Nicole Berlucchi, Writer on a Mission

This week we took time to reflect on each of the Sorrowful Mysteries and how we might be called to imitate those mysteries in our own lives. Today, we revisit some of the ways we can unite our sufferings to the Lord’s Passion and imitate His humility, prayerfulness and perseverance to do the will of God.

How are you being called to imitate the Mystery of the Agony in the Garden:

• Pray to God with the same directness as Jesus; don’t be afraid to show Him what is in your human heart for He already knows. Allow Him to hear your longings while also recognizing His will and being submissive to it.
• Take life-altering circumstances to prayer, whether they seem positive or challenging, invite God into those circumstances in order to help you navigate all that is to come.
• Go to adoration (a common theme). Use the time with Jesus to “keep watch” with Him; reflect on how to stay awake in your daily life so that you are always ready when Jesus comes.
• Ask friends to accompany you in preparing and praying for difficult
• Is there another aspect of this mystery that has drawn your attention for imitation?
• Let us ask Mary’s intercession for all the ways we might be called to imitate this mystery.

How are you being called to imitate the Mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar:

• Look for ways to practice Jesus’ humility in your life. Is there a place where God is asking you to conform to His will and you are finding it difficult? Ask Jesus for the help to be like Him in trusting God’s plans are the best plans even when they are hard. Ask for his humility and trust.
• If you are unjustly retaliated against because of your Catholic beliefs, turn the other cheek like Jesus did. Don’t try to amp up what you have said and certainly don’t back off from the truth, but instead stand in the truth and let God do the rest even if it temporary causes you pains of insults or exclusion.
• Be cognizant that going along with the crowd might not only jeopardize your soul but can also influence and jeopardize those souls around you. Don’t be afraid to do what is right even if it jeopardizes your position in this world.
• Is there another aspect of this mystery that has drawn your attention for imitation?
• Let us ask Mary’s intercession for all the ways we might be called to imitate this mystery.

How are you being called to imitate the Mystery of the Crowning of Thorns:

• Again we see we are called to imitate Jesus’ trust and humility; work to identify places where you need deeper trust in God or where you can exercise humility instead of trying to take control of a situation
• Become rooted in your identity as a beloved son or daughter of God; don’t let others opinions and comments define you or sneak their way into your inner dialogue, instead look to God and ask Him to help you see yourself as He does, perfectly and uniquely created
• Consider offering sacrifices for someone you know or generally for the reparation of sins. Intentional acts to unite your suffering to the suffering of Jesus amplifies our prayers.
• Is there another aspect of this mystery that has drawn your attention for imitation?
• Let us ask Mary’s intercession for all the ways we might be called to imitate this mystery.

How are you being called to imitate the Mystery of the Carrying of the Cross:

• Are you bearing a cross right now? Consider how you might offer your suffering for another’s special intention; consider who can help you carry your cross.
• Do you know someone who is carrying a cross right now? Consider how you might help that person bear their hardship through acts of mercy.
• Is the cross you are bearing particularly heavy right now and one you did not expect to be given? Keep your eyes on Jesus. Know He is walking before you. Go to Him; be honest about your struggles.
• Uphold the dignity of all lives. Everyone should be treated as a beloved son or daughter of God.
• Is there another aspect of this mystery that has drawn your attention for imitation?
• Let us ask Mary’s intercession for all the ways we might be called to imitate this mystery.

How are you being called to imitate the Mystery of the Crucifixion:

• Exercise humility like Jesus try not to retaliate or engage in argument when someone is needling you. It is hard, but you might find yourself more at peace when you let those comments go.
• Recognize Jesus’ sacrifice for you, dying for your sins on the cross, so that you can be with Him in heaven.
• Pray “Remember me” to Jesus in adoration. In praying this prayer, you are acknowledging your reliance on Him to enter the Kingdom of God.
• Welcome Mary into your heart and your home. Accept her as your heavenly mother who is constantly interceding for you. Love her and have faith that she is walking with you.
• Thirst for Jesus as He thirsted for us on the cross. Return his infinite love by spending time with Him and praying to Him. Hold nothing back, as He holds nothing back from us.
• Is there another aspect of this mystery that has drawn your attention for imitation?
• Let us ask Mary’s intercession for all the ways we might be called to imitate this mystery.

I hope these points help you in meditating more deeply on the Sorrowful mysteries so that they can help you imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.