The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross, holds significant spiritual and devotional importance in the lives of Catholics.
I recently asked a friend that I met during catechism what Good Friday meant to them, and they just said, “It was the day Jesus died on the cross.” Whereas it is true, I was disturbed by this reply coming from some who attended catechism.
Well, why are Good Friday and the Way of the Cross significant in the life of a Catholic?
Catholics and several other Christians believe that it is through the cross that Jesus redeemed the world and that Jesus encouraged everyone who wants to be his follower to carry the cross.
This traditional devotion commemorates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Originating in the Holy Land, the Way of the Cross became popular worldwide in the 17th century.
It is a mini-pilgrimage through the final hours of Jesus’ life, typically depicted in Catholic churches through images or artworks representing key events like Jesus being condemned to death, carrying the cross, falling, meeting his mother, and being crucified.
In an interview with a Nexus Media reporter, Fr. Gerald Mpanju, the Parish Priest of Bugonga Catholic Church in Entebbe Municipality, said the way of the cross is a way of reminding Catholics that they should carry their cross on earth just as Jesus Christ carried his cross to Calvary.
“The significance of the way of the cross is to encourage people that we need to be in this world, knowing that there will be difficulties and problems to face, instead of resisting. Jesus faced the cross and took it up to Calvary. We should emmulate that,” Fr. Mpanju said.
Fr. Mpanju noted that, just as Jesus died and rose from the dead, Christians should also take up their cross and face their problems in life courageously, knowing that they will be victorious.
“God assists you to overcome problems you have in life. Even if some problems do not fade away immediately, you will be victorious in the end, so the significance is to remind the people that the cross is part and parcel of life and each one must be involved,” he added.
Overall, the Way of the Cross is said to be a powerful devotional practice that aids in spiritual growth, deepening faith, fostering virtues, and finding comfort and strength in the face of trials.
This can be highlighted in the Good Friday Gospel of the Day (John 18:1–19:42).
“When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.”
Over time, this devotion has spread to different Christian traditions, where it has become a significant part of Passiontide observances during Lent and Holy Week.
