The rosary is a set of prayers that are tied together into a longer prayer used for meditation and reflection. The rosary is said as a way to worship God and reach ever-higher levels of union with Him. Once only a Catholic practice, it is becoming more widespread among Protestants. As a person says the rosary they meditate on the mysteries assigned to that particular day. The mysteries are divided into four groups, most of which are events from the life of Jesus: the joyful mysteries, the glorious mysteries, the luminous mysteries, and the sorrowful mysteries. Normally, each mystery has a prayer or Bible verse associated with it. The Bible verse selected by the Association of Marian Helpers is included below with each mystery. The glorious mysteries are generally said on Wednesdays and Sundays.
The First Glorious Mystery
The first glorious mystery is, appropriately, the resurrection. After a horrible week in which the disciples watched as their teacher, Jesus, was tortured and killed, they were stunned and amazed when Jesus is resurrected. Mark 16:6 is a short verse that sums up the situation: "You need not be amazed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified. He has been raised up; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him." The point of meditation is faith and new life in Christ.
The Second Glorious Mystery
The ascension of Christ is the second glorious mystery. Forty days after the resurrection, Christ ascends into heaven accompanied by angels, in plain sight of his mother, the apostles, and other disciples. This is told in Mark 16:19: "Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into Heaven and took His seat at God's right hand." The person praying focuses on having hope or desire of heaven, depending upon the source referenced.
The Third Glorious Mystery
The descent of the holy spirit is the third glorious mystery. After Jesus ascends to heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the Virgin Mary. Reflection for this mystery focuses either on love of God or zeal for souls. Acts 2:4 is referenced to describe this event: "All were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them.
The Fourth Glorious Mystery
The fourth glorious mystery is Assumption of Mary. This mystery is the commonly believed concept that Mary did not suffer an earthly death, but was instead assumed directly into heaven when it was her time to die. Judith 15:9-10, while not describing the event, is associated with the mystery: "You are the glory of Jerusalem...you are the splendid boast of our people...God is pleased with what you have wrought. May you be blessed by the Lord Almighty forever and ever." The point of mediation is either grace of a happy death or filial devotion to Mary.
The Fifth Glorious Mystery
The final glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary. Again, the meditation is different according to different sources. Some claim that the person praying should focus on trust in Mary's intercession, others perseverance. This mystery describes how Mary, once reaching heaven, was crowned by her Son as Queen of Heaven. The Bible verse quoted with this mystery is Revelation 12:1: "A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
A Chance to Review and Honor the Life of Jesus
The rosary is unique from many other prayers in that it offers the person praying the chance to constantly meditate on events from the life of Jesus. With the four groupings, the major events from the life of Jesus are covered. The rosary helps the person praying not only to review, but to honor the life of Jesus. The rosary, as with all prayers and faiths, is a personal matter. But the rosary has been popular for centuries and is a practice that many Christians find useful in aiding with prayer and finding a higher level of communion with their God.
For Further Information on the Rosary:
Why Do Catholics Pray the Rosary?
How to Pray the Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
Sources:
Association of Marian Helpers. (2003.) Pray the Rosary Daily. Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception.
Catholic Answers. (1979-2008). The Rosary. Catholic Answers. El Cajon, CA. Catholic.com.
Libreria Editrice Vaticana (Vatican Library). (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Citta del Vaticano.
Watkins, J. D., compiler. (2005). Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The American College of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Woodridge, IL.
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