Meditations on the Luminous 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 Luminous Mystery – The Baptism in the Jordon
Spiritual Fruit: Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
John the Baptist, while preaching the gospel of repentance, proclaims that although he baptizes with water, one is soon to come who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus comes to John to receive the gift of baptism at the river Jordan. The sky is opened and the Trinity is made manifest as the voice of the Father is resounds, and the Holy Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. It is at this moment that the sacrament of baptism is instituted, and Jesus’ public ministry is initiated. This mystery teaches us of the extraordinary gift of the faith. In baptism, by no claim of our own, we are invited into God’s family. We are to go forth spreading the goodness of His name and healing those with which we live.
The Second Luminous Mystery – The Wedding Feast at Cana
Spiritual Fruit: Fidelity
On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana, to which Jesus, His mother and disciples were invited. During the feast, the wine ran short. Mary went to Jesus with this concern, although His hour had not yet come. Jesus, upon request of His mother, instructs the waiters to fill six stone jars with water. After the jars are filled, the waiters draw some out and take them to the chief steward. Upon tasting the wine, the steward calls to the bridegroom in amazement that the best wine has been saved for last. Jesus performed this miracle as the first of many miracles that would reveal His glory. Through this mystery, Jesus raises the dignity of Christian marriage to the level of a sacrament. It is when one loves another in complete obedience that he or she is sharing in the same love that Christ has for His Church.
The Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Spiritual Fruit: Desire for Holiness
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, many gathered around Him to hear what He had to say. Jesus preached the good news and lifted many hearts with His words. Jesus taught a gospel of forgiveness and love, previously unheard of by the majority. He told of the Heavenly Kingdom from which He had come to reconcile sinners back to God. Jesus revealed His ability to forgive sins, just as the Father forgives sins, and no one could doubt His authority by the miracles he performed. This mystery teaches us of the immense love that Christ has for His children. Christ presents Himself as a shepherd who is willing to die for His sheep. This is this selfless love we are to strive for in our lives.
The Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration
Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual Courage
Jesus took Peter, John and James up a high mountain to pray. As He was praying his face began to radiate as if light was issuing forth from it, and his clothing became dazzling white. Jesus wished to give His apostles a sign of the faith, a visible manifestation of His glory, so that they could withstand the inevitable tragedy of the Passion to come. This mystery teaches us that God’s glory can shine in even the darkest places of our lives, if we allow that light of faith to shine in.
The Fifth Luminous Mystery – The Institution of the Eucharist
Spiritual Fruit: Love of our Eucharistic Lord
On the night before He died, Jesus desired to give His followers a lasting sign of His love. He came together with His apostles to eat the Passover meal. At this Eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass as he offered bread and wine as His body and blood. Now, at every mass, the sacrifice of Calvary is made present in true form. Through the mystery of the Eucharist, Christ gives us true life, in that by receiving His flesh and blood, He resides in us and we in Him.
Click here to view other mysteries of the rosary:
To visit the Vatican's source for scripture meditations on the Luminous Mysteries, click here.
Image Credits: The Transfiguration, Raphael (c.1520), PD-US