Usually prayed on Sundays and Wednesdays, the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary allow us to reflect on the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry, Mary’s role in Heaven, and God’s plan and relationship with humanity. These mysteries are not stagnant events, but ongoing, relevant beliefs which encourage us as missionary disciples. As we meditate on the Glorious Mysteries, we understand how to live the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth as we prepare ourselves for it.
The first Glorious Mystery is the Resurrection.
You need not be amazed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified. He has been raised up; He is not here. See the place where they had laid Him.
Mark 16:6
The name of my home parish is Resurrection, so I’m constantly reminded of the joy and the beauty of this mystery. This Glorious Mystery is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. On this, we meditate Jesus’ conquering of death by rising again. Because of this, we need not fear death, and we look forward to joining our Heavenly Father when we complete our earthly lives. Through the Resurrection, we gain eternal life.
The second Glorious Mystery is the Ascension.
Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into Heaven and took His seat at God’s right hand.
Mark 16:19
Jesus had completed his ministry on Earth, and it was time for him to return to his father in Heaven. Before this, the last thing he gave to his Apostles was the Great Commission. He commanded that they go forth and bring as many people to him as possible. Imagine being there to hear these words from Jesus and then watch him ascend into Heaven. Seeing that alone would make me want to tell everyone I could about him.
The third Glorious Mystery is the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
All were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit promised them.
Acts 2:4
This Glorious Mystery always reminds me of my Confirmation, and as I meditate on it, I consider myself renewing my Confirmation. I think about how terrified the Apostles and Mary must have been in their upper room until the Holy Spirit granted them the gifts to go forth and share the Gospel. The Descent of the Holy Spirit reminds me of how much I need him. While I meditate on this Glorious Mystery, I humbly ask to receive his gifts so that I can be a better soldier of Christ, courageously bringing others closer to him.
The fourth Glorious Mystery is the Assumption.
May you be blessed, my daughter, by God most high, beyond all women on earth; and my the Lord God be blessed, the Creator of Heaven and earth.
Judith 13:18
To say that God takes care of his children is an understatement. He anticipates and readily fulfills our needs, even those that we aren’t aware of. When Mary, the Blessed Mother of God completed her life on earth, God did not allow her body to decay. She could have been an incorruptible like some of the Saints, but God had bigger plans for her. Not only her soul, but also her body Assumed into Heaven at the end of her life. God protects all of his precious creations and is looking forward to bringing us home.
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The fifth Glorious Mystery is the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
Revelations 12:1
When I meditate on this Glorious Mystery, what comes to mind most often is Mary’s humility. I can imagine Jesus placing a crown on her head as she humbly and graciously accepts it. I imagine her smiling as she gazes at the beauty of Heaven with excitement. Mary lovingly intercedes for us as we turn to her for her graces. She comforts us as a Mother should, and she always directs us toward her son. As we grow closer to her, we grow closer to Jesus.
This blog post is the first in a series on the mysteries of the rosary! I’ve learned that when you mediate on the mysteries of the rosary often, Mary will reveal more about the mysteries to you. I’m writing to share a bit about my reflections on the mysteries with you! Tell me what you think of the Glorious Mysteries in the comments below!
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I enjoyed this and look forward to hearing about the other mysteries 👍🏻
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