We invite you to take a peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff. Today’s “Light for the Way” is adapted from “The Way of the Cross,” a new devotional created by the spiritual care team.
By Pastor Chris Wheatley, PHS Senior Director of Pastoral Care Services
Though we’re not sure of its origins, prayerfully retracing the steps of Jesus on the way to the cross has been a part of Christian devotion for centuries. While participating in this devotional act, Christians have been able to connect with and experience in a personal dimension the pain, sorrow, disgrace and sacrifice of their Lord and Savior.
The Stations of the Cross (sometimes known as Way of the Cross) is most often observed during Lent to help connect the faithful with the experiences of Holy Week. Traditionally the Stations of the Cross constitute a series of 14 pictures or carvings depicting the events in the Passion of Jesus Christ from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to the point of his burial in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The number and details of the stations have varied throughout history, but the purpose remains the same — to draw Christians more deeply into their faith.
The waypoints included in the version we have created for Presbyterian Homes are based entirely upon the Gospel of John. This is an intentional choice, not to dismiss the importance of other narrations of the Passion of Christ, but instead to focus and deeply delve into one telling of the story of salvation.
We encourage our staff, residents and guests to use the Way of the Cross for devotions, prayer and reflections on the love that God showed us through these events.
This, in turn, inspires us to imitate what Jesus did for us by loving others as we journey with them through their lives.
Ask a campus pastor whether there will be organized presentations of the Way of the Cross at your community or download your own copy of this devotional.
Rev. Chris Wheatley serves PHS as Senior Director of Pastoral Care Services. He is an ordained Lutheran pastor and has served in hospice, eldercare, hospital, HIV/AIDS and congregational settings. He and his wife Nicole are perpetually outnumbered by cats and Dobermans.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
Prayer – the air we breathe
Get to know us: a Christian ministry
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series
