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THE WAY OF THE CROSS
A reflective Via Dolorosa walk
by John Hay, Jr. (West Morris Street FMC, Indianapolis, IN)

The Stations, or Way of the Cross, is an ancient method of meditating upon Christ's Suffering and Death. Trace the path of Jesus from His condemnation to His body being laid in a tomb. Bring your senses, and most of all your heart, and walk the Way of the Cross. Take time to read, reflect, pray, and/or sing. Reflect on what Jesus' journey to the cross means for you, for all.

STATION FIVE: A woman wipes the face of Jesus

This remembered incident is also from the first-century churches' oral tradition. A woman forces her way through the crowd to comfort Jesus by wiping his bloodied and sweat-drenched face with a towel. It is an act of courageous sympathy and kindness amid incredible suffering on the way to a certain death.

Reflection: Along the way of life, is there a cross-bearing friend whose wounds I can soothe, whose countenance I can lift, whose heartache I can hear, whose grief I can assuage? I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

Prayer: O Jesus, though I cannot minister to You on Your way, I can reach out to relieve and refresh those who carry crosses today. Give me insight and courage to do so-even when the crowd scoffs at and isolates me. It is You whose face I lift. Amen.

Song:
We are pilgrims on a journey;
We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.