Station 4: Jesus Meets his Mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Meditation

By María Velázquez, Executive Assistant, Office of the Bishop

En Español

Jesus, on the way to his crucifixion, and in the midst of great pain, encounters his mother for an instant. Both share in the same pain: the pain he feels for his people; the pain she feels for her Son. Jesus is about to fulfill his mission by sacrificing himself for the forgiveness of sins, while Mary remembers the words spoken to her: "and you yourself a sword will pierce." However, that pain reflects the greatest love and hope at the same time. God gives us the opportunity to encounter Christ and his mother, and feel the love and comfort only he can offer. How do we look at Jesus and Mary when we encounter them in our daily lives? Do we rejoice in the pain of others? Or do we show compassion, love and hope? How many times have we felt immense pain? To whom do we plea? Do we let ourselves be consumed by troubles? Or do we trust in God's will? It is up to us to answer "yes," in the same way Mary and Jesus did. Let us remember that even the greatest pain may be comforted by an expression of love.