Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary
The fourth sorrow of Mary.
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Scripture
Luke 23:26–27
When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry it after Jesus. A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him.
Meditation
Luke describes Jesus being led to his crucifixion, Simon carrying the cross, and women mourning along the way. Christian tradition contemplates Mary meeting her Son on this road. The fourth sorrow places a mother’s love beside the suffering of Christ as he goes to Calvary.
Mary cannot lift the burden from Jesus or turn him away from his mission. She accompanies him with the love that has sustained her since Bethlehem. In this meeting we contemplate her compassion: she remains close to her Son and shares the sorrow of his Passion. The road leads them both toward the sacrifice of the Cross.
Compassion
Keeping company with someone who suffers asks for patience and courage. There may be little to say, yet a visit, a meal or a faithful presence can carry love. We ask Mary to teach us that attentiveness. Pray for those supporting a loved one through illness, imprisonment or a painful final journey. May Christ strengthen them in the care they give, and may those who suffer know they are loved.
Prayer for this sorrow
Beloved Mother, so stricken with grief, help us to bear our own suffering with courage and love so that we may relieve your Sorrowful Heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God Who gave you and Jesus to humanity. As you suffered, teach us to suffer silently and patiently. Grant unto us the grace of loving God in everything. O Mother of Sorrows, most afflicted of all mothers, have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
Follow with the Our Father once, the Hail Mary seven times, and Most Merciful Mother.
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