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Prayers of the Rosary
The First Luminous Mystery
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
(Matthew 3:13-16)
"Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became "sin" for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out."
Meditation:
The Son of God and Son of Mary was baptised by His Precursor, John the Baptist. Our Lord, completely without sin, plunges himself into the water. Then, as the Messiah, immersed in prayer leaves the water, the resolute but gentle voice of the Father from paradise proclaims, "You are my Beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows Himself above Jesus.
We contemplate in this Mystery the rapidity with which Jesus always fulfilled His Father's will. I obey my Father's designs when I submit to the teachings of the Church and to my lawful superiors when they command me. How important is the counsel of obedience for me?
Our Father, Ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Second Luminous Mystery
The Wedding at Cana
(John 2:1-12)
"The first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers."
Meditations:
During the nuptial feast, Jesus performed the first of His countless miracles. When Our Lady notices that the wine is gone, she confides in her Divine Son. After Christ's reply, the Madonna addresses the waiters, urging them to do as the Master directs. Jesus transforms the water stored in six stone jars into tasty wine.
We contemplate in this Mystery the esteem Jesus had for Mary--the only woman hailed as both Virgin and Mother. I note how Christ honors His Mother and how Mary points her children to Jesus. Do I enthusiastically venerate Mary and genuinely encourage others to imitate the God-man?
Our Father, Ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Third Luminous Mystery
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
(Mark 1:14-15)
"The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23)."
Meditation:
The merciful Redeemer exhorted His listeners to recognize that the Kingdom of God was among them. Emmanuel comes to redeem and save all peoples. He is compassionate and forgiving. His yoke is easy and His burden light. The sacred responsibility of those who hear His message is simple and straightforward: convert and believe in the Good News.
We contemplate in this Mystery the overwhelming love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I attest to his mercy when I receive the Sacrament of Penance. Is my encounter with the Divine Physician in Confession frequent and profound?
Our Father, Ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Fourth Luminous Mystery
The Transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1-8)
"The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to "listen to him" (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit."
Meditation:
Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and ascended the mountain. While He is praying, His face and clothes are radically changed in appearance, becoming brilliant. The teacher allows His Divinity--the God-head--to shine forth from Him. Suddenly Moses and Elijah are speaking with Him. Peter is stupefied and wishes to fashion three tents for Christ and His unexpected visitors. A luminous cloud covers the Apostles. Once again, the Father announces from His celestial throne: "This is My Son, the Chosen One; listen to Him." Peter, James and John put their faces to the ground because they are scared. But the Lord reassures them. Then, Jesus alone remains with the trio of Apostles.
We contemplate in this Mystery the innumerable favors that the Almighty bestows on those who search for Him. I admire the intimacy that Sts. Peter, James and John had with Jesus. Do I often ask the Savior for a deeper friendship with Him?
Our Father, Ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer
The Fifth Luminous Mystery
The Institution of the Eucharist
(Matthew 26)
"Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies "to the end" his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice."
Meditation:
Gathered with His Apostles during the Last Supper on Holy Thursday evening, Jesus took Bread and a cup filled with wine and pronounced: "This is My Body...This is the Chalice of My Blood." Christ unhesitantly gives His very self to His friends for their everlasting beatitude. The next day, on Good Friday, He will offer to His Eternal Father through the Holy Spirit the singular Sacrifice of Calvary, whose sacramental expression is effected in the Upper Room the night before and is renewed at every Mass.
We contemplate in this Mystery the Food and Drink that Jesus conceded for the challenging pilgrimage to His Father's house. I thank God for the Most Holy Eucharist. Do I prepare well for Holy Communion and treasure the Mass as the center of my life?
Our Father, Ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer, Hail Holy Queen
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These meditations on the Five Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary were written by Rev. Charles M. Mangan. Pamphlets of these meditations may be obtained from the Institute on Religious Life at www.religiouslife.com
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