Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey through the Stations of the Cross

by Gary Jansen, Jennifer Fulwiler (Foreword)

An imaginative way to pray the Stations of the Cross every day of the year.
“As Jansen walks with us from station to station, he points us from pain toward love and hope, toward strength and endurance, toward transformation.” —Jessica Mesman Griffith, from the introduction Throughout the centuries, Christians have asked, “Why is there suffering?” or, on a more personal level, “Why am I suffering?” Answers abound, but none are likely to suffice or satisfy. A far more helpful question might be, “How should I respond to suffering?” And the answer to that question, believes Gary Jansen, can be found by looking closely at the Passion of Jesus.
 In Station to Station , Jansen uses the scriptural Way of the Cross to focus our minds and hearts on Jesus’ anguish and death. Walking through each station, we see the unique ways in which Jesus responded to suffering, and we are challenged to react similarly in our own struggles. Furthermore, through various Ignatian exercises, Jansen encourages us to imaginatively pray our way through the stations and to gradually respond more as Jesus would when we are weighed down by life’s burdens.
 Whether you are bearing your own cross or helping someone else carry theirs, Station to Station will show you how Christ’s character in the midst of suffering can, with time and prayer, become your character too. 

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Catholic, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though traditionally considered a meditation on suffering, the Stations of the Cross is more than a simple, ancient act of piety. It is a portrait of grace under pressure, a collection of specific reactions from Jesus during times of crisis. In our current age of global terrorism, economic uncertainty, widespread and severe depression and anxiety, and environmental devastation, the Stations offer us an opportunity to strengthen our souls and grow the mystical muscles of our hearts. Using the basics of Ignatian prayer, in particular imaginative prayer, we can hop aboard a time machine that takes us back to the final moments in Christ's life. Here, we can not only meditate on sorrow, but also ask two essential questions: how did Jesus respond to suffering, and how do we?

If Catholics think about the Stations of the Cross, it is most likely associated with Lent and the familiar stations in every Catholic church.

Gary Jansen breaks out of that mold by meditating on the stations against the backdrop of our own everyday lives. Using imaginative prayer, the stations can become the stepping stones of a path to spiritual awakening. To do this Jansen first gives a brief history of the stations of the cross, discusses imaginative (Ignatian prayer) and tells how praying the stations changed his life.

The second half of the book takes us through each of the stations one by one. Jansen is using the scriptural stations introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1991. I discovered these when poking around the Vatican website one day and was immediately captured by them. So I was delighted to see that the  author was using them as the focal point for prayer.

Each station gives us the appropriate scripture, Jesus's response, a way to encounter Jesus, a bit of scripture as a prayer guide, and a guide to reviewing and imagining the station. These, of course, are flavored with Jansen's own experiences and realizations which help to see the ways that God uses the meditations to speak to your own life. I was struck, for example, by Jansen's own reflection on Judas's betrayal that we are not emptied when we are betrayed but rather bloated with paralyzing inner talk about it.

This would be a great Lenten book, of course — hey, it's the stations! More importantly it is a book to use daily so that the stations become not a "special occasion" prayer but one that enriches us always.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book at the beginning of lent because a few other authors I really appreciate wrote favourably about it. And though I did enjoy the book, I am not as enthusiastic as those authors in my praise. The book is clearly broken into two have. The first is why we enter this journey? This first section of the book is broken into 9 chapters or essays that are as follows:

Part 1 Why This Journey?
Imagine This . . .
Stations of the Cross as Spiritual Path
The Stations, Past and Present
How the Stations Changed My Life
The Stations Move Us from Old Life to New Life
The Stations and Social Justice
What Makes This Journey Ignatian?
Imagination as a Key to Prayer
Prepare for the Journey

And the second section is the journey through the scriptural Stations of the Cross:

Part 2 Now We Go, with Jesus
The First Station: Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane
The Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, Is Arrested
The Third Station: Jesus Is Condemned by the Sanhedrin
A Conversation with God the Father
The Fourth Station: Jesus Is Denied by Peter
The Fifth Station: Jesus Is Judged by Pilate
The Sixth Station: Jesus Is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns
The Seventh Station: Jesus Bears the Cross
A Conversation with Mary, Jesus' Mother
The Eighth Station: Jesus Is Helped by Simon of Cyrene
The Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
The Tenth Station: Jesus Is Crucified
A Conversation with Jesus on the Cross
The Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb
The Resurrection

The author's note at the beginning of the book begins with this statement: "Before we go any further, I want to be clear: this book offers a series of reflections and exercises on the scriptural Stations of the Cross. Unlike the traditional Stations you'll find exhibited in most churches, this version of the devotion focuses exclusively on events that are found in the Bible. Encounters such as Jesus meeting his mother or meeting Veronica, who wipes his face along his way to Calvary, while traditionally rich in imagery and feeling, do not actually appear in the Bible. The focus here is on Scripture because reading the word of God, the Bible, brings us even closer to the Word of God, Jesus." The title of this book is also the title of a David Bowie Album, and the chapter Stations of the Cross as Spiritual Path begins with a quote from Bowie. Then Gary begins this chapter by saying: "The Stations of the Cross is a pathway to spiritual awakening. Too often we can journey through life asleep at the wheel, so to speak, oblivious to our own feelings or the lives of those who surround us on any given day. How often, for instance, have you commuted to work only to realize you don't remember how you made it to the front door of the fine establishment that employs you?" Next Jansen makes the distinction between different versions of the Stations:

"The Traditional Stations of the Cross
Jesus is condemned to death.
Jesus is made to carry the cross.
Jesus falls the first time.
Jesus meets his mother.
Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.
Veronica wipes Jesus' face.
Jesus falls the second time.
Jesus speaks to the mourning women of Jerusalem.
Jesus falls the third time.
Jesus is stripped of his garments.
Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Jesus dies on the cross.
The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb.

In 1991, Pope John Paul II, wanting to give believers an alternative set of stations upon which to pray and meditate, proposed a new list based solely on events described in the New Testament.

The Scriptural Stations of the Cross
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested.
Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.
Jesus is denied by Peter.
Jesus is judged by Pilate.
Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
Jesus bears the cross.
Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross.
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
Jesus is crucified.
Jesus promises his kingdom to the good thief.
Jesus speaks to his mother and the disciple.
Jesus dies on the cross.
Jesus is placed in the tomb.

Though traditionally considered a meditation on suffering, the Stations of the Cross is more than a simple, ancient act of piety. It is a portrait of grace under pressure, a collection of specific reactions from Jesus during times of crisis."

When I started this book I was expecting a book about the traditional Stations of the Cross. As can be seen above that is not what Jansen presents, but he does present a deep meaningful meditation. I benefited from reading of this book, and will likely read it again maybe next lent or the year after. I really enjoyed his person experiences especially in the essays in the first part of the book. The reflections ask a number of good questions.

I have a feeling this book would have achieved 5 stars if I had known more about it before beginning. That being said it is a very solid 4 stars and I will add it to my collection of mediations on the Stations and revisit it from time to time.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will use this book every lent!

I could not put this book down. Nearly the first half of this book is explanatory and i found i was close to half through it when I finally set the book down. Mr jansen is a wonderful teacher and helps you to easily use Ignation tools to live inside the gospel reading for each station. Wonderful reflections and ideas for your own reflection are included with each station. A book I will return to each lent.

[Paul Baker]

2025-04-26

Review 2025.04.004

Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.

Station to Station by Gary Jansen
171 Pages

I had read about the Stations of the Cross and seen both the biblical and non-biblical versions. I went to Amazon and found this book. I read this book the week prior to Good Friday and found it very helpful. I thought about reading it again on Good Friday but I also wanted to go to Mass on Good Friday to experience the stations of the cross in person so I did not carve out the time to read. This book works through the biblical stations. The Mass I went to was the non-biblical stations.

There is a lot of imagination needed in this experience. Imagine Jesus in the garden and imagine Him talking to Pontus Pilot. You are supposed to imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and anything else that comes to mind about the scene you are entering into. I struggle with imagination because it is hard for me to form pictures in my mind. I love words and the thoughts that form from them but pictures have always been difficult.

The author does ask the same reflection questions at the end of each station. That was why I considered reading the book again on Good Friday so that I might reflect more deeply on the words. I agree with the author that the stations of the cross are something we should experience on a regular basis. I have not determined how or if I will do this.

If you desire to grow in liturgical knowledge and experience, then I can recommend this book.

[Bob Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stations of the Cross are an integral part of my Lenten disciplines and I read this book to prepare for Lent in 2021.

Station to Station presents one presentation of the Stations of the Cross. This is not a book that you simply read through (although I did to become acquainted with it). The first half the book presents the 'why' of the Stations and in particular the Ignatian way to pray the Stations. For someone who has never prayed this way, this brief introduction is a good way to begin.

The second half the book consists of meditations and meditative guides on each of the Stations. It should be noted that Jansen is using the 'Scriptural' Stations of the Cross listed by Pope John Paul II. This differs with the traditional Stations by only using those episodes that have direct Scriptural support. This second half is designed to be used meditatively and possibly one per day.

The writing is simple, clear, and practical. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to develop their practice of the Stations of the Cross.

Grade: A

[Laureen Nowakowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a spiritual meditation on the Stations of the Cross that can be used any time of the year. A good book to pick up when you are suffering or stressed. It calms you down. He doesn’t go according to the stations you see posted in church, but it is the same journey. They are all stories that are written in the Bible. Jensen says the stations offer us an opportunity to strengthen our souls and grow the mystical muscles of our hearts. The 7th station is an essay on endurance, the 11th an essay on forgiveness. If you are ever having trouble forgiving someone you should read this. You should read the whole book. I am glad I bought it instead of getting it from the library.

[Leah Fehr]

In-depth devotional on the stations of the cross that’s not necessarily just for Catholics. The author explains his process and what we are meant to do for half the book, then he gets into each station, asking readers to imagine themselves into the lives and experiences of the people surrounding Jesus in His last days. This book isn’t something to just read, you must participate yourself to gain the full experience.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this last year and just reread it for Lent. I love Gary Jansen's books. This one is simple, but deep and effective. The book is poetic, but practical and he does a great job of help us utilize our imaginations in prayer. Terrific book that I will read again and again.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

My church, Holy Disciples Parish, handed these out at Mass for our book studies this Lent. I enjoyed the honesty and personal experiences of the author. I agree that “those places of discomfort, emptiness, and desolation can sometimes be the place where God is most present.”

[Ioana Barcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful dive into biblical "stations" of the "trip" Jesus undertook from praying in the garden of Gethsemane until his crucifixion.
Enjoyed the author's poetic style.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is nice. The first half is more of a book and the second part seems like it would be best for when doing the stations of the Cross.

[Debbie]

Good book for meditation on Stations of the Cross

[Diane Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a more modern, relatable tale of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is appropriate for Lenten reading and prayer. I hope to pull it out again next Lent.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave up on this when he started quoting Fr. James Martin

[Tom Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent book for groups

This Lent our Bible study group read this We agreed that it was the most fascinated we had ever been by the Stations of the Cross

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any good Catholics know the Stations of the Cross. He (or she) might not pray them as often as he should, but come Lent, every Friday, there they are, in the Church following the panels/mosaics that adorn the House of God. I have to ask, though. Do you know that there is an alternate Stations of the Cross? On Good Friday of 1991, Pope John Paul II celebrated what is now known as the Scriptural Stations of the Cross, given such a name, because they draw exclusively from Sacred Scripture and not Sacred Tradition, meaning you won't find Veronica in these. Gary Jansen recently penned a book called Station to Station, which takes an Ignatian journey through the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.

Station to Station is an approximately 150 page paperback book. It is primarily divided into two parts. The first part asks the question "Why This Journey?" Simply put, we are put on this earth to love and serve God, and that is an excellent reason of why we pray the Stations of the Cross. However, Jansen doesn't settle for this simple answer. He digs deeper. He asks us to imagine if the person we loved the most went from being a person so loved to being so despised and jealous of that they were sentenced to death, clearly a metaphor for Jesus and how much we should love Him. Later on he references T.S. Eliot, talking about time past and time present being contained in time future. If this is true, then we have the opportunity to transport ourselves back to Jesus' Passion and being present for Him when almost everyone had abandoned Him. Jansen then provides us with a brief summary of what the Stations of the Cross is and how the traditional and Scriptural Stations differ. He continues by explaining how the Stations transformed him and can transform us, and goes so far as to explain that if we meditate on them regularly, each station can help shape our view on God's creation, providing specific examples for each Station.

In the second part of the book, we get to the meat of the text, the actual Stations. Each Station is laid out in systematic format. First, we are presented with a Scripture passage for the Station. Next, Jesus' Response in the specific Station. Then, we are called on to Encounter Jesus. For example. in the First Station, Jansen suggests we set an alarm for 3 PM for one week. Daily, when that alarm goes off, we should stop what we are doing, say a little prayer or simply just be in God's presence. After the Encounter, we are presented with another Scripture passage to take as prayer. Last we are going to review the experience of this Station and how it made us feel and a closing Imagine section which paints a mental image of the Station. Sprinkled throughout these Stations, Jansen also presents us with three brief conversations - 1. God the Father, 2. Mary, Jesus' Mother, and 3. Jesus on the Cross. These are opportunities presented to us to speak to them in our own words, using our emotions, not a rote prayer.

Overall, I found this book to be a a very interesting read. Jensen managed to keep a very prayerful and reverent tone is his book, but he also managed to mix in his personal experiences, some older literary references, and newer pop culture references (Frozen for example). This created a book that was not just for a specific audience but one that can appeal to a wider base. This is a book that I plan to re-visit and make use of this coming Lent, especially on Fridays.

This book was provided to me for free by Loyola Press in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed this Lent. A book that took me through the 'new' stations of the cross, and allowed me to use the Ignatian imagination exercise on each one. Really great read for anytime of the year but especially for Lent or a Lenten retreat.