Fresh New Tone and Air and Spirit

Youth Minster’s Resource, in the Guidence of the Founder of Paulist Fathers, Servant of God Fr. Isaac Thomas Hecker

Living Stations of the Cross

This is the Script that OLPH Sr. High Youth uses for the Living Stations of the Cross.

If you would like a copy of this in a word document email me.

Narrator 2:     Hello, and welcome to _____________________'s presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross. Jesus prepared himself for his Passion through prayer and fasting, by knowing the will of his Father and by denying himself to do the will of the Father. Let us prepare now in the same way…In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen,

Narrator 1:     This is a hard story to tell, the road is long and the path is stained with the blood of the lamb. Jesus’ journey begins in Jerusalem, the day after he was betrayed by one of the twelve. Please join with us before each station in reciting: “We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

                        Jesus’ own people turned him over to Pontius Pilate, not to obtain justice but to rid themselves of him, to get others to do their killing for them. Jesus has already been dragged into dark places and beaten, spit upon, and cut with thorns that have been thrust into the flesh of his head. He stands alone and silent. No one defends him. People scream, “Crucify Him!” The Roman governor finally gives in and condemns Jesus to die in the slowest, most painful and humiliating way possible, Crucifixion.

Actions:           (“The First Station”) Jesus and Guards 1 & 2 come down the aisle to the right from the back of the church with backs to the audience. They face Pontius Pilate who is standing in center with arms crossed.

Narrator 2:     Lord Jesus, to often we become part of the mob screaming, “Crucify Him!” To easily do we pass judgment upon others. How quickly we condemn, even you, O Lord. How often we take the easy way out and ignore the needs of your people. Your life of love and commitment to each of us is an example of how we should treat each other.

 

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Second Station: Jesus takes up his cross

                        When Jesus first sees the cross, he sees his death. This moment is crucial; death is before him, but he does not turn back, nor does he perform a miracle to escape his punishment. He knows that the road is long, he knows the difficulties that lie ahead, yet he does not protest. He takes up his cross, with it the shame and the weight of the world’s sin. He takes up his cross for you, and for me.

Actions:           (“The Second Station”) Guard 1 brings cross to Jesus. Guard 2 nudges Jesus to take the cross. They all turn toward audience. Guards look over audience. Jesus looks up towards heaven. Pontius Pilate moves to side steps. He sits and watches.

Narrator 2:     Lord Jesus, we are weak, and we need you to be our strength. We now vow to allow you to save us. This is difficult for us, Lord, for we are easily tempted and choose to isolate ourselves from you. Your cross reminds us of ours. Our cross is made of sins and temptations, pains and sorrows, addictions and insecurities. We are too weak to bear this cross alone. This is why we need you, Lord. This is why you were sent by the Father. We now know who you are, and what you mean to us. Thank you for showing us that you care so much for each of us.

 

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

                        Jesus, his flesh torn earlier by the whips and scourges, has already been drained. He is terribly weak. When disrupted, the ring of thorns shifts on his head. Streams of blood mixed with sweat trickle down into his eyes, stinging and blinding him. He falls. Nobody helps. He struggles alone to his feet. 

Actions:           (“The Third Station”) Jesus & Guards walk towards the left of the altar. When Jesus reaches the aisle, he slowly drops to one knee (“Jesus falls for the first time”). Jesus stands (“He struggles alone to his feet”). Guards just watch.

Narrator 2:     Our lives never run smoothly. Do we have the courage to get up when we are crushed under the weight of our cross? Lord, we don’t always see you when we need you. We feel that you should help us in the way we see fit. Help us to overcome the obstacles in our path and to continue on with you.  

Song:              “Were you there” verse 3 pg 402

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

                        After all that he has gone through Jesus now meets his mother. He is now face to face with someone who loves him, and this new anguish is hard to bear. The pain exists not because she scorns him, but because she loves him and there is nothing she can do to help him. Mother and son say nothing, but the love between them is overwhelming. Even though she wants to run from this heart piercing moment, she is fully present to Jesus. 

Actions:           Jesus and Guards go up the aisle to Mary and John the disciple beside her. Mary stands (“Jesus meets his mother”). Mary comes face to face with Jesus and they stare at each other respectively. Mary and John join the procession.

Narrator 2:     As we watch Jesus and his mother, we see the deep love they have for one another. That they are present to each other’s struggles. Lord Jesus, like your mother, we must witness pain in the lives of those we love. Grant us your strength to bear this cross, and keep us mindful of those mothers who watch their children die and are helpless to help them.

 

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross

                        Jesus is so obviously week that his tormentors are afraid that he will not be able to finish. They search for a man to help Jesus bear his cross. They find a visitor, a simple spectator, Simon of Cyrene. Simon does not wish to get involved, but is forced by the guards to carry the cross with Jesus. Simon reluctantly lifts part of the cross, not out of compassion but for fear of the guards.

Actions:           All turn and walk toward Simon who is sitting. Guard 2 lifts Simon’s elbow (“Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross”). Guards force Simon out of seat (“Simon does not wish to get involved”) and Simon goes behind Jesus and helps with the cross (“Simon reluctantly lifts part of the cross”). 

Narrator 2:     Lord, like Simon, we often do not want to get involved when we see someone in need. We are reluctant to carry our own cross let alone another’s. Help us, Lord, to be joined to your burden as Simon did and to relieve even the slightest weight of the cross from your back.

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

                        Exhaustion and agony radiate from the sweat and blood that glisten on Jesus’ face. Veronica is moved with compassion for Jesus and instinctively moves past the guards to meet him. She wipes his face and his image remains on the cloth.  

Actions:           All move toward Veronica. Veronica stands (“Veronica wipes the face of Jesus”), moves to face Jesus, and wipes Jesus’ face slowly. Veronica holds the cloth to her chest and watches Jesus move past her, she then joins the procession.

Narrator 2:     Lord Jesus, make us like Veronica, who was moved by love to serve in whatever way she could. Lord, we are nothing without you; impress your vision upon our soul as you did to Veronica’s cloth. And help us to show the world, not the face of your agony but the face of your love.

 
“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls for the second time

Narrator 1:     When Jesus falls this time, he aggravates all the wounds from his journey thus far. His body sags under the oppressively heavy cross. Only his will is undamaged, his will to do the will of his father. Without help, he strains to stand, and continues to move forward to his destiny.  

Actions:           All move across the back of the church, and stop at the center aisle. Jesus falls (”Jesus falls for the second time”). Audience sees a side view of the fall. Jesus rises to his feet (“Without help, he strains to stand”).

Narrator 2:     Again, the weight of our sins has thrown you to the ground. But you, O Lord, get back to your feet and bear the weight yet again. How often have you helped us, only to have us fall again? Grant us the grace to rise to our feet and continue on the path that you have put before us. 

Song:              “Were you there” verse 7

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

                        Jesus’ battered and beaten body continues up the hill. Many mock and jeer, others weep. Ignoring his own extreme agony, Jesus comforts the weeping women of Jerusalem. He says to them, “Weep not for me but for your children.” 

Actions:           All walk down to the center to meet the Women of Jerusalem. Women of Jerusalem come to face Jesus. Jesus holds his hand out to them (“Jesus comforts the weeping women”). All watch Jesus and follow.

Narrator 2:     Lord, when the women of Jerusalem cried for you, you overcame your own pain to comfort them. You were dying, but your concern was for them. Thank you, Lord, for showing your self-giving love through your saving deed. Too often we think of ourselves as the center of the universe. We exaggerate our deeds and our hurts, oblivious of the pains of those around us and the care of those who comfort us.

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Ninth Station: Jesus falls for the third time

                        This time it appears to be over. Jesus crashes to the ground for the third time. Those present watch as this man, tired and torn, is now crushed yet again by the weight of the cross. Lying on the ground Jesus catches a glimpse of his destination and with it his destiny. Impossibly, he struggles again to his feet, for the last time.  

Actions:           All walk down the center aisle. Jesus falls at the first full pew (“Jesus falls for the third time”). Jesus looks to the altar and stands again (“he struggles again to his feet”).

Narrator 2:     Lord Jesus, you were all but crushed under the cross, but you, again, pulled yourself upright and continued, even then knowing that the pain and humiliation was far from over. Be with us, Lord, when we feel most defeated and dejected. Strengthen us with your persevering spirit. Help us to remember that no fall, no matter how far or how hard, is greater than your love and mercy.  

Song               “Were you there” verse 9

 

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

                        Jesus’ blood and sweat make his garments stick to his punctured skin. The guards tear his clothes from his broken body, and he stands exposed before everyone. The crowd mocks this trembling and dripping, exhausted and naked miracle worker. But the shame of this moment does not belong to Jesus, the innocent one, but to those who stripped him, the shame belongs to us. 

Actions:           All move toward the alter steps, Simon of Cyrene and Guard 1 struggle to place cross on stand. Guard 2 tears clothing off of Jesus (“The guards tear his clothes”) and throws clothes to the floor behind Jesus. Simon and Guard 1 return to Jesus.

Narrator 2:     Lord Jesus, what more proof could we ask of your love? You stripped yourself of all your power, and we stripped you of your humanity. But in your humility, you accepted every demand and placed yourself before us, holding nothing back.

 

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

                        It has finally come to this. Jesus, weakened by his long journey, has reached his final torment. Nails are driven into his hands, hands that blessed the world, hands that broke the bread. Nails are driven into his feet. Feet that carried the good news throughout Israel, feet that were washed by the tears of Mary and dried with her hair. With each crash of the hammer, the nails drive deeper into Jesus fastening him tighter and tighter to the cross. 

Actions:           Jesus and Guards go up to cross. Guards nail Jesus’ hands (“Nails are driven into his hands”), and Jesus’ feet (“Nails are driven into his feet”). Mary and the others sit on the steps looking at Jesus. Mary sits on top step to the left of Jesus with Veronica to her left, John the disciple sits on the top step to the right of Jesus.

Narrator 2:     As we force these nails into your hands and feet, you look upon us with unceasing love. You endured so much suffering for our sake, denying yourself entirely, for us. Lord Jesus, your hands and feet are pierced by nails, wounds never to be closed again. Forgive us Lord, for the nails that we drive into each other: nails of neglect, nails of hatred, nails of rejection, and many, many more.
                      

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

                        Three hours of unspeakable pain and suffering, and the cross that Jesus carried from Jerusalem now carries him. It is finished. Jesus is now totally humiliated, totally broken, the Word made flesh, the Alpha and the Omega, the Light of the world has been extinguished on the cross at Calvary.

Actions:           Jesus drops his head (“It is finished”). Guards move to far right near the altar.

Narrator 2:     Dear Lord, have mercy on us for what our sins have done to you. We see your body stretched out on the cross. We look to you, realizing the price you have paid for us, and you calmly tell us with your last breath, “You are worth it.”

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Narrator 1:     The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross

                        Jesus’ body lies limp as the guards take him off of the cross. They hand his lifeless body to his mother who has watched her son suffer and die. She has been with him since he was born. She watched him come into the world, and now she has watched as he has been taken from the world.

Actions:           Guards take Jesus down from the cross (“Jesus is taken down from the cross”), and lays his head on Mary’s lap (“They hand his lifeless body to his mother”). John the disciple kneels and prays; the women bathe and oil Jesus’ body. Guards carry cross to back and drape it with a purple cloth.

Narrator 2:     Lord, your passion has ended. Yet it continues whenever I choose to turn from you and I choose to sin. I have done my part in your crucifixion and now, my dear Savior, I beg your forgiveness with all my heart. Help me to live a life worthy of you and your mother.

“We adore you, O’ Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

Narrator 1:     Jesus is carried to his tomb. His mother, Mary, arranges his body. When Jesus’ body is ready to be laid to rest, she and her companions take one final lingering look at the man who changed their lives. The guards lock the tomb with a large stone and the story is finished… or is it? 

Actions:           John the disciple and Veronica lay a sheet over Jesus (“Jesus is laid in the tomb”). Mary arranges the sheet and lays his head down (“Mary arranges his body”). All rise and take last look at Jesus (“one final lingering look”), and walk away, and comfort one another. Mary stays close to John. All move to the back of the church and kneel around the cross in the back. Guards roll stone over tomb opening (“The guards lock the tomb”) and stand guard.

Narrator 2:     You were buried that sad and dark day, Lord Jesus, but your work was not yet finished. Dying you destroyed death, now you must rise to restore life. Lord, thank you for your saving work. You humbled yourself from the
all-powerful king reigning in heaven to come among us as an infant, born in a manger. You were then executed as a criminal suffering the most despicable death possible, all for us, all for me. 

Song:              “Were you there” verses 1, 2, & 15
 

Narrator 2:     Thank you for joining us this evening. As you leave the church tonight please take a nail as a reminder of what Jesus did you and for me, so that we may have eternal life with him in heaven. We will be accepting donations in the vestibule to help with our _________________. Thank you for your support.