Day 2: Understanding the 54-Day Novena

I decided to check into what this novena actually is....here's what I found:

The Novena consists of 5 decades of the Rosary each day for 27 days in petition; then immediately 5 decades each day for 27 days in thanksgiving, whether or not the request has been granted. 1st day meditate on the Joyful Mysteries; 2nd day the Sorrowful Mysteries; 3rd day the Glorious Mysteries; 4th day meditate again on the Joyful Mysteries; and so on.

J: Joyful Mysteries are recited on this day of your novena.

S: Sorrowful Mysteries are recited on this day.

G: Glorious Mysteries are recited on this day.


So, I was ready to venture through the sorrowful mysteries this morning. I checked my coat pocket....I had left the rosary in the car from my trip.

Realization #1: you don't need the actual rosary to say the rosary.

I hopped online. There were bunches of rosaries being said on Utube. Here's my favorite:

Complete Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

I researched a little more. For each bead on the rosary is an event to visualize and ponder.  As I read each point of sorrow, I became immersed in the experience of Christ's suffering.

Wow, this is going to be more powerful than I realized. 

As you say the rosary, ponder this:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

With illustrations from the booklet Praying the Rosary Without Distractions.

	The First Sorrowful Mystery THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN Jesus comes with his disciples to Gethsemani: "Stay here, while I go yonder and pray." Entering the garden with Peter, James, and John, Jesus prays, "My soul is sorrowful unto death." Jesus sees the sins of all mankind, whose guilt He has taken upon Himself. He sees the wrath of the Father which His sufferings must appease. So great is his anguish that His sweat becomes as drops of blood falling to the ground. An angel appears to Him from heaven to strengthen Him. "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet, not My will but Yours be done." Finding the disciples asleep: "Could you not watch one hour with me?" Jesus is betrayed by Judas, cruelly bound and led away. Father, by the merits of the agony of Jesus in the Garden, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: God's Will be done
	The Second Sorrowful Mystery THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR Jesus is taken before the High Priest where He is falsely accused, buffeted and insulted. The Jewish leaders take Jesus before Pilate, for only he can impose the death penalty. The robber, Barabbas, is preferred to Jesus. Pilate can "find no cause in Him", yet to appease the Jews, he orders Jesus to be scourged. The scourge is made of leather thongs to which are attached small sharp bones. Jesus is bound to a pillar and cruelly scourged until His whole body is covered with deep wounds. The Lamb of God offers His suffering for the sins of mankind. Jesus suffers so much in His sacred flesh to satisfy, especially, for sins of the flesh. The prophesy of Isaiah is fulfilled: "He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins." Father, by the merits of Jesus in this painful scourging, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: Mortification of the senses
	The Third Sorrowful Mystery THE CROWNING WITH THORNS Pilate asks, "Are You a king?" Jesus answers: "I am a King, but My kingdom is not of this world." In the praetorium, the soldiers place an old purple robe on Jesus in mockery of His claim to be a king. They fashion a crown out of thorns, and forcefully press it down upon His head. In His bound hands they place a reed, as a sceptre, in mockery of His kingship. Kneeling before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: "Hail, King of the Jews!" Taking the reed from His hand they strike Him on the head, driving the thorns more deeply into His scalp. Pilate brings Jesus before the people, hoping His pitiful sight will soften them: "Behold the man!" Their response: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Our Blessed Lord submitted to this terrible humiliation to make reparation for our pride. Father, by the merits of this painful humiliation, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: Reign of Christ in our heart
	The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS One condemned to death by crucifixion is forced to carry the cross to the place of execution. The suffering of Jesus is intense as the cross is laid on His bruised and wounded back and shoulders. Weak and exhausted from loss of blood, lack of food and rest, Jesus falls three times under the cross. Jesus meets His afflicted Mother causing untold anguish in the Hearts of Son and Mother. The countenance of Jesus is disfigured with blood and sweat, with dust and spittle. Veronica wipes His face, leaving on her towel the image of His countenance. Fearing that Jesus might die on the way, the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Jesus. Jesus speaks to weeping women; "Weep not for Me, but for yourselves and your children." "If anyone is to be My disciple, let him take up his cross and follow Me." Father, by the merits of this painful journey to Calvary, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: Patient bearing of trials
	The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery THE CRUCIFIXION The hands and feet of Jesus are nailed to the cross in the presence of His afflicted Mother. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." "This day you will be with Me in paradise." "Woman, behold your Son. Son, behold your Mother." "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" "I thirst." "It is finished." "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." The side of Jesus is pierced with a lance. His body is taken down and placed in the arms of His Mother. Father, by the merits of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Spiritual Fruit: Pardoning of Injuries

These Sorrowful Mysteries are courtesy of http://www.rosary-center.org/sorrow.htm

What I didn't expect was the welling of emotion as I read each point of sorrow while the rosary was being recited on the video. Christ's dread of what was to happen, the emotional pain of his betrayal, the tremendous physical suffering, and His Mother's heartbreak at seeing Her Son fulfill the Word brought me to tears.

I was overcome.

I was grateful for His sacrifice.

I was amazed that Christ did this.

For me...and for you.

Day 2...the tip of the iceburg of understanding...