Palm Cross - Photo copyright 2012 John M. Kingery
Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother (Beaverton Public Library)
Theme: Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery
Tema: El trafico de humanos es una forma de esclavitud hoy en día
Scripture: John 19: 25-27
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
Reflection by St. Pius Catholic Church:
And now His hour has come, the hour of which He had so often spoken to Mary in Nazareth, the hour that was the subject of such earnest prayer, the hour for which He had promised to strengthen her. His glance recalls all this to her now.
Marydoes not speak, as if her heart would break with only a word to Him. Nothing equals the courage and love that Mary had for her Son or her desire to be there, bearing the cross with Him.
In her heart Mary focused on the words of the angel, spoken to her in the beginning: “Do not be afraid, Mary” (Lk 1:30). The disciples fled, yet she did not flee. She stayed there, with a Mother’s courage, a Mother’s fidelity, and a faith which did not waver in the hour of darkness. She stood as a witness to all that occurred.
Let us find strength in this love to stand steadfast in ending a time of darkness for our society, that of human trafficking. Today, men, women and children are being kidnapped, bought, sold, and smuggled as modern-day slaves. Through isolation, control, threats, and violence, they are trapped in lives of misery. Often they are beaten, starved, and forced to work as prostitutes or take grueling jobs as migrant, domestic, restaurant, or factory workers, with little or no pay. Thousands of our brothers and sisters are victimized in this way every year, breaking their spirit and robbing them of their freedom and dignity.
Prayers: Thank you for reminding us of your faithfulness through your mother Mary.
WE THANK YOU, LORD
Teach us to believe that our faith will bear fruit in service to others.
O GOD, HEAR OUR PRAYER
Help us to be ready to share the suffering of our brothers and sisters and offer assistance and love to those in need.
O LORD, WE WANT TO WALK IN YOUR WAYS