Station 04

The fourth Station is located under the Armenian Catholic Church, adjacent to the third Station. The Station can be reached through the gift shop behind the third Station or through the Church.

Mary is one of the few people mentioned in the context of Jesus’ crucifixion. Where she was during the condemnation at Pilate’s palace or the flogging of her son, we do not know; the Gospels are silent about this. Not so the centuries-old tradition, which speaks of a last meeting between mother and son. It is not only possible, but most likely that Mary followed her son on His way to Calvary and fought for a chance to get a last glimpse or to touch Him before they were separated by accompanying soldiers.

Most striking is the silence of Mary during the entire crucifixion. Any mother seeing her innocent son being condemned to death would do anything for his release, not so Mary. Memories of her conception, Jesus birth, their time in Egypt and His ministry must have flooded her mind. She must have known that during this painful period, again ‘God was at work’.

Reflection

As Mary wants to steal a moment away with Jesus, so are we desperate to have one brief moment in which we sense the touch of Jesus, a touch of our heavenly Father when God’s Spirit touches us within.

Prayer

Father God, just a moment, just a touch from you is all I need.