Morning
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.
Bible Reading – Luke 2. 22,25,34,35
The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘This child is chosen by God for the destruction and salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.’
Meditation
She was going to be there at his end –
she who had been there with God at his beginning.
She was his mother.
She had fed him and cradled him
and watched over his growing.
Whatever he had said and done,
he was still her son
and she would not desert him now.
Whatever pain of his she could embrace she would.
And in the meeting of their eyes
there was love,
suffering and shining.
Prayer
For parents anxious about their children;
for all children and young people at the present time:
Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.