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LISTEN TO THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES.

In these five mysteries, we accompany Jesus in his sorrowful destiny to suffer and die – all because of love of the Father and for our salvation. He took upon himself our human flesh, including its corruption in sin and to death, except being in sin himself. There is the ingratitude and malice of man to pin down his own Savior to the cross. He took it with love. Now he invites us to take up our own cross to follow Him even beyond death to a risen life.

First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemani

  1. The Word of God (Mk 14:26, 32-36)
    “After singing songs of praise, they walked out to the Mount of Olives…They went then to a place named Gethsemani. …He took along with him, Peter, James and John. Then he began to be filled with fear and distress. He said to them, ‘My heart is filled with sorrow to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.’ He advanced a little and fell to the ground, praying… ‘Abba (O Father), take this cup away from me. But let it be as you would have it, not as I.’”

  2. Meant for us:
    Just like any man nearing death, Jesus suffered great anguish, even sweating in drops of blood at the prospect of dying. His courage and obedient love for the Father prevailed over his anxiety and he said, “Father, not my will but yours be done.” His trust in the Father’s saving plan for us all enabled him to face death boldly.

  3. Our Word to God:
    “Loving Father, there are times when we question some mysterious turn of events in our lives – mainly because of our sins, but also for reasons difficult to understand and accept. Our life is threatened. Like Jesus your Son, may we in faith and love abide by your will always. After all, You know and desire what is best for us. You wish us to live forever with you. Amen.”

Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

  1. The Word of God (Mk 15:12-15)
    “Pilate again asked them, ‘What am I to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?’ They shouted back, ‘Crucify him!’ Pilate protested…They only shouted the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ So Pilate, who wished to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and after he had had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.”
  2. Meant for us:
    How painful it is to be beaten as a punishment for one’s wrong deed! But how more painful it is to be punished in innocence! It is a God-man like Jesus to endure it. Still how hurting it is to be beaten with false accusations by ungrateful people! The love of God who provides grace can help us in bearing all these pains.
  3. Our Word to God:
    “Lord Jesus, how I wish I could take your place as I see you hurting badly with all the blows you received! And yet I rebel profusely when simple blows against me comes my way. More sadly, by my sins, I add up to your hurts. I am sorry, Lord. Please forgive me. To others, let me be more loving and forgiving. Amen.”

Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

  1. The Word of God(Jn 19:2-3)
    “The soldiers then wove a crown of thorns and fixed it on his head, throwing around his shoulders a cloak of royal purple. Repeatedly they came up to him and said, ‘All hail, king of the Jews!’, slapping his face as they did.”
  2. Meant for us:
    “Hail, king of the Jews!” This was a cry of mockery as thorny crown was placed on his head accompanied by more blows. How can he ever endure the insults and pains! Now the people even want to hail him higher by hanging him dead on the cross. It is the thought of the Father’s powerful love and its saving effects that made Jesus endure all the undeserved sufferings.
  3. Our Word to God:
    “Jesus, my God, let me ask forgiveness for all peoples, beginning with me, in mocking you through callousness and lack of love. We may not directly hit you, but each time we hurt and abuse others, especially the little and defenseless ones, we join the ranks of abusers against you. When wickedness seems to overtake us, let your Spirit enlighten us instead to love as you do to us. Amen.”

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

  1. The Word of God (Jn 19:16-17)
    “In the end, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus was led away, and carrying the cross by himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha).”
  2. Meant for us:
    Three times Jesus predicted his passion and death. Likewise, he invited his disciples, that is, you and me, to follow him on the way of the cross. “Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me,” he calls us. The cross means the path to dying. Yet the wonder of it is that, as Jesus revealed the secret to us, it is “in losing life for my sake, you will find it.”
  3. Our Word to God:
    “Lord Jesus, I am awed by the way you show your love for us. You willingly and lovingly extended your arms on the cross. You showed your love for all of us who are all unworthy of that great love. It is a love this much till death for our salvation. May we learn to die to ourselves for you and for others. Amen.”

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

  1. The Word of God (Lk 23:32-34, 44, 46)
    “Two others who were criminals were led along with him…When they came to the Skull Place…they crucified him there and the criminals as well, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.’…It was now around midday, and darkness came over the whole land until midafternoon with an eclipse of the sun…Jesus uttered a loud cry and said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ After he said this, he expired.”
  2. Meant for us:
    It was tragic that Jesus had to die on the cross. But it was the only way for us to recognize him as our Savior. Despite the offenses done to him, he was able to forgive and think of entrusting us to his Mother. Though abandoned by his own men, he kept his faith in his Father. In dying, he accomplished his mission. We are redeemed from sin and death. We can now live with God and for God.
  3. Our Word to God:
    “Lord Jesus, our Savior, we adore you and we bless you. By your holy Cross, you have redeemed us and the whole world. May we lovingly entrust ourselves to you always in faith and love. Amen.”