Before the Cross

Online Devotionals from Lutherans Connect
February 22nd to April 9th — Daily except Sundays

Image by Joe Plenio
https://pixabay.com/photos/light-chapel-church-architecture-3176887

~ adapted from a post dated February 16, 2023 on Lutherans Connect Facebook page

Shortly, it will be Ash Wednesday, when we mark the beginning of our journey with Jesus in the wilderness. Lutherans Connect invites you to make space for that journey, by joining us from Monday to Saturday until Palm Sunday and every day in Holy Week. As usual, we will bring together scripture readings, poetry, music, reflection, and images in a daily online devotion.

Many of us have heard of, or even prayerfully observed the “stations of the cross”, meditating on specific moments in the Crucifixion of Jesus. Over the centuries, different versions have evolved, including the number of stations observed. This Lent, we will reflect on the events in Jesus’ life which can be thought of as “stations” of his story — moments of teaching and ministry in which Jesus or others signal what lies ahead. How are these moments also “stations of the Cross” even before Jesus has been condemned?

In addition, we will visit the contemporary stories of individuals and communities around the world whose lives involve acts of resistance to empire or a permanent commitment to the wilderness, as a way of helping to provide a better life for us all. Who are these unsung heroes of our own time and how can they inspire us?

Throughout the project we will feature images that express the “waystation”, a place of temporary refuge on a pilgrimage or trek. How will we make space in our own lives for prayer to God?

Join us from February 22nd to April 9th, daily except Sundays, as we journey to the Cross and beyond.  And may the peace of Christ be with you!

This devotional can be accessed from the Lutherans Connect Facebook page or their blog.