V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (You may bow your head or genuflect)
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Read and Listen: (Lk 2:22, 24-25, 34-35)

When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought Jesus up to Jerusalem so that he could be presented to the Lord...They came to offer in sacrifice "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord. There lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon....He blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed—and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare."

Reflect

From the time that Jesus was born of Mary his mother, it was a continuous moment of gradual separation from her. He had to pursue his Father's business (Lk 2:49). In meeting him each time since then, Mary received the news of his increased activities and popularity. But not this time when Jesus was on his way to his death. It was surely a great pain, like a sword piercing her heart, to see her Son suffering a lot, but she was helpless to assist him at all. His pains were hers too. But like her Son, Mary remained silent in accompanying him to do the will of his Father in heaven. She knew from her faith that this meant a horrifying death. In a docile faith and contemplation, she affirmed her own Yes to the Lord. Mary is our Mother too, as Jesus has entrusted us to her. Though life is painful in many ways, the love and care of Mary our Mother for us ease the pains and burdens we experience. One time a woman cried out to Jesus how blessed her Mother must have been (Lk 11:27-28). But to signify that blessedness was deeper than blood relations, Jesus indicated that it was attentiveness and obedience to God's word that count more. Indeed, Mary is blessed. We too are blessed because through her intercessions and example, we are led to her Son and to the Father in heaven.

Pray

Dear Jesus, thank you for entrusting us to your Mother. She is now our Mother too. In this station, I pray for my mother and all mothers of the world, both the living and the departed. I pray for those who are pregnant, those who had miscarriages, and those who terminated the lives of their unborn babies. Bless also the fathers and the children, who are all your Mother's children. We rely on Her maternal protection, May we have that sincerity of faith in You. As she accompanied you throughout your life, may she guide us in this valley of tears into the eternal kingdom in the Holy Spirit with you and your Father. Amen. (You may say the Our Father before you go to the next station.)