We adore you O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Marlene and I went to the Stations of the Cross service at Wakefield Cathedral on Saturday evening. This is a reflective ‘journey’, often considered to be a very Catholic lenten preparation, but quite popular and appropriate in Anglican churches and cathedrals.
The concept is one of following, or walking with, Jesus on His way to the Cross – the Via Dolorosa – in Jerusalem . There are fourteen ‘stations’ to pause at, making connections with stages on the journey Jesus made, brought to life by the Gospels. At each, there is time for prayer, reflection and scripture. There may even be music and/or singing, as the group (or sole pilgrim) moves between stations.
We were led by @RevdTimStevens who guided our way to various places within the Cathedral, many of which resonated with the station they depicted: beginning the journey at the font, recollecting service and sacrifice at memorials to the fallen and former bishops, acknowledging all motherhood in Mary the Mother of Jesus, and pausing at the corridor to the Treacey Hall – recalling the Women of Jerusalem in a place of hospitality, welcome and friendship.
We were reminded just how much this was a very physical, human journey, filled with human imagery and physical ‘action’ and emotion. We ended in St Mark’s Chapel, filled with candle light – the Tomb in which Jesus is laid – from where we silently depart.
Lord, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
You are the Saviour of the world.