There is a purity that comes upon us as we contemplate Jesus in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or in His sweet manger as a Babe, or as Simeon was gazing into His sweet eyes at the temple. He teaches us to be humble, and to perform the duties of our state in life, almost by osmosis – osmosis of His generous, pure Spirit.
Intention: Please make of us a nation that becomes like a shining city on a hill for the rest of the world, and inspires the world to become more just, kind, peaceful, free, and resistant of Communism.
Monday: I Love You
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. —John 1:9
Reflection: Imagining the annunciation, we can pretend that we are an invisible onlooker, watching with hushed awe as Our Lady says to the angel, “May it be done to me according to your word.”
Prayer: As I pray this decade of Hail Marys, I can also pray to little Baby Jesus in Mary’s womb, Light of the World, and tell Him, “I love You.” Amen.
Monday: Promise to Be Humble
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture: God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong. —1 Corinthians 1:27
Reflection: When Elizabeth gratefully greeted Mary and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (see Luke 1:42), the weak little infant in Elizabeth’s womb (John), trembled with joy.
Prayer: Mary was humble, whereas I tend to be proud sometimes; but I promise, Lord, to work at becoming humble. Amen.
Monday: The Babe
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture: But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah,/ too small to be among the clans of Judah,/ From you shall come forth for me/ one who is to be ruler in Israel;/ Whose origin is from of old,/ from ancient times. —Micah 5:1
Reflection: Imagining the nativity, we can pretend that we are a little friend of Mary’s in Bethlehem, and Mary does not mind if we take the Baby Jesus into our arms from time to time, and whisper loving things to Him, into His ears.
Prayer: Jesus, I imagine how beautiful You were as a little Babe, and I love You, there in the manger. I long to take care of Your needs. Amen.
Monday: Simeon’s Eyes
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture: Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it. —Luke 10:23–24
Reflection: Simeon told the Father that He could let him go in peace after seeing Jesus, because The Father had promised that he would see the Christ child before he died. How blessed were Simeon’s eyes.
Prayer: When I imagine the presentation in the temple, I can think about Mary—how she was still a virgin and did not, in actuality, need to submit to the Law of purification. But, she did so anyway as a sacrifice. If Mary felt like she needed to submit to the Law of purification, it is a hint to me of how much I need personal sanctification, also. Dear Heavenly Father, please purify me and make me holy for You. Amen.
Monday: Duty and Devotion
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture: May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon. —1 Kings 8:29–30
Reflection: Imagining the finding of the Child Jesus in the temple, we can envision that we are with the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, running from group to group in the caravan, searching for Jesus. And finding Him nowhere, we all cry together, out of a deep sense of loss and sorrow.
Prayer: Jesus, finding You in the temple, I am so impressed by Your deep devotion to Your Father’s House, and to Your duty to serve Your Father, that You would stay there for three days, away from Your family. Heart of Jesus, Obedient to Death, teach me to perform the duties of my state in life with the same devotion. Amen.
