This week we are sharing reflections from east London Christians on the fifth and final Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, the crucifixion and death of Jesus
Click here for an introduction to the People's Rosary Project, and links to earlier meditations.
Jesus Crucifixion and Death
Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19.25-30
Praying the mystery of the Crucifixion reminded me of Mary's strength.
Averil Pooten-Watan is a care home manager. She describes the strength she drew from meditating on Mary's experience at the foot of the Cross, and how it sustained her at the height of the pandemic.
This touches my heart. He has done so much for us.
Jummy reflects on the mercy which flows from the Cross of Christ - and the response of faith which it calls forth.
Jesus' passion is not merely individual, but truly bears within it the anguish of us all. It is a suffering in fellowship with us and for us, in a solidarity - born of love - that already includes redemption, the victory of love...
The words spoken by Jesus as he hung on the Cross continue to be fulfilled in many concrete ways. Again and again, the disciple is asked to take Mary as an individual and the Church into his own home and, thus, to carry out Jesus' final instruction.
Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week
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 was crucified and died 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.
Built with Shorthand