stations of the cross

our monsignor was released from the hospital last monday and resumed his shepherding duties this past week, albeit not full force because the pneumonia took a lot out of him.

he motioned to me yesteday as he processed back to the sacristy after morning mass to follow him...he told me he was too weak to lead the stations of the cross (done on fridays after morning mass) and asked if i would take over the leadership duties in doing so for friday (today). i tried to conceal my glee as best i could and mustered a calm, reassuring "certainly, sir..." and practically floated out the door.

i was so excited during mass today, trying really hard to focus and get *in the zone* i prayed my usual prayer of "less of me, more of You," but more specifically asked the Holy Spirit to completely take over for me so that it wouldn't be my words or inflection, but His and His alone.

can i tell you, i don't even remember going from station to station? i do, in the sense of moving from bas relief to bas relief and meditating while the responses were being said, but when it was finished and people started coming up to me as i made my way back to my belongings, i was being met with "you did great!!!" and "that was so nice - love your voice..." i hate to say "thank you" after those compliments, but had no time to invest in long explanations as to it not really being me, per se...so i just was gracious and said thank you with my head down the entire time.

i told monsignor i'd be happy to help next week if he needed me, but he said he'd probably (hopefully) be well by then. it's just as well; i'd actually prefer he ask for my help. i suppose in not really remembering the recitation of the prayers the Holy Spirit actually did take over. how cool is that?

in searching for the *just right* picture of stations, i happened upon this in a google search of a woman's photographs of the "real" stations in jerusalem. i don't know if it is because they were done in black & white that they had such an impact on me, but i found them to be wonderful.

if you've never done the stations which take about 20 minutes (i wish it could be longer because of its wonderful meditative aspect), then please try to get to stations at least once during Lent at a nearby church. it is truly a beautiful experience and you will be glad you did.