Via Sacra

The Way of the Cross

1. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of
comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy. - MLK
Christ Jesus, though human perversion of justice condemned you
to die, all judgement has been placed in your hand; Keep me, I pray
from false judgements against both my friends and my enemies, that
I might stand before you, forgiven by your great mercy love. Amen.

2. JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS

Faith is taking the first step even when you cant see the whole
staircase. - MLK
Grant me patience, O Christ, to follow the road you have taken.
Let my confidence rest not in my own understanding but in your
guiding hand; let my desires be not for my own comfort, but for the
completion of your kingdom; for your cross is my hope and my joy,
now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

3. JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe,
nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him
it is right. - MLK
O God, you know that my world is full of danger and that because of
my human frailty I can not always face what lies in my path; give me
the strength to face the road ahead and to get up when dangers and
temptations cause me to fall, in Jesus name. Amen.

4. JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER

We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools. - MLK
Jesus, your mother watched your passion and death in deep sorrow;
comfort all those you must stand helpless while those they love suffer
and hear the cries of all victims of terror and abuse; help me, I pray, to
use what strength I have offer comfort, support, and protection, with
your love and tenderness. Amen.

5. THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE

Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You dont have to
have a college degree to serve. You dont have to make your subject and
verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated
by love. - MLK
Christ Jesus, by your condemnation I am acquitted, in your death
I have life, and in on your cross lies my hope; keep me mindful of
your boundless love and I am called, like simon, to bear your cross,
make me glad to be considered worthy to be united to your perfect
sacrifice. Amen.
6. A WOMAN WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that
matter. - MLK
Teach me to see your face and find its reflection in every act of mercy
and compassion, and in every person; by your Spirit, change me so
that I may ever more reflect your image, that through my life your
light may shine in this dark world. Amen.

7. JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME

Only in the darkness can you see the stars. - MLK
Jesus you know that I fall and fall again; seek me out when I am down,
I pray, and recall me to you; in your strength, let me stand and walk
secure, for your passion and death is my salvation and life. Amen.

8. JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot
drive out hate: only love can do that. - MLK
Grant, O Christ, that I may be a comfort to those who mourn, and
that in times of difficulty I may find the confidence to stand and
accomplish your loving purposes. Amen.

9. JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME

If you cant fly then run, if you cant run then walk, if you cant walk then
crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. - MLK
Save me from all false pride and keep me from despair; that in
strength or weakness I may face lifes difficulties and challenges
seeking to serve you and to accomplish your will, for the sake of your
love. Amen.

10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. - MLK
Christ Jesus, you stood before all the world, with no one beside
you and nothing to protect you, exposed to ridicule and grievously
wounded: make me strong in the face of suffering, and as you suffered
such cruelty, make me abhor all injustice and violence. Amen.

11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude. - MLK
Bring me so close to your cross, O Christ, that I hear your voice, and
let me rest my hope in your promise of welcome and forgiveness for
the whole world. Amen.

12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

A man who wont die for something is not fit to live. - MLK
By your death, O Christ, we are given life; help me receive this great
gift with awe and humility, and let me life be no longer mine, but
yours, now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

13. THE BODY OF JESUS IS PLACED IN THE ARMS OF HIS

MOTHER
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. MLK
For the sake of your Blessed Mother, who was stricken with grief: be
comfort and strength to all those who are bereaved; be light and
hope to the dying and bring us all, I pray, through lifes sorrows to
the unending joy of heaven. Amen.

14. JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB

I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.
- MLK
Christ Jesus, as your body was laid in a tomb, you descended
into hell, to break its ancient doors and free those held in
its grasp; Give me, I pray, release from my waywardness and
confidence that I need never be separated from you. Amen.

Saint Johns Cathedrals Stations of the Cross Needlepointers:

Diana Boubin, Nina Churchman, Pera Beth Eichelberger, Judy
Hardart, Nancy Hawthorne, Ginger ONeill, Sandy Morris, Karen
Swenson, Linda Teves, Janet Thompson, Joan Von der Heiden,
and Betsy Johnson Welty (Designer)