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 luminous mysteries are events of hope and joy associated with events that occurred during the ministry of Jesus. The luminous mysteries are meditated upon on Thursdays.
The First Luminous Mystery
The first luminous mystery is the baptism of Jesus. This event is considered to be the start of Jesus' ministry. After his baptism, he goes into the desert where he is tempted by Satan. Following that event, he begins to gain disciples and his ministry becomes widespread. The baptism of Jesus is described in Matthew 3:16-17: "And when Jesus was baptized, ... the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him, and lo, a voice from heaven, saying 'this is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" The person focusing on this mystery meditates on either humility or keeping themselves open to the Holy Spirit.
The Second Luminous Mystery
The wedding at Cana is the second luminous mystery. During the wedding at Cana, Jesus performs the miracle of turning water into wine at the request of his mother, the Virgin Mary. John 2:5-7 tells of this event: "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever He tells you.' ... Jesus said to them, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim." Depending upon the source, the meditation for this mystery varies. One meditation is charity and faith. The other is 'to Jesus through Mary,' which is a way of saying that Mary will intercede for people and that asking for her help is an acceptable practice, though worshiping her is not.
The Third Luminous Mystery
The third luminous mystery is the proclamation of the kingdom, which refers to Jesus' actual teachings and sermons. While many Bible verses describe this time in his life, Matthew 10:7-8 is chosen as the description of this mystery: "And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay." The person praying the rosary focuses on repentance for sins and trust in God during the meditation of this mystery.
The Fourth Luminous Mystery
The transfiguration is the fourth luminous mystery. The transfiguration took place in the company of three of his disciples. The transfiguration is described in Luke 9:29 and 9:35: "And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered and His raiment become dazzling white. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, 'This is My Son, My Chosen; listen to Him!" The point of this mediation is either a personal desire for holiness or the importance of listening to God.
The Fifth Luminous Mystery
The fifth, final, luminous mystery is the institution of the Eucharist, which is still the centerpiece of most churches and sermons. Luke 22:19-20 describes this amazing event: "And He took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body which is given for you.' ... And likewise the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.'" The focus of this mystery and the point to meditate upon is very simple: adoration of the Lord.
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, 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. The luminous mysteries offer a chance to review and honor Jesus as the person praying meditates on Jesus' ministry.
For Further Information on the Rosary:
Why Do Catholics Pray the Rosary?
How to Pray the Rosary
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Glorious 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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