Hey there,
I’m sure you’ve been told “No pain no gain” before. You might have even been the one to say it a time or two.
It’s often referenced when working out or playing sports.
But, it’s a concept that’s been around for a very long time.
The first known version of the saying comes from the 2nd century in a Rabbi’s writings in “The Ethics of the Fathers,” where it appears as “According to the pain is the gain.”
Famous people throughout history have said it … or a form of it … from Benjamin Franklin to Jane Fonda.
It means that you need to suffer to succeed. To achieve anything of worth, you need to sacrifice, which comes through pain and struggle.
Nowhere is this more evident than the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Though He was sinless, He suffered greatly for our sins. We see this in the Passion of Jesus Christ.
As we close out the month of October, this issue of Genuflect is all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. These 5 mysteries cover Jesus’ Passion from the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross.
It’s a present-day reminder that when it comes to our afterlife, no pain no gain.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Check out our other Rosary reflections: The Glorious Mysteries, The Joyful Mysteries, and The Luminous Mysteries.
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genuflect: resources
The Fruits of The Sorrowful Mysteries
We know the Sorrowful Mysteries so well, it’s easy to get distracted while praying them. Fortunately, Madeline Mckissick has a solution … contemplate on the fruits of each mystery. Here’s how.
The Fruits of The Sorrowful Mysteries | Radiant With Joy
First Sorrowful Mystery
Here’s an in-depth look at the first Sorrowful Mystery, the Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Check out the Scriptural reference, a meditation, and a reflection on this first mystery.
The Agony in the Garden – 1st Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary | Totus2us
Jesus’ Agony in The Garden of Gethsemane
We often focus on all the physical pain and suffering that Jesus endured in His Passion. But as Today’s Catholic points out, this first mystery is all about the mental and spiritual aspect.
The Agony in The Garden | Today’s Catholic
Second Sorrowful Mystery
Here you’ll find a scriptural reference, meditation, prayer and reflection on the second Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging of Jesus at the Pillar.
The Scourging at The Pillar – 2nd Sorrowful Mystery of The Rosary | Totus2us
The Scourging of Jesus at The Pillar
David Seitz offers a unique perspective on the scourging of Jesus. Who holds the whip?
The Scourging: A Reflection | Catholic Journal
Third Sorrowful Mystery
The third Sorrowful Mystery is the Crowning of Thorns. Totus2us provides the Scriptural reference, prayer, meditation and reflection to give us a deeper understanding of this mystery.
The Crowning of Thorns – 3rd Sorrowful Mystery of The Rosary | Totus2us
The Crowning of Thorns
The guards placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head. It was painful and humiliating. But did you know that back then, royalty were not the only ones crowned? Christopher Snaith explains all about the Roman crowns of Jesus’ time.
A Canadian Catholic: 20 Mysteries: Jesus is Crowned With a Crown of Thorns | A Canadian Catholic
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
Jesus Carries the Cross is the fourth Sorrowful Mystery. Learn more about it in Totus2us’ information, including a Scriptural reference, meditation, and reflection.
The Carrying of The Cross – 4th Sorrowful Mystery of The Rosary | Totus2us
Jesus Carries His Cross
Brother Andrew Thomas Kang points out that the fourth sorrowful mystery is the only event where Jesus plays an active role in His Passion. Here’s what he means, and what we can learn from it.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of The Cross | Dominican Friars
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
And just like the other Mysteries, here Totus2us provides a Scriptural reference, meditation, and several reflections on the fifth Sorrowful Mystery, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
5th Sorrowful Mystery of The Rosary – The Crucifixion | Totus2us
The Crucifixion And Death of Jesus
Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to die such a horrible death on the cross? Cal Christensen has the answer.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on The Cross | Northwest Catholic
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How to Pray The Holy Rosary
Follow these step-by-step instructions for praying the Holy Rosary, including the Creed, the Fatima Prayer, the optional Eternal Rest Prayer, and each of the Divine Mysteries, but especially the Sorrowful Mysteries. You’ll find everything you need to pray the Rosary here.
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