“God wills everyone to be saved (1 Tm 2:4), and as he created the world with the greatest ease by a simple word, so he can very easily justify a man in a moment, in the blink of an eye…. He very easily changed Thomas from a disbelieving and stubborn man into an apostle of the deepest and staunchest faith…. He came, although the doors were locked, because nothing can stand in the way of God’s power.” —Saint Lawrence of Brindisi (+ 1619)
Intention: Lord, please preserve our rights to meaningful representation in government, the right for free speech, the right for freedom of religion, the right for freedom of assembly, the right to bear arms, and having a country with firm borders.
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.
