Happy Mother's Day!

During May, we'll focus our attention in this weekly blog on the mysteries of the Rosary. Each week there will be a brief reflection on each mystery and where it can be found in Scripture. This week we'll dive into the Sorrowful mysteries.

The five Sorrowful mysteries of the rosary are the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion. The Sorrowful mysteries are typically prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, and the Sundays of Lent.

First Sorrowful Mystery - The Agony in the Garden (Mt 26:36-46)

The fruit of this mystery is Conformity to God's Will.

In this mystery we reflect on Jesus' journey from the Last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, in the Garden, speaks with the Father asking "if it is possible, let this cup pass. . . not as I will, but as You will." When we experience hardship in life, how do we respond? As we reflect on the Agony in the Garden, let us ask God for the grace to respond as Christ did.

Second Sorrowful Mystery - The Scourging at the Pillar (Mk 15:1-16)

The fruit of this mystery is Mortification.

In this mystery we reflect on Jesus' journey from the Praetorium to the Pillar to be scourged by the Romans. The gruesome act by the Roman soldiers is extremely difficult to imagine. Jesus, deemed innocent by Pilate, is still subjected to the horrible scourging. How often are we scourged in life because of our beliefs? As we reflect on the Scourging at the Pillar, let us ask God for the grace to be more closely conformed to His Son.

Third Sorrowful Mystery - The Crowning with Thorns (Mt 27:27-31)

The fruit of this mystery is Courage.

In this mystery we reflect on Jesus' journey back from the scourging to the Praetorium. On the way, He is mocked by the Roman soldiers, dressed in a purple cloak (signifying royalty), and crowned with thorns. This wasn't typical of Roman executioners, but they went along with the feelings of the crowd who deemed Jesus guilty. When we are mocked for our faith in Christ, how do we respond? As we reflect on the Crowning with Thorns, let us ask God for the gift of Courage to stand up for His Church.

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery - The Carrying of the Cross (Mk 15:20-22)

The fruit of this mystery is Patience.

In this mystery we reflect on Jesus' journey from the Holy City, Jerusalem, to the Place of the Skull, Golgotha. On the way, He experiences numerous falls, encounters a whole range of emotions, is taunted, and is beaten. Yet, through it all, He remained obedient. How often do we lose our patience when the world seems to be against us? As we reflect on the Carrying of the Cross, let us ask God for the gifts of obedience and patience so we can live like His Son.

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion (Lk 23:33-46)

The fruit of this mystery is Forgiveness.

In this mystery we reflect on scene of the Crucifixion. There Jesus hangs surrounded by friends, enemies, and the thieves on either side. Suddenly, the two thieves start conversing and we hear one cry out to Jesus "Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." Jesus, in His infinite mercy, says "Amen, Amen I say to you, today you with be with Me in Paradise." When we experience ridicule, taunts, or whatever accusation that is thrown at us because of our beliefs, how do we respond? As we reflect on the Crucifixion, let us ask God for the grace to forgive those who have trespassed against us.

The Rosary is a great prayer tool that can help us dive deeper into the Scripture and our relationship with God. Each week we will link to a video of the Rosary corresponding to the mystery touched on that week.

Totus Tuus!

Corpus Christi-St. Bernard's Communications Team