Station 11

After entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, ascend a winding staircase immediately to the right. On the platform there are two chapels: The eleventh Station is the catholic chapel on your right, it has an image of Jesus being nailed to the cross.

“And they brought Him to the place called Golgotha. And it was the third hour when they crucified Him – which is around 9 a.m. our time – And the inscription of the charge against Him read, ‘The King of the Jews’. And with Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.” (Mark 15:22-27)

Crucifixion was the most gruesome way to die as it was accompanied by excruciating pain, and yet: “One robber was mocking Jesus but the other was rebuking the mocker, saying: ‘We are here for a reason, but Jesus has done no harm’.” Then He continued: “Lord, remember me in your kingdom.” And Jesus answered him: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Reflection

We do not know when we will die, but we learn from this criminal what it means to be ready. In Isaiah the Lord says: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Even if we do not know when we will die, we know how to be ready – to posses the “Fear of the Lord” and remember God even in dire circumstances. (Isaiah 66: 2b)

Prayer

Lord, may I receive the Fear of You as a gift to treasure in my heart always and to do everything remembering you.