First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
Luke 24:1-5 : “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; 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”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #560 – 561, 639 – 658
Reflection: Jesus did as he foretold, he rose from death, thus securing for us everlasting life in heaven with him and his father. The women who went to visit him are greeted by an angel who gives them this good news. They see him on their way to Galilee and he tells them to tell the disciples of his resurrection. I imagine the joy they feel when they see the one they love living again, the celebration of the disciples and Mary when they are able to touch him and talk to him. I pray for faith that I too may one day be with Jesus in heaven.
Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
Mark 16:19 : “So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #659 – 667
Reflection: As Jesus ascends to heaven he tells his followers to go and make disciples. He sends them to the world to share his story and he promises he will always be with them. I imagine their surprise to see him lifted up and away to the clouds and their wonderment as all that occurred. I imagine them considering what will happen next and how they will do as he told them. They are filled with hope and maybe fear. I pray for hope when I don’t know the way forward or when times seem dark.
Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4 : “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #696, 731 – 732
Reflection: The apostles and Mary are hiding in the upper room in fear of the future. When the Holy Spirit, the Advocate Jesus said he would send, comes to them they are filled with the gifts they need to go out into the world: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We receive these same gifts at our baptism and confirmation. I pray that I can use these gifts to share the love of Jesus and the story of his good news.
Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary
Luke 1:48-49 : “Henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #966
Reflection: Mary is taken to heaven to her rightful place with Jesus where she intercedes for us in prayer. I imagine her excitement at being with her son again, and her pleasure at being in heaven with God. I pray for her intercession and help in growing closer to Jesus, while asking her to help me love him more. She will keep pointing the way toward her son.
Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary
Rev 12:1 : “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”
Catechism of the Catholic Church: #969, 975
Reflection: Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. She listened to God’s will and stayed true to his plan for her life. Mary was not spared suffering but her reward in heaven is great. She is our queen too, and if asked she will help us in all facets of our life. I imagine her lovingly looking down at us and her happiness at our requests for help. I pray for her humility, patience, and trust.