The Pieta

 

Michelangelo's Pieta

 

 





Michelangelo's Pieta depicts an idealized Virgin Mary cradling her beloved son, Jesus Christ, after the crucifixion. Instead of horror and pain, the Virgin's face reveals serenity, fulfillment, and obedience to the will of God.

Christ appears to be sleeping peacefully in his mother's arms. It is a poignant portrayal of the eternal love between mother and child, and God and His children -- perfectly mirroring the nativity scene in Bethlehem.

 

Pieta Prayer to the Virgin Mary

 

My Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to Thee, and to show my devotion to Thee, I consecrate to Thee this day, my eyes, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore good Mother as I am Thine own, keep me, guard me, as Thy property and possession. Amen.

 

from Pieta Prayer Book









 

 

Dawn Pisturino

June 5, 2017

Copyright 2017 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.



Meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries

 

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

 

When Mary agreed to be the mother of Jesus, did she understand the great mission He would fulfill?

 

The agony in the garden represents Jesus' moment of Truth. He has come to the end of His ministry and the beginning of the fulfillment of His great destiny. He has agreed to become a willing sacrifice to the Great Work of God, His father.

 

What are we willing to sacrifice in our own lives for God?

 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

 

Jesus suffers pain, loss, and humiliation at the hands of His enemies. From the moment of Judas' betrayal, Jesus is stripped of His dignity, humbled, and punished.

 

 How many times have we been betrayed by a friend, a husband, a lover, a family member? We remember the pain, the humiliation, the loss of dignity and self-respect.

 

Jesus forgave His enemies. Do we have the strength to do the same? 

 

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

 

When Jesus is crowned with thorns, His enemies believed they were humiliating Him and making fun of Him. But this crowning foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory.

 

We too will achieve ultimate victory over our enemies and our sins, if we are humble, steadfast, and patient.

 

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

 

Such weight! Such burden! Jesus carried the sins of mankind on His back, along with the Cross. He stumbled and fell but never wavered on His journey.

 

What burdens do we carry on our backs? What crosses do we bear? Do we bear them happily and willingly, for the sake of God? Or, do we grumble and fret, looking to free ourselves?

 

Love God and trust in His mercy.

 

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

 

Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, weeping, as her beloved son's life slipped away. Darkness filled the world. But Mary never gave up hope. She trusted in God's will while waiting for Her son's resurrection. She forgave His enemies and gave comfort to the apostles. She became a mother to all mankind.

 

We honor Mary for her love, strength, and devotion. She raises us up, just like she raised her beloved son, Jesus.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Copyright 2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.