The Stations of the Cross reflect the momentous journey Jesus made prior to his death, as chronicled in the Bible and other texts. A form of reflective prayer, it provides believers the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and meditate on the sufferings he endured. To those that pray the stations, they become a way to open our hearts and minds to the life of Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our salvation.
Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death
The first station of the cross marks the moment when Jesus is condemned to death. Beginning with Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate and his subsequent sentencing to be scourged and crucified, we are invited to pray with and seek comfort in Jesus’s unwavering faith to the very end. In these moments after Jesus’s trial, he is brought before an angry crowd to be mocked, be beaten and finally sent to die. In light of these events, we should remember the incredible perseverance of Jesus even in the presence of those ready to condemn him.
Station 2: Jesus Carries His Cross
This next station marks Jesus taking up the cross he would be crucified on to Calvary. It was said to be a rugged and heavy cross, and Jesus himself was already weakened by his scourging as he is taken up the hill. It is thus a reminder of our human suffering and how even in the face of great trials, we should keep our faith in God. Even as Jesus carried his cross, he does not despair but instead places his hope in the Lord for salvation.
Station 3: Jesus Falls for the First Time
This third station marks the moment Jesus falls for the first time on his way up the hill with the cross. Jesus had not eaten or slept since before his trial and his body was already weakened by his scourging. Yet even in this moment, Jesus soldiers on and gets back up, despite the excruciating pain and fatigue. This station reveals Jesus’s incredible strength and is a reminder to never give up in the face of hardships. Despite all that Jesus was enduring, he kept faith and continued his mission to the very end.
Station 4: Jesus Meets his Mother
The fourth station of the cross is the heartbreaking moment when Jesus meets his mother, Mary, on the way to Calvary. Mary was forced to witness the agony inflicted upon her son and the immense suffering so close to her heart. This station is a reminder to us of what a mother’s love is capable of withstanding, and to never give up faith in God’s power to counter all worldly pain. At this moment, Mary’s love reminds us of the importance to cling to faith, no matter the circumstances.
Station 5: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
The fifth station symbolizes the moment when Jesus’s cross was too much for him to bear and Simon of Cyrene was called upon to help. They together
