Stations of the Cross: A Reflection on Debt
By Linda Jones, Catholic Agency for Oversease Development (CAFOD)
Introduction
Leader: “Whatever the detailed history of today’s debt-ridden countries… those who could be blamed least,
the poorest people in the poorest countries have suffered most.”
These words of Cardinal Hume, to
gether with Pope John Paul II’s call to all Christians to raise their voices on behalf of the poor, are a
profound challenge to us all as we prepare for the Millennium.
As we meditate on Christ’s suffering and death we remember too those who are suffering and dying
today.
As we remember Christ’s Resurrection we look for signs of hope and new life in a changed
world.
Mulima Kufekisa from Zambia speaks out, “What sort of economic justice is it, where those who can
afford the least are expected to give to those who already have the most? Enough is enough. It’s time
for justice.” Today we ask for the strength, determination and courage to continue to pray and work for
justice for all God’s people.
All: Jesus our friend and our brother, through your life and your journey to the Cross, your death and Res
urrection, you have shown us how to live in love. May we always follow your example, living a life of
compassion, in the search for peace through justice for all your people.
Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death
Reading: Pilate said to them, “What am I to do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”
“Why?” he asked, “What harm has he done?” But they shouted all the louder, “Let him be crucified!”
Then Pilate saw that he was making no impression, that in fact a riot was imminent. So he took
some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd… He ordered Jesus to be first scourged and
then handed over to be crucified.
(Mt 27:22-26)
Silence
Reading: Today Jesus is condemned to death. David Hamalambo is seven years old. He is dying of malaria.
It’s a treatable disease, but his parents Joni and Rosemary are farmers in rural Zambia, who can’t afford
medicines or the fee at the clinic.
Silence
Reading: In Zambia, one in five children dies before its fifth birthday. Zambia spends three times as much on debt
interest as on health care.
All: Jesus our friend and our brother, through your life and your journey to the Cross, your death and Res
urrection, you have shown us how to live in love. May we always follow your example, living a life of
compassion, in the search for peace through justice for all your people.
Station 2: Jesus carries his cross
