I spent most of yesterday at the Toledo Museum of Art. (BTW one of my favorite places to visit) I love Monet and Van Goth.   However, for me, the best part of the Museum is the Cloisters.  It is designed to look like a commons area for a monastery or convent.  Around the  room are placed many Christian art pieces.  My favorite is a very small triptych of the Stations of the Cross.  Thinking about the pictures and their significance to the believer I decided to do some research as to what these ‘stations’ were.

This liturgy (set of scriptures) is often used on Good Friday to focus the mind on Jesus’ final week.  The stations range from seven to fifteen.  Interestingly, I found only one that included the Resurrection.  This made me wonder what is the point of the Cross without the Resurrection?

The stations and their matching Scripture:

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Matthew 26:36-41

Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested.  Mark 14:43-46

 

 

 

Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.  Luke 22:66-71

 

Jesus is denied by Peter.  Matthew 26:69-7

 

 

 

Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate.  Mark 15:1-5, 15

 

 

 

 

Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.  John 19:1-3

 

Jesus bears the Cross.  John 19:6, 15-17

 

 

 

 

Jesus is helped by Simon to carry the Cross.  Mark 15:21

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.  Luke 23:27-31

 

 

 

 

Jesus is crucified.  Luke 23:33-34

 

Jesus promises His Kingdom to the good thief.  Luke 23:39-42

 

 

 

 

Jesus speaks to His mother and the Beloved Disciple (John)  John 19:25-27

Jesus dies on the cross.  Luke 23:44-46

 

 

 

Jesus is placed in the Tomb.  Matthew 27:57-60

He is risen! As He said!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

I sincerely hope those of you reading this will take the time to look up these scriptures and ponder the Via Dolorosa.  Another name for the Stations of the Cross.

Father, You alone created this event to pave the way for our sins to be forgiven.  The Last Sacrifice has been made.  The Lamb is on the Throne.  He is Risen!  Amen and Amen!