by Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher
Jesus is Condemned
Do you feel like someone has “washed their hands” of you or put you in a position of powerlessness? Have you been misjudged? Have you judged or condemned someone unfairly? 
Jesus Accepts
How easily do you accept the challenges and difficulties of life? How do you handle pain and suffering? How do you handle the weaknesses and imperfections of others?
Jesus Falls
What are some of the negative habits that you continue to fall into? What are the “little white lies” that you try to rationalize?
Jesus Meets His Mother
Do you allow your family members to be part of your journey? How do you support your family spiritually?
Jesus is Helped
How quick are you to step out of your comfort zone and help another person, especially someone you don’t know or don’t like? How willing are you to let others help you?
Jesus Leaves An Impression
Who do you let close enough to you to leave an impression on your heart? What kind of an impression do you leave on others? How often do you judge by “first impressions”?
Jesus Suffers Another Fall
How strong is your faith? Do you stand up for what is true, right and just, no matter what the cost or do you fall for what is comfortable and less demanding of you?
Jesus Encounters His People
How generous are you with your time, talent, skill and compassion? How do you encounter other people? Are you friendly, alert, attentive or too self-absorbed to notice
Jesus Still Gets Up
What kind of stamina do you have? Do you let life drag you down or do you show resilience in tough times? Do you encourage others who are struggling? 
Jesus Is Stripped
Has something been taken away from you: your self-image, a relationship How do you handle vulnerability? Have you stripped someone of their good reputation or their dignity?
Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross
What are you willing to endure for love’s sake? What kind of things do you freely choose, even if you know there will be sacrifice and suffering involved? Have you ever pierced someone’s heart by unforgiveness, revenge or gossip?
Jesus Lays Down His Life
What would you give your life for? What do you live for? Who has given their “all” to you?
Jesus Is Mourned
Whom or what do you mourn? What do you believe you are helpless to do anything about? How do you think about letting go about death, about life’s losses?
Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
What in your life needs to be “laid to rest”? What parts of yourself feel “lifeless” right now? What can you do About it?
**Original photography and watercolor paintings from
“My CrossWalk” by Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, CSFN
The following examen is based on the Stations of the Cross and was originally prepared and presented as part of a faculty retreat in 2011.
