The Way of the Cross
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening sentence — St Paul of the Cross
The way of the Cross is the road which leads to Paradise; it is the sure way to holiness.
The Passion of Christ is the greatest and most stupendous work of Divine Love.
Station Four – Jesus meets His mother
Luke 2:34-35 ESV
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Reflections:
As Jesus again shouldered the cross, and bore its burden, He glanced ahead and saw His mother. He could not stop to talk, to explain, to gather her in His arms and comfort her. All His energy was being soaked into that cross.
Who are My mother and brothers? Those who do the will of My Father.
Not My will, Father, but Yours.
Approaching Easter: The Way of the Cross
The Sorrowful Mother seeks her Divine Son, Jesus; she meets him on the way to Calvary; she sees Him bound, crowned with thorns, with the cross on his shoulders. Blessed Mary, we also have been your sorrow that, like a sharp and unrelenting sword has pierced your soul.
Prayer
Lord, You had to leave the security of home and family, twice. You left Your Father to be a man with us, and left Your human family to die for us. You had to pray to Your Father: My God, I trust in You.
Lord, when we leave all and follow You and it hurts those we love, help us to know that You have been there, too; that no one leaves behind father, mother, or loved one but is more than rewarded in the end. Help us to pray: My God, I trust in You.
Lord, when Your cross pierces our own desires, and make us call out, let our cry be, through our pain: My God, I trust in You.
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O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that now and in the hour of our death we may obtain the favor of your mercy. Blessed Mother, whose soul was pierced with a sword of sorrow, may we not add to your sorrow, in the hour of Your Son’s Passion, Who lives and reigns forever and ever, Amen.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Peanut Gallery: A brief word of explanation – the general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) The Scripture readings are primarily from the Gospel of John, with the intent to complete the reading by Easter. Other Scriptures which illuminate the Gospel of John will be included along the way.
Reflections from various saints will be included as their memorial days occur during the calendar year.
On Sundays, I’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world.
Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.
The Peanut Gallery 