Stations of the Cross

Following the Path of the Cross

On the streets of Jerusalem, Jesus carried his cross. Ever since, Christians have followed. They have retraced Jesus' steps in their hometowns, in their churches, on mountaintops and in Jerusalem itself. They have knelt in quiet contemplation before a crucifix, accompanying Christ in the place that knows neither time nor space: their own hearts. Made in gratitude, in sorrow for sin, in solidarity with all the suffering, this via Crucis (way of the cross) is the way of all Christians, from cradle to grave. It's the human journey.

Amy Welborn is the author of The Biblical Way of the Cross (Ave Maria Press) and Come to Jesus: An Invitation from Pope Benedict XVI (Word Among Us Press).

Trust and Sorrow

Christians don't make the Stations of the Cross out of sentiment or nostalgia. They make it because the very definition of "Christian" calls for it. To be a Christian means, not to just believe in Christ's teachings, but to dwell in Christ - to take on the mind of Christ. As Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…" (Galatians 2:20).

Everything about the Christian life - the sacraments, personal devotion, sacrificial love and charity - is rooted in Christ, empowered by him, and directed to him.

So when Christians make the journey of the Stations of the Cross, they are simply making that Christian journey in a very vivid and specific way. In gratitude, in sorrow for sin, - we die with Christ, trusting that we will, with him, live.