Walk the Way

Praying the Stations of the Cross is a time-honoured tradition during the Season of Lent. We unite our hearts to the heart of Jesus, and with him, we walk the path that leads to Calvary and his sacrificial death on the cross.

The original Way of the Cross is, of course, in Jerusalem. In early centuries Christian pilgrims would make the long, dangerous trip to the Holy Land. Once there, they visited the historical sites associated with Christ’s Passion and Death. Over time, churches and chapels were built at places where pilgrims spent time in meditation and prayer.

During the time of St. Francis of Assisi Jerusalem was under Muslim rule. It was an unwelcoming place for Christians to visit. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Francis provided people with a safer alternative. A way to walk the Way of the Cross without ever leaving home.

During Lent and Holy Week, Francis and his brothers cleverly set up a series of crosses in the towns and villages where they were preaching. Each cross represented a specific moment in the Passion narrative. Some were taken directly from Sacred Scripture. Others came from rich traditions passed on from generation to generation.

Eventually these outdoor Stations were moved into the parish church. At first, simple wooden crosses were fixed to the walls. But over time they were embellished with works of art. And finally, their number was set at 14. This Franciscan devotion spread throughout Europe and beyond. It became so popular that every Catholic Church had a set of 14 Stations adorning the walls.  

In the Middle Ages it was too dangerous and time-consuming to visit the Holy Land. But during these pandemic days it’s not even possible to visit the parish church to pray the Stations. So what do we do? Give up this wonderful meditation on the Passion and Death of the Lord?

May I suggest, that instead of abandoning the Stations of the Cross, we go back to the beginnings. Let’s move them outside again. Bundle up against the cold, and make your daily walk more than an exercise regimen. Transform it into a prayerful meditation. And for our purposes, the Markland circle is the perfect place to make that happen.

We won’t be able to set up a series of wooden crosses. But we can identify each of the fourteen stations with a particular corner, open space or building on the circle. Where was Jesus judged and condemned? How many blocks between his three falls? Where did Veronica wipe the blood and dirt from his face? And where was he crucified? Bloordale Park? In the middle of Silverthorne track?

After deciding on the stops and stations, we can pause at each one to pray. Use a set meditation from a book, or make up your own. Remember to pray for the intentions of those who live nearby, as well as your own. Lift them up on the arms of the cross and sanctify the Markland Circle with your love.

It may not be possible for us to pray the Stations of the Cross in St. Clement Church this year. But that doesn’t have to stop us from meditation on the saving Passion and Death of the Lord. All it takes is a bit of imagination. And the decision to get out and Walk the Way!

Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke