Preparatory Prayer
Dear Jesus, I stand before you today, unworthy and ashamed. My life revolves around petty chores, that lead nowhere. Give me the grace, O Lord, to vicariously immerse myself, with all of my heart, mind and soul, and accompany You, in every step, of Your passion.
1st station: Jesus is condemned to death
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Meditation: Jesus prays with vehemence and a sense of paranoia, at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Son of God's final frontier, as the Son of Man; is inevitable, and drawing near. We're known to have near death experiences, where our life flashes before our eyes. Jesus stood at the cusp, of surrendering Himself, and resigning, while earnestly praying for pardon, from the most agonizing, excruciating, torturous, slow and merciless kind of death, ever known to man. Jesus says, "Father, you can do all things. If it is possible, let this chalice pass from me... But let Your will be done, not mine." A prospect so daunting, even for Jesus to undergo. Jesus says, "Judas... You betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
Reflection: Is there a greater sin? Is it possible to live in a world, void of trust? Jesus knew all along, but can we spare a thought for Judas, when he came to terms with the full repercussions of his deeds? How many times have we stabbed people in the back, to get one-up on them? Do we aspire to lead lives of honesty and integrity, in this day and age? What has the world come to?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
2nd station: Jesus takes up His cross We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus is shackled to a trunk. The Savior's hands, that were used miraculously to heal Malchus's ear, not too long ago, are being placed on a log of wood, used by butchers at the abattoir, to chop meat. Just as the flagellation begins, Jesus whispers, "My heart is ready, Father... My heart is ready." The guards stop to catch a breath, they've exerted every last ounce of energy, in relentlessly whipping a faultless man. The flesh is exposed, and blood is oozing out of all parts. His whole being is writhing in torment. A razor-sharp crown of thorns, is placed on His head, and forced into His skin, with a stick. Pilate washes off his hands, and says to the chief of the Pharisees, "It is you who want to crucify him, not I. Look you into it. I am innocent of this man's blood." The rabble leaves the citadel. Jesus is made to pick up His cross. He says, "I am your servant, Father. Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid."
How many times do we choose to play it safe? To sit on the fence? To respond saying the jury is still out on the matter? When a slight dilemma creeps in, we're quick to backtrack and retract. When life isn't a bed of roses, it is but natural for us ordinary humans, to feel cursed, and abandoned. By hugging the gargantuan cross, that bore the burden of the world's iniquities, Jesus stood up to the demands, and delivered, right to the end.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
3rd station: Jesus falls for the first time We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
It wasn't even a week ago that Jesus was given a jubilant, heroic welcome into the city of Jerusalem. He was given a guard of honor, fit for a king, and His people adorned the path with palm branches and cloaks. The Prince of Peace soaked in the applause, as He rode along on a donkey. Within a span of a few days, the very same people were hurling abuses, manifesting derision and mockery. A few others were naive, indifferent spectators, tagging along with the mob. Jesus's knees buckled under the enormous load, after being deliberately shoved by a guard. Besides a few of his closest apostles, mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, no one else was by his side.
Aren't we constantly calculating the most rewarding scenario? Be it a job or a relationship, loyalty is a rarity these days. We live in a materialistic world, where return on investment is paramount, and we're always looking to milk and extract every given situation. When tough times come, you know who your true friends really are.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
4th station: Jesus meets his Mother
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
John identifies an alleyway, that helps them get ahead of the crowd, and catch a passing glimpse of Jesus. As they cross paths, their eyes meet. Mary rushes to protect her beloved son, who is being beaten to a pulp. "I'm here", she says. What must have been going through Her mind, at that very instance? Jesus gazes upon her countenance and touches her face. He says, "See, mother, I make all things new." An onlooking guard is moved by the interaction he's witnessed, and asks a fellow guard, "Who is that?" "She's the Galilean's mother." He replies, and nudges him to move on.
There is an innate, profound and deep-rooted bond, that permeates the core of a mother and her child. A child lives and breathes in the mother's womb for a while, as a sentient being, before being born, in the literal sense. No other human being, on the face of the earth, knows the child, viscerally, better than the mother. In that bleak and abysmal moment, of utter hopelessness and devastation, Jesus ignites hope. He's looking at the greater good, the bigger picture, and wants her to know, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As people, we choose to whine, crib and rant about all the things that are bad. In the process, the bright side gets brushed under the carpet. This creates an absurd influx of cynicism, nihilism and toxic negativity. Do we have the courage to trust in the plan of God, accept all that comes our way, the good and especially the unfavorable, with open arms?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
5th station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
On the ascent, towards the Mount of Calvary, Jesus grimaced as He was whipped, shoved and prodded along. The psychological strain only exacerbated the toll on His body, from the unforgiving drudgery of the cross on His shoulder. Abenader arrives on his horse, and brings the proceedings to a halt. He commands the guards saying, "Are you blind? Can't you see, he can't go on? Help him!" The orders seem to be more strategic, than empathetic. The guard spots Simon moving in the crowd, and says, "You, yes you! Get over here!" Simon budges, saying, "All right, but remember, I'm an innocent man, forced to carry the cross of a condemned man." He tells his daughter, "Stay here. Wait for me." Simon assisted in carrying the cross, not by suo moto willingness, but by coercion. To his defense, Simon was a pagan and had no idea of who Jesus was. Given the circumstances, the compassion and the bravado displayed by Simon, to come forward, and lend Jesus a helping hand, is worthy of the highest praise.
How do we react, when we are cornered? We must pray for the grace to take the right decisions, in crucial moments, to have the clarity of thought and a well-defined rationale, around a particular choice. The wisdom bestowed upon Simon was instrumental in Jesus carrying on, all the way to the summit.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
6th station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The agitated and unruly mob barges in and blocks the path. Jesus gently goes down to the ground, and Simon rests the cross against a wall. Amidst the chaos, Veronica approaches Jesus, and says, "Permit me, my Lord." She offers Him a plain strip of cloth. Jesus takes it, and dabs His face with it. He returns it to her. Veronica holds on to it like a precious ornament, and kisses the sweat and blood of Jesus. Veronica, is known to be the woman that was healed of severe menstrual bleeding, for over twelve years, when she touched the edge of Jesus' cloak. Veronica was a devout woman, with an unshakeable belief and trust in Jesus. She's now seeing her master, a miracle worker, a savior and a life giver, in the garb of a condemned criminal, facing the harshest corporal punishment. How her heart must have sank, witnessing the plight. Even in that state grave misery, she did not lose heart, she ran up to him when she got the opportunity, offered him a cloth and some water. She did the best she possibly could.
Do we give heed to the moral compass within our conscience, to be thankful? Or, is it mere lip service and used judiciously, as and when convenient? Do we even bother to remember people, who have played an important role in shaping our lives, and making us who we are? Do we do things only if we see a prospective benefit, in the foreseeable future?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
7th station: Jesus falls for the second time
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
As they make their way up to Golgotha, the gradient is unforgiving. Jesus is famished, and emaciated. Simon takes charge, and becomes the driving force behind the mission. He cajoles their spirits, and provides much needed motivation. "Almost there. We're nearly there. Almost done.", he says. Simon, to whom Jesus was a stranger, until he was forced to help Him carry His cross, has quickly grown into a close aide and confidant. His reluctance is now a thing of the past. It isn't just a piece of wood on his shoulders, but the weight of all of humanity's transgressions. Simon must have understood that Jesus was no ordinary man, as mere mortals would have perished and succumbed along the way. This man that he was helping, had inconceivable thresholds of grit, valor, tenacity and fortitude. He was relentless, in His pursuit.
Do we take the trouble to go above and beyond the call of duty, and step up, when the chips are down? When things aren't conducive, and not going to plan, when you aren't being given what you're promised, we're quick to pull out, and stir up a storm. But do we put ourselves in the other person's shoes, and try and get a feel for how things look from their vantage point, and whether we can contribute constructively, in any way, shape or form?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
8th station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus says in Luke 23:28, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." He goes on to say, in verse 31, "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" The proverb here plainly means: if such sufferings alight upon the innocent One, the very Lamb of God, what must be in store for those who are provoking the flames? The implication is that the sinner is akin to a dry tree, and the cost of remorse of conscience is far greater to bear.
We can see that Jesus is steadily gravitating towards being the Son of God, and distancing Himself from his earthly identity. He’s surpassed physical pain, and strife. These are feelings, emotions and sensations that can be overwhelming for most. Jesus has attained a stage of superior self-control, one that subdues these minutiae. The passion and the crucifixion were not just parts of yet brutal mode of execution. It was symbolic, a culmination of prophecies made in the past, and a definitive moment in history, that redefined time itself, as we know it. Do we frequently get entangled, and caught up, in this convoluted labyrinth of a routine, that we adhere to and religiously comply with, without stepping back and objectively analyzing it? Are we slaves to society and its ways? Do we have a clear end goal in mind, or are we putting up with the status quo, just because it’s harder to rebel, and risk being ostracized?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
9th station: Jesus falls for the third time
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
At long last, Jesus, ably assisted by Simon, reaches Golgotha. Jesus finds his own body too heavy to carry, let alone the cross, and he throws himself, face first, onto an uneven surface laden with gravel. Simon groans, and uses every last muscular fiber to counteract, and escape from being crushed under the mighty, intimidating load on his back. He looks Jesus in the eye. A momentary glance, from a face, filled with bruises and blood, to a point that it’s unrecognizable. It says so much, without saying anything at all. He perceives and acknowledges the gesture of gratitude.
Jesus says in Matthew 25:45, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” There is not a drop of humanity, kindness and pity in any of the guards, as they toy around with Simon and Jesus, yell at and mock them, constantly. Were the guards indeed stone-hearted, or were they blinded by the role they were playing? How do we treat the less fortunate, and is it the same when we are with colleagues and friends? Do we always stand up for our beliefs and value system, or are there frequent exceptions, because of peer pressure, societal image and status?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
10th station: Jesus is stripped off his garments
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
“Get up, your majesty! Can’t you get up? We haven’t got all day. Come on! Move, we’re ready. Get up, your highness.” The guards rush Jesus, treating him like dirt. It’s just another day at the office, for them. One more criminal, one more crucifixion. Jesus musters up the courage, and gets up on his feet. He’s knocked back down. The guards couldn’t care less, and are taking him for granted. They’re entertaining themselves, at His expense. Jesus looks up to the heavens, and is shoved from behind. A guard grabs hold of his cloak, and yanks it, wildly. He does it again a few times. They don’t get on with it, even then. It is torn to shreds, and the roll of a dice decides to whom each piece goes.
He is robbed, violated and forced to let go of every remotest trace of modesty, when the cloak is taken off. The open cuts, the blood and purulence, make it harder for the rug to be separated from His skin. The despair and shame, of being exposed, abused and chastised, is being swallowed up and internalized, as Jesus observes in deafening silence.
What were the thoughts going through Jesus’s mind, as he witnessed the ghastly depths of disparagement that people can stoop to? We often stop at nothing when a scapegoat is identified, to troll or poke fun at, and forget that there are always two sides to a story. There might come a time when the roles are reversed. Do we misuse a position of power and take liberties, to manipulate and exploit people who are relatively inexperienced and comparatively weaker, in a given context?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
11th station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
We would be on the verge of bringing the roof down if we feel the prick of a pin or stub a toe, but Jesus looked at his palm as the guard held a nail, the size of a chisel, and loaded up his hammer, to land a blow. Blood splatters out, he goes again, and again. The excruciating pain, and the shockwaves from the impact, make Jesus’s body shudder, with every jolt. One hand is nailed. The right palm is a few inches away from the hole for it to be nailed. A guard gets a firm grip of the rope, tied to His wrist and with one single jerk, aligns the hole with the palm. His shoulder joint must have got dislocated and separated. The hole in the palm must have been ripped open.
“Father, forgive them.”, Jesus pleads, as the nails are driven through, furiously, and come out on the other side, of the thick log of wood. Jesus gasps for breath. His legs are placed on the column, to gauge the position of the footrest, and it is fitted in place. Both the legs are held together, one over the other, upon the plank. The guards grin at each other, deriving sadistic pleasure, and strike the first blow, straight through the middle of his left foot. Jesus yells in anguish, “Father… Father, my Father… my God… They don’t know… they don’t know…”
How do we deal with pain? Do we embrace it and take it on the chin, or look for the easiest outlet to vent out our anger, irritation and frustration, caused by the hardship? Do we carry our own daily crosses with poise and dignity, like Jesus did?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
12th station: Jesus dies on the cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The other bandit tells the chief of the Pharisees, “Listen, he prays for you.” He continues to say, “We deserve this, Gesmas, but He does not. I have sinned, and my punishment is just. You would be justified in condemning me. I only ask that you remember me, Lord, when you enter your Kingdom.” Jesus responds, saying, “Amen, I tell you, on this day you shall be with me, in paradise.” Gesmas laughs hysterically, in delusion and sarcasm. Realizing that the time has come, Jesus looks up and cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? It is accomplished. Father, into your hands, I commend… my spirit.” With that, he breathed his last.
Let us all kneel for a moment… (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
There must have been a sense of relief and contentment, upon bringing His Father’s will to fruition. It might be fair to say that all the earthly misery was insignificant, in comparison to the heavenly elation and glory.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
13th station: Jesus is taken down from the cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Under the Cross, stand Mary, his Mother, Mary Magdalene and a few apostles. A wealthy man, Joseph of Arimathea, offers his own empty tomb to bury Jesus. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin also comes along. Even in the Sanhedrin, which decreed his death, there is a believer, someone who knows and recognizes Jesus after his death. In this hour of immense grief, of darkness and despair, the light of hope is mysteriously present.
Mary holds the lifeless body of Jesus in her arms. She’s grown pale and stares blankly, at the handful of people around her. Her beloved son, who was forever obedient to His mother, has been mercilessly, scourged, tortured, abused, mocked, stripped and hung. Her life revolved around Jesus. She is living through her worst nightmare. Her mind is numb and incapable of functioning normally. She looks on, cold and withdrawn, as her son was wrapped in a shroud, with herbs and spices, in preparation for burial.
May the Lord comfort the parents, who hear the news of their child’s passing. May they receive all the support they need, and a shoulder to lean on, as they go through the most trying times of their lives, one that leaves a scar that lingers on, for the rest of their days.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
14th station: Jesus is laid in the tomb
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The finest exponent of love gets some in return, when He’s departed from this physical body. What goes around; comes back around. Jesus’s life was a masterclass in altruism. Seldom was he at the receiving end, but when he was, a couple of good Samaritans stepped up on His final journey, and answered the call. Acts of kindness go a long way, and could potentially make a world of difference, for the beneficiary. A tomb might not have been a materially significant donation for a man like Joseph, but the intent will be remembered for time immemorial. Just as the inn-keeper offered a shabby manger, because that’s all he had, for the Son of Man to be introduced into this world, so did Joseph, when the Son of God needed a final resting place.
Our desires never end. We keep upgrading our goals, and expanding our portfolios, as that is the norm for getting ahead in life. We choose to turn a blind eye towards those in need, for fear that lending a hand would weaken us, and set a problematic precedent. Paul quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give, than receive.” May we receive the strength and courage, to open our hearts and minds, to those who are genuinely in need.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
Concluding Prayer
O my Jesus, we’ve followed you on every step of that onerous path. You could have talked your way out of it, to Pilate; surrendered when chunks of flesh were being dug out, with every whip; collapsed when a tree was loaded on your back. Instead, you chose to fulfill the prophecy, embrace the cross, forgive the guards, despite the bestial assault you were subjected to. May we strive to be like you O Lord, lead better lives, and become worthy of being called a Christian.
Amen
Dear Jesus, I stand before you today, unworthy and ashamed. My life revolves around petty chores, that lead nowhere. Give me the grace, O Lord, to vicariously immerse myself, with all of my heart, mind and soul, and accompany You, in every step, of Your passion.
1st station: Jesus is condemned to death
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Meditation: Jesus prays with vehemence and a sense of paranoia, at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Son of God's final frontier, as the Son of Man; is inevitable, and drawing near. We're known to have near death experiences, where our life flashes before our eyes. Jesus stood at the cusp, of surrendering Himself, and resigning, while earnestly praying for pardon, from the most agonizing, excruciating, torturous, slow and merciless kind of death, ever known to man. Jesus says, "Father, you can do all things. If it is possible, let this chalice pass from me... But let Your will be done, not mine." A prospect so daunting, even for Jesus to undergo. Jesus says, "Judas... You betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
Reflection: Is there a greater sin? Is it possible to live in a world, void of trust? Jesus knew all along, but can we spare a thought for Judas, when he came to terms with the full repercussions of his deeds? How many times have we stabbed people in the back, to get one-up on them? Do we aspire to lead lives of honesty and integrity, in this day and age? What has the world come to?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
2nd station: Jesus takes up His cross We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus is shackled to a trunk. The Savior's hands, that were used miraculously to heal Malchus's ear, not too long ago, are being placed on a log of wood, used by butchers at the abattoir, to chop meat. Just as the flagellation begins, Jesus whispers, "My heart is ready, Father... My heart is ready." The guards stop to catch a breath, they've exerted every last ounce of energy, in relentlessly whipping a faultless man. The flesh is exposed, and blood is oozing out of all parts. His whole being is writhing in torment. A razor-sharp crown of thorns, is placed on His head, and forced into His skin, with a stick. Pilate washes off his hands, and says to the chief of the Pharisees, "It is you who want to crucify him, not I. Look you into it. I am innocent of this man's blood." The rabble leaves the citadel. Jesus is made to pick up His cross. He says, "I am your servant, Father. Your servant, and the son of Your handmaid."
How many times do we choose to play it safe? To sit on the fence? To respond saying the jury is still out on the matter? When a slight dilemma creeps in, we're quick to backtrack and retract. When life isn't a bed of roses, it is but natural for us ordinary humans, to feel cursed, and abandoned. By hugging the gargantuan cross, that bore the burden of the world's iniquities, Jesus stood up to the demands, and delivered, right to the end.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
3rd station: Jesus falls for the first time We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
It wasn't even a week ago that Jesus was given a jubilant, heroic welcome into the city of Jerusalem. He was given a guard of honor, fit for a king, and His people adorned the path with palm branches and cloaks. The Prince of Peace soaked in the applause, as He rode along on a donkey. Within a span of a few days, the very same people were hurling abuses, manifesting derision and mockery. A few others were naive, indifferent spectators, tagging along with the mob. Jesus's knees buckled under the enormous load, after being deliberately shoved by a guard. Besides a few of his closest apostles, mother Mary and Mary Magdalene, no one else was by his side.
Aren't we constantly calculating the most rewarding scenario? Be it a job or a relationship, loyalty is a rarity these days. We live in a materialistic world, where return on investment is paramount, and we're always looking to milk and extract every given situation. When tough times come, you know who your true friends really are.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
4th station: Jesus meets his Mother
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
John identifies an alleyway, that helps them get ahead of the crowd, and catch a passing glimpse of Jesus. As they cross paths, their eyes meet. Mary rushes to protect her beloved son, who is being beaten to a pulp. "I'm here", she says. What must have been going through Her mind, at that very instance? Jesus gazes upon her countenance and touches her face. He says, "See, mother, I make all things new." An onlooking guard is moved by the interaction he's witnessed, and asks a fellow guard, "Who is that?" "She's the Galilean's mother." He replies, and nudges him to move on.
There is an innate, profound and deep-rooted bond, that permeates the core of a mother and her child. A child lives and breathes in the mother's womb for a while, as a sentient being, before being born, in the literal sense. No other human being, on the face of the earth, knows the child, viscerally, better than the mother. In that bleak and abysmal moment, of utter hopelessness and devastation, Jesus ignites hope. He's looking at the greater good, the bigger picture, and wants her to know, that there is light at the end of the tunnel. As people, we choose to whine, crib and rant about all the things that are bad. In the process, the bright side gets brushed under the carpet. This creates an absurd influx of cynicism, nihilism and toxic negativity. Do we have the courage to trust in the plan of God, accept all that comes our way, the good and especially the unfavorable, with open arms?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
5th station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
On the ascent, towards the Mount of Calvary, Jesus grimaced as He was whipped, shoved and prodded along. The psychological strain only exacerbated the toll on His body, from the unforgiving drudgery of the cross on His shoulder. Abenader arrives on his horse, and brings the proceedings to a halt. He commands the guards saying, "Are you blind? Can't you see, he can't go on? Help him!" The orders seem to be more strategic, than empathetic. The guard spots Simon moving in the crowd, and says, "You, yes you! Get over here!" Simon budges, saying, "All right, but remember, I'm an innocent man, forced to carry the cross of a condemned man." He tells his daughter, "Stay here. Wait for me." Simon assisted in carrying the cross, not by suo moto willingness, but by coercion. To his defense, Simon was a pagan and had no idea of who Jesus was. Given the circumstances, the compassion and the bravado displayed by Simon, to come forward, and lend Jesus a helping hand, is worthy of the highest praise.
How do we react, when we are cornered? We must pray for the grace to take the right decisions, in crucial moments, to have the clarity of thought and a well-defined rationale, around a particular choice. The wisdom bestowed upon Simon was instrumental in Jesus carrying on, all the way to the summit.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
6th station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The agitated and unruly mob barges in and blocks the path. Jesus gently goes down to the ground, and Simon rests the cross against a wall. Amidst the chaos, Veronica approaches Jesus, and says, "Permit me, my Lord." She offers Him a plain strip of cloth. Jesus takes it, and dabs His face with it. He returns it to her. Veronica holds on to it like a precious ornament, and kisses the sweat and blood of Jesus. Veronica, is known to be the woman that was healed of severe menstrual bleeding, for over twelve years, when she touched the edge of Jesus' cloak. Veronica was a devout woman, with an unshakeable belief and trust in Jesus. She's now seeing her master, a miracle worker, a savior and a life giver, in the garb of a condemned criminal, facing the harshest corporal punishment. How her heart must have sank, witnessing the plight. Even in that state grave misery, she did not lose heart, she ran up to him when she got the opportunity, offered him a cloth and some water. She did the best she possibly could.
Do we give heed to the moral compass within our conscience, to be thankful? Or, is it mere lip service and used judiciously, as and when convenient? Do we even bother to remember people, who have played an important role in shaping our lives, and making us who we are? Do we do things only if we see a prospective benefit, in the foreseeable future?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
7th station: Jesus falls for the second time
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
As they make their way up to Golgotha, the gradient is unforgiving. Jesus is famished, and emaciated. Simon takes charge, and becomes the driving force behind the mission. He cajoles their spirits, and provides much needed motivation. "Almost there. We're nearly there. Almost done.", he says. Simon, to whom Jesus was a stranger, until he was forced to help Him carry His cross, has quickly grown into a close aide and confidant. His reluctance is now a thing of the past. It isn't just a piece of wood on his shoulders, but the weight of all of humanity's transgressions. Simon must have understood that Jesus was no ordinary man, as mere mortals would have perished and succumbed along the way. This man that he was helping, had inconceivable thresholds of grit, valor, tenacity and fortitude. He was relentless, in His pursuit.
Do we take the trouble to go above and beyond the call of duty, and step up, when the chips are down? When things aren't conducive, and not going to plan, when you aren't being given what you're promised, we're quick to pull out, and stir up a storm. But do we put ourselves in the other person's shoes, and try and get a feel for how things look from their vantage point, and whether we can contribute constructively, in any way, shape or form?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls...
8th station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus says in Luke 23:28, "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." He goes on to say, in verse 31, "For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" The proverb here plainly means: if such sufferings alight upon the innocent One, the very Lamb of God, what must be in store for those who are provoking the flames? The implication is that the sinner is akin to a dry tree, and the cost of remorse of conscience is far greater to bear.
We can see that Jesus is steadily gravitating towards being the Son of God, and distancing Himself from his earthly identity. He’s surpassed physical pain, and strife. These are feelings, emotions and sensations that can be overwhelming for most. Jesus has attained a stage of superior self-control, one that subdues these minutiae. The passion and the crucifixion were not just parts of yet brutal mode of execution. It was symbolic, a culmination of prophecies made in the past, and a definitive moment in history, that redefined time itself, as we know it. Do we frequently get entangled, and caught up, in this convoluted labyrinth of a routine, that we adhere to and religiously comply with, without stepping back and objectively analyzing it? Are we slaves to society and its ways? Do we have a clear end goal in mind, or are we putting up with the status quo, just because it’s harder to rebel, and risk being ostracized?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
9th station: Jesus falls for the third time
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
At long last, Jesus, ably assisted by Simon, reaches Golgotha. Jesus finds his own body too heavy to carry, let alone the cross, and he throws himself, face first, onto an uneven surface laden with gravel. Simon groans, and uses every last muscular fiber to counteract, and escape from being crushed under the mighty, intimidating load on his back. He looks Jesus in the eye. A momentary glance, from a face, filled with bruises and blood, to a point that it’s unrecognizable. It says so much, without saying anything at all. He perceives and acknowledges the gesture of gratitude.
Jesus says in Matthew 25:45, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” There is not a drop of humanity, kindness and pity in any of the guards, as they toy around with Simon and Jesus, yell at and mock them, constantly. Were the guards indeed stone-hearted, or were they blinded by the role they were playing? How do we treat the less fortunate, and is it the same when we are with colleagues and friends? Do we always stand up for our beliefs and value system, or are there frequent exceptions, because of peer pressure, societal image and status?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
10th station: Jesus is stripped off his garments
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
“Get up, your majesty! Can’t you get up? We haven’t got all day. Come on! Move, we’re ready. Get up, your highness.” The guards rush Jesus, treating him like dirt. It’s just another day at the office, for them. One more criminal, one more crucifixion. Jesus musters up the courage, and gets up on his feet. He’s knocked back down. The guards couldn’t care less, and are taking him for granted. They’re entertaining themselves, at His expense. Jesus looks up to the heavens, and is shoved from behind. A guard grabs hold of his cloak, and yanks it, wildly. He does it again a few times. They don’t get on with it, even then. It is torn to shreds, and the roll of a dice decides to whom each piece goes.
He is robbed, violated and forced to let go of every remotest trace of modesty, when the cloak is taken off. The open cuts, the blood and purulence, make it harder for the rug to be separated from His skin. The despair and shame, of being exposed, abused and chastised, is being swallowed up and internalized, as Jesus observes in deafening silence.
What were the thoughts going through Jesus’s mind, as he witnessed the ghastly depths of disparagement that people can stoop to? We often stop at nothing when a scapegoat is identified, to troll or poke fun at, and forget that there are always two sides to a story. There might come a time when the roles are reversed. Do we misuse a position of power and take liberties, to manipulate and exploit people who are relatively inexperienced and comparatively weaker, in a given context?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
11th station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
We would be on the verge of bringing the roof down if we feel the prick of a pin or stub a toe, but Jesus looked at his palm as the guard held a nail, the size of a chisel, and loaded up his hammer, to land a blow. Blood splatters out, he goes again, and again. The excruciating pain, and the shockwaves from the impact, make Jesus’s body shudder, with every jolt. One hand is nailed. The right palm is a few inches away from the hole for it to be nailed. A guard gets a firm grip of the rope, tied to His wrist and with one single jerk, aligns the hole with the palm. His shoulder joint must have got dislocated and separated. The hole in the palm must have been ripped open.
“Father, forgive them.”, Jesus pleads, as the nails are driven through, furiously, and come out on the other side, of the thick log of wood. Jesus gasps for breath. His legs are placed on the column, to gauge the position of the footrest, and it is fitted in place. Both the legs are held together, one over the other, upon the plank. The guards grin at each other, deriving sadistic pleasure, and strike the first blow, straight through the middle of his left foot. Jesus yells in anguish, “Father… Father, my Father… my God… They don’t know… they don’t know…”
How do we deal with pain? Do we embrace it and take it on the chin, or look for the easiest outlet to vent out our anger, irritation and frustration, caused by the hardship? Do we carry our own daily crosses with poise and dignity, like Jesus did?
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
12th station: Jesus dies on the cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The other bandit tells the chief of the Pharisees, “Listen, he prays for you.” He continues to say, “We deserve this, Gesmas, but He does not. I have sinned, and my punishment is just. You would be justified in condemning me. I only ask that you remember me, Lord, when you enter your Kingdom.” Jesus responds, saying, “Amen, I tell you, on this day you shall be with me, in paradise.” Gesmas laughs hysterically, in delusion and sarcasm. Realizing that the time has come, Jesus looks up and cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? It is accomplished. Father, into your hands, I commend… my spirit.” With that, he breathed his last.
Let us all kneel for a moment… (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be)
There must have been a sense of relief and contentment, upon bringing His Father’s will to fruition. It might be fair to say that all the earthly misery was insignificant, in comparison to the heavenly elation and glory.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
13th station: Jesus is taken down from the cross
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
Under the Cross, stand Mary, his Mother, Mary Magdalene and a few apostles. A wealthy man, Joseph of Arimathea, offers his own empty tomb to bury Jesus. Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin also comes along. Even in the Sanhedrin, which decreed his death, there is a believer, someone who knows and recognizes Jesus after his death. In this hour of immense grief, of darkness and despair, the light of hope is mysteriously present.
Mary holds the lifeless body of Jesus in her arms. She’s grown pale and stares blankly, at the handful of people around her. Her beloved son, who was forever obedient to His mother, has been mercilessly, scourged, tortured, abused, mocked, stripped and hung. Her life revolved around Jesus. She is living through her worst nightmare. Her mind is numb and incapable of functioning normally. She looks on, cold and withdrawn, as her son was wrapped in a shroud, with herbs and spices, in preparation for burial.
May the Lord comfort the parents, who hear the news of their child’s passing. May they receive all the support they need, and a shoulder to lean on, as they go through the most trying times of their lives, one that leaves a scar that lingers on, for the rest of their days.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
14th station: Jesus is laid in the tomb
We adore thee, O Christ and we praise Thee, for by Thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world.
The finest exponent of love gets some in return, when He’s departed from this physical body. What goes around; comes back around. Jesus’s life was a masterclass in altruism. Seldom was he at the receiving end, but when he was, a couple of good Samaritans stepped up on His final journey, and answered the call. Acts of kindness go a long way, and could potentially make a world of difference, for the beneficiary. A tomb might not have been a materially significant donation for a man like Joseph, but the intent will be remembered for time immemorial. Just as the inn-keeper offered a shabby manger, because that’s all he had, for the Son of Man to be introduced into this world, so did Joseph, when the Son of God needed a final resting place.
Our desires never end. We keep upgrading our goals, and expanding our portfolios, as that is the norm for getting ahead in life. We choose to turn a blind eye towards those in need, for fear that lending a hand would weaken us, and set a problematic precedent. Paul quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give, than receive.” May we receive the strength and courage, to open our hearts and minds, to those who are genuinely in need.
Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us. May the souls…
Concluding Prayer
O my Jesus, we’ve followed you on every step of that onerous path. You could have talked your way out of it, to Pilate; surrendered when chunks of flesh were being dug out, with every whip; collapsed when a tree was loaded on your back. Instead, you chose to fulfill the prophecy, embrace the cross, forgive the guards, despite the bestial assault you were subjected to. May we strive to be like you O Lord, lead better lives, and become worthy of being called a Christian.
Amen
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