The Sorrowful Mysteries: Meditating on Christ's Passion
The Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as Sundays during Lent. They guide us through the final hours of Jesus' life, His suffering, and His death for our salvation.
1. The Agony in the Garden
Fruit of the Mystery: Sorrow for Sin
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood as He envisions the sins of the world and His coming suffering.
"Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)
Prayer Intention: We pray for true contrition for our sins and conformity to God's will.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Fruit of the Mystery: Purity
Jesus is tied to a pillar and brutally scourged by Roman soldiers, yet He accepts this torture silently for our sake.
"By his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
Prayer Intention: We pray for the virtue of purity and the mortification of our senses.
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Fruit of the Mystery: Moral Courage
Soldiers weave a crown of thorns and press it into Jesus' head, mocking Him as "King of the Jews."
"And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him." (Mark 15:17)
Prayer Intention: We pray for courage to stand up for our faith, even when mocked or rejected.
4. The Carrying of the Cross
Fruit of the Mystery: Patience
Jesus carries the heavy wooden cross to Calvary, falling three times under its weight but rising each time to continue.
"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
Prayer Intention: We pray for patience in our daily trials and the grace to carry our own crosses.
5. The Crucifixion
Fruit of the Mystery: Salvation
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies after three hours of agony, offering His life to the Father for the redemption of the world.
"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)
Prayer Intention: We pray for the grace of final perseverance and the salvation of all souls.
Next: Conclude with the triumph of the Glorious Mysteries.