Mystery of Light Presentation

Pope John Paul II designated the year 2003 as the year of the Rosary. The Holy Father describes the Rosary as an echo of the prayer of Mary her perennial Magnificat. He also encouraged meditation on significant particular events in the public ministry of Jesus called the mysteries of light. These mysteries are drawn from the Gospels and from the public life of Jesus – the Light of the World. As you pray with us this evening let the words of the scripture open up these mysteries for you and let the mantra of the Hail Mary surround you in a prayerful circle of contemplation.

This mystery recalls the moment when Jesus became ‘sin for our sake’ offered himself for cleansing at the hands of Saint John the Baptist. A voice of affirmation from God comes from heaven and the Holy Spirit invests Jesus with his unique mission. This is the start of the public ministry of Jesus. At our Baptism we were given a mission too. The Spirit of the Lord launched us out into the deep Contemplating this mystery we are renewed in our commitment to be ambassadors for Christ today.

As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming on him. And  a voice spoke from heaven -this is my Son the beloved my favour rests on him.

The Second Mystery of Light – the Wedding at Cana

The wedding Feast of Cana is a celebration of trust when Mary encourages the people to do as Jesus tells them. By this sign Jesus opens the hearts of those around him to believe in him and in the power of God working through him. We often look for signs and wonders as proof of the presence of Jesus today. Miracles can happen when we take into our hearts the words of Mary – Do whatever he tells you.

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. His mother said to the servants do whatever he tells you. There six stone water jars standing there meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews each could hold twenty of thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants – ‘Fill the jars with water’ and they filled them to the brim. ‘Draw some out now’ he told them ‘and take it to the steward’. They did this. The steward tasted the water and it had turned into wine.

The Third Mystery of Light – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

The kingdom of God is a kingdom of reconciliation – where the blessed are those who are gentle, who are peacemakers and those who suffer for what is right. Conversion is a life-long journey of turning towards God and his ways and away from sin. The work of building up the kingdom is for all of us – today and everyday.

After John had been arrested Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God – ‘the time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand – repent and believe the Good News’.

The Fourth Mystery of Light – The Transfiguration

We believe that this took place on Mount Tabor was a moment of revelation and light. Sometimes the clouds in our lives prevent us from seeing the light of God’s help breaking through in moments of sadness and pain. In moments of joy we can be forgetful of those less fortunate than ourselves. With the apostles we too are asked to prepare ourselves as followers of Christ to endure with Him the cross in our lives so that we may gain the crown of gloriousness resurrection and new life at the end of time.

The Fifth Mystery of Light – The Institution of the Eucharist

At the Last Supper Jesus left us a wonderful legacy of love and sacrifice. It continues in the Masses celebrated all over the world today. In the Eucharist Jesus offers us his body and blood for our nourishment under the signs of bread and wine. When we receive at the Eucharistic table we say Amen to the sacrifice of love offered to us we say Amen to a life of imitation of that love – we say Amen to a life of service to our brothers and sisters.