The Stations of the Cross depict the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ through a series of 14 images or events. Here is a description of each station:
Jesus is condemned to death:
Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who finds no fault in Him but succumbs to the pressure of the crowd demanding His crucifixion. Pilate washes his hands, symbolically denying responsibility, and sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.
Jesus takes up his cross:
Jesus is given the heavy wooden cross that He must carry to the place of His crucifixion. Despite His physical weakness from the severe scourging and the weight of the cross, Jesus accepts it with humility and determination.
Jesus falls the first time:
Under the weight of the cross, and weakened by the beatings and loss of blood, Jesus falls to the ground. His fall is a sign of His humanity and the physical toll of the burden He bears for humanity’s sins.
Jesus meets His mother:
As Jesus carries His cross, He encounters His mother, Mary. Their eyes meet, and although no words are exchanged, the deep pain and sorrow they both feel is evident. This moment highlights the emotional suffering of both Jesus and Mary.
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross:
The Roman soldiers, seeing that Jesus is struggling, force Simon of Cyrene, a bystander, to help Him carry the cross. Simon’s reluctant assistance becomes a powerful act of compassion and shared suffering.
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus:
A woman named Veronica steps out of the crowd to wipe the blood and sweat from Jesus’ face with a cloth. According to tradition, Jesus’ image is miraculously imprinted on the cloth, symbolizing an act of kindness and mercy in the midst of suffering.
Jesus falls the second time:
Despite Simon’s help, Jesus falls a second time due to the sheer weight of the cross and His increasing exhaustion. This fall signifies the relentless burden of sin that Jesus is bearing.
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem:
Jesus encounters a group of women weeping for Him. He tells them not to weep for Him but for themselves and their children, forewarning the suffering that will come upon Jerusalem. This shows Jesus’ compassion even in His own suffering.
Jesus falls the third time:
Near the end of His journey, Jesus falls a third time. This fall is the most devastating, symbolizing the extreme weight of sin and suffering He carries. It highlights His perseverance and determination to fulfill His mission.
Jesus is stripped of His garments:
Upon reaching Golgotha, the soldiers strip Jesus of His garments, humiliating Him and causing additional pain as the fabric tears away from His wounds. This act represents the stripping away of His dignity and humanity.
Jesus is nailed to the cross:
Jesus is laid on the cross and nails are driven into His hands and feet, fastening Him to the wood. This excruciating act marks the beginning of His final suffering as He is lifted up on the cross for all to see.
Jesus dies on the cross:
After several hours of agony, Jesus utters His final words, “It is finished,” and dies. His death signifies the completion of His mission to redeem humanity through His sacrifice.
Jesus is taken down from the cross:
After His death, Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. His mother, Mary, holds His lifeless body, mourning the loss of her son. This moment emphasizes the profound grief and loss felt by His followers.
Jesus is laid in the tomb:
Jesus’ body is placed in a nearby tomb, donated by Joseph of Arimathea. A large stone is rolled in front of the entrance, sealing the tomb. This station signifies the end of Jesus’ earthly life and the beginning of the waiting period before His resurrection.
These stations invite reflection on the physical and emotional suffering of Jesus, as well as the themes of compassion, sacrifice, and redemption central to the Christian faith.
