Meditating on the Luminous Mysteries

Meditating on the Luminous Mysteries

The Luminous Mysteries are the ones that I mediate on the least often, but that doesn’t mean that I love them less than the others. The Luminous Mysteries of the rosary allow us to reflect on the events during which Jesus revealed his divinity. Instituted by St. Pope John Paul II, the Luminous Mysteries remind us of the miracles that Jesus performed and help us to look forward to the Kingdom of God. Meditating on the Luminous Mysteries always fills me with awe as I realize how great and beautiful our God is.

Meditating on the Luminous Mysteries: Reflections for your meditations on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

The first Luminous Mystery is the Baptism in the Jordan

And when Jesus was baptized, … the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on Him, and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, ‘this is My beloved Son, which whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus’ ministry began after his Baptism in the Jordan. At first, John the Baptist was hesitant to baptize Jesus. He felt unworthy, but Jesus reassured him, saying “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). During this Luminous Mystery, the Holy Spirit equips him as his Father proclaims that he is his son. I often meditate on this mystery to remind myself that I am a beloved daughter of God and he is pleased with me.

The second Luminous Mystery is the Wedding at Cana

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim.

John 2:5-7

Jesus performed his first miracle during the wedding at Cana. Prompted by the Blessed Mother, Jesus turned six jars of water into wine. Mary’s instruction of “Do whatever he tells you” to the servants is so beautiful to me. I think of myself as one of the servants, obeying Mary by following Jesus. As I’ve grown closer to Mary in the past year or so, I’ve also grown closer to Jesus. She always directs us toward her beloved son.

The third Luminous Mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom

“And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay.”

Matthew 10:7-8

I remember hearing the Proclamation of the Kingdom in the Gospel readings during Mass. I heard it so often in Catholic elementary school that I almost didn’t like it. I didn’t quite understand what Jesus was instructing his disciples to do until I got older. Jesus commissioned the disciples to tell others about the Kingdom of God. He gives them the authority to cure the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons. I’m confident that Jesus calls all of his disciples to mission, and I’m waiting with excitement to see how he calls me live the mission.

The fourth Luminous Mystery is the Transfiguration

And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered and His raiment became dazzling white. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, “This is my Son, My chosen, listen to Him!”

Luke 9:29-35

The Transfiguration is one of my favorite Mysteries to meditate on. I love to imagine what it would have been like to be on that hill with Peter, James, and John when they saw Jesus in his divinity. I like to think of how bright and white he became and what Moses and Elijah would have looked like. Like the apostles, I would have wanted to stay there, but Jesus had other plans. I can’t wait to see Jesus in his glory in Heaven, but until then, I’ll tell as many people as I can about the beauty of Jesus.

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The fifth Luminous Mystery is the Institution of the Eucharist

And He took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given up for you” … And likewise the cup after supper, saying “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood”

Luke 22:19-20

How incredible is it that we get to receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist? How astounding is it that, because God works outside of time, during the Mass, we transcend time and participate in the Last Supper? Jesus coming down from Heaven so that we can be united with him in the Eucharist is such a miracle. To be honest, I don’t always feel worthy of this union. I’m not important enough. I’m not good enough. I’m striving for holiness, but I falter. But every time I receive the Eucharist, I feel Jesus embrace me. As I offer a prayer of thanksgiving, I cherish my time in unity with my Savior. I often hear him whisper in my heart, “You are mine.” Meditating on this Luminous Mystery reminds me of this beautiful blessing of unity with Jesus Christ.

This is the last blog post in my series on the Mysteries of the Rosary! Should I do another blog post series? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay radiant!

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Published by madeline_mckissick

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, Madeline spent a year of service in Washington DC before settling on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She and her husband, Nathan strive for holiness and Sainthood by living simply and intentionally with their eyes fixed on God. You can find Madeline wearing cardigans, enjoying a charcuterie board and a glass of wine, playing board games, spending time with her loved ones, and sometimes doing all four at once. Check out radiantwithjoy.blog and @radiantwjoy on Instagram!

6 thoughts on “Meditating on the Luminous Mysteries

  1. These are nice easy to follow mediations an apply so much to our lives helping us to know how God is so with us in the “here and now “ Thank you

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