Station X

Station X: Jesus clothes are taken away

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading:

When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And they divided his garments among them by casting lots. This was to fulfill the scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.”

They gave me gall to eat:
And when I was thirsty they gave me vinegar to drink.

Reflection:

Sometimes we can’t decide what to wear; then we remember that others have no clothes.

Sometimes we are frustrated when we have to wait in lines for the food we want; then we remember those who are hungry.

Sometimes we are craving an ice cold glass of water; then we remember that water is precious, and life giving and in too many places is too scarce or polluted to safely drink.

Sometimes we grow weary of endless days in our homes; and then we remember there are those who have no home to go to.

It isn’t that we need to feel guilty for the things we have, or to chide ourselves when we, too, feel vulnerable and long for things that we don’t have. But these feelings are opportunities to unite with our neighbors around the globe, and to see the ways in which we are called to share our resources and spread the love of Christ tangibly and meaningfully. In this station, we pause to remember those who, like Christ, find themselves with nothing left in this world. And when we do, our hearts break open and reveal new ways of loving, giving, seeking and serving Christ in each other.

Closing Prayer:

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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