The Sorrowful Mysteries - Meditations of St. Bp. Józef Pelczar
The Agony in the Garden
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Lk 22:44).
The Lord Jesus took human sins upon Himself to satisfy divine justice for them. The greatest sorrow brought to the Savior's Heart was that many would reject His grace, bought at so bloody a price. You saw, Lord Jesus, in the Garden of Olives all the crimes of the world and my sins of an entire lifetime and You suffered for them, yet I find it so difficult to have true contrition even at the confessional. Queen of the Holy Rosary, implore Your Divine Son for the grace of sincere conversion for me and all sinners, and for trust in His mercy.
The Scourging at the Pillar
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged (Jn 19:1).
The Lord Jesus permitted the terrible torment of scourging upon Himself to manifest His love and to prompt us to make reparation for our sins. He wanted to wash clean in His Blood human souls stained with sins, especially of sensuality, debauchery, and addiction. Queen of the Holy Rosary, obtain for me a love of purity, and for all who sin, the grace of a great conversion.
The Crowning with Thorns
They twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand (Mt 27:29).
Why does this terrible humiliation happen to the true King of heaven and earth? The Lord Jesus carries a painful crown on His head so that man may not be an idolater of self-love and the pride of the world. He endures mockery and insults so that we may not commit hypocrisy and sacrilege. Queen of the Holy Rosary, help me to make reparation for the sins of pride and irresponsibility, especially those committed by people holding power.
The Carrying of the Cross
They seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus (Lk 23:26).
Unjustly condemned to death, like a criminal slave, Jesus took the cross upon His shoulders and made it an instrument of Redemption and sanctification of man. In the terrible procession to Calvary, He walked among people persecuting Him, indifferent. There were and are many like Simon – passing by, busy with their own affairs, reluctant to help. The grace of co-suffering with Christ and the light of faith transform hearts and incline them to cooperate with God in His salvific mission. Sorrowful Queen of the Holy Rosary, obtain for us fortitude and zeal in the service of God.
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Here is your mother… I am thirsty… It is finished (Jn 19:27-30).
The last words from the cross are the testament of the Lord Jesus and the promise of a happy death for those justified by His sacrifice. Sorrowful Mother, I desire with You to venerate the cross of Christ, for it is the altar of salvation, the key to heaven, the pulpit of wisdom, the conqueror of death and Satan. Queen of the Holy Rosary, obtain for us patience in sickness to the end of life, and for those dying without faith or penance – the grace of final conversion.