Stations of the Cross for Teachers - The Twelfth Station

Jesus dies on the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

John 19:28-29: Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Reflection: Not long before his death, Jesus was transfigured before his disciples, confirming his identity as God's Son. But now the whole community has labeled him a criminal and put him to a tortuous death. Surely his disciples were confused. Surely some doubted who Jesus really was. No wonder they fled the scene. Jesus' closest friends affirm for us that doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is part of it.

Prayer: Jesus, we cannot reason our way into understanding that which is by definition unreasonable death, cruelty, and injustice happen in our schools and across the world. Guard us from confusion, doubt and fear, we pray, and give us the faith we need to accept your mystery.