The Glorious Mysteries

one

Frequently we are asked why we pray the rosary the way we do. As many of you know, you can find the explanation on the School of Faith website. We even have a few rosary meditations dedicated to explaining it if you’d like to listen to those. Although we look at all the facets of the faith in an in depth way, I do like to return to the traditional mysteries and ponder those with you. So let’s visit the Glorious Mysteries together.

 “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 5 and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6 Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest.”[1]

Sometimes I think we can get distracted into thinking Christianity is about morality – how we act and the sins we do or do not commit. Fundamentally it is about a person and an event. Jesus rose from the dead. He said that you would too. Because of this we live differently than those who do not know or believe this. Or do you?

two

“Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.” 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.”[2]

Before Jesus leaves, he states the Gospel in the simplest form, reminds them of their mission and identity, and tells them they will receive real power from on high. It still blows me away that Jesus entrusted us with the work of sharing Him and His message with others. But what is so frustrating is how little we do it.

three

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”[3]

Many people very sincerely will say to me, “I wish I had faith like the apostles and early Christians.” I never fail to respond, “If you want to believe as they did, one must do what they did.” The Apostles spent time with Jesus. A LOT OF TIME. They listened to Him. They asked questions of Him and listened to the answers. We can do this in prayer, especially in prayer with the scriptures. The apostles and early followers were in prayer together for nine days before receiving the Holy Spirit. How much time are you really giving to Him?

four

For the Assumption, I thought we could look to St John Damascene, who we heard about for the December 3rd meditation. St John says this about Mary and the Assumption:

“It was fitting that she, who had kept her virginity intact in childbirth, should keep her own body free from all corruption even after death. It was fitting that she, who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast, should dwell in the divine tabernacles. It was fitting that the spouse, whom the Father had taken to himself, should live in the divine mansions. It was fitting that she, who had seen her Son upon the cross and who had thereby received into her heart the sword of sorrow which she had escaped in the act of giving birth to him, should look upon him as he sits with the Father. It was fitting that God's Mother should possess what belongs to her Son, and that she should be honored by every creature as the Mother and as the handmaid of God.”[4]

five

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. 1 And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars”[5]

Mary is queen of Heaven and Earth. Isn’t it encouraging to have such a mother? She cares for you, your needs, and those you love. Have confidence she brings your prayers to Her Son.

[1] Catholic Biblical Association (Great Britain). (1994). The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Catholic edition (Lk 24:1–9). New York: National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.

[2] Catholic Biblical Association (Great Britain). (1994). The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Catholic edition (Lk 24:45–51). New York: National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.

[3] Catholic Biblical Association (Great Britain). (1994). The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Catholic edition (Ac 2:1–4). New York: National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.

[4] Encomium in Dormitionem Dei Genetricis Semperque Virginis Mariae, Hom. II, n. 14; cf. also ibid, n. 3.

[5] Catholic Biblical Association (Great Britain). (1994). The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Catholic edition (Re 11:19–12:1). New York: National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.