The Scourging at the Pillar
Visualizing or empathizing with Jesus’ Scourging at the Pillar is difficult, so far is it beyond our experience. Other mysteries of the rosary also lie beyond our imagination, so joyful, so sorrowful, so glorious or full of light. This is one reason why I have been suggesting that we meditate on the Blessed Virgin’s response […]
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
We begin the Luminous Mysteries with the Baptism of Jesus. It’s his coming out party enjoyed with his cousin John who declared Jesus the Lamb of God. Ready for ministry, trusting his heavenly Father’s backing, but perhaps feeling some emotional reluctance— “My hour has not yet come”—Jesus decides to perform his first miracle. Like many […]
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
From Mary’s point of view Every year Joseph and I would travel to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. We had been doing this for about twelve years traveling with our baby and later with our growing child. This year Jesus was twelve and we trusted Jesus with increased responsibility and freedom, although my mother’s […]
The Resurrection
Scripture shares several appearances of the Risen Lord: the women at the tomb, Mary Magdalene and other women who brought perfumed oil to anoint the body, the Eleven, the two on the road to Emmaus, and perhaps others not named. But Scripture does not mention an appearance to his mother Mary. Some claim that an […]
The Visitation
When the Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, to speak to a virgin betrothed to Joseph, the Angel delivered messages from God. The first and most important message announced to Mary was that she would bear a son and name him Jesus. A second message involved Mary’s cousin Elizabeth. Though thought to be sterile, Elizabeth […]
The Wedding Feast at Cana
We pray the Luminous Mysteries, the Mysteries of Light, on Thursdays. We meditate on the events in the lives of Jesus and Mary from the Baptism of Our Lord to the Last Supper. During the second decade we meditate on the Wedding Feast at Cana. Imagine the joy and celebration, the laughter, the good food […]
The Baptism of Our Lord
When I reflect on the First Luminous Mystery, the Baptism of Our Lord, I think of commitment. Here was Jesus perhaps saying to his Mother Mary “It’s time. My Father is asking me to do His work. Mom, pray that I always follow the will of my Father. And pray that I find good disciples.” […]
The Carrying of the Cross
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery offers a poignant glimpse into the relationship between Mother and Son. What unspeakable sadness pierced Mary’s heart as she watched her Son fall beneath the weight of the cross. Along the way the eyes of Jesus and Mary met, eyes that showed the depth of love, the fullness of compassion, […]
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
When I think of this mystery, I picture my brother holding his newly-adopted son Christopher. My brother looked so proud to be carrying his son, showing him off, I suppose. Anna and Simeon noticed a similar facial expression on Joseph—pride, joy, gratitude for what the Almighty could do. Mary demurely walked by Joseph’s side […]
Meditating on the Rosary Mysteries
When I pray the rosary, I think of the meaning of the prayers (Hail Mary, Our Father). Or I think of the mystery of each decade (Resurrection, Ascension, and so on). Occasionally I wonder how Mary would reflect on each mystery, actual events that she and her Son Jesus lived. What would she ponder? Scripture […]