Christ came in our poor flesh,
to share a mother’s care.
God chose to be our mother in all things*
and so made the foundation of his work,
most humbly and most pure,
in the Virgin’s womb.
God the perfect wisdom of all,*
arrayed himself in this humble place.
Christ came in our poor flesh*
to share a mother’s care.
Our mothers bear us for pain and for death;*
our true mother, Jesus,
bears us for joy and endless life.
Christ came in our poor flesh,
to share a mother’s care. [Julian of Norwich]
Thorny crown,
piercing holy head.
That dear sacred womb
that bore the Christ,
is pierced too,
through and through.
I can often wound those who are nearest to me, through my own selfish desires. Mary’s actions say: Hold fast at all times, to those you love. Cherish them tenderly.
This fourth station is overflowing with tenderness.
Beneath the awful trauma and pain
of this poignant meeting,
burns an unquenchable, eternal love.
Hail Mary,
so full, of your suffering Son’s grace!