Rosary
Meditations in Scripture and Poetry
+ Imprimatur:
Most Rev. William E. Lori
* * * * *
Illustrations by Deborah Morrow
Acknowledgements:
Old
Testament Texts taken from
Catholic
Faith Alive!, Inc.
1910
Cypress Drive
Bel Air, MD 21015
(877) 324-8492
www.cfalive.org
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROSARY
In the latter part of the nineteenth century an upper-
middle-class peasant was sitting in a train opposite a young university
student. The student observed the man praying the Rosary, with the beads
moving through his fingers.
“Sir, do you still believe in such old-fashioned things?”
asked the student.
“Why yes, I do. Don’t you?” replied the man.
The student burst out laughing, saying, “I do not believe in
such absurdities. Take it from me. You should throw the Rosary out and learn
what science has to say about it.”
“Science? What do you mean by this science? Could you explain
it?” asked the man, as some tears betrayed his hurt feelings.
The student saw that he had offended the man, so he offered,
“If you give me your address I will send you some information on the
matter.”
The man reached awkwardly in his coat pocket and produced his
card. When the young man read the card he fell silent and hung his head. The
card read, “Louis Pasteur, Director of the Institute of Scientific Research,
Paris.”
One is never too learned to pick up the beads and reflect on
the mysteries of our faith. Carlo Carretto addressed the modern man, “You
have become too intellectual, too cunning. By now you have become more
followers of Descartes than [children of Mary]. It is not wrong to be
dominated by reason in all that pertains to the visible. It is wrong to
pretend to understand the mysteries of God or to pierce the invisible with
that instrument. After so many centuries you always return to the same point:
confusing reason with faith, wanting to use something limited—such as human
reason—to penetrate heaven” (The God
Who Comes, p. 216, 217).
St. Francis de Sales, the brilliant bishop of Geneva prayed the
entire fifteen mysteries of the Rosary every day from the age of nineteen.
Bishop Sheen, another brilliant leader of the Church, prayed it daily and
wrote enthusiastically about this prayer, “The Rosary is the meeting ground
of the uneducated and the learned; the place where simple love grows in
knowledge and where the knowing mind grows in love . . . The rosary is the
book of the blind, where they see, and there enact the greatest drama of love
the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple which initiates them
into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men;
it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close on the shadow of this world, and
open on the substance of the next. The power of the rosary is beyond
description” (The World’s First Love,
pp. 188, 189).
The Rosary is never a “rote” prayer for those who say it
properly. There is always a new way of meditating on a mystery, a new insight
to be found, a further understanding of its rich message. Richard Baumann, a
German Lutheran minister put it this way: “In saying the rosary, truth sinks
into the subconscious like a slow and heavy downpour. The hammered sentences
of the gospel receive an indelible validity for precisely the little ones, the
least, to whom belongs the Kingdom of Heaven . . . The Rosary is a long and
persevering gaze, a meditation, a quieting of the spirit in the praise of God,
the value of which we Protestants are learning once more.”
Meditation on the mysteries is, of course, essential. Pope Paul
VI wrote “Without [contemplation on the mysteries] the Rosary is a body
without a soul, and its recitation is in danger of becoming a mechanical
repetition of formulas” (Marialis
cultis, n. 47).
Pope Benedict XV said, “The Rosary is a perfect prayer
because of the praises it offers, the lessons it teaches, the graces it
obtains, and the virtues it achieves. Pope John Paul II called the Rosary
“my favorite prayer.” He recommended that families pray the Rosary
together. Small wonder that those couples praying the daily Rosary together
have a divorce rate of one in 500. In 1980 Pope John Paul II had this to say
at Fatima: “Would you like me to tell you a secret? It is simple, and after
all, it is no secret. Pray, pray much. Pray the Rosary every day.”
Mary said at Fatima in July 1917, “continue to say five
decades of the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary to obtain
the peace of the world...” Is
world peace worth fifteen minutes a day to you?
The approach to these meditations on the mysteries of the
Rosary is to use Sacred Scripture to outline the events of each mystery, and
also to draw a lesson from the mystery as well. This latter function is
pursued using Scripture by accommodation. Also, each mystery is introduced by
a short poetic stanza.
After the main body of meditations there are shorter
meditations, in a sense, microcosms of the longer ones, which might be used
for public recitation. Finally, there are short sentences for each mystery,
proposing a theme for the entire mystery.
The
following themes are developed:
WORLD'S MOST PRACTICAL PRAYER
-
It is meditation, one of the highest forms of prayer.
-
It is based on Sacred Scripture. Each mystery can be found either literally or
figuratively, in Scripture.
-
It can be prayed using Sacred Scripture as a guide. Once the meditations are
learned, it can be said anywhere, anytime, from memory.
-
It is one of the few meditative prayers that can be said in community.
-
The Rosary beads are a psychological aid to concentration.
-
A ring rosary can be used while driving or for discretion.
-
It can be said in three minute segments: Each decade takes less than three
minutes to say. This makes it ideal for introducing it to young children--or
busy adults!--who may find it too much to pray five mysteries every day. One
or two mysteries a day makes a nice introduction.
-Parents
can use pictures and tell the story to the children before and/or after
praying, thus making prayer more interesting and providing a learning
experience as well. Children are often delighted with the stories of the
mysteries and eager to learn more.
-
It contains the essential mysteries of our faith and thus leads into the Mass,
the "source and summit of the Christian life."
-
It includes the Apostles' Creed, the statement of our faith.
-
It includes the Our Father, the "perfect prayer" which Christ gave
us.
-
It includes 15 different mysteries, thus providing variety.
-
It lends itself to increasing one's meditative powers and minimizing the
universal problem of daydreaming while praying (a problem even the saints
had), by a technique which might be called "retracing". This
involves making a commitment to meditate on at least three or four or (?)
beads (Hail Marys) per decade. After completing a decade in private meditation
and finding that you have not meditated for at least that minimum commitment
due to mental wanderings, you would retrace the number of beads necessary to
complete your commitment. This not only allows you to perfect your prayer
offering to God, but it will also discipline your mind to meditate well,
knowing you are committed to keep retracing the prayers until you complete
your minimum.
-
It lends itself to different methods of meditation: First, you can meditate on
the event, using the Sacred Scripture excerpts given here. Or, you might
meditate on one aspect of the event and draw conclusions about how to live
your own life from each mystery. Or, you might simply meditate on one single
concept which summarizes the mystery, for example, for the Scourging at The
Pillar, a turning from sensual sins.
PLENARY INDULGENCE
1.
Sacramental confession (within one week).
2.
Eucharistic communion (same day).
3.
Prayer for the intention of the Pope (usually at least one Our Father and one
Glory Be).
4.
The Rosary must be said in Church or public oratory, in the family, in a
religious community, or in a pious association. Five decades must be said
continuously, without interruption. There must be devout meditation on the
mysteries. In public meditation the mysteries must be announced according to
approved custom. In private meditation this is not required.
In
addition to these conditions, it is required that all attachment to sin, even
venial sin, be absent. This is not to say one must be free from all sin, but
free from all attachment to sin.
This, of course, is the most difficult condition.
HOW
TO SAY THE ROSARY
1. Make the Sign of the Cross with the crucifix in hand,
kiss the crucifix, and say the Apostles' Creed.
2.
On the first bead say the Our Father, then, on the three beads, three
"Hail Marys" and, on the chain say a "Glory Be."
3.
Announce the first mystery (for example, "The Agony in the Garden").
4.
On the first bead say the Our Father; on the ten beads say ten "Hail
Marys" WHILE MEDITATING ON THE
MYSTERY; and on the chain, a "Glory Be."
5.
Say the "Fatima prayer" ("O my Jesus..." - see below)
after each decade.
6.
Repeat #'s 4 and 5 above for the second through the fifth mystery. (If you are
saying all 15 mysteries, simply continue the first through the 15th mystery as
in #'s 4 and 5.)
7.
After the five (or fifteen) mysteries are completed, say the "Hail Holy
Queen" followed by the closing prayer (given below) and any other
optional prayers.
PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY
THE
SIGN OF THE CROSS
In
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE
APOSTLES' CREED
I
Believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus
Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was
buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He
ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from
thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy
Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of
sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
THE
OUR FATHER
Our
Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And
lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE
HAIL MARY
HAIL,
MARY, full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and
blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE
GLORY BE
Glory
be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the
beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
FATIMA
ASPIRATION (At the close of each decade)
O
my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell and lead all
souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of Your mercy!
THE
HAIL, HOLY QUEEN
Hail,
holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do
we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee so we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious
Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin
Mary.
V.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
CLOSING
PRAYER (Usually after Hail Holy Queen)
LET
US PRAY. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection
has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech you, that
meditating upon these mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise: through
the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
ST.
MICHAEL PRAYER (Optional)
St.
Michael the archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the
malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do you,
O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and
all the evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
The First Joyful Mystery
THE ANNUNCIATION
Salvation's
dawn, the light, which sought a thousand
1.
The Lord said to the serpent: "...I will put enmity between you and the
woman, between your offspring and hers"
(Gen 3:15).
2.
Nathan said to David, "The Lord reveals to you... when your time comes and
you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you... (2 Sam
7:11, 12).
3.
"It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal
throne firm forever. I will be a father to him; he shall be a son to me" (2
Sam 7:13, 14).
4.
In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death... (Lk 1:78,
79).
5.
The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, to a
virgin... named Mary (Lk 1:26, 27).
6.
The angel said to her, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Behold,
you shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. (Lk 1:28, 30).
7.
"He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God
will give him the throne of David his Father"
(Lk 1:32).
8.
Mary said, "How can this be, since I do not know man?" The angel said
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you..." (Lk 1:34).
9.
Mary said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you
say." At that the angel left her. (Lk 1:38).
10.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14).
The
Second Joyful Mystery
THE VISITATION
Great
gifts cannot be hid, and so you wish to share;
To cousin new with child, you go, your secret bare;
The
Child you hold within, you humbly celebrate
With John let us rejoice, such Gift appreciate.
1.
Then Mary set out and went quickly into the hill country. She entered
Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth (Lk 1:39, 40).
2.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb and Elizabeth
was filled with the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:41).
3.
Elizabeth cried aloud, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the
fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).
4.
Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit
rejoices in God my savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant (Lk
1:46-48).
5.
"Behold all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done
great things for me, and holy is his name..."
(Lk 1:48, 49).
6.
"He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his
promise of mercy..." (Lk 1:54, 55).
7.
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with
all your heart... (Zeph 3:14).
8.
The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your
enemies... (Zeph 3:15).
9.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune
to fear (Zeph 3:15).
10.
"Blest are the eyes that see what you see..." (Lk. 10:23).
The Third Joyful Mystery
THE NATIVITY
This Gift you've borne within your womb nine
months concealed,
In lowly stable now, O Mary, is revealed.
The shepherds, angels send, and kings bring
gifts from far,
With them let us rejoice, by light of holy star.
1.
Joseph went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to... Bethlehem... to be
enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child (Lk 2:4, 5).
2.
While they were there the time came for the baby to be born. She gave birth to
her first-born son (Lk 2:6, 7).
3.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger for there was no
room for them in the inn (Lk 2:7).
4.
Nearby were shepherds tending their flock by night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them (Lk 2:9).
5.
The angel said, "Do not fear. Behold, I proclaim good news to you: A great
joy... This day in the city of David a savior is born to you who is the Messiah,
the Lord" (Lk 2:10, 11).
6.
The shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the
manger (Lk 2:16).
7.
Magi came from the East; the star went before them. Going into the house, they
saw the child with Mary, his mother. (Mt 2:1, 11).
8.
The word became flesh... and we have seen his glory... (Jn 1:14).
9.
...Glory as of an only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14).
10.
Nothing is veiled that will not be unveiled, or hidden that will not be made
known (Mt 10:26).
The Fourth Joyful Mystery
THE PRESENTATION
What
this, redeemer child with doves you do redeem?
By Simeon now discerned the saving Gift supreme.
This
child will bring a sword to pierce a mother's heart.
We too, to share the gift, his cross, must bear a part.
1.
When the day came for them to be purified according to the law of Moses, they
brought Jesus up to the temple to present him to the Lord (Lk 2:22).
2.
As it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male opening the womb shall
be called holy to the Lord" (Lk 2:23).
3.
And they offered a sacrifice according to the law of the Lord, "A pair of
turtledoves or two young pigeons" (Lk 2:24).
4.
Inspired by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple then, took the child in his
arms and blessed God (Lk 2:27, 28).
5.
He said, "Lord now you release your servant in peace; your word is
fulfilled, for my eyes have seen your salvation..."
(Lk 2:29, 30).
6.
To Mary he said, "This child is destined for the fall and rising of many in
Israel, that the thoughts of many might be revealed" (Lk 2:34, 35).
7.
"...and a sword will pierce your own heart." The prophetess Anna too
came and spoke of him to all awaiting Jerusalem's redemption (Lk 2:35-38).
8.
Once you were no people, but now you are God's people; once in need of mercy,
now you have been given mercy (1 Pet 2:10).
9.
If you recognized the gift of God... (Jn 4:10)
10.
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of
God, that we might recognize the gifts bestowed on us by God. (1 Cor 2:12)
The Fifth Joyful Mystery
FINDING IN THE TEMPLE
What
darkness fills your soul, your Son discovered lost.
You search and find at last this Treasure past all cost.
The
lesson clear for us; to shun this error rife:
Once held, to lose the Gift, of everlasting Life.
1.
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover. When he was
twelve they went up for the feast as usual (Lk 2:41, 42)
2.
As they were returning from the feast, The boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem
unknown to them (Lk 2:43).
3.
Presuming he was in the caravan, they went a day's journey looking for him among
their relatives and friends. Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem (Lk
2:44, 45).
4.
After three days they found him among the teachers, listening to them and
questioning them. All were amazed
(Lk 2:47, 48).
5.
Seeing him, his mother said, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your
father and I have anxiously sought you"
(Lk. 2:48).
6.
He said to them, "...did you not know I had to be about my Father's
affairs?" But they did not understand (Lk 2:49, 50).
7.
O God, you are my God–for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul
thirsts, Like a land parched, lifeless, and without water. (Ps. 63:2)
8.
My son, when you come to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials... Cling to
him, forsake him not (Sir 2:1, 3).
9.
Look to yourselves that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may
receive a full reward (2 Jn 1:8).
10.
Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near (Is. 55:6).
The First Sorrowful Mystery
THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
With
weary friends you go, to pray in garden drear,
Your human will recoils at cruel strife so near.
Yet
then you turn your sights, to Father's will uplift,
and show, denying self, how we become a gift.
1.
After singing a hymn, Jesus and his disciples went out to the Mount of Olives,
as was their custom (Mk 14:26, Lk 22:39).
2.
When they came to the place called Gethsemane Jesus said to them, "Sit here
while I go over there and pray" (Mt 26:36).
3.
He took Peter, James and John with him, and said to them, "My soul is
deeply sorrowful, even unto death. Stay here and watch with me" (Mk 14:33,
34).
4.
Going a bit further, he fell to the ground and prayed, "Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will but yours be done" (Mt
26:39).
5.
Then an angel appeared to him to strengthen him. In his anguish he prayed with a
greater intensity. His sweat became as drops of blood (Lk 22:43, 44).
6.
While he was speaking a crowd came, led by Judas, who drew near Jesus to kiss
him. He said, "Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" (Lk
22:47, 48).
7.
"You will suffer in the world, but take courage. I have conquered the
world" (Jn 16:33).
8.
"Whoever wishes to be my disciple must deny his very self, take up his
cross and follow me" (Lk 9:23).
9.
Rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, so that you might rejoice
exultantly when his glory is revealed
(1 Pet 4:13).
10.
May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Gal
6:14).
The Second Sorrowful Mystery
THE
SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
They
tie you fast to pillar, there to cruelly scourge,
Your back and front to bloody grid, while others urge.
You
teach us thus to fleshly joys and comforts sift,
To start our journey long, to end as worthy gift.
1.
Though He was harshly treated, He submitted... Like a lamb led to the slaughter,
or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth (Is
53:7).
2.
Having bound Jesus, they led him away and delivered Him to Pilate. Pilate asked
Him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" (Mk 15:1,2)
3.
Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I
came into the world, to bear witness to the truth" (Jn 18:37).
4.
After this Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people,
and said to them... "He has done nothing deserving death. Thus, I will
chastise Him and release Him" (Lk 23:13, 16).
5.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged (Jn 19:1).
6.
Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by His stripes we were healed
(Is. 53:5).
7.
Let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and
drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and
jealousy (Rom 13:13).
8.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to
gratify its desires (Rom 13:14).
9.
Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
sodomites, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers
will inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9).
10.
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life
and peace (Rom 8:6).
The Third Sorrowful Mystery
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
Not
sated yet they robe you in a royal gown,
And try to crush your spirit 'neath a thor-ned crown.
Herein
you manifest the need to dash all pride,
Would we become yet humbler gift, in you abide.
1.
The soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the praetorium and gathered the
whole cohort around Him (Mt 27:27).
2.
They stripped him and they placed a scarlet cloak on him. Weaving a crown out of
thorns, they placed it on his head
(Mt 27:28, 29).
3.
They placed a reed in his right hand and kneeling before him they mocked him,
saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"
(Mt 27:29).
4.
I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard
(Is. 50:6).
5.
Spitting on him they took the reed and struck him on the head (Mt 27:30).
6.
My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting (Is 50:6).
7.
And when they had mocked him they took off the cloak and put on his own clothes
and led him out... (Mt 27:31).
8.
He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to
infirmity... spurned, and we held him in no esteem (Is 53:3).
9.
He emptied himself, and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of
men... (Phil. 2:7).
10.
Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be
exalted (Lk 14:11).
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
You
strive to drag uphill that rough-hewn piece of tree,
Midst mother's love and soldier's scorn to Calvary.
You
urge us thus to virtue daily struggle toward,
To image you as gift, in goodness self-outpoured.
1.
They took Jesus, and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is
called the Place of the Skull (Jn 19:16, 17).
2.
A large crowd followed him, including many women who mourned and lamented him (Lk
23:27).
3.
Turning to them, Jesus said, "Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves
and your children..." (Lk 23:28).
4.
"For behold, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the
barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!'"
(Lk 23:29).
5.
"For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when
it is dry?" (Lk 23:31)
6.
As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; they forced this man to
carry his cross (Mt 27:32).
7.
"If you would be my disciple you must deny your very self, take up your
cross and follow after me" (Mt. 16:24).
8.
"...Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with
knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance..." (2
Pet 1:5).
9.
Virtue guards one who walks honestly, but the downfall of the wicked is sin (Prov.
13:6).
10.
You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only
to do the right, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mic.6:8).
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CRUCIFIXION
What
God are you to hang three hours twixt earth and sky,
To teach us selfless love; our sins to nullify.
O
make us such true gift, to count this world as loss,
And nail last vestige of... self-will upon thy cross.
1.
When they came to Golgotha they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink. Tasting
it, he would not drink (Mt. 27:33, 34).
2.
There they crucified him, with two others, one on either side (Jn 19:18).
3.
And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do" (Lk
23:34).
4.
One of the criminals hanging there taunted him, "Are you not the Christ?
Then save yourself and us!" (Lk 23:39).
5.
The other rebuked the first and said, "... Jesus, remember me when you come
into your Kingdom" (Lk 23:40, 42).
6.
Jesus said to him, "Amen, I say to you, this day you will be with me in
paradise" (Lk 23:43).
7.
Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing there... he said to his
disciple, "Behold your mother" (Jn 19:26, 27).
8.
Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Father, into your hands I
commit my spirit." Having said this, he expired.
(Lk 23:46)
9.
...if we have died with Christ, we believe we shall also live with him (Rom
6:8).
10.
Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Mt 10:39).
The First Glorious Mystery
THE
RESURRECTION
As
pre-dawn dark is pierced by rays of morning sun,
You burst triumphant forth; o'er death the vict'ry won.
You
call us to this glory, your cross once shared, we
Become the perfect gift, by grace, St. Paul's "new
man."
1.
Toward dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went
to see the tomb (Mt 28:1).
2.
And Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down
from heaven and rolled back the stone
(Mt 28:2).
3.
The angel said, "Do not fear; I know you seek Jesus who was crucified"
(Mt 28:5).
4.
"He is not here; but has risen. Come and see the place where he lay"
(Mt 28:6).
5.
"Go and tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him as he told you'" (Mk 16:7).
6.They
went quickly from the tomb with fear but joyfully, to tell his disciples (Mt
28:8).
7.
Since death came through a man, so also through a man came resurrection. For as
in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Cor 15:21,22).
8.
We were buried with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from
the dead by the Father's glory, we too might walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4).
9.
For if we have been united in a likeness to his death so we shall be united with
him in his resurrection (Rom 6:5).
10.
We have died to what bound us, that we might serve in newness of spirit (Rom
7:6).
The
Second Glorious Mystery
THE ASCENSION
Last
words of life to your apostles you commend,
O'er forty days and then to Father's side ascend.
So
we, new men with you in confidence abide,
Tho' still on earth, in spirit at the Father's side.
1.
Jesus said to the eleven, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given me" (Mt 28:18).
2.
"Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mt 28:19.
3.
"Teach them to observe all I have commanded you. Behold I am with you
always, until the end of time" (Mt 28:20, 21).
4.
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved but whoever disbelieves
will be condemned" (Mk 16:16).
5.
He led them out toward Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them (Lk
24:50).
6.
As he blessed them he left them, and was carried up into heaven (Lk 24:51).
7.
If you have been raised up with Christ, seek the things that are above, where
Christ is, seated at God's right hand
(Col 3:1).
8.
God raised up the Lord and will raise us up through his power (1 Cor 6:14).
9.
I will grant the one who conquers the right to sit with me on my throne, as I
myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne (Rev 3:21).
10.
God who is rich in mercy... raised us up with Christ, and made us sit with him
in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:4, 6).
THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The
first novena prayed by tiny Church, in fear; You come, O Holy Ghost, with flames of power sear. So,
spirit-filled, new men, are we empowered to Speak boldly gospel truth, the face of earth renew. 1.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Ac
1:8). 2.
When the day of Pentecost had arrived they were all together in one place (Ac
2:1). 3.
And suddenly out of heaven came a sound of a violent wind... And there appeared
tongues as of fire which came to rest on each of them (Ac 2:2, 3). 4.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
languages... (Ac 2:4). 5.
Now there were in Jerusalem devout Jews from every nation. At this sound the
crowd came together, and... each heard them speaking his own language (Ac 2:5,
6). 6.
Peter, standing up with the eleven lifted his voice and said to them
"...Listen to my words... This is what was spoken by the prophet
Joel..."(Ac 2:14, 16). 7.
"...Let the whole house of Israel know that God has made this Jesus whom
you crucified both Lord and Messiah" 8.
When you send forth your Spirit they are created, and you renew the face of the
earth (Ps 104:30).[1] 9.
What you received as a free gift, give freely (Mt 10:8). 10.
What I say to you in the dark, speak in the light; what you hear whispered,
proclaim on the housetops (Mt. 10:27).
THE
ASSUMPTION O
Mary, Jesus brings to end your earthly fast; Your soul and body home to heavenly feast at last. And
we, your children, hope to one day follow you, To share God's glorious Life, then clothed in body
1.
Listen, my daughter, and understand... Forget your people and your father’s
house, that the king might desire your beauty (Ps 45:11, 12). 2.
He is your Lord, honor him... The richest of people will seek your favor with
gifts. (Ps 45:12,13) 3.
All glorious is the king's daughter as she enters, her raiment threaded with
gold (Ps 45:14). 4.
In embroidered apparel she is led to the king; the maids of her train are
presented to the king (Ps 45:15). 5.
They are led in with glad and joyous acclaim; they enter the palace of the King
(Ps 45:16). 6.
A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun (Rev 12:1). 7.
The old order has passed away; now all is new! (2 Cor 5:17). 8.
You are not your own; you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God
in your body (1 Cor 6:20). 9.
So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is
raised is imperishable... (1 Cor 15:42). 10.
It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is
raised a spiritual body (1 Cor 15:43, 44).
THE
CORONATION O
woman clothed in sun, with twelve stars all around, Exemplar of the Church, in God's love you are crowned. Like
crown awaits us all; fulfillment yet untold, Graced gift for triune God, in endless love unfold.
1.
The moon was under her feet. On her head was a crown of twelve stars (Rev
12:1,2). 2.
Who is this that comes forth like the dawn, as beautiful as the moon, as
resplendent as the sun, as awe-inspiring as bannered troops? (Sng 6:10). 3.
You are an enclosed garden, my sister, my bride, an enclosed garden, a fountain
sealed (Sng 4:12). 4.
Ah, you are beautiful, my beloved, ah, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves! (Sng
1:15). 5.
Let him kiss me with kisses of his mouth! More delightful is your love than
wine! (Sng 1:1). 6.
My lover belongs to me and I to him; he browses among the lilies (Sng 2:16). 7.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come! (Sng 2:13). 8.
Draw me!... Bring me, O king, to your chambers... (Sng 1:4). 9.
On that day... she shall call me "my husband"... I will espouse you to
me forever (Hos 2:18, 21). 10.
As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so shall your God rejoice in you (Is
62:5).
The Joyful Mysteries "There
will be enmity between your offspring and the woman's..." "David, I
will raise up your heir after you... I will make his royal throne firm
forever..." In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall
break upon us... The
angel Gabriel was sent by God... "Hail full of grace... You shall bear a
son, Jesus... He will have David's throne..." "Let it be done to me as
you say..." And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us. The Visitation Mary
set out... She greeted Elizabeth... The baby leapt in Elizabeth's womb... Mary
said, "My soul proclaims the Lord's greatness... He has looked with favor
on his lowly servant... all generations will call me blessed... the Almighty has
done great things for me... holy is his name..." Shout
for joy, O daughter Zion!... The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst! The Nativity Joseph
went up to Bethlehem with Mary... While there the time came for her to give
birth to her child... She laid him in a manger... Nearby there were shepherds...
"Fear not! A savior is born, the Messiah..."Magi came from the East...
They found the child with Mary, his mother... The
Word became flesh... and we have seen his glory... full of grace and truth. The Presentation They
brought Jesus to the Temple and offered sacrifice... Moved by the Spirit, Simeon
came in... He spoke, "Lord, now you release your servant... I have seen
your salvation, prepared for all... This child will be the rise and fall of
many"... Anna spoke of him to all awaiting the redemption... O
that we might recognize the gifts of God... Once you were no people... Now you
are God’s people... Once in need of mercy, you have found mercy. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple As
they were returning from the Passover feast the boy remained behind... Presuming
Him in the caravan they went a day's journey... Not finding him they returned to
Jerusalem... After three days they found him... "Son, why have you done
this?"... "I had to be about my Father's affairs"... If
you come to serve God, prepare for trials... Seek the Lord while he may be
found... Cling to him... do not forsake Him.
The Agony Jesus
and his disciples went out to Mount Olivet, to Gethsemane... Jesus said,
"Sit here while I go over there to pray"... He took Peter, James and
John with Him... He told them, "My soul is deeply sorrowful, even unto
death... Stay and watch with me"... He fell to the ground and prayed,
"Father if it be possible, take this cup... But not my will, but thine be
done"... "
You will suffer in the world, but take courage"... Rejoice as you share in
Christ's sufferings... that you might rejoice exultantly in his glory. The Scourging Pilate
took Jesus and had Him scourged... Like
a lamb led to the slaughter... or a sheep before the shearers... He was silent,
and opened not his mouth... Upon him was the chastisement to make us whole...By
His stripes we are healed... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ... make no provisions
for the flesh... Be not deceived... those who give themselves to the flesh will
not inherit the Kingdom of God. The Crowning The
soldiers took Jesus to the praetorium... Weaving a crown of thorns, they placed
it on His head... They placed a reed in his hand... Kneeling before Him they
mocked Him... "Hail, king of the Jews"... They spat on Him... They
took the reed and struck Him... Spurned
and avoided by men... A man of sorrows and accustomed to infirmity... He took
the form of a slave. The Carrying of the Cross Carrying
the cross by Himself he went out to Golgotha... They forced Simon of Cyrene to
help... A large crowd followed... Many women wept... Jesus said, "Weep not
for me... but for yourselves and your children... The days are coming when they
will say 'Blessed are the barren'"... "
Pick up your cross and follow me"... Virtue will guard you... Do what is
right... Love goodness, and walk humbly with your God. The Crucifixion Coming
to Golgotha they crucified him with two others... " Father, forgive them...
This day you will be with me in Paradise... Woman behold your son... My God, my
God, why?... I thirst... Into your hands I commend my spirit... It is
finished." If
we die with Christ we shall live with him... Whoever loses his life for Me will
find it.
The Resurrection Toward
dawn they went to the tomb... An angel came and rolled back the stone... "
Do not fear, you seek Jesus who was crucified... He has risen... Go and tell his
disciples and Peter... You will see him in Galilee"... Death
came through a man, so also resurrection... We are united to his death...We
shall be united in his resurrection... If anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation. The Ascension "
Go and make disciples of all nations... Baptize them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of Holy Spirit... Behold I am with you always... Whoever
believes and is baptized will be saved..." He led them out toward
Bethany... As he blessed them he left them and was carried up... If
you have been raised with Christ... Seek the things that are above... God raised
up the Lord and will raise us up... The one who conquers will sit with me on my
throne. The Descent of the Holy Spirit On
Pentecost they were all together... Suddenly, out of heaven came a violent wind
and tongues of fire... They were filled with the Holy Spirit... Peter went out
and addressed the crowd in a loud voice... "God has made this Jesus whom
you crucified both Lord and Messiah..." That day three thousand souls were
added... Send
forth your Spirit and they shall be created... And you shall renew the face of
the earth... What you received as a gift, give freely... What you hear in the
dark, speak in the light. The Assumption Listen
my daughter, forget your people... The King desires your beauty... The richest
will seek your favor... All glorious is the King’s daughter as she enters... A
great sign appeared in heaven... A woman clothed with the sun... The
old order has passed away; now all is new!... So it is with the resurrection of
the dead... What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable... It is
sown in weakness, raised in power. The Coronation Who
is this, coming forth like the dawn... beautiful as the moon... resplendent as
the sun... awesome as an army?... How beautiful you are... As a bridegroom
rejoices in his bride... so shall your God rejoice in you... I will espouse you
to me forever... The moon was under her feet... On her head, a crown of twelve
stars.
GLOBAL THEMES Joyful Mysteries 1.
The Gift announced. 2.
Reflection on the Gift in humility. 3.
The Gift revealed. 4.
Reflection and awe at the Gift. 5.
The Gift, lost and recovered. Sorrowful Mysteries 1.
Acceptance of self-denial to become a gift. 2.
Detaching the self from sensual delights so as to become a gift. 3.
Detaching self from all pride, so as to become a gift. 4.
Striving for the virtues so as to become a gift. 5.
Surrender of all self-will, so as to become a gift. Glorious Mysteries 1.
The new life of having become gift. 2.
Gift pleading for gift at the Father’s side. 3.
Empowered to love, witness to the new life. 4.
Encountering Infinite Gift. 5.
Crowned with intimate union with infinite Gift.
“I’m too busy to pray the rosary every day. I don’t have time.”
“Could you find time if you received a million dollars a year for
saying it every day?”
“Sure.”
Think about it. Praying the rosary every day will be worth far more than
a million dollars to you in eternity. Guaranteed: when you get to the Kingdom,
you’ll wish you’d given God at least fifteen minutes a day in prayer.
I found that the more I prayed the rosary—in fact the more rosaries I
prayed—the more quickly I could do my work, the more agreeable my personality
became, and the more patience I had. It opened my eyes to the saints, and the
delight of reading their lives; it opened me up the magnificence of the Mass,
and I’m sure it is the main reason I began to go to daily Mass (long before I
entered the seminary). It helped me to cope with everyday life.
For those who are obstinate in their resistance, okay, how about two
mysteries, five minutes a day? That won’t kill you, will it? Then, over the
years as you see what it does for you, you can grow in your commitment. Two
mysteries daily would be a decent start, as long as you are planning to work
your way up to five mysteries, Our Lady’s request, within a few years.
Don’t be stingy and propose just one mystery. One mystery has a certain
unity to it which encourages stagnation at that small level.
Start with two and promise to grow in six or eight months, and begin to
experience the joy of a decent prayer life. Once you do, you’ll never turn
back.
—The Author
“A
Disciple’s Way of The Cross” (Stations
of the Cross) “God’s
Wake Up Call: Heaven
Hell and Purgatory” (booklet) (Available
in 9/2000) Saints
for Families (Book
- 25 lives of the most popular saints, written
in clear, simple English, with notes, etc.) “A
Brief Guide to The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation” (Pocket-sized
card- English or Spanish) Full
color leaflets: “Is
Sun. Mass Necessary?” (English or Spanish) “Why
Catholicism?” (English or Spanish) “Is
Chastity Possible?” “Must
Religion Be Boring?” “The
Horror of Sin... and the Mercy of God” Other publications from Catholic Faith Alive! Catholic
Family Resource Guide Book
listing references on spirituality, parenting,
jobs for moms at home, etc.) Catholic
Family Network Newsletter (Quarterly
listing good family resources) To
see some of our publications, visit our web site: www.cfalive.org
The
Third Glorious Mystery
(Ac 2:36).
The Fourth Glorious Mystery
The Fifth Glorious Mystery
Short
Reflections
The Sorrowful Mysteries
The
Glorious Mysteries
PART III
EPILOGUE
By the same author:
