Way of the cross
Group participates in carrying of large wooden cross on Good Friday walk
A somber mood swept over the group of Christians gathered outside St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Summerside on Friday afternoon as the rain started to pour. Shoes slapped against puddle-filled pavements and droplets pelted umbrellas, but Norma McColeman acknowledged the experience was nothing compared to the distress Jesus Christ went through as he carried a heavy wooden cross while beaten and bruised to his crucifixion.
“To me it’s all about lifting Jesus up on this day,” she said. “When we walk through things that are difficult, this is something bigger than us to believe in. The cross acts as a symbol to better understand what Jesus went through; humiliation, rejection, mocking and disbelief.” Reverend Eddie Rossiter, pastor at the Summerside Church of the Nazarene and chairman of the Summerside Christian Council, said this is the second annual Cross Walk.
“It’s an event to get people out on Good Friday to remember all that Jesus did for us on the cross. We will carry the cross to all the churches in the downtown area, pray, read scriptures and encourage one another,” he said.
Those that carried the cross were reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for the sins of humanity.
“Good Friday is a somber occasion, but we always have in mind Easter Sunday and that’s joyous,” noted Rossiter, while a bleak rain swept backdrop behind him reflected the image of the event. He continued, with a smile, “But we know after being put to death, Jesus rose again from the dead and we celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.” McColeman concluded, “Believing helps us to look beyond the difficulties we are going through, and know that we can get through it.”