Reflection on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

 

1. The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary

The angel Gabriel is sent by the Father with a message to a young woman

of Nazareth named Mary. Yes an angel. And this should remind us that each

of us has the awesome gift of our very own guardian angel.

The Message from the Angel Gabriel is profound and yet so simple. The

Heavenly Father asks Mary to usher in our salvation into human history

by saying Yes to God’s eternal Word. All of creation and history has pointed

to this moment and yearns to hear Mary’s reply. Mary humbly asks a question

of how this will come about. After hearing the answer from the angel that this

will happen by the power of the Holy Spirit, she gives her loving consent to be

the mother of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, but He waits to hear Mary’s fiat; her yes to

bring this about. God does not force his mercy and love, but always extends an

invitation to open our hearts and minds, with the help of His grace. May each of

us, imitate Mary and always be open and ready to give our Yes to God in our daily life.
 

2. The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth

In the Scriptures, we read that after the Annunciation, Mary went in “haste” to visit her

cousin Elizabeth who was with child. Mary could not contain herself, as she was filled

with “joy” and the love of Jesus. Mary could not keep the “good news” of the Incarnation

to herself. She also felt the natural need to care for Elizabeth who was in need, which made

Mary an angel of mercy, in her concern for others. Mary lives the beatitudes.

Mary felt compelled to bring the “good news” to others. Mary did not delay as we might

tend to do. She did not check her computer schedule, her appointment calendar, or her

busy plans. She trusted in Divine Providence. She knew that God is in charge, and there

will be time to do the right things. It was time to go, and she went in “haste”.

The word haste is so important. So also, Mary whispers to each of us to go in “haste” to

care for others in need, and to bring the Good News, Jesus to others in our everyday life.

We especially are called to do this in the simple and common things of life. It need not be

the spectacular or eye catching events which would make the news at night. This Visitation

to and for others was the life of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

May Our Lady escort each of us daily, as we also go in “haste” to bring Jesus to those we

live with, then to others we encounter in the simple things of every day life. May Our Lady

help us to see Jesus in others and care for them, as if we are caring for Jesus Himself.

 
3. The Birth of Jesus

At Christmas, we all celebrate the birth of a newborn baby. There is such joy,

excitement and preparation for this birthday, and this is rightly so since the

babe is the Divine Infant Jesus. But good friends, this should be the same

for all new life that comes from the breath of God’s love. As we all know too

well, this is not the case in modern culture.

Men and women have so often focused on selfishness and rejected the gift of

human life. It is now 31 years since the Supreme Court has legalized the killing

of unborn babies. The numbers are staggering and overwhelming; 46 million

little lives which cry out to us for compassion, love and help have been deprived

of the light of day. We must and will not ignore this ongoing act of terrorism in our land.

Good friends, there is hope! Christmas shows us this. Jesus came to give us

life. He came to show us the way that is himself. He came to exchange the

crib for a cross of redemption. On the cross, he thirsted for us and cried out to

all that is finished. But our part is not completed, until we each breathe our last

and return to him, after having persevered in the faith. To be a follower of Jesus

means to go the journey with him and not go by the world’s ways. So, we each

must find we have knees to pray on. We find we have legs to walk for Christ. We

have words of mercy and compassion for those who have no voice.

 

4. The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Joseph and Mary bring the baby Jesus to the Temple to consecrate Him to the

Father  While they are there, Simeon approaches them and takes the Child in his

arms.  Simeon declares this newborn Child to be the glory of Israel, the Light to the

Gentiles; and then says those words which pierce the heart of Mary and Joseph.  The

Child will be a sign of contradiction and a sword will pierce Mary’s heart. 

 

This Joyful moment in the Temple is contrasted with a glimpse of the Cross.  This

Child came into the world to give us joy, but this will happen only as a result of His

cross and Passion. 

 

So, we imitate Mary and present ourselves and offer all that we have each day to

the Heavenly Father.  We give it all to Him.  And we journey through our lives with

our own crosses and walk with Jesus, with Mary at our side, not only to the Calvary

of our lives, but to the incomprehensible joy of the Resurrection. 

 

5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Jesus is now 12 years old when He celebrates the Passover in Jerusalem with Joseph

and Mary.  Unknown to Mary and Joseph, Jesus does not return to Nazareth but

remains in the Temple.

 

For three days, Joseph and Mary search for the Child Jesus.  Their hearts must have

been seared with pain.  They return to Jerusalem and finally find Him in the Temple

amidst the teachers.  Jesus, when asked why, tells Mary, that He must be in His Father’s house.

 

How often, modern men and women of all ages, young and older search for joy and

contentment  Fulfillment, material things, careers, money and worldly pleasures are

sought and found to be wanting. 

 

It is Jesus where true peace and joy are found.  Yes, we can find Jesus in so many

diverse ways.  Scripture, personal prayer, good works for people, the Church, and the

Sacraments.  By far the most excellent and perfect finding of Jesus is where He told

Mary and Joseph some 2000 years ago.  In the Temple!  In the tabernacles of His

Church in the Holy Eucharist!  He is here waiting for each of us as if you are the only

person.  Go and find Him there; and joy and peace will fill your soul and heart!  And

then take Jesus home with you in your heart.