Holy
Rosary Month - Day 23: Sorrowful Mysteries 4
Jesus
carries the cross: In
the fourth sorrowful mystery we meditate on Jesus’ carrying the cross. Immediate preparation for the
sacrifice on the cross is already over; now the Lamb of God is taken to the
altar. The city of Jerusalem seemed to be estranged as if it had forgotten
everything what had happened on the previous Sunday; cry of joy and shouting of
hosanna of the large crowd. Today as the lamb is led to the altar, instead of
mourning and lamentation, what we see and hear aloud is the mixed voices of the
soldiers; their whipping, yelling, and shouting. No question is heard, at any
time of this procession, like, “Here are the fire and the wood, but where is
the sheep for the holocaust?” (Gen 22:7) Because Jesus knew well that God the
father is not going to provide another
lamb for sacrifice on the mount of Calvary since he is ‘God’s provided lamb;’
“the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” (Jn 1:29) Therefore, naturally
he doesn’t want to be consoled but to console those who were following him,
“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and
for your children;” (Lk 23:28) not to be understood but to understand the
sorrow and remorse of those followed. He might have also thought of Simon in
the same way for “As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a
Cyrenian, who was coming from the country; and after laying the cross on him,
they made him carry it behind Jesus.” (Lk 23:26) In our prayers of the Stations
of the Cross, we call Simon as “the happy and blessed” for he could carry the
cross of Jesus, but Jesus would be more happy if we carry our crosses and
follow him; Jesus says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mk 8:34) He never compels anyone to follow
him, but respect their freedom and free will. Being our Master and Lord, Jesus
has set before us a model to be emulated. It is up to us whether to follow him
or not, but those who follow him will be crucified, buried and raised from the
dead. Am I ready to follow him on my own accord?
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 our call to discipleship. In this holy mystery we specially pray
for all those who have decided to follow Jesus but find difficulties when faced
with challenges. Let them be given the gift of courage and strength to take the
cross of their daily life wholeheartedly. May Mother Mary, who followed Jesus
faithfully to Calvary and even after, intercede for them, and be with them! Amen!
Greetings:
Wish you all a nice and blissful Marian Thursday!
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