“I beg you, for love of Christ crucified, let your soul’s eye be directed toward God in all that you do.” –Saint Catherine of Siena (+ 1380)
Intention: I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.
Monday: Humility
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a
town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man
named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name
was Mary.
—Luke 1:26–27
Reflection:
When the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary
with the news that she was to become the Mother of God, she
accepted the will of the Father by saying, “May it be done to
me according to your word.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Your Mother demonstrated
remarkable humility in setting aside her own life’s agenda and
accepting the Father’s will instead. Lead me into more complete
humility so that I start to view the humbling experiences of my
life as opportunities for greater holiness. Amen.
Monday: Love of Neighbor
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country
in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of
Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
—Luke 1:39–40
Reflection:
After Mary greeted Elizabeth, she said to Our Blessed Mother
that the Mother of her Lord had come to her. Then Mary said,
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices
in God my savior…” (Luke 1:46–47). This was the Magnificat!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your Mother displayed a deep quality of love of her
neighbor in the visitation by rushing to Elizabeth’s side to aid
her. Develop this same kind of love inside of me so that I can
more easily recognize opportunities to be of charitable service
to my acquaintances. Amen.
Monday: Detachment
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because
he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with
Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
—Luke 2:4–5
Reflection:
Mary gave birth to her baby, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in a humble
stable in Bethlehem at the first Christmas. St. Joseph tenderly
cared for them, and angels sang praises to the glory of God.
Prayer:
The holy family, in leaving hearth and home and delivering
the baby Jesus in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, showed that
detachment was deep within their character. Lord, take me on
the path of detachment from worldly possessions, in imitation
of them, so that I can adopt a simpler life and put You first in
my priorities. Amen.
Monday: Obedience
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
When the days were completed for their purification according
to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present
him to the Lord.
—Luke 2:22
Reflection:
In reverence to the law of Moses, St. Joseph and Mary brought
the Baby Jesus to present Him in the temple. The prophet
Simeon took Him in his arms, looked into His eyes, and said,
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, for my
eyes have seen your salvation…” (Luke 2:29–30).
Prayer:
St. Joseph and Mary went to the temple to present Jesus, out
of submission to God. Lord, increase in me an attitude of
obedience toward You, so that I do what I ought to do, when
I ought to do it. Amen.
Monday: Piety
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to
festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were
returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his
parents did not know it.
—Luke 2:41–43
Reflection:
Although St. Joseph and Mary were sorrowful for three days
searching for their Son, they were overjoyed when they found
Him in the temple; then He submitted to Mary’s request to
return home with them.
Prayer:
The Holy Family was so devout that they made an annual
journey from Nazareth to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship
God. Lord Jesus, deepen my own piety, so that I consider my
church and prayer lives to be more important than anything else
in my life. Remind me to keep my eyes always on You. Amen.
