PRAYING THE BIBLICAL ROSARY
WITH YOUR CHILDREN
(With separate reflection for parents/grandparents. Published as an e-book, which will incrementally roll out the Mysteries of the Rosary. PDF available at the bottom of this page)
Meditations by Margit McCarthy
Illustrator: Breanna Silvia
With a Bible in one hand and rosary beads in the other, prepare to experience meaningful moments of prayer with your children. The Biblical Rosary is a wonderful family prayer tool that uses scripture and reflects on the life of Christ. Establishing the habit of family prayer yields blessings for all family members, which brim over to touch many lives beyond your family circles. It’s a portal of divine grace. Any adult who commits to praying with children discovers that children have an innate ability to engage spiritual motifs and respond with passion. It can be labeled as a spiritual superpower. That’s why Jesus beckons, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Blessed are you who believed (Luke 1:45a)
During those days, Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed, The Mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Luke 1:39-56 (NABRE)
Children’s Reflection: The angel Gabriel announced that Mary would become the mother of Jesus. He also told her that a senior relative, Elizabeth, was six months pregnant. God is a miracle worker! Elizabeth always wanted to have a child, but she laid aside this desire as she grew older. Sometimes, we hold a special prayer in our hearts for a long time. God knew her heart. He blessed her with the child she had prayed for. His name would be John.
Mary was overjoyed when she heard the angel’s wonderful news! She went in haste to visit Elizabeth. Mary stayed to help her and was there when John was born. A marvel occurred when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting. John danced for joy: a big, happy dance. The Holy Spirit let Elizabeth know that Mary was pregnant too. Through grace, Elizabeth understood that Mary’s son was the Savior God had promised to send to her people. Like John, Elizabeth responded with great joy, crying out in a loud, happy voice.
These two women frequently prayed together during those three months. Baby Jesus and Baby John the Baptist, both in the womb, could hear their mothers praying together. Mary and Elizabeth talked about the mighty things God was doing in their lives and for their people. Their immense love for God and for each other grew much stronger. Together, they prepared to become mothers.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you know all the special prayers I hold in my heart. Help me to understand how deeply you love me and my family. Thank you for your love.
The Lord’s Prayer
Ten Hail Mary’s
The Glory Be
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Parents’ Reflection:
Traditional commentaries on The Visitation note that Mary wasn’t self-absorbed. A teenage girl facing an unexpected pregnancy, yet she reaches out to meet Elizabeth’s needs. Able to look beyond her own concerns, she offers help to others. Mary is a model of charity and service. While traditional commentaries are meritorious, there is more for us to consider here.
Reflect upon the edifying relationship between two holy women: Mary and Elizabeth. Just as Mary assisted Elizabeth, Elizabeth also offered much that is often overlooked. This older woman embraces the young mother-to-be with confident, affirming love. Yes! Mary trusts in God’s providential care, yet despite her spiritual maturity and virtue, she is still only 14 or 15 years old at this point in her life. Don’t view Mary as stoic nor as a young woman in charge. Matthew’s Gospel states that Joseph had to wrestle with his own commitment (Mt 1:19-25). Joseph also had to ascend to God’s Will and give his “fiat” (consent). Mary had no control over what Joseph would decide to do. Most likely, Mary’s senses were overwhelmed by her angelic encounter and by the Holy Spirit's overshadowing. She had to process what these events meant for her, for Joseph, and for humanity. Learning about Elizabeth’s stunning pregnancy is part of this miracle package: God’s direct intervention in human history to accomplish our salvation. In the still point of Elizabeth’s presence, in her prophetic welcome, God grants Mary extraordinary clarity expressed in her great Canticle of Praise (The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55). Elizabeth was a woman who prayed intensely for many decades. Her seasoned calm and gratitude, catalyzed by her own wondrous late-in-life pregnancy, set the tone for reciprocal care. Elizabeth is a safe house for Mary. She assists Mary to advance in her perfect fiat (her ongoing yes to God). The sacred ground of loving human bonds remains a favored vessel by the Holy Spirit and His outpouring of mighty deeds.
Connecting with other people who care about you and your family: you are not alone in this challenging walk of holy parenting. Pray that God sends you the right people willing to embrace you and yours. Reach out to those in your life who also strive to follow Jesus. Develop intentional relationships based on prayer. Cultivate joy and gratitude as Elizabeth did because Jesus and Mary come to live with you.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior
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