FOURTH STATION
JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

From the Gospel according to Luke – Chapter 2.
Simon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken again (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also) that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” And his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Meditation
On Jesus’ Way of the Cross, we also find Mary, his Mother. During his public life she had to step aside to make place for the birth of Jesus’ new family, the family of his disciples. She also had to hear the words: “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?...Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Mt 12:48-50). Now, we see her as the Mother of Jesus not only physically, but also in her heart. Even before she conceived him bodily, through her obedience, she conceived him in her heart…The disciples fled, yet she did not flee. She stayed there, with a mother’s courage, a mother’s fidelity, a mother’s goodness, and a faith that did not waver in the hour of darkness: “Blessed is she who believed” (Lk 1:45).

Prayer
Holy Mary, Mother of the Lord, you remained faithful when the disciples fled. Just as you believe the angel’s incredible message – that you would become the Mother of the Most High – so too you believed at the hour of his greatest abasement. In this way, at the hour of the cross, at the hour of the world’s darkest night, you became the Mother of all believers, the Mother of the Church. We beg you: teach us to believe, and grant that our faith may bear bruit in courageous service and be the sign of a love ever ready to share suffering and to offer assistance

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.

Stabat Mater: Christ above in torment hangs, she beneath beholds the pangs, of her dying, glorious Son.