Crowned With Thorns

The Third Sorrowful Mystery:
Our Lord is Crowned with Thorns

"The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the palace of the governor and the whole troop gathered around him. They stripped him and dressed him in a purple military cloak. Then, twisting a crown of thorns, they forced it onto his head, and placed a reed in his right hand. They knelt before Jesus and mocked him, saying, 'Long life to the King of the Jews!' They spat at him, took the reed from his hand and struck him on the head with it." - Matthew 27:27-30

The thought that comes into my head as I read this is, is this how a king dies? During His ministry, Jesus was a powerful speaker; He was charismatic, He had great power, yet, when He needed to defend Himself, He remained quiet, accepting the humiliation. He must have been so tired and out of it at this point. A fever must have kicked in from the scourging and He probably couldn't see with the blood pouring into His eyes from the crown of thorns. One thing is certain though, the man who walked on water, expelled demons, and raised people from the dead could have saved His life if He wanted to, but He chose to accept His fate because those who do the will of God never turn back, even in the face of suffering and humiliation.

With the crown of thorns on His head, He was mocked for what He believed in, for what He stood for. All the good He had done for others meant nothing to those Roman soldiers, but Jesus saw beyond that. How about you? What is your reaction when you are mocked, when you are put to shame, when you are put in situation where people don't understand you and what you believe so they decide to verbally or even physically attack you instead? Do you get angry and attack back? Even if it's joking around, we can get defensive. Or do you keep your eyes set on Jesus and remember that it is the Lord who created you, the Lord who you listen to, and no one can take what is right and virtuous away from you? Remember this as people question your faith and the good you do. Those who don't understand God will never understand you. Being called names, being made fun of because you want to pray and follow God's will may be painful and uncomfortable at times, but Jesus already paid the price with blood so that you won't have to. If you are made to wear such a crown for your belief in Jesus Christ, accept it with dignity and pride.

Today's Prayer:

Mary, mother of our Lord, pray for us so that we are never ashamed of demonstrating our faith proudly for all to see that we belong to the Lord.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

O, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.