The Stations of the Cross grab my heart and my mind. 
I have seen humble depictions in small town churches and magnificent sculptures in cathedrals. I've even walked the Way of Suffering in Jerusalem, but without the suffering.
The one that grabs me most, . . .
"Jesus receives His cross."
Some say He accepts it or is given it, but that He "receives it" resonates within me.
The Stations of the Cross have become a popular substitute pilgrimage for those who, for whatever reason, do not visit Jerusalem. The Stations represent critical events from Scripture or tradition of Jesus' journey to Calvary. Originally done only outdoors, the Stations were allowed inside churches in the mid-18th century.
The Via Dolorosa
Over the years, the route of pilgrim processions -- beginning at the ruins of the Fortress Antonia and ending at the church of the Holy Sepulcher -- was accepted as the way that Jesus went to his death. It was known as the "Via Dolorosa," the "Sorrowful Way;" Today, it winds through the crowded areas of Jerusalem's Old City, and pilgrims still travel it in prayer. "Stations" developed on this venerable route as early pilgrims honored places where specific incidents took place as Jesus went Calvary. However, the search for them was complicated because the Jerusalem of Jesus' day had been almost completely destroyed by Roman armies in 70 AD. In many cases, therefore, pilgrims could only guess where some incidents described in the gospel took place.
I provide links to some depictions of the stations. There are more but these give contrast for whatever place your heart is now.
The above image is from Stations of the Cross by Michael Freeman
For variations of artistic expression check out . . .
A more classical art and well written devotionals for each station. GO An amazingly simple and contemporary approach is found at
The Passion of Jesus which also has a link to The Stations of the Cross for Children.
David Myers illustrates the events with real heart and talent.
Why pray the Stations of the Cross?
The most important reason for reviving the practice of making the Stations of the Cross is that it is a powerful way to contemplate, and enter into, the mystery of Jesus' gift of himself to us. When you pray Stations of the Cross you are tracing the footsteps of Christ, in his journey from being condemned to death to his resurrection. In knowing that Our Lord and Savior died such a violent death for love of us, meditating on the Stations of the Cross becomes an experience where one can unite with Christ.
Personal Reflection
To sit quietly and consider the journey, not far in miles, but immense in significance, changes me. I seem to shift between images I've seen in films to memories of actually walking on the uneven streets of the Old City. Scripture filters in and bridges the past and present.
Suffering. So much of it.
Some necessary. Some avoidable or inflicted unnecessarily.
What's the use of it? What good comes from it?
From my contemporary suffering?
From Jesus' suffering?
From the suffering of a faithful young mom who has lost her 1st born in a canyon flood?
From those on the delta in Burma?
From those sleeping under bridges in our communities?
Jesus entered in to suffering then.
He can now.
I have seen humble depictions in small town churches and magnificent sculptures in cathedrals. I've even walked the Way of Suffering in Jerusalem, but without the suffering.
The one that grabs me most, . . .
"Jesus receives His cross."
Some say He accepts it or is given it, but that He "receives it" resonates within me.
The Stations of the Cross have become a popular substitute pilgrimage for those who, for whatever reason, do not visit Jerusalem. The Stations represent critical events from Scripture or tradition of Jesus' journey to Calvary. Originally done only outdoors, the Stations were allowed inside churches in the mid-18th century.
The Via Dolorosa
Over the years, the route of pilgrim processions -- beginning at the ruins of the Fortress Antonia and ending at the church of the Holy Sepulcher -- was accepted as the way that Jesus went to his death. It was known as the "Via Dolorosa," the "Sorrowful Way;" Today, it winds through the crowded areas of Jerusalem's Old City, and pilgrims still travel it in prayer. "Stations" developed on this venerable route as early pilgrims honored places where specific incidents took place as Jesus went Calvary. However, the search for them was complicated because the Jerusalem of Jesus' day had been almost completely destroyed by Roman armies in 70 AD. In many cases, therefore, pilgrims could only guess where some incidents described in the gospel took place.
I provide links to some depictions of the stations. There are more but these give contrast for whatever place your heart is now.
The above image is from Stations of the Cross by Michael Freeman
For variations of artistic expression check out . . .
A more classical art and well written devotionals for each station. GO An amazingly simple and contemporary approach is found at
The Passion of Jesus which also has a link to The Stations of the Cross for Children.
David Myers illustrates the events with real heart and talent.
Why pray the Stations of the Cross?
The most important reason for reviving the practice of making the Stations of the Cross is that it is a powerful way to contemplate, and enter into, the mystery of Jesus' gift of himself to us. When you pray Stations of the Cross you are tracing the footsteps of Christ, in his journey from being condemned to death to his resurrection. In knowing that Our Lord and Savior died such a violent death for love of us, meditating on the Stations of the Cross becomes an experience where one can unite with Christ.
Personal Reflection
To sit quietly and consider the journey, not far in miles, but immense in significance, changes me. I seem to shift between images I've seen in films to memories of actually walking on the uneven streets of the Old City. Scripture filters in and bridges the past and present.
Suffering. So much of it.
Some necessary. Some avoidable or inflicted unnecessarily.
What's the use of it? What good comes from it?
From my contemporary suffering?
From Jesus' suffering?
From the suffering of a faithful young mom who has lost her 1st born in a canyon flood?
From those on the delta in Burma?
From those sleeping under bridges in our communities?
Jesus entered in to suffering then.
He can now.
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