October is such a beautiful month in Alabama. If it’s pretty where you are, say a Rosary (or just a decade) outside today. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of this world that God has created for us. Take a walk, and if you want to really empathize with Christ with today’s mystery, the Carrying of the Cross, pick up something heavy to carry on your walk.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery The Carrying of the Cross Coloring Page
(Please download to your computer and open in a .pdf program like Adobe Acrobat before printing for the best results!)
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyre′ne, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.
Luke 23:26-28
“And he carried his own cross as they led him out to crucify him.” Mark 15:21
Jesus, having been tortured, mocked, shamed, and a prisoner chosen for release over him, now has to carry his cross through the streets of Jerusalem to a place called “The Skull” for his crucifixion. The cross must have been a heavy burden, because at some point Jesus was unable to carry it and Simon had to help him. The cross is also used metaphorically throughout the new testament, and we use it today to describe difficult burdens in our lives. Following Christ is not easy. Often it can feel burdensome to follow His ways instead of the ways of the world. But Christ has called us to be His followers. “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself. And take up his cross every day and follow me.” Luke 9:23. Something that struck me there is ‘every day.’ It’s not enough to just go to mass on Sundays and pray before meals. Christ calls us to commit our lives to him everyday- heavy crosses or not.
May our God of mercy give you strength to bear your crosses graciously and follow Christ, everyday.
Kristen
Remember, if you can’t wait for all of these coloring pages to post or if you just want them all in one document together, you can buy the whole pack of 20 mysteries here in my shop!
I also used these same drawings to make these Watercolor Printable Rosary Cards, which are available in B&W and in watercolored paints in the shop!
