Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross

The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

“The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas’. Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’… When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd …. Pilate released Barabbas for the crowd; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” Matthew 27:21-26
Jesus stands silent and composed as the crowd calls for his death. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, yet he is still condemned.
Prayer:
Jesus, you know what it means to stand alone
in front of those who reject you and don’t understand you.
Walk with us.
When we feel that we can’t make a difference:
help us to keep going.
Teach us to share your love.

The Second Station: Jesus carries his cross

“After mocking Jesus, the soldiers stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.” Matthew 27:28-31
The guards dress Jesus up as a king, with a crown made of thorns, and mock him. They give him a heavy wooden cross to carry. Jesus knows that the way will not be easy and that it will lead to his death. And yet he shoulders his burden and starts on his way.
Prayer:
Jesus, your love led you to take up the cross.
Walk with us.
When we feel afraid, help us to be brave.
Give us the courage to speak out to change our world,
so that all our sisters and brothers
can experience justice.

The Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

“He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
Burdened by his heavy cross, worn down by fatigue and pain, Jesus falls.
Prayer:
Jesus, you know how it feels to struggle and to fall.
Walk with us.
Show us how to walk with others
to know what it feels like to be in another’s shoes.
You reach out to us with caring hands.
Show us how to join our hands with communities around the world
who are bringing hope to their people.

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35
This was the fulfilment of Simeon’s prophecy, the sword that ran through Mary’s soul. She who nurtured Jesus as a baby, witnessed his first steps and words, now meets her son on this final journey. What pain Mary must have felt, unable to reach out to help or comfort Jesus. Yet she remains present and steadfast.
Prayer:
Jesus, you looked through the crowd
and saw your mother’s eyes.
Her love gave you the strength to carry on.
Walk with us.
When we don’t want to listen, open our ears to hear.
When it would be easier to look away, open our eyes to see.

The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene carries the cross

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35
Simon of Cyrene comes into the city of Jerusalem on the day of Jesus’ death. He does not know Jesus but lends his strength to carrying the heavy weight of the cross.
Prayer:
Jesus, you know what it means to depend on someone and to need their help.
Walk with us.
When my friends need help, teach me to work with them to lighten their load.
Show me how to listen carefully so that I can offer what they need.
We are your global family of many different colours, cultures and religions.
Make us one family united in you.

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of our family, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:37-40
Moved by Jesus’ pain, Veronica’s love overcomes her fear and she courageously steps forward to wipe the blood and sweat from Jesus’ face. She cannot change his fate, but recognising his dignity, she faithfully performs her small act of compassion. As the guards force Jesus onward, the image of his face is left on Veronica’s veil.
Prayer:
Jesus, you know how it feels
to be hurt and to cry out in pain and fear.
Walk with us.
Show us how to walk together with others.
Show us how to love the people around us
and to be there for those who need us.

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls for the second time

“Come to me all you who labour, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Under the weight of the cross, Jesus is once again brought to his knees. After this second fall, Jesus’ struggle to rise up again is much harder.
Prayer:
Jesus, you stumbled and fell.
You lost strength and became tired.
And yet you carried on.
Walk with us.
When we find it hard to keep going,
give us the strength we need
to finish our work as well as we can
and show love to others.

The Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

“A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him.” Luke 23:27-28
As Jesus draws closer to the place of execution, he encounters the women of Jerusalem weeping for him. There is a shared empathy here as Jesus recognises their difficulties and tells them not to weep for him, but for themselves and their children.
Prayer:
Jesus, you cared and spoke out, even on the road to your death.
You knew and felt the struggles of others.
Walk with us.
As we hear the stories of our sisters and brothers who live in poverty,
give us the courage to raise our voices,
so that together we can work for change.

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
Jesus falls a third and final time. He must surely now be completely drained, and yet he finds the strength to rise and continue on his path to Calvary.
Prayer:
Jesus, you felt the darkness around you,
the crowds surrounded you.
You fell once more.
Walk with us.
When we lose hope, when everything is just too difficult,
show us how to reach out to each other and hold hands,
so that none of us have to do everything on our own.
Help us to know that you walk alongside us
even when we feel most alone.

The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

“The soldiers took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic…” John 19:23-24
Jesus has nothing left. Arriving at his place of execution, even his clothes are taken from him. Stripped of his dignity he holds nothing back.
Prayer:
Jesus, you sacrificed everything
and endured mockery for our sake.
Walk with us.
When we value possessions more than people,
or look down on someone who is different or has less,
show us your face in theirs.

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

“When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.” Luke 23:33-34
The soldiers drive the nails into Jesus’ hands and feet. Yet even in this moment he shows his compassion, praying for those who crucify him.
Prayer:
Jesus, you cry out in pain.
Walk with us.
Challenge us –
when we hold people back,
when we don’t treat them with respect.
Help us to remember that everyone is equal,
that we are all made in the image of God.

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30
Just before he dies on the cross Jesus cries out that he is thirsty. We can hear him continue to say these words to us, through our brothers and sisters who each day must strive for enough water or enough food to eat. Through all those who thirst for a fairer world, where everyone has enough and is able to reach their full potential.
Prayer:
Jesus, you know what it’s like to feel alone,
lost and afraid, betrayed and abandoned.
Walk with us.
and show us how to walk with others,
who live in fear and face death through hunger, thirst and conflict.
Show us how to pray for sisters and brothers that we have never met,
but who are always loved by you.

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross

“Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed the body.”
John 19:38
The bodies of those crucified were usually left on the cross to decay. Joseph of Arimathea has been a secret follower of Jesus, but now he finds the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body. He acts despite the fear he must have felt, in order to ensure the lifeless body of his teacher is, at least now, treated with dignity and gentleness.
Prayer:
Jesus, you knew what it meant to have friends,
who risked their own lives to take your body from the cross.
Walk with us.
Show us how to be friends to those close to us and to those far away.
Teach us to see you in everybody,
to be kind, loving and strong.
To be like you.

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb

“Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where the body was laid.” Mark 15: 45-47
There has been little time to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Joseph has to move quickly to place it in the tomb before the Sabbath begins. He wraps it in a simple linen cloth and rolls the stone over the door. The disciples have scattered in fear and grief and it seems like the end.
Prayer:
Jesus, as you were sealed in the tomb
those who loved you felt sad and alone.
They did not know what to do.
Walk with us.Guide us in difficult times,
so that we can share you with our sisters and brothers
when they feel sad and alone.

The Fifteenth Station: Jesus rises from the dead

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
Luke 24:5
Jesus is alive. He has conquered death and is here among us.
His resurrection opens the way of hope and assures us that injustice, pain and death can be overcome.
As we reflect on Jesus’ final journey, we pray for the strength to live each day as people transformed through God’s love. May we radiate God’s love to all our sisters and brothers throughout the world.
Prayer:
Jesus, you share your life, your light and your peace with us all.
Walk with us.
Show us how to live out your love
so that our sisters and brothers,
here and around the world,
may know the joy of new life.
May we all be changed by living in your light.

The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death
	“The governor again said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release for you?’ And they said, ‘Barabbas’. Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’… When Pilate saw that it was no use to go on, but that a riot might break out, he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd …. Pilate released Barabbas for the crowd; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” Matthew 27:21-26 Jesus stands silent and composed as the crowd calls for his death. Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus, yet he is still condemned. Prayer: Jesus, you know what it means to stand alone in front of those who reject you and don’t understand you. Walk with us. When we feel that we can’t make a difference: help us to keep going. Teach us to share your love.

The Second Station: Jesus carries his cross
	“After mocking Jesus, the soldiers stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.” Matthew 27:28-31 The guards dress Jesus up as a king, with a crown made of thorns, and mock him. They give him a heavy wooden cross to carry. Jesus knows that the way will not be easy and that it will lead to his death. And yet he shoulders his burden and starts on his way. Prayer: Jesus, your love led you to take up the cross. Walk with us. When we feel afraid, help us to be brave. Give us the courage to speak out to change our world, so that all our sisters and brothers can experience justice.

The Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time
	“He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 Burdened by his heavy cross, worn down by fatigue and pain, Jesus falls. Prayer: Jesus, you know how it feels to struggle and to fall. Walk with us. Show us how to walk with others to know what it feels like to be in another’s shoes. You reach out to us with caring hands. Show us how to join our hands with communities around the world who are bringing hope to their people.

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother
	“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35 This was the fulfilment of Simeon’s prophecy, the sword that ran through Mary’s soul. She who nurtured Jesus as a baby, witnessed his first steps and words, now meets her son on this final journey. What pain Mary must have felt, unable to reach out to help or comfort Jesus. Yet she remains present and steadfast. Prayer: Jesus, you looked through the crowd and saw your mother’s eyes. Her love gave you the strength to carry on. Walk with us. When we don’t want to listen, open our ears to hear. When it would be easier to look away, open our eyes to see.

The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
	“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:33-35 Simon of Cyrene comes into the city of Jerusalem on the day of Jesus’ death. He does not know Jesus but lends his strength to carrying the heavy weight of the cross. Prayer: Jesus, you know what it means to depend on someone and to need their help. Walk with us. When my friends need help, teach me to work with them to lighten their load. Show me how to listen carefully so that I can offer what they need. We are your global family of many different colours, cultures and religions. Make us one family united in you.

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
	“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of our family, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:37-40 Moved by Jesus’ pain, Veronica’s love overcomes her fear and she courageously steps forward to wipe the blood and sweat from Jesus’ face. She cannot change his fate, but recognising his dignity, she faithfully performs her small act of compassion. As the guards force Jesus onward, the image of his face is left on Veronica’s veil. Prayer: Jesus, you know how it feels to be hurt and to cry out in pain and fear. Walk with us. Show us how to walk together with others. Show us how to love the people around us and to be there for those who need us.

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls for the second time
	“Come to me all you who labour, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Under the weight of the cross, Jesus is once again brought to his knees. After this second fall, Jesus’ struggle to rise up again is much harder. Prayer: Jesus, you stumbled and fell. You lost strength and became tired. And yet you carried on. Walk with us. When we find it hard to keep going, give us the strength we need to finish our work as well as we can and show love to others.

The Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
	“A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him.” Luke 23:27-28 As Jesus draws closer to the place of execution, he encounters the women of Jerusalem weeping for him. There is a shared empathy here as Jesus recognises their difficulties and tells them not to weep for him, but for themselves and their children. Prayer: Jesus, you cared and spoke out, even on the road to your death. You knew and felt the struggles of others. Walk with us. As we hear the stories of our sisters and brothers who live in poverty, give us the courage to raise our voices, so that together we can work for change.

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time
	“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 Jesus falls a third and final time. He must surely now be completely drained, and yet he finds the strength to rise and continue on his path to Calvary. Prayer: Jesus, you felt the darkness around you, the crowds surrounded you. You fell once more. Walk with us. When we lose hope, when everything is just too difficult, show us how to reach out to each other and hold hands, so that none of us have to do everything on our own. Help us to know that you walk alongside us even when we feel most alone.

The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments
	“The soldiers took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic…” John 19:23-24 Jesus has nothing left. Arriving at his place of execution, even his clothes are taken from him. Stripped of his dignity he holds nothing back. Prayer: Jesus, you sacrificed everything and endured mockery for our sake. Walk with us. When we value possessions more than people, or look down on someone who is different or has less, show us your face in theirs.

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross
	“When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.” Luke 23:33-34 The soldiers drive the nails into Jesus’ hands and feet. Yet even in this moment he shows his compassion, praying for those who crucify him. Prayer: Jesus, you cry out in pain. Walk with us. Challenge us – when we hold people back, when we don’t treat them with respect. Help us to remember that everyone is equal, that we are all made in the image of God.

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross
	“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:28-30 Just before he dies on the cross Jesus cries out that he is thirsty. We can hear him continue to say these words to us, through our brothers and sisters who each day must strive for enough water or enough food to eat. Through all those who thirst for a fairer world, where everyone has enough and is able to reach their full potential. Prayer: Jesus, you know what it’s like to feel alone, lost and afraid, betrayed and abandoned. Walk with us. and show us how to walk with others, who live in fear and face death through hunger, thirst and conflict. Show us how to pray for sisters and brothers that we have never met, but who are always loved by you.

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross
	“Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed the body.” John 19:38 The bodies of those crucified were usually left on the cross to decay. Joseph of Arimathea has been a secret follower of Jesus, but now he finds the courage to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body. He acts despite the fear he must have felt, in order to ensure the lifeless body of his teacher is, at least now, treated with dignity and gentleness. Prayer: Jesus, you knew what it meant to have friends, who risked their own lives to take your body from the cross. Walk with us. Show us how to be friends to those close to us and to those far away. Teach us to see you in everybody, to be kind, loving and strong. To be like you.

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb
	“Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where the body was laid.” Mark 15: 45-47 There has been little time to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Joseph has to move quickly to place it in the tomb before the Sabbath begins. He wraps it in a simple linen cloth and rolls the stone over the door. The disciples have scattered in fear and grief and it seems like the end. Prayer: Jesus, as you were sealed in the tomb those who loved you felt sad and alone. They did not know what to do. Walk with us.Guide us in difficult times, so that we can share you with our sisters and brothers when they feel sad and alone.

The Fifteenth Station: Jesus rises from the dead
	“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5 Jesus is alive. He has conquered death and is here among us. His resurrection opens the way of hope and assures us that injustice, pain and death can be overcome. As we reflect on Jesus’ final journey, we pray for the strength to live each day as people transformed through God’s love. May we radiate God’s love to all our sisters and brothers throughout the world. Prayer: Jesus, you share your life, your light and your peace with us all. Walk with us. Show us how to live out your love so that our sisters and brothers, here and around the world, may know the joy of new life. May we all be changed by living in your light.