Lent 2018: Way of the Cross PowerPoint Teachers: This reflection follows the scriptural Way of the Cross, rather than the traditional Stations of the Cross. Lent 2018: Way of the Cross PowerPoint

Way of the Cross

“Let us go together.”

STATION 1 Jesus in the garden “Could you not stay awake with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40 Just like the disciples, we too abandon Christ when we fail to stand in solidarity with people living in poverty.

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to stand alongside those who feel they have been forgotten.

STATION 2 Jesus betrayed by Judas “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” Matthew 26:15 Give us the strength to answer the call to be witnesses to Christ, calling for justice for our global family. Photo: Caritas Australia

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be people of promise, loyalty and compassion.

STATION 3 Jesus condemned by the Sanhedrin “All of them condemned him as deserving death.” Mark 14:64 Archbishop Romero, inspired by faith, spoke out against violence, poverty and injustice. Like Jesus, he gave his life. Photo: Euipo Maiz

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be witnesses to your love through our defence of the poor.

STATION 4 Jesus denied by Peter “Woman, I do not know him.” Luke 22:57 How many times have we failed to see the face of Jesus in our sisters and brothers in our global village? Photo: Caritas Internationalis

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to recognise Jesus present in everyone and to treat them accordingly.

STATION 5 Jesus condemned by the people “All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’” Matthew 27:22 Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith. They suffer greatly for merely standing up for what they believe. Photo: Caritas Internationalis

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to stand up for all who are persecuted – to be people of faith.

STATION 6 Jesus scourged and crowned with thorns “The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head.” John 19:2 Let us offer our talents to the cause of justice and help our friends in their struggles. Photo: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be people of courage, brave enough to act with love.

STATION 7 Jesus carries the cross “So they took Jesus… carrying the cross by himself.” John 19:17 Every day, refugees seek asylum from oppression and danger, fleeing with only what they can carry - sometimes not even that.

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to build communities of welcome and refuge.

STATION 8 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus “They compelled a passer-by… to carry his cross.” Mark 15:21 Millions around the world struggle to earn enough to supply their families’ basic needs. Photo: Caritas Europa

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be witnesses of solidarity, calling for fair conditions for all.

STATION 9 Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” Luke 23:28 More than 250 women working with the HAFOTI group in Timor-Leste are transforming the lives of their families. Photo: Helen Reynolds

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be advocates for the dignity and the rights of women.

STATION 10 Jesus is crucified “They crucified him with two others, one on either side...” John 19:18 Lord, give us the resolve to work for justice and peace in South Sudan. So that everyone’s basic needs are met including food, water, shelter and health. Photo: Mark Mitchell

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be witnesses who lead the way in upholding the rights of people in the most vulnerable places.

STATION 11 Jesus speaks to the thief “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 Kiribati is suffering from the effects of climate change, and homes and livelihoods are threatened.

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to be people who care for others and for our environment.

STATION 12 Jesus speaks to his mother When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ John 19:26 Figures from Millennium Development Report 2011 In Timor-Leste, one in ten children die before the age of five. Jesus feels the pain of mothers who lose their children. Photo: Helen Reynolds

E Hēhu Karaiti, help us to appreciate those who love and care for us, and to show a caring attitude towards others.

STATION 13 Jesus dies on the cross “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46 Like Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s mission to work for a world free of poverty and injustice, Doug Tennant continues to advocate for the rights of people in Papua New Guinea.

E Hēhu Karaiti, empower us to live our lives in faith and hope.

STATION 14 Jesus is buried “Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb…” Luke 23:53 Joseph treated Christ’s body with dignity. So many are not treated this way. How will I help to uphold human dignity?

E Hēhu Karaiti, renew us so that we uphold the dignity of all as children of God.

“Let us go together.”

Adapted from Caritas Australia’s Way of the Cross Picture credits: Caritas Australia Caritas Europa Caritas Internationalis Equipo Maiz Helen Reynolds Justine McMahon Luis Paz Marden Dean Mark Mitchell Molly Mullen Romy Elufsa Richard Wainwright Sara A. Fajardo (CRS) Stephanie Lalor Themba Madzvimbo Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand More information about Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand can be found at www.caritas.org.nz