Station 10, Day 1

Station 10, Day 1

Jesus is Crucified

When 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. When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” Luke 12:33, 47

Meditation

            Jesus was crucified on the hill known as Golgotha, also called The Skull. It is outside the walls of the city, and it is where executions were performed. Upon arriving at this place, his feet and hands are nailed to the cross, and he is raised up to die. Death by crucifixion comes from asphyxiation, because one must have the strength to raise their body against the binds of their hands and feet in order to breathe. Jesus, in an already desperately weakened state, could not have survived long on the cross.

            Would Jesus have felt relief to be on the cross at last, where he could eventually be done with this torture?

Spiritual discipline

Fast for the next 3 days by altering what you eat for lunch. Perhaps eat only an apple, or at least a significantly smaller quantity of food than normal. When you finish lunch and do not feel satiated, remember Jesus being nailed to the cross. When hunger pangs return in the afternoon, remember Jesus struggling to muster the strength required of each breath he takes. When you are so hungry you feel you can barely wait until suppertime, remember Jesus hanging on the cross on a barren hill amongst criminals.

Prayer

            Enduring Lord, you died the tortured death of a lowly criminal. You seemed to be determined to suffer through every bit of human cruelty and physical pain that could possibly be endured. Help me to better understand the magnitude of your sacrifice for me. Amen.

This is the 34^th in 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.