Summary: <br> Scriptural Stations of the Cross – Mp3 audio and Text podcast<br> The following stations of the cross are based on those celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Good Friday 1991. They are presented here as an alternative to the traditional stations and as a way of reflecting more deeply on the Scriptural accounts of Christ’s passion. More can found at the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/stations-of-the-cross/scriptural-stations-of-the-cross.cfm">USCCB Catholic Bishops website.</a><br> Before each station:<br> Minister:<br> We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.<br> All:<br> Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.<br> After each station:<br> All:<br> Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.<br> Opening Prayer:<br> Minister:<br> God of power and mercy,<br> in love you sent your Son<br> that we might be cleansed of sin<br> and live with you forever.<br> Bless us as we gather to reflect<br> on his suffering and death<br> that we may learn from his example<br> the way we should go.<br> We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord.<br> All:<br> Amen.<br> First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane<br> Reader:<br> Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”<br> (Matthew 26:36-41)<br> Minister:<br> Lord,<br> grant us your strength and wisdom,<br> that we may seek to follow your will in all things<br> Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested<br> Reader: Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.<br> (Mark 14: 43-46)<br> Minister: <br> Lord,<br> grant us the courage of our convictions<br> that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring.<br> Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin<br> Reader: When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”<br> (Luke 22: 66-71)<br> <br> Minister:<br> Lord,<br> grant us your sense of righteousness<br> that we may never cease to work<br> to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.<br> Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter<br> Reader: Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying,
