As Jesus carries the cross, where do you find yourself in the crowd? Through scripture, prayer, and Ghirlandaio’s poignant Procession to Calvary, this session invites you to walk with Christ through suffering and surrender. Come, listen deeply—and discover what God is asking you to carry, release, or hold with love.

Luke 23:26-32

Contemplative prayer is described as a relational practice involving both listening to and speaking with God. The aim is to deepen this connection by not merely talking but actively listening to what God communicates during prayer.

Juliet Benner's book, "Contemplative Vision," is referenced as a guiding resource for the artwork featured in the session. The discussion shifts to chapter nine of Juliet's book, which reflects on Jesus' life as a model for navigating life's challenges and joys through complete surrender to God. It emphasizes Jesus' unwavering focus on fulfilling God's will, free from distractions and selfish desires. Jesus' life is portrayed as deeply intertwined with the lives of those around him, experiencing a range of emotions from joy to sorrow, culminating in the significant events leading to his crucifixion.

The session prepares for a visual exploration of Ridolfo Ghirlandaio's painting "Procession to Calvary," which depicts the dark moment of Jesus carrying his cross towards Golgotha.

The session transitions to scripture readings related to Jesus' crucifixion, starting with passages from John chapter 19 and Luke chapter 23. Participants are encouraged to listen attentively for personal insights rather than focusing solely on the details of the crucifixion. Key moments from the scripture include Pilate's handing over of Jesus for crucifixion and the involvement of Simon of Cyrene, who is compelled to carry Jesus' cross. Jesus' poignant words to the mourning women of Jerusalem highlight the gravity of the situation and foreshadow the future suffering they will face.

Participants are invited to engage in a slow observation of the painting, noting the focal points and emotional resonance it evokes. The painting illustrates three groups of people journeying towards the crucifixion site, each representing different responses to Jesus' path. In the right corner, a procession of noblemen appears oblivious to the impending significance of the events, contrasting with the somber reality of Jesus' journey. The left corner shows figures accompanying the criminals who will be crucified alongside Jesus, emphasizing the gravity of the moment. The central hill is depicted as a darkening sky looms, symbolizing the heavy atmosphere surrounding the crucifixion, with crosses already prepared for the criminals. The painting captures Jesus carrying the cross, his body bent under its weight, surrounded by a crowd of mourners and his devoted followers. The followers are depicted with halos, signifying their closeness to Jesus and their shared suffering as they accompany him on his painful journey. Contrasting expressions are visible between the gentle faces of Jesus' friends and the hostile faces of the soldiers and onlookers, highlighting the division in response to his suffering. The artwork's composition emphasizes the emotional weight of the moment, with sharp angles and harsh features of the soldiers juxtaposed against the calmness of Jesus and his followers.

Participants are prompted to reflect on their position within the painting, considering their proximity to Jesus and the group they identify with in their own spiritual journey. The session encourages contemplation on the words from scripture that resonate personally, fostering a deeper connection to God through reflection. Participants are invited to consider what God may be calling them to do or understand in light of their reflections on the painting and scripture.

The closing encourages ongoing contemplation, urging participants to maintain a dialogue with God about their insights and feelings as they move forward. The session concludes with a blessing, expressing hope that participants find light and hope in Jesus' moments of darkness.