Station XIII Jesus’ body is laid in his mother’s arms

Luke 2:33-35 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him.  Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against  and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.”

Jeremiah 31:15

The Lord says,

“A sound is heard in Ramah,
    the sound of bitter weeping.
Rachel is crying for her children;
    they are gone,
    and she refuses to be comforted.

Prayer

A mother cradles her adult son,
His broken body spilling across
Her lap. She weeps and will not
Be consoled. At that point history
And ethnicity no longer matter:
All grief, all sorrow born of love,
Is the same sharp sword.
Are destruction and salvation the same thing?
Choosing God, gather all your children,
Show mercy. Bring healing and peace. Amen.