The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother
Reflection: Recall this passage from Luke 2:33-35 – “And His father an
d mother were marveling at the things spoken concerning Him.
And Simeon Blessed them and said to Mary, His Mother: “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted.”
And turning to Mary he said: “and you, a sword will pierce your heart -that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:33-35).”
Mary was at every significant event in the life of Jesus. Although Scripture does not record Mary being on the road to Calvary, it does record her there AT the foot of the Cross:
Our Lady of Sorrows
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother* and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (see John 19:25-27)
Meditation: From Thomas a’Kempis ‘ The Imitation of Christ, Book 4, Ch17: On the Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ
O Lord my God, my Creator and Redeemer! with such affection, reverence, praise, and honor, with such gratitude, worthiness, and love, with such faith, hope, and purity do I desire to receive You this day, as Your most Blessed Mother, the glorious Virgin Mary, received and desired You, when she humbly and devoutly answered the Angel who brought unto her the glad tidings of the mystery of the Incarnation. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Your word (Luke 1:38).”