The Rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer that leads us through the mysteries of Christ’s life, inviting reflection, prayer, and trust in God through the intercession of Our Lady.
The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries contemplate the Passion and Death of Jesus.
1. The Agony in the Garden
Jesus prays when confronted with the sins of the world.
Fruit: Contrition / conformity to God's will
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced profound anguish as He contemplated the sins of humanity. Yet, He surrendered completely to the Father’s will. His prayer teaches us to seek God’s will above our own, even in our darkest moments, and to trust in His perfect plan.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is whipped before His execution.
Fruit: Purity / mortification
Scripture: Mark 15:15
So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus endured brutal scourging for our sins, particularly the sins of the flesh. His willingness to suffer such agony calls us to practice self-denial and to purify our hearts and bodies, offering up our small sacrifices united with His great sacrifice.
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Jesus is mocked with a painful crown of thorns.
Fruit: Moral courage
Scripture: Matthew 27:27-31
And twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand.
The soldiers mocked Jesus as a false king, placing a crown of thorns on His head. Despite the pain and humiliation, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission. His courage in the face of mockery inspires us to stand firm in our faith, even when the world ridicules us.
4. The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus carries the weight of our sins to His crucifixion.
Fruit: Patience
Scripture: John 19:17
So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull.
Jesus carried His cross with patience, falling yet rising again, teaching us perseverance in our trials. Every step He took was an act of love for us. When we carry our own crosses in life, we unite our sufferings with His, knowing that He walks beside us.
5. The Crucifixion
Jesus Christ dies to save all mankind.
Fruit: Salvation / self-denial
Scripture: Luke 23:33-46
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.
On the cross, Jesus gave His life completely for our salvation. His ultimate sacrifice shows us the depth of God’s love and calls us to die to ourselves, to deny our selfish desires, and to live fully for God and others. Through His death, we have been given the gift of eternal life.
How to Recite the Rosary
Continue your morning prayer with today’s Scripture readings from the Mass.