The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony In The Garden

"After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.' (And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.) (1)

A night of anguish fell on Him;
The weight of failed humanity.
He buckled; as all hope grew dim,
With faith, He drank His destiny.


The Scourging At The Pillar

"Pilate said to them, 'Why? What evil has he done?' They only shouted the louder, 'Crucify him.' So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified." (2)

The Lamb was lashed with whips and bled;
His torn flesh fell horrendously.
For Love, to slaughter He was led
To suffer pain prodigiously.


The Crowning Of Thorns

"They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him." (3)

Our selfish pride, woven with thorn,
Disgraced the crown of mercy's King.
We answered His love with our scorn;
Our disdain dealt Him death's worst sting.


The Carrying of the Cross

"Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself * he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha." (4)

Cross-beams of our tepidity --
Rough-hewn with doubt; splintered with fear
Weighed on Him. He struggled greatly;
With love's own strength, he'd persevere.


The Crucifixion

"And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments…It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last." (5)

He forgave all who had a part.
With love, He breathed out His last breath.
For love, the lance had pierced His heart;
For love, He entered into death.

(c) Paul Buis, 2002

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