This week we are sharing reflections from east London Christians on the fourth of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, Jesus carrying the Cross
Click here for an introduction to the People's Rosary Project, and links to earlier meditations.
Jesus carries his cross
After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
Matthew 27.31-33
This mystery shows me how to be obedient to God... who gives you the power to persevere to the end
Meditating on this mystery reminds Jummy of the source of the power and grace which she needs to be a faithful disciple
In this time of pandemic, I see Covid like a cross, the cross which people are carrying,
Sister Therese explains how this Mystery reminds us that God is with us in the midst of the pandemic - and how it can move us to join with Mary in praying for frontline workers.
Following Jesus means learning to come out of ourselves... in order to go to meet others, to go towards the outskirts of existence, to be the first to take a step towards our brothers and our sisters, especially those who are the most distant, those who are forgotten, those who are most in need of understanding, comfort and help.
There is such a great need to bring the living presence of Jesus, merciful and full of love!
Living Holy Week means entering ever more deeply into the logic of God, into the logic of the Cross, which is not primarily that of suffering and death, but rather that of love and of the gift of self which brings life.
Pope Francis, March 2013
You are invited to pray the Rosary now.
Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus who bore the heavy cross for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
If you have not prayed the Rosary before, you can read our introductory page here.
The People's Rosary is a project of the Centre for Theology and Community and De Mazenod Retreat House in east London.
We are grateful for the support of the Lady Peel Trust and MB Reckitt Trust in developing this project.
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