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?

Heavenly Hugs

Photo by Brett Sayles

With the 2 year anniversary of my husband's cancer diagnosis looming, I felt the pressure of the insecurities and fear of living without him. The reality hit hard. It's been easy (for me anyway) to go about my life with a new routine since he started chemo. He is able to go to appointments without me and since I'm still working full-time outside the home, I'm not there to see just how badly it affects him. The worst days are a couple of days after his pump comes out. To look at him, you would never know that he is terminally ill. You wouldn't even know that he is sick at all. 

Don't get me wrong: I'm ecstatic that God has given us this precious gift of time. But I know with each month that the sand is running out of the hourglass. I know I shouldn't mourn him right now; we have a lot of living to do while we still can. We have a lot of memories to make; we want to live life to the fullest until we can't. 

So, yeah, I had a pretty pissy day the day before the anniversary. I went to the Adoration Chapel and spent more time there than I had in a long time. A friend gave me the booklet "Pray the Rosary with the National Council of Catholic Women". Each of the Mysteries includes several different themes to choose from. Since it was a Friday, I chose the "For Courage in Adversity" theme in the Sorrowful Mysteries. Those meditations were exactly what I needed. The words were perfect. They helped to console me and give me the hope I needed. 

While in the Chapel I talked to God about how much I miss my mom, especially now. I know that she would have the right words to say to me; at the very least her hug would help ease my pain. My dad wouldn't know what to say (he was a man of few words) but his bear hug (even though somewhat awkward) would hit the spot. On the day of the anniversary, during my morning prayer time, the morning Reading from the Liturgy of the Hours included this verse:

He comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him. (2Corinthians 1:4)

 

I pulled out my Magnificat, read the day's Mass Readings, and then took a look at the meditation. I have to admit, I will often look at the author of the meditations. Sometimes I'll read it and sometimes I won't, based on who wrote it. The meditation on that day was from Mother Agnes of  Jesus who is St. Therese's (of Lisieux) sister Pauline. My mom had a devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux so this meditation intrigued me. Man, am I glad I read it! 

Let us not ask Jesus that suffering or some events should not make us tremble—for that might perhaps

be a useful humiliation—but that we may always follow him step by step; and if we are so weak that we

run away for a time, that our hearts may remain united to him in continual prayer and confidence, and that we may come back to him without delay. Never doubt his love and mercy, for that wounds him to the heart...

 He must therefore know that we are weak, that our exile is painful, that even the most strongly established virtue can fail, and that often everything around us seems to combine to make us weep,

seeing that we no longer have the strength to row because the wind is against us. He comes to us in the night of trial. We must do our best simply and humbly. How beautiful it is, it is everything—littleness, the spirit of childhood, humility. Let us ask just for these virtues at Jesus’ crib. He will give them to us, and we shall be as happy as is possible in the land of exile and then go straight to heaven. You have only to acknowledge in the depths of your heart that you are unworthy of so many blessings

and immediately you will be pure. “O my God, make me more and more aware of my weakness, but at the same time of your divine strength.”

Mother Agnes of Jesus, o.c.d.

Mother Agnes of Jesus († 1951) was the sister of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and prioress at the Carmel of Lisieux for over fifty years.

There are moments when I just want to run away. I just want to be left alone and not have to face what is to come. I want to run away to Ireland and hide out in the countryside. I heard a song about a week ago; these verses really hit home for me:

To run and hide would be so easy

You don't wanna stay and fight

If you don't give yourself completely

You won't get to see the beauty

Waiting on the other side

It's gonna take some time

Healing always does

Embrace the road you're walking

Be patient with the process

You're gonna make it out alive

I'm getting constant reminders that God is here with me. He's giving me what I need when I need it. Running away isn't an option. Instead of "Godwinks", He is sending me "heavenly hugs" just when I need them. God is good all the time; All the time, God is good.

Do You See Angels During Mass?

Photo Credit

I have a friend who, during daily meditations, asks Jesus where they shall go on that day. I have to admit, I envy her. Jesus has taken her by the hand and taken her places. He has spoken to her.  I've tried to quiet myself and go on journeys with Him. One morning, after the Liturgy of the Hours, I closed my eyes and asked Jesus where we were going to go today (just as my friend does). At first, I thought He was taking me to a garden, but then I realized He took me The Oratory in Rock Hill, SC. While I have fond memories of The Oratory, it's not a place I think of often. It definitely was not on my mind that morning. "Why here?", I asked. He gently said, "Because this is where you first saw the angels during Mass."

I am definitely not a visionary, nor am I a mystic. I do have an incredible imagination, and I do believe that imagining Angels on the altar is God's way of letting all of us see them. I chatted with a friend from Rock Hill the day before, but she is not Catholic. The Oratory and the parishes in that town did not even enter my mind. I truly believe Jesus put those words in my head.

The priests at the parishes I attended while living in that town are Oratorians. The Oratory is a peaceful oasis in the middle of town, full of trees and beautiful meditation gardens. The Chapel is small and rather rustic. It was on that altar that I saw the angels on the altar during Consecration.

Do you see angels during Mass? I went through a period when I didn't see the angels; however, I've begun to quietly pray for the Holy Spirit to help me see them, not only on the altar but in the whole church. The devil tries to distract us during that holiest of holy moment during Mass, but our guardian angels are right beside us, keeping us on track. It was revealed to St. Mechtilde that three thousand Angels from the choir of Thrones are ever in devout attendance around every Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. (From Catholic Tradition) Three thousand! Can you imagine? I know someone who said she asks God to allow her to just hear the wings...just once. It struck me that she will never hear them...they are too still with their worship to have any kind of movement. That is definitely something we should strive for during Mass. 

Recently, Fr. Josh Johnson mentioned a YouTube clip in his podcast. I went to the show notes and found the link. I think it is extremely powerful and will change the way you view not only the Consecration, but the entire Mass:

Daily Mass at my parish is very intimate. It is held in the Daily Chapel, which also doubles as the Adoration Chapel. The altar is "up close and personal". When I am able to go, I see most of the same people. I remember when I was in high school I went once to Mass during the week. There was one family in attendance, and when I walked in they all turned around and stared at me. I didn't go again until after I was married and a mother and living in Rock Hill, SC. Yes, when I went to Daily Mass it was held at The Oratory. 

I stumbled across this prayer a few years ago. I tucked it in my planner so I could say it during the "Moment of Silence" at school. Sad to say, it rarely is recited because once I'm at work I dive into what needs to be done. I definitely need to do better!

Send Your Angel to Holy Mass

O, holy angel at my side, 

go to the church for me.

Kneel in my place at Holy Mass,

Where I desire to be.

At Offertory in my stead,

take all I am and own,

and place it as a sacrifice

upon the altar throne.

At holy consecration's bell, 

adore with seraph's love,

my Jesus, hidden in the Host,

come down from heaven above.

And when the priest Communion takes,

O, bring my Lord to me,

that his sweet heart may rest on mine,

and I his temple be.

Then pray for those I dearly love,

and those who cause me grief,

Jesus' love may cleanse all hearts

and suffering should relieve.

Pray that this sacrifice divine,

may mankind's sin's efface,

then bring me Jesus' blessing home,

the pledge of every grace. Amen

---Author Unknown

(For your printable copy, please click here.)

I challenge everyone who reads this to ask your Guardian Angel to help you stay focused during Mass so you can see Angels, too.