The Way of the Cross of the Latroun kehilla


A report on the Way of the Cross, held at Beit Jemal for the Russian speaking kehilla of Latroun.

It is wonderful, sunny morning in the Holy Land of Jesus Christ. All have a sense of happiness because after Friday invariably comes Sunday, the resurrection of the Son of God. Knowing that makes it a little easier to go through this terrible Friday. We are going to do the Way of the Cross at Beit Gemal, at the invitation of our priest, Father Wieslaw.

Before I begin my story, I really want to write a few words about our priest (for those who are not familiar with him). This amazing person in whom I have absolute confidence has been able to gather different people together and create a happy family. I do not think it has always been easy. He did it and we so look forward to meeting him and being with him. You can talk about anything with him, he is supportive and gives advice. He is very interesting person.

So we met up in Beit Gemal, very beautiful place. The monastery is located on the hill slope, and all around a riot of colors today. It is spring and everything is in blossom, even the stones. We were so happy to meet together.

Father Wieslaw holds a cross with the Crucified Jesus. Today, we have a very important and very sad mission: to pray together the Way of the Cross. Father Wieslaw opens a small gate and we, as a group, go down the path, leading to two millennia old olive trees. There we begin our journey.

Jesus Christ went on his way of the cross to accomplish our redemption. We will go through it too so that our hearts would be filled with remorse for sins committed. Thanks to Jesus Christ for his great love. For an hour on the hillside, we experienced an unjust death sentence of the Roman governor. Again and again we experienced how the Son of God falls and rises because of the weight of the cross. Continuing his difficult path, we grieve together with the Blessed Virgin Mary as she knows that her son is suffering for our sins.

We feel how Jesus falls once again. We felt how the soldiers divided his garments. How they taunt him and with what humility and obedience, with the cross on his shoulders, he takes this suffering for us, for our sins.

Now we are on our knees. We pray. We ask forgiveness. We repent. Thanks to God for saving us.

It becomes very quiet. Everyone has frozen, as if we are waiting for something. Sorrow consumed us. The pray is made sweet by our organist, everyone's favorite Sasha. We all take turns reading prayers. We all feel a sense of guilt and remorse for the death of Christ.

We thank the Lord for what he has done for us. How can we show that? Love alone is the response and our hearts have great capacity. Love begets love. Good begets good.

The hour of death is something unchangeable. We must accept it with humility as Christ did. Hoping for the resurrection from the dead, to get the reward of his love and eternal life, we return in silence.

Our procession ends in the Church of St. Stephen, praying the rosary. After holy communion and the blessing by Father Wieslaw. The day has come to an end. I do not lie when I say that this day will forever remain in our hearts.

Thank you Father Wieslaw, to all my friends and to my husband. Thanks for this unforgettable day, for the way of the cross. for the common prayer.

Thank God for the fact that it's all there in my life.

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