Meditations on the Glorious Mysteries
Posted by Nicholas
When praying the rosary it is ideal to have a short meditation for each mystery, so that one may contemplate on the significance of the mysteries as the prayers are recited. Below, we have compiled a short meditation for each mystery of the rosary. Also included, is the spiritual fruit embodied within each mystery. As you pray each decade, it is a wonderful time to ask God for help in those areas of your life where a particular fruit is especially needed.
The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection
Spiritual Fruit: Faith
On Good Friday, Jesus’ body is placed in the tomb and His soul descends to the dead to announce the news of redemption. Fearing that the body may be taken, the chief priests place guards in front of the tomb. On Easter Sunday, the angel rolls back the stone of the tomb to reveal its emptiness, and the guards flee in astonishment and fear. Christ then appears to His disciples, risen from the dead in all His glory and splendor. This mystery teaches us that Christ Himself is the source of our future resurrection. Christ lives in the hearts of His faithful who await their fulfillment.
The Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension
Spiritual Fruit: Hope
Jesus reigned on Earth for forty days, confirming the authenticity of His resurrection from the dead. During this time, Christ employs His apostles with a mission of preaching the gospel to all the ends of the Earth. Jesus then, spreading his pierced hands over His people, ascends gloriously into Heaven. Although Christ’s visible presence left the Earth, He did not leave His people as orphans. Rather, expressed that He would be with them in Spirit until the end of time. This mystery teaches us of the unfailing hope we are to have in Christ and His promise. No longer is our home merely the here and now, rather, we have an eternal home that awaits us in Heaven with Christ.
The Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Spiritual Fruit: Gifts of the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles, along with the Blessed Mother gathered together in the upper room where the last supper had taken place just a short time ago. A mighty wind began to fill the house and the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the form of flames. Infused with the gifts of the Spirit, the Apostles began to speak in tongues and preach the gospel message with newfound vigor and fearlessness. Christ’s Church is instituted at this time, and the Holy Spirit rests upon Her, never to leave. This mystery teaches us of the many gifts Christ grants us through His Holy Spirit. The most precious gift being the gift of His Church, with which we are brought together to share in the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption of Mary
Spiritual Fruit: Eternal Happiness
The Blessed Mother Mary lives many years on Earth following Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, during which time, she provides comfort and support to the beloved apostles. When Mary’s Earthly mission came to completion, She was assumed body and soul into Heaven, since she was uncorrupted by sin. Mary’s assumption presents us with the beauty and dignity found in the perfect union of body and soul. Through this mystery, we are given insight into the last judgment, when we will all be reunited eternally with our souls in Heaven.
The Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of Mary
Spiritual Fruit: Devotion to Mary
Mary was certainly imbued with a unique holiness from the moment of her conception. As she comes before her Divine Son, she is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and their hearts overflow with joy from this Heavenly reunion. Mary serves as a powerful intercessor because she stood so close to Christ in His suffering. Through the mystery of the coronation, we are shown Mary as our merciful Queen and loving Mother, who will plead our cause until the very end.
Click here to view other mysteries of the rosary:
To visit the Vatican's source for scripture meditations on the Glorious Mysteries, click here.
Image Credits: Assumption of Mary, Titian (c.1515), PD-US