The Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified

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

When they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him; and with him they crucified two criminals, one on the right, the other on the left, and Jesus between them. And the scripture was fulfilled which says, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” (Book of Occasional Services, 2018)

Reflection

With every nail piercing the hands and feet of Jesus, mercy appeared to be vanishing as quickly as the breath in his lungs. Through the torture and blows, the authorities thought they had the last word. This is not that much different today. Power and control are significant motivators of violence. We have even seen this cause injustice within the very men and women who have vowed to protect and serve ALL people. Because of our history, we see that black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are treated more harshly and often with more force by law enforcement and those within the judicial system. 

What can we do as followers of Christ? The cross of white supremacy and deep-rooted racism is not a cross for only BIPOC but for people of all races. We are called to break down the systems that (intentionally or unintentionally) target BIPOC communities. We are called to advocate for just programs of support, that break down systems that continue to treat people in the BIPOC communities unjustly.

Let us pray.

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed by our efforts toward peace and justice; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

The Eleventh Station >>

<< The Ninth Station