The Way of the Cross

By Chad Estes

When Jamie and I lived in Hawaii we did a lot of exploring of the local culture and Hawaiian history. One of our travels took us to St. Benedict Catholic Church on the Big Island, which is also known as The Painted Church. From 1899 to 1904 Father John Velge painted the church with storybook pictures of biblical scenes covering the ceilings and walls.  Outside the church was a Stations of the Cross, which wound its way up a small hill. Jamie and I walked it slowly in reflection of Christ’s sufferings and sacrifice. This experience stuck with me and I shared the story with our church staff in 2002 when we were discussing making our own Journey of the Cross on Table Rock in Boise.

Since that time I’ve read many writings of the Stations of the Cross. Some are poetic, some are responsive, and some include scripture, kneeling and prayers. Maybe one of these days I’ll consider writing my own.

Here is one adapted from, Everyone’s Way of the Cross, by Clarence Enzler which is a conversation between Christ and a believer.

Introduction

Christ Speaks – These fourteen steps that you are now about to walk you do not take alone. I walk with you. Though you are you, and I am I, yet we are truly one. And therefore my way of the cross two thousand years ago and your “way” now are also one. But note this difference. My life was incomplete until I crowned it by my death. Your fourteen steps will only be complete when you have crowned them by your life.

Station 1 – Jesus is Condemned

Christ speaks – In Pilate’s hands I see my Father’s will. Though Pilate is unjust, he is the lawful governor and he has power over me. And so the Son of God obeys. If I can bow to Pilate’s rule because this is my Father’s will, can you refuse obedience to those whom I place over you?

I reply – My Jesus, Lord, obedience cost you your life. For me it costs an act of will – no more – and yet how hard it is for me to bend. Remove the blinders from my eyes that I may see that it is you whom I obey in all who govern me. Lord it is you.

Station 2 – Jesus Takes His Cross

Christ speaks – This cross, this chunk of tree, is what my Father chose for me. The crosses you must bear are largely products of your daily life. And yet my Father chose them, too, for you. Receive them from his hands. Take heart I will not let your burdens gown one ounce too heavy for your strength.

I reply – My Jesus, Lord, I take my daily cross. I welcome the monotony that often marks my day, discomforts of all kinds, the summer’s heat, the winter’s cold, my disappointments, tensions setbacks, cares. Remind me often that in carrying my cross, I carry yours with you. And though I bear a sliver only of your cross, you carry all of mine, except a sliver, in return.

Station 3- Jesus Falls

Christ speaks – The God who made the universe, and holds it in existence by his will alone, becomes a man, too weak to bear a piece of timber’s weight. How human in his weakness is the Son of God. My Father willed it thus. I could not be your model otherwise. If you would follow me you also must accept without complaint your human frailties.

I reply – Lord Jesus, how can I refuse? I willingly accept my weaknesses, my irritations and my moods, my headaches and fatigue, all my defects of body, mind and soul. Because they are your will for me, these “handicaps” of my humanity, I gladly suffer them. Make me content with all my discontents, but give me strength to struggle after you.

Station 4 – Jesus Meets His Mother

Christ Speaks – My mother sees me whipped. She sees me kicked and driven like a beast. She counts my every wound. But though her soul cries out in agony, no protest or complaint escapes her lips or even enters her thoughts. She shares my martyrdom – and I share hers. We hide no pain, no sorrow from each other’s eyes. This is my Father’s will.

I reply – My Jesus, Lord, I know what you are telling me. To watch the pain of those we love is harder than to bear our own. To carry my cross after you, I, too, must stand and watch the sufferings of my dear ones – the heartaches, sicknesses and grief of those I love. And I must let them watch mine, too. I do believe – for those who love you all things work together unto good.

Station 5 – Simon Helps Jesus

Christ speaks – My strength is gone; I can no longer bear the cross alone. And so the legionnaires make Simon give me aid. This Simon is like you. Give me your strength. Each time you lift some burden from another’s back, you lift as with your very hand the cross’ awful weight that crushes me.

I reply – Lord, make me realize that every time I wipe a dish, pick up an object off the floor, assist a child in some small task, or give another preference in traffic or the store; each time I feed the hungry, clothe the naked, teach the ignorant, or lend my hand in any way- it matters not to whom – my name is Simon. And the kindness I extend to them I really give to you.

Station 6 – Veronica Helps Jesus

Christ speaks – Can you be brave enough to wipe my bloody face? Where is my face, you ask? At home whenever eyes fill up with tears, at work when tensions rise, on playgrounds, in the slums, the courts, the hospitals, the jails – wherever suffering exists – my face is there. And there I look for your to wipe away my blood and tears.

I reply – Lord, what you ask is hard. It calls for courage and self-sacrifice, and I am weak. Please, give me the strength. Don’t let me run away because of fear. Lord, live in me and act in me and love in me. And not in me alone – in all of us – so that we may reveal no more your bloody but your glorious face on earth.

Station 7 – Jesus Falls Again

Christ speaks – This seventh step is one that tests your will. From this fall learn to persevere in doing good. The time will come when all your efforts seem to fail and you will think, “I can’t go on.” Then turn to me, my heavy-laden one, and I will give you rest. Trust me and carry on.

I reply – Give me your courage, Lord. When failure presses heavily on me and I am desolate, stretch out your hand to lift me up. I know I must not cease, but persevere in doing good. But help me, Lord, alone there’s nothing I can do. With you, I can do anything you ask. I will.

Station 8 – Jesus Consoles the Women

Christ speaks – How often had I longed to take the children of Jerusalem and gather them to me. But they refused. But now these women weep for me and my heart mourns for them – mourns for their sorrows that will come. I comfort those who seek to solace me. How gentle can you be? How kind?

I reply – My Jesus, your compassion in your passion is beyond compare. Lord, teach me, help me learn. When I would snap at those who hurt me with their ridicule, those who misunderstand, or hinder me with some misguided helpfulness, those who intrude upon my privacy – then help me curb my tongue. May gentleness become my cloak. Lord, make me kind like you.

Station 9 – The Third Fall

Christ speaks – Completely drained of strength I lie, collapsed, upon the cobblestones. My body cannon move. No blows, no kicks, can rouse it up. And yet my will is mine. And so is yours. Know this your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours.

I reply – My Lord, I see you take a moment’s rest then rise and stagger on. So I can do because my will is mine. When all my strength is gone and guilt and self-reproach press me to earth and seem to hold me fast, protect me from the sin of Judas – save me from despair! Lord, never let me feel that any sin of mine is greater than your life. No matter what my past has been I can begin anew.

Station 10 – Jesus is Stripped

Christ speaks – Behold the poorest king who ever lived. Before my creatures I stand stripped. The cross – my deathbed – even this is not my own. Yet who has ever been so rich? Possessing nothing, I own all – my Father’s love. If you, too, would own everything, be not solicitous about your food, your clothes, your life.

I reply – My Lord, I offer you my all – whatever I possess, and more, my self. Detach me from the craving for prestige, position, wealth. Root out of me all trace of envy of my neighbor who has more than I. Release me from the vice of pride, my longing to exalt myself, and lead me to the lowest place. May I be poor in spirit, Lord, so that I can be rich in you.

Station 11 – Jesus is Crucified

Christ speaks – Can you imagine what a crucifixion is? My executioners stretch my arms; they hold my hand and wrist against the wood and press the nail until it stabs my flesh. Then, with one heavy hammer smash, they drive it through – and pain bursts like a bomb of fire in my brain. They seize the other arm; and agony again explodes. Then raising up my knees so that my feet are flat against the wood, they hammer them fast, too.

I reply – My God, I look at you and think: Is my soul worth this much? What can I give you in return? What cross would you have me daily bear?

Station 12 – Jesus Dies

Christ speaks – The cross becomes a pulpit now – “Forgive them, Father… You will be with me in Paradise… There is your mother… There your son… I thirst… It is complete.” To speak I have to raise myself by pressing on my wrists and feet, and every move engulfs me in new waves of agony. And then, when I have borne enough, have emptied my humanity, I let my mortal life depart.

I reply – My Jesus, God, what can I say or do? I offer you my death with all its pains, accepting now the time and kind of death in store for me. Not by a single instant would I lengthen my life’s span.

Station 13 – Jesus is Taken Down

Christ speaks – The sacrifice is done. Yes, my Mass is complete; but not my mother’s and not yours. My mother still must cradle in her arms the lifeless body of the son she bore. You, too, must part from those you love and grief will come to you.

I reply – I beg you, Lord, help me accept the partings that must come – from friends who go away, my children leaving home, and most of all, my dear ones when you shall call them to yourself. Then, give me grace to say: “As it has pleased you, Lord, to take them home, I bow to your most holy will.” Grant them eternal joy.

Station 14 – Jesus is buried

Christ speaks – So ends my mortal life. But now another life begins for Mary, and for Magdalene, for Peter and for John, and you. My life’s work is done. My work within and through my church must now commence. I look to you. Day in, day out, from this time forth, be my apostle – victim – saint.

I reply – My Jesus, Lord, You know my spirit is as willing as my flesh is weak. The teaching you could not impart, the sufferings you could not bear, the works of love you could not do in your short life on earth, let me impart, and bear, and do through you. But I am nothing, Lord. Help me!

Conclusion