Mary's Way Of The Cross Richard Furey Pdf
Introduction
Mary's Way of the Cross is a devotional prayer that is focused on the suffering and passion of Jesus Christ. It is a personal reflection on Jesus' journey to Calvary, with a particular emphasis on the role of Mary in his life and in the events leading up to his death. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Mary's Way of the Cross, and how this devotion can help us to deepen our faith and grow closer to God.
What is Mary's Way of the Cross?
Mary's Way of the Cross is a variation of the traditional Stations of the Cross, which is a series of fourteen devotions that recount the events of Jesus' passion and death. In Mary's Way of the Cross, the focus is on the relationship between Jesus and his mother Mary, and how her love and support sustained him through his suffering.
The devotion consists of fourteen meditations, each of which corresponds to one of the traditional stations. These meditations are designed to help us enter into the experience of Jesus and Mary, and to reflect on the meaning of their sacrifice for our lives.
The History of Mary's Way of the Cross
The origins of Mary's Way of the Cross are not exactly clear, but it is believed to have been developed in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. The devotion has been popularized in recent years by the publication of various books and pamphlets, including "Mary's Way of the Cross" by Richard Furey.
Richard Furey was a Catholic priest who was known for his work in developing simple and accessible devotions that could be practiced by laypeople. His book "Mary's Way of the Cross" is a devotional guide that includes the fourteen meditations, as well as prayers and reflections that can be used in conjunction with the devotion.
The Fourteen Meditations of Mary's Way of the Cross
The following are the fourteen meditations that are included in Mary's Way of the Cross:
- Jesus is Condemned to Death
- Jesus Takes Up His Cross
- Jesus Falls the First Time
- Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
- Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
- Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
- Jesus Falls the Second Time
- Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
- Jesus Falls the Third Time
- Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
- Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
- Jesus Dies on the Cross
- Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
- Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Each of these meditations is accompanied by a prayer or reflection that helps us to enter into the experience of Jesus and Mary, and to connect their suffering with our own lives.
The Role of Mary in Mary's Way of the Cross
One of the distinctive features of Mary's Way of the Cross is the emphasis on the role of Mary in Jesus' life and in his suffering. Mary is seen as a loving and supportive mother who accompanies Jesus on his journey to Calvary, and who is with him in his moments of greatest pain and anguish.
This emphasis on Mary's role in the story of Jesus' passion is rooted in Catholic theology, which sees Mary as a central figure in the life of Jesus and in the history of salvation. Mary is seen as the mother of the Son of God, and as a powerful intercessor who can help us to draw closer to her son.
The Benefits of Practicing Mary's Way of the Cross
There are many benefits to practicing Mary's Way of the Cross. Some of these include:
- A deeper understanding of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus
- A greater appreciation for the love and support of Mary
- A more personal and intimate relationship with God
- A sense of peace and comfort in the face of life's challenges
- A greater sense of community with other Catholic believers
By focusing on the relationship between Jesus and Mary, and by meditating on the meaning of their sacrifice for our own lives, we can grow closer to God and experience a deeper sense of peace and purpose in our lives.
Conclusion
Mary's Way of the Cross is a powerful and meaningful devotion that can help us to deepen our faith and connect more intimately with God. By meditating on the suffering and passion of Jesus, and by reflecting on the role of Mary in his life, we can gain a deeper understanding of the love and mercy of God, and a greater sense of peace and purpose in our lives.