Fourth Station - Jesus meets His afflicted Mother

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. 

All: Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

From the Gospel according to Luke 

Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Lk 2:34-35). 

Reflection

 Mary, close by, finds her son, and mother and son lock eyes. The glance of Jesus consoles her suffering heart, if only for a moment. By the announcement and power of the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived Jesus in her womb, and on that first Christmas morning, mother and son met, her eyes full of joy at seeing her newborn child, with St. Joseph not far away from the manger. But now, she is there alone, without her spouse to share in this sorrowful moment. 

Dear St. Joseph, be present to families who encounter the illnesses and sorrows of their loved ones. 

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...