I have known the Stations of the Cross for as long as I can remember.

I can recall sitting in the church pews at St. Mary parish during Lent, clad in my plaid-uniform with loafered-feet dangling off the side of the bench, listening to the solemn reminders of just how much Jesus loved me. Some kids probably dozed off, or didn’t pay much attention, but not me. I was really moved by the stations as a kid. For my First Communion I even received a little prayer book that had soft-toned drawings of all of the stations. I can picture myself turning the pages, thinking about the sadness of that day, and the sacrifice that Jesus made. Even as a child, I recognized both the solemnity and the importance of those moments in Jesus’ life.

But in all those years of praying the Stations of the Cross, I never remember praying the Stations of Resurrection as a kid. In fact, I haven't prayed them as an adult, either. That is, until I learned of Laura James’ work.

Rita Houlihan’s passion for hidden women in Scripture and connection to St. Mary Magdalene compelled her to work with Bronx-based artist Laura James and commission ten pieces of artwork depicting The Stations of the Resurrection. From Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the empty tomb, through her sharing the Good News with the disciples, her recognition of the Risen Christ, and the Pentecost moments of the upper room, Laura James delicately and creatively walks us through John’s Resurrection narrative. The images are striking, the style consistent, and the artwork simply beautiful. I was moved to see the way that women are an equal part of the story, and Jesus’ mother even appears in numerous scenes.

Seeing this artwork and praying through the Resurrection with the FutureChurch community on Tuesday night, I couldn’t help but wonder how my spirituality would have been different if these were the images I saw in my childhood prayerbook, or the story of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene was the one I heard over and over as a child in Catholic primary school. I’m not sure what, if anything, would have changed. But I do know that I hope that the next generation of young girls in plaid uniforms hear more about the Risen Christ, and about the woman who spread the Good News. 

To purchase reprints of any or all of Laura James’ paintings, visit: https://shop.laurajamesart.com/the-stations-of-the-resurrection/ref/futurechurch/. A portion of proceeds benefit FutureChurch. Use coupon code FUTURE10 to receive 10%.

     "As we are getting into full swing for planning for Year C of the lectionary cycle we wanted to reach out and see how people were utilizing the Just Word in their lives. Please fill out this survey and give us feedback. With that please feel free to fill it out even if you only read every once in a while or even if you haven't read the Just Word we would love to know more how a lectionary reflection could be a part of your life. Thank you for reading or being someone that gets this newsletter. We are looking forward to be connected in Year C!"

With the fire of Pentecost and emboldened by the Holy Spirit, we at FutureChurch are engaging in a new project to recognize and celebrate communities that are embodying the mission of Pentecost. Over the next several months, we will be highlighting communities that have been emboldened to live the Gospel in new and creative ways. Today we introduce you to God Space.

Excerpt: 

"Like many Spirit-driven initiatives, when Sr. Leslie began formulating the idea of God Space she wasn’t quite sure what it could become– she just knew that there was a need for greater community, both in her own heart and in the folks she encountered in her neighborhood. When thinking about those first days back in 2017, she reflects, 'we had a dinner and we weren't sure if anybody would come. But we actually had a house full of people– we had to bring out more chairs, which was awesome! And I thought I might cry a little bit because I was so happy.' And since then, God Space has grown much beyond dinner gatherings."

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