Stations of the Light
Renewing the Ancient Christian Practice of the Via Lucis as a Spiritual Tool for Today
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
This is the first book to introduce the fourteen joyful and highly symbolic events that make up the Via Lucis, the Christian Way of Light, an ancient spiritual tradition celebrating the post-Resurrection life of Christ on Earth.
The Stations of the Light, with its “good news” of healing and salvation, is becoming an increasingly popular devotion throughout the United States and the world, and was recognized by the Vatican in its Jubilee 2000 campaign. While Christians of all denominations are familiar with the Stations of the Cross, few know how to celebrate the Stations of the Light, a practice that came into being through inspiration from ancient Roman sources.
Stations of the Light is a clear and inspiring guide to making this ancient ritual part of contemporary Christian life. The stations mark the fourteen sacred events in the post-Easter story, from “Jesus Rises from the Dead” to “Pentecost: The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit.” For each one, Mary Ford-Grabowsky presents a variety of spiritual practices that invite readers to form their own realistic and sacred image of the event. Beginning with relaxation and releasing the imagination, these exercises are designed to help convey the story and foster inspiration, and include ancient and contemporary meditations, reflections, and prayers; as well as journal writing, artwork, music, and mantras.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.