Mary and Jesus
Friday, March 6, 2026
The Fourth Station of the Cross
Jesus Meets His Mother
I am not a parent. From what I understand, many parents view this station through the lens of parenthood. That is natural, in large part because reflecting on the Stations (as with any part of the Gospels) invites us to imagine ourselves with the living breathing Jesus - encountering Him, responding to Him, building a relationship with Him. That is precisely why reflecting on the Gospels is such a fruitful form of prayer.
I am not a parent. I am, however, a son.
Strangely, I view this station in the other direction. I remember being sick, or being scared. Even today, as a full-grown adult, when I’m worried or uncertain… guess who I call!!
This Station, this stop on Christ’s journey up Calvary, must have been unimaginably difficult for Mary. She had to witness her only child being whipped, scorned, spit on, and mocked. It also must have been enormously comforting for Jesus. In the midst of his great suffering, enduring unrelenting torture, he received that most comforting human gift that we all received on the day we were born, and us lucky ones have received many times thereafter - a hug from mom.
Speak with Mary today. Ask for her comforting presence in your life this weekend.
Ask her for a hug.