Stations of the Cross

[Mangy_Donkey]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if you can share your thoughts. I attend Mass at what I would consider a very reverent Church with beautiful young Priests that are what I consider holy and orthodox.

The stations of the cross has always held a special place in my heart and has done so since early memories of my faith. Attending stations at 2pm on Good Friday was something that I had not seen before. Instead of the traditional stations that I am used to we had prayers at each station for different intentions. There were sneakers at the front of the Church that we were told (not by a Priest) represent those without shoes, empty plastic bottles to represent those without enough water, and plastic waste (I think), and some corn to represent bio fuels that take the place of food crops. Different colored ribbons were also passed out at each station but I didn’t catch what they represented. Apparently this was all to do with our affiliation with “Development and Peace.” At each Station there was a prayer read for some form of social justice, East Timor, abuse of women in other countries, bio fuels etc. No mention of our Lords passion.

So I guess my question is, do I have a right to be angry or am I just being selfish, I so wanted the Stations and singing I remember as a Child. I wanted to talk to one of the Parish Priests after but thought I was out of place.

Thanks

 

[praxising]

So I guess my question is, do I have a right to be angry or am I just being selfish, I so wanted the Stations and singing I remember as a Child. I wanted to talk to one of the Parish Priests after but thought I was out of place.

Thanks

I once read that the source of all human unhappiness is wanting. I don’t know if that’s true, but I know what it’s like to look forward to an experience in Church that I recall as so special to me and finding something else entirely. I was pretty angry and disappointed. But then my daughter asked me if it wasn’t true that I wanted God to take control of my life a because I did such a poor job with it. So, maybe you didn’t do that, but, maybe God gave you exactly what you needed instead of what you wanted. Of course, I don’t know if that’s true. But I did relate to what you said about selfish, I just remember that I was only thinking about myself, but Jesus was only thinking about us.

So your reaction seems to me to be perfectly understandable. I think what you do with the reaction is what counts.

 

[smichhertz]

I think you absolutely have a right to be upset. That is just inappropriate for Stations of the Cross. I have nothing against praying for social justice issues, biofuels, etc. But there is a common liturgical practice called “Stations of the Cross” and when you print on a bulletin “Stations of the Cross” and then do something different, it’s just misleading. And then you have a bunch of people showing up, expecting one thing, and getting something else.

I would talk to the priest (in a respectful manner, of course) and explain your concern. Perhaps they could refer to that as a “Social Justice Prayer Service” or something, and then do the standard Stations of the Cross at a different time.

 

[Spirithound]

Did they mention the traditional Stations at all? and maybe tie in a social justice theme?

 

[I_love_rocks]

I’m with you. I love the traditional stations. I can’t always find them being prayed in church, so I hung blessed stations on my hall and pray them - a lot. (Stations… It’s not just for Lent anymore.) All that debris would kind of distract me too. Not saying I’m not a little selfish… I am, but… I want to meditate on Jesus when I pray. I probably wouldn’t bother the priest about it though. I would pour out my heart to God and offer it up. He’s pretty interested in that stuff I’ve found. And if you don’t have stations at home, you can always walk through the house and read the stations, and meditate on them as a pious prayer. My friend, years ago, knew how bad I wanted stations in my home. She printed them off the internet, bought (14) 5x7 dollar store frames, and wrapped them up and gave them to me for my birthday. I cried… It was the most beautiful gesture. I had them blessed and they go up in my hall wherever I go. I’ll never get rid of them. Hope that helps. Hey, speaking of Stations, has anyone read the promises lately? WOW!!! So, Hang in there… and keep it Holy.

 

[Mangy_Donkey]

Thanks all. I have calmed down considerably I think part of the problem I have is a growing trend that seems to be taking place within the Church. I too believe that our Lord expects us as Christians to work towards social justice for all. My thinking is that we have 160+ hours a week to help our fellow man and surely we can offer our Lord the worship that he deserves during the remaining,

A couple of weeks ago while attending a neighboring parish the hymn after communion was “Phil Collins - Just another day in paradise”. Its this kind of stuff organized by a select few that I think is driving me towards the edge.

Thanks again for your replies.