Shortly before leaving for my trip to Norway, I was approached by a leader of a women’s group at a local church. She attended one of my book presentations, bought my latest book on the life of the Blessed Mother, and read it. She asked if I would be interested in doing a Lenten retreat focusing on Mary’s perspective. She titled the retreat – A Lenten Journey through Mary’s Eyes! I loved the title and decided to accept the challenge. I wrote most of the retreat while on vacation in Norway and finalized the details with the leaders from this group when I returned.
Mary’s perspective
The focus was Mary’s perspective on the Passion of Christ – a difficult journey for a mother to endure. Yet, we all know that she was not just any mother – she was and is the Mother of God and most importantly, she is our Mother, too.
To prepare for this retreat, we decided to look at the Scriptural Stations of the Cross and the Sorrowful Mysteries of ALL the Rosaries.
If you’ve read my book, you know that there are different types of Rosaries and that each of these Rosaries have mysteries that focus on the life of Jesus and Mary. I also introduced in my book the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.
Scriptural Stations of the Cross
As I prepared for this retreat, I was reminded of my visit to a beautiful cathedral in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Cathedral of the Madeleine is a Catholic cathedral with a beautiful display of the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.
As we journey through this Season of Lent, I’d like to share with you the scriptural Stations of the Cross as displayed in the Cathedral in Salt Lake City. I’ve also indicated, next to each station, the scripture that is related to that station.
I. Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane – (Matthew 26: 36-46; Mark 14: 32-42; Luke 22: 39-46; John 18: 1-12)
II. Jesus is betrayed by Judas – (Matthew 26: 14-16)
III. Jesus is denied by Peter – (Luke 22: 54-62; Matthew 26: 69-75)
IV. Jesus is judged by Pilate – (Mark 15: 15; Matthew 27: 24-26; John 18: 31-32; Luke23:24)
V. Jesus is stripped and scourged – (Jon 19: 1)
VI. Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns – (John 19: 2-3)
VII. Jesus bears the cross – (John 19: 16-17)
VIII. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene – (Mark 15: 21; Matthew 27: 32)
IX. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem – (Luke 23: 28-29)
X. Jesus is crucified – (Matthew 27: 33-44)
XI. Jesus promises His kingdom to the good thief – (Luke 23: 39-43)
XII. Jesus speaks to His Mother and the disciple – (John 19: 25-17)
XIII. Jesus dies on the cross – (Matthew 27: 45-54; Luke 23: 44-46)
XIV. Jesus is placed in the tomb – (Matthew 27: 57-61)
Lent is truly a season of renewal. May God continue to bless each of us as we draw closer to Him.