Questions to contemplate
A Devotional Guide to the 2017 Washington D.C. Stations of the Cross
by Dr. Carolyn Rosen
1. Think about a time when someone accused you of something you didn’t do. Did you manage to let go of the resentment? Is it possible to fill this space with love?
2. Think about a journey you’ve taken. If it was your last and you were aware of this, would you have done anything differently? Would you still have gone?
3. Think about a time when you were in temporary physical pain. How did it feel when the pain disappeared? Can you bring that relief to someone else?
4. Think about a relationship that has sustained you throughout much of your life, whether a family relationship or a friendship. How might you honor that person?
5. Think about an instance in which someone else, through word or action, lessened your burden. What is one burden you could lift from a stranger’s shoulders?
6. Think about a spontaneous act of compassion you have witnessed. Put yourself in the place of the person receiving compassion, then in the place of the person showing compassion. Which is more challenging for you?
7. Think about an instance when you’ve dreaded an upcoming event. How did you feel right before, and as soon as it was over? Does time make you think differently about the experience?
8. Think about one of the major ways in which the world suffers. What action can you resolve to take, starting today?
9. Think about a news story that has focused on people in an impossible or desperate situation. What prayers can you offer?
10. Think about the daily lives of those who have lost their dignity, through unemployment, displacement, or conflict. What is one small way in which you could help them recover their dignity?
11. What would you be willing to give up, or to endure, for those you love most?
12. Think about a time when you have struggled to make sense of something difficult or mysterious. How have you resolved this, or what helps you live with something unresolvable?
13. Think about a loved one you have lost. What actions keep their memory alive?
14. How would you comfort someone who was grieving? How can you share their silence?
by Dr. Carolyn Rosen
1. Think about a time when someone accused you of something you didn’t do. Did you manage to let go of the resentment? Is it possible to fill this space with love?
2. Think about a journey you’ve taken. If it was your last and you were aware of this, would you have done anything differently? Would you still have gone?
3. Think about a time when you were in temporary physical pain. How did it feel when the pain disappeared? Can you bring that relief to someone else?
4. Think about a relationship that has sustained you throughout much of your life, whether a family relationship or a friendship. How might you honor that person?
5. Think about an instance in which someone else, through word or action, lessened your burden. What is one burden you could lift from a stranger’s shoulders?
6. Think about a spontaneous act of compassion you have witnessed. Put yourself in the place of the person receiving compassion, then in the place of the person showing compassion. Which is more challenging for you?
7. Think about an instance when you’ve dreaded an upcoming event. How did you feel right before, and as soon as it was over? Does time make you think differently about the experience?
8. Think about one of the major ways in which the world suffers. What action can you resolve to take, starting today?
9. Think about a news story that has focused on people in an impossible or desperate situation. What prayers can you offer?
10. Think about the daily lives of those who have lost their dignity, through unemployment, displacement, or conflict. What is one small way in which you could help them recover their dignity?
11. What would you be willing to give up, or to endure, for those you love most?
12. Think about a time when you have struggled to make sense of something difficult or mysterious. How have you resolved this, or what helps you live with something unresolvable?
13. Think about a loved one you have lost. What actions keep their memory alive?
14. How would you comfort someone who was grieving? How can you share their silence?