March 23, 2016

The Stations of the Cross originated in pilgrimages to Jerusalem. There was a desire to reproduce the “Way” of Jesus in the last week of his life, especially in and around Jerusalem. So, by the 4th century, there were attempts by certain people, like Constantine’s mother, to give people an opportunity to visit important sites from the life of Jesus – from his birth, to the crucifixion, to his resurrection.

At the monastery of Santo Stefano at Bologna a group of connected chapels was constructed as early as the 5th century, by St. Petronius, Bishop of Bologna, which was intended to represent the more important shrines of Jerusalem. As such, this monastery became familiarly known as “Santa Gerusalemme”. This may perhaps be regarded as part of the genesis for the idea of the Stations of the Cross, at least outside of Jerusalem developed. It is certain that nothing that we have before about the 15th century can strictly be called a Way of the Cross in the modern sense. And so, we carry on this tradition of traveling the “Way of the Cross” that developed more than 500 years ago by having a service called “The Stations of the Cross.” It is a proper and fitting way to begin the services of Holy Week.

There are two ways that the stations can be conducted. One is to have “stations” along a route outside the church, or a smaller route inside the church. From the first station, people then travel to any number of stations where a lesson from the passion story is read followed by a prayer. After a brief time of silence and reflection, the group travels to the next “station”.

A second way to honor the “stations of the Cross” is to sit in the nave of the church and read the lessons and prayers and either project images or include images in a booklet. This is the way that my congregation honors the stations. What is most important about the Stations of the Cross is the opportunity we offer to people in the community to again hear and meditate upon the passion of Jesus.

Pastor Dave

March 22, 2016

“Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2“But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” (Mark 14:1-3)

Bethany was the village of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This little village just over the hill from Jerusalem is a place known by Jesus – and he will appreciate their welcoming presence during this week, his last week. We can assume that there were other family members who knew Jesus and lived in this area as well. They were all acquaintances of Jesus. But there is more. This family did something courageous: they were able to discern God’s will in this moment for Jesus and support Him in it. They loved Jesus, supported Jesus, and was there as he discerned his fate. When Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, it became a symbolic anointing for the week. Mary’s anointing probably spoke for the entire family unity their acceptance of the reality of Jesus’ impending death.

Families can be frustrating, and families can be such a support for us as we discern God’s plans for our lives. Yes, there are families that are so dysfunctional there is no communication between them. However, there are plenty of families that actually talk together regularly about how they can better support each other. Some families help one another make hard decisions – and to accept hard realities.

Jesus is well into his last week, and the stress upon him and his family had to be so present – so difficult. Their support will be crucial, especially from the women, who will not abandon him like the other disciples.

Has there been a time where you have supported the family under difficult circumstances? Is there someone in your family who needs your support now?

Pastor Dave