Station 11, Day 1

Jesus promises his kingdom to the repentant thief

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. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. Luke 23:33-34

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.” Luke 23:39-43

Meditation

            I imagine Golgotha, the Skull, as a barren hill – a place of death. I picture a rocky, tree-less wasteland, where those condemned to die hang on their crosses with no protection from the sun, wind, or elements. I suspect the place was chosen because it added its own unique element of misery to an otherwise excruciating and humiliating end. This is the conclusion of the journey down the Via Dolorosa – a miserable path to a dismal destination.

            Here at Golgotha is where we join Jesus at the 11^th Station of the Cross – beaten raw, bleeding, exhausted, beset with pain, and nailed to a cross between two criminals. Even so, he seeks forgiveness for his persecutors, who have no idea what they are doing.

Spiritual discipline

Fast for the next 2 days by staying awake 15 minutes longer than usual. Use the time for study, meditation, prayer, and journaling. As you wait to retire, remember Jesus nailed to this place of death. When you awake in the morning, sleepier than usual, picture Jesus among the criminals. When you yawn throughout the day, remember Jesus – hungry, thirsty, beaten, and broken.

Prayer

            Jesus on the cross, after your long and painful journey you end up here, at this horrible place of death. Yet, we have learned from you that to gain new life the old must first die. Given the physical shape of your body, death must come as a blessing. Help me to understand the lessons of the cross. Amen.

This is the 37^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.