Mother, Why Are You Crying? – The Fourth Station

Mother, Why Are You Crying?  – The Fourth Station

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother

Scripture:  Luke 2:34-35:  “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.”

And then this passage from John which we will see again l:   “Standing by the cross of Jesus were His Mother a(Jn 19:25).”

Mary was at every significant event in Jesus’ life. Although Scripture does not record Mary being on the road to Calvary, it does record Her there: AT the foot of the Cross, probably on the same path as Her Son.  This station reflects that private conversation which was probably too intimate to record in Scripture.

A Meditation From Book 4, Ch 17 of The Imitation of Christ: 

Of 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 Blessed Virgin Mary, received and desired You, when the Angel brought Her the glad tidings of the mystery of the Incarnation, She humbly and devoutly answered:  “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Your word (Lk 1:38).”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I imitate You as Your Mother imitated You: pondering all these things in my heart. Please meet me along the road to Calvary, and help me to understand Your suffering. Amen.