MONDAY . . . The Joyful Mysteries: LIVED

In a previous submission, Mysteries of God Discovered! – I gave a brief history of the meditative prayers called the Rosary and wrote that in future submissions I would write of each of the 4 Rosary mysteries, Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous that are representative of the life of Christ while He walked the earth. The objective is to show, and bring others to know, how to begin to think, aka reflect, on these mysteries of Christ’s life and with that knowledge appreciate the unity that is part of the One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church and what it means to be Christian.

In each article on each mystery, over the course of a few weeks, will be given a generalization of how to begin to think about the scene that is described in the biblical verses of each Mystery. If all you can pray is one decade of five to start off this devotional practice, that’s fine. The Rosary is more about quality of intention not quantity. Mary and Jesus will be glad to hear from you. 

First, let me give a brief introduction to beginning the prayer of the Holy Rosary. (future articles will give only the Mystery and biblical words and how to begin to reflect, meditate, ponder the words) 

Before beginning the Rosary, a prayer called the Memorare is said to our Blessed Spiritual Mother and our Lord’s earthly mother: 

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Next: The Rosary starts with the Sign of the Cross praying the Apostles Creed, then to praying the Our Father Prayer on the first single bead, then three Hail Mary’s, then 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.

Announce the first Mystery and pray another Our Father. Read the Bible verse associated with the first of the five mysteries of the Joyful mysteries. Spend some time reflecting on the scene. Whether you hear a specific insight or not, pray the Hail Mary Full Of Grace prayer on each of the beads, keeping the scene in mind. Set an intention for each decade: for self or someone in need or a general intention of world peace, reverence for life, etc. ‘Never was it known that anyone who fled to Mary’s intercession was left unaided.’  Mary INTERCEDES on our behalf to . . her Son. (Who is more qualified?) 

Ready? Ok, let us begin the ‘walk’ of Jesus through the Joyful events of His incarnate life!

The Joyful Mysteries to be meditated on: 

First Mystery: The Annunciation

Read the biblical verse associated with the Annunciation mystery, it can be the whole of the biblical verse or a segment. One such verse is: Luke Chapter 1 verse 26  - 38.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. The angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, Mary; full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women.
. . .  Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest . . . 

Take some time with this scene.  Imagine Mary’s reaction to the appearance of an angel and the message spoken. Mary’s plans for marriage to Joseph were about to be radically changed. Think of a time when your plans were changed suddenly. When we place our life understanding to what came upon Mary, human as we are, we have a better understanding of how wonderful Mary’s YES to that spiritual messenger really was. A NEW WAY and BETTER WORLD, ‘filled with grace,’ for all who have faith in God’s will be done.