WAY OF THE CROSS The following Power Point

WAY OF THE CROSS The following Power. Point of the Way of the Cross is to be used as a prayerful reflection. Please feel free to adapt this resource to your communities needs. One possible way to use this resource, is to read the scripture text in the notes section of each of the station slides, pause for silent reflection and then invite the group to read the prayer slide for the station together aloud.

Way of the Cross Reflection Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

1 st Station: Jesus in the garden Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, when praying to your Father for comfort, your friends fell asleep and abandoned you in your time of need. You show us the way. Fill us with the strength to become people of witness, to stand in solidarity with our neighbours and never abandon them.

2 nd Station: Jesus betrayed by Judas Photo credit: Nicole Clements

Jesus, You chose Judas to be one of your twelve apostles, yet he betrayed you in exchange for money. You show us the way. Fill us with the courage to be people of justice and integrity. Empower us to honour global family through our daily choices and actions.

3 rd Station: Jesus condemned by the Sanhedrin Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You knew who You were and did not deny it, knowing that it would cost Your life. You show us the way. Fill us with the courage to be true to ourselves and to be our true selves with others. Empower us to be leaders for justice and witnesses of your love through our defence of the poor and lonely.

4 th Station: Jesus denied by Peter Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You knew that Peter would betray you, yet you were able to show him your love and mercy. You show us the way. Fill us with the courage to stand up and act for justice, even when it means being counter -cultural. We thank you that even when we fail, you are always there to forgive and help us back onto our feet.

5 th Station: Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You stood alone and innocent, before Pontius Pilate who had the power to free you but was blinded by his own selfishness and hunger for power. You show us the way. We ask forgiveness for the times we have failed to stand up as followers of Christ and denied our obligation to put our faith into action. May we use our voice and freedom to serve our innocent neighbours.

6 th Station: Jesus crowned with thorns and clothed in purple Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You physically suffered alone, in front of crowds of people who did nothing to stop the torture You endured. You show us the way. Let us not forget that we belong to one human family. Help us to open our hearts to those who suffer, offer our talents to the cause of justice and give our hands to support our neighbours in need. Enable us to ‘be a voice’ for the most vulnerable and marginalised.

7 th Station: Jesus carries the cross Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You picked up Your cross, though You knew it would lead to Your death. You show us the way. During times of uncertainty and fear, grant us the courage to dedicate ourselves to serve You, as we act to bring an end to hunger and work to transform our world.

8 th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You know what it means to depend on someone and rely on their help. You show us the way. Inspire us to share generously with others when they rely on us. Show us how to listen and be gentle, how to be a compassionate and loving neighbour.

9 th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, You cared and spoke out, even on the road to Your death. You knew and felt the suffering of others. You show us the way, so that we may walk with You. So that we may console and support, listen and understand. As we hear the stories of our sisters and brothers who live in poverty, show us how to care and to speak out like You, as we take action together for change.

10 th Station: Jesus is crucified Photo credit: Nicole Clements

Jesus, You hang broken and beaten. In pain, You feel abandoned and cry out. You show us the way. Challenge us - when we hold people back and look down on them. Help us to remember that everyone is equal and born free. Stay with us when we are tempted by power, status or glory, and remind us that in Your wounded brokenness You are God.

11 th Station: Jesus speaks to the thief Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, even in your final moments You continued to express your love and mercy for someone who was suffering in their own grief and wrong doing. You show us the way, in those moments when we struggle to allow ourselves to see the suffering of the other. Strengthen our faith so that we may be a living witness of your love and mercy to all those who suffer.

12 th Station: Jesus speaks to his mother Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, as you take your final breaths, you do not forget your loving mother. You show us the way. When it’s not easy to listen, help us to hear. When it would be easier to look away, bring us back. Show us how to be the love and compassion that strengthens and sustains our neighbour.

13 th Station: Jesus dies on the cross Photo credit: Nicole Clements

Jesus, You know what it’s like to feel abandoned, lost and afraid. You show us the way, How to walk with others, who live in fear, who face death through hunger and thirst, violence and war. Show us how to pray for those we do not know and will not meet, but who are always loved by You.

14 th Station: Jesus is buried Photo credit: Richard Wainwright

Jesus, in the darkness of the tomb You were surrounded by love, by grief and by fear as the women prepared Your body for burial. You show us the way. May we feel the comfort of Your love for us. And may we turn outwards to share that love with ours neighbours, with the same generosity and gentle loving kindness that You showed to all.