PRAYING THE BIBLICAL ROSARY WITH YOUR CHILDREN
By Margit Baksa McCarthy — Illustrations from Pixabay and Reveille Kennedy
Preface
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: reading Scripture passages and reflecting on the life of Christ. By engaging your children in conversations about your faith and praying with them, your relationship with God can grow deeper. Many blessings will flow within and beyond your family connections. Any parent who intends to pray with their children and follows through will find that kids have an incredible ability to understand spiritual truths and respond with passion. It becomes clearer why Jesus invites, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)
God bless you and your prayer time together. Thank you for responding to Jesus’ call by bringing your children to Him. His call is echoed by His Blessed Mother, who remains a powerful advocate on your behalf. You will find the Biblical Rosary to be a Trinitarian experience. The Mysteries of the Rosary follow Christ, lead to the Father, yield to the Holy Spirit, and embrace humanity. The role of the Christian community and the benefits of God’s saving actions are explored and embraced. These benefits are available to you, and through you, they reach others by God’s mercy and love.
The organization of this book is simple. The Mysteries are listed in order. For each Mystery, a Scripture passage is read, and a children’s reflection paraphrases that passage. A parent’s reflection follows for those interested. Neither the children’s reflections nor the parents’ reflections are meant to limit the reader. It is hoped they serve as starting points for dialogue and prayer. The richness of Scripture is endless. The person who engages in dialogue will realize that the One who calls speaks: the Risen Lord himself, present, available, and delighted that you care enough to bring your children. He will lay his hands on them, bless them, shower them with love, and hold them tenderly. He will do the same for you and help you grow in your journey of holy parenting.
The Bible version used here is “The Ultimate Catholic Student Bible: Good News Translation.” Its language is clear and suitable for younger audiences. However, feel free to use any Bible version you prefer. At the end of this book, there is an overview of how to pray the Rosary for those who need a refresher. Additionally, there are suggestions for using this guide so that your family prayer sessions stay within practical time limits.
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 JOYFUL MYSTERIES
(Traditionally said on Mondays)
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, cry out to the Rock of our Salvation (Psalm 95:1)
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
Fifth Joyful Mystery: Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
For there is nothing that God cannot do. (Luke 1:37)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!”
Mary was deeply troubled by the angel’s message, and she wondered what his words meant. The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end!”
Mary said to the angel, “I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and God’s power will rest upon you. For this reason, the holy child will be called the Son of God. Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is very old. For there is nothing that God cannot do.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary; “May it happen to me as you have said.” And the angel left her. (Luke 1:26-38)
Reflection with your child or children: 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 His plans to unfold in her life and in the world, but she didn’t realize how surprising God’s plans 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. Beautiful 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 God.” Jesus is the Son of God — “For there is nothing that God cannot do.” Mary didn’t fully understand. How could she, since God’s plans are so surprising? She never thought that God would ask so much of her. Still, she said `yes’ to God. She trusted and believed. God knew that she would say `yes.’ God knew that she loved Him.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are with me always. Help me to not be afraid. Help me to trust in you as Mary trusted, even when I don’t fully understand.
For there is nothing that God cannot do.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation
God sends an angel to deliver a message: becoming a parent and having a child. It is a message that God has a plan for this child— a plan to advance Salvation History. God does not force His will on Mary. The angel’s announcement is made, partially explained, and then Mary, in her freedom, responds, “Yes. May it happen to me as you have said.”
An angel is sent, but I don’t believe Mary received much information. Some of the basics include: God is with you, don’t be afraid, God is calling you to holy parenthood, and nothing is impossible for God to do. Mary is assured that all of this serves a greater good: a gift to benefit humanity. That’s very similar to the information you have received. No matter the circumstances of your child’s conception, God is with you.
Parents worry about raising children in today’s secular culture. Don’t be afraid—because there is nothing that God cannot do. In fact, the more disconnected our culture is from God, the more it needs God’s transformative touch: through you and your children. All of this serves a greater purpose—a gift meant to benefit humanity. You and your children are called to become vessels of God’s light, love, mercy, and healing power. You may not see or hear angels consciously, but they remain active among us. Still, God is always calling you. How will you respond?
May it happen to me as you have said
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
How happy you are to believe (Luke 1:45a)
Soon afterward Mary got ready and hurried off to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby moved within her. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and said in a loud voice, “You are most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you will hear! Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord’s mother comes to visit me? For as soon as 1 heard your greeting, the baby within me jumped with gladness. How happy you are to believe that the Lord’s message to you will come true! “
Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord: my soul is glad because of God my Savior for he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy, because of the great things the Mighty God has done fbr me. His name is holy; ,from one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honor him. He has stretched out his mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans. He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever!
Mary stayed about three months with Elizabeth and then went hack home. (Luke 1:39-56)
Reflection with your child/children: The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son. He also told her that an older family member, Elizabeth, was going to have a baby too. God is so good! Elizabeth had always wanted to be a mom, but as she grew older, she began to give up on that dream. Sometimes, we hold a special dream in our hearts for a very long time. God knew what was in her heart. He was going to give her the child she had prayed for. His name would be John.
Mary was excited for Elizabeth when she heard the angel’s good news! Mary went to visit her. She stayed about three months to help and was there when John was born. Do you know what happened when the pregnant Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting? John danced for joy inside her: a big, happy dance. This is how the Holy Spirit let Elizabeth know that Mary would be the mother of Jesus. Like John, Elizabeth was filled with joy. Jesus is the Savior that God promised to send to the world. All her prayers would be answered.
These two pregnant women often prayed together. As they talked about the wonderful things God was doing in their lives, they gained a deeper understanding of God’s call. Their love for God and each other grew even stronger. Together, they prepared to become mothers.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You know all the extraordinary dreams I hold in my heart. As I bring my dreams to you in prayer, help me understand how deeply you love me and my family. Thank you for your love.
How happy you are to believe.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Second Joyful Mystery — The Visitation
Traditional commentaries on The Visitation note that Mary wasn’t self-absorbed. A teenage girl facing a “crisis pregnancy” (unwed, uncertain if Joseph would now marry her, at risk of being stoned according to their laws), yet she moves forward to meet Elizabeth’s needs. Able to look beyond her own concerns, she offers help to others. While traditional commentaries are valuable, there is more here for us to reflect on.
A relationship between two people: Mary and Elizabeth. Just as much as Mary “helped,” Elizabeth also helped in return. Elizabeth, the much older woman, embraces this young mother-to-be, who is probably overwhelmed at the moment. Elizabeth prays powerfully with her, reassures her of God’s providence, and sets a tone of confidence and support. It is in this environment of Elizabeth’s embrace that Mary advances in praise and thanksgiving. Mary’s beautiful canticle, “The Magnificat,” arises from this setting. The sacred grounds of relationships are vessels favored by the Holy Spirit. Mutual support, sharing, accepting, and loving: you are not alone in this walk of holy parenting. Reach out to the spiritual people in your life and be inspired to grow in worship. Spiritually dance that big, joyful dance just like John.
My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Savior.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord
Glory to God in the Highest (Luke 2:14a)
At that time, Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. When this_ first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown.
Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David.
He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came jiff her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger — there was no room for them to stay in the inn.
There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born —Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”
When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen: it had been just as the angel had told them. (Luke 2:1-20)
Reflection with your child/children: Joseph and Mary lived in a town called Nazareth. The Roman Emperor ruled many nations, including Israel, because Rome had a powerful army. Rome required the people to pay heavy taxes so that Romans could gain even more wealth. Rome kept track of how many people lived in these many nations. The Roman Emperor ordered a ‘census’ to be taken. A census is a way to count the number of people living in a specific area. So, by order of the Emperor, Joseph had to travel to a town called Bethlehem to be registered for this census. Mary chose to travel with Joseph even though her time to give birth was nearing. She went with him, traveling slowly. They made it all the way to Bethlehem. Once there, he looked for a place where she could rest, but there was no room left in the inn. The town was filled with people because of what the Emperor had ordered. Joseph wouldn’t give up; Mary needed a place to stay. Joseph found a man who let them stay where his animals slept, and he took Mary there.
He made a bed for her out of hay. The place was warm and cozy. The barn animals were happy to have them stay. Then, it was time for Mary’s baby to be born: a beautiful child named Jesus. Jesus didn’t have a crib, but Joseph made one for him too. He took the manger, the wooden tray animals ate from, and cleaned it out. Mary wrapped Jesus in warm clothes. They laid the baby in the manger. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. That place was filled with love.
No one can tell you how special it is to have a baby. The people who care for you understand what this meant for Joseph and Mary. When you were a baby, you were also wrapped in warm clothes and placed in a cozy spot to sleep. There probably weren’t any barn animals in your room, but maybe — you would have liked that. Your room was filled with love, too.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you were once a baby just like I used to be. God sent you as a gift for the whole world. Angels sang praises when you were born. People came to see you and rejoiced that you were here. Because of your love for me, angels also sang when I was born. People came to see me as well. Help me to remain a gift to this world as your Heavenly Father has planned.
Glory to God in the highest.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Third Joyful Mystery — The Nativity of Our Lord
Matthew and Luke record the Christmas stories. Although the two accounts differ, they agree on key points: Mary and Joseph had no sexual relations; Jesus was miraculously conceived; he was born in Bethlehem; angels were involved; and people came to see the child for various reasons. People of all ages enjoy the Christmas stories, but a mature perspective reveals harsh realities. The timing and sequence of these events were stressful. Both the parents and the child were vulnerable and faced various dangers.
In Luke’s account, Caesar Augustus orders a census when Mary is heavily pregnant. The setting of a Roman census highlights the oppression of the Jewish people under Roman rule. It is in this oppressive environment that Jesus is born. The long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was risky for a pregnant woman. Mary probably went into labor even before they reached Bethlehem. God only knows where her water broke. Using a modern phrase, Joseph and Mary were “stretched.”
Jesus was a baby still in the womb, and even then, his parents faced obstacles in caring for him. Through great testing, Joseph and Mary learned a truth about parenting: harsh realities are part of the journey. No matter how much you love your child and want to meet their needs, you will face numerous trials. But it is during these tests that people of faith truly grow. These moments offer opportunities to hold onto God and walk closer with the Risen Lord. They also present chances to become the capable, gifted, strong, and loving adult God plans for you to be. Eternal beauty is always shaped at the great expense of a willingness to grow.
Stiff curveballs are thrown at all parents. Each parent can recount stories of being hit with harsh realities, but can you share your stories in ways that express faith and glorify God? The gospels do! Jesus promised never to leave us or forsake us. The joy and peace pouring forth from the Christmas stories are not a façade, but the spiritual reality of His Abiding Presence. Jesus invites you to this same spiritual reality.
Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
With my own eyes I have seen your salvation (Luke 2:30)
The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification, as the Law of Moses commanded. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord; “Every first-horn male is to be dedicated to the Lord” They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons. As required by the law of the Lord.
At that time there was a man named Simeon living in Jerusalem. He was a good, God-fearing man and was waiting for Israel to be saved. The Holy Spirit was with him and had assured him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s promised Messiah. Led by the Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus into the Temple to do for him what the Law required, Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God: “Now, Lord, you have kept your promise, and you may let your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people: a light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.”
There was a very old prophet, a widow named Anna, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for only seven years and was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple; day and night she worshiped God, fasting and praying. That very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free. (Luke 2:22-38)
Reflection with your child or children: Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, there was an important building called the Temple. The Temple was a holy place where the Jewish people worshiped God and prayed. Joseph and Mary went to the Temple to present the baby, Jesus. This was their way of dedicating Jesus to God’s service according to their Jewish customs. It was also their way of thanking God for the baby and asking for His guidance in raising their child. God gave a great blessing when they presented Jesus at the Temple. Two very old people, a man named Simeon and a woman named Anna, recognized that Jesus was no ordinary baby. The Holy Spirit gave them the spiritual gift of perceiving that Jesus is the Savior. Simeon and Anna knew God promised to send a Savior to their people. They believed and waited many years, hoping to see the Savior with their own eyes. Here he was, in his mother’s arms, the Christ Child Jesus. God keeps all His promises: oh happy day!
Simeon gently held the baby in his arms. What an incredible blessing! Not only were they granted the spiritual gift of recognizing Jesus, but they also got to touch him, hold him, and kiss the holy child. They praised God loudly with all their hearts. Anna told others that this was the promised child. Praise, thanksgiving, and pure joy filled their hearts. This was a beautiful moment. Joseph and Mary were surprised by all the love and attention they received. Along with Simeon and Anna, they too praised God.
When you were a baby, your family took you to church to be baptized. They thanked God for you and asked for His blessings. Your parents pray often for guidance in raising you well. The people who care for you resemble Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew up to love and serve His Heavenly Father, and we hope you do the same. Nothing else would bring us more joy. This is a special moment because we can touch you, hold you, and kiss you. You are precious in our eyes and in God’s.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Mary and Joseph took you to church when you were a child. I also get taken to church. Some people are blessed with seeing who you truly are. I’m asking for that same blessing, for me and for all the people I love.
With my own eyes I have seen your salvation.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fourth Joyful Mystery — The Presentation
When you had your child baptized, did you draw connections to this moment in Jesus’ life? The Presentation in the Temple: Mosaic Law required that all firstborns be dedicated to the Lord (Ex. 13:2), but it did not specify that this had to take place in Jerusalem. Naturally, the Temple was the holiest place for Jews. By traveling to Jerusalem for this ritual, Joseph and Mary reveal much about themselves: their priorities and values. They took their faith seriously. Their gratitude for and presentation of their child were genuine. Consecrating to God is a spiritual act of detachment and proper reattachment.
Look at this child before you: the one you love and care for. Ultimately, this child does not belong to you but to the One who calls him or her into existence. You are entrusted to care for and raise this child to the best of your ability so that you can eventually return him or her to the Lord. The Lord has a plan for this child’s life—a plan for His Holy Service. God also has a plan for your life. As a parent, you can be absolutely sure that holy parenting is part of God’s specific will for you. Commit to this journey, and you’ll find that parenting can be a powerful way to grow spiritually through Christ, our Lord. Praise God for this precious gift! Anyone who makes deep sacrifices for his or her children better understands Our Heavenly Father’s endless love for us.
The child’s father and mother were amazed
Fifth Joyful Mystery: Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple
Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people. (Luke 2:30)
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; they thought he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, “Son. why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you.”
He answered them, “Why did you have to look.* me? Didn’t you know that 1 have to be in my Father ‘s house?” But they did not understand his answer.
So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people. (Luke 2: 41-52)
Reflection with your child/children: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived in a town called Nazareth. The Temple in Jerusalem was an important place for them. They traveled there every year for certain Jewish holidays. As a child, Jesus looked forward to these holidays. They traveled with large groups of relatives, friends, and neighbors. These festivals were special times for prayer, family gatherings, and being with friends.
When Jesus was twelve years old, they traveled to Jerusalem as they always did. But on this trip, something happened that Mary would never forget. When it was time to go home, Jesus chose to stay behind. He returned to the Temple instead of joining his relatives, neighbors, and friends. He didn’t tell his parents where he was going. Mary and Joseph assumed that Jesus was with their group, so they left as planned. Who would have thought that Jesus decided to stay? After traveling all day, his parents realized that Jesus was not with their group, but they didn’t know where he was! Mary and Joseph hurried back to Jerusalem to find him. They were scared, thinking something bad had happened. His parents were worried. Jerusalem was a big city, and it took them a couple of days to find him. There he was—in the Temple. They were so relieved to see that he was safe. Thank you, God, for keeping Jesus safe.
Jesus gave his parents a real scare when he wasn’t where they expected him to be. He didn’t ask them if he could stay in Jerusalem, nor did he tell them that he was going back to the Temple. Honestly, he wasn’t thinking about how he would take care of himself in the long run. Nor was he considering how panicked his parents would be, and worried about his well-being. A twelve-year-old boy isn’t ready to take care of himself without his grown-ups. Jesus stayed in the Temple to serve his Heavenly Father, but he made a mistake in how he treated Mary and Joseph. Mistakes are part of growing up. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus worked through this difficult time together. They forgave each other and loved each other through all of this. Jesus learned some important lessons that day.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help me and my family get through our tough times. Teach us to forgive each other and love each other, even when we make mistakes. Help us learn and grow in wisdom.
Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fifth Joyful Mystery — Finding the Child Jesus
Are you surprised that the children’s reflection suggests the Christ Child made a mistake? You shouldn’t be. The Bible offers tools to help us in our daily lives. Scripture courageously addresses all aspects of human experience. It doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. This event in Christ’s life reveals many tangible elements of family life and shows how it can stay holy despite relationship challenges. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph knew that miscommunications are part of family dynamics, both immediate and extended. Like us, they needed to recommit to their family every day, even when hurt. Like us, they had to work through perceived and real lapses in judgment.
Let these moments in Christ’s life speak clearly to you, revealing better ways to handle your own relationships. Jesus truly understands and cares about every part of your struggles. Seek personal and family healing through Christ. Remember that Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus and found Him. Recognize that this search was a painful process. How are you called to “search” for Jesus? How are you meant to “search” for your own son or daughter before they are ready to be on their own?
Growing in wisdom is a long and challenging journey. Each of us is a work in progress, as is our family life. We are called to be patient and gentle with ourselves and with each other. Jesus is a man like us in all ways except sin. Saying that the Child Jesus made a mistake is not disrespectful. Mistakes are not the same as sin. We will make many mistakes as we parent, and we will also sin. So will our children. But praise be to God who dwells among us. (see John I:14) It is His merciful presence that assures our walk can be holy. A better family life and improved relationships with our children are within your reach because God can make it happen. A better marriage and a closer walk with the Lord are also possible. Don’t overlook your opportunities to grow in wisdom before God and others.
His parents were astonished.
THE MYSTERIES OF LIGHT (LUMINOUS)
(Traditionally said on Thursday)
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom do I fear?
The Lord is my life’s refuge:
of whom I afraid? (Psalm 95:1)
First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Fifth Luminous Mystery: Institution of the Eucharist
First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased (Matthew 3:77)
At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But John tried to make him change his mind. “1 ought to be baptized by you.” John said, “And yet you have come to me! “
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” So John agreed.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.” (Mt 3: 13-17)
Reflection with your child/children: It’s exciting when children grow up to become great adults. Here, we see John, the son of Elizabeth, and Jesus, the son of Mary, meet as grown men. Both are admirable men. John had a mission to baptize people in the Jordan River. The river was important because it supplied water to the land, crops, animals, and people. Life on earth depends on water. Similarly, spiritual life depends on the love of God. John understood this well! He called people to the water so they could realize this too. John’s message was that life cannot exist without God; therefore, turn back to God and live according to His will. John the Baptist was a powerful voice for change in his society.
Many people came to the Jordan River and were baptized by John. Among them was Jesus. Now, Jesus already loved God with all his heart and lived the way God wanted, so why did he come to be baptized? John said to Jesus, “I need to be baptized by you, not you by me.” But Jesus insisted. Jesus did this because he gives us the water of Eternal Life. Through Jesus, baptism is fulfilled. As our Savior, he washes away all our sins; therefore, he asked to be baptized for us. John obeyed, and God gave him a rare blessing. John glimpsed heaven and the Holy Spirit shining through Jesus. The Light of God is brilliant; for you see, only God’s Son had the power to stand for us in that river.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You stood in that river for me and allowed John to dunk You in the water as He prayed. You didn’t need a bath, but You certainly got one for my sake. My parents tell me that You did all of this and more because You love me so much. I love You too. Teach me to obey You as John did. I want Your Heavenly Father to be pleased with me as well.
This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Our Lord
The Mysteries of the Rosary follow the life of Christ and the benefits of His life, death, and resurrection for humanity. Reflecting on these Mysteries enhances spiritual growth. Each offers a way to draw closer to our Triune God. Here, we focus on the Baptism of our Lord. While it’s nice to sit back and ponder, remember that intellectual mastery is not the goal of the Holy Spirit. Praying the Biblical Rosary with your children may challenge you in unexpected ways. One challenge might be explaining a particular aspect of Christ’s life or a mystery. When your children ask tough questions, you may feel overwhelmed, thinking, “I’m not equipped to handle this God.” Stay calm, knowing the Spirit is guiding you to dive deeper with Jesus. Christ’s mystery is meant to be experienced and explored, not just explained. Genuine exploration opens our hearts, allowing the Lord to move in truly incredible ways.
The Baptism of Our Lord immerses us with Jesus into the River Jordan. John’s call was for repentance, and Jesus leads us here. Jesus’ call also invites us to repentance (see Mt 4:17, Mk 1:15, Lk 13:3). Avoid shallow interpretations of what repentance truly means. Far more than just listing personal “sins,” it signifies a radical reorientation that transforms the core of our being. The Hebrew word for repentance literally means “to turn.” We turn toward God, open our hearts, and live for Him. It is a lifelong call for continual course corrections as we navigate through life and draw closer to Him. Scripture depicts a Trinitarian appearance: the voice of the Father, the Son plunging into the refreshing waters, and the Spirit descending.
The cleansing bath is worth experiencing. Why did Jesus, the Son of God, go to John to be baptized? To whom was heaven opened? Who saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove? Who heard the voice of the Father? Scripture leaves these questions open for honest exploration. The gospels provide differing accounts of this event (Mt 3:13-17, Mk 1:9-11, Lk 3:21-22, and John 1:29-34). The variety highlights the profound mystery, but through this event, Jesus assures us that we are never alone as we plunge into this River.
Then heaven was opened to him
Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
There he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
Two days later, there was a wedding in the town of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine had given out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They are out of wine.” “You must not tell me what to do,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
Jesus. mother then told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you. The Jews have rules about ritual washing, and for this purpose six stone water jars were there, each one large enough to hold between twenty and thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants. “Fill these jars with water.” They filled them to the brim, and then he told them. “Now draw some water out and take it to the man in charge of the least.” They took him the water, which now had turned into wine, and he tasted it. He did not know where this wine had come from (but, of course, the servants who had drawn out the water knew); so he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone else serves the best wine first, and after the guests have drunk a lot, he serves the ordinary wine. But you have kept the best wine until now!”
Jesus performed this first miracle in Cana in Galilee; there he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11)
Reflection with your child/children: Jesus, Mary, and his disciples were invited to a wedding. Have you ever been to a wedding? Good weddings are a true celebration: family, friends, food, music, dancing, and laughter. Children run around and play. Good weddings are fun. Jesus, Mary, and his disciples went to support the newly married couple and to enjoy themselves. They were having a wonderful time until Mary noticed that wine was no longer being served. The young married couple ran out of wine.
This could have been embarrassing for them and their families. When people get married, they usually try to provide plenty of delicious food and drinks for all their guests. Running out of food or drinks while people are still celebrating is embarrassing.
So, Mary approaches Jesus and tells him that there is no more wine. Jesus understands that Mary wants him to address this problem. He is moved by her boldness and decides to help. Mary then tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” He then has the servants fill large jars with water. Filling these big jars takes some time. Afterward, he instructs them to draw some water from the jars to be tasted. When the servants bring it to the man in charge of the feast, the water has turned into wine! And not just any wine, but the best, most delicious kind. It was a miracle!
In fact, it was the first miracle Jesus performed publicly, with many people watching. The servants, Mary, and his disciples knew Jesus had turned water into wine. They had never seen such a miracle before. They had to share this amazing thing Jesus had done. Miracles like that can’t stay a secret. What a wonderful wedding gift for the young bride and groom! But the real gift is that Jesus, Mary, and his disciples always come whenever they are invited.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, amazing things happen wherever you are. My parents tell me that you want to be a big part of my life. Therefore, I invite you, your mother, and your disciples, today and every day. Thank you for coming.
There he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Their first day of marriage together, and they’re already running out of provisions. The secular concerns of family life hit the ground running. We all know from personal experience that these concerns never seem to slow down. Yet hope shines through this Luminous Mystery. His first public miracle at a wedding feast is no coincidence. Jesus is making a divine statement affirming the dignity of marriage and family life. It remains the foundational basis of society and plays a key role in shaping individuals.
With the presence and support of Jesus, his mother, and his disciples, God unites this small domestic unit with the larger community: the kingdom of God. The Catholic understanding of the sacramental nature of marriage comes alive in this gospel passage as we glimpse God’s saving actions for and through the married couple. God knows all our concerns and does not want us to worry about our lives. (see Luke 12:22-31) God knows we will face many crises as a family and even some embarrassing moments. Mary continually intercedes for us, and Jesus always chooses to help. The starting point is inviting Jesus, his mother, and his disciples into our lives. Then we aim to remain aware of and respond to their blessed presence.
There is much at Cana for us to reflect on and give thanks for. Notice how Mary approaches Jesus: her confident expectation. She almost doesn’t give him a choice, though he clarifies that helping remains his choice. Her bold trust proves successful. How do you approach Jesus? Also, notice Jesus’ comment that it is not yet his time. He knew that his life would change drastically once the public miracles began. He was enjoying himself at this feast. Still, his mother nudges him, knowing it means she has to let him go. How clear her vision was regarding his gifts and his timing. As a mother, she chose not to cling and sent him forth. Now, bring this spiritual dimension into your own relationships. How are you helping your children discover their gifts, use them well, and embark on their own “mission”?
Are you holding on, or gently encouraging, preparing them (and yourself) to let go? Also, think about when the water turned into wine. The images in Scripture match the act of tasting. What does this say about the role of service related to miracles? May you have the confident faith that as you serve well with your gifts, you will never run out of the most important things, especially whenever Jesus is invited.
“But you have kept the best wine until now!”
Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
Large crowds followed him (Matthew 4:25a)
Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of disease and sickness. The news about him spread through the whole country of Syria„so that people brought to him all those who were sick, suffering.from all kinds of diseases and disorders: people with demons and epileptics, and paralyzed people — and Jesus healed them all. Large crowds followed him from Galilee and the Ten Towns, from Jerusalem, Judea, and the land on the other side of the Jordan. Matthew 4:23-25
Reflection with your child/children: Jesus is God’s answer to humanity’s problems. The Gospels describe Jesus’ ministry in great detail. It is so significant that the entire New Testament focuses on Him and His work. The word gospel means good news. This Bible passage is full of good news — in fact, incredible, great news! What do you notice Jesus doing here that you think is wonderful?
Jesus traveled from place to place, teaching and preaching about the Kingdom of God. The Bible reports that He forgave sins and healed many sick people. It also tells of Him casting out demons, defeating evil, and performing many miracles. Through Jesus, people found forgiveness and freedom. Those with broken hearts received healing, comfort, hope, guidance, purpose, and new beginnings because of Him. Large crowds heard about the Lord and came to see Him. They came from distant places because they believed and wanted to follow Him. Truly, they carried great news!
What people build lasts only for a while before it disappears. Everything we see Jesus doing here constructs God’s Kingdom, which will last forever. His ministry continues today and will continue tomorrow. The Kingdom of God never ends. Jesus came so that we could be part of His Father’s Kingdom.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, teach me about your Heavenly Father. Tell me stories about God’s Kingdom so I can better understand. Heal me. My family and friends in the ways that we most need. Help us to follow you.
Large crowds followed him
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
In the preface, it was stated that these reflections are not meant to confine the reader. Don’t let yourself be confined! The options for sharing Gospel readings with your children are vast. Here, the focus is on the Proclamation of the Kingdom through the ministry and person of Jesus Christ. What are your favorite Bible stories about Jesus? Is it the raising of Lazarus or the calming of the seas? Is it the story of short Zacchaeus, who climbs a tree to catch a glimpse of the Lord? Is it the story of the adulterous woman facing a mob ready to stone her?
What about the fishermen who caught nothing, and then Jesus tells them to cast their nets again? What about the hemorrhaging woman? She fights her way through crowds to touch the hem of His cloak. How do you view the public mourners at Jairus’ house? Jesus tells them the child is only sleeping, and they laugh at Him. Then He dismisses them, takes the child’s hand, tells her to get up, and gives her back to her parents. Do you value His Parables, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sermon on the Mount? All of these proclaim the Kingdom. Share your favorite Gospel readings with your children and tell them how these stories have touched your life.
Many times, we resent the time it takes. Our lives are so busy, and there’s so much we need to do. We want to share the Gospels with our children, yet it’s hard to find time to sit down together and open that Holy Book. But when we do, we receive blessings beyond our expectations. God is truly present. Jesus speaks through His Word, through you, and through your children. Your children may be gifted with prophetic insights that push you out of your comfort zone. Are you teaching them, and do you value the time? Then, suddenly, you’ll realize they can teach you as well. The roles may reverse in wonderful ways. Jesus meant it when He said, “The Kingdom belongs to such as these” (referring to the children, Mt 19:14). Children can respond to God with a passion many adults lack. The Kingdom is already their true home. They recognize, accept, and respond to their Father’s love. Their lives are simpler and less layered. Their willingness to follow Jesus is not hindered.
Open your eyes and recognize Christ in the little one standing before you. Don’t let this important journey pass you by while your children are still young. If you do, the mistakes, sins, and sad stories of your family history may repeat in their lives. Jesus came to set us free.
Jesus healed them all.
Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Lord, how good it is that we are here! (Matthew 17:4)
The Transfiguration
Jesus took with him Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here! If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, on for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased— listen to him!”
When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid! So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus.
As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Don’t tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death.” (Mt 17: 1-9)
Reflection with your child/children: The disciples saw Jesus do many amazing things: preaching, teaching, healing, forgiving sins, expelling demons, and commanding nature. They didn’t know what to make of all these wonderful things, nor did they understand why Jesus came. Jesus told his disciples that he was going back to Jerusalem and would have to suffer and die. This did not make any sense to them! How could anyone expect the Messiah, the Promised One, to suffer and die like an ordinary man? Jesus knew that they didn’t understand. Jesus knew that they would be afraid when that time came. He knew that many of his friends would run away. Still, Jesus tried to prepare them.
So he took Peter, James, and John, three of his closest disciples, up a mountain where they could be alone. There, Jesus allowed them to see more clearly who he is. Jesus appeared to change! His face shone brightly, like the sun. His clothes became dazzlingly white. Radiant light shone out. Then two men appeared: Moses and Elijah, both great old prophets. These two men had died a long time ago, but now they were there. How could all of this be? Peter said, “This is good!” He wanted to build three tents so they could stay for a long time on that mountain and make glorious plans.
Then a shining cloud covered them, and a voice came from it. “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased—listen to him!” Whose voice was this? Amazing! His disciples were shocked but not terrified until this moment. They threw themselves on the ground and hid their faces. Is Jesus’ Father that scary? No. It’s not that the Heavenly Father is scary. It’s just that God is so big, strong, beautiful, and wonderful that in His presence, human beings are struck with how lowly we are in comparison. To throw oneself down in awe and be frightened is a natural response. That’s why the Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7)
Peter, James, and John feared God in this good way! Therefore, they were beginning to grow in knowledge. They were starting to understand God’s plans through Jesus. The vision was over. Jesus touched them and told them to get up. He said, “Don’t be afraid!” He didn’t want them to be afraid now, nor when he would suffer and die, nor when he would rise from the dead. It seems as if Jesus is always telling us not to be afraid.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, the Bible tells us that you looked different. Your face shone, and your clothes sparkled. All was light. But you didn’t really change: it’s just that your friends were better able to see how beautiful you are. Your love is so bright that it shines. Shine on me.
Lord, how good it is that we are here!
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Peter offers to build three tents. We’re tempted to laugh at his outburst: trying to be practical and helpful, but totally missing the point. Still, we don’t laugh because we see ourselves in him. How often do we have misguided outbursts? How often do we try to be practical but fall short? How often do we seek to help but make things worse? Peter’s a classic example of well-meaning but going in the wrong direction. Jesus doesn’t criticize Peter; instead, he empowers him and helps him grow. God’s love and patience are incredible: Lord, how wonderful it is that we are here!
Peter was trying to help in ways he envisioned the Kingdom would unfold. Seeing Jesus in glory, accompanied by two great prophets, surely God’s Kingdom would appear in a powerful way—so much so that no human could question what it is or why it exists. BIG!!! POWERFUL!!! Able to crush anything that opposes God. Peter’s preconceived notions about God’s Kingdom, however, would be painfully shattered by the Cross. We all try to shape the Kingdom according to our vision and manipulate God to fit our plans. These disciples would end up shattered. Jesus built and transformed these ordinary men to fit his Father’s Kingdom, or because God made us in his image. (Gen 1:26) Until we reflect the simplicity, humility, sacrificial love, forgiveness, and beauty of Jesus Christ, we must walk with him to Jerusalem, just as Peter, James, and John did. How wonderful it is that we are here!
This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased — listen to him!
Fifth Luminous Mystery: Institution of the Eucharist
This is my body, which is given for you. (Luke 22:19)
When the hour came, Jesus took his place at the table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have wanted so much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer! “ For I tell you, I will never eat it until it is given its full meaning in the Kingdom of God”
Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks to God, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you that from now on I will not drink this wine until the Kingdom of God comes.”
Then he took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” In the same way, he gave them the cup after the supper, saying, “This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:14-20)
Reflection with your child/children: We call this meal the Last Supper because it’s the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before he suffered and died. Jesus knew what was going to happen. He did his best to prepare his disciples, but they didn’t realize that their time together, as they knew it, was coming to an end. Jesus understood that this would be their last meal before his death. He wanted to give his friends a gift that would last forever. That is why what Jesus did and said at this Last Supper are so important.
He treasured celebrating this Jewish Passover with his disciples. He told them how much he wanted to share this meal with them. The Jewish Passover commemorates how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt and set them free. This was good and holy, but it was not complete. God’s chosen people were freed from slavery, but not from sin. Sin is what really separates us from God and keeps us apart from each other. God always intended to complete the Jewish Passover. God accomplishes this through Jesus. Jesus saves us from sin, so nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jesus does this by giving humanity the gift of Himself.
Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and handed it to his friends to eat. He said, “This is my body, which is given for you.” This is the gift he offered us at the Last Supper, on his Holy Cross, at his Glorious Resurrection, and in his gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus united all these moments into one great gift.
He also said, “Do this in memory of me.” We do! This is what we do at every Mass. We share a meal with Jesus and with each other. We receive and celebrate God’s perfect gift.
We become family and grow in God’s love. Thank you, Jesus, for your great love. Eucharist means giving thanks.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your great love. I accept your gift. If you ask me, “Would you like to receive my gift?” my answer is Amen, which means YES!
This is my body, which is given for you.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
Dear Catholic parents, you faithfully bring your family to Mass regularly. Do not fear this world and all the major challenges of parenting today. God is bigger and stronger than any of these challenges or any obstacle the Evil One can create. He who loves us so much that he comes and gives himself daily, without reservations, is always by your side. Jesus is your strength and your foundation. God loves you and your children perfectly. He seals his love with his Passion, giving us an eternal pledge.
Catholics affirm the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. People say it takes great faith to believe that God changes ordinary bread and wine into His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. But that doesn’t require great faith. God creates this vast span of the universe out of nothing! He fashions humanity from dirt and molds us into His Divine Image! What does it take for God to transform ordinary bread and wine? Nothing! What truly requires great faith is to allow yourself to be placed on this altar of Divine Transformation. God has no love affair with bread and wine; you are the object of His love and devotion. The Eucharist is all about us being drawn into the Paschal Mystery. He desires to transform us into the Body of Christ. Cooperating with God’s desires is what requires great faith.
God bless you for coming to Mass and bringing your family. Be patient with your own journey. Have confidence and hope! There is great spiritual power here in the Sacraments for you. The Catholic Mass is more than just communicating with God, listening to His Word, and worshiping. Through Christ, God draws us into the life of the Trinity. Focus on communion, not just communication. This is the best that Catholicism has to offer, and it is truly wonderful! Jesus, in His Divine Wisdom, chose a meal: ordinary bread and wine, table fellowship. Reflect on why He chose a meal with bread and wine. Consider why He shares table fellowship with ordinary people like us. If only you knew the love of God. The fullness of the Eucharist is here for you and all your loved ones. Take and receive often. Praise be to God!
Do this in memory of me.
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
(Traditionally said on Tuesdays and Fridays)
“No greater love has a man than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)
First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging
Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Not my will, however, but your will be done (Luke 22:42)
Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples went with him. When he arrived at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”
Then he went off from them about the distance of a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed. “Father,” he said, “if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.”
An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. In great anguish, he prayed even more fervently; his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
Rising from his prayer, he went back to his disciples and found them asleep, worn out by their grief. He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:39-45)
Reflection with your child/children: After the Last Supper, Jesus took his disciples to a garden. Jesus went there to pray and wanted his friends to pray with him. Jesus’ prayer was filled with sorrow, and he was very sad. He knew that he would suffer and die. He asked His Father to take the suffering away. Yet, he prayed, “But not as I want: thy will be done.” Do these words sound familiar? Who taught us how to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done”? Here in the garden, Jesus shows us how powerful these words can be and how difficult for us. Life is not easy!
He could have run away. He could have chosen not to stay. Jesus was so sad and prayed so hard that he was sweating. Blood tainted his sweat: that’s how intense his sorrow was. His Father heard his prayer and strengthened him. An angel came to comfort Jesus. Jesus stayed! No one has ever had greater courage than Our Lord. No one has ever been braver. No one has ever had greater love. Love is willing to carry a cross for the sake of others.
Jesus went back to his disciples and found them sleeping. He told them to get up and pray. Jesus knows that all good men, women, and children, in the face of evil, will have to carry their own crosses. Jesus wants us to pray so that His Father strengthens us too. We have to pray that we don’t run away. We have to pray that we do the right things even when they are hard. We have to pray that we grow in love. God will help us. We just need to ask and stay in prayer.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, bring us to prayer, teach us how to pray, help us stay in prayer.
Not my will, however, but your will be done.
The Lord’s Prayer
Te n Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the First Sorrowful Mystery:
The Agony in the Garden
Here in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus guides his disciples into a routine of spiritual discipline and prayer. As we reflect on his emotional and mental suffering, we not only keep him company and offer comfort, but we also are shaped to his level of spiritual maturity and prayerfulness. Read Mt 26:36-46. He returns to his disciples three times to find them sleeping. He wakes them up and urges them to stay alert and pray. Jesus links this watchfulness in prayer to the idea: so that you may not be put to the test, so that you may not fall into temptation. (see Mt 26:41; Mk 14:38; and Luke 22:46.) Here in the garden, Jesus explains the meaning behind specific lines in the Lord’s Prayer, including “lead us not into temptation.”
If the disciples had stayed awake, watched, and prayed, would they have been strong enough not to flee when the armed men came? Probably not at this point in their spiritual journey. They were still too weak, needed to go through the cross and resurrection, and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus patiently works with their weaknesses and guides them on the path to growth. He is preparing His disciples for the harsh realities of life, teaching them Christian integrity, discipline, and a genuine prayer journey. They were still too weak; they needed to experience the cross and resurrection and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus works patiently with their weaknesses and sets them on the path toward growth. He is preparing His disciples for life’s harsh realities and teaching them Christian integrity, discipline, and authentic prayer.
Dear Catholic parent, your role is to guide your children toward integrity, discipline, and prayer. Parenting in today’s materialistic culture requires careful navigation. Jesus wants to invite you to a prayerful vigil with Him: to stay alert, watchful as a parent, and seek God’s strength and guidance. You can foster respect in your children and nurture genuine self-esteem by striving toward positive goals. This won’t happen automatically; it must be intentionally planned and worked on daily, especially as our secular culture challenges your character-building efforts. Highlight the core values you want to develop in your parental awareness. Help your spouse and adult family members become partners in this effort by discussing and planning together. Work as a team, and pray together. There is powerful support here in the Garden of Gethsemane for those who embrace Jesus’ path toward maturity.
Get up and pray
Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging
Then he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:15)
At every Passover Festival, Pilate was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner the people asked for. At that time, a man named Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder in the riot. When the crowd gathered and began to ask Pilate for the usual favor, he asked them. “Do you want me to set free for you the king of the Jews?” He knew very well that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him because they were jealous.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask, instead, that Pilate set Barabbas free for them. Pilate spoke again to the crowd, “What, then, do you want me to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
They shouted back “Crucify him!”
“But what crime has he committed?” Pilate asked.
They shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barabbas free for them. Then he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to he crucified. (Mark 15:6-15)
Reflection with your child or children: In the garden, while Jesus was still talking to his friends, a crowd armed with weapons came to arrest him. Judas Iscariot, one of his twelve closest disciples, betrayed Jesus and brought some angry men to him. Judas led the armed crowd to the garden and to Jesus. But Judas wasn’t the only friend who let him down. Most of the disciples ran away because they were afraid. They were scared they might be arrested too. Even Peter let Jesus down. When someone asked if he was with Jesus, Peter said no. Peter was afraid of being thrown into prison, beaten, and crucified.
After Jesus was arrested, the Roman official in charge of Jerusalem gave the people a chance to choose. Pontius Pilate allowed them to pick between Jesus and a man named Barabbas. Barabbas was arrested because he murdered a man. The angry men persuaded the crowd to choose Barabbas. Pilate asked what should happen to Jesus. “Crucify him!” they shouted.
The emotions were so intense that a riot could have easily broken out. Pilate had Jesus scourged, which means whipped with a belt, and then crucified by the Roman soldiers. This was how the Romans dealt with dangerous criminals. It was their form of public execution. Jesus wasn’t a criminal. He never did anything wrong. The angry men believed Jesus was a troublemaker. They were jealous of the large number of people who followed him. They were suspicious of all the wonderful things Jesus said and did. They allowed evil to influence them. Evil always works against good, trying to destroy and tear it apart. Evil also lies and tricks people. These angry men were blind to the truth. They bought into the lies of Satan. Satan tricked them into believing that Jesus should be crucified.
As sad as this day was, Jesus knew that this was why he came. Jesus came to break Satan’s hold over us. Satan wanted to take us away from God and keep us for himself. Satan thought he would win since all of us had listened to his lies. We have all been influenced by evil. Satan is so full of hatred, pride, and ugly selfishness that he couldn’t foresee that Jesus would win through sacrificial love. His hatred blinded him to the power of love. Our Heavenly Father would not allow Satan to win. When Jesus was scourged, Satan laughed, thinking that evil was destroying Jesus. Nothing can destroy Jesus Christ! Nothing is more potent than the love and mercy of God! Jesus died to rescue us from evil and forgive us for all our sins. From his holy cross, Jesus forgives us for all our sins. We belong to God.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you must have felt so lonely. One friend betrayed you, another denied knowing you, and most ran away. Plus, the people handed you over to be beaten and crucified. Even though we sin and are not perfect, we still belong to God. Please protect us from evil and help us to see through Satan’s lies and tricks.
Then he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to be crucified.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parent.’ Reflection on the Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging
It’s interesting that the name Barabbas, in Aramaic, roughly means “son of the father.” Here, we see Jesus, the true Son of the Father, standing beside another “son of the Father,” with the people being asked to choose. It’s also notable that Barabbas was a revolutionary willing to use violence to overthrow the Romans. He had killed a man.
Side by side, Jesus and Barabbas offer different types of freedom and opposing ways to achieve victory. Jesus chose the cross. How difficult it is to be genuinely Christian. How tempting the lies and tricks of the devil can be. The people had to choose. We too have to decide.
It’s important to recognize that many good, well-meaning, conscientious, and religious people were herded into this process of delivering Jesus. When we explain complex issues to our children, we often use black-and-white terms. In this case, we might be tempted to tell our children that the Chief Priests, Scribes, Pharisees, and Pontius Pilate were BAD MEN. We could also be tempted to let them develop anti-Semitic feelings: the Jews turned Jesus over. Be careful when discussing complex realities with your children. While Jesus is often seen as “white” and Satan as “black,” the many people involved in this cosmic drama belong to the gray areas. Avoid framing this story in black-and-white terms. Who among us is free of sin? Even his closest friends ran away, betraying and denying him. All of us are driven by self-preservation and fear, struggling to see through lies and deceptions. That’s why God sent Jesus to SAVE us. We need salvation.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, a saint is a sinner who keeps trying. Help your children understand that all have fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) All of us need Jesus. No person can boast of anything except the Cross of Our Lord. (Galatians 6:14) We keep making progress and face setbacks, but Jesus remains faithful. Your children need to connect these spiritual truths to their personal lives. Help them see their need for Jesus. They, like you, must choose between two contrasting sons of the father: both offering different kinds of freedom with opposing means to achieve victory.
Pilate spoke again to the crowd, “What, then, do you want me ‘to do with the one you call the king of the Jews?”
Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
They put a purple robe on Jesus, made a crown out of thorny branches, and put it on his head. (Mark 15:17)
The soldiers took Jesus inside to the courtyard of the governor’s palace and summoned the rest of the company. They put a purple robe on Jesus, made a crown out of thorny branches, and placed it on his head. Then they began to salute him: “Long live the King of the Jews!” They beat him on the head with a stick, spat on him, fell to their knees, and bowed down to him. After they finished mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. Then they led him out to be crucified. (Mark 15:16-20)
Reflection with your child/children: These Roman soldiers didn’t know who Jesus was, nor did they see the wonderful things Jesus had done. All they knew was that their commander said to crucify him as a criminal. They were told the reason why is treason. Treason means trying to overthrow the ruling government. Israel was under Roman rule. Jews were not allowed to have their own king unless Rome approved. Jesus was crucified as an illegal (against the law) “King of the Jews.” Jesus never held a weapon against Rome, nor tried to become an earthly king. Jesus was innocent of all these false charges. These Roman soldiers didn’t know this, but honestly, they didn’t care. They made fun of Jesus and treated him very poorly.
They placed a purple robe on him, the color traditionally worn only by kings. They made a crown of thorns and pressed it into his head, causing it to bleed. They pretended to bow to him as you would a king. But they were mocking. They spat at him, laughed at him, and struck him. They thought their cruelty was great fun. They had no idea that Jesus is the Son of God. They didn’t know. Nor did they care to know.
When people treat each other badly, they cause a lot of pain. People can be very cruel. Even children can be mean to each other. These harmful ways of treating others are all part of sin. See how ugly sin is. Jesus never sinned, but he took on all the consequences of sin. He carried the pain, the cruelty, and even death. He didn’t have to, but he did it for our sake: to heal our pain, forgive our sins, and give us his life. Jesus offers us eternal life. Those who open their hearts to Jesus begin to turn away from sin. Those who have Jesus in their hearts receive his Holy Spirit so that we can be more like him, share his love as he loves.
It is incredible how much love Jesus has. These soldiers were cruel to him, but he didn’t become mean, bitter, or filled with hatred. He responded to their cruelty with love. This is a different kind of fighting back that God teaches us through Jesus. The Roman soldiers could tell that Jesus was different. They had never seen anyone die with love before, full of God’s grace. They sensed his compassion, which makes it possible for people to change. Jesus makes it possible for people to change.
None of Jesus’ friends were present when these Roman soldiers mocked him as king, but this event is still recorded in the Bible. How is it that the Bible contains so many details about this event? Could it be that some of these soldiers changed because of his amazing love? Could it be that later, after Jesus died and rose from the dead, some of these soldiers were sorry and asked God to forgive them? It’s possible that they also became his friends and shared this story with the early church, who remembered how Jesus was crowned with thorns.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you make it possible for people to change. This is such good news. This means every person can become a better person because of you. Plant this truth in my heart so that how I treat others reflects your love.
They put a purple robe on Jesus, made a crown out of thorny branches, and put it on his head.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Third Sorrowful Mystery:
The Crowning with Thorns
Recall that the people tried to make Jesus their king earlier. (John 6:14-15) He could have worn a crown made of precious metals and jewels, but he didn’t accept it. Instead, he received the crown fitting for a king to wear: one stitched with thorns and laced with suffering. Jesus takes the vanities of this fallen world—our attempts at power, wealth, fame, exploitation, manipulation, deception, and distorted pleasures—and turns them upside down. The systems and structures of this world are all brought into question by the actions of Jesus Christ. Their elements of sin are exposed by his Crown of Thorns and Sorrowful Passion. This exposure of sin is not just for revelation, but for healing. King Jesus works to bring all aspects of human life into his realm of forgiveness and grace: the only realm where human dignity and true meaning are fully restored. This is the kind of king he is—the Servant King.
It’s not easy to talk to your children about these events of Christ’s Passion. Nor is it easy to meditate on them even in the silence of your heart: so great is the pain and raw the experience of human suffering. Christ boldly takes the pain and suffering upon Himself for the sake of humanity, accepting the only crown that humanity truly offers her King: the crown of our brokenness and great need. God lovingly takes it to redeem us.
Jesus actively combats sin and evil. Some people read this account and mistakenly believe that Christ does nothing but permit evil to plough over him and tear him apart. Reflect on these events with faith and see that at every step, Jesus confronts sin with Divine Mercy. Jesus is not a doormat for evil! Many think he is because he accepted the Cross. They misunderstand the power of his death and resurrection. They misjudge that most of humanity suffers because it has no choice, but that in freedom, Jesus unites himself with the least, the forgotten, and the most vulnerable and abused among us—to give everyone new hope. What he accomplishes destroys the vanity of this fallen world and reveals Satan as the ugly creature he is. When God’s Love shines through Jesus’ death and resurrection, all evil spirits tremble in fear and hide from the Divine Majesty. His Cross actively fights against sin and death. His Resurrection signifies victory. His true Crown is the redeemed family of humanity. We are the jewels he now places in his Crown of Glory. Being Christ-like does not mean letting bullies and tyrants run wild. His is the double-edged sword Scripture describes: living and effective, able to pierce even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but everything is exposed and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. (Hebrews 4:12-13).
We all must give an account. These Roman soldiers sensed that Jesus’s response was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Some of them were probably affected by this experience and, like the “good thief’ who repented while crucified next to Our Lord (Luke 23:40-42), they might have later repented themselves. God is teaching humanity how to overcome evil through Jesus Christ, His Son. A spiritual battle is ongoing, and because we are human, we are all pulled into it. To work and shine for good will be costly, just as it was for Our Lord. C.S. Lewis attempts to teach children these spiritual truths with his series, The Chronicles of Narnia. Many Christian parents find these stories helpful.
God is with you as you talk to your children about these important truths, even when they are painful. It must be emphasized to our children that Jesus fights against evil and wins, so they don’t believe the misleading idea that Christ does nothing. Of course, just talking will only go so far. The biggest impact comes from them seeing you work and struggle for good. It’s a hands-on experience. If they see the Christian life through you—through your marriage, your relationships, and your many activities—they will have a similar experience to that of the Roman soldiers and the “good thief.” Christ’s open wound of love is present for them through you.
What they had finished making fun of him, they took the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him.
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Then the soldiers led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:20)
Then the soldiers led him out to crucify him. On the way, they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country, and these soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. Simon was from Cyrene and was the father of Alexander and Rufus. They took Jesus to a place called Golgotha, which means, “The Place of the Skull.” There they tried to give him wine mixed with a drug called myrrh, but Jesus would not drink it. (Mark 15: 20-23)
Reflection with your child/children: Simon was from a city called Cyrene. This is exciting for Christians to read. Cyrene was a Roman city in North Africa, modern-day Libya. At the time of Jesus, Cyrene had a large Jewish population. Simon was probably a Jew traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Many Jewish people, from faraway places, came to Jerusalem for important religious holidays. Passover was one of them. So here comes Simon, from far-away North Africa, who probably never heard of Jesus before. Simon is just a passerby, minding his own business. He knew the procedure for crucifying a man. Everyone who lived under Roman rule knew how the Romans executed ‘criminals’. Simon didn’t want to get involved, but Jesus was unable to carry the heavy cross without any help after he was scourged and beaten. So the Romans grabbed Simon. Who just happened to be walking by, and forced him to help Jesus. Simon is one of the luckiest men who has ever lived. He got to help humanity’s Savior carry the Cross.
Did this event deeply move Simon? He probably didn’t know who Jesus was. They may have been complete strangers, but really, no person is a stranger to Jesus, for he knows us all. Christians believe that this experience profoundly moved Simon. He must have been, for we have two significant clues: Alexander and Rufus! Simon’s sons are named. If Mark is writing to the early Christian communities, recording the gospel of Jesus, why would Mark mention these two sons by name unless the Christian communities knew them personally? How exciting! It’s logical to conclude that Simon became a Christian: a man who saw Jesus die on the cross and believed that he rose on the third day; a man who accepted Jesus as the Promised Messiah. Cyrene is mentioned several times in the Acts of the Apostles, which record the history of the early church. Christian activity reached the shores of North Africa early because of men like Simon, who spread the good news and told his sons all about what he had experienced. Simon. Alexander and Rufus are among the first believers.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, Simon watched you die, and it changed his life. Alexander and Rufus didn’t get to see you die or help you in the same way as their father, but they too experienced you deeply in their hearts as their father told them all about what he had seen. Our faith in you comes to us through people who have gone before us, marked with faith. Thank you for this gift of faith.
Then the soldiers led him out to crucify him.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery:
The Carrying of the Cross
Life is not easy, and that’s undeniable. We remember that Christ himself carries a cross. We consider that every man, woman, and child also bears a cross. No human life escapes struggle. Here, Jesus teaches us many lessons: primarily, that we do not carry our crosses alone. By sharing in our humanity and walking the road to Golgotha, he assures us of his presence in every human situation, especially in trials. Every burden we carry: Jesus is there to help, comfort, heal, forgive, empower, and guide. In the grand scheme, he bears the most — because every human “cross” is part of his. He who accepted Simon’s help will not fail us in our times of need. Always ask Jesus for his help!
We also understand that it is our duty to prepare our children to face life’s challenges, to persevere, and to work through difficulties. It isn’t easy because parents tend to shelter their children: to give them better lives than we had, than our parents had, or than our grandparents had. The tendency is to associate easier with more opportunities, believing it is better. So we give our children many good things and flood them with opportunities. Then we tell stories of how “rough” we had it, or their grandparents, or great-grandparents, hoping to instill gratitude. But by offering so much and rushing through opportunity-filled activities, the unintentional message becomes “life revolves around me.” Our hope may be in vain. Entitlement, not appreciation, may become internalized.
Think carefully about what is best. Your stories won’t teach them much, no matter how attached you are to them. They mostly learn from their personal experience. The opportunities you offer are fine as long as they don’t take their blessings for granted; as long as they grow to understand that blessings are given for a greater purpose. It’s a process of maturation, but as a parent, you play a crucial role. Examine the environment you maintain at home and in activities. Reflect on their personal experiences. Think carefully about what is best.
The parental vocation is one of life’s greatest callings, yet it is also one of the most demanding endeavors. Never think that this journey isn’t part of your own cross. It is! The responsibility of shaping a child’s character has been placed on your shoulders. Ask God to help you bear this cross. Instilling faith, appreciation, perseverance, awareness of blessings, and understanding that blessings are given for a greater good are not easy tasks. Life is fragile! All these things we hold onto can be lost without warning. You have no idea what tomorrow will bring for your children or what their “trials” will be as they grow up. Are you preparing them well?
Dear Parent of Faith, God is giving you a vision of the wonderful young adult your child can become. It is His will that you have this divine vision. Your calling is to guide your child toward this Godly vision. Immerse yourself in prayer as a warrior for the little ones entrusted to you. Just as Jesus lovingly accepted Simon’s help, help is here for you, too. Recognize that your strongest human allies include the Christian community—the family Jesus formed at the foot of the Cross. Find that fellowship and involve your family. Participate in soup kitchens, retreats, mission trips, nursing homes, Habitat for Humanity projects, and Life Support Centers. In these efforts, your hope will not be in vain. If your parish lacks a strong youth program, help them develop one or consider finding a different parish. Your children’s formation is vital. On the way, they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country, and these soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
There they crucified him. (John 19:18)
He went out, carrying his cross, and came to “The Place of the Skull,” as it is called. (In Hebrew it is called “Golgotha.’) There they crucified him; and they also crucified two other men, one on each side, with Jesus between them. Pilate wrote a notice and had it put on the cross. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” is what he wrote. Many people read it, because the place where Jesus was crucified was not far from the city. The notice was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek.
The chief priests said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said. I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered. “What I have written stays written.”
After the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier. They also took the robe, which was made of one piece of woven cloth without any seams in it. The soldiers said to one another, -Let’s not tear it: let’s throw dice to see who will get it.” This happened in order to make the scripture come true: “They divided my clothes among themselves and gambled for my robe.” And this is what the soldiers did.
Standing close to Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother s’ sister, Mary the wife of Clopas. and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there: so he said to his mother, “He is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home. (John 19: 17-27)
Reflection with your child or children: Even when he was dying and in tremendous pain, Jesus still thought about others. He saw his mother standing close by the cross. He saw her crying. Mary was also in tremendous pain. Her heart was breaking. It tears a mother apart to watch her child being treated cruelly and dying. Jesus worried about her. Who would take care of her after he died? Where would she live? Who would comfort her in her sorrow? Jesus felt her pain from the cross. He loves his mother and always reaches out to her.
His aunt and some of his friends were standing with Mary. These disciples didn’t run away; they stayed nearby so he wouldn’t be alone. They were there to comfort Jesus and one another during this terrible time. Jesus saw all of them crying and felt their pain. These people loved the Lord, and it crushed them to watch him suffer. One of his friends was a good young man named John. From the cross, Jesus told his mother that John is her son, and he told John that Mary is his mother. John wrapped his arms around the weeping mother and took her into his heart and home. From now on, they will take care of each other!
At the foot of his cross, Jesus creates a new family: the family of those who love and follow him. All people who are friends with the Lord become a family. Jesus makes this happen. We call this family the Church. Mary is our mother through Christ. We welcome her into our hearts and homes. We are brothers and sisters in the Lord. Together, we will comfort one another, take care of each other, and help each other. The Church is one of the wonderful gifts that come from the love of Christ crucified on the holy cross for the sake of humanity.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, We adore you and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
There they crucified him.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
No reflection will be offered except for the rest of this reading from John’s gospel. The New American Bible is quoted as it is, reflecting the version heard from our pulpits and used in our liturgies. If you don’t have a crucifix mounted in a place of honor in your home, now is the time to get one. Catholic families are strengthened when a crucifix is reverenced in the sacred space of our homes and hearts. We are the domestic church.
After this, aware that everything was now finished, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with everyday wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Now, since it was preparation day, the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath. The Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one. The Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true: he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. This happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.” And again, another passage says: “They will look upon him whom they have pierced.”
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day, for the tomb was close by. (John 19:28-42)
So that you also may come to believe.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
(Traditionally said on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
“God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)
First Glorious Mystery: Jesus Rises from the Dead
Second Glorious Mystery: The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven
Third Glorious Mystery: The Holy Spirit Comes
Fourth Glorious Mystery: Jesus takes His Mother Home into Heaven
Fifth Glorious Mystery: Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven
First Glorious Mystery: Jesus Rises from the Dead
He has been raised (Luke 24:6)
Very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, so they went in; but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. They stood there, puzzled about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them. Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them, “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was in Galilee: The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life. ‘”
Then the women remembered his words, returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven disciples and all the rest. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother flames: they and the other women with them told these things to the apostles. However, the apostles thought that what the women said was nonsense and did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; he bent down and saw the grave cloths but nothing else. Then he went hack home amazed at what had happened. (Luke 24: 1-12)
Reflection with your child/children: Jesus was quickly placed in a tomb after he died. His friends had to hurry because the Sabbath begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. The Sabbath is a holy day for Jewish people. The Jewish people have rules about what they cannot do on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is for worshiping God, reading Scripture, praying, singing religious songs, and resting. His friends had to wait until the Sabbath was over before they could return to the tomb.
At that point in history, Jewish people rubbed spices on their bodies to prepare them for burial. These spices gave a sweet fragrance. Women usually prepared these spices and anointed the dead. A group of women who followed Jesus carried spices to anoint his body according to their customs. They waited for the Sabbath to pass and for the new day to begin. That was Sunday morning. Jesus was placed in a cave carved out of rock, with a large stone rolled to cover the entrance. Of course, these women were wondering, “Who is going to roll away the stone for us when we arrive?” To their surprise, the stone was already rolled away. They entered the tomb, but his body wasn’t there. What happened? Where was his body? They became scared and tried to figure it out when suddenly, two angels appeared. Out of fear, these women bowed to the ground. The angels asked, “Why are you looking for the one who is alive among the dead?” Jesus has been raised! They told these women to remember what he had said. Jesus said he would be crucified, and three days later, rise to life.
Jesus is risen! These women remembered what he said and hurried to the place where his disciples were. They reported what they had seen and heard, but the disciples did not believe them. Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself. He also saw that the stone was rolled away. He then entered and saw the burial cloths on the ground, but nothing else. The tomb was empty. At this point, he wasn’t sure what really happened. He wouldn’t know for sure until Jesus appeared to him and the others.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You appeared to these friends multiple times after You rose from the dead. Mary Magdalene was able to hold You. You walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. People saw You eat to prove You were not a ghost. Thomas was able to touch Your wounds. You talked with them and explained things. Many of them wouldn’t believe until they saw You for themselves. Happy are those who have not seen and still believe. Make me happy!
He has been raised
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
My God, I do believe, help me with my unbelief. Unbelief is a challenge that every Christian faces. Scripture shows that coming to faith for these first disciples was a process. It was a process for them; it remains a process for us. In the shifting sands of daily life and trials, our faith will waver at times. Then at other times, it will be strong. At all times, it is a gift.
Gospel accounts of the resurrection appearances vary in detail. These differences lead many people to believe that these events were made up. It’s astonishing how many treat the whole “Jesus thing” like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy: comforting stories for children, but things to be discarded as one matures and faces “real life.” The secular agenda bombards people with direct and implied messages like: “You don’t really believe that he rose from the dead, do you?” or, “You have seen him, have you?” The mockery is evident: a call to get real and drop the illusions.
Well, let’s dispel the illusions! The world doesn’t believe, and Jesus predicted this. The only tangible evidence the world has is an empty tomb—something physical that can be examined. However, the empty tomb doesn’t prove anything by itself. It is accepted that he lived and died, but whether he rose from the dead remains in question. If he did rise, what does that say about who Jesus is? Who would have the power to leave the grave behind? Who could triumph over death? A man is stripped, beaten, crucified, and dies, his heart pierced with a spear. Blood and water pour out from his body, and witnesses see this. A man dies a brutal death and is placed in a tomb cut into rock. Three days later, the tomb is found empty.
Only God has power over death; no one else does. To say he rose is to declare that Jesus Christ is the God-man among us. If you accept the Resurrection, then worshiping and adoring him is the proper human response. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.
The apostles themselves didn’t believe at first. They hoped he was the Promised Messiah. They didn’t expect the Messiah to be God’s own Son. Read the scriptures carefully and see that it took time for them to come to faith. If it took time for them, who saw, heard, and touched the Risen Lord, it will take time for us too. So what do we tell nonbelievers? God will give you ideas, but the most evident “proofs” of the Resurrection are the believers themselves. That these original eyewitnesses had a huge impact, changing the world, can’t be denied! We may not be able to prove Jesus rose from the dead, but most of these first believers died for their testimony. They never said, -Oh. I made a mistake. It must have been an illusion.” No! They had to tell the truth about what they experienced, even if it meant they would die.
They boldly went out to proclaim, share, invite, baptize, teach, heal, and spread his message of Divine Mercy. They continued the ministry of Jesus Christ. People aren’t willing to die for Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. They are willing to die for Jesus. Church history is full of stories of those who followed, served, and even gave their lives for their faith. Today, the church has countless stories of people encountering the Risen Lord and being transformed! These are the strongest ‘proofs’ we have. God’s ways are so mysterious. We, the people, are the most tangible evidence He gives. It’s scary—huh? But God thinks it’s beautiful.
The great challenge for American Catholics is not to die for our faith, but to live for it. Pray for those family members and friends who have fallen away from the church. Lovingly invite them back home. Be gentle with others. Pray for their conversions. “He is risen” means He is here. He will reach them through us or others. Never give up on anyone, or you deny the power of His Resurrection. If He can conquer death, He can soften the hardest hearts. Look for the ones who are truly alive.
Peter got up and ran to the tomb; he bent down and saw the grave cloths but nothing else. Then he went back home, amazed at what happened.
Second Glorious Mystery: The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven
He was taken up to heaven as they watched him. (Acts 1-9)
When the apostles met together with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time give the Kingdom back to Israel?”
Jesus said to them. “The times and occasions are set by my Father’s own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will he. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will he witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria. and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up to heaven as they watched him, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They still had their eyes fixed on the sky as he went away, when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them and said, “Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” (Acts 1: 6-10)
Reflect with your child or children: Jesus appeared to His disciples at different times and in various places after He had risen from the dead. These were very special events. Nothing like this has ever happened in human history before. The disciples now knew that Jesus is God’s Son and the Promised Messiah. There were no longer any questions about that for them. But now they had new questions. They wanted to know what God would do next. Would the Romans be made to leave, and Israel become a great nation again? Like in the time of King David and King Solomon? They asked Jesus if this was the time for their nation to rise as Jesus Himself had risen.
Sometimes, God doesn’t give us clear, easy-to-understand answers. He knows His plans are bigger than we can imagine or even hope for. Because He loves us so much, God often allows us to grow into the answers we seek. This was one of those special times. Jesus knew that God would change how we experience Him. These first disciples got to see the Risen Lord, touch Him, talk with Him, and walk with Him, just like you do with your family and friends. Soon, these resurrection appearances would stop so that something better could happen. The disciples couldn’t imagine anything better than what they had at that moment. God’s plans are not always easy for us to understand.
What could be better? Jesus told them, “You will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me to the ends of the earth.” Someone was coming who was so important in God’s plans that we would no longer see Jesus the same way as before. We refer to Jesus’ ascension not as “The Ascension of Our Lord,” but as a pivotal moment in salvation history. We say that Jesus is in heaven, where we can’t see him with our physical eyes, seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. This might make you sad if you thought Jesus was far away, but this is NOT what it means. Jesus is right here in a new way: in a way of power. He is hugging you and loving you in a new way because SOMEONE very, very special has come.
When they could no longer see the risen Jesus with their physical eyes. These disciples stared at the sky, trying to look into heaven, as if they could. But they couldn’t, and neither can we. God must have laughed to see His friends staring at a cloud, looking for Jesus. The cloud is just a cloud. So God sent two angels to ask them, “Why are you looking up at the sky?” God wants us to bring our eyes back to earth, where we live, now with Jesus in our hearts and souls. They wouldn’t understand until that special SOMEONE came.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, sometimes I feel as if you are far away, but you are not. Whenever I feel this way, send angels into my life to whisper your words, “I am right here. You are with me always.”
He was taken up to heaven as they watched him
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
Ascended into heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty doesn’t mean he is gone until he comes again in glory. It means he is present in mystery and power, yet beyond us at the same time: what can seem like absence to us is actually not. God’s fullness exceeds this created realm and the limits of our humanity. Christ ascends to the place he came from — the Throne of God — and we are promised he will return in the same way. Being seated at the right hand is poetic imagery for the position of ultimate strength and honor, symbolizing the ruling authority of God’s Domain. That is why we call him Lord, for he is. His love and mercy draw us into the Trinitarian Life, yet God remains the Holy Other.
The experience of those first believers, the men and women gathered to be with Him and then no longer able to see Him, calls for a compassionate response. Surely, panic may have set in, followed by disorientation and a sense of loss. The human need is to see, hear, touch, and feel. Our bodies are the vehicles through which we explore our world, interact with others, and express ourselves. Now they could no longer “see” the Risen Lord. They searched the sky in a futile attempt to maintain physical contact. Their eyes sought what they mistook for the location of heaven. Were they abandoned?
No! However, during difficult moments, we all feel abandoned by God. In their confusion, they reached out to the sky, trying to find Him. Angels were sent as a corrective measure to redirect their attention to this earthly realm where we live, grow, and fulfill our mission. If we can no longer see Him, then what do we have? We have Jesus in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls, sharing in the Life of the Spirit: proceeding from and directed to the Father Almighty. Heaven is not in the sky. Jesus taught us that the Kingdom is near—here. Through Him, God’s reign is close, bringing creation toward perfection. He is Emmanuel, God with us. Looking to the sky, they couldn’t see Christ standing right beside them—in the faces of their brothers and sisters here on earth. It is through community and mission that we live and grow in Jesus.
The resurrection appearances have ceased. Yet, God had something greater planned—beyond physical sight, towards an actual presence with a community. God’s sacred temple isn’t limited to Jerusalem; we are now the temple of the Most High God, even to the ends of the earth. (see 1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:19-22.) Christ no longer has a “body’ on earth but yours. God’s work of salvation continues in ways that are both powerful and mysterious. We can remain confident in God’s plans, even when understanding is lacking, which we often experience. With compassion, we relate to these first disciples. With compassion, we reach out to those in our daily lives who continue to chase various “pie in the sky’ ideas, disassociating themselves from the healing Lord among us—available and interactive.
When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me
Third Glorious Mystery: The Holy Spirit Comes
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4)
When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, there was a noise from the sky that sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire, which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to express themselves.
Jews were living in Jerusalem, religious people who had come from every country in the world. When they heard this noise, a large crowd gathered. They were all excited, because they heard the believers talking in their own languages. In amazement and wonder they exclaimed, “These people who are talking like this are Galileans! HOW is it, then, that all of us hear them speaking in our own native languages? We are from Parthia, Media, and Elam; from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, from Pontius and Asia, from Phrygia and Pamphylia, from Egypt and the regions of Libya near Cyrene. Some of us are from Crete and Arabia — yet all of us hear them speaking in our own languages about the great things that God has done!” Amazed and confused, they kept asking each other, “What does this mean?”
But others made fun of the believers, saying, “These people are drunk!” (Acts 2: 1-14)
Reflection with your child or children: After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples had to wait. However, Jesus gave them a mission. They were not yet ready to move forward. So they did what Jesus taught them to do. They prayed. They spent time with God and with each other. They stayed together, all the believers with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We also do this when we pray at home and at church. Jesus taught us that praying together is essential.
Praying together opened their hearts to what God had planned. God sent the most wonderful blessing—someone very special who would change their lives and help them grow. Do you know who God sent? We refer to this special person as the Holy Spirit. God sent the Holy Spirit to fill them and become their strength, power, comfort, and guidance. No one is more generous than God!
The Bible cannot fully describe how wonderful the Holy Spirit is, so it uses images to help us understand. The wind blows. You cannot see the wind, but its force can be felt everywhere and by everyone. You can hear the wind blowing and see the trees bending. The sails of a boat fill out, pushing the vessel forward quickly. Though you cannot see the wind, its effects are apparent. The wind has power. Fire is another image used to help us grasp this concept. Red, orange, yellow, and white light flicker and dance, like a beautiful performance, but it cannot be touched or held like a rock. Everyone can feel its heat and knows fire possesses great power. People fear a wind too strong or a fire too big. They are larger than we are.
The Bible uses images of wind and fire to help us understand. The Holy Spirit is much greater than wind or fire, but human words cannot fully describe what God’s Spirit is like. Although our language falls short, the powerful effects of God’s Spirit can be seen and experienced. These first believers were filled with great joy. They were bursting with love and praise for God. So much love poured into their hearts that they lost all their fear. They rushed out from where they had been to tell everyone outside about the amazing things God had done. They proclaimed Jesus, risen from the dead. God’s Spirit filled them, like the wind that fills the sails and drives a boat forward. God’s Spirit filled them, like the fire that leaps from tree to tree until the whole forest is blazing.
Miracles happened! Miracles always happen when the Holy Spirit comes. In Jerusalem, people from many different countries and distant places gathered. When the disciples preached about Jesus, people heard them in their own language: dozens of other languages spoken at once. People asked, “How could this be?” It was a gift from the Holy Spirit. God’s plans are so big! Jesus didn’t come just to save Israel. Jesus went for the whole world: for people of all races and all languages. Through his disciples, filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues his work of salvation. God’s Spirit will not be confined.
God not only sent the Holy Spirit, but also sends it every day. We receive when we are baptized and are born into the life of Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit when we go to church, and God sends it not only then but also every day. We receive it when we are baptized and born into the life of Jesus. We receive it when we go to church and participate in the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. We receive it when we pray. We receive it when we study the Bible. We receive it every day in big and small ways, through interactions with our family and friends. Every day is a chance to grow in God’s Spirit and use your many gifts to love and serve the Lord. Jesus is for the whole world.
We receive when we study the Bible. We accept every day in big and little ways, as we interact with our family and friends. Every day is an opportunity to grow in God’s Spirit and utilize your many gifts to love and serve the Lord. Jesus is for the whole world.
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love and joy. Pour your gifts upon me and teach me how to use them well.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Third Glorious Mystery: The Holy Spirit Comes
As mortals, we are bound by time and space. God is not. When we discuss how God sent the Holy Spirit, we often see this as a past event, like a big bang that spreads over centuries and gradually loses momentum. No! Not with God’s Infinite Spirit! God sends the Holy Spirit: an eternal sending through the saving actions of Jesus Christ. The abundance of life is available every day at full throttle. Praise be to God!
Then why is it that the Spirit’s manifestation, so breathtaking during this initial outpouring, seems lackluster at many of our prayer gatherings today? Why aren’t more hearts burning with love and praise for God? Why aren’t more people turning their lives over to the Lord? God’s self-offering cannot be diluted. God does not withhold grace or blessings from us. But, as with that first Pentecost, a wide range of human responses to the Spirit’s manifestation occurs. Many jeered, thinking the disciples were drunk or crazy—that was their explanation. Many considered themselves too busy or not interested enough to investigate the miraculous phenomenon of speech and hearing. Some didn’t care for the message. And some listened with open hands and open hearts. It has always been this way. To those truly seeking the Kingdom, the fire blazes and the wind blows with abundant graces. The joy is theirs, regardless of the external circumstances of their lives. The opportunity to draw closer to God is available every day. Thank you, Jesus!
Constantly pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a lifelong pursuit: the ultimate journey of discovery and purpose. Periodically ask yourself, “Is there room in my heart for the gifts God wishes to give me?” If not, pray about that too. Genuine prayer comes from our inner disposition, allowing us to connect with God. True prayer remains a gift and domain of the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:26-27). We all face barriers to God’s giving, some of which we may not even realize. Recall that many people pressed upon the Lord as He moved through large crowds. One humble woman struggled to touch Him and was instantly healed of the hemorrhage that had condemned her to isolation. How was her reaching different from the hundreds pressing upon Him, many of whom also needed healing? And what about the early disciples, gathered with Mary the Mother of Jesus, to pray earnestly (see Acts 1:12-14)? They received the Spirit’s gifts in power. How was their communal prayer different from ours? These are important questions. Take these questions to heart and explore your potential to grow. Discuss these issues with the Lord as He helps you work through your barriers. Trust Jesus with your answers and your life. Your barriers are not larger than His love for you. Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Th 5:19)
In amazement and wonder
Fourth Glorious Mystery: Jesus takes His Mother Home into Heaven
The Mighty God has done great things for me. (Luke 1:49)
Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord: My soul is glad because of God my Savior, For he has remembered me, his lowly servant! From now on, all people will call me happy because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me. (Luke 1:46-49)
Reflection with your child or children: After Jesus ascended into heaven, Mary stayed with his friends. She prayed with them and helped them build the early church. The disciples respected Mary. They visited her, sought her advice, asked her to tell stories about Jesus, and asked her to pray with them. Mary is gentle and kind.
God does great things for Mary and through Mary. God chose her to be the mother of Jesus. This is the highest honor ever given to any person or angel. Think about those in your life who take care of you: who love you, feed you, give you clothes, provide a home, send you to school, help with your homework, guide you to make good friends, and even play with you. Mary did all of these things for Jesus and much more. A good mother isn’t just someone who cares for you until you’re grown. A good mother loves you forever.
Mary is a caring mother. Jesus values her greatly. He enjoys spending time with her. Everything Jesus treasures, he wants to share with us, his friends. He shares with us his Heavenly Father, his Life, his Holy Spirit, his Forgiveness, his Healing Power, his Mission, and his Mother. Jesus offers her to us because she is so special to him. He gives her to us because Jesus desires us to be a family. Mary is a significant figure in the Christian community. Through Jesus, she remains our spiritual mother.
The Catholic Church has beautiful teachings about Mary. We appreciate her as Jesus does. One of these teachings is called The Assumption of Mary. These are simple words for a profound truth: when the time was right, Jesus took Mary home to heaven in a special way. This is good news! It shows us that all people who love God will be taken into heaven. The Assumption of Mary points to our own future with Jesus, who will do the same for us. Mary is now in heaven, but we can have a close friendship with her just as the first disciples did. We can, and many of us do. Jesus invites us to pray and visit his mother. He loves her so much that he makes it possible for us to spend time with her, too.
One day, when the time is right, Jesus will take you to heaven too. Jesus is building a heavenly home for us, where we can live together with His mother and all His friends, forming a big family. There is no loneliness in heaven! With Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul, and all of God’s friends, there is only love, joy, happiness, and lots of fun ways to play.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, one day you will take me home to heaven, too. Build a house so big that all my family and friends can be together with you and your mother.
The Mighty God has done great things for me.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
Parents’ Reflection on the Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary
It’s enlightening to examine the sequence of the Mysteries. Because the Rosary is often perceived as a “Mary thing,” many people overlook this form of prayer. Yet, the Rosary is rooted in Christ. These structured meditations focus on Jesus, who offers salvation and reveals God as Trinity. When used as a prayer tool, we meet the Saving Lord who grants forgiveness, healing, peace, and grace.
These two remaining Mysteries, the Assumption of Mary and the Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, are where many well-intentioned Christians (including some Catholics) take offense. Yet their focus is still on God’s saving actions. Theotokos, Greek for “Mother of God,” became a title for Mary during the great Christological debates. The real question was, “Who is Jesus?” The doctrinal statements that followed, expressed in “Our Profession of Faith” (Creed), proclaim that Jesus is true God and true man. Theotokos, Mother of God, emphasizes Christ’s divinity. The point is that Jesus is God. Does this point have consequences for Mary? Yes! Of course! Out of all creation, she is the crowned jewel, the shining star. Her Assumption and Coronation are the effects of God’s saving actions. Does this point have consequences for us? Absolutely! In countless ways! One way is Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven: a sign of what God has readied for us. It’s our destiny with the Lord.
The Mysteries of the Rosary are carefully organized. The Assumption and Coronation are reflected upon only after the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Descent of the Holy Spirit remains the most incredible gift from the Father and the Son. What the Assumption and Coronation show us is that the Spirit bestows eternal blessings of the magnitude now envisioned by Mary and declared as glorious. These two remaining Mysteries reveal what happens when people fully submit to God. They encourage us to follow Mary’s example and accept God’s complete plans for us. Mary embraces God’s complete plans, for she says, “Let it be done to me” (Luke 1:38). God’s plans for her are extraordinary! God chooses her to become the mother of Jesus, through whom Christ takes on human nature. Her relationship with Jesus is special. God’s plans for her are for the good of all God’s people. Similarly, God’s plans for you are for the good of the entire community of believers. Your unique gifts, resources, and charisms are given to benefit everyone.
The Communion of Saints is a living reality waiting to be experienced. We have friends in high places and can benefit from these relationships. God knows we need all the help we can get. Mary is the foremost among the saints. It’s beautiful when a bride and groom place flowers before the Blessed Mother during their wedding: a symbol of inviting her into their family life. How fitting, since Jesus does the same. If you haven’t already, consider inviting her warm presence into your life. She will be a source of blessings for your entire family. When children see Madonna and Child, they naturally feel affection because they project their relationship with you onto the image. If children experience affirmation in their own homes, they are likely to feel the same positive connection with Jesus. They develop a bond with this gentle woman who presents her holy Child. They can easily accept Mary’s personal love for them. Can you?
My heart praises the Lord
Fifth Glorious Mystery: Mary is Crowned Queen of Heaven
A crown of twelve stars on her head. (Rev. 12:1)
Then a great and mysterious sight appeared in the sky. There was a woman, whose dress was the sun and who had the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. (Revelation 12:1)
Reflection with your child/children: Who is this woman? What does it mean that she has the sun as her dress and the moon under her feet? Why does she wear a crown? What kind of crown has twelve stars? Why twelve?
This passage from the book of Revelation is rich with meaning. It includes symbols that can be understood in different ways. The sun, moon, and stars are “cosmic” images—symbols of heavenly things, yet a woman is one of us. The sun is bright and life-giving. Saying her dress is the sun means she radiates brilliant light that warms the earth. The sun’s light guides us during the day. The moon and stars guide us at night. Because she wears a crown, this woman is a queen. Twelve stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles Jesus calls to himself. Think about how the moon orbits the Earth. If this queen has the moon under her feet, it means she remains connected to the earth: a royal bridge between heaven and earth, a beautiful and mysterious sight.
Scripture is so rich in meaning that this woman represents the entire People of God, the chosen race of Israel. She also symbolizes the mother of Jesus, for the Bible states that this woman gives birth to a son: “Then she gave birth to a son, who will rule over all nations with an iron rod” (Rev 12:5). The crown of glory that this woman wears is the love of God made known through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Her crowning as Queen of Heaven and Earth is the gift of redemption won for us through Jesus’ saving actions. This crown of glory symbolizes what all of us will one day wear because of God’s saving actions. This woman is a symbol of what we will become, of who we are becoming, and of what Mary already is.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. (John 3:16-17)
It is all about God’s great love. God loves us so much that He sends Jesus to save us. In this Glorious Mystery, we recognize Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. We honor the Blessed Mother, who loves us and prays for us all the time, but we’re truly celebrating the gift of our salvation, which comes through her son, Jesus.
God will always love you. Jesus will always be your best friend, no matter what happens. God is on your side and wants you to live a happy and good life. True happiness comes from Jesus in your heart. Let Jesus fill your heart and guide you in the ways you will walk. Walk with Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are preparing me to wear a crown of glory just as you have for your beautiful mother. Walking with you doesn’t mean life will be easy, but that you will always help me. You will always be my best friend. Fill my heart with your love.
A crown of twelve stars on her head
Parents’ Reflection on the Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary
There was a woman whose dress was the sun
What does it mean to be dressed with the sun? The Book of Revelation can be difficult for many people, but that’s because most don’t understand its literary form: apocalyptic writing. If they understood this literary style, people wouldn’t be using Revelation as a codebook to decipher secrets about the catastrophic end of the world.
Jesus told us not to speculate about when the end would be, rather to “always be ready.” (Mt 24: 44) The Woman and the Dragon passages found in Revelation 12 are not intended to make us anxious about the future nor complacent about past: they are directed towards the present moment, to strengthen the people of God for the task at hand today.
Each generation of the faithful has these writings to strengthen them for their Christian journey in their own times. What does it mean to be clothed with the sun? What would your life look like if you lived the gospel message in today’s world? Jesus draws this present moment into his Paschal Mystery to redeem it. That means our Lord leads us to his Holy Cross with the promise that resurrection follows crucifixion. Are we able to offer ourselves to him? The faithful Christian is called to challenge the status quo and push for positive change in the systems of this world: uphold the sanctity of human life; advocate for peace and justice; meet the material and spiritual needs of the broken masses of humanity; and be good stewards of this magnificent planet, its resources, and its diversity of life. It’s a daunting task that Christ takes upon himself. Only God has the power to bring this task to completion. The Holy Spirit empowers all of us to continue with Jesus. Jesus invites us daily to participate. God doesn’t call the qualified, but qualifies the called. And that’s us! We need to stay faithful through the everyday events of our ordinary lives. The Book of Revelation proclaims that victory belongs to God and to God’s people.
What does it mean to be dressed with the Son? May you be clothed with the power of the Most High God to know and live the fullness of His love and mercy.
There was a woman whose dress was the sun
Basic Overview of How to Pray the Rosary
Start with the Cross: Make the sign of the Cross and recite the Apostles Creed
First Bead: The Lord’s Prayer
Second to fourth Bead: Three Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be
Bead 5 (before the connector): Announce the Mystery chosen for the Rosary.
At each decade of Beads: Recite the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Hail Mary’s, and the Glory Be
Continue through the sets as shown in the above pattern. Standard Rosary beads are designed for five decades of recitation.
Traditional Prayers:
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 rose 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. 1 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 Lord’s Prayer
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 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
The Joyful Mysteries are traditionally recited on Mondays
The Sorrowful Mysteries are recited on Tuesdays and Fridays
The Glorious Mysteries are recited on Saturdays and Sundays
The Mysteries of Light (Luminous) are recited on Thursdays
Many variations and extra prayers exist according to local customs. The above represents the basic rosary.
SUGGESTIONS FOR USING THIS GUIDE
There’s a wonderful quote by G.K. Chesterton: “If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly.” These words can apply to what this book promotes. Praying the Rosary with your children is a great idea: it’s worth doing. Yet the pace of contemporary family life is hectic, often leaving family members frozen. Few parents will make the time to pray five decades of the Rosary with their children every day. Kudos to the parents who do. So if you can’t manage five decades daily, should you still try to do what you can? Absolutely! “If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly.”
This statement is not advocating a haphazard approach to praying with your children. On the contrary, priorities need to be examined and good intentions must be put into practice. Implementation should be tailored to what will work best for your family. How can you use this guide in feasible ways? By checking the heartbeat of your daily family routines and assessing your current patterns of when you are together. Then ask yourself, “How can these patterns be utilized so that family prayer becomes part of our daily life?” If you’re like most people, you go through small sections of Praying the Biblical Rosary with Your Children at any given time. This leaves you free to focus on other prayer forms, such as thanksgiving, intercession, petitions, or praise and worship. This also allows time to discuss spiritual matters with your children if they inquire.
Of course, traditional approaches still hold value and promise. You can plan a weekly family trip to a chapel (in addition to regular Mass attendance) or hold a weekly family evening for set prayer. But what if you can’t? Remember that any time you’re together is an opportunity for prayer. Break free from rigid molds that limit you to specific “right ways to pray.” With the demands of modern life, it may require some creativity. Creative options include: embracing your car as a “sacred space.” Yes! Consider how many hours a week you spend together in a car.
What about your cozy kitchen? How many hours do you spend together preparing meals, grabbing a bite, cleaning up, or doing homework at the kitchen table? How do you get ready for school in the mornings? How do you prepare for bed in the evenings? These routines are the most accessible for family prayer.
Another suggestion: children usually enjoy rosary beads. Go all out by purchasing beautiful beads for each child. Take them with you and let them select their own beads. Maximize their involvement by having them read Scripture passages and children’s reflections during your time together. Encourage them to read to their younger siblings or take turns reading. Help them integrate prayer into their daily routine so their spiritual life can freely give meaning to and shape their everyday patterns. The aim is to ground them in a relationship with Jesus Christ, so that by the time they leave your care, they have that critical friendship to walk forward with.
Each generation of Christians faces its own unique challenges. The fast pace of modern life is one of our struggles as Catholics. We are called to bring the Gospel message to where we are and how we live. God is preparing us to address and even solve modern problems. A family Rosary can be part of the spiritual remedy we need. Avoid “Rapid Fire Rosary.” You might have experienced this growing up: five decades in just eight minutes. Rapid repetition is not what this generation needs today. Because we are rushed and pressured, our prayer should be calm and gentle.
The Lord wants to give us His Peace and His Joy. This is why it is recommended that you go through this book slowly, focusing on small sections at a time. A slower pace may help you absorb the available richness. Rest with the Lord so He can ease your troubled mind and calm your fears. Rest with these great Mysteries of Our Faith. As the psalmist wrote:
The Lord is my, Shepherd.
I shall not want
In verdant pastures he gives me repose
Besides restful waters he leads me
He refreshes my soul
He guides me in right paths
For his name’s sake
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
That give me courage
(Psalm 23: 1-4)
 | A guest post by
|