In the middle of our observation of the Holy Week, I have heard a few questions asked about why we observe the Stations of the Cross. After all, it has largely been a Catholic tradition, so why would we do this at our church?
One person emailed me out of curiosity - and I thoroughly enjoy the dialogue, so thank you to that person - and she asked me, "I'm curious to know why we do them (the Stations) here at The Journey. I haven't even heard the term in 100 years - not since Catholic school. I have no objection, I'm just curious." And I wanted to share my response, as I realize that if one person has a question, many people probably also have the same question.
While we are not Catholic, we knew this was a question that would come up. The stations are not only a Catholic tradition, they are a church tradition that has been around since the 13th century. We believe that the tradition is a good one, remembering the passion and death of Christ at specific stages and moments.
While we don't adhere to the non-scriptural stations (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stations_of_the_cross and http://www.crivoice.org/stations.html for more info), we do take the time to remember in detail what Jesus did for us based on the biblical accounts. Why do we do this? Let me say - it's optional. No one has to do it. But we encourage it because it provides an opportunity for a deeper worship experience.
But what you will also learn when you attend is this- one of the worst sins a Jew could commit is to forget. Throughout the Bible God instructs His people to remember what He has done for them - see Mark 8:18; Luke 1:72-73; Isaiah 46:8-9; Deut. 16:3, 15; Luke 22:19-20; I Cor. 13:23-26. Every time we take communion, we remember what Jesus did for us. The Stations fits right into our worship. They are meant to help us remember what Jesus went through in order for our sinful debt to be paid.
Overall, it is a historic church tradition that we believe provides for a deeper experience in worship. Not trying to be Catholic, but just trying take an excellent tradition and make it part of our own. I hope you will take time over the next few days and come observe the Stations...
-Pastor
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This is a note given to me (Pastor) about the Stations that I was asked to pass on:
Dear Fellow Journeyfolk,
I went to the Stations of the Cross last night and I want to encourage everyone at The Journey to take some time out to go before Easter.
It is hard to put into words what it did for me and to me. I found it to be forceful and gentle, sorrowful and joyful, bringing to mind things I knew but had not thought about for a while or in that way.
I believe if you go you will be blessed in a deep, profound and unexpected way. Please prayerfully consider going.
Katy Weller
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