The Sorrowful Mysteries

Five mysteries for today, each with a painting from the day’s world. Read them here — or press Start praying for the fullscreen prayer.

Mystery 1 of 5

The Agony in the Garden

Mt 26,36–46

Look at the golden chalice in the angel's hand — and at the hands of Jesus, opening toward it, not clenching. He does not push away what is bitter; he reaches out to meet it. Just below, his friends are sleeping — too near to be far away, yet not awake enough to carry him. Where are you praying today that this cup might pass — and where are your hands already open?

Fruit of the mystery: Conformity to God's will

El Greco · The Agony in the Garden (1611) · Szépművészeti Múzeum · Source

Mystery 2 of 5

The Scourging at the Pillar

Joh 19,1

Look at the ground: the bundles of rods lie there, already used, and the man on the right lifts fresh switches for the next blow. Between them Jesus stands still, bound, his head bowed — he does not resist. The tormentor on the left turns his face toward us and laughs as he pulls the rope. So quietly he bears what should have fallen on you. Where are you holding steady today, when everything in you wants to strike back?

Fruit of the mystery: Mortification

Denys Calvaert · The Flagellation of Christ (1577) · Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna · Source

Mystery 3 of 5

The Crowning with Thorns

Mt 27,27–31

Look at his hand: no scepter, only a thin reed they handed him in mockery. The thorns are pressed into his brow, blood runs down — and still he lifts his eyes upward, away from those who taunt him. This is how he wears the crown no one wanted. Where do you look when you are made small: at the mockery, or upward?

Fruit of the mystery: Moral courage

Hendrik Goltzius · De rust van Christus (1607) · Centraal Museum Utrecht · Source

Mystery 4 of 5

The Carrying of the Cross

Lk 23,26–32

See the young woman kneeling, holding a white cloth out to him — in the crush of horses and soldiers, one hand offers him something clean. His face, pale beneath the thorns, is turned toward her. She cannot take the burden from him, only give a moment of kindness. Whose burden can you not lift today — only hand them a cloth — and will you do it all the same?

Fruit of the mystery: Patience

Jacob Jordaens · The carrying of the cross (1657) · Rijksmuseum · Source

Mystery 5 of 5

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Joh 19,17–30

Look at the woman in the golden robe at the very foot of the cross — the most precious dress in the painting, and all she presses to her eyes is a small white cloth. All her wealth is worth nothing here; she simply stays where he is dying. Around her, everyone weeps in their own way, and no one leaves. Where will you stay today instead of walking away — even when there is nothing left you can do?

Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance

Jacob Jordaens · Crucifixion of Jesus (1618) · Sankt Pauluskirche · Source