Joyful Mysteries
The Angel of the Lord tells Mary of God's plan for her. Mary is honored and accepts God's will without question. Mary becomes the mother of God through the Holy Spirit.
Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is carrying John the Baptist in here womb. At the approach of Mary, the baby leaps in Elizabeth's womb!
Mary and her husband Joseph go to Nazareth to be counted; Mary riding on a donkey. There is no room for them in the inn because of all others arriving to be counted for the census. They settle into a stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus. The birth is heralded by Angels singing in the heavens, and a bright star out of the east. Shephards and wise men come to see the babe.
Jesus is presented to Simeon at the temple to be named. Simeon is a very old man who has lived solely for this moment.
Mary and Joseph are frantic! Jesus is nowhere to be found! As any worried parents, they search high and low for their Son. Finally, they stop by the temple and - lo and behold! There is Jesus - preaching to the temple elders! All are amazed at the Child's wisdom and insight.
The Luminous Mysteries
Added to the cycle by Pope John Paul II 2002
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water. As he did, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am most pleased."
Jesus honors his mother by transforming water into wine at the wedding, thus manifesting himself through his first public miracle.
Jesus sends the Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of Go,d, giving them the authority to forgive sins.
Jesus transfigured and is seen conversing with Moses and Elijah by Peter, John, and James. They hear God's voice state that Jesus is his chosen son, in whom he is most pleased.
Jesus breaks bread and shares it and the wine with the Apostles. Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day."
As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Sorrowful Mysteries
Following His last supper, Jesus agonizes over his coming passion in the Garden at Gethsemane. He asks the Lord that, if it was His will, that this cup pass from Him. Jesus, feeling our human weakness of anxiety and fear of pain, was asking God not to follow through with the prophecies - to spare him the coming agaony. But only if it be God's will. Imagine how you would feel, knowing what would befall you that very night!
Jesus is stripped of his garments and whipped while tied to a pillar under the direction of Pontius Pilate.
Jesus is dressed in purple raiments and taunted by his captors. As a final insult, they fashion a crown from thorns and force it over Jesus' head. They strike him with reads saying: "All hail the King of the Jews!"
Jesus is made to carry his own cross to Galgatha - the place of crucifixion. The crowd jeers and taunts Jesus. On the way, Jesus falls three times. Simon is forced to help Jesus carry His cross.
Though most are tied to their crosses, Jesus is nailed to His. A nail is driven into Jesus at each hand and each foot, then the cross is lifted. There are two thieves crucified with Jesus. One taunts Him. The other scolds the taunting thief that they each deserve their fates, but Jesus has done nothing to deserve his. At this, Jesus tells the enlightened thief that he will be with Jesus in heaven.
Jesus yells out "My God! My God! Why do you forsake me?" and then dies. The skies openned and the earth trembled. The curtain in the temple was torn. A guard, to ensure Jesus is dead, stabs him in the side with his spear. Blood and water immediately rush out of the wound.
The Glorious Mysteries
On Easter morning, Mary and Mary Magdeline arrive at Jesus' tomb to find the stone rolled back and the tomb empty. They fear that Jesus' body has been stolen, but an angel appears to them and tells them that Jesus is risen!
While his apostles look on, Jesus rises into heaven.
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes to the Apostles as tongues of fire and fills them with God's peace and energy. The Apostles find themselves able to preach to any people and be understood!
Because Jesus loved his mother so much, Mary rises into heaven - body and soul - at her death.
Jesus set Mary ahead of all others as our Queen. He crowned Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth.
| Last Updated |
| 05/04/05 |