“Everything is consummated on Calvary: the truth to which Jesus came to give testimony, the fire which he came to bring to earth, the life for which souls await hopefully.”  –Servant of God Luis Maria Martinez (+ 1956)

The truth inside of Jesus communicates to us and rings like a bell inside of us.

Intention:  I am anointed for this assignment (of my life).  I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.

Thursday: Be a Lamp
1st Luminous Mystery: The Baptism
of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture:
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been
none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom
of heaven is greater than he.
—Matthew 11:11
Reflection:
John the Baptist was a very unique man who lived in the
wilderness and ate locusts and wild honey. He was also a
prophet who lived and proclaimed the truth, from every part
of his being.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to follow in the footsteps of John the
Baptist—to be a lamp that shines the way to You, without
worrying about human respect. Amen.

Thursday: Virtue and Holiness
2nd Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Scripture:
When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him,
“They have no wine.”
—John 2:3
Reflection:
When Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, how does your
concern affect me?” (John 2:4), He really might have been
informing her that she must be the one to begin His ministry
in the world.
Prayer:
Jesus, take my natural human nature and turn it into virtue and
holiness, just as You turned water into wine. Amen.

Thursday: All Will Be Well
3rd Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation
of the Kingdom of Heaven
Scripture:
But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given you besides.
—Matthew 6:33
Reflection:
Even though people may not want to hear the truth, it is
important to tell them the truth in love, including the truth of
the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and His love for us.
Prayer:
As a disciple of You, Lord, I pray, aid me in finding the Kingdom
of God, and in having faith that all will be well. Amen.

Thursday: Direction and Guidance
4th Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Scripture:
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow
over them.
—Matthew 17:5
Reflection:
The disciples wanted the beauty of the bright cloud on the
mountaintop during the transfiguration to last forever. But
they had to descend into the valley and deal with the events of
Jesus’s passion. We must also come down from our mountaintop
experiences in the Holy Spirit, and come back into our everyday
lives.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, Good Shepherd, help me to look only to You for my
direction and guidance, whether I am in the valley or on the
mountaintop; whether I am in consolation or desolation. Amen.

Thursday: More and More Like Jesus
5th Luminous Mystery: The Institution
of the Holy Eucharist
Scripture:
He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with
you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it [again] until
there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
—Luke 22:15–16
Reflection:
Jesus humbled Himself by allowing His glorious substance to be
contained in a little piece of bread, so that we could take Him
inside of ourselves.
Prayer:
The Holy Eucharist makes it possible for us to become more
and more like Jesus every time we partake of it. Heart of Jesus,
Tabernacle of the Most High, spread Your Holy Spirit across the
world through the communion of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Amen.

“When this day is cast aside, and that terrible night comes, or rather day — night indeed for sinners, but day for the righteous — when the play is ended, when the masks are removed, when each person is judged with his works, not each person with his wealth, not each person with his office, not each person with his authority not each person with his power, but each person with his works, whether he is a ruler or a king, a woman or a man, when he requires an account of our life and our good deeds, not the weight of our reputation… when the masks are removed, then the truly rich and the truly poor are revealed.”   –Saint John Chrysostom (+ 407)

If I try my hardest to be a true Christian in thought, word and action in this life, the crown of righteousness will await me!

Intention:  Lord, please bless America.  Please bless America!

Wednesday: Sea of Love
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s
dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and
they will be his people and God himself will always be with
them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain,
[for] the old order has passed away.”
—Revelation 21:3–4
Reflection:
When we leave this life, all of our sufferings, difficulties and
tribulations will appear to be surreal, compared to the beautiful
appearance of Jesus, Who will be awaiting us in the next life.
Prayer:
If it please God, I look forward to being in heaven one day, and
being in a sea of love – loving and being loved by all, including
Jesus. Lord, infuse Your love into all families, so that divisions
no longer exist within them, but only love. Amen.

Wednesday: Invisible Realms
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
Behold, the kingdom of God is among you.
—Luke 17:21
Reflection:
Jesus has ascended and sits at the right hand of the Father.
He consoles us when we can sense His presence within us.
When we cannot sense His presence, could it be that we are
consoling Him?
Prayer:
Lord, grant me a deep trust in You—that You are always with
me in the invisible realms, and that I am never alone, even when
I cannot feel You. Amen.

Wednesday: Courageous
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be
dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.
—Joshua 1:9
Reflection:
When the gifts of the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the
disciples, there was a pronounced change in the disciples,
whereby timid men became courageous. And though it was
dangerous to do so, they proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven
in Jesus’s name.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth and Wisdom, bestow upon our civic
leaders Your gifts of wisdom, prudence, patience and love, that
they may be dedicated to carrying out merciful justice in all
their duties. Amen.

Wednesday: Thoughts,
Words and Actions
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Scripture:
You are the glory of Jerusalem,/ the surpassing joy of Israel;/
You are the splendid boast of our people.
—Judith 15:9
Reflection:
The Blessed Virgin Mary is interceding for us here, while
she is in heaven cheering us on with her love and care. She
understands all that we are up against, and is praying for us to
withstand all that would cause us to slip away from our virtue.
Prayer:
Dear Mother Mary, Shrine of the Spirit, show me how to
keep my thoughts, words and actions in line with being a true
Christian. Amen.

Wednesday: Heavenly Intercession
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Scripture:
I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of
my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished
the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of
righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will
award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who
have longed for his appearance.
—2 Timothy 4:6–8
Reflection:
The Blessed Mother’s humility was so exceptional that it
filled the angels with astonishment and perplexed the haughty
demons. Her excellence and virtue are manifested now in her
reign as Queen of Heaven and Earth, and she is on our side.
Prayer:
Dearest Mother, you watch over and encourage all of us, as a
doting mother does. Inspire many people to come to the faith
through your heavenly and motherly intercession. Amen.

“Mary in her turn has loved God and souls to the extent of delivering up her Son, Jesus, on Calvary.  She is in consequence all-powerful with God the Father and with Jesus to obtain all that is necessary for the salvation of those who turn to her mediation.”  –Father Reginald Garrigou-LaGrange, O.P.  (+1964)

Our Lady accepted her cross; do I accept mine?

Intention:   Lord, I thank You that wherever I go this day, You and Your angels will be with me. Thank You for the peace, love and security You promise.

Tuesday: Use My Suffering
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death.
Remain here and keep watch with me.”
—Matthew 26:38
Reflection:
Jesus gave us an example of what to do when suffering shows up:
submission, charity, and offering the suffering up to the Father.
In accepting the Father’s will, He trusted that everything would
work out well in the end.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, when I have to be in pain, please accept my suffering
and use it to purify the church and protect the Holy Father.
Amen.

Tuesday: Cover With Your Blood
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you
want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!”
—Matthew 27:21
Reflection:
In the scourging at the pillar, Jesus suffered excruciating pain
because of the whips, but He also probably suffered humiliation
as people looked on with bemused expressions on their faces.
Prayer:
Precious Blood of Christ, Price of Our Salvation, please cover
me, to heal my hurts, inadequacies and sins. Amen.

Tuesday: Substandard Human Rights
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
[Even] Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and
mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he
sent him back to Pilate.
—Luke 23:11
Reflection:
We often think that our own cross is too heavy to carry for
even one more day. But all we have to do is think of how Jesus
was crowned with thorns after being scourged, to realize that
we can endure a lot more than we think, if we take Him as our
example and model.
Prayer:
Lord, please comfort and protect those who are imprisoned
because of their faith beliefs in countries with substandard
human rights. Free them, O Lord, from unjust religious laws.
Amen.

Tuesday: Crosses Allowed by God
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed,
but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck
down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the
dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested
in our body.
—2 Corinthians 4:8–10
Reflection:
We might have sometimes thought that the cross was destined
for Jesus alone, and not for us. But salvation does not mean a
release from suffering. Rather, it gives value to our suffering.
Prayer:
Dear Father, please motivate me to accept my cross as if it comes
directly from You, and to trust that value will come out of it. I
don’t have to understand how now; I only need to trust. Amen.

Tuesday: Pardon My Enemies
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father
will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will
your Father forgive your transgressions.
—Matthew 6:14–15
Reflection:
Jesus is the model we should follow regarding forgiveness of
enemies. He forgave those who killed Him, while on the Cross.
Yet it is so hard for us to do the same. Could it be that we
have trouble forgiving ourselves, and that is the reason for our
insufficient charity toward our neighbors?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please give me the compassion to pardon myself as
well as my enemies, and to persevere to the end in offering up
sacrifices, for the sake of all souls and peace on earth, until I
die. Amen.

“Knowing our spiritual needs and even the temporal needs which are connected with our salvation, Mary is obviously impelled by her great charity to intercede for us.”  –Father Reginald Garrigou-LaGrange, O.P. (+ 1964)

Our Lady is very generous toward us because she truly, truly loves us so much.

Intention:  I praise You, Lord, that You’re greater than any trouble I might encounter in life; you are bigger than any problem I could possibly have.

Monday: Vocations to Religious Life
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love
covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without
complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one
another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
—1 Peter 4:8–10
Reflection:
When the shadow of iniquity was upon the human race, the
Blessed Virgin Mary’s charity and meekness motivated the
Father to send the Angel Gabriel to her, asking that very special
question, to which she responded, “Yes.”
Prayer:
Dear Father, please grant that many young people may consider
vocations to the religious life, that they may lead lives of
service and prayer, and be examples to the world of virtue and
generosity. Amen.

Monday: Magnify the Lord
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by
the Lord would be fulfilled.
—Luke 1:45
Reflection:
The Blessed Virgin Mary hurried to visit her cousin Elizabeth,
to assist her during her time of pregnancy, even though she
herself was still probably very much in awe of what the angel
had just told her. Still, she magnified the Lord in all her words
and in her help for Elizabeth.
Prayer:
Dear Mother Mary, please assist me to magnify the Lord also,
by living out the virtues as best I can today. Amen.

Monday: Jesus in the Poor
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his
mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh.
—Matthew 2:11
Reflection:
God works in mysterious ways. For example, the Messiah—the
Heavenly King come down to save the world—was born in
great humility in a dank and cold cave. Then the Magi found
Him and showered Him with extremely costly gifts.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, I ask You for the wisdom
to see You in the faces of the poor and lonely – those who have
nothing to offer me (in the world’s eyes). Amen.

Monday: Intellectual Challenges
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer,/ My God, my rock
of refuge,/ my shield, my saving horn, my stronghold!
—Psalm 18:3
Reflection:
What a mystery Jesus’s mission must have seemed to Mary,
when she handed him to be prophesied over by Simeon. What
a sense of responsibility she and St. Joseph must have had, to be
the protector of that mission. They trusted in God’s wisdom
and power, concerning the path that was ahead of them. God
was their rock of refuge.
Prayer:
Some children in the womb are particularly vulnerable to being
aborted before they come to term. In particular, children with
intellectual challenges are chosen by the Father to achieve
important work for the Kingdom, but in secret. Dear Lord,
please give courage to the parents of children with intellectual
challenges, and help them to accept and recognize their
children’s gifts and talents. Amen.

Monday: Family Anxiety
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
All who heard him were astounded at his understanding and
his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished.
—Luke 2:47–48
Reflection:
The Blessed Mother was, most likely, in a seriously anxious state
for three days. She must have been wondering about what had
happened to her precious Son.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, when my family is torn apart by anxiety, dissention
and anger, please spread Your love and forgiveness over us like
a healing mist, so that we may find harmony with each other,
once again. Amen.

“Personal prayer is, of course important, indeed indispensable, but the Lord guarantees his presence to the community — even if it is very small — which is united in agreement, because this reflects the very reality of the Triune God, perfect communion of love.”  — Pope Benedict XVI (+ 2022)

When we pray to Him, He will listen to us.  Hallelujah!

Intention:  I call in healing and righteousness for America.

Sunday: Deliver Me
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
Scripture:
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
—Matthew 28:1
Reflection:
Jesus empowers us as His followers; He gives us victory over sin
and death through His passion and resurrection.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, please deliver me from evil and sin, and reawaken
in me Your love, joy and peace. Amen.

Sunday: Bolder Trust
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
Scripture:
[Jesus] said to them [the eleven], “Go into the whole world
and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be
condemned.”
—Mark 16:15–16
Reflection:
After the resurrection, Jesus gave the apostles the joy of
experiencing His presence for forty days in His glorified body.
After the ascension, we remain in union with Him through the
wonderful gift of the Holy Eucharist.
Prayer:
Dear Mary, Gate of Heaven, please pray for me to have a bolder
trust and hope in Jesus. Amen.

Sunday: Pure Love
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord,
plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future
full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I
will listen to you.
—Jeremiah 29:11–12
Reflection:
When the Consoler makes His home inside of us, He gives us
His strength, heals us and guides us. Everything becomes better.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, please increase within me Your pure love. May
all those suffering from depression experience Your love and
peace. Amen.

Sunday: Immaculate Heart
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
Scripture:
The Lord is my strength and my shield,/ in whom my heart
trusted and found help./ So my heart rejoices;/ with my song
I praise my God.
—Psalm 28:7
Reflection:
In heaven, Mary is always praying to God for us, her children,
to be strong and shielded from all harm.
Prayer:
Dear Mary, I give your Immaculate Heart my sincere devotion.
Please pray for my fears to be calmed, for my concerns in life to
be taken care of, and through your intercession help me attain
the gift of heaven. Amen.

Sunday: Confidence
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Scripture:
Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to
win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
—1 Corinthians 9:25
Reflection:
Our Blessed Mother is in heaven, but she is also a Queen, and
so when we pray the Rosary, we should have confidence that
what we are praying for will come to us in God’s timing, if it
is God’s will.
Prayer:
Dear Mary, Queen Raised Up to Glory, please pray for harmony
among the nations and peoples of the world. Amen.

“The Apostle Paul says that the whole Law of God finds fullness in love, so that in our relationships with others the Ten Commandments and every other precept are summed up in these words: Love your neighbor as yourself.”   –Pope Benedict XVI (+ 2022)

We have to say “YES” to all the things of love in order to follow Jesus Christ: including forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness.

Intention:   I have my trust and confidence in Almighty God.  He is my source.

Saturday: Completed
the Father’s Will
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
You guide me along the right path/ for the sake of your name.
—Psalm 23:3
Reflection:
With Mary’s “yes” she completed the Father’s will. She will be
blessed forever, because she embraced God’s will.
Prayer:
Father, as I walk the dusty roads of life, give me the unselfishness
to be obedient to Your will every step of the way. Amen.

Saturday: Carrying Jesus to Others
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back.
—Ezekiel 34:16
Reflection:
Mary carried Jesus, God Incarnate, in her womb, to visit
Elizabeth, seeking her out for the love of neighbor.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to carry Jesus to others, in imitation of Mary.
Give me a simple smile for others, or the answer to someone’s
question about the faith or a listening ear. Amen.

Saturday: Adoring Jesus
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
The angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds] and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck
with great fear.
—Luke 2:9
Reflection:
The Word Incarnate was born into the world and laid in a
manger where Mother Mary, St. Joseph and the shepherds
adored Him.
Prayer:
Dearest Mother Mary and St. Joseph, assist me, through your
intercession, in doing my best to imitate you and the shepherds
by simply adoring Jesus, and thereby recognizing Him as Our
Lord and Savior. Amen.

Saturday: Accepting
Divine Appointments
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said
about him.
—Luke 2:33
Reflection:
Simeon gave his prophecy about Mary’s being pierced by a
sword in recognition that serving God would not always be
easy.
Prayer:
Lord, encourage me to listen to Your still, small voice, and to
accept Your divine appointments in my life. Amen.

Saturday: Safety Net
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek
me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the
Lord.
—Jeremiah 29:13–14
Reflection:
We often get off track spiritually, and Jesus can seem far away
from us. But He died to make sure that He would be available
to us always, if we would only seek Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, assist me in remembering You, and Your safety net of
divine love. Teach me to turn to You even in my darkest
moments. Amen.

“Perhaps it was on old-fashioned faith.  It centered for these people in the Church and the sacraments, in devotions and novenas and prayers.  Perhaps it wasn’t too sophisticated…  But it was a faith that had been tested and purified in the fire of constant low-keyed persecution, had been attacked and ridiculed by atheist propagandists on all sides and on every level — and it had survived.”  –Servant of God Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. (+ 1984)

Jesus, Himself, relied on intense prayer too.  Why should we be any different?

Intention:   Thank You, Lord, that I am full of Your wisdom.  Thank You that I am well able to do what You have called me to do.

Friday: Strengthen
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you
may not undergo the test.”
—Luke 22:40
Reflection:
When Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father in the Garden
of Gethsemane, He took His own earlier advice and found
strength in God through prayer and reflection.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please aid me in my most distressing times to
keep doing Your will, so that I can be assured that I will be
strengthened by You. Amen.

Friday: Accepting Insults
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
No weapon fashioned against you shall prevail;/ every tongue
you shall prove false that launches an accusation against you./
This is the lot of the servants of the Lord,/ their vindication
from me, says the Lord.
—Isaiah 54:17
Reflection:
It is disturbing to envision Jesus’s tormenters laughing at Him,
and whipping Him again and again as He bled. But it is valuable
to think of this, to remind us of how much He paid for us.
Prayer:
Jesus Christ, I ask for the ability to accept every insult I receive
for the love of You. When others are thoughtless toward me,
help it to roll off of me and instead to focus on Your love. Amen.

Friday: He Loves Me
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
But [Pilate] said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only
shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!”
—Matthew 27:23
Reflection:
Again, it is disturbing but valuable to envision the humiliations
that Jesus suffered when He was crowned with thorns. If He,
who was sinless, underwent such suffering, why would we
think that we should be spared all suffering in our lives?
Prayer:
Lord, when something humiliating comes my way, help me to
meditate on Your suffering, accept what happened and call to
my mind how much You love me – remembering that nothing
will ever stop You from loving me. Amen.

Friday: Accept Cross Willingly
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to
be executed.
—Luke 23:32
Reflection:
It is sobering to think of the agony that Jesus and His Mother
Mary must have experienced together when their eyes met on
His way to Calvary as He – bruised and wounded—carried the
heavy Cross.
Prayer:
Dear Mother Mary, Vessel of Selfless Devotion, please pray for
me to accept my cross willingly, and for Jesus to assist me in
carrying it, also. Amen.

Friday: Replace My Pride
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
Love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
—Psalm 32:10
Reflection:
When Jesus entrusted His Mother to John while on the Cross,
He was giving her to all of us, too. He wants us to depend on
her and to love her, as He loves her.
Prayer:
Dearest Mother Mary, through your intercession, let me love
Jesus with your heart, and please replace my pride with your
humility. Amen.

“How could you explain such faith in a country where atheism and fear were the order of the day?  There was no explanation except the traditional one: such faith was a gift from God, as faith always is.  God was a reality for these people, a reality they clung to and placed ahead of all other personal considerations.”  –Servant of God Walter J. Ciszek, S.J. (+ 1984)

It is my commitment to my relationship with Jesus that will get me through any situation.

Intention:  Thank You God that You’re in control.  Thank You that You’re working behind the scenes.

Thursday: The Strong Man
1st Luminous Mystery: The Baptism
of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture:
But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he
takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the
spoils.
—Luke 11:22
Reflection:
In Jesus’s baptism, He descended into the dwelling of Satan and
fought with the “strong man” spoken of in Luke 11:21-22. Jesus
was stronger than Satan and was able to take our sins upon His
shoulders and release us from the power of Satan.
Prayer:
Jesus was baptized in order to demonstrate that we start our
Christian journey through baptism. As part of my baptismal
promises, I reject Satan and all his works and empty promises.
Amen.

Thursday: Jesus’s Abundant Giving
2nd Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Scripture:
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial
washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons.
—John 2:6
Reflection:
Jesus generously turned the water to fine wine at the wedding
feast at Cana. This was a sign that God’s feast table was spread,
to begin sharing the abundance of blessings that Jesus had to
give us.
Prayer:
The messianic time, when God’s wedding celebration began,
started with Your coming, dear Jesus. Please give me an
awareness of Your abundance of blessings and help me to be
grateful always. Amen.

Thursday: Communion With Jesus
3rd Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation
of the Kingdom of Heaven
Scripture:
Through him was life,/ and this life was the light of the human
race;/ the light shines in the darkness,/ and the darkness has
not overcome it.
—John 1:4–5
Reflection:
This new Kingdom of which Jesus spoke is so near to us because
it is located in Jesus Himself, and Jesus is with us. It can be found
in the here-and-now of time and space; that is always where
God operates. Now that Jesus has come, God can function in
the world in a whole new way.
Prayer:
Communion with Jesus is the key to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, help me to keep my focus in
the light of the here-and-now, where You reside. I know that
my relationship with You is the most important relationship of
my life. Amen.

Thursday: Light-being
4th Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Scripture:
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not
be afraid.”
—Matthew 17:7
Reflection:
The transfiguration vividly showed the disciples what transpired
when Jesus prayed to His Father: His face changed and His
clothes became dazzling white. It was as if He became light
itself.
Prayer:
Jesus, after Peter confessed that You were “the Son of the
living God” (Matthew 16:16), You showed him Your “Light-Being” (Matthew 17:1–8). Please give me a little glimpse of
Your “Light-Being,” also. Amen.

Thursday: Total Gift of Himself
5th Luminous Mystery: The Institution
of the Holy Eucharist
Scripture:
When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles.
—Luke 22:14
Reflection:
Jesus gave His total self – His Body, His Blood – for the
atonement of all sin, for all time. However, beforehand, He
instituted the Holy Eucharist, instructing His disciples at the
Last Supper to “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19).
Prayer:
We, the many, partake of Christ’s Body and His Blood, as the
Sacrament that is the source and summit of our faith. Heavenly
Father, help me to be truly grateful for the Blessed Sacrament,
which is Jesus’s Body and Blood. Amen.

“The Creator chose to become a creature, one with us like us, to be dependent on others, to need food to eat, clothes to wear, drink to quench his thirst, to need rest, to be tired like us…  One with us in all things: Why?  For love of us, with unconditional trust in the Father.”  –Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) (+ 1997)

It is like Jesus saw us all drowning down here on earth, and he chose to jump off his bridge to rescue us.

Intention:  Lord, please bless the world with peace on earth. I expect the earth to be at peace – true peace, like that which we experience on Christmas Day, in Jesus’ name and in His mighty power!  I thank You God ahead of time for this!

Wednesday: New Kind of Existence
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
And behold, Jesus met them [the women] on their way and
greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did
him homage.
—Matthew 28:9
Reflection:
Jesus’s resurrection was more than just an isolated event that
happened long ago in human history. It was an event that points
to a possibility of a new way of life – a life not subject only to
birth, life and death, but one that extends into eternity with
the Lord. It opened up a new kind of existence for all mankind.
Prayer:
Oh, dear Jesus, help me to understand the significance of Your
resurrection, as the institution of a new kind of transforming
reality for all mankind – that we have immortal lives to lead
after this journey here is over. Amen.

Wednesday: Ever-present
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
You heard me tell you, “I am going away and I will come back
to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to
the Father; for the Father is greater than I.
—John 14:28
Reflection:
Jesus has gone to the Father, and thus is closer to us now than
when He was in the world. This is because He is not in any
one particular place anymore (as when He walked the world),
but is now side by side with the Father, and present in all time
and space, in power. This is why we should rejoice that Jesus
has ascended.
Prayer:
Jesus, I am sure that I can reach out to You in my prayers, talk to
You about my life and concerns and ask You for Your assistance,
because You are ever-present to me where You exist with the
Father. I thank You, I praise You, and I bless You. Amen.

Wednesday: Footsteps of Jesus
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together
with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his
brothers.
—Acts 1:14
Reflection:
Our Blessed Mother kept the faith all through the passion and
resurrection, and then in the midst of the disciples when they all
prayed for the Holy Spirit to come to them. She was a spiritual
Mother to the disciples then and to us now.
Prayer:
Dear Mother Mary, pray for me to have faith, to love like you
love and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday: Love and Peace
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Scripture:
“There is one small favor I would ask of you,” she said. “Do
not refuse me.” “Ask it, my mother,” the king said to her, “for
I will not refuse you.”
—1 Kings 2:20
Reflection:
Jesus will always give His fiat to the requests of Mary, His
mother. It seems as though the woman of Revelation Chapter
12, seen as an image of the Blessed Mother, is defenseless
compared to the dragon, who is so strong and vicious. But
the woman has God on her side, and God is stronger than the
dragon. God is love in the world. Love seems defenseless, and
yet it is love that wins in the end.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to let love and peace have their way with me
today, through the intercession of Mary, who is the Queen of
Peace, and who dwells in heaven. Amen.

Wednesday: Closer to Jesus
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Scripture:
Nations shall behold your vindication,/ and all kings your
glory;/ You shall be called by a new name/ pronounced by the
mouth of the Lord./ You shall be a glorious crown in the hand
of the Lord,/ a royal diadem held by your God.
—Isaiah 62:2–3
Reflection:
Mary is a mother to us because she is kind, she has a sympathetic
and loving nature and she is always interested in helping to
fulfill the needs of her children. This is why we call her our
Advocate. We can always ask for her intercession.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Queen of Apostles and Martyrs, I entrust my
guidance to you, and I know that I am never alone. Pray for me
to become closer to Jesus. Amen.

“He had come to give us the Good News of the tenderness and love of a Father — to whom we are precious because he has created us in his own likeness for greater things — to love and to be loved.”  –Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) (+ 1997)

Jesus came down to earth to convey the Father’s love for us, despite knowing that He would be rejected and killed for it.

Intention:   Lord, please make America 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. I thank You God ahead of time for this.

Tuesday: Drowsy Disciple
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be
troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, “My soul is
sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch.”
—Mark 14:33–34
Reflection:
Jesus called His disciples to be vigilant in the face of the evil
coming on the evening of Holy Thursday. But instead, they
succumbed to their drowsiness. Down through the centuries, it
has been the drowsiness of man that has allowed evil to thrive,
while man sleeps unaware.
Prayer:
Human beings would rather tell themselves that some things
cannot be as evil as they appear to be, which is one way of
remaining drowsy. Jesus, please prevent me from becoming a
drowsy disciple. Amen.

Tuesday: Barbaric Punishment
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
—John 19:1
Reflection:
Scourging was a penalty that usually accompanied a death
sentence, but could also be a tool for law enforcement, as was
Jesus’s case. It was a barbaric punishment, allowing the ones who
did the scourging to continue until they grew tired themselves,
and the victim’s flesh was hanging down in shreds.
Prayer:
Dearest Lord Jesus, the fact that Simon of Cyrene had to help
You carry Your Cross, and the fact that You died so quickly on
the Cross, may be indications of how extreme the torture of the
scourging was for You. Send Your holy angels to watch over all
the soldiers in the world and keep them safe. Amen.

Tuesday: Son of Man
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From
now on you will see ‘the Son of Man/ seated at the right hand
of the Power’/ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
—Matthew 26:64
Reflection:
Those who mocked and beat Jesus felt invincible, because they
had Him in their power. It did not occur to them that with every
blow and every hateful derision, they were actually helping to
fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant and Daniel’s
prophecy of the Kingdom of the Son of Man.
Prayer:
My precious Jesus, there is a striking juxtaposition between
Your suffering when You were crowned with thorns, and the
Kingdom of God You were creating simultaneously for our
benefit. Help me to understand the mystery of this. Amen.

Tuesday: Take Up the Cross
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I
give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can
take them out of my hand.
—John 10:27–28
Reflection:
Mary gave her fiat to God to do what He willed. Likewise, we
must recognize that God has mysteriously linked the Way of
the Cross to our salvation, and give Him our fiat as well. If and
when the cross comes our way, we strive to accept it as best we
can, knowing that no one can take us out of Jesus’s hand.
Prayer:
Dear Mary, Virgin Gentle in Mercy, please pray for me to take
up my cross daily and follow Jesus, with obedience and with
love. Amen.

Tuesday: Psalm 22
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
Then I will proclaim your name to the assembly;/ in the
community I will praise you:/ “You who fear the Lord, give
praise!/ All descendants of Jacob, give honor;/ show reverence,
all descendants of Israel!/ For God has not spurned or disdained/
the misery of this poor wretch,/ Did not turn away from me,/
but heard me when I cried out./ I will offer praise in the great
assembly;/ my vows I will fulfill before those who fear him.
The poor will eat their fill;/ those who seek the Lord will offer
praise./ May your hearts enjoy life forever!”/ All the ends of the
earth/ will worship and turn to the Lord;/ All the families of
nations/ will bow low before you.
—Psalm 22:23–28
Reflection:
Psalm 22, written long before Jesus’s passion, prophesied so much
of what happened to Jesus: the scorn and mockery, the piercing
of His hands and feet, the thirst, the dividing up of His garments.
Yet when He quoted the first verse of Psalm 22, He was actually
referring to the entire psalm including the ending, where the
prayer would be answered, the great assembly would be restored
and all the ends of the earth would worship and turn to the Lord.
Prayer:
Jesus, please bless all those who practice Judaism, as people of
the covenant. Amen.