4th Station

Station 4 Jesus meets His mother

   At the fourth station Jesus comes face to face with His mother. The pain and anguish is shared by both of them. We see Jesus as our Savior and Messiah but Mary see’s Jesus as her Son. The pain Mary felt as she watches her son carry His cross to Calvary as He is beat and mocked by the scores of people would have been unconsolable. Mary watches and can do nothing to save her son. Jesus sees the pain in His mother’s eyes and yet is comforted by seeing her as only a mother can console her child in the times of pain and agony. 

   When we are going through those hard times and we have someone around us to comfort us makes a difference. Sometimes it is a parent, spouse, family or a friend that can help us during those times of suffering. Even just the sight of someone can have us breathe that sigh of relief. It does not mean that they can take that pain away or stop what is going on but just knowing that someone is there to listen and understands the pain keeps us going. The person there feels our pain and tries to comfort us. There doesn’t need to be a conversation but just the mere presence or a gentle touch lets us know we are not alone. If we feel that we are alone during those hard times it takes a harder and quicker toll on us. We are lost and seems like no one cares for us. 

    In the time we live in we are just about always able to make some kind of contact with people we care about. We can call, text, send an email, or drive and even fly to see those we care for. A simple text saying “ I am here for you” or “ You are in my thoughts and prayers” can make a world of difference. Just the thought that someone took that time to think and maybe pray for us can make a world of difference. We may never know how we were able to help someone when they needed it. It is better to extend your hand then think they want to be left a lone. 

Until tomorrow, God Bless, and drop that someone who has been on your mind today a message and tell them you care. 

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Lectionary: 231

Reading 1

IS 1:10, 16-20

Hear the word of the LORD,

princes of Sodom!

Listen to the instruction of our God,

people of Gomorrah!

Wash yourselves clean!

Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;

cease doing evil; learn to do good.

Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,

hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.

Come now, let us set things right,

says the LORD:

Though your sins be like scarlet,

they may become white as snow;

Though they be crimson red,

they may become white as wool.

If you are willing, and obey,

you shall eat the good things of the land;

But if you refuse and resist,

the sword shall consume you:

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Responsorial Psalm

PS 50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21 AND 23

R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,

for your burnt offerings are before me always.

I take from your house no bullock,

no goats out of your fold.”

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Why do you recite my statutes,

and profess my covenant with your mouth,

Though you hate discipline

and cast my words behind you?”

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?

Or do you think that I am like yourself?

I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;

and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Gospel

MT 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

“The scribes and the Pharisees

have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,

but do not follow their example.

For they preach but they do not practice.

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry

and lay them on people’s shoulders,

but they will not lift a finger to move them.

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father;

you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called ‘Master’;

you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”