† The Fourth Station

IV Jesus Meets His Mother

… he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. Jn 19:25-27

There are many gifts here – the gift of relationships, the gift of Mary to John and in that way, to the whole Church – but the most important gift of this station is compassion. In her anguish, Mary came out to be present to her Son, and even in the pain and cruelty of the crucifixion, Jesus made sure his mother would be loved and cared for.

Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection,
You have set us free.