Do you know the Luminous Mysteries by heart?
Last year, I came across this booklet entitled “Through the Mysteries of the Light”. It offers a guide to those who would like to meditate on the events describing the public life of Jesus.
The author suggested that for an even more reflective and meditative recitation, a corresponding phrase should be added following the name of JESUS in each Hail Mary. The second part of the prayer Holy Mary, Mother of God… is only said after the 10th Hail Mary and just before the Glory Be.
The writer explains that even Pope John Paul II recommended this style.
In his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope Paul II said that “The center of gravity in the Hail Mary, the hinge as it were which joins its two parts, is the name of JESUS. Sometimes, in hurried recitation, this center of gravity can be overlooked, and with it the connection to the mystery of Christ being contemplated. Yet it is precisely the emphasis given to the name of JESUS and to His mystery that is the sign of a meaningful and fruitful recitation of the Rosary.
Pope Paul IV on the other hand says that this form of recitation “gives a forceful expression to our faith in Chirst directed to the different moments of the Redeemer’s life”. He adds, “it is at once a profession of faith and an aid in concentrating our meditation, since it facilitates the process of assimilation to the mystery of Christ inherent in the repetition of the Hail Mary”.
I hope then that you can use this guide to enrich the way you pray the Luminous Mysteries.
First Mystery of the Light: His Baptism in the Jordan
Ø Jesus humbly consents to be baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan river, investing him with the mission that he is to carry out and revealing the mystery of the Trinity
Ø Prayer Intentions: For peace. For missionaries everywhere.
Our Father…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus…
1… who came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him
2… whom John the Baptist called “The lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world”.
3… who overcame John’s reluctance by humbly fulfilling everything laid down by God.
4… who descended into the waters.
5… who for whom the heavens opened up wide.
6… whom the Father declared to be His Beloved Son.
7… on whom the Spirit descended like a dove and remained on Him.
8… whose baptism prepares us to receive the Messiah according to God’s plan.
9… who made us truly members of the Lord’s body.
10… who baptizes, not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be… O my Jesus…
Second Mystery of Light: His Self Manifestation at the Wedding Feast of Cana
Ø The first of the signs took place at Cana when Christ changed water into wine and opened the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers
Ø Prayer Intentions: For the family. For those who serve God in their workplaces.
Our Father…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JESUS…
1… whose presence blesses love between man and woman, joined in marriage.
2… of whom you were the first among believers.
3… to whom you pointed out your concern.
4… who heeded your intercession.
5… of whom you said: “Do whatever he tells you”.
6… whose words the servants obeyed precisely.
7… who was the good wine, held back until the right time.
8… whose gift was generous, filled to the brim.
9… who opens our heats to faith.
10… whose signs reveal His glory.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be… O my Jesus…
Third Mystery of Light: His Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with His Calls to Conversion
Ø By His preaching and miracles Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion, and forgives the sins of all who draw near to Him in humble trust.
Ø Prayer Intentions: For the sick and the caregivers. For the conversion of sinners and the re-evangelization of the faith in historically Christian areas.
Our Father…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JESUS…
1… who called the Apostles, making them fishers of men
2… who taught as one with authority, and not as the scribes
3… who healed the sick, restored sight to the blind and forgave sinners.
4… who proclaimed the Kingdom of God.
5… who showed a special love for the poor and needy
6… to whom the crowds came in faith, seeking healing.
7… who blesses those who have not seen, and yet believe.
8… who called blessed the peacemakers and those persecuted for his sake.
9… who calls us to make disciples of all nations.
10… who will be with us always, to the end of the age.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be… O my Jesus…
Fourth Mystery of Light: His Transfiguration
Ø Jesus takes three of His disciples with Him to the top of a high mountain and He is transfigured before them, preparing them to experience the age of the Passion and giving them a foretaste of the joy of his glorious Resurrection.
Ø Prayer Intentions: That we may be prepared for our own suffering and tribulation. That we may see God face-to-face in glory.
Our Father…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JESUS…
1… who led Peter, James and John up a high mountain apart.
2… whose face shone like the sun and whose garments became white as light.
3… with whom Moses and Elijah were talking.
4… who was overshadowed by a cloud.
5… of whom the Father said: “This is my Son, My Chosen; hear Him!”
6… before whom the disciples fell on their knees, filled with awe.
7… who touched his disciples, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”
8… who spoke of His own departure – His Passion, Death and Resurrection.
9… who is endowed with glory and majesty in Heaven
10… who gives power to become children of God to all who believe in his name.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be… O my Jesus…
Fifth Mystery of Light: His Institution of the Eucharist, the Sacramental Reenactment of the Paschal Mystery
Ø Christ institutes the Eucharist on the night when he was betrayed, offering His body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, commanding us to do this in remembrance of Him.
Ø Prayer Intentions: For a greater love and appreciation of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. For holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Our Father…
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JESUS…
1… who knew that His hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father.
2… who gave thanks to God on the night before He died.
3… who instituted the Eucharist for the nourishment of our souls.
4… who offered his body for us and inaugurated the new covenant in His blood.
5… who told us to “Do this in remembrance of Me”.
6… whose death we proclaim until He comes as often as we eat this bread and drink this wine.
7… who offered Himself in sacrifice for our salvation.
8… who offers consolation and strength to us in the Eucharist.
9… who, having loved His own who were in the world, loved them to the end.
10… who remains with us in the Blessed Sacrament of our altars.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be… O my Jesus…
(Source: Through the Mysteries of Light with Giotto & Fra Angelico; Transfiguration picture from catholiccompany.com)