A modern version of an ancient ritual

Christian rituals generally develop for good reasons, but they aren’t always relevant to modern and postmodern people.

But they can sometimes be updated to regain relevance and address different situations.

I was happy to participate in one such ritual this Easter. Let me tell you about it.

The stations of the cross

As Christianity gained converts in the first few centuries, pilgrims began to visit Jerusalem and other sites associated with Jesus. Of particular interest was the route by which Jesus was supposed to have walked on his way to be crucified, and then where his body was taken to be buried.

Of course no-one knows the exact path he took, no-one knows for sure where he was buried. And the city of Jerusalem was pretty much totally destroyed after the Jewish rebellion in 66-70 CE, so historical accuracy was impossible. But traditions grew up and this was sufficient for the devotions of pilgrims.

And so the church established a routine of stopping at defined locations and praying on The Way of the Cross and the ritual became known as the Stations of the cross.

In 1187 CE, Jerusalem was taken over by Muslims under Saladin and a few centuries later Christian access to Jerusalem was limited. So the church began to set up pilgrimage routes at many locations in Europe, with shrines and artworks to “copy” those on the traditional Way of the Cross.

By the 18th century, a standardised 14 (now 15 to include the resurrection) stations were set up in many Catholic churches, and Christians walked the path and participated in the devotions, reflections and prayers in remembrance of Jesus, especially on Good Friday.

A modern form

Protestants haven’t generally taken up the Stations of the Cross ritual as a practice. But this Easter I participated in a modern version which involved several Catholic and Protestant churches.

The stations were located at various points around an inner city suburb in Sydney where there are some significant social needs. At each one, an aspect of Jesus’ final hours was remembered via a scripture reading. Then we were informed of a social issue related to that station, and prayed for the people affected by that issue.

This connected the story of Jesus with the local community and also acquainted all of the participants with the needs of the community.

Station 1: Jesus confronts the Temple.

Gospel reading: Mark 11:15-19.

We stood across the road from one of the suburb’s pubs, all but one of which have poker machines which are a harmful attraction to many vulnerable people in the community. Our state has 0.15% of the world’s population but 37% of the world’s non-Casino poker machines.

Prayer focus: Those trapped in harmful addictions and families and friends caught up as well.

Station 2: The Agony in the Garden

Gospel Reading: Mark 14:32-36

We stood in a local park where vulnerable young people sleep rough, because they cannot afford accommodation, or because their family or personal circumstances have driven them out of home.

Prayer Focus: Care for local young people who find themselves alone without support or care.

Station 3: Jesus prays that we all might be one

Gospel reading: John 17:21-23.

In the grounds of our church, a “scarred tree” bears the mark where Aboriginal people carved out the bark to make a coolamon (a curved carrying vessel) or a shield. The tree is a testimony to the land and life that was taken from First Nations people by the arrival of European settlers and their subsequent mistreatment of the original inhabitants. The land was never ceded and mistreatment has taken a toll that continues to this day.

Focus for prayer: First and Second Nations peoples are divided. Prayers for reconciliation.

Station 4: Jesus arrested and tried before Pilate

Gospel Reading Mark 15:16-20

Glebe Youth Service is a voluntary organisation which supports young people, including the Aboriginal community, and tries to build self belief, aspirations, motivation to study and pathways to employment. It is a secular organisation, but welcomes the church community as allies.

Prayer focus: Young people in the local community who feel disrespected, mocked and insecure, and caught up in a cycle they cannot escape from.

Station 5: The Women who weep for Jesus.

Gospel Reading. Luke 23:27-29

Elsie Walk, a pathway between streets, commemorates, when in 1974 a group of women took over two vacant houses in the nearby street and set up the Elsie women’s refuge, apparently the first in Sydney. It’s success and the obvious need led within a year to 13 more women’s refuges being set up and the government beginning to fund refuges and develop domestic violence policy and action.

Prayer Focus: Women who are victims of domestic violence, and women and men who are addicted, confused and exploited.

Station 6: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus

Gospel Reading: Luke 23: 26.

The Old Fire Station has for years been a community centre used by many volunteer community groups. It has been the venue of art, computer and other classes, free legal advice, a community cafe and many social activities. A small community church operates an Opportunity Shop in the premises.

Prayer Focus: Prayers for the many community groups using this space that look out and care for each other in a lonely and hard neighbourhood.

Station 7: Jesus, King of the Jews is Crucified

Gospel Reading: Luke 23:33-38, 44-46

At a children’s playground we learned of a young child who was killed in a road accident just a few years back while crossing the road to play. Not far down the road a young man was shot by police in a welfare check gone wrong. Too many people in this area have struggled alone and without hope

Prayer Focus: For those who fall through the cracks and are hurt or killed by systems that are meant to protect and care for them.

Station 8: Jesus is Buried

Gospel reading: Mark 15:40-41, !5: 47-16:2.

The final station overlooked sidewalk community gardens created by volunteers. We saw these gardens as a symbol of hope and new life.

Prayer Focus: For those in this neighbourhood living in the shadow of death, those who care for them and those in the community who choose to live in hope and nurture new life and hope. And for our journey towards resurrection life.

A worthwhile tradition

This small pilgrimage was worthwhile on at least four levels.

It brought to mind the last hours of Jesus’ life through scripture reading.
It informed church members of the struggles of vulnerable people in the area, showing opportunities for the church to serve the community.
It was a prayer walk, with many people praying on site about the issues and people brought to our attention.
It brought together Christians from many quite different expressions of church.

Maybe you could develop a similar Stations of the Cross in your local area for next Easter.

Let's overturn these tables