Video Series: Imagining the Way of the Cross

by Kathy Keary

Our full series in the Contemplative Prayer Video Series is here.

Today I will invite you to use your imagination as we journey through three memorable scenes from the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Placing yourself in these scenes will deepen your reflection and create a lasting memory of how you participated in these heart-wrenching events. You will be invited to walk in the shoes of various characters in the drama. Words that are spoken will surface from time to time taking you back to your sacred encounter today.

Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Jesus, abandoned, betrayed, tortured, beaten, humiliated and condemned to death begins his ascent to Golgotha. Imagine that you are Simon of Cyrene. The blood-thirsty soldiers order you to assist Jesus in carrying the cross. Jesus is visibly weakened by the brutality he has endured.

• What are your thoughts when they ask you to assist?
• Are any words spoken between you and Jesus at that time?
• Do you make eye contact with Jesus?
• What do his eyes tell you about the emotions that are stirring within Jesus?
• What feelings surface within you each time Jesus falls to the ground?
• When you arrive at Golgotha what do you say to Jesus?
• What is his response?

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

Now imagine that you are Veronica. You are horrified by the sight of the brutalized man weakly staggering to his execution unable to carry the weight of the cross by himself. Your heart goes out to him. You must reach out to him with kindness. The only thing you can think of to comfort him is to offer him your veil to wipe the blood and sweat from his face.

• When you reach Jesus, your eyes lock. What do his eyes say to you?
• What words are spoken?
• What do you say to Jesus?
• How does he respond?
• What emotions surface within you?

The Foot of the Cross

Now imagine that you join Mary at the foot of the Cross. It’s clear that Jesus’ death is imminent.

• What do you say to Jesus?
• Is he able to respond?
• Are you able to make eye contact?
• What do his eyes say to you?
• What emotion surfaces when you hear him say: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
• What emotions surface when Jesus lets out a loud cry and breathes his last breath?
• How do you comfort Mary?
• What is your prayer?

May you hold this experience in your heart as you travel through Holy Week. Allow your encounters to touch you anew each time you bring them to mind.

You are invited to walk the Way of the Cross with the staff of PBRC: The Way of the Cross: A Visual Meditation 

May your Holy Week be fruitful as you reflect on Jesus’ great sacrifice, an act of tremendous love for people of all ages and places. Yes, for you and for me.

I will see you next week as we continue our contemplative journey.

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[Kathy Keary, spiritual director, holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in theological studies, and completed Sophia Center’s Souljourners Program, an intense study of spirituality and spiritual direction. Kathy believes that the Divine is present and active in all of life and encourages others to be awakened to the God in all including the Divine within. She enjoys accompanying others on their journey to wholeness discovering the person they were created to be.]

Photo 210692130 © Daniel Chetroni | Dreamstime.com

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