Experience Good Friday in your own way

You've heard it said or sung, "Do your own thing," or "Have it your way." Even Frank Sinatra melted many hearts when he sang, "I did it my way." Can this guidance be rightly applied to things of a spiritual nature? With Good Friday approaching, Unity Spiritual Center Westlake has an open-minded, open-hearted approach to the ancient tradition of the Stations of the Cross. 

Why the Stations of the Cross, and where did this practice originate from? After the crucifixion, the disciples of Jesus would consistently tell the story of the walk to the cross, explaining the physical sites and events that took place at each particular location. The story of death and resurrection was told over and over again to pilgrims who came from all over to see the sites where Jesus had been. Walking the sites and contemplating the events became a vital part of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

Over time, as people returned home after a pilgrimage, they began to create their own stations and, eventually, churches did the same. The number of Stations has changed over time, with the Bible recognizing certain ones. Today many churches of different faiths make use of the nine Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. It is believed that the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is the physical site of Golgotha (Calvary), and holds the empty tomb of Jesus.   

On Good Friday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Unity Spiritual Center's Hall Sanctuary will be turned into the nine Stations of the Cross. Come in anytime during this Good Friday Experience, journey through the nine stations at your own pace, and contemplate the meaning they have for you. Each station offers a unique activity that will help with reflection on your life, the life of Jesus, and how they may or may not be intertwined.

The nine stations are: Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus picks up the cross, Jesus falls for the first time, Jesus meets Mary, Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus, Jesus falls a final time, Jesus is nailed to the cross, and Jesus is placed in the tomb.

For some, the journey through the stations can lead to a greater understanding of the love Jesus has for mankind. To the extent we come to understand and experience this love, our gratitude will run deep, and may grow into a desire to love as you have been loved. 

All are welcome. Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake is located at 23855 Detroit Road. For more information, call 440-835-0400.

Sharon Fedor

 I enjoy writing about USC's events. Everyone is welcome at Sunday services, or at our numerous classes, and worshops!

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 10:12 AM, 03.20.2018