“[God] assures us repeatedly in the Scriptures what he will do with our sins if we repent. He will throw them into the bottom of the sea, the inspired prophet tells us (Mic 7:19).” –Mother Mary Francis of Our Lady, P.C.C. (+ 2006)
Intention: Lord, please give us fair and honest elections.
Saturday: In Favor of God’s Will
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be
done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed
from her.
—Luke 1:38
Reflection:
The Father’s plan of redemption all depended on Christ, and
Christ’s coming to earth all depended on Mary. It was a plan
for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in
heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:10). We can imagine how
all creation was somehow touched in some mysterious way by
Mary’s conceiving Jesus Christ in her womb on the day of the
annunciation.
Prayer:
Mary’s “yes” changed the whole course of humanity in favor of
God’s Will. Dear Mary, Queen of Peace, please keep praying
for peace on our earth, so that all mankind hungers and thirsts
for God’s presence within. Amen.
Saturday: Joy of His Presence
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
—Luke 1:44
Reflection:
Jubilation was the emblem of Mary’s greeting to Elizabeth,
when John in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy, because of the
presence of Our Lord in Mary’s womb.
Prayer:
Like John, the presence of Christ inside of me causes me to leap
for joy. Lord Jesus, please aid all those who are lonely to feel the
joy of Your presence today. Help them to know that they are
not alone, nor have they ever been alone! Amen.
Saturday: Good News
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim
to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For
today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who
is Messiah and Lord.”
—Luke 2:10–11
Reflection:
Happiness and joy filled Bethlehem that night when Jesus was
born, while the angels proclaimed to the shepherds that there
was good news of unending joy.
Prayer:
Jesus was born in a lowly stable, and yet the angel proclaimed
that His birth was wonderful, joyful and desirable news. Lord
Jesus, Joy of the Angels, help me to remember that no matter
what is happening in my earthly life, there is always good news:
You are here with me. Amen.
Saturday: Jesus’s destiny
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
of Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
(And you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of
many hearts may be revealed.
—Luke 2:35
Reflection:
At the presentation in the temple, both joyful and sorrowful
events unfold. Simeon finally was able to see the Christ Child,
as had been foretold to him so long before. But also, he predicted
that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction and that His mother’s
heart would be pierced.
Prayer:
From the time Jesus was born, His destiny was to die for us
all. Heavenly Father, please make all Christians one, as Jesus
prayed for and dearly wanted so long ago. Help them to focus on
the commonalities between them rather than their differences.
Amen.
Saturday: Living the Virtues
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you
not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did
not understand what he said to them.
—Luke 2:49–50
Reflection:
Happiness and sorrow also mix in the events of the finding of
the Child Jesus in the temple. On the one hand, we see the
miracle of Jesus conversing with the scholars of the law, even
at such a young age. On the other hand, we see Mary’s and
St. Joseph’s worry and concern about their Child’s putting the
Father’s business before all other concerns—even them.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, assist me to follow You by living the virtues of
prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance—even when it is
unpopular to do so, or when others simply wouldn’t understand.
Amen.
