Reflection

REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

The first four Sorrowful Mysteries follow the redemptive sufferings of Jesus just prior to crucifixion. His prayerful agony is so extreme as to cause him to perspire Precious Blood. He endures brutal scourging and a humiliating mock crowning. He not only submits to His own execution, but He carries the very weapon by which the secular power terrorized conquered people.

Neither the innocence of Jesus from all sin, nor the injustice of any sufferings that He endured, would disrupt the communion of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, nor interrupt His giving of Himself to us. Jesus never ceased praying and offering His pain in service to all of us.

Love never ceases trusting in the sacred plan for redemption. Love persists in obedience, consoled in the restoration of relationship that will result.

Pray

Pater Noster

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

R: Give us, this day, our daily bread;
     And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
     And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. AMEN.

Holy Scripture

Luke 22:40-44

After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.”
[… He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood …]

Pray

Ave Maria

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

R: Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
     and at the hour of our death. AMEN.

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