The Fourth Station
Jesus meets his Mother
John 19: 25-27 - Standing close to Jesus’ cross were His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there; so He said to his mother “He is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home.
John 16:22 - That is how it is with you: Now you are sad, but I will see you again, and your hearts will be filled with gladness, the kind of gladness that no one can take away from you.
Meditation:
Mary sees the procession moving through the streets. She hasn’t seen Him in days. Since his arrest, she’s been so worried. She hurries to push her way to the front of the crowd. To be close to her child. She is shocked to see how He looks. Now He’s there, in front of her. The cross is so heavy, He is trembling, sweating under the strain. His body bleeding from the beating. Mary tries to get closer. Her heart is bursting with sadness. He tries to get closer to her but the soldiers push him away. Jesus looks at the face of this beautiful, strong mother who gave herself to God to bring Him into this world and who protected Him in every way she could. For a second Mary and Jesus lock eyes. They both know that it had to come to this, and that even in all of this, God is with them. In the end, all He could do was try to provide for her well being in the life she will have to face without him. The procession moves on.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to see those around me who love me. Help me to understand that I need them just as much as they need me. Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things and in all people. Lord Jesus, when I feel alone, help me to remember to turn to my family and my friends for help. And most of all, help me to remember to turn to You for help and sustenance. This I ask, in Jesus’ name. Amen.