Seventh Station

One of the reasons the Stations of the Cross remains an enduring spiritual practice is because it allows people to practice walking the path of Jesus. Likewise, the practice helps people mature in their understanding of Christ. If Jesus’, birth, life, death, and resurrection remain as historical facts—once upon a time in Jerusalem—their implication is quite different than God’s continued presence in our own birth, life, death—and God willing, resurrection.

One of the ways I teach the life of Christ is by using films, songs, and literature that offer examples of a hero’s journey. Of course, allegory and myth are important. They are also not the same as faith. When one can the use tools of culture to see spiritual truth; it becomes even more important to use spiritual truth to look at our own lives and culture.

Jesus Falls a Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Surely he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. For the transgression of my people he was stricken.

But as for me, I am a worm and no man: Scorned by all and despised by the people.

Almighty and ever living God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walkin the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have Mercy upon us.