The Stations of the Cross

Good Friday

We rekindle an old tradition with the joining of our communities in saying the Stations of the Cross making a public witness of our faith in the heart of our city in the context of the

celebration of Good Friday.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.All: Amen.

Leader: Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, Source of Love, Comforter of the Afflicted, be with us today as we journey in the footsteps of Jesus as he goes to his suffering and death.

As we reflect on the suffering of Jesus, help us to feel the pain and humiliation that he felt, so that we may be moved by the great sacrifice he made for all humanity.

Send us your Spirit to enter into our hearts so that with compassion we may listen and respond to the plight of others who carry burdens, crosses, despair and loss of dignity.

Send your Spirit to be with us as we travel this journey together. Awaken our hearts that we may accept your challenge to create the world anew.

We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, as one God forever and ever.

All: Amen.

CONDEMNED

1st Station Jesus Is Condemned to Death.

A Reading from MatthewNow Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed… So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” … and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. (Matt. 27:11-14, 24, 26b)

MeditationAccusations. Charges. Sentences. Torture. Death.Jesus suffered an unjust legal system firsthand, like so many of our black, brown and immigrant brothers and sisters in mass incarceration today. The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world. There are approximately 6,836 correctional facilities in the United States with over 2.3 million men, women and youth in our nation’s prisons. (Source: prisonpolicies.org)

When we wash our hands of one another, people are hurt and lives are ruined.

How have we washed our hands and turned away?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord grant us discernment that we may see as you see, not as the world sees. For all who have suffered injustice and violence in our criminal justice system.All: We now walk in witness.

BURDENED

2nd Station Jesus carries His cross.

A Reading from JohnThe people cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him! Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.” Then he handed him over to them to

be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. (John 19:15-17)

MeditationJesus was made to carry the cross, the instrument of his death, to the place where he would be killed. What a deadly burden. Too many people today are carrying burdens of poverty, hunger, and poor health; of mental illness, addiction, and trauma; of joblessness and under-funded educational opportunities. Many carry these burdens to an early death.

How can we undo the crushing violence of impoverishment?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord teach us to carry our own cross and to help those who carry heavy burdens every day. For all who bear the heavy burden of impoverishment in all its forms.All: We now walk in witness.

OVERWHELMED3rd Station Jesus Falls the First Time.

A Reading from LukeJesus said: “Today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!’” (Luke 13:33-34)

MeditationThe statistics overwhelm us.On average 96 people die every day from gun violence. There are 13,000 homicides a year. 62% of firearm deaths in the United Stated are suicides. On average, 7 children and teens are killed each day by guns in the United States. In an average month, 50 women are shot to death in intimate partner violence. Black men are 13 times more likely to be shot to death than white men. For every person who dies from a gunshot wound, two others are wounded. Every year approximately 100,000 Americans are victims of gun violence. In addition to those who are killed or injured, there are countless others whose lives are forever changed by the deaths of and injuries to their loved ones. Gun violence touches every segment of our society and disproportionately affects communities of color. (Source URL: https://everytownresearch.org/gun-violence-by-the-numbers/)

How can we stand for peace under the weight of all this violence?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, make us prophets who speak against violence in all its forms. For all those who have been victims of gun violence.All: We now walk in witness.

LOVED4th Station Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother.

A Reading from LukeThen Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too’ (Luke 2:34-35)

MeditationIn 2017, 44 million people in the U.S. still did not have health insurance. Our nation’s healthcare system continues to be sick and afflicted. Any gains that we have made to ensure that all who need healthcare can get it is being threatened. We pray to be like Mother Mary, pierced to the soul and full of compassion and courage. (Source URL: www.cdc.gov/nch/fastats/heath-insurance)

How can we stand in solidarity with all those who ache and are in pain?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, help us to be citizens who give voice to the most vulnerable in our society – to proclaim that healthcare is a human right everyone deserves. For all who suffer and have been denied healthcare.All: We now walk in witness.

CARRIED5th Station The Cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene.

A Reading from LukeAs they led Jesus away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)

MeditationSimon was from northern Africa and was pressed into service.… along the way. Too many of our African-American sisters and brothers have been pressed into service to carry society’s burdens and do society’s work. This legacy of slavery endures in racism. Too many of our brothers and sisters coming here from other countries – immigrants, refugees, asylees – have fled the violence of their own countries only to be pressed into service to carry the heavy weight of discrimination in this country.

What steps are we taking to undo the violence of racism and discrimination wherever we find it?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, challenge us to be reconciled to one another and to work for peace in solidarity. For release from the burden of segregation and racism that separates us from one another.All: We now walk in witness.

RECOGNIZED6th Station Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

A Reading from IsaiahJust as there were many who were astonished at him – so marred was his appearance, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of mortals – so he shall startle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which had not been told them they shall see, and that which they had not heard they shall contemplate. (Isaiah 52:14-15)

A Reading from 1st CorinthiansFor now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we shall see face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Meditation

Society believes that condemned prisoners have no rights, no dignity, no humanity; they deserve no care, no tenderness, no intimacy. Veronica knew that by aiding a prisoner she would incur the wrath of the mob. Yet she refused to yield to fear and intolerance. In the face of derision, she reached out in kindness to wipe the dirt and blood of hatred from Jesus’ face. For her act of resistance she was given a glimpse of the face of God. The compassion of Veronica calls out for social change, for an end to injustice, for a new way of living together.

How can we resist violence with small acts of compassionate resistance?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, open our eyes to see your face in those who live in the shadows. For all those who wipe away violence with daily acts of compassion.All: We now walk in witness.

STUMBLED7th Station Jesus falls a second time.

A Reading from MatthewThen Jesus told his disciples, “if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it, For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” (Matthew 16:24-26)

MeditationStumble.Fall down.Repeat.For all those who repeatedly forfeit their lives under the weight of society’s violent expectations: for those who are homeless, for undocumented persons, for sex-workers, for panhandlers, and for runaways.

How can we reach out our hands in love?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, may we show compassion and mercy to those who have fallen. For all who have stumbled and are down and out.All: We now walk in witness.

CRIED8th Station Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.

A Reading from LukeA great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and waiting for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? (Luke 23:27-31)

MeditationWomen here and throughout the world continue to suffer violence, abuse, rape, aggression and death. And children are trafficked and sold into slavery at a rate of two per minute. With the waiting women of Jerusalem we must ask: For whom do we weep? Over whom do we weep? Our tears tell us whom we love.

Let us be still and weep in our own hearts.

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, open our ears to hear the cries of women and children. For an end to the violence done to women and children everywhere.All: We now walk in witness.

FALLEN9th Station Jesus falls a third time.

A Reading from JohnJesus said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’ (John 21:17)

MeditationLove never begets violence. That’s why we need prophets who keep asking us if we really want to love and who call an end to all weapons and war. Yet, while we are waiting for that day to come, we cannot forget our soldiers who give their lives to protect the fold and the sheep, nor our veterans who sacrificed themselves in battle out of love for their people. While soldiers tell us about the gruesome face of war and prophets guide us to grow our love, we pray for the readiness in our hearts to choose love over violence every day.

How can we be ready in our hearts to choose love over violence every day?

Silence

PrayerAll: Lord, give us courage and hope as we confront evil in our world. For courage to resist all conflict solutions that promote violence.All: We now walk in witness.

DISHONORED10th Station Jesus is stripped of his garments.

A reading from JohnWhen the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfill what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ (John 19:23-24)

MeditationWhen we marginalize people and push them aside, we strip them of their dignity. We treat people as commodities to be used and discarded, and rob them of their humanity. We remember all who work in

sweatshops and all who have their labor exploited with poor wages and inhumane working conditions. We remember all who are unemployed, underemployed and exploited. When we sort people into categories by gender, sexual orientation, diagnosis, criminal history, class, income, education, race, ethnicity… and the list can go on. We do them harm and we dishonor them.How can we strip ourselves of the exploitation and categorization that does violence to others?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord, challenge us to treat all people with dignity. For all those whose humanity we have exploited and dishonored.All: We now walk in witness.

CRUCIFIED11th Station Jesus is nailed to the cross.

A Reading from MarkWith Jesus they also crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it again in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him. (Mark 15:27-32)

MeditationJesus is executed by being nailed to a piece of wood, hung naked, exposed to taunts, reduced to an object of ridicule. Public crucifixion continues today, only in place of wooden beams there is a gas chamber, electric chair, injection, firing squad.

We hang our heads in shame and silence and sorrow.

Silence,

PrayerAll: Lord, remind us – whatever we do to the least of our sisters and brothers we do to You. For all whose deaths have been legally sanctioned.All: We now walk in witness.

DIED12th Station Jesus dies on the cross.

A Reading from MarkWhen it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ’Eloi Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ when some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying,’Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’ Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’ (Mark 15:33-39)

Meditation

Jesus took his last breath and died.

A long silence.PrayerAll: Lord, may we always remember that all life is sacred. For all who have felt forsaken in their lives and at their time of death.All: We now walk in witness.

MOURNED13th Station The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother.

A Reading from PhilippiansLet the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

MeditationHolding Jesus in her arms, Mary mourned his death, just as mothers and fathers in our city and everywhere have wept and still weep over the violent deaths of their children.

How many of our children and young people must die before we stop the violence?

Silence.

PrayerAll: Lord bless those who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace and justice. For all mothers and fathers who weep and work for justice and peace.All: We now walk in witness.

BURIED14th Station Jesus is laid in the tomb.

A Reading from MatthewJoseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the sepulcher. (Matthew 27:59-61)

Meditation Americans throw out enough office paper each year to build a 12 foot high wall from New York City to

Seattle. Making glass from recycled material cuts related water pollution by 50%. Recycling one glass jar saves enough electricity to light an 11-watt CFL bulb for 20 hours. Making new paper from recycled paper uses 30%- 50% less energy than making paper from trees. It

also reduces contributions to air pollution by 95% The energy saved from one recycled aluminum can will operate a television set for three hours.

(Source: County of San Bernardino Department of Public Works – Solid Waste Management Division) How are we called to live more simply on the earth and with all its inhabitants?

Silence

PrayerAll: Lord, teach us to care for all creation. For an end to the violent degradation of the whole earth and all creation.All: We now walk in witness.

Leader: Jesus died so that we might live. Through the pain and suffering of the Cross, Jesus bore the weight of our sins. His Resurrection is the Great Triumph over suffering and death. We are not alone, we do not lose hope, for our God is victorious.

Let us Pray:

All loving God –

With hearts transformed by the power of grace,We hold the key to your Kingdom of Love.Help us, your Church, to be united in compassionate service.

Open our eyes and our hearts,To the needs of those around us.

With love and compassion,Guide us on our journey to You.

Through the sacrifice of the Cross may we realize,That our sacrifices build your Kingdom too.

Help us to trust that every selfless act we perform,Is a reflection of your love.

With the strength of the Spirit and the hopes of Salvation,Allow us to continue your work on earth.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus,Our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.

At the end of the Stations of the Cross, be mindful of the example of Jesus – we pray for the power of compassion

Jesus said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. ‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. I say to you: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (From Luke 6:20-36)

Let us pray,

Gracious God, you have heard our cries for your life-giving and healing Spirit to come upon us. We offer our prayers of repentance, and our desire for forgiveness as we offer ourselves to your hope and your reconciling Word.

Jesus, you spoke with passion, You acted without fear, and we remember. Help us when we have to speak out, to speak the truth and to speak without malice. Help us to speak out against violence in all its forms, and to be a

living witness to your love. Purify our hearts and grant us zeal in your service, that we may be pastors and prophets for peace, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 582, Modified)

Blessing

May Holy God make you a prophet for justice;May Holy God make you a pastor of loving kindness;And as you walk humbly with your God, may the blessing of God Almighty, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Dismissal

Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord.All: Thanks be to God.

The people depart in silence.

REFERENCES:

All scripture passages are taken from the New Revised Standard Version unless otherwise noted.

BCP refers to The Book of Common Prayer, 1979

For More Information:

CT Diocesan Resource Page on Violence: https://www.ctepiscopal.org/Content/Disaster_Response.asp

https://www.crosswalkchicago.orghttps:// www.ctepiscopal.org/Default.asphttps://constantcontact.com/fs194/1011226559275/archive/1112598755989.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/EpiscoplainsAgainstGunViolencehttps://faithsagainstgunviolence.orghttps://www.episcopalchurch.org/notice/episcopal-house-bishops-offers-word-church