Stations of the Cross 2020

Today is the Wednesday of Holy Week, and would also normally be our final day in school of the Spring Term.  Usually, we would be walking around our school grounds in the peaceful sunshine, reflecting on the Stations of the Cross.  So this year, we have uploaded them for you to reflect on as a family at home.

What are the ‘Stations of the Cross?’

They are 14 pictures that show Jesus’ journey as he walked to his crucifixion and was then taken to his tomb.

How do Christians use them?

Many Catholics look at the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week to help them think about Jesus’ journey. By thinking about Jesus Christ’s last day, we hope to remember and understand Jesus’ suffering. The Stations of the Cross help us to think deeply and pray.

Today, we would like to join together as a community of St Mary's Mates to reflect on the Stations of the Cross.

How to join in:

The pictures of the Stations of the Cross will appear, in the right order, in the photographs below.  Please click on the photograph of the Station, and then read the matching reflection from the following list.

Before we begin:

We offer all of our prayers today for our school community, our families and friends, and everyone who has been affected by the Coronavirus. 

Lord, watch over us all, keep us safe, comfort us and guide us through this challenging time.

Amen.

The fourteen Stations of the Cross

1. Jesus is condemned to death. 

Jesus was accused of many crimes he didn’t commit. He didn’t defend himself. He knew he needed to die for our sins.

Prayer: Jesus, I often get defensive when I know I have done something wrong. Help me be honest. Please give me the strength not to accuse others of doing wrong.

2. Jesus accepts the cross. 

The cross was big and heavy. It was hard for Jesus to carry. But Jesus carried the heavy cross without complaining once.

Prayer: Sometimes schoolwork or jobs at home are hard for me and I complain. Jesus, please help me not to complain. I want to keep trying, even when I find something hard.

3. Jesus falls the first time. 

Jesus was already badly wounded when he fell the first time. It must have hurt a lot. Jesus got up and kept on going.

Prayer: When we don’t succeed in school or when we lose in a sporting activity, it can make us feel defeated. Jesus was hurt but never defeated. Jesus, please fill me with your attitude of hope and victory even if I am not succeeding.

4. Jesus meets his mother. 

Jesus knew that his mother was sad to see him suffering so much. But he was so happy she came to him. Mary loved Jesus very much.

Prayer: Our parents love us very much, and sometimes we don’t let them hug us and care for us because we are mad or sad or don’t want them to see us in trouble. Jesus, I thank you for my parents and their love for me.

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus. 

Simon didn’t come to help Jesus but to see what was going on. Then he was ordered by the soldiers to carry the cross, because Jesus was having such a hard time.

Prayer: Sometimes I don’t want to help my friends, brothers and sisters or parents when I am told to. Jesus, help me to know that when I help others, it is like I am helping you. Please give me the strength to be kind and helpful.

6. Veronica wipes Jesus’ face. 

Veronica loved Jesus very much. When she stepped out to wipe his face, she risked getting into trouble with the soldiers. Her love and kindness overcame her fear.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to love you like Veronica. Help me to be brave and to love others who are unpopular.

7. Jesus falls a second time. 

Jesus fell again because he was so weak and tired from all his wounds. He still didn’t give up. He got back up and continued on.

Prayer: Think of something that makes you feel weak, something that is hard for you to do. Ask Jesus to help you with this.

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. 

A lot of people were against Jesus, but a lot of people followed him. They were his faithful friends.

Prayer: Please help me to be a faithful friend. When my friends are going through a hard time or are being made fun of, give me the courage Lord to stand by them, help them and be a true friend.

9. Jesus falls a third time. 

It is unbelievable to think that Jesus fell yet again and the soldiers didn’t help him. They only yelled louder for him to get up and continue on. Jesus didn’t get mad at them; he forgave them.

Prayer: Sometimes people say or do hurtful things to us or don’t help us when we need them. Jesus, help me to forgive everyone like you did. Help me not to get angry or to hold a grudge against someone who has hurt me.

10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes. 

To be stripped of dignity in front of everyone is a humiliating thing. Jesus wasn’t ashamed because he knew his Father in Heaven loved him and everyone who was there.

Prayer: Jesus, I know how much you and your Father love me.  With your love, I will never be embarrassed or ashamed.

11. Jesus is crucified. 

The soldiers drove nails through Jesus’ hands and feet. They lifted up the cross and put it in place. Jesus was in a lot of pain.

Prayer: Many people suffer pain every day from being sick, hungry, poor, and because of war or natural disasters. Jesus, please comfort everyone who is in pain today.

12. Jesus dies on the cross. 

When Jesus died, the sky got dark and the ground started to shake. This made some people very scared. They saw that Jesus was innocent and that they had made a big mistake.

Prayer: Jesus, please help me to admit when I make mistakes. Help me to say I’m sorry. Thank you for always forgiving me. I love you, and I want to do the right thing.

13. Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross. 

Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus his own burial cave because Jesus didn’t have a place to be buried. Joseph was another one of Jesus’ friends who took a risk to help him.

Prayer: Sometimes it is risky to step out and help people who are in need. Jesus, I want to be a person who stands up and helps others. Please give me love and courage.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb. 

Even when things look very difficult and sad, there is always hope that God can bring new life.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe that you died and rose again from the dead so that I could have new life. Thank you Lord!