Station 5 

         Jesus is nailed to the cross

Luke 23: 32-34: Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

We Remember the Cross of Jesus

Keeping in mind that the word excruciating literally means “out of the cross,” we reflect on Jesus and the excruciating pain he suffered as soldiers pounded thick nails through his hands and feet. As he completely surrendered any natural human desire to protect himself, Christ bore this pain – our pain – as a supreme sign of his overwhelming love for God’s people.

                We Name the Crosses of Today

There are many Christians around the world, who are persecuted for their faith. They are often ostracised from their communities. They may be in fear for their lives. Some are imprisoned, beaten and abused. There are organisations which seek to help these brothers and sisters in Christ, through prayer and through lobbying of those in power. Seeking to show God’s supreme love to those who are suffering even today.

We Pray

Jesus, on the cross you embraced the pain of generations of sinful men and women. We can often see pain and suffering behind the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we pray that you will guide us by your example of profound empathy. Teach us to share the pain of our fellow believers, and to be for them signs of your love in their lives.