Holy
Rosary Month - Day 21:
Sorrowful Mysteries 2
The
Scourging at the pillar: In
the second sorrowful mystery we meditate on the scourging at the pillar. Jesus’ teaching was very hard
for the followers, especially to believe in his saying that his body would be
given as the food of the world for he is ‘the manna’ from heaven. (Jn 6:51-58) Therefore,
many of them turned back and did not follow him anymore nor did he call them
back. (Jn 6:60-67) He already knew that Judas would betray him in recent
future, (Jn 6:70, 71) yet he did not send him away from his community. The
turning away of his disagreeing followers as well as the decision of Judas to continue
to stay with did not make any difference in Jesus. He was busy with preparing
himself to be the sign of God for both believers and non believers; for those
‘from above’ and those ‘from below.’ As the time for ‘the lifting up’ came,
Jesus declared, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to receive great glory. I
am telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain
unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces
many grains.” (Jn 12:24) Yes the immediate preparation of this sign has begun
with the agony at the Gethsemane (Lk 22:41-44) and continues in the scourging
at the pillar. (Mt 27:26) The grain is dropped into the ground and it is time
to break the outer shell so that it may join the earth. Prophet Isaiah
centuries back prophesying on Jesus says, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my
chosen one with whom I am pleased… Not crying out, not shouting, and not making
his voice heard in the street;” (Is 42:1, 2) “I gave my back to those who beat
me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from
buffets and spitting.” (Is 50:6) Before carrying the cross and crucifixion Jesus
is given the punishment of 40 whipping. Suffering after suffering; it is unbelievable.
But Jesus is silent and obedient unto God the father till his death on the
cross (Phil 2:8) like the suffering servant of Yahweh revealed through prophet
Isaiah. Are we aware of this fact of salvific preparation in and our sufferings
and difficulties of life?
Prayer:
Oh Mary, mother
of sorrows! We come to you today for your special maternal help and protection.
Mary, our mother and guide; help us to understand the meaning and the
importance of suffering in our lives and submit ourselves to the will of God. In
this holy mystery we specially pray for all those who are sick and bedridden.
Let them be given the gift of real healing and peace of Jesus through doctors
and those who attend on them. Mother Mary be with them and intercede just as
you were at the foot of the cross. Amen!
Greetings:
Wish you all a nice and blissful Marian Tuesday!
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