Learning About The Life of Mary & Jesus
The Sorrowful Rosary Mysteries
Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries contemplate the sufferings of Jesus during his Passion. They encompass the Agony in the Garden, where Jesus prayed in agony the night before his crucifixion; the Scourging at the Pillar, representing the brutal scourging Jesus endured; the Crowning with Thorns, when Jesus was mocked and crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers; the Carrying of the Cross, as Jesus carried the heavy cross to Calvary; and the Crucifixion, Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of humanity.
The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experiences deep anguish before his crucifixion.
In the poignant episode of the Agony of Jesus in the Garden, Jesus retreats to the tranquil Garden of Gethsemane to pray. As he contemplates the weight of his impending crucifixion, Jesus is overwhelmed with profound anguish and distress. Mark 14:33-34 describes how Jesus confides in his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, sharing his deep sorrow, saying, "My soul is sorrowful even to death." Luke 22:44 further reveals the intensity of Jesus' emotional turmoil, as it states, "And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like drops of blood falling down upon the ground." In this moment of great vulnerability, Jesus submits his will to the Father, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's redemptive plan, despite the immense suffering that lay ahead.
“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’
And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.’
Again he went away for the second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’”
— Matthew 26:36, 39, 42
Christ in Gethsemane by Heinrich Hofmann, c. 1886
The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is brutally whipped and scourged as part of his suffering before the crucifixion.
In the event known as the Scourging at the Pillar, Jesus endured a horrific ordeal of merciless flogging and whipping as part of his agonizing journey towards crucifixion. This brutal scourging is briefly described in the Gospel of John 19:1: "Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged." Additionally, the prophecy of Isaiah 53:5 speaks of Jesus' suffering and redemption, stating, "But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed." This intense act of cruelty serves as a testament to Jesus' profound sacrifice and unwavering dedication to fulfilling God's divine plan for the salvation of humanity.
“I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.”
— Isaiah 50:6
“So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.”
— Matthew 27:26
Flagellation of Christ by Rubens, c. 1617
Jesus is Crowned with Thorns
Jesus is mockingly crowned with thorns, signifying his kingship and enduring humiliation.
In the Gospel accounts, it is written that during Jesus' trial before Pontius Pilate, the soldiers placed a crown of thorns on his head as a mocking symbol of kingship. In Matthew 27:29, it is described as, "Twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'" Similarly, in Mark 15:17, it is mentioned, "They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him." This act of cruelty aimed to ridicule Jesus, but it serves as a profound representation of his enduring humiliation and his sacrificial journey as the King of the Jews, as foretold in the Scriptures.
“The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame…”
— Isaiah 50:7
“They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”
— Matthew 27:28-29
The Crowning with Thorns by Caravaggio, c. 1603
Jesus Carried The Cross
Jesus carries the heavy cross on which he will be crucified, bearing the weight of humanity's sins.
Gospel accounts depict the profound moment when Jesus, carrying the weight of humanity's sins, bears the heavy cross on which he will be crucified. In John 19:17, it is written, "So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha." This act symbolizes Jesus' selfless sacrifice, as described in 1 Peter 2:24, stating, "He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." Thus, Jesus' arduous journey with the cross exemplifies his ultimate act of love and redemption for humanity.
“They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.”
— John 19:15-17
Christ Carrying the Cross by El Greco, c. 1580s
The Crucifixion of Our Lord
Jesus is crucified, dies on the cross, and offers his life for the salvation of all people.
The Crucifixion of Our Lord is a pivotal event in Christianity where Jesus, the Son of God, willingly accepts crucifixion, enduring immense suffering and ultimately sacrificing His life on the cross. This act is seen as an act of love and redemption, as Jesus offers Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the salvation of all humanity. In Mark 15:33-37, it is described how darkness covered the land when Jesus was on the cross, and He cried out with a loud voice before breathing His last. In John 19:30, Jesus utters the words, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His mission. Through His crucifixion, Jesus's sacrifice serves as the ultimate act of love, offering the opportunity for forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
“When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’…
It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.”
— Luke 23:33-34, 44-46
Christ Crucified by Diego Velázquez, c. 1632
The Comic Guide to The Holy Rosary…
is an activity book by Kevin Pawlowski of Paradise Found Studio, contains dozens of images that can be used for deep reflection on the lives of Jesus and the Holy Family.
Each mystery includes a visual illustration based on classic art, but in a comic book style. Alongside each illustration are relevant Bible passages that pertain to each mystery. Passages were selected to highlight key events, teachings, or messages connected to the mysteries. The purpose is to provide scriptural grounding and enhance the reader's understanding of the events being contemplated.
In addition to the illustrated mysteries, The Comic Guide to The Holy Rosary includes traditional prayers of the Rosary, such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. These prayers would likely be presented in a format that allows readers to follow along and engage in the meditative aspect of the Rosary.