The Stations of the Cross - Station 4: Jesus meets His Mother

Jesus meets his mother on the way to Calvary, by Raphael 1516 © Museo del Prado, Spain

Source: Christian Art

23rd March 2021 - John 19:27

And Jesus said to this disciple, "Here is your mother." And from then on his disciple took her into his home.

Reflection on the Painting

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

I am watching how amongst the chaos of Your road to Calvary, You suddenly see Your beloved mother. You are her Jesus, her most beautiful of sons. She is reaching out to You, helpless, in despair. The grief for you both is so intense that neither You nor she can speak any words…

…yet both your silences are so eloquent. I too am a speechless witness to Your sorrow. I had strength and resolve to pick up my cross and follow You, yet here I am, just a bystander watching Your mother's grief. How the pain of looking at a loved one suffer is unbearable.

I now realise how Mary at the Wedding of Cana gave her Son to the world, and now, on Calvary, You, Jesus, gave Your Mother to the world. What perfect love you both hold.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory Be to the Father and to the Son…

Normal Gospel reading for the day: John 8: 1-11

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/753
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php