Stations of the Light: Renewing the Ancient Christian Practice of the Via Lucis as a Spiritual Tool for Today
Although the fourteen Stations of the Cross have become a well-known devotional practice, with adherents using them to lovingly retrace Christ's suffering and crucifixion, Ford-Grabowsky makes a case for the equally important Stations of the Light, which celebrate Christ's post-resurrection appearances and miracles. "Why," she asks, "did Western Christianity allow the cross to become the dominant symbol while the empty tomb signifying the resurrection lay in the background like an unexplored treasure chest?" Although she says that many of these 14 devotions have been known since the first century, she is among the first to gather them together into a single devotional practice known as "Via Lucis" (the way of light). Beginning with the dawn of Easter Sunday, the symbolic stations commemorate the empty tomb, Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, his interactions with Thomas and Peter, his commissioning of the 12, and his ascension into heaven, among other events. The practice concludes with the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Liturgical Christians will appreciate Ford-Grabowsky's attention to scriptural detail, recognition of the importance of Mary and other women in the post-resurrection stories, and determination to find joy in spiritual practice. Chapter four offers specific spiritual exercises and prayers for the various stations, plus suggested schedules for doing the stations as a three-day retreat or a two-week devotional practice.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.