(With separate reflection for parents/grandparents. Published as an e-book, which will incrementally roll out the Mysteries of the Rosary. PDF available at the bottom of this page)

Meditations by Margit McCarthy

Illustrator: Breanna Silvia

With a Bible in one hand and rosary beads in the other, prepare to experience meaningful moments of prayer with your children. The Biblical Rosary is a wonderful family prayer tool that uses scripture and reflects on the life of Christ. Establishing the habit of family prayer yields blessings for all family members, which brim over to touch many lives beyond your family circles. It’s a portal of divine grace. Any adult who commits to praying with children discovers that children have an innate ability to engage spiritual motifs and respond with passion. It can be labeled as a spiritual superpower. That’s why Jesus beckons, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity

Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity

Glory to God in the Highest. (Luke 2:14a)

In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger,” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. Luke 2:1-20 (NABRE)

Children’s Reflection: Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth, a small town in Israel. The Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, could rule many nations, including Israel, because Rome had a strong army. Augustus required these nations to pay heavy taxes so that Rome could gain wealth and maintain their army. He ordered a census to count the number of men who lived in these nations. Joseph was of the family of King David; therefore, he had to travel to Bethlehem, the city where David was born. Joseph and Mary traveled slowly since it was soon time for her to give birth. When they arrived at Bethlehem, there wasn’t any room left in the inn. The city was filled with people because of the census. Joseph wouldn’t give up. Mary needed a place to stay because she would soon give birth. All that he could find was a stable where animals slept. He took Mary there.

He made a bed for her out of hay. The stable was humble yet warm. The animals were happy to have them stay. They sensed the holiness of the moment and kept quiet. There, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Jesus didn’t have a nice crib, but Joseph made a bed for him, too. He used the manger, a wooden trough that animals ate from. He cleaned it for Jesus. Mary wrapped Jesus in the clothes she brought for him. She laid him in the manger. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. That place was filled with immense holiness and love.

A baby is always a blessing from God. The people who care for you understand what this meant for Joseph and Mary. When you were a baby, you too were wrapped in clothes and laid in a warm place to sleep. There probably weren’t any barn animals where you slept, yet maybe you would have liked that? Your room was also filled with love.

Prayer: DDer Jesus, you were once a baby just like I used to be. Angels also sang praises to God when I was born because of your great love for me. Help me to love you too and follow your plan for my life. Goodness and holiness are found in you.

The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Parents’ Reflection:

Both Matthew and Luke record Our Lord’s Nativity. Their distinct narratives present a harmonic proclamation of His Divine identity and fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies. Convergence centers on His miraculous conception; Mary’s perpetual virginity; Davidic lineage through Joseph’s guardianship; birth in Bethlehem; angelic manifestations; and universal scope of mission signaled by Roman involvement, the Magi’s quest, Judean settings, and lowly Jewish shepherds. Many people sentimentalize the Christmas story, yet closer examination reveals difficult realities. Traveling when Mary was near her due date exposed them to numerous dangers. It emphasized the raw fact that Judea was an occupied nation, her people heavily taxed and oppressed by foreign powers.

It is precisely in this oppressive environment that Jesus chose to be born. Consider the shocking poverty which He freely embraced: subjected to a census which counted people like cattle, traversing rugged terrain, no room for them in the inn, born where oxen, sheep, and donkeys lodged. Mary and Joseph adapted to all these hardships yet remained perplexed. Most likely, they felt woefully inadequate to care for the Son of God. Didn’t Jesus deserve much better?

Christ’s radical solidarity with the plight of Fallen Man had an immediate impact on His family’s lives. We view the Crucifixion as His suffering moment. It is the consummation of a life dedicated to perpetual self-giving love. Contemplate that His entire earthly journey was stamped with cruciformity. Mary and Joseph shared in His walk and matured in God’s ways. They also learned a lot about parenting. Difficult moments twine with the joy and blessings of family life. All parents face numerous challenges. Difficulties open new opportunities to cling to Jesus, who committed Himself to solidarity with each one of us. Everlasting beauty is carved at the expense of the willingness to imitate Christ and let Jesus teach us the ways of authentic love.

Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Gospel Nativity narratives radiate the spiritual reality of His Abiding Presence available at every moment.

Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart

Rosary Project Third Joyful Mystery The Nativity

7.3MB ∙ PDF file

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(With separate reflection for parents/grandparents. Published as an e-book, which will incrementally roll out the Mysteries of the Rosary. PDF available at the bottom of this page)

Meditations by Margit McCarthy

Illustrator: Breanna Silvia

With a Bible in one hand and rosary beads in the other, prepare to experience meaningful moments of prayer with your children. The Biblical Rosary is a wonderful family prayer tool that uses scripture and reflects on the life of Christ. Establishing the habit of family prayer yields blessings for all family members, which brim over to touch many lives beyond your family circles. It’s a portal of divine grace. Any adult who commits to praying with children discovers that children have an innate ability to engage spiritual motifs and respond with passion. It can be labeled as a spiritual superpower. That’s why Jesus beckons, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation

Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation

Blessed are you who believed (Luke 1:45a)

During those days, Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed, The Mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Luke 1:39-56 (NABRE)

Children’s Reflection: The angel Gabriel announced that Mary would become the mother of Jesus. He also told her that a senior relative, Elizabeth, was six months pregnant. God is a miracle worker! Elizabeth always wanted to have a child, but she laid aside this desire as she grew older. Sometimes, we hold a special prayer in our hearts for a long time. God knew her heart. He blessed her with the child she had prayed for. His name would be John.

Mary was overjoyed when she heard the angel’s wonderful news! She went in haste to visit Elizabeth. Mary stayed to help her and was there when John was born. A marvel occurred when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting. John danced for joy: a big, happy dance. The Holy Spirit let Elizabeth know that Mary was pregnant too. Through grace, Elizabeth understood that Mary’s son was the Savior God had promised to send to her people. Like John, Elizabeth responded with great joy, crying out in a loud, happy voice.

These two women frequently prayed together during those three months. Baby Jesus and Baby John the Baptist, both in the womb, could hear their mothers praying together. Mary and Elizabeth talked about the mighty things God was doing in their lives and for their people. Their immense love for God and for each other grew much stronger. Together, they prepared to become mothers.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you know all the special prayers I hold in my heart. Help me to understand how deeply you love me and my family. Thank you for your love.

The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Parents’ Reflection:

Traditional commentaries on The Visitation note that Mary wasn’t self-absorbed. A teenage girl facing an unexpected pregnancy, yet she reaches out to meet Elizabeth’s needs. Able to look beyond her own concerns, she offers help to others. Mary is a model of charity and service. While traditional commentaries are meritorious, there is more for us to consider here.

Reflect upon the edifying relationship between two holy women: Mary and Elizabeth. Just as Mary assisted Elizabeth, Elizabeth also offered much that is often overlooked. This older woman embraces the young mother-to-be with confident, affirming love. Yes! Mary trusts in God’s providential care, yet despite her spiritual maturity and virtue, she is still only 14 or 15 years old at this point in her life. Don’t view Mary as stoic nor as a young woman in charge. Matthew’s Gospel states that Joseph had to wrestle with his own commitment (Mt 1:19-25). Joseph also had to ascend to God’s Will and give his “fiat” (consent). Mary had no control over what Joseph would decide to do. Most likely, Mary’s senses were overwhelmed by her angelic encounter and by the Holy Spirit's overshadowing. She had to process what these events meant for her, for Joseph, and for humanity. Learning about Elizabeth’s stunning pregnancy is part of this miracle package: God’s direct intervention in human history to accomplish our salvation. In the still point of Elizabeth’s presence, in her prophetic welcome, God grants Mary extraordinary clarity expressed in her great Canticle of Praise (The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55). Elizabeth was a woman who prayed intensely for many decades. Her seasoned calm and gratitude, catalyzed by her own wondrous late-in-life pregnancy, set the tone for reciprocal care. Elizabeth is a safe house for Mary. She assists Mary to advance in her perfect fiat (her ongoing yes to God). The sacred ground of loving human bonds remains a favored vessel by the Holy Spirit and His outpouring of mighty deeds.

Connecting with other people who care about you and your family: you are not alone in this challenging walk of holy parenting. Pray that God sends you the right people willing to embrace you and yours. Reach out to those in your life who also strive to follow Jesus. Develop intentional relationships based on prayer. Cultivate joy and gratitude as Elizabeth did because Jesus and Mary come to live with you.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior

Rosary Project, Second Joyful Mystery The Visitation

3.73MB ∙ PDF file

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.

(With separate reflection for parents/grandparents. Published as an e-book, which will incrementally roll out the Mysteries of the Rosary. PDF available at the bottom of this page)

Meditations by Margit McCarthy

Illustrator: Breanna Silvia

With a Bible in one hand and rosary beads in the other, prepare to experience meaningful moments of prayer with your children. The Biblical Rosary is a wonderful family prayer tool that uses scripture and reflects on the life of Christ. Establishing the habit of family prayer yields blessings for all family members, which brim over to touch many lives beyond your family circles. It’s a portal of divine grace. Any adult who commits to praying with children discovers that children have an innate ability to engage spiritual motifs and respond with passion. It can be labeled as a spiritual superpower. That’s why Jesus beckons, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation

First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation

For nothing will be impossible for God. (Luke 1:37)

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38 (NABRE)

Children’s Reflection: Young people who love God shine with goodness. A teenager who walks with the Lord can change this world and make it a better place. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a radiant teen just like this. She prayed with her heart and cared deeply about others. Her parents taught her that God promised to be with us, to save His people, and to heal our wounds.

Mary trusted that God would keep His promises. She welcomed God’s plan to unfold in her life and in the world, but she didn’t realize how surprising His plan would be. One day, God sent an angel to deliver a special message to Mary. Seeing one of God’s angels is a rare gift. Penetrating light filled the room. The Angel Gabriel told Mary that God is with her and greatly blesses her. He said, “Don’t be afraid.” Then he delivered God’s message that she would become the mother of Jesus. Jesus would be the Savior her people had been waiting for. God keeps His promises.

Mary wanted to know “how” God would do this? Gabriel told her through the power of the Holy Spirit: therefore, Jesus will be called, “the Son of the Most High.” Jesus is the Son of God, “for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary didn’t fully understand. How could she, since God’s plans are always greater than a human being can expect? She never thought that God would ask so much of her. Still, she said yes to God’s plan. She trusted and believed. God knew that she would say, “Yes.” God knew that she loved Him.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are always with me. Help me to trust in you. Help me say ‘yes’ to your plan for my life, even when I don’t fully understand it.

The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Parents’ Reflection:

God sends an angel to deliver a message: an invitation to become a parent and raise a child. God has a glorious vision for both Mary and her Divine Son. The jolting reality of God Himself sharing in our humanity to accomplish our salvation and sanctification. Mary spent the rest of her life pondering in her heart the mighty things God has done for her. God does not coerce Mary! The angel’s announcement is made, partially explained, and then Gabriel awaits her response. All of Creation hangs in the balance at that blessed moment in time and space. Mary generously responds, “May it be done to me according to your word.” So important is her consent that the Church gives it a label. We call Mary’s ‘yes’ her “fiat”. (Latin for let it be done to me).

An angel is sent, yet consider how Mary walked her difficult path with daily faith and challenges as the rest of us ordinary mortals do. You, too, are given a core of the same angelic proclamation: God is with you, do not be afraid, God is calling you to holy parenthood, God has a plan for each child’s life, and nothing will be impossible for God. Mary is assured that all of this serves the greater good: to advance the salvation of humanity. That’s akin to the blessed assurance you are given. Grab it with gusto.

Parents worry about raising children in today’s neo-pagan culture. Don’t be afraid because you and your children were born for a time like this (see Esther 4:14). Your placement here today was intentional by God for the greater good. He will equip you as needed as you learn to walk with Him. The more alienated our culture is from God and from moral righteousness, the more desperately it needs God’s healing grace through you and your children. Become like Mary: vessels of God’s light, love, mercy, and healing power. You may not see or hear angels consciously, but they remain active among us. God is always calling you. How will you respond?

“May it be done to me according to your word.”

Rosary Project First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation

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