SOUL CARE PRESENTSStations of the Cross

on the Way to the Cross…

HOLY WEEK 2020 ~ ONLINEThis packet follows the stations of the cross and is intended to enable you to “walk” the stations from your own home. Ordinarily we would have large poster size copies of each

of the paintings, music playing and chairs for you to sit as you move from station to station throughout our Sanctuary. Since we are all, “safe at home,” this is a way we can walk the

stations in community. If you can, you may want to download or listen to music on iTunes. I recommend googling an “allegri miserere”…many options there. Or another favorite is

cello music of YoYo Ma. Whatever music soothes and invites you on your journey.

belairpres.org/holyweek @belair_church

Welcome to the Stations of the Cross.

Some of the art you will see as you walk the stations may be familiar by known artists, and others less so.

WHY DO THE STATIONS?

The most important reason for reviving the practice of the Stations of the Cross is that it is a powerful way to contemplate and enter into the mystery of Jesus’ gift of Himself for us. It takes the reflection on the passion out of our heads, and makes it an imaginative and visible experience through art. It invites you to involve your senses, your experience, and emotions. To the extent that you come today to experience the love of Jesus for YOU, the gratitude you feel will be deep. Deep gratitude leads to true generosity and a desire to love as you have been loved.

THE HISTORY OF THE STATIONS:

From earliest days, followers of Jesus Christ told the story of His passion, death, and resurrection. We read it in Scripture but it was told verbally as well. Pilgrims would come to Jerusalem, as they do to this day, to see the sites and places where Jesus walked, lived, suffered, and died. These sites have become important holy connections with Jesus. Eventually, following in the footsteps of the Lord, along the way of the cross, became part of this pilgrimage visit. The stations, as we know them today, came about when it was no longer easy or even possible to visit the holy sites in person. In the 1500’s, villages all over Europe started creating “replicas” of the way of the cross, the Via Dolorosa. Small shrines were erected and became what we know as the 14 stations. Many churches incorporated stations in the architecture of their churches or cathedrals. In the Roman Catholic Church, the stations have some variation.

We have depicted in the 14 stations you will see here, the stories we read in the Gospels. One of our common struggles is to realize we are not alone. The Good News is that Jesus entered into our life’s experience completely—even suffering and death—and that He fell into the hands of a loving God, who raised Him from death to life. We can have complete hope that suffering and death have no complete hold on us. We can all share eternal life with Him…falling into the hands of that same loving God. And along the way, we are not alone! Jesus is with us as one who knows our suffering, our need, and the death we will face. This is a deep consolation.

HOW TO DO THE STATIONS?

The Context or Point:

The first point to note is that this is prayer. It isn’t an intellectual exercise. It is in the context of your relationship with God. This is an invitation to enter into a faith experience of who Jesus is for you. It becomes prayer when you open your heart to be touched, and it leads and invites you to express your responses in prayer—and silence—which is a prayer.

The second thing to remember is that this is an imaginative exercise. Its purpose is not a historical examination of “what really happened on that day in history.” It’s about something more profound. This is an opportunity to use this long standing Christian prayer and let Jesus touch your heart by showing you the depth of His love for you. The context is the historical fact that Jesus was made to carry the instrument of His death, from the place where He was condemned to die, to Calvary where He died. He was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb.

The religious context is that today, Jesus wants to use any means available to move our hearts to know His love for us! These copies of pieces of art and the questions for reflection invite you to use your imagination as you visualize the “meaning” of His passion and death.

This will lead us to gratitude and to a sense of community and solidarity with all who walk the Via Dolorosa this day. In this extraordinary time for our world, our country, our church, and each of us in light of Covid 19, we are connected to the suffering of the world in a different way. May this experience help us to be more compassionate with other’s suffering, and the suffering of Jesus.

Journeying with Jesus on the Stations of the Cross…

Just go from one station to the next, in order.You will be given the number and a title for the station.

Consider the scene or picture you see. Picture yourself there. How do you respond? Contemplate the painting before looking at the packet. Allow space for the Holy Spirit to reveal insight to you.

If the questions and suggestions for contemplation do not connect with you, let God speak to you as you need.

Try not to rush. Listen to and for the heartbeat of Jesus!

The Fourteen Stations of the Cross Summary

First Station- Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane

Second Station- Jesus is Betrayed by Judas

Third Station- Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin

Fourth Station- Jesus is Denied by Peter

Fifth Station- Jesus is Judged by Pilate

Sixth Station- Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns

Seventh Station- Jesus Bears His Cross

Eighth Station- Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrene to Carry the Cross

Ninth Station- Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

Tenth Station- Jesus is Crucified

Eleventh Station- Jesus Promised His Kingdom to the Good Thief

Twelfth Station- Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple

Thirteenth Station- Jesus Dies on the Cross

Fourteenth Station- The Tomb

*All Scripture is New Revised Standard Version

God bless your journey,

Rev. Care CrawfordPastor of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care

FIRST STATIONJesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane

Painting entitled: Christ at the Garden of GethsemaneArtist: Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi

Matthew 26:36–41Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then He said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with Me.’ And going a little farther, He threw Himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not what I want but what You want.’ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and He said to

Peter, ‘So, could you not stay awake with Me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’

Questions:

• Take a moment and look at this painting up close and then step back and view it from a little further away. What strikes you most as you look? Where is Jesus and who else do you you see in the painting?

• As you view this scene and picture, imagine yourself there. Imagine what Jesus was thinking, feeling and praying. Have there been seasons in your life or specific times when you have been filled with sorrow or grief? What was happening within you at those times?

• On the dark sides of the painting there are figures of people, hidden in the shadows. Is the the artist’s depiction of the Garden? What are the shadows where you hide in life? Imagine yourself in the shadows by the trees. What are you thinking, what are you feeling, where are you looking?

• Are there shadows or dark places in your life right now? Can you name them and pray about them?

• Have you cried out to God in your sorrow? What was that like? Did you sense His presence? How is Jesus’ prayer asking for the cup to pass from Him a model for you?

• Gethsemane is a combination into English of two Hebrew words, ‘GAT’ and ‘SHMANIM,’ and is taken to mean “the place where olive oil is pressed.” Olive presses are found in Israel and throughout the Mediterranean region. At an olive press, olives were gathered into rough sacks and stacked one on top of another. A beam was lowered onto the stack and increasing weight was added to the end of the beam to press oil from the olives. The more pressure, the more oil. Olive oil, in the symbolism of the Bible, is a picture of the presence of the Spirit of God (Gen 28:16–18). Oil was used for anointing priests (Exo 29:7 and Lev 8:12), and kings (1 Sam 10:1 and 2 Sam 2:4). It was also used to bring light (Exo 27:20) from the menorah in the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Olive oil is produced under pressure. It brings joy to those who produce it (Psa 45:7, Isa 61:1–3, and Heb 1:9).

Where is your “Gethsemane?”—Your place of great emotional, mental, spiritual suffering?

Your place of prayer?

• What are the “cups” you are asking God to hold or have pass from your life right now? Who would you take with you to pray in times of need—or who would you ask? Who are your “go to” people? How would it feel to you if you asked someone to be with you in a crisis and they came and fell asleep- or didn’t pay attention to your need?

• Jesus was disappointed to find the disciples asleep. When have you experienced disappointment by a fellow follower as you have asked something of them? What did you do?

• Take some time to talk to God. What “cup” have you been asked to drink in this life? How are you responding? Do you identify with the phrase: “the spirit is willing but the body is weak.”?

SECOND STATIONJesus is Betrayed by Judas

Painting Entitled: The Betrayalc.1861–1940

Artist: William Henry Margetson

Luke 22:47–48While He was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss

that you are betraying the Son of Man?’

Matthew 26:47–50 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I

will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him

Questions:

• Betrayal—it is such a powerful word! When have you felt betrayed? By whom? How do you feel when betrayed by a friend or someone close to you? How do you respond? How does that get reconciled? Spend some time talking with God about when others have betrayed you, or you have betrayed another. Ask for forgiveness and pray to be forgiving!

• Jesus calls his betrayer “friend,” and indeed, Judas had been a friend/disciple of Jesus. How did Jesus feel being betrayed by his friend? How did He respond? How did Judas feel hearing Jesus call him “friend”? How did he respond?

• Look at the picture before you. What strikes you about Jesus in this painting? How do you picture Jesus?

• Notice the artist’s portrayal of Judas and his hand touching Jesus. What does this say to you? Why do you think Judas kissed Jesus?

• Notice the figure in the front right of the picture. Who is this? What is he doing?

• Look at the person with hands raised to the left of Judas. Who is that person? What is that person doing/thinking/feeling? Look at the crowds in the back left. How are they feeling? What are they thinking?

• Where are you in this scene? Are we all like Judas sometimes?

• This garden scene is so different from the first station- notice the colors and flowers. The first station is muted and evokes solitude; this is “brighter” and evokes WHAT in you?

• The themes of light and darkness are throughout this painting. Take some time to consider them visually here. Where in your own life do you recognize LIGHT and DARK? What does that mean to you? What do they symbolize in Scripture?

• Take some time to pray about this and ask the Lord for anything you might need from Him as it relates to this picture or Scripture.

THIRD STATIONJesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin

Painting entitled: Jesus Brought before Caiaphas and the Councilc. 1846–1917

Artist: William Brassey Hole

Matthew 26: 57–68 Those who had arrested Jesus took Him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders

had gathered. But Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. Now the chief priests and the whole council

were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said, “Have You no answer? What is it that they testify against You?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I put You under oath before the Living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard His blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in His face

and struck Him; and some slapped Him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?”

Questions:

• At first glance, what strikes you most about this painting? The color? The people?

• Which person do you think is Caiaphas?

• Imagine you are in the crowd of the council…observing this scene. What do you think you would be feeling? What do you think is the look on Jesus face?

• Read the Scripture from Matthew 26. Do you think Peter is depicted in this picture by the painter? If so, where is he?

• What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven?”

• Have you been falsely accused of something? How does it feel?

• Think about this picture and the entire scene…is it loud? What is being said? Where are people pointing? Notice the design of the floor and the elaborate columns…

FOURTH STATIONJesus is Denied by Peter

Painting entitled: Apostle Peter Denies Christ1660

Artist: Rembrandt Van Rijin

Matthew 26:69–75

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, ‘You also were with Jesus the Galilean.’ But he denied it before all of them, saying, ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’ When he

went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, ‘This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.’ Again he denied it with an oath, ‘I do not know the man.’ After a little while the bystanders came up and

said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.’ Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, ‘I do not know the man!’ At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus

had said: ‘Before the cock crows, you will deny Me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.

Questions:

• Three times Peter denied knowing this man whom he loved. Imagine YOU are Peter. Can you relate to denying what you love?

Which figure in the painting most connects with you?

In what ways are you like Peter? In what ways not so much?

• Notice how the artist uses light. Where is it shining and where does it reflect?

• What is the figure in the forefront holding?

• What does the servant girl in the painting seem to be doing?

• What do you make of the figures in the background? Do you see the figure of Christ there? Peter stands so central in the painting? Does he face Jesus or the threat of soldiers?

What does his open palm/hand toward Christ and his covered/cloaked hand towards the accusers mean to you?

• Here we see the reality of human weakness. How do we embrace that with Peter—when later Christ says to him, “you are a rock and upon this rock I will build my church?” (Matthew 16:18)

• Imagine the shame of denial. Imagine the embarrassment you would feel. Listen in your heart for the rooster to crow. Talk with God about your own times of denial, embarrassment, or shame.

• Be still and listen…

FIFTH STATIONJesus is Judged by Pilate

Painting entitled: Christ before PilateC:1567

Artist: Tintoretto

Matthew 27:21–24The 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!’ Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has He done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let Him be

crucified!’ So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’

Questions:

• “Ecce Homo” are the Latin words (“Behold the Man”) used by Pontius Pilate in the translation of the John 19:5, when he presents a scourged Jesus Christ, bound and crowned with thorns, to a hostile crowd shortly before his Crucifixion.

• Take some time to look at this whole scene. Who do you see? Can you imagine the conversations that might be going on?

• How is Jesus portrayed? What do you notice of the crowds? What is the man in the forefront robed in off-white doing?

• Pilate washed his hands of the responsibility of Jesus’ crucifixion. Have you ever given into the will others at the expense of someone else? Have you been in a position to take a stand and found yourself lacking courage, strength, or determination or WILL to do what you knew to be right? Spend some time to reflect on that now.

• Have you yourself ever been the recipient of someone else’s unfair judgment? What did you do? What did Pilate do?

• What strikes you most in this painting? Take some time to speak with God. Bring before Him whatever has come up for you as you reflect.

God’s grace and love can receive all that we are and all that we are not. He is listening!

SIXTH STATIONJesus is Scourged and Crowned with ThornsPainting entitled: The Crowning with Thorns

C:1607Artist: Caravaggio

Matthew 27:27–31

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on His head. They put a reed in His right hand and knelt before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. After mocking Him, they stripped

Him of the robe and put His own clothes on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.

Questions:

• Take a few minutes to take in the scene and then let your eyes center on Jesus. What do you notice about His posture? His expression? How is He reacting to this humiliation?

• Look at the painting and the light and shadow. Like so many artists this is symbolic and “illuminating”.

Who do you see in the shadows?

What do you notice about the light on Jesus?

Imagine yourself, kneeling by Jesus feet, catching His gaze. What would you be feeling inside as He looks back at you?

• How do you understand the role of suffering in Jesus’ life? In your life? What do you say to God about suffering?

• Sit before the painting and pray with eyes and heart wide open. What do hear as you pray?

The Only Choice “We don’t have the choice of avoiding suffering and going around all these deaths. The only choice we have is between the absurd cross of meaninglessness and the cross of Christ, the death we accept apathetically as a natural end and the death we suffer as a passion…. If in the night of despair the soul does not cease loving “in the void,” then the object of its love can rightly be called ‘God.’”

SufferingDorothee Soelle

An old hymn speaks of the crown He wears and gives other images for the stations we walk. Read these lyrics and consider this peculiar crown!

A Crown of ThornsIra Stanphill ©1952 New Spring

There was no crown for Him of silver or of gold,There was no diadem for Him to hold.But blood adorned His brow, And proud its stain He bore, And sinners gave to Him the crown He wore.

(CHORUS)A rugged cross became His throne His kingdom was in hearts alone He wrote His love in crimson red And wore the thorns upon His head.

He did not reign upon a throne of ivory But died upon the cross of Calvary. For sinners there He counted all He owned but loss And He surveyed His kingdom from a cross.

No purple robe He wore, His bleeding wounds to hide But stripes upon His back He wore with pride. And from the wounds there flowed a crimson, cleansing stream That was a cover for the soul unclean.

SEVENTH STATIONJesus Bears His Cross

Painting entitled: The Procession to Calvaryc. 1564

Artist: Pieter Bruegel the Elder

John 19:16–17Then he handed Him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by Himself,

He went out to what is called ‘The Place of the Skull’, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.

Questions:

• The painting depicts a huge crowd. Take some time to explore all that is in this scene.

• What do you notice? What activity is around?

• Where is Jesus in the scene? What is around Him?

• The group of guards and gawkers accompanying Jesus, who is burdened by the cross, is at the exact center of the painting (although for perspectives sake it has been set back in the middle ground, so you don’t necessarily see it at first). Can you find the two thieves being brought to Calvary on a wagon?

• What must it have been like for Jesus to have been beaten and humiliated?

• Here, Jesus is carrying His cross Himself. Imagine the weight of it. What feelings and prayer does that evoke within you now?

• In the upper right-hand corner, the artist has placed a clearing on a small rise. A crowd has already gathered in a circle. The people’s curiosity has brought them there. One art historian suggests it gives the scene a bitter tone. What do you think the people want to see? Would you have gone to witness this?

• Jesus’ cross represents the weight of all our crosses. With each step, He enters into a more deeply human experience. This is His Via Dolorosa (Latin for: the path of sorrow and grief). What is your own Via Dolorosa? Take some time to consider it, and offer the sorrow and pain to God for His help.

• This Via Dolorosa is for you…place yourself on the journey in this anguish with Jesus. In His freedom, seek to surrender. In His heart, He holds love for you!

• With sorrow and gratitude we journey on! Spend some time to express your love for Him…in silence–with words and no words!

EIGHTH STATIONJesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrene to Carry the Cross

Painting entitled: Jesus Carrying the Cross1535

Artist: Sebastiano del Piombo

Mark 15: 21They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry His cross;

it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Questions:

• Look at all the people in this painting? What do you notice about them?

• Can you imagine how Jesus felt to have someone help Him carry His cross? When has Jesus or others helped carry the crosses you bear?

• How did Simon minister to Jesus?

• Who helps you carry your burdens? Who are your “Simons?”

• What strikes you in this painting?

• Notice the light and shadow in the background? Why do you think they are here?

• Compare this picture with the thought of Jesus carrying the cross alone. Which scene is more typical of your life—going it alone or having Jesus/others help you? Spend some time talking to God about this…and listen to His words to you.

NINTH STATIONJesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

Painting entitled: Jesus Meets the Women of JerusalemArtist: Laura James, 2002

Luke 23: 27–31A great number of the people followed Him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for Him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall

on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’

Questions:

• This is a contemporary rendering of Jesus and the women. What do you notice most? With which figure do you most identify in the painting?

• Notice the contrasts of color within the painting. Where and what are the “colors” you wear and with which you identify? Where are you experiencing darkness? Where are you experiencing light?

• We are invited to walk this road to Calvary with Jesus…do you know what it feels like to lose hope, to be overcome by grief? Do you see His mother here? How do you know?

• What is the significance of Jesus meeting His mother and the women in the Gospel stories of His passion?

• The women come to comfort Jesus and to thank Him. He had broken all social and religious conventions to connect with them. Now they come to support Him. Contemplate what words might have passed between them—what tears might have been shed. What would His compassionate and tender face communicate to you in that moment? This scene is for all of us, men and women alike!

• Who do you think is standing behind Jesus? What emotion is he sharing? What is the emotion on the face of Christ?

• For whom do you weep? Who knows yours “tears” and “sorrows?” You can offer them to God who sees!

• What Scripture might represent the clothes Jesus wears? (See Isaiah 53:5)

TENTH STATIONJesus is Crucified

Painting entitled: Raising of the CrossC: 1836–1902

Artist: James Jacques Tissot

Luke 23:33–34When 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. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide His clothing.

Questions:

• Sit with this painting for a while. Consider the scene; look at the movement and color the artist uses.

• “Forgive them!” This is the central teaching of Christianity. FORGIVENESS. In the worst moment of time, Jesus forgave. What is it like to be the recipient of His forgiveness?

• Can you receive the forgiveness He offers you today? Share with God about your struggles to receive His forgiving love.

• Look at the Christ as His cross is being raised. What do you notice in the use of light and shadow in the foreground and background? What do you notice about the men who are pulling the ropes to raise the cross?

• Consider the action and movement of the figures in the background? What were they feeling?

• Look at the sky. What do you see in it? How is it a metaphor for Good Friday?

• If you were asked to give this painting another title, which tells the story, what would you title it?

• Spend some time praying about forgiveness. Is it difficult for you to forgive? Is there someone or something you have not been able to “let go of” in your life…to forgive? Speak with the Lord about that now. What is the effect and cost of not forgiving?

• Spend some time in your prayer asking the Lord for what you need: forgiveness or grace to forgive. Is there someone you need to speak to and tell them you forgive them today?

ELEVENTH STATIONJesus Promised His Kingdom to the Good Thief

Painting entitled: Christ and the Good Thiefc. 1566

Artist: Tiziano Vecellio (Titian)

Luke 23:39–43

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding Him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same

sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into

Your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’

Questions:

• Take some time to look at this scene. What do you notice? What strikes you most?

• Imagine hearing this exchange between the criminals and Jesus. What words resonate with you? “So You are the Messiah, are You?” “Prove it!” or… “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

• How is this picture a contrast to the one you saw at the previous station?

• What promise does Jesus’ response hold for you? “Truly I tell you; today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

• What is your image of paradise?

• Look at the thief next to Jesus. What do you notice about him as he is on the cross- Where do you see movement? Why does he not have nails in his hands and feet?

• Sit or stand, and be silent…consider the gaze of the thief facing Jesus.

TWELFTH STATIONJesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple

Painting entitled: The Offertory at CalvaryArtist: Maurice Denis

John 19:26–27When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing beside her, He said to His mother,

‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

Questions:

• What strikes you most as you look at this painting?

• Look at the figures in the picture. Notice the people in the background.

• The sky has color, shadow, movement, and contrast. How is it reflective and symbolic of the scene?

• What is the offering being made to Christ in this picture? Who do you think is bringing them? Why flowers?

• Where is Jesus mother in this picture? Do you see the disciple whom He loved?

• Consider the figure of Jesus on the cross...what is unique in this artist’s rendering?

• There are words written near the bottom of the painting. We can’t make them out...maybe they are in French, maybe about the gift being offered. If you had to write some words describing an offering you wish to lay at the cross of Jesus...what would they be? Write them here:

• Jesus asks His friend John to take care of His mother after He died. Why do you think He was so intentional about this? Who are the family or friends who watch out for you when tragedy or sorrow strikes? For whom are you available to do the same? Spend some time in quiet and contemplation about this. This is the time to express the deep feelings within you.

• Can you imagine Mary who gave birth to Jesus now standing to watch His death? What is the cost of a parent’s love? What was it like for Mary Magdalene and the other women to experience this scene?

• The cross is symbolic of Christ’s surrender and suffering—sometimes we call this His Passion. What does “passion” mean to you?

THIRTEENTH STATIONJesus Dies on the Cross

Painting entitled: Christ on the Crossc. 1598–1664

Artist: Francisco de Zurbarán

Luke 23:44–46It was about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father into Your hands

I commend my spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.

Author Parker Palmer reminds us of the dynamic contradiction of the cross. “The cross calls us to recognize that the heart of human experience is neither consistency nor

chaos, but contradiction. In our century we have been beguiled by the claim of consistency, by the theory that history is moving toward the resolution of all problems, by the false hope that comes from groundless optimism that all works together for good. And then, when this claim has been discredited by tragic events, we have been assaulted by theories of chaos, by prophets of despair who claim that everything can be reduced to the random play of forces beyond all control…. The cross symbolizes that beyond naïve hope and beyond meaningless despair lies a structure of dynamic contradictions in which our lives are caught.”

Questions:

• Darkness and sadness...the world is a mess. Jesus breathes His last. What feelings come to you when you consider this?

• Has your world been in chaos at times? Were you able to trust God?

• What helps you trust? How is this painting a depiction of ultimate trust? Talk with God about this.

• How do you feel looking at Christ on the cross? What strikes you most?

• Spend some time listening to your own breathing as you think of Jesus drawing His last breath. Breathe deep the breath of God.

• A “breath prayer” is one where you repeat the same phrase a few times, a short few words. As you breathe in you say some words, as you exhale, you pray some more words. Try a breath prayer now and see the spiritual practices online (belair.org/practices). Here are some suggestions:

Inhale: Jesus Christ, Son of God,

Exhale: Have mercy on me!

—or—

Inhale: Abba, Father,

Exhale: I belong to You!

—or—

Inhale: Lord in Your mercy,

Exhale: Come to Me/Heal Me/

Have Mercy on Me!

• With outstretched hands, pierced side and head bowed, Jesus before you breathes His last. Just “hold” that image in your heart.

FOURTEENTH STATIONThe Tomb

Painting entitled: Night at CalvaryArtist: By: Vasili Petrovich Vereshchagin

Matthew 27:57–59

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.

Questions:

• There is something eerie and beautiful, mysterious and hopeful in the depiction of the sky in this painting. Take a moment to scan the horizon and the night sky. How do you describe it?

• When you first look at this painting, to where is your eye drawn?

• Notice the two thieves are still on their crosses- Jesus has been taken off the cross and we see a crowd making their way to the tomb with His body. If you were to paint yourself into this picture, where might you be? Hidden in the shadows of the dark? Walking with the crowd? At home and far away?

• What do you make of the color and light on the crowd below the cross? What creates that color and light?

• Scripture tells us that Joseph took Christ’s body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb? Why do you think he did this?

• Notice the large crack in the ground below the crosses. Where do you feel your own earth or foundation cracking? To whom or where do you turn when your foundation shakes?

• You can see the faint outline of the city just to the right and below the crucifixion scene. Hebrews 13 tells us that “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by His own blood. Let us then go to Him outside the camp and bear the abuse He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” What does it mean to you that Jesus suffered outside the city? How do we go to Him outside the camp and bear what He endured? What is the city that is to come? Talk to God about what this stirs in you.

• Today in cemeteries we have caskets and graves, mausoleums and urns to hold the body or ashes of a person who has died. Where will you be buried? Does it matter to you? When you think of your own mortality, what do you feel?

• Do you think the crowd in the painting thought Jesus would be raised from the dead in three days?

FOURTEENTH STATIONContinued

Painting entitled: Two Marys Watch the Tomb of Jesus1886

Artist: James Tissot

Matthew 27:60–65… and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while He was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day; otherwise His disciples may go and steal Him away, and tell the people, “He has been raised from the dead,” and the last deception would be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to

them, ‘You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.’

Questions:

• Jesus is in the tomb. His body is lifeless; He is dead. Consider this fact. Consider your response. Pray with your eyes open as you look at the painting of Him lying without breath, without life.

• The two faithful Marys sit outside the tomb. They are close to one another. What comfort does having one another bring? Who sits with you in your places of deepest agony and pain?

• What strikes you as you consider this painting? How does knowing Christ will rise again help you sit with this scene?

• Look at the position of the eyes and the hands of these two women. What do they communicate to you?

• In the background, beneath the crosses…what do you see? What do you think the artist might be trying to portray/depict?

Three Days.

Two of which are full of despair,and one filled with confusion and hope.

What are your tombs?

Friday—Picture Jesus’ body in the tomb. The tomb is sealed. He is really dead. He is really gone. What feelings do you have? Speak with God about these thoughts and feelings.

Saturday—Imagine you wake up hoping it is all a bad dream. But then you have to live through this day. Jesus is dead. What is it like to live this day as if Jesus is gone forever? Speak with God about this. Sometimes this Saturday is called SILENT SATURDAY…consider taking the discipline of silence for an hour or for the day. What do you hear in the silence? Someone has said, “Silence is God’s first language.” Listen for Him to speak to you in silence now.

Sunday—The stone is rolled away. What is going on? Who stole Jesus’ body? He rose from the dead? Can it be true? It is too good to be true! Too good not to be true! What feelings do you have when you imagine living this day! Speak with God about them.

This is the day of Resurrection—which marked God’s victory over death in Christ. What promise does that hold for you?

“Be still…and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.

From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.

Hymn: The Day of Resurrection (#247)

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!All creation join to say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today (#234)