Station 7, Day 3

Station 7, Day 3

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

            Once the business of humiliating this mock Jewish King was complete, the more serious business of crucifixion commenced. Jesus was stripped of his royal purple cloak and was returned to his normal attire. He was now treated as a common criminal and was paraded through the streets of the city for all to see. There was no physical strength on display here; only a broken wisp of the man he once had been. Jesus apparently accepted his fate, gathering whatever strength remained for the journey through town and to Golgotha.

            It was a bitter cup prepared for our Lord, but he drank it with every ounce of humility and determination he could muster.

Spiritual Discipline

Find a quiet place and enter a time of silence for 10 minutes. Attempt to let go of the trials of the moment – your to-do list, your stressors at work or home, the pressing needs of family. Deliberately turn off your inner dialogue by acknowledging thoughts as they come to you, then letting them go. Breathe deeply and internalize whatever degree of silence you can attain. There is no pressure to receive insights or inspiration. Experiencing silence is sufficient.

Prayer

            Suffering Lord Jesus, as you struggled to carry your cross to the Hill of the Skull, I pray the knowledge that your suffering was a necessary part of God’s plan for saving the world comforted you. As I walk in your memory today, reveal to me the love and strength required of you to complete this selfless act of sacrifice. Amen.

This is the 28^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.