Last year, a video Stations of the Cross series was created through the Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten faith-in-action program for families and faith communities ~ CRS Rice Bowl. Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Robert A. Twele, OFM Conv., Esq., who serves as the
Here is an example of the prayers for the 12th Station from that same resource:
TWELFTH STATION: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Leader: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
(All kneel together for a reflective pause, and then rise.) By human standards, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus is the ultimate failure. Members of the Jewish community had waited so long for the Messiah, had put their faith and hope in a man they believed had come to liberate them, and he died a horrific death. It was a devastating, final moment, and so many of Jesus’ friends had already fled the scene, abandoning hope in a better future. It’s a good thing the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus are not to be judged by human standards. Rather, what we see as failure, God transforms into victory. Where we see nothing but hopelessness and devastation, God is at work in surprising and spectacular ways. When we think of the hardships so many in our world face, we might easily grow discouraged; but our God offers us hope, and wants all of us to work together to build a world of peace and justice.
How does this perspective of Easter inspire our own work in seemingly hopeless, failed situations? How does God want us to look upon problems like poverty, natural disasters and environmental decay—by human standards, or something more hopeful?
All: Christ Jesus, even in the most devastating failures, you show us the importance of hope. May we have the courage to work patiently and tirelessly with those in need, always keeping our sights on you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be to the Father…
