SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

The Agony in the Garden

Visualisation: Picture Jesus struggling in the garden, staying with prayer, begging God. Imagine the disciples sleeping not far away.

Intention: That all of those fighting God's will, will be faithful to prayer even when it is difficult. That people will surrender to God's will even when it seems to be too much.

Connection: People who don't believe that they can do what God is asking of them. Prayer is meant to be an honest dialogue with God about what we fear most.

The Scourging at the Pillar

Visualisation: Imagine Jesus bound and tied to a pillar. Imagine not only his physical pain but what he must have gone through in his heart.

Intention: For all those bound with some addiction and feeling degradation. Priests and religious are intimately involved in the lives of those suffering greatly. Compassionate hearts are needed.

Connection: What scapegoats do we scourge in our society? Do we move away from what is ugly and violent or do we let it touch our person?

The Crowning with Thorns

Visualisation: Imagine the dignity of Jesus Christ and how he maintains that dignity in spite of humiliation and pain.

Intention: For all those mocked and persecuted for the good they do. For those who endure ridicule for even considering priesthood or religious life!

Connection: We make fun of those we fear. Mockery is cheap entertainment. How do we direct our energy towards what is noble and true?

Jesus Carries His Cross

Visualisation: Jesus, already beaten and weary, struggles to carry the cross. He carries our burdens. Are we standing along the way of the cross today? What do we do for him as he passes us? How does he look at us?

Intention: For those carrying the cross for others.

Connection: Discerning a vocation can be a struggle because it means accepting a difficult challenge. It calls for perseverance in the face of pain, fatigue and misunderstanding. We continue because Jesus has carried it before us.

Jesus Dies on the Cross

Visualisation: Imagine Jesus in all his pain concerned about others as he speaks to John "Behold your mother". Imagine his question to God, "Why have you abandoned me?" and then his final surrender, his last breath.

Intention: That those near death would surrender and let go in spite of pain, confusion, and doubt.

Connection: Ultimate surrender to God entails a life of dying over and over again. Those who are baptised are called to live vocations of daily surrender.