(For Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year, and the Sundays
in Lent)
The curtain has fallen on the Joyful Mysteries to rise slowly
again, disclosing the principal scene in the Tragedy of Christ.
There is this difference between every other tragedy played out
on the wide stage of the earth and the Tragedy of Christ, that
each one of us acted a sad part in making our Divine Saviour
suffer. When sorrow for our sins brings tears of humble
repentance to our eyes, let us still look up to the Cross--the
Symbol of Hope. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will
draw all things to myself." (St. John, XII, 32.) Saints have
meditated on the sufferings of Christ and have found therein the
motive for further battling against temptation; sinners have
contemplated the Sorrowing Christ and have experienced the
undying truth of His words: "Come to Me all you that labor and
are burdened, and I will refresh you." (St. Matt. II, 28.)
First Sorrowful Mystery:
"The Agony in the Garden"
"Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called
Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples: Sit you here, till I
go yonder and pray . . . And going a little further, He fell
upon His face, praying, and saying: My Father, if it be
possible, let this chalice pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I
will, but as Thou wilt."--(St. Matt., XXVI, 36-39.)