The sorrowful mysteries

9. The Agony of Jesus

It was in the Garden of Olives that Jesus expressed his FIAT to the loving will of the Father, saying to Him: ‘not my will but yours be done’ (Lk 22:2). When the night of human suffering, in whatever form, descends on us, may our FIAT be joined with his and derive its strength from him.

Three Hail Marys followed by:
“Joy and Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen”

10. Jesus carries his Cross

The Cross is heavy and Jesus accepts the help of Simon of Cyrene: an invitation to us to accept the crosses of our brothers and sisters with compassion and in solidarity. An invitation too to wipe his face, an act traditionally attributed to Veronica. It is also an invitation to put back in a place of honour the Stations of the Cross, which are so rich in meaning.

Three Hail Marys followed by:
“Joy and Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen”

11. The Crucifixion of Jesus

The death of Jesus is a victory over death and sin and over the powers of evil. May it help us to understand that the grain of wheat must die in the earth if it is to produce much fruit and that ‘dawn begins at midnight’. We should understand too that, for a Christian, to die is to be born to New Life.

Three Hail Marys followed by:
“Joy and Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen”