in this way Jesus Himself might ennoble it by inheriting it from you, His foster-father, and by freely embracing it. Thus our Lord teaches us that for the humbler class of workmen, He has in store His richest graces, provided they live content in the place God’s Providence has assigned them, and remain poor in spirit for He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).
The kind of work to which you devoted your time in the workshop of Nazareth offered you many occasions of practicing humility. You were privileged to see each day the example of humility which Jesus practiced — a virtue most pleasing to Him. He chose for His earthly surroundings not the courts of princes nor the halls of the learned, but a little workshop of Nazareth. Here you shared for many years the humble and hidden toiling of the God-Man. What a touching example for the worker of today!
While your hands were occupied with manual work, your mind was turned to God in prayer. From the Divine Master, who worked along with you, you learned to work in the presence of God in the spirit of prayer, for as He worked He adored His Father and recommended the welfare of the world to Him, Jesus also instructed you in the wonderful truths of grace and virtue, for you were in close contact with Him who said of Himself, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.”
As you were working at your trade, you were reminded of the greatness and majesty of God, who, as a most wise Architect, formed this vast universe with wonderful skill and limitless power.
The light of divine faith that filled your mind, did not grow dim when you saw Jesus working as a carpenter. You firmly believed that the saintly Youth working beside you was truly God’s own Son.
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
Another Espresso, Please 