Tuesdays & Fridays

Sorrowful Mysteries

Sacred artwork: The Agony in the Garden
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The Agony in the Garden

Spiritual fruit: sorrow for sinMatthew 26:36-39

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. Then Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.” He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”

Meditation
In Gethsemane, Jesus does not hide his anguish. He prays honestly, remains with the Father, and freely accepts the road before him. In fear and temptation, may we learn to pray with the same honesty and trust.

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Sacred artwork: The Scourging at the Pillar
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The Scourging at the Pillar

Spiritual fruit: purityMatthew 27:26

Then he released Barabbas to them, but Jesus he flogged and delivered to be crucified.

Meditation
Jesus is handed over to violence and humiliation, though he has done no wrong. We remain with him in his suffering and remember every person whose body or dignity is abused. May our choices honor the dignity of others and of ourselves.
Sacred artwork: The Crowning with Thorns
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The Crowning with Thorns

Spiritual fruit: moral courageMatthew 27:27-29

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

Meditation
The soldiers turn kingship into a cruel joke, clothing Jesus in mock honor and crowning him with thorns. He answers their contempt without surrendering his dignity. May we have courage without cruelty when faithfulness costs us something.
Sacred artwork: The Carrying of the Cross
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The Carrying of the Cross

Spiritual fruit: patienceMark 15:21-22

They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross. They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, “The place of a skull.”

Meditation
Jesus carries the cross through the streets while Simon of Cyrene is made to help him. The road is public, painful, and shared. May we accept help when we need it and step forward when another person's burden is too heavy.
Sacred artwork: The Crucifixion
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The Crucifixion

Spiritual fruit: salvation and self-denialLuke 23:33-46

When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” … It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last.

Meditation
At the cross, Jesus entrusts himself to the Father and gives his life in love. Mary and the beloved disciple remain near him. May gratitude for Christ's saving love make us more faithful, forgiving, and willing to remain with those who suffer.

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