Peace be with you!

During May, we'll focus our attention in this weekly blog on the mysteries of the Rosary. Each week there will be a brief reflection on each mystery and where it can be found in Scripture. This week we'll dive into the Joyful mysteries.

The five Joyful mysteries of the rosary are the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, the Nativity of our Lord, the Presentation of our Lord, and the Finding of the Christ child in the Temple. The Joyful mysteries are typically prayed on Mondays, Saturdays, and the Sundays of Advent.

First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38)

The fruit of this mystery is humility.

In this mystery we reflect on Mary's interaction with Gabriel. Notice how she acts with Gabriel. She ponders what the greeting might mean and how she fits into the greater plan of God. How can we respond as Mary did and live in humble service to God?

Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation (Lk 1:39-45)

The fruit of this mystery is charity.

In this mystery we reflect on Mary's journey from Nazareth to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Mary, 6 months pregnant, visits her cousin to ensure Elizabeth's pregnancy is going well. She exhibits total selfless love by visiting Elizabeth. As we reflect on Mary's visit and Elizabeth's greeting, let us ask ourselves how we can love like Mary and be loved like Elizabeth.

Third Joyful Mystery - The Nativity (Lk 2:1-20)

The fruit of this mystery is detachment from the world.

In this mystery we reflect on Luke's infancy narrative. Imagine preparing your home for the birth of your child just to have it taken away at the last minute because you are forced to return to your hometown for a census. Mary and Joseph, having given themselves completely over to the will of God, make the tough journey only to arrive with no place to rest their heads. Despite all of the things going on in the world, Mary and Joseph were able to detach themselves from it and live according to God's plan. As we continue to live in the world, how can we detach ourselves from things that take us away from God?

Fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation (Lk 2:22-35)

The fruits of this mystery are obedience and purity of heart.

In this mystery we reflect on the religious duties performed by Mary and Joseph. In accordance with Jewish law, they bring their son to the Temple to be presented to the Lord. Think about the image of the Son being presented to the Father. In baptism, we are presented to God and welcomed into His Church. Reflect also on the prophet Simeon who would not die until after he had seen the Messiah. How do we live as members of the parish community? Do we have the spirit of Simeon?

Fifth Joyful Mystery - The Finding in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52)

The fruit of this mystery is piety.

In this mystery we reflect on Mary and Joseph searching for their son, as well as on Jesus's response to them when He is found. Imagine gathering in the city of Boston for Patriot's Day. Your whole family gathers and you make the journey into the city together. All is going well. The race ends and you pack up your entire family and head home only to find out halfway through the trip that you left one of your kids behind. This is the same fear that hit Mary and Joseph, yet Jesus treats the whole situation as if it's not a big deal. "Didn't you know that I must be in My Father's house?" How do we balance being part of the world and living in the Father's house?

The Rosary is a great prayer tool that can help us dive deeper into the Scripture and our relationship with God. Each week we will link to a video of the Rosary corresponding to the mystery touched on that week.

Totus Tuus!

Corpus Christi-St. Bernard's Communications Team