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Easter may feel long ago already, but in the Basque country of Spain it's a truly religious event. Crowds gather to watch processions of 15 floats portraying Stations of the Cross - important stages in the last days of Jesus.
In Vitoria, crowds gathered in the Cathedral, singing heartily from memory, Spanish Catholic songs relevant to each Station. After each song, silence reigned.
Occasionally a bearded man sang solo in the passionate Basque language. Each time he sang, no-one moved, as if spellbound. After, came loud clapping.
It all honours the reality of the 15 most important moments of Jesus's last days, and respects the symbolic significance for each Station in our lives.
Consider how each of these 15 Stations may be relevant to a part of your life.
1. Jesus is condemned to death.
This is our failures - lost job, doomed marriage, lost football game. We die, symbolically.
2. Jesus carries His Cross
As mature adults we are responsible for our own lives, for our own failure, and we carry our burdens.
3. Jesus falls the first time
Due to personal failure, we can collapse under the weight of our burdens.
4. Jesus meets His Mother
We do not blame parents or others, and accept full responsibility for our suffering, failure, and pain.
5. Simon carries the cross
When we are at our lowest, God or someone will help us through our difficulties.
6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil
Even in times of darkness, God wants us to be comforted.
7. Jesus falls the second time
The path to Resurrection is never easy.
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Our personal problems will affect other people.
9. Jesus falls the third time
Everything goes in threes, and three is the spiritual number.
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
In our losses, we are stripped of money, dreams, achievements, friends and family.
11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
Nails signify being merged with your death, pain, failure, at one with terrible darkness.
12. Jesus dies on the cross
Our marriage, job, hope, dies.
13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross
We leave our job, marriage, etc, lifeless behind us.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Our past is buried. That chapter of life is closed.
15. Jesus lives again after resurrection
We resurrect and find new relationships, opportunities, jobs. New life never stops.
These 15 Stations of the Cross are symbolic of all aspects of our lives, that constantly twist and turn.
Think of an aspect of your life. Which Station are you on now?
Whatever it is, be certain of one thing - the next Station may not be far away...
In Vitoria, crowds gathered in the Cathedral, singing heartily from memory, Spanish Catholic songs relevant to each Station. After each song, silence reigned.
Occasionally a bearded man sang solo in the passionate Basque language. Each time he sang, no-one moved, as if spellbound. After, came loud clapping.
It all honours the reality of the 15 most important moments of Jesus's last days, and respects the symbolic significance for each Station in our lives.
Consider how each of these 15 Stations may be relevant to a part of your life.
1. Jesus is condemned to death.
This is our failures - lost job, doomed marriage, lost football game. We die, symbolically.
2. Jesus carries His Cross
As mature adults we are responsible for our own lives, for our own failure, and we carry our burdens.
3. Jesus falls the first time
Due to personal failure, we can collapse under the weight of our burdens.
4. Jesus meets His Mother
We do not blame parents or others, and accept full responsibility for our suffering, failure, and pain.
5. Simon carries the cross
When we are at our lowest, God or someone will help us through our difficulties.
6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil
Even in times of darkness, God wants us to be comforted.
7. Jesus falls the second time
The path to Resurrection is never easy.
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Our personal problems will affect other people.
9. Jesus falls the third time
Everything goes in threes, and three is the spiritual number.
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
In our losses, we are stripped of money, dreams, achievements, friends and family.
11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
Nails signify being merged with your death, pain, failure, at one with terrible darkness.
12. Jesus dies on the cross
Our marriage, job, hope, dies.
13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross
We leave our job, marriage, etc, lifeless behind us.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb
Our past is buried. That chapter of life is closed.
15. Jesus lives again after resurrection
We resurrect and find new relationships, opportunities, jobs. New life never stops.
These 15 Stations of the Cross are symbolic of all aspects of our lives, that constantly twist and turn.
Think of an aspect of your life. Which Station are you on now?
Whatever it is, be certain of one thing - the next Station may not be far away...
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