Station 7, Day 2

Station 7, Day 2

Jesus takes up his cross

After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. Mark 15:20

Meditation

            I have difficulty picturing whether Jesus continued on his way toward Golgotha because he had no other choice, or whether he was doing it consciously, knowing he had to finish the work he had begun. Jesus displayed a divine power he could call upon at will throughout his ministry, focusing the power of heaven onto earthly suffering. Certainly, he could have mustered the power to put an end to his horrendous suffering. One would believe he could have, with a word, turned the pain onto those who were so anxious to inflict it upon him. But he did not. He just kept walking, apparently in silence.

Spiritual Discipline

            Meditate for 10 minutes on the Via Dolorosa. Imagine yourself with the crowd beside the path. Roman soldiers are present everywhere. The broken and bloodied body of Jesus is slowly approaching, bent and struggling under the weight of the cross. He is barely recognizable. What do you experience in this moment?

Prayer

            Jesus, as you walk the Via Dolorosa, give me the strength to not turn away from you. While I cannot remove the cross from your shoulders, encourage me to grab my cross and walk beside you. At the end of this road is death, but beyond is glory. Help me keep my eyes focused on the better times ahead, even as I acknowledge the pain of the present. Amen.

This is the 27^thin a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.