St. Leonard's Way of the Cross

Jesus meets his mother

To my great confusion, it wasn't enough that I should see Jesus covered with pain and clothed as a sinner; now his mother also joins him to suffer for my sins! Accursed sins; most painful encounter; most sorrowful mother! In your agony, I see my wickedness.

I know that, in such a painful encounter, the suffering of the Son is the suffering of the mother. I know that, if my sins have pierced Jesus' body, they have pierced your heart, O great virgin. But I also know that Jesus is the source of mercy, you, the refuge of sinners.

Therefore, most merciful mother, I humbly turn to you with sorrow for my sins. In your kindness, obtain for me from your suffering Son, Jesus, the pardon of my sins.

Reading: John 19:25-27