Stations of the Cross - Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns

*Note for Catholics: The following stations of the cross are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations that you would know. This alternative set ties in scripture, and serves as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ's passion, for the benefit of our protestant brothers and sisters on this journey.

Examination of conscience
Please take a couple of minutes becoming aware of the things we have done to offend God in the last 24 hours.

Act of Contrition
Lord, every time I sin, I strike you again. You endured all for me, yet I keep scourging you. Your commitment to love me spurs me on to loving You back.

Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. - John 19:1-3

Reflection
Isn't it true that people mock our faith often? If it isn't the blatant insult, it's the sarcastic remark like "ooh, you're trying to be oh-so-holy-moley". What is our reaction when we get insulted like that? Is it self-righteous, ego-driven anger? Is it a cowardly backing out? It should not be either of these, but, following the steps of our Lord, we must bear those insults, and never back down, as if to say to those who hate our faith, "you're right, faith in God is pointless".

Prayer
Lord, grant us patience in times of suffering that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.