Every Lenten season, particularly Holy Thursday, my family
goes to the traditional Visita Iglesia.
We go to different churches and pray the Station of the Cross. We took a
different path this year and went to Bonifacio High Street. We were in the
grounds as they put up sites for the 14 Stations of the Cross. It was a different experience. Interactive. In every stations you part take in the
reflections on what Jesus has done for you and what have you done for others.
Stations of the Cross
Jesus
in the Garden of Gethsemane – as you look into the mirror, you reflect on
how Jesus was in pain and accepted it for you. So that you will be free of
all the pain. He accepted it on our behalf.
Jesus
is betrayed by Judas – it’s a reminder that sometimes we forget about
Jesus and put other things more important that Him. We should love God
above all.
Jesus before the Sanhedrin – “ stone of judgment”. It is a reflection on how sometimes we are like the people who judge Jesus. We pre-judged other people first before knowing them better. It is to reflect on all the negative things you have thrown on people you misjudged.
-
Jesus
is judged by Pilate – as Pilate wash his hands of Jesus’ trial. He placed
judgment to the people.
Jesus
is scourged – as Jesus was whip, we can see and even feel how his body
would have felt. He did all of
these for us.
Jesus
is crowned with Thorns - it is a reflection on your own pain. As you put
down the pebble from Station Three, as we cast others, we should also
remember that sometimes we cause pain in other people as well. And get a
black cloth that represents our sins.
Jesus
carries His cross – He carried our sins. A reflection on how heavy or
light, our problems may be, we should always remember that Jesus would
always be with us.
Simon
Peter – while Jesus carries the cross, it was Simon of Cyrene, not his
disciples that help Him carry the cross.
It is a reflection on “an act of kindness”. Writing a prayer for
the particular person for doing his act of kindness.
- Jesus
is Crucified – as Jesus is nailed to the cross, we nailed the black cloth
that symbolized our sins. Jesus will carry the burden for us. We are free
from our sins.
- Jesus
entrust Mary to Joseph – a reflection of giving importance to people who
loved you.
Jesus promise paradise to the Repentant Thief – it is going back to the Lord, praying and recollection.
Jesus Dies – as we enter the tent, it was so dark. Like Jesus was gone. But we know after three days, Jesus rose from the dead, and after darkness, light will follow.
Jesus Rises – a reflection of thanking a person that has touched you in a very special way.
Remembering Jesus – we should remember as Jesus died for us. We are free and we are Christ’s followers. So as we eat the bread and wine, we are part of His family.
Thank you Jesus!
