Reflections on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

 

Disclaimer: I am not a theologian. The ideas expressed below are my reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary and how they relate to my life.

While in Eucharistic Adoration one day, the thought came to me to pray a Mystery of the Rosary using The Scriptural Rosary, then choose one verse that spoke to me and write about it. This post is the result of those writings.

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

For I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you. - John 16:22

I think of Jesus' disciples and how devastated they surely were when He died. This wasn't how they thought things were supposed to go. He was a king, after all. He was their Messiah, their Savior. So what did it mean when He told them this? Jesus really laid it all out on Holy Thursday; He gave them a lot of information before things "hit the fan". The disciples did see Jesus when He appeared to them. Because of His Passion, I know I will again see my loved ones who have passed. I can't even begin to imagine the joy I will feel.

As you pray this decade, pray for your loved ones and give God gratitude for giving us His Son so that our tears will turn to dancing.

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

As he said this he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. - Acts 1:9

Can anyone imagine what this must have been like? Surely all doubts vanished at seeing Jesus ascending to His rightful place next to His Father. They were asked why they kept looking and watching at the sky. They were told what was going to happen and were given their tasks. How many times do I sit, gazing at the Eucharist, waiting...for what? 

As you pray this decade, ask God for the grace to carry out His plan for you. 

The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak about the marvels of God. - Acts 2:4,11

I am blown away by the fact that the very same Holy Spirit that the Apostles received is the One I received at Confirmation; that it's the same Holy Spirit that came upon Mary during the Annunciation. I always imagine Mary in the Upper Room with all of the Apostles, looking at them with love and motherly pride. Not pride in a sinful way, but in a knowing way. 

As you pray this decade, ask the Holy Spirit to remain with you. Thank God for the Apostles who received the Holy Spirit and who were the instruments for passing the Holy Spirit to us.

The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary into Heaven

The trust you have shown shall not pass from the memories of men, but shall ever remind them of the power of God. - Judith 13:25

Mary's trust in God is truly not forgotten. If I only had a smidgen of the trust she had, I'd never have any doubts about what God can do. She could have said "no, thank you" at the Annunciation, but she trusted. All through her life she trusted. During the Passion she never waivered in her trust. Through all generations, her trust in God has been revered. God did not allow death to stain her whom He chose to bear His Son. She was taken, body and soul, into Heaven to remain with Him and His Son for all eternity.

As you pray this decade, think of a time when your trust hasn't been as it should have been. Look to Mary for examples of how to trust God in all things.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Approach me, you who desire me, and take your fill of my fruits. - Ecclesiastes 24:19

Mary is my mother. She is always there to guide me and comfort me. She is more than my earthly mother, who was hand-picked for me. Did Mary have a hand in doing that? I like to think that she did. Mama Mary is approachable. Even though she is Queen of Heaven and Earth, she invites me to ask her for guidance and comfort.

As you pray this decade, thank God for giving us Mary as our mother. Thank God for our earthly mother, or, if this is a difficult subject for you, thank God for an earthly mother figure in your life. 

Reflections on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

 

Disclaimer: I am not a theologian. The ideas expressed below are my reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary and how they relate to my life.

While in Eucharistic Adoration one day, the thought came to me to pray a Mystery of the Rosary using The Scriptural Rosary, then choose one verse that spoke to me and write about it. This post is the result of those writings. 

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.- Luke 22:42

In his humanity, Jesus asked His Father to not put Him through the Passion. How hard it is to do something you know you have to. This doesn't even begin to compare, but I think about the birth of my last child, knowing I had to deliver him without an epidural. I definitely didn't want to go through that pain, but I knew there was no other choice. Or, the times when my children were hurting both physically and mentally. It was something they had to go through while I could just be there for moral support. I also think about my husband's cancer and wonder how many times we both prayed that verse. There is no doubt we also had angels with us to help us through the pain and feelings of loneliness.

As you pray this decade, think of a time in your life when you prayed this verse and then give thanks to God for the angels that were sent to give you comfort.

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

...through His wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5

Jesus went through this for me. Personally, for me. When I think of my husband's love for me and how he planned for my life after his death, it brings me to tears that someone could love me as much as he did. Then I think about Jesus and His sacrifice for me. Words can't even begin to describe the amazement. While my husband made sure I wouldn't have to worry about my future, Jesus made sure I was spiritually set. Both have demonstrated their love for me. I know I showed my husband how much I love him, especially during his last weeks, but do I show Jesus how much I love Him?

As you pray this decade, reflect on a love in your life. It may be your spouse, your child, or a family member. Then imagine how Jesus' love for you cannot compare to that love.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. - John 19:5

How Mary's heart must have broken into tiny pieces when she saw her Son being ridiculed and bleeding. Even though she knew why and knew what was happening, she had to hurt so badly to just watch and pray. I don't know how she could have stood to see Him like that. It's torture when my boys are hurt and when they go through things that I can't do anything about. All I can do is watch and pray. What a beautiful role model Mary is. No matter what I'm going through, she has been through it. No matter what I'm feeling, she has felt it times a million. 

As you pray this decade, give all of your hurts to Mary. She knows how you feel and will comfort you.

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

And take up his cross every day and follow me. - Luke 9:23

Every day. Even when I'm tired, when I just don't feel like it. When I just want to stay in bed and hide. He is calling me to get up, grab my cross, and follow Him. He promises to be there to help. 

And you will find rest for your would. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light. - Matthew 11:29,30

Jesus won't ask me to do anything as hard as what He did. He's not going to give me anything that we can't handle together. He's here with me to help carry my cross. Just as Simon helped Him, He will help me.

As you pray this decade, imagine Christ right beside you, helping to carry your cross. Feel the burden lift as you give your cross to Jesus.

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. - John 19:27

Jesus gave His mother to me, to every living person. Have I invited her into my life? How can I better welcome her? As a child, Mary was my comforter during storms. As a young mother, I looked to her for patience. As a widow, I look to her once again for comfort. She knows what it feels like to lose a spouse. She gave me hope when my husband was sick that I could live like he wanted me to. She is my inspiration. 

As you pray this decade, think of how you have invited Mary into your life. What else can you do to make her welcome?

{SQT} VBS Week

It's Friday (YAY!), so it must be time for Seven Quick Takes, hosted by Kelly at  This Ain't the Lyceum. 

--- 1 ---

Since I "don't work during the summer", Sister asked me if I would be able to help with Vacation Bible School this week. I, along with another lady, was in charge of getting the snacks together and getting them to the kids. It's been a great week! The program that we're using has everything: activities, stories, crafts, music, and snacks that are all centered around our theme, Apparitions of Mary.  Since every group but one has been to the story room before snacks, I had to tell them about the "Apparition of the Day". By Wed., I realized that I need to do a quick read the night before to make sure I know what I'm talking about!

--- 2 ---

Monday's Apparition was Lourdes, which some of the kids thought was "Lord". (Southern accent!) When we were planning the snacks, one of the activities looked really cool: a little bit of powdered pudding, a little bit of milk, and a drop or 2 of blue food coloring, all in a ziploc bag. When the kids squished the bag to mix it all up, the "water" (blue food coloring) came to the "top of the ground". It looked good on paper!  What we should have done was make the pudding ahead of time, put a little bit in each bag and put a drop of food coloring in between the spoonfuls of pudding. Then when they squished the bag it would turn blue.
The other snack we had was cheese & crackers in the shape of a decade of the Rosary.

Cheese & Crackers arranged to look like a decade of the Rosary

I was amazed at how many kids had no idea what a Rosary is! No wonder we're losing people!

--- 3 ---

I wasn't there on Tues. due to a couple of previously made appointments, but it was "Fatima Day". The kids at least had heard of her since our parish is Our Lady of Fatima. For snack, we found (on Pinterest) some cute crackers & cheese put together to look like a sun. No one took a picture of the finished product, but I asked some of the kids how it went & they said they really liked it.

From Creative Food

--- 4 ---

Wednesday was "Our Lady of Guadalupe Day".  We made sombreros using round crackers, canned cheese (for decoration), and a grape in the middle. We also made a Juan Diego with a tilma using a pretzel rod & a fruit roll up.

Juan Diego with a sombrero and tilma

--- 5 ---

Thursday was "Our Lady of Knock Day". Snack was a crown using round crackers, cream cheese and goldfish.

Photo courtesy of Luis Ramos

Our original plan for Thursday was to let the kids put the crowns together themselves, but we decided that some would just want to eat the ingredients instead of getting the full effect of the crown, so 4 of us got them all ready. We had a few kids who said they didn't like cream cheese, so we asked them to try 1 little bite. Some ended up liking it; the ones who didn't were given crackers & goldfish.
If I had to do this over, I would use a cookie and frosting, then use the graham cracker goldfish.
1 of the women brought some tamales to share. Oh...MY, it was good! This was definitely one of the perks to being Catholic: Having a Hispanic sister bring tamales!

2nd breakfast of tamales

--- 6 ---

AH....Friday at last! "Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Day"! We made scapulars out of brownies, frosting, pretzel sticks for the crosses, and twizzlers for the string that attaches them. One of the ladies made the brownies on Wed. before we left for the day. Some of the kids who weren't going to be there on Friday were a bit disappointed.

--- 7 ---

Our music director is a young guy who is just fantastic. He's so talented, and has the talent of making music fun for everybody, no matter what your age. I would have loved to have shown you a clip of the kids, but apparently that's frowned upon!

How does this compare with Vacation Bible School at your church? Do you, or have you ever helped?

{Pentecost} Eucharistic Adoration Doesn't Have To Be Silent

Last week, I was looking forward to my hour of Perpetual Adoration. I took my notebook; I was expecting an hour of silence and some time to allow the Holy Spirit to guide me with this post. Well, God has an incredible sense of humor, and he let me know right away who was in control.

The past few weeks, I've had the Chapel all to myself for the hour, so I was expecting the same this time. I walked in, and there were no fewer than 6 people already there. I love to go to Adoration when no one else is there. I know God can listen to everyone at the same time, but I'm selfish. (Even though I'm in my mid-50's, my 9 siblings still use the word "bratty" to describe me.) I like knowing that I have his full attention. I get more distracted when there are other people in the Chapel than when I'm alone. I was a little disappointed, but I made the best of it. I pulled out my Rosary and closed my eyes, trying to concentrate. You can probably guess what happened next: I came this close to falling asleep. Small victory for me: It didn't actually happen...this time.

Following the Rosary, I pulled out the readings for Sunday, as well as my notebook. The First (Acts 2:1-11) and Second (Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13) Readings didn't appear to meld together.  As I looked over my notes, it clicked. There were individuals coming together to gather within the apostles and the Jews. Each individual had their own God-given talent; each is unique in what they bring. Just as a body can not completely function without the other parts, the Church is unable to function without each individual bringing his/her own talents. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, it wasn't to make them all the same. Each individual had a job to do, and that job perfectly fit the talents and strengths of that person. When you stop and think about that, it's just incredibly amazing. The apostles were suddenly able to speak in other languages; my guess (I'm not a theologian and didn't read this anywhere) is that the language(s) they were able to speak were in the native tongue of where their evangelization would take them. The Jews who were gathered were amazed. Even within that group, even though they heard the apostles speaking in their own language, there were doubts and talk of "too much new wine" (Acts 2:13).

The reading from Acts is the image most of us probably have in our minds when we think of Pentecost.  The Gospel Reading (John 20:19-23) confused me a bit. Is this a different account, a different perspective, of the First Reading? As I read the notations in my Catholic Study Bible, it is mentioned that the verses from the Acts may not have been that dramatic. Could Luke have embellished what really happened? Or, were these 2 completely different events?

As the last people who were "sharing" the Chapel with me left, one woman remained. We've shared the Chapel before, so I felt very comfortable being there with her. As soon as the door closed, I spoke up and asked her opinion on what I was thinking. We read the 1st Reading and the Gospel out loud, and then went back and read the passages before them to see if we could understand them. Did I feel bad about talking out loud in the Chapel? Absolutely not. I truly believe that this is part of what the Holy Hour is about: growing in fellowship for His glory.

We may not have answered the question correctly, but we came to an understanding of the timeline of the First Reading and the Gospel. After reading both passages and having some discussion, we came to the conclusion that the passage from Gospel came first: since Jesus appeared to the disciples, this would have taken place before the Ascension. (This passage also gives the explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.) Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into the disciples, but in the passage from Acts, the Holy Spirit descended upon them.
Our conclusion, right or wrong, is that the First Reading and the Gospel depict two separate events. I left Adoration with a song in my heart. The hour was vastly different than I expected it to be, but sometimes God does that to keep us on our toes!

{SQT} Summer Plans

Linking up with This Ain't the Lyceum  for Seven Quick Takes.

1) It's not taken me long to get into a summer routine. Now that my parish offers a noon Mass on Tuesday/Thursday, I can sleep in a bit on those days. And if you believe that, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you. I have these 2 dogs that will get me up at the same time every day...they're better than an alarm clock!

I do like going to Daily Mass in the summer. Getting there early to say the Rosary with my dad is one memory I'll be able to hold on when he's not here any longer. This morning, it was just the 2 of us reciting the Rosary for a couple of decades before some more people came in. It was really, really nice.

2) Reading. I read a lot in the summer. I've already read a few books so far. I'm trying to read 1 Catholic Book for every "regular" book I read. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!

3) Netflix. Seriously. Teachers/school employees will act like they're kidding about binge-watching Netflix, but they aren't kidding. At.All. Even though I've been pretty good about keeping my tv off, I've managed to watch the first season of a couple of shows so far. 

4) Cleaning. Ugh. Forget about spring cleaning; this is the time of year I get my house back in order. I clean/organize closets, the pantry, the refrigerator...you get the idea. I hope to have our bedroom painted in the next couple of weeks.

5) Believe it or not, school employees still work during the summer, even though we aren't getting paid. There is a teacher website where teachers can make materials and put it online to be sold. Kind of like an etsy for teachers. I've already put a new item in my store & am working on another. I took last week off, but now I'm back to working on that. 

6) CEUs. In my school system, we have to have so many hours of professional development on our own so we can have a couple of extra days off during the school year. I like to do mine online so I can do them when I want to.

7) Relaxing. Down-time is a must. We all need to get away from our hectic lives every now and then. Relaxing for me is doing all of the above, taking it slow, and doing what I want to do. 

1 more thing...this morning, I read/heard 3 different people mention how seeing the Sacred Heart of Jesus frightened them, and 2 of them were priests. I don't remember ever being scared of seeing the statue or icon. Funny how we have different reactions to things!

So...does this sound like your summer?