#hardmans

The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)

After being brutally whipped, the gospels say that Christ was victimised in the governor’s headquarters by a group of Roman soldiers. (Matthew 27:27-31; Mark 15:16-20; John 19:2-5) This humiliation took place in front of the whole battalion. St Matthew’s gospel puts it this way: “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his…

✙ 6th Station of the Cross: Veronica wipes the face of Christ

“Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.” (Hebrews 13:4, Good News Translation) V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you:R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. Meditation: Relieving suffering Catholic tradition brings us the story of Veronica, a woman who took it upon herself to relieve the sufferings of Christ. Seeing his struggles…

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

Begin with the Our Father.Read each verse, then say the Hail Mary.At the end of the decade, say the Glory Be.Optionally, finish with the Fatima Prayer below. 1 After his passion, Jesus had presented himself alive to the apostles by many proofs. 2 He appeared to them during forty days and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. 3 When they were gathered together, he ordered them not to leave…

+ Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration of Christ

Begin with the Our Father.Read each verse, then say the Hail Mary.At the end, say the Glory Be.Optionally, finish with the Fatima Prayer below. 1 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up on a mountain to pray. 2 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face underwent a change, and his clothing became dazzling white. 3 Suddenly, there were two men talking with him, Moses and Elijah,…

Begin with the Our Father.Read each verse, then say the Hail Mary.At the end of the decade, say the Glory Be.Optionally, finish with the Fatima Prayer below. The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation 1 The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 2 The angel came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace! The…

The Prophet Daniel speaks of a royal coronation

18th December “I beheld approaching on the clouds of heaven one like a son of man. He came before the Ancient One and was presented to him. Dominion and glory and kingship were conferred upon him so that all peoples and nations of every language would become his servants.” (Daniel 7:13) Daniel was the fourth of the Four Major Prophets. The book of Daniel says that he lived in Babylon during the…

Zerubbabel, the chosen servant

“On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will tak“On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, son of Shealtiel, says the Lord, and I will make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:23) A new chapter of Christ’s family tree began with the birth of another royal child, Zerubbabel. He was the grandson of one of the last…

King Josiah, the religious reformer

13th December“A son will be born to the house of David by the name of Josiah.” (1 Kings 13:2) Josiah may not be that widely known, but along with Hezekiah, he was one of Judah’s most saintly kings. Like Christ, his birth was prophesied hundreds of years beforehand (1 Kings 13:1-2). He brought religious reform to his kingdom, restored worship at the Temple of Jerusalem, publicly read the…