Rosary | DAILY PRAYERS

01/11/201828/04/2023

The Glorious Mysteries

Enjoy Praying the Glorious Mysteries with Mary

Reflection

The word, “Glory,” implies a very special honour or distinction. The five Glorious Mysteries reflect such status.

Following Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins; He arose from the dead, He ascended into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to Peter, our new Church Leader, and his Apostles and, He assumed his Holy Mother Mary to be by his side as Queen of Heaven.

Today, each of these amazing events continue to underpin our faith.

Audio (Rosary):

(For more Catholic Podcasts visit www.discerninghearts.com)

YouTube (Rosary & Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary):

1. The Resurrection

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus' resurrection.

We all live for the day when we will rise from the dead. Jesus astounded his close friends, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John when three days after his death they found the stone sealing the entrance to his tomb rolled away and the tomb empty. An Angel then appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb and asked, “Why are you weeping”? (John 20:13) As she attempted to answer she turned around and saw Jesus standing near to her.

2. The Ascension

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus' Ascension

For forty days Jesus remained among his disciples. They saw his pierced hands, feet and side, He ate with them and walked with them. He bestowed on them the power to forgive sins saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit, for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (John 21:22-23) Jesus’ mission on earth was complete so he took his disciples to the outskirts of Bethany, blessed them and as he did so, he was carried up to Heaven.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles

Stained Glass Window depiction of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

The disciples and our Mother Mary did as Jesus asked. They returned to Jerusalem, prayed and waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit bestowed on them many powerful gifts which they used to go out and preach Jesus’ teachings to the people. Today, we refer to this special occasion as Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. With the power of the Holy Spirit, it is now our duty to live and preach Jesus’ Good News.

4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

Stained Glass Window depiction of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven.

Mothers are special but the most special of all is Mary. She was conceived without sin, nurtured Jesus as her child and lived through his trials and sufferings until his agonising death on a cross. It is no surprise to hear that Jesus took Mary, body and soul, into Heaven.

5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven

Stained Glass Window depiction of the Coronation of Mary in Heaven.

The crowning glory for Mary as Queen of Heaven has not ended her work here on earth but, multiplied it many-fold. While continuing to exalt Jesus, she unrelentingly intercedes for the remission of our sins and survival of our souls. We thank Mary our Queen for her perseverance and many great works.

… Mary, Queen of Heaven: Pray for Us …

The Mysteries:

The Luminous Mysteries

Enjoy Praying the Luminous Mysteries with Mary

Reflection

Pope John Paul II compiled the five Luminous Mysteries. Perhaps, as well as highlighting major points in Jesus’ life, they also reflect John Paul’s lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The five mysteries recall Jesus’ Baptism, His first miracle, His preaching of the Kingdom of God, the Transfiguration and the establishment of one of his greatest gifts of all, the Holy Eucharist.

Audio (Rosary):

(For more Catholic Podcasts visit www.discerninghearts.com)

YouTube (Rosary & Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary):

1. The Baptism of Jesus

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance to his people. When Jesus arrived at the river Jordan, John at first refused to baptize Him, but then conceded to Jesus’ wish. Afterwards, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the shape of a dove and a voice from the heavens announced, “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

2. The Miracle at Cana

A wedding feast at Cana where the hosts run out of wine! It must have been very embarrassing, but Mary approached Jesus; perhaps she anticipated that, on this special wedding day, He would do something special! Jesus asked the servants to fill six large jars with water. When the “Water,” was withdrawn it had turned to wine. Jesus had, “In this way revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:12)

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Jesus relentlessly preached the Good News of the Kingdom of God to all who would listen. The four Gospels testify to numerous public events of his preaching and many other works. The context in which much of this preaching was presented was one of repentance and trust in God. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15)

4. The Transfiguration

Stain-glass window depiction of Jesus praying.

Jesus took Peter, James and John to Mt Tabor to be by themselves and pray. On the mountain, Jesus became transfigured (-changed in outward appearance). His face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white, then Moses and Elijah appeared. Later a cloud overshadowed all, and a voice was heard to say, “This is my Son, the beloved. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:8) The disciples were overcome with fear.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

At the last supper Jesus, “Took bread and after giving thanks he broke it, gave it to them, and said, Take it, this is my body. And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them … and He said, … This is my blood, the blood of the covenant that is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)

Jesus, may I forever hunger to meet you in the Holy Eucharist.

… Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for Us …

The Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

Enjoy Praying the Joyful Mysteries with Mary

Reflection

The Joyful Mysteries capture Mary’s embrace as the earthly Mother of Jesus from His incarnation, when He became a man, to when He was twelve years old and “Lost,” in the temple.

Audio (Rosary):

(For more Catholic Podcasts visit www.discerninghearts.com)

YouTube (Rosary & Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary):

1. The Annunciation

Stained Glass Window depiction of the Annunciation, an Angel appearing to Mary.

Mary was engaged to Joseph when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her saying, “Greetings, favoured one, the Lord is with you …you are to conceive and bear a son and you must name him Jesus.” (Luke 1:28,31) Mary must have been overwhelmed by this news but she humbly accepted God’s will.

2. The Visitation

Stained Glass Window depiction of the Visitation, Mary visiting Elizabeth.

The Angel Gabriel also told Mary that her much older cousin Elizabeth was already six months pregnant. What a surprise this would have been to Mary and her friends; wasn’t Elizabeth barren because of her age? But, “Nothing is impossible to God.” (Luke 1:37) What was Mary’s response to this great family news; she, “Went as quickly as she could,” to visit Elizabeth.

3. The Birth of Jesus

Stained Glass Window depiction of the birth of Jesus.

With numerous others, Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to conform to a Roman census instruction. Their journey was long and arduous, they needed a place to stay overnight but the Inns were full. It was in a stable that they found shelter and where Mary gave birth to the Son of God, Jesus. What humble surroundings for a new-born but of course, very joyous foster parents.

4. The Presentation

Stained Glass Window depiction of Mary and Joseph's presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

As part of Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus up to Jerusalem, “To present him to the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord” (Luke 2 23-24). This would have been a very proud traditional family moment for Mary and Joseph but yet again, there were more surprises. Simeon, “An upright and devout man,” took Jesus in his arms and proclaimed, “My eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared for all people.” (Luke 2 30-31) What must Mary and Joseph have thought having, once again, heard the same message as revealed by the Angel Gabriel, the Shepherds and the Wise Men?

5. The finding of Jesus in the Temple

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus being found by Mary and Joseph in the Temple.

It was the annual Passover celebration and Jesus was now twelve years old. Mary and Joseph joined their community and took Jesus, as they usually did, up to Jerusalem. On their return, and having travelled for a whole day, they realised Jesus was not with either of them which, they had independently assumed. For three days, a distraught Mary and Joseph searched Jerusalem for Jesus. At last, they found him in the Temple. “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house,” Jesus commented?

… Mary, Queen of Heaven: Pray for Us …

The Mysteries:

The Sorrowful Mysteries

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries with Mary

Reflection

Why would Jesus want to suffer and die for me?

For many of us the answer is beyond our limited comprehension, suffice to say, His love for all mankind was and remains limitless.

Audio (Rosary):

(For more Catholic Podcasts visit www.discerninghearts.com)

YouTube (Rosary & Litany to Blessed Virgin Mary):

1. The Agony in the Garden

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus' Agony in Garden.

Jesus knew that His physical suffering and death on the cross were imminent so, He took his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. His mental anguish in the garden, in atonement for our sins, was immense and He suffered the pain alone; Peter, James and John were unable to stay awake to pray at His time of great need. Jesus said to His Father in Heaven, “Father if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). An Angel then appeared, giving Him strength, and He willingly accepted His Father’s wishes, “Praying more earnestly,” (Luke 22:44) so that we could be saved.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus' Scourging.

Jesus was betrayed by His own disciple, Judas. He was arrested and then passed from one leader to another. Only Pilate had the legal power to have Him crucified and his view was, “I find no case against this man.” (Luke 23:4) In an attempt to appease the chief priests and assembled crowd, Pilate instructed that Jesus should be scourged.

Jesus, why did we have to inflict such pain, tearing your skin from your Sacred Body?

3. The Crowning with Thorns

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus' Crowning with Thorns.

The soldiers made a crown so that they could place it on His head and mock Him. It wasn’t made from silver, gold or diamonds but from thorns. The thorns, like our sins, pierced His skin with His every walking movement. He willingly bore that pain for our sins.

Why Lord, do we continue to pierce your body, even today!

4. The Carrying of the Cross

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus carrying His Cross.

Jesus was given a heavy cross to carry, knowing it would be the instrument of His death. The long and physically arduous journey to Calvary was made even more difficult when He met His caring Mother Mary and the women of Jerusalem, how they must have cried!

Jesus, help me to be more like Simon, who assisted you to carry your cross or Veronica, who wiped your bloodied face.

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord

Stained Glass Window depiction of Jesus Crucified.

Jesus’ clothing was removed, He was forced to lie on His back and he was nailed, hands and feet, to the timber. His Mother Mary and other close friends could only watch and pray. After three hours His final agony here on earth ended. He cried aloud, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)

Jesus, forgive me, for having offended you.

… Mary, Queen of Heaven: Pray for Us …

The Mysteries: