Meditating on the Mystery of the Crucifixion of Jesus in the Prayer of the Rosary

Crucifixion is the fifth sorrowful mystery. These sorrowful mysteries have been proposed since the beginning of the history of the rosary by the Church. This sorrowful mystery invites us to meditate on the love we have for Christ and his Mother. We can take the time of this ten rosary to make this love grow.

What is the fifth sorrowful mystery?

In the story of the passion, Saint John gives us a few sentences spoken by Jesus on the cross and especially the moment when Mary becomes the mother of us all.

The verse of Isaiah prophesying the death of Christ shows us the sufferings endured to save all men.

The story of the crucifixion in the Bible

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.  When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 

(John 19:25 -30)

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

When and How to Recite the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery?

The crucifixion is the last sorrowful mystery. It is meditated on with the other four: the agony of Jesus in the garden of olive trees, the whipping, the crowning of thorns, and the bearing of the cross. The Church invites us to meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday.

The fruit of the mystery invites us to a greater love for Jesus and Mary. Christ died to redeem our sins and he gave us his mother at the foot of the cross. It is our turn, during this decade, to welcome the Virgin Mary into our home to tell her all our love.  

Meditations and Quotes on the Crucifixion

Mary becomes our mother

“At the crucifixion, Jesus offers us what is most precious to him, his mother Mary. Let us welcome Mary into our home, it is Christ who asks us to do so!” (Saint John Paul II)

Pray before the Cross

“Let us fix our gaze on the Crucified One, with faith and courage, because from him comes Life, comfort, healing. Let us know how to look at the one who wants our good and knows how to wipe the tears from our eyes. Let us know, let us surrender ourselves in his arms, like a little child in the arms of its mother!” (Benedict XVI)

“ Look at the Cross, you will see the violence of love! - Saint Oscar Romero

Following the example of Mary, supporting our brothers and sisters in the ordeal

“In front of a brother or sister immersed in the mystery of the Cross, the respectful and compassionate silence, our presence inhabited by prayer, a gesture of tenderness and comfort, a look, a smile, sometimes make more than many speeches. This experience was lived by a small group of men and women, including the Virgin Mary and the apostle John, who followed Jesus to the heart of his suffering during his passion and death on the Cross.” (Benedict XVI)

Continue to pray the rosary with Hozana and Rosario

On Hozana, you have the opportunity to pray by signing up for different prayer communities. You can meditate on the rosary with the texts written by Saint John Paul II and be guided in the recitation of the rosary. You also have the opportunity to register in this community to follow the rosary each evening live, and you will be supported in your prayer.  

By downloading the Rosario app, you can pray the rosary alone or in a group and choose different meditations according to your preferences.