Jesus dies on the cross
The fifth sorrow of Mary.
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Scripture
John 19:25–30
But standing by Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty!” Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Meditation
Mary stands beside the Cross with the beloved disciple and the other women. Jesus sees his mother and entrusts her to the disciple. Even in his suffering, he provides for her. His words also draw the disciple into a new bond of love and responsibility: “Behold, your mother!”
Mary remains as her Son gives his life. The sword foretold by Simeon reaches its deepest meaning here. The Church contemplates her united with the offering of Christ, whose obedience to the Father brings salvation to the world. At the foot of the Cross, her maternal love embraces those for whom he dies.
Faithfulness at the Cross
We bring to this sorrow the names of those who are dying and those who keep vigil beside them. We ask Mary to be near them and to help us remain faithful when suffering tests our love. Christ’s words to the disciple call us to receive his mother into our own life. May we learn from her to stay close to Jesus and to those he entrusts to our care.
Prayer for this sorrow
Beloved Mother, Queen of the Martyrs, give us the courage you had in all your sufferings so that we may unite our sufferings with yours and give glory to God. Help us follow all His commandments and those of the Church so that Our Lord’s sacrifice will not be in vain, and all sinners in the world will be saved.
Follow with the Our Father once, the Hail Mary seven times, and Most Merciful Mother.
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