Itanyi Tobechukwu Brian (Class of 2021),  student of Jesuit Memorial College, Port Harcourt in Nigeria reflects on his experience of Lent through the practice of the Stations of Cross.

‘Could it be the beginning of the end?’ I thought, when I had pictured Christ nailed to the refined tree. The Stations of the Cross as a part of the Lenten observances, is a beautiful imagery which depicts the past, present and future of mankind for time to come.

The Lord’s steps to Calvary portray the constant evolution of the human race. As Christ occasionally fell down while carrying the cross, it shows that humans will also fall at some point in their lives while evolving and moving forward. The cross may be that heavy burden; our sorrows, weaknesses, fears and unattainable dreams that seem to pull us back from crossing the finish line. This finish line is true happiness derived from an everlasting bond with God. Just as Peter denied Christ, we sometimes deny ourselves what is truly good for the soul. We live fake lives on social media, follow unhealthy public trends and more, just for the sake of belonging. We are scared of being treated like outcasts from the world, just like Peter. It won’t be easy though. Why should I stand out in the scotching sun and heat or kneel down on concrete grounds for Stations of the Cross after a tiring day, when my friends and I could have easily chosen to comfortably have some gist under a nearby tree, enjoying the cool breeze? Why should I join some voices that could literally shatter glass to sing solemn hymns when I could easily dodge the program? It is not like the Lord will step down from Heaven with a mighty chariot, coming to reward those who actively participate in the Stations of the Cross. After all, who likes to suffer?

Fortunately, there is a key for every single lock. Just as veronica wiped the face of Jesus and Simeon helped Jesus carry the cross, the Lord is ready to uplift our lives and transform it into something beyond human imagination. The Lord and his angels are ready to share ‘The Holy Palliative’ if we allow Him to enter our hearts and lead the way through the Eucharist. During this solemn period of Lent, we are called to show some more love and respect to one another. We should cultivate the habit of lending a helping hand to people in need. We can ultimately change the world, a step at a time, only if we allow ourselves to be moved by the Spirit. Then, as in our School Song, we can truly sing ‘Hope Reborn’… “like the Christ crucified and risen.” But this gift comes at a little cost, “Carrying your burden and following the Lord’’ and that is the way of the cross.