During the season of Lent, we have been coming together as a faith community each Friday to pray the “Stations of the Cross.” We begin at 7:00 pm with a brief reflection by one of our deacons focusing on our Lenten challenges and concerns. “Stations” then follow at 7:15 pm.
The media outlet, “Covenant Catholic” stated, “The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, is a popular Catholic devotion that commemorates the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. It consists of 14 specific events (stations) beginning with His condemnation by Pontius Pilate and ending with His burial in the tomb. By meditating on these scenes, the faithful spiritually accompany Christ on His journey to Calvary, entering into the mystery of His redemptive suffering.”
A few years before his death, Pope Francis called on the faithful to enter more fully into the spirit of sacrifice, renewal and repentance during the Lenten season. We can embrace this call in various ways, including by praying the “Stations of the Cross.” He encouraged us to pray the “Stations” and stressed their importance. Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Cross of Christ bears the suffering and sins of mankind, and that Christ bears our crosses on His shoulders.
As reported by the publication, “Catholic News Service”, the following are extracts from the personal reflections of Pope Francis at the end of the “Way of the Cross”:
Let the feelings of faith, hope, charity and sorrow for our sins be ingrained in our hearts, lord, and lead us to repent for our sins that have crucified you.
Lead us to transform our conversion made of words into a conversion of life and deeds.
Crucified Jesus, strengthen the faith in us so that it not give in before temptations, rekindle hope in us, so that it not get lost by following the world’s seductions.
Protect charity in us, so that it not be deceived by corruption and worldliness.
As we reflect on these profound words, we are reminded that praying the “Stations” can provide us with an opportunity to avail ourselves of abundant spiritual graces. We are especially encouraged to pray the “Stations” on Good Friday. Commemorating the Passion of Jesus through the “Stations” can help us to more fully appreciate what Jesus has done for us. They can also help us to clearly witness our faith and assist us in this special time of spiritual renewal.