Stations of the Cross - Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

*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, You are the Almighty, yet for my sake, You gave up everything. Help me to love You by my efforts to never sin again.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. - Matthew 27:57-60

Reflection
Joseph of Arimathea was a fine example of Jesus, giving Jesus a place in the tomb he had bought. As we go into the final days of Lent, it is a good time to ask: "Have I been generous with the Lord? He gave me His life. Have I given Him a place in my personal space? Or have I merely allowed Him attention in the public sphere where everyone can see me? Let us learn fron Joseph and be generous with the Lord.

Prayer
Lord, grant us your compassion that we may always provide for those in need.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 39): Following the example of Christ

Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, to follow in his path. He committed no sin, in his speech there was no deceit; when they cursed him, he did not curse them; when he suffered, he did not threaten retribution, but committed them to the one just judge. He endured our sins in the sufferings of his body on the tree, so that we would die to our sins and live for righteousness – and by his bruises you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2

Jesus' suffering and death is not just means of our salvation. Sure, it most importantly saved us, but, as Peter says, it must also become a light on our path, an example for us to follow - to speak without deceit, to not curse, to not threaten revenge. It is by no means an easy task to live as Christ, but acknowledgement that He has empowered us will give us strength; we do not live like Christ simply by our strength, but by the strength of the One who calls us.

Stations of the Cross - Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

*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, Your last breath was one of loyalty and commitment. I want to turn away from sin, and be loyal and committed to You too.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last. - Luke 23:44-46

Reflection
Hanging on a tree, humiliated and shamed. this was not a way for even an average human being to die. Yet, our sins have contributed to Jesus' suffering and death. May we turn away and become comfort for Him.

Prayer
Lord, grant us trust in you that when our time on earth is ended our spirits may come to you without delay.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 38): Pride stands in the way

But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."

"Who are you?" they asked. "Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied. 26"I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world." - John 8:23-26

Today’s reading highlights the Pharisees' preference to remain blind to who Jesus is. Their high positions and ranks have overtaken their nothingness and this status has caused pride to grow within. Pride stands in the way of true conversion; we must humble ourselves and see that only God can give us any good thing. When we are humble, we will begin to see clearly.

Stations of the Cross - Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple

*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, even as You died, You cared for others above Yourself. Because of such great love, I am moved to not sin again.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. - John 19:25-27

Reflection
As Jesus was dying on the Cross, He gave His mother to his beloved disciple, and gave His beloved disciple to His mother as a son. May we look to our families today and see how Jesus has given us to each other, in order to lead each other Heaven-ward.

Prayer
Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 37): The greatest becomes the least

Jesus Christ’s state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and the form of a man; and he became as men are. - Philippians 2:6-7

If Jesus, who is God Himself, can give Himself for us, why can't we, poor human beings, do the same for Him? Every time we read this, we ought to be reminded that the greatest has made Himself the least. And that should affirm us that it's ok to admit that we are little, because that's what we are.

Stations of the Cross - Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief

*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, You promised that Your words will set us free. We know that no sin is unforgiveable as long as we are truly repentant for each sin. I turn away from my sin and toward You. I vow to try not to sin again.

Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." - Luke 23: 39-43

Reflection
On our 11th station, we witness Jesus' most powerful love in the form of His assurance to the sinner who recognised his sin and recognised his powerlessness to save Himself. Once we learn to look to Him and repent fully from sin, He frees us from pain and gives us paradise - true happiness.

Prayer
Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you. Amen

Lenten Thoughts (Day 36): His word is truth, and the truth can set us free

‘If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free.’ They answered, ‘We are descended from Abraham and we have never been the slaves of anyone; what do you mean, “You will be made free”?’ Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, everyone who commits sin is a slave. Now the slave’s place in the house is not assured, but the son’s place is assured. - John 8:31-37

Jesus explains how His Word is the Truth that frees us to live as His faithful disciples . How receptive and serious are we when we hear God’s Word proclaimed? Are our hearts truly open or are we disinterested and thus, continue to live in our secular ways?

Today's reflection taken from Fr Philip Heng's Reflection of the Word.

Stations of the Cross - Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified

*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, Your death gave us life. If You did not die, there would not have been a resurrection. Because You have stayed strong to die for me, I will stay strong and die to myself.

Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." - Luke 23:33-34

Reflection
Jesus defended sinners by saying we did not know what we were doing, but we can be like one of the two thieves, grow to appreciate His death for you, and acknowledge your sinfulness and be filled with gratitude for His suffering and death for you, or you could be willfully unaware of your sinfulness, and demand that the Lord works for you. What is your choice?

Prayer
Lord, grant us merciful hearts that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 35): Faithfulness in the face of death

As soon as the maids had left, the two old men got up and hurried to her. "Look," they said, "the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us; give in to our desire, and lie with us. If you refuse, we will testify against you that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you."

"I am completely trapped," Susanna groaned. "If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power. Yet it is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord." Then Susanna shrieked, and the old men also shouted at her, as one of them ran to open the garden doors.

When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden, they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her. At the accusations by the old men, the servants felt very much ashamed, for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.

When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day, the two wicked elders also came, fully determined to put Susanna to death ... The elders made this accusation: "As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman entered with two girls and shut the doors of the garden, dismissing the girls. A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her. The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.

But Susanna cried aloud: "O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me."
- Daniel 13:19-28, 36-37, 41b-43

This is an excerpt from a pretty long story about a woman and how two lustful men used her to cover up for their own failures. I found the story captivating, so I think it's worth reading (it's chapter 13 of the Book of Daniel).

The thing that really strikes hard is not the problem of the two elders misusing their authority, but the wholeheartedness of the woman, who would give up her life to remain faithful to the Lord: "It is better for me to fall into your power without guilt than to sin before the Lord," Susanna said. And for that she is sentenced to death.

I pray that we each learn from this powerful story, the kind of love for the Lord that stands through every obstacle, not matter how difficult.

Stations of the Cross - Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

*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, we weep for You, but You tell us to weep for ourselves. I mourn my sins and those of the world, and promise to not hurt You by my sin again.

Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" - Luke 23: 27-31

Reflection
Christ suffering was purposeful. The women wept for his impending death, yet He warns us that it is our spiritual death we should mourn over.

Prayer
Lord, grant us gentle spirits that we may comfort those who mourn.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 34): Model yourself according to God's ways

Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do. - Romans 12:1-2

We're less than two weeks away from the end of Lent, where we commemorate the Last Supper of the Lord. Has the last 33 days been fruitful? Paul reminds us - pleads with us - to remember God's mercy. He urges us to worship Him in a worthy fashion; he suggests that this can be done by first changing our behaviour, turning from the world's ways, and modelling ourselves according to God's ways. Of course, Lent is not the only window to do this. But this season does present a fantastic opportunity. We must grab it.

Stations of the Cross - Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross

*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 God, I have no hope but You. Thank You for all You've done for me. I will bear the cross with You on this journey of faith.

Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. - Mark 15:21

Reflection
We may say Simon is due no credit, since he was "pressed into service". But we must realise that pressed service is still service. And it is certainly better than no service. Sometimes, we are challenged by God to make a difference, and our response will make the difference. How will you respond?

• Love to do it, and say 'yes';
• Hate to do it, and say 'no' because you don't like to betray yourself; or
• Hate to do it, and but say 'yes' because you recognise that you're here (on earth) to serve.

Prayer
Lord, grant us willing spirits that we may be your instruments on earth.

Lenten Thoughts (Day 33): Love Him with ALL your heart

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:29-31

In this reading from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches us to love God fully and wholeheartedly and to put this love into deeds of love for one another . Try to see God in the people around you, including those who are poor and needy. Then love God through them. (Reflection by Fr Philip Heng, SJ)