Hi friends. It’s Holy Week, and I wanted to share images and reflections I wrote a few years ago for a Stations of the Cross event at church. There are 14 Stations adapted for Substack and socials, so I’ll be sending out more emails than usual this week. Feel free to read what you like and skip what you need to, or read them all next Friday. Regardless of how you go about it, I invite you to reflect on the image, Scripture passage, and meditation/reflection question in each email.
.
It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon. Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!” They shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?” “We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered. Then he handed him over to be crucified. Then they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. John 19:14-17
Jesus takes up the cross and begins on His way to Calvary. It may not be far, but it must feel like the longest journey. The weight of the cross would be difficult to bear even without the immense physical suffering Christ has already endured. Jesus said His followers should follow His example of picking up their own crosses and following him. For those who didn’t literally die on a cross for Christ, Jesus’ use of the word “cross” is a metaphor for those things that are hard to bear yet must be borne faithfully and bravely as we walk in His steps. Bearing your cross might look like blessing those who hate you. Or sacrificing luxuries and comforts to meet the true needs of others. Or facing the rejection of a friend or family member when you refuse their request to do something that compromises the values of Jesus.
Reflection: What difficult thing is the Lord asking you to courageously pick up and “carry”?
Suggested Prayer: Lord, you could have run away from those who sought to persecute you, but you willingly carried your cross. Help me examine my life and find the courage to pick up the things you want me to carry and put down the things that hurt other people and your creation.