When Jesus was in the temple discussing doctrine with the doctors of the Old Testament, He must have discussed the passages that admonish us to love our neighbors as ourselves. He and his wonderful mother sacrificed their lives so that this message could be spread to every corner of the world. We owe so much to them — and to the Prophets who first wrote about this in the Old Testament.
Intention: In Jesus’ mighty name: I will overcome every obstacle; I’m shaking off every disappointment; and, I’m shaking off every setback.
Saturday: Redeemed
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
He had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might
be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the
sins of the people.
—Hebrews 2:17
Reflection:
Mary accepted the call to divine maternity, becoming the
mother of God, so that all of us could become adopted children
of God through her Son Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on
the Cross.
Prayer:
Dear Blessed Mother, I shall be ever grateful to you, who
sacrificed the quality of your life so that we could be redeemed
through your Son. Pray for me to acquire the virtues of charity
and humility, and so follow in your footsteps and in the footsteps
of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday: Reunion
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one
has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you,
so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the
bond of perfection.
—Colossians 3:12–14
Reflection:
As we meditate on this mystery, we may realize that in emulating
Mary’s charitable visit to Elizabeth, we too are called to reunion
with everyone with whom we have ties – ties of being our
relatives, ties of being our neighbors, ties of being in the same
nation and ties of even just being in the same world. We are
called to unity and charity with everyone, even those who
consider themselves our “enemies.” Even if we never even speak
to them again in this life, we can at least pray for them.
Prayer:
Heart of Jesus, Full of Goodness and Love, help me to attain
the lofty and worthwhile goal of having universal charity for
everyone—through forgiveness if necessary—and of praying for
them (even my enemies). Amen.
Saturday: Jesus Seeks Us
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them
the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem
and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you
have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him
homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And
behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star.
—Matthew 2:7–10
Reflection:
The magi represent all the peoples of the earth – Europeans,
Americans, Asians, Africans, Australians – all who seek Jesus
from afar to come bend their knees to his manger in adoration,
as He seeks them afar with his eyes as a Babe, as if looking
deeply into the future and deeply into the past, to envelop them
all with His love and to give them the gift of His forgiveness
and redemption.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, please be with all the babies in the world, and
give them Your joy and love. Give their parents the grace of
knowing You and loving You, so they can bring their children
up with Christian values. Amen.
Saturday: Jesus Came for All
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
Devote your hearts and souls to seeking the Lord your God.
—1 Chronicles 22:19
Reflection:
In this mystery, we contemplate the Baby Jesus being offered
at the temple in accordance with Jewish Law. It was as if the
Old Testament was meeting the New, that day. He came
for the Israelites as well as the Gentiles, kings as well as
peasants—everybody.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for all people who are seeking You but do not know
how to find You. Aid them in locating You, Jesus—their true
answer in life. Amen.
Saturday: Wisdom and Knowledge
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart.
Though you may have to reprove your fellow man, do not incur
sin because of him. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge
against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor
as yourself. I am the Lord.
—Leviticus 19:17–18
Reflection:
Jesus, only twelve-years-old, disappeared and was found three
days later amongst the doctors of the Old Testament Law. They
probably discussed the above scripture from Leviticus and many
other critical passages from the scrolls of the Law and Prophets.
It was a considerable honor to hold discussions with the doctors
of the Law at that time, and so all the more special for a twelve-year-old boy to be holding them. In those days, wisdom and
knowledge were held in very high esteem.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for all those involved in research and education of
intellectual fields of study, that their efforts may lead to a kinder,
healthier and more humane society. Amen.
