THE FOURTH STATION

JESUS MEETS

HIS MOTHER

 

We adore you, O Christ,

and we bless you

Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

 

FROM SACRED SCRIPTURE

Gospel of Luke 2: 34-35, 51

Simeon blessed them

and said to Mary his mother, 

“Behold, this child is destined 

for the fall and rise of many in Israel, 

and for a sign that is spoken against

(and a sword will pierce through 

your own soul also)

that thoughts out of many hearts 

may be revealed.”

And his mother

kept all these things in her heart.

​

Let us contemplate

Jesus as he meets his mother

on the Way of the Cross.

The Psalms were at the heart

of Jewish spirituality and therein

would have been at the heart of life

for the Holy Family in Nazareth.

Mary and Jesus would have chanted

the Psalms daily.

Let us consider Jesus' eyes

meeting his mother's eyes.

Then, just as they would have done

in Nazareth, let us imagine

Jesus intoning the opening verse

and then the two of them

together reciting the remainder 

of Psalm 31.

​

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;

let me never be put to shame;

in your righteousness deliver me!

Incline your ear to me,

rescue me speedily!

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a strong fortress to save me!

​

Be strong,

and let your heart

take courage,

All you who wait

for the Lord!

-Psalm 31:1-2, 24

 

HYMN

O how sad

and sore distressed

Was that Mother, highly blessed,

Of the Sole-Begotten One.