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Easter reflections – Day 2
“I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> As we continue our journey along the Stations of the Cross, find a few minutes to consider these images, and what they mean. The questions and quotes below may help. How will they shape the way you see the world today? 3. The first fall While not part of the gospel accounts, it is traditionally held that Jesus did not manage the painful journey to his place of execution without falling under the weight of the cross. Although strong in the resistance of temptation and sin, Jesus was also fully human, with limitations of physical endurance. But the fall is usually not the hardest part. Getting up requires more strength. We know for sure that the soldiers overseeing the punishment would have required Jesus to get up and carry on. They probably didn’t ask nicely. What does it mean that Jesus endured this for us? We might imagine making sacrifices for people we love, but what are our limits? Where do we fall down? How does it feel to reach those limits of endurance, yet still have to press on? Where can the strength come from to get up and keep going? 4. Jesus meets his mother “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet?” (Isaac Watts, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”) Another traditional part of the journey story is the encounter between Jesus and his mother. We can expect that this must have happened, but we can only imagine the mixture of emotions which would have come up in the encounter. What did Mary understand about her son’s purpose at this moment? Would even a full knowledge of God’s unfolding plan have made it any easier to see Jesus broken and beaten in this way? How would Jesus have felt, humiliated in front of his mother? Having stepped up from a physical failing, how did he deal with the emotional pain of this moment? With death so close, was there any hope or meaningful support possible in this exchange, or was grief preventing love from expressing itself? Would remembering the depth of love in their relationship make the pain easier for Jesus and Mary to bear, or increase it? How do we face each other when the future looks impossible? Do we know who to turn to – someone who loves us, and has lived through the darkness? Walk with us Day 1 – - – Day 2 – - – Day 3 – - – Day 4 – - – Day 5 – - – Day 6 – - – Day 7 – - – Day 8 – - -> Considering these things alone can be valuable, but daunting. When we walk through this together, we can find strength. So you are invited to join us and walk the Stations of the Cross at Saint Stephens. Monday 6th April – from 5.30pm – Preview the images with artist Graeme Mortimer Evelyn, and discuss where they are from, what they mean, and how we can be challenged and inspired together Tuesday 7th – 5.30pm – Praying the Stations of the Cross, reflecting together amidst challenge and trial Wednesday 8th – 1.00pm – Praying the Stations of the Cross Thursday 9th – 5.30pm – “Last Supper” together, with food and friendship leading into reflection and meditation, preparing critical.mass to share communion Good Friday 10th – stillness and space from noon, then Praying the Stations of the Cross from 2pm Holy Saturday 11th – 8.30pm – Celebrating the Mystery together with signs of the resurrection, the first communion of Easter, and the chants and sounds of mystery, hope and transformation Easter Sunday 12th – 10.30am – Celebration of Easter, simply, with the cafe, garden, flowers, communion (and Easter eggs!) Want to ask a question or share a thought? As well as joining us in person, you can email easter@saint-stephens.com Please indicate if your comments are private or for sharing, and we would love to hear from you.
Bern Leckie, Development administrator, Saint Stephens Leave a Reply |
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