Artwork by David Dillon, oil painting on 12" x 16" canvas
Welcome to the website for Centennial Covenant Church’s podcast Centered. This podcast was created by Karl Helvig, David Dillon, and Kaley Rodda, with the help of many other wonderful people. The content below is a guide for the prayer practice known as The Stations of the Cross, and this website was designed particularly with our friends in the D/HH community in mind. You can use it on its own without the audio podcast, or you can use the website while listening to the podcast to create a more immersive experience. The content here is exactly the same as that on the audio podcast. In other words, this website and the podcast can function either independently or together.
Before reflecting on and responding to the artwork for today’s Station of the Cross, take a moment now to pause. We’d encourage you to move slowly through each part of this exercise, beginning with the breaths you are about to take.
Take two or three deep breaths.
Breathe.
Breathe
Breathe.
Notice your physical body. Are you carrying tension anywhere? Are you uncomfortable anywhere in your posture? Give yourself a moment to relax. Let your mind be still.
The third Station of the Cross is a little different because there is not a specific passage of scripture that references this event. However, when you think about the nature of Jesus, who has at this point already suffered significantly, and when you consider the nature of the task of Jesus carrying his cross - the weight of the cross, and the distance he has to carry it - it becomes obvious that Jesus would likely stumble or fall along the way. Traditionally, Jesus falls three times, and this is the first of those three interactions.
So rather than reading a scripture, today we will reflect on some words written by an author named Tony Jones, from the book The Sacred Way:
“Suddenly, Jesus falls. The weight of the cross is too much. He cannot bear it. He is on the ground, and he knows what it is to feel defeated, weak, unable to go on. And yet, he must go on. The soldiers pick him up and force him to continue.”
When you feel ready, scroll down the page to the artwork. You will be guided through a reflection on today’s Station of the cross.
First, take one minute to simply sit with the image and take in all its details.
For the next three questions, take your time in processing or responding to each. Let this be a leisurely practice. There is no rush. There is benefit to creating space for reflection and prayer.
Is there a particular part of the art that captures your attention? If so, let your attention linger there. Take it in all the more.
Consider, why is it that your attention is drawn to that particular area or part of the image?
What prayers does this prompt, either to God, or for others? And finally, what might God be saying to you, as you reflect on this Station of the Cross?
As you continue to engage with the image, reflect again on the words of Tony Jones:
“Suddenly, Jesus falls. The weight of the cross is too much. He cannot bear it. He is on the ground, and he knows what it is to feel defeated, weak, unable to go on. And yet, he must go on. The soldiers pick him up and force him to continue.”
Allow yourself to sit with your reflections. Don’t rush into your day, your week, those spaces that your mind tends to go when you’re just sitting in silence. Maybe take this time to document your reflections - perhaps through journaling, or even taking a voice note on your phone. You can also use the comments section if you want to share your reflections and engage with others on this journey.
Take a final minute of silence and, when you are ready, conclude your time with this simple prayer:
Jesus, you made this journey for me. Amen.