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We adore you, Oh Christ, and we praise You, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the World.
Imagine Mary’s pain and suffering, first the fear as her son is sentenced, then walking with Him as He stumbled with the Cross, seeing Him bruised and battered and then the awful anguish as He breathes His last breath. What torment as His body is handed down to her. Imagine holding her child, her baby boy, for the last time? It is not hard for anyone, particularly a mother, to understand what she must have felt. As one of the verses of the Stabat Mater Dolorosa states: “Is there one who would not weep, ‘whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear Mother to behold?”
Stop and really look at this moment in the life of Jesus. What strikes you? What speaks to your heart? What do you think Jesus is feeling? What does it tell you about how much He loves you? Spend some time in prayer and listen to what Jesus is inviting you into.
As St. Leonard was devoted to the Stations of the Cross, we are making this the centerpiece of the 150th Anniversary, and every month we are highlighting one of the Stations. We invite you to pray and reflect on these monthly meditations to enter fully into the moment of Jesus’ Passion and to allow yourself to be transformed by the Cross.
Meditation
Yet, Mary knows that Jesus had to endure this for us, and that He was going to be with His heavenly Father. Something far better awaited Him. Anyone who has lost someone—particularly a child, can truly identify with the pain and grief Mary must have felt. Yet, we trust that our beloved deceased are finally with Jesus, finally able to inherit the rewards promised through Jesus’ resurrection. We know this and yet we are still sad, still mourning that they aren’t with us right now. We must learn to turn to Mary in our grief—when we lose someone close to us, knowing she understands our pain, and will wrap us in her tender embrace and console us. And so we pray:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Journal Questions:- Imagine yourself at the foot of the cross, receiving the body of Jesus. How would you feel, what would you do, what would you say to Jesus? What would you say to Mary?
- Jesus died for our sins. Do I have a grateful heart for what He endured for me? How can I show my love for Him?
- How can I walk with those who are dying or grieving?
Meditation offered by Claudia Carroll, Coordinator of the 150th Anniversary of St. Leonard’s Church.
About the artist: Adam Moniz is a Catholic Illustrator and Fine Artist who draws his creative inspiration from the beauty of our Lord. He is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sacred Art at Pontifex University. Follow him at: www.atmonizarts.com or on Instagram @atm_adamtmoniz.