The Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple John
Location: Beachy Head Chaplaincy HQ
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Genuflect
People: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.
Stand
Reader: A reading from the Gospel of John (19:25–27)
So, the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Sit/Kneel
Leader:
Jesus, in his dying moment, puts the needs of his followers before his own, committing the care of his mother Mary to his beloved disciple, John. At that moment we are brought into the family of God. As Mary was placed in the care of his disciple, our family bonds will be strengthened in Christ; and may we learn from Jesus in times of great hardship we will need to put aside our pain for the needs of others. As John accepted his role, we too need to recognise ours.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, as we stand at the foot of the cross, we stand in your presence asking your forgiveness, gratitude, and grace. Let us take Mother Mary into our home and grant us pardon and salvation in our time of need. Amen.
All stand
Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: Christ, have mercy. People: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.