Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
“The Crucifixion”
“And they came to the place that is called Golgotha, which is the place of Calvary.... And after they had crucified Him they divided His garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: They divided My garments among them; and upon My vesture they cast lots. And they put over His head His cause written: This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”—(St. Matt., XXVII, 33, 35, 37.)
Love of the Cross
“I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized; and how am I straitened until it be accomplished.” (St. Luke XII, 50.)
How strange that the Saviour should sigh for the culmination of His agony—seek in death His triumph! Our human nature shrinks from pain. Yet if our lives are to be Christ-like, we must rather seek to suffer as Christ has taught us by His life of sorrow.
Trials must surely enter into our lives. ’Tis well we accept them as coming from the chastening hand of God to purify our lives and bring us nearer to Himself. Our night of crucifixion will pass, and then will dawn the glorious morning of our resurrection in God.
O Mary, who stood beneath the Cross of thy Son and sorrowed in union with Him, teach us to love the Cross!