From Covid to Calvary | Way of the Cross reflections

Christ on the Cross | Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863)

Reflections on the Stations of the Cross during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death
Lord, when confronted by a pandemic I’m tempted to lay blame for its origin and spread. I also feel angry when it seems like people aren’t taking it seriously enough. 

Reflecting on your passion, may I be non-judgmental.

Station2 : Jesus Carries His Cross
Lord, my world has been turned upside down and I am burdened with sorrow. As I struggle to come to terms with a new reality I fight feelings of fear and despair.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be courageous.

Station 3: Jesus Falls the First Time
Lord, every day more of my former plans fall away. Events I had anticipated, places I hoped to visit, social gatherings I enjoy…all postponed indefinitely. Yet others have lost much more than I have.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be understanding.

Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother
Lord, there are so many vulnerable people who need my attention – children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. They want reassurance but I feel tense and exhausted.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be patient.

Station 5: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
Lord, finances are tight and the temptation to hoard resources is almost overwhelming. Still I know many people struggle to acquire basic necessities and to access help.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be charitable.

Station 6: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Lord, the media is full of dire stories and grim statistics which make me feel helpless. But even the smallest gesture of kindness can bring comfort.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be consoling.

Station 7: Jesus Falls the Second Time
Lord, despite modern methods of communication I feel lonely sometimes. I could use a hug or a handshake but I understand the need for social distancing.

Reflecting on your passion, may I persevere.

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Station 8: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
Lord, the sound of weeping rises around the world as more families lose loved ones. May I turn to you when I mourn and find consolation in your steadfast love.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be prayerful.

Station 9: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Lord, not being able to gather for Mass is painful. I feel spiritually weak without the Eucharist. But the salvation purchased for us by your suffering remains unchanged, yesterday, today and forever.  

 Reflecting on your passion, may I be grateful.

Station 10: Jesus is Stripped of His Clothes
Lord, as I am stripped of my defenses – employment, health, social networks, self-agency – I feel vulnerable. I am forced to evaluate my priorities.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be discerning.

Station 11: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Lord, this global crisis is highlighting all the ways I’ve exploited Creation with my greed and sense of entitlement. I begin to examine my attitudes and actions including those times I’ve failed to act.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be convicted.

Station 12: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Lord, fear of dying is natural but this fear should be tempered by the knowledge that we are never forsaken. From my first breath to my last you are there. My spirit is secure in your hands.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be trusting.

Station 13: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Lord, when I cannot attend the funeral of a friend I feel deprived of closure. Though, nothing prevents me from praying for their soul and for all the souls in purgatory.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be faithful.

Station 14: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Lord, the longer I remain at home the more claustrophobic I get. It feels as though a heavy stone is blocking the exit. However, I know the situation is temporary. Eventually there will be relief and renewal.

Reflecting on your passion, may I be optimistic.

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Reflection and prayers by Alice Matisz SDG
With reprint permission from All Saints Parish in Lethbridge