As we pray The Rosary and meditate on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries, we travel back in time remembering our Lord's incarnation, His teachings, His passion and death, His resurrection from the dead and the wonder of his glorious gifts to us: his salvation, the Eucharist, and the Holy Spirit. The Rosary helps us to grow into a deeper understanding of Our Lord's life and how his life should affect us. Meditating on his life, we realise his purpose for our lives, the meditation engages our thoughts, imagination, emotions, and desires. This all leads to deepen our convictions of faith, and the conversion of our hearts, minds and will to follow Jesus Christ more closely. The structured prayers of the rosary help us to focus our minds on Jesus Christ and opens us up to God's presence. We therefore can more closely unite our lives to his and grow deeper in our faith. We are able to follow more closely in his footsteps through his grace, and through the intercessions of his Blessed Mother, who brings all believers to her Son.
The Mysteries of the Rosary reveal the lessons we need to learn to attain a full spiritual life. They will help us to grow in virtue and will reveal God's plan for us all.
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES*
I. THE ANNUNCIATION
In this mystery we learn the value of saying Yes to God and to his will in our lives. Mary shows great courage as she surrenders herself to God's will, accepting his mission for her. Even though her acceptance would cause her embarrassment (being found with child prior to marriage) and possibly even death (Mary, according to the law, could be stoned to death for adultery, as she was betrothed to Joseph who was not the father of the child.) Mary said yes to God. The Fruit of this Mystery is the Desire to do God's will.
In this mystery we learn the value of saying Yes to God and to his will in our lives. Mary shows great courage as she surrenders herself to God's will, accepting his mission for her. Even though her acceptance would cause her embarrassment (being found with child prior to marriage) and possibly even death (Mary, according to the law, could be stoned to death for adultery, as she was betrothed to Joseph who was not the father of the child.) Mary said yes to God. The Fruit of this Mystery is the Desire to do God's will.
II . THE VISITATION
In this mystery we learn the value of service. As a true disciple of God, Mary, while carrying the Lord Jesus in her womb puts the needs of her elderly cousin ahead of hers to attend to her in her time of need. Elizabeth is so amazed at Mary's humility she exclaims, "And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" The Fruit of this Mystery is Humility.
III. THE BIRTH OF JESUS
In this mystery we learn what true humility is in the person of Jesus Christ. He comes into this world as a helpless baby, relying on his creation to care for him. Instead of being born in wealth he chooses a poor family and is born in a stable where animals live. The Fruit of this Mystery is Detachment of the Trappings of this World.
IV. THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE
In this mystery we see an example of obedience as Mary and Joseph dedicate Jesus to God, according to the Law of Moses. The Fruit of this Mystery is Obedience.
V. THE FINDING OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
In this mystery we learn that true wisdom comes as a gift from God, not from the mere attainment of knowledge. When the child Jesus hears that Mary and Joseph were looking for him for three days he asks them: "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" An indication to us all today to know that in our time of need, we can always go to His Father's House to spend time with Our Lord. The Fruit of this Mystery is Vocation and Evangelization.
THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES*
I. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
In this mystery we hear the voice of God proclaim that "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," and we learn to remain close to the Father. The Fruit of this Mystery is Keeping an Openness to the Holy Spirit.
II. THE MIRACLE AT CANA
In this mystery we meditate on the first miracle of Jesus as he transforms water into wine. We are reminded that Jesus has the ability to transform our lives and the world. The Fruit of this Mystery is Trusting in God's Providence.
III. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM
In this mystery, Jesus invites us all to conversion. "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand" We pray for holiness and the strength to follow in the footsteps to Jesus. The Fruit of this Mystery is Repentance.
IV. THE TRANSFIGURATION
In this mystery, we witness who Jesus really is, the light of the world, and we pray for the spiritual courage to seek truth and light in our lives. The Fruit of this Mystery is a Desire for Holiness.
V. THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
In this mystery we are taught how to truly love, holding nothing back and surrendering ourselves completely. The Fruit of this Mystery is the Love for the Eucharist, Jesus' Eternal Presence in our Lives.
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES*
I. THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
In this mystery as in may places in the New Testament, we see Jesus praying. It is a beautiful example how prayer helps us in our time of need. We learn the importance of perseverance in prayer. The Fruit of this Mystery is Patience.
II. THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
In this mystery our spirits are renewed for the sacrifices of each day, we learn to never despise the little things. The Fruit of this Mystery is Self-Control.
III. THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
In this mystery we learn compassion for those who are mocked and rejected and we ask forgiveness for the times we have added insult to others. The Fruit of this Mystery is Moral Courage.
IV. THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
In this mystery we are moved to help Jesus to carry his cross by standing up to injustice and to do what we can to influence our world in a positive way. The Fruit of this Mystery is the desire to lay down our lives for others.
V. THE CRUCIFIXION
In this mystery we experience the pain evil causes and feel the weight of our own sins. The Fruit of this Mystery is Surrender.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES*
I. THE RESURRECTION
In this mystery we are reminded of the reality of life after death and to learn to live with that uppermost in our minds. The Fruit of this Mystery is Faith.
II.THE ASCENSION
In this mystery we are reminded of the great commission given to all of us by Jesus. And that is to continue his work on earth by spreading the gospel. The Fruit of this Mystery is Hope.
III.THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In this mystery we are reminded that we are helped in our efforts to do good by the power of the Holy Spirit ever alive in us. The Fruit of this Mystery is Wisdom.
IV. THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
In this mystery we are reminded of the beauty of purity of mind, body, spirit, and intention. And that someday we too may be with Jesus in his heavenly home. The Fruit of this Mystery is Purity.
V. THE CROWNING OF MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN
In this mystery we learn to honor and seek counsel from those who have attain virtue in their lives. The Fruit of this Mystery is Mary and her willingness as our Mother to pray for us.
In this mystery as in may places in the New Testament, we see Jesus praying. It is a beautiful example how prayer helps us in our time of need. We learn the importance of perseverance in prayer. The Fruit of this Mystery is Patience.
II. THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
In this mystery our spirits are renewed for the sacrifices of each day, we learn to never despise the little things. The Fruit of this Mystery is Self-Control.
III. THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
In this mystery we learn compassion for those who are mocked and rejected and we ask forgiveness for the times we have added insult to others. The Fruit of this Mystery is Moral Courage.
IV. THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
In this mystery we are moved to help Jesus to carry his cross by standing up to injustice and to do what we can to influence our world in a positive way. The Fruit of this Mystery is the desire to lay down our lives for others.
V. THE CRUCIFIXION
In this mystery we experience the pain evil causes and feel the weight of our own sins. The Fruit of this Mystery is Surrender.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES*
I. THE RESURRECTION
In this mystery we are reminded of the reality of life after death and to learn to live with that uppermost in our minds. The Fruit of this Mystery is Faith.
II.THE ASCENSION
In this mystery we are reminded of the great commission given to all of us by Jesus. And that is to continue his work on earth by spreading the gospel. The Fruit of this Mystery is Hope.
III.THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
In this mystery we are reminded that we are helped in our efforts to do good by the power of the Holy Spirit ever alive in us. The Fruit of this Mystery is Wisdom.
IV. THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
In this mystery we are reminded of the beauty of purity of mind, body, spirit, and intention. And that someday we too may be with Jesus in his heavenly home. The Fruit of this Mystery is Purity.
V. THE CROWNING OF MARY QUEEN OF HEAVEN
In this mystery we learn to honor and seek counsel from those who have attain virtue in their lives. The Fruit of this Mystery is Mary and her willingness as our Mother to pray for us.
____________________
*Kelly, Matthew, Rediscover Catholicism--A Spiritual Guide to Living with Passion & Purpose, Beacon Publishing, 2010.
In Part III, I will reveal what I have learned to be the True Mystery of the Rosary Itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment