MYSTERIES OF LIGHT
The late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, when he proclaimed the Year of the Rosary in 2003 returned to the theme of contemplating the face of Christ from a Marian perspective. He said that ‘in its flow of repetitions, it represents a kind of pedagogy of love aimed at evoking within our hearts the same love that Mary bore her Son’. It was also in that special year that our late Holy Father, encouraged meditation on particular significant events in the public ministry of Jesus called the mysteries of light. These mysteries are drawn from the Gospels and describe significant events in the public life of Jesus – the Light of the World.
The First Mystery of Light – The Baptism in the Jordan
This mystery recalls the moment when Jesus offered himself for baptism at the hands of Saint John the Baptist. A voice comes from heaven and the Holy Spirit invests Jesus with his unique mission. This is the start of his public ministry.
Scripture
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, my beloved, my favour rests on him”.
At our baptism we were given a mission too. The Spirit of the Lord has launched us out into the deep. As we contemplate this mystery we ask to be renewed in our commitment to be ambassadors for Christ today. Lord Jesus, teach us your love and draw us to your light.
Decade
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.
Scripture
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 tot eh servants do whatever he tells you. There six stone water jars standing there meant for he ablutions that are customary among the Jews each could hold twenty of thirty gallons. Jesus said tot eh 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.
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.
Jesus encouraged by your mother the first believer you opened the hearts of your people to faith at Cana. May we have the courage to trust in you especially at times of doubt and hesitation.
Decade
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, peacemakers and those who suffer for what is right. The work of building up the kingdom is for all of us – today and everyday.
Scripture
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’.
Jesus we know from your own words those who you call blessed. Help us to respond to your call to conversion, so that we may build up your kingdom here and now, creating a blessed place for all
Decade
The Fourth Mystery of Light – The Transfiguration
What took place on Mount Tabor was a moment of revelation and light, a moment of joy for the disciples, who exclaimed: “Master it is wonderful to be here”, but also a moment to prepare them for the journey of the cross.
Scripture
Peter took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzling white, whiter than any bleacher could make them. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son the beloved. Listen to him.’
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.
Lord, may your light be there to strengthen us in times of darkness, help us to listen to you and to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Decade
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.
Scripture
‘And as they were eating he took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to them. ‘Take it,’ he said ‘this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them, and all drank from it, and he said to them, ‘This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, which is to be poured out for many’.
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.
Jesus, you give us the gift of your body and blood to nourish and sustain us. As we share in the cup of life and the bread of salvation may we follow your example of love and service.
Decade