When the Stations of the Cross Become Personal (Morning Air)

The Stations of the Cross invite us to do more than remember what Jesus suffered. They ask us to look closely at the people who surrounded Him and to see ourselves in them. On Morning Air, Father James Wallace reflects on several figures from the Passion and shows how each one reveals something about our own response to Christ. Pontius Pilate stands out as a warning. Father James describes him as a man with power who still chose cowardice. Though Pilate recognized there was something different about Jesus, he “takes the easy way out” and refuses to do what is right. His question, “What is truth?” becomes more than a line from the Gospel. It becomes the question of every soul tempted to surrender to popular opinion instead of remaining faithful to God. In sharp contrast is Veronica. Though she is known to us through Sacred Tradition, her witness remains powerful. Father James calls her “one of the most beautiful characters on the way to the cross.” While Pilate turns away, Veronica goes “face to face” with Jesus. In that act of courage and love, she receives the imprint of Christ’s face not only on her veil, but, as Father James beautifully says, on her heart forever. Simon of Cyrene offers another lesson. Often portrayed as reluctant, Father James instead imagines him as eager to help, a man willing to step forward when others shrank back. Simon literally fulfills Christ’s command to “take up your cross and follow me.” By carrying the Cross, he allows Jesus to continue ministering even on the road to Calvary. His example reminds us that when we embrace our own crosses with love, God can use even our suffering for the good of others. Then there is the good thief, Dismas, whose final moments reveal the wideness of Divine Mercy. Father James calls him “the patron of the present moment.” Dismas does not dwell on the past or panic about the future. He simply turns to Jesus and asks to be remembered. Christ’s response, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” is a promise of hope for every sinner who repents. These characters of the Passion are not distant figures frozen in history. They are mirrors. At times we are Pilate, hesitant and weak. At times we are Veronica or Simon, moved by grace to step forward. And at every moment, we are invited to become like Dismas: turning to Jesus with trust, even at the very end. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.