96 Steps

Written by Pastor Brad Mather, Director of Caring Ministries

 

Read by Bill Anciaux

 

Matthew 5: 6-8

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

 

Mt. Adams overlooks Cincinnati and the Ohio River and has long held a special place in the life of the Queen City.  Not only was it once home to a cable car but for years it was also home to the famous kilns of Rookwood Pottery.  Like an old European village, narrow streets meander its crowded crest and if you’re looking for “upscale” shops and eateries, Mt Adams is the place to go.

 

On the summit, like a citadel, stands The Holy Cross Immaculata Church built in 1859 for the steady stream of German Catholics who were immigrating to the area at the time.  But the church is best known for its 96 steps that take on special meaning during Lent and Holy Week.  

 

During the weeks leading up to Easter, the 96 steps serve as prayer stations for those hardy enough to make the climb, and thousands make the journey every year.  I can’t make the claim of having made the climb myself, even though I grew up in Cincinnati, but I’ve always loved the imagery and thought.

 

Lent, after all, calls us to re-dedicate ourselves to a life of prayer that more fully connects us to the Risen Christ and the gifts of Easter.  If your prayer life, like mine, can always use a boost, why not make each day during Lent a prayer station of its own.  

 

Reignite in us, O God, a passion for prayer.  Let it be the place where we bring both the joy of life’s blessing and the sadness of life’s losses, knowing that God will hear our prayers.  Amen.