The Sorrowful Mysteries

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries with Mary

Reflection:

Why would Jesus want to suffer and die for me?

For many of us the answer is beyond our limited comprehension, suffice to say, His love for all mankind was and remains limitless.

Audio (Rosary):

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1. The Agony in the Garden

Jesus knew His arrest, physical suffering and death on the cross were imminent so, He took his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to prepare.

His mental anguish in the garden, in atonement for our sins, was immense and He suffered the pain alone; Peter, James and John were unable to stay awake to pray at this time of great need.

Jesus said to His Father in Heaven, “Father if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). An Angel then appeared, giving Him strength, and He willingly accepted His Father’s wishes, “Praying more earnestly,” (Luke 22:44) so that we could be saved.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus was betrayed by His own disciple, Judas. Once arrested, he was passed from one leader to another. Only Pilate had the legal power to have Him crucified and his view was, “I find no case against this man.” (Luke 23:4)

In an attempt to appease the chief priests and assembled crowd, Pilate instructed that Jesus be scourged.

Jesus, why did we have to inflict such pain, tearing your skin from your Sacred Body?

3. The Crowning with Thorns

The soldiers made a crown so that they could place it on Jesus’ head and mock Him. It wasn’t made from silver, gold or diamonds but from thorns.

The thorns, like our sins, pierced His skin with His every walking movement. Jesus willingly bore the pain for us.

Why Lord, do we continue to pierce your body, even today!

4. The Carrying of the Cross

Jesus was given a heavy cross to carry, knowing it would be the instrument of His death. The long and physically arduous journey to Calvary was made even more difficult when He met His caring Mother Mary and the women of Jerusalem, how they must have cried!

Jesus, help me to be more like Simon, who assisted you to carry your cross or Veronica, who wiped your torn and bloodied face.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord

Jesus’ clothing was removed, He was forced to lie on His back and nailed, hands and feet, to the timber. His Mother Mary and other close friends could only watch and pray from a distance.

After three hours His final agony here on earth ended. Jesus cried aloud, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Jesus, forgive me, for having offended you.