4th Station of the cross prayer

4TH STATION OF THE CROSS:
JESUS MEETS HIS BLESSED MOTHER
We adore you O Christ, and we bless you,
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

LECTOR: No sooner has Jesus arisen from His first fall that He meets His Blessed Mother, standing by the wayside where He is passing. With immense love, Mary looks at Jesus, and Jesus at His mother, and each heart pours into the other’s own deep sorrow. Mary’s soul is steeped in bitter grief, the grief of Jesus Christ. Simeon’s prophecy has been fulfilled: thy own soul a sword shall pierce(cf. Luke 2:35)

MEDITATION: As Jesus struggles forward beneath the weight of the Cross, His eyes suddenly meet those of His Mother. Mary stands among the crowd, her heart already wounded by the suffering she sees before her. The sight of her Son bruised, exhausted, and crowned with thorns pierces her soul more deeply than any sword. Yet she does not turn away. She remains there, steady and faithful, sharing in His pain.

In that brief moment, no words are spoken, but everything is understood. A mother’s love meets the suffering of her Son. Jesus draws strength from her presence, and Mary, though filled with sorrow, offers Him the silent courage of her unwavering love. This encounter reminds us that true love does not abandon those who suffer; it stands beside them.

Even today, many mothers experience a similar anguish as they watch their children endure hardship. Some weep for sons and daughters caught in cycles of violence, addiction, or crime. Others worry for children who struggle with unemployment, poverty, or the pressures of a world that often leaves the young feeling lost and uncertain about their future. Many mothers silently carry the pain of seeing their children hurt by injustice, discrimination, or broken systems that fail to protect them.

Mary’s presence on the road to Calvary teaches us the power of compassion and faithful accompaniment. She could not remove the Cross from Jesus’ shoulders, but she gave Him the strength of her love. In the same way, we are called to stand with those who suffer around us, family members facing illness, friends weighed down by despair, or strangers forgotten by society.

Too often our world encourages us to turn away from pain because it is uncomfortable. Yet the example of Mary invites us to do the opposite. She shows us that sometimes the greatest act of love is simply to remain present, to offer support, to listen, and to share another person’s burden.

In every act of compassion, we reflect the tenderness of Mary and the love of Christ. When we stand beside those who suffer, we help carry the Cross with them and remind them that they are not alone.

Let us pray: Mary, Mother of Sorrows, you walked the painful road of Calvary and met your Son in the midst of His suffering. Though your heart was pierced with sorrow, you remained close to Him, offering strength through your faithful love.

Teach us to have the same courage and compassion in our own lives. Help us to stand beside those who are suffering those burdened by illness, poverty, injustice, or loneliness. Give us hearts that do not turn away from pain, but respond with kindness, patience, and understanding.

Guide parents and families who worry for their children, and comfort mothers whose hearts are heavy with grief or fear. Inspire us to create communities where no one suffers alone, and where every person is treated with dignity and care.

May your example lead us to accompany others with love, just as you accompanied your Son on the road to Calvary.

Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Is there one who would not weep, Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear mother to behold.