THE NEW STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The Way of the Cross According to Scripture

In the Catholic tradition, the Stations of the Cross commemorate the various stages of Jesus' final journey from the time of his condemnation all the way through his crucifixion and burial. As a metaphor for the struggles, injustices, and doubts we face along the spiritual path, the Stations are indeed powerful touchstones. "The Stations of the Cross are a compass, a guide for the heart, a blueprint, and a source for sounding out our responses to what prevails and happens in our world today," writes McKenna, an internationally known retreat leader and spiritual director, based in Albuquerque, N. M. "They offer wise counsel on how to walk with dignity, with grace, [and] with compassion." Over the last 400 years, these sacred stations were somewhat compromised as devotees began to add and adapt stations to meet their devotional needs. McKenna's eloquent book eliminates the controversial stations (such as Veronica wiping the blood from Jesus' face) and instead offers thoughtful meditations on the 15 stations recently sanctioned by Pope John Paul II. Each chapter delves into one station, citing its reference in scripture and then suggesting a modern-day context for contemplation. For instance, in the second station, when Judas betrays Jesus, McKenna ponders the capacity for God's forgiveness that lies with us all. Each chapter closes with a soothing prayer. Timed for a Lenten release date, this makes a fitting companion for the season's daily devotionals. (Jan. 23)