Friday, March 22, 2013

First Station

For more info on the history of Stations of the Cross, why to walk and how to walk the stations, some practical tips and the credits to sources I have used, visit my Introduction to Stations

Our walk this year was set in the beautiful grounds of Alberton Methodist Church and AMCARE, using to the full our various gardens, chapels, water features and narrow thoroughfares between our buildings and clinics to recreate a Road of Suffering where we could meet Jesus as He waited to meet us. 



One of the big trees in our car park


The First Station:  Jesus is condemned to die.


1. Jesus stands in the most human of places.  He has already experienced profound solidarity with so many on this earth, by being beaten and tortured.  Now he is wrongfully condemned to punishment by death.  His commitment to entering our lives completely begins its final steps.  He has said "yes" to God and placed his life in God's hands.  We follow him in this final surrender, and contemplate with reverence each place along the way, as he is broken and given for us.

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

3. As I view the scene, I become moved by both outrage and gratitude.
I look at Jesus.  His face.  The crown of thorns.  The blood.  His clothes stuck to the wounds on his back.  Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair.  Jesus' hands are tied behind his back.

4. This is for me.  That I might be free.  That I might have eternal life. 
As the journey begins I ask to be with Jesus.  To follow his journey. I express my love and thanks.

5. Jesus Who never rejected anyone was rejected more than anyone else.
"There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus." —Romans 8:1
"God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." —John 3:17
"No one who comes will I ever reject." —John 6:37
"He was spurned and avoided by men, a Man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from Whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held Him in no esteem." —Isaiah 53:3
"All deserted Him and fled." —Mark 14:50

Prayer: Jesus, I repent of rejecting You by rejecting others (Lk 10:16). May I forgive those who have rejected me.