The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

by Mark Taylor, Layman

The Holy Rosary is a Gospel derived meditative prayer that can transform hearts and change lives. I have gathered several scripture passages/information on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary that focus on the Passion (suffering) of Christ offered to atone for our sins. Please join in meditating on these Sorrowful Mysteries.

The Agony in the Garden: “Then Jesus went…to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go…and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said…’My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.’ And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will”’ (Mt 26:36-39). May the grace of our Lord’s Agony make us truly contrite and obedient to His holy Will.

The Scourging at the Pillar: “Pilate released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified” (Mt 2,26). May the grace of our Lord’s Scourging purify and instill temperance in us. Through His suffering for our sinful flesh, Jesus offers us the grace to temper our sensual appetites.

The Crowning with Thorns: “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the praetorium,…And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!”’ (Mt 27:27-29). May the grace of our Lord’s Crowning grant us the moral courage to place God first. Jesus was humiliated in reparation for our sinful pride that we may humbly love those who might persecute, ridicule, or humiliate us.

The Carrying of the Cross: “And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene,…to carry his cross…” (Mk 15:21-22). May the grace of our Lord’s Cross make our crosses more bearable and help us take-up and bear our crosses patiently during our own sufferings.

The Crucifixion: “And when they came to the place…called The Skull,…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’...Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last” (Lk 23:33-46). Jesus suffered His Passion for our salvation. May the grace of our Lord’s Passion and Death come into our souls, and help us persevere in keeping His commandments unto death. Humbly pray that we may follow Christ’s teachings and examples even when it’s most difficult.

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy Mercy. Amen.”