“Whether I am in joy or in sorrow, Lord, may your Holy Name be blessed!  In suffering or in pleasure, may your Holy Name be blessed, O Lord!”   –Saint Mariam Baouardy (+ 1878)

When I offer up my sufferings for a holy cause (such as peace on earth), it has tremendous value.  The Lord can make such good come out of it.

Intention:   I’m expecting that no weapon formed against me will prosper.

Friday: Offering Suffering
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I
will, but as you will.”
—Matthew 26:39
Reflection:
Jesus Christ’s human nature shrank back from death; yet, His
divine nature was able to overcome His human nature and
accept the bittersweet consolation that, although He was about
to die, in so doing, He would fulfill the will of the Father.
Because He was God (as well as man), His suffering meant
eternal redemption for us all.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, I offer my sufferings and anxieties to You for
peace on earth, and for the salvation of souls. Even if my offering
is only a drop in Your ocean, I give it freely. Amen.

Friday: Destroy the Temple
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in
three days I will raise it up.”
—John 2:19
Reflection:
The witnesses at Jesus’s trial claimed that He said He would
destroy the temple, when, in fact, He said that they would
destroy it. They also claimed that He said that He would build
another temple, when in fact He said that He would raise it up
(meaning His Body).
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand human frailty and thereby transcend
my limitations. Amen.

Friday: Sorrow for Sins
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
And the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered
the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock
crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and
began to weep bitterly.
—Luke 22:61–62
Reflection:
Even though Peter denied that he was associated with Christ,
Jesus extended forgiveness and generosity toward him, just as
He did toward those who crucified Him. He made Peter “The
Rock,” even though he was a sinful man, so that later on we
would never despair of Jesus’s love and acceptance of us, no
matter what our sins were.
Prayer:
Sin always wounds people—in small ways and in large ways.
It is the sorrow I feel at my sins because they have wounded
others or myself that is the key to repentance, and the key
to forgiveness also. Jesus, please help me to understand the
healing power of forgiveness for myself and enable me to offer
forgiveness to those who hurt me. Amen.

Friday: Help to Carry
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who
was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and
Rufus, to carry his cross.
—Mark 15:21
Reflection:
It is beautiful to contemplate how Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus
carry His Cross. In fact, it naturally leads to our wanting to
imitate Simon by assisting our neighbors to carry their crosses
of grief or loneliness, if only just to listen to their story a little
while, to help them feel less alone in it.
Prayer:
There but for the grace of God go I; therefore, being conformed
to Christ’s mind, I must help my brothers and sisters in carrying
their crosses. Dear Heavenly Father, make my heart like Jesus’s
heart: full of compassion and love for my neighbor. Amen.

Friday: Ultimate Triumph
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli,
Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why
have you forsaken me?”
—Matthew 27:46
Reflection:
When Jesus quoted this, He was quoting the first line of Psalm
22—that in those days was a way of referring to the entire
psalm—that spoke of many aspects of His passion. And also,
at the end, it spoke of the ultimate triumph of the Lord and
deliverance of the descendants of Israel.
Prayer:
My Father, Who art in heaven, remind me that there is a
purpose in my sufferings, and use them to help to bring about
Your ultimate triumph on earth. Amen.

“Saint Bartholomew stands before us to tell us that attachment to Jesus can also be lived and witnessed to without performing sensational deeds.”  –Pope Benedict XVI  (+ 2022)

I may never make a “splash” in life, but I can follow Jesus and Our Lady to the best of my ability, and be grateful for everything I have been given. 

Intention:   I pray for understanding, supportive and Godly friends to come into my life.

Thursday: Christ’s Mind
1st Luminous Mystery: The Baptism
of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture:
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me
and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can
do nothing.
—John 15:5
Reflection:
In Christian spirituality, we are called to be grafted onto
Christ’s vine and conform ourselves and our lives to Him more
completely every day. In this way, we clothe ourselves with
Christ (Galatians 3:27), and become members of His Mystical
Body.
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, Our True Vine, thank you for making me a
part of Your Mystical Body through my baptism. Assist me
to conform my mind to Your mind, and my actions to Your
actions. Help me to bear fruit for the good of souls. Amen.

Thursday: Obedience
2nd Luminous Mystery: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Scripture:
His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
—John 2:5
Reflection:
In a sense, Mary was a teacher to the servants when she told
them, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). In the Rosary, she
teaches us about Christ by inviting us to peer through her eyes
at the different scenes of His life, doing whatever He tells us.
Prayer:
O Mother Mary, Mother Most Pure, teach me to be obedient to
what Christ tells me to do, a little bit more each day. Through
your intercession, help me to identify my shortcomings and
overcome them. Amen.

Thursday: Asking
3rd Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation
of the Kingdom of Heaven
Scripture:
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks,
receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who
knocks, the door will be opened.
—Matthew 7:7–8
Reflection:
The reason for Jesus’s confident urging is because of the power
of the Trinity. The Father is loving; Jesus is our advocate (1
John 2:1); and the Holy Spirit intercedes with inexpressible
groanings (Romans 8:26). With God totally on our side, who
can be against us?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill all my needs, both large and
small. Remind me to do my best, and entrust myself to You.
Amen.

Thursday: Christ’s Importance
4th Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Scripture:
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen
Son; listen to him.”
—Luke 9:35
Reflection:
The Father exhorted the disciples to “Listen to Him” (Luke
9:35), so that they could come to an understanding of Jesus’s
passion. Then they could experience the gladness of the
resurrection, and ultimately be transformed by the Holy Spirit
at Pentecost.
Prayer:
God the Father commands me to listen to Christ, His Son.
What could possibly give more importance to Christ’s words?
Heart of Jesus, Of Whose Fullness We Have All Received, I
promise to try to talk with You about everything I am going
through today and listen for Your response. Amen

Thursday: Holy Eucharist
5th Luminous Mystery: The Institution
of the Holy Eucharist
Scripture:
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the
world and he loved them to the end.
—John 13:1
Reflection:
When Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, He offered His Body
and Blood in the form of bread and wine for the salvation of all
humanity, with whom He promised to be until the end of time.
Prayer:
It is my most sacred honor to partake of the Body and Blood of
our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. Dearest Jesus,
Our Way and Our Life, I am so blessed by You. Thank you!
Amen.

“Hold on for a bit longer, and you will see great wonders when the last trumpet sounds.  It is then that I [the Lord] shall give my saints rest and eternal life in exchange for all their pains and labors.”  –Thomas a Kempis (+1471)

If I withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, then I will  be called into the Lord’s green pastures of love, joy and peace!  How exciting!

Intention:   I pray for Your help, Lord, today in carrying out the work that You have given me to do.

Wednesday: I am Your Sheep
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,
“Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
—John 20:16
Reflection:
Jesus had once said that He called His sheep by their names.
When He called Mary by her name and she saw the wounds on
His hands and feet, she realized that it was Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are my Shepherd, and I am Your sheep. I listen for
You to call my name. Call me to graze in your green pastures
of love, peace and joy. Amen.

Wednesday: Enlighten Me
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
And [Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah
would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that
repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his
name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
—Luke 24:46–47
Reflection:
Our Lord, through His resurrection appearances, opened
the minds of the disciples to understand the scriptures. He
was finally able to explain to them that He was the Suffering
Servant spoken about by Isaiah, Who would triumph through
His suffering.
Prayer:
Lord, please enlighten me with Your Holy Spirit, and give me
the gift of understanding when I read the scriptures. Make my
heart burn within me with love for You. Amen.

Wednesday: Fortitude
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do
not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will
send him to you.
—John 16:7
Reflection:
Jesus told the apostles that after He went up to heaven, He
would send them His Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen them
in their knowledge of the Kingdom. He said that they would
experience the same type of opposition as He had faced.
Prayer:
Jesus Christ, I praise You and thank You for making me a part
of Your Mystical Body. Give me the fortitude of the Holy Spirit,
that I can withstand the pressures and temptations of the world,
the flesh and the devil. Amen.

Wednesday: Perfect
Truth and Beauty
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Scripture:
Arise, Lord, come to your resting place,/ you and your
majestic ark.
—Psalm 132:8
Reflection:
When we behold the majesty of Christ and the special honor
given His blessed Mother, we naturally desire to make the
world a place of perfect truth and beauty. Although perfection
cannot be attained in this physical world, we strive to achieve
better excellence and to leave the world a better place than we
found it.
Prayer:
Heart of Jesus, Of Infinite Majesty, help me to leave a legacy of
truth, beauty and peace behind when I leave this place to come
home to You. Amen.

Wednesday: Faith, Hope,
Charity and Obedience
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Quote:
“[The Virgin Mary’s] role in relation to the Church and to
all humanity goes still further. ‘In a wholly singular way she
cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity
in the Savior’s work of restoring supernatural life to souls. For
this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace.’”
—Catechism No. 968
Reflection:
As the foremost member of the church, Mary is also Mother of
the church, thereby providing the perfect role model of faith
as she leads people to Jesus, and confirms her importance as an
intercessor on our behalf.
Prayer:
O Blessed Mother, Queen of the Rosary, please intercede for
me while I pray for the virtues of faith, hope, charity and
obedience. Amen.

“Because of her sinlessness, [Mary] suffers more than the others gathered [at the foot of the cross].  Her perfect capacity to receive our Lord’s words and to interiorize his message makes her all the more vulnerable to the cruelty she witnesses and hears against her Son…”   — Father Paul Scalia

Sometimes our cross is about watching another bear his or her cross.

Intention:  I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.

Tuesday: Invoke the Blood of Jesus
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat
became like drops of blood falling on the ground.
—Luke 22:44
Reflection:
Men of today shed each other’s blood in war to satisfy their
desire for reparation for sin—both real and imagined. When
someday they learn to invoke, instead, the Blood of Jesus Christ
for forgiveness, they will have no more need for war.
Prayer:
We all have a past that includes memories of things we did
that were less-than-godly. Heart of Jesus, Enriching All Who
Invoke Thee, I invoke Your peace and pardon on me, for what
You shed in Your Agony at Gethsemane. Please cleanse me with
Your Precious Blood. Amen.

Tuesday: Teach Me Silence
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more
afraid, and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus,
“Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him.
—John 19:8–9
Reflection:
Pilate asked Jesus where He was from, rather than who He was.
Pilate seemed to perceive that Jesus was different from others
somehow. Jesus might have been silent because He could not
defend Himself, since He was atoning for the sins of mankind.
Prayer:
Sometimes explaining myself to someone would be the
equivalent of casting pearls before swine. Dear Lord, teach
me when silence is the best answer to the accusations of an
unbelieving and judgmental world. Amen.

Tuesday: Suffering Servant
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted/ and opened not
his mouth;/ Like a lamb led to the slaughter/ or a sheep before
the shearers,/ he was silent and opened not his mouth.
—Isaiah 53:7
Reflection:
Jesus was the Suffering Servant—as silent as a lamb being led
to the slaughter—as Isaiah had predicted. He came to His own
people, but they did not recognize Him. He will come again
at the end of days, in faithfulness to us.
Prayer:
Heart of Jesus, Patient and Most Merciful, I praise You and
all Your suffering martyrs of the 20th century, who were
slaughtered during communism, socialism and fascism. I ask
all Your martyrs to pray for our world. Amen.

Tuesday: Sacrificial Sin-Offering
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, to consecrate
the people by his own blood. Let us then go to him outside the
camp, bearing the reproach that he bore. For here we have no
lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come.
—Hebrews 13:12–14
Reflection:
In ancient times, the scapegoat was a goat that was driven out
of the city to die in the desert. Jesus was crucified outside the
city gates, like the epitome of a sacrificial sin-offering.
Prayer:
Give me encouragement, Lord, while carrying my cross during
this earthly life, and while keeping my eye upon Your everlasting
city above in heaven. Amen.

Tuesday: Ignorance
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
[Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what
they do.”] They divided his garments by casting lots.
—Luke 23:34
Reflection:
It was the ignorance of the ones who crucified Christ that
probably saved them, ultimately. For, if they had honestly
understood what they were doing, they might never have been
saved.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, inspire the leaders of all nations to fall to their
knees in sincere and humble prayer to You and ask You for Your
guidance in all their decisions. Help them to be aware of their
spiritual responsibilities as the heads of their countries. Amen.

“We see in [Our Lady] the tender response of an expanded spirit flowing out of humility, whereas the proud mind is always constricted, and the proud heart is always harsh…”  –Mother Mary Francis of Our Lady, P.C.C. (+ 2006)

I hope and pray that the Lord will expand my spirit also, and thus, birth Christ within my heart.

Intention:   Lord, thank You for blessing America.  Thank You for blessing America!

Monday: New Type of Humanity
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and
the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and
he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom
there will be no end.
—Luke 1:32–33
Reflection:
Humanity was born of Adam and Eve. But God loved us so
much that in order to redeem us, He asked Mary to consent
to becoming the mother of Our Lord, creating a new type
of humanity—one freed from sin. But Mary had to freely
choose it.
Prayer:
Heart of Jesus, Abyss of all Virtues, You came to make us part
of Your new humanity, in which sin and death were vanquished
forever. Give parents the inspiration to instruct their children in
the ways of virtue, and so create more human flourishing and
peace in our world. Amen.

Monday: Magnified With Her Soul
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;/
my spirit rejoices in God my savior./ For he has looked upon
his handmaid’s lowliness;/ behold, from now on will all ages
call me blessed.”
—Luke 1:46–48
Reflection:
After Elizabeth greeted Mary, exclaiming that the babe inside
her womb leapt for joy, Mary’s response is called the Magnificat.
In it, she looked backward to the time of Abraham, and also,
she looked forward to the future when all generations would
call her blessed. She magnified the Lord with her human soul.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Tower of David, despite a life of poverty and
suffering, you described yourself as eternally blessed because
you gave birth to the Savior of the World. Please pray for me to
birth Christ in my heart, so that I too may be blessed beyond
my wildest dreams. Amen.

Monday: God Born as Outcast
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in
swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was
no room for them in the inn.
—Luke 2:7
Reflection:
There was no place for them in the inn, but there was just
barely a little room in the stable. The inn represents social
respectability; the stable represents the outcast. God Himself
was born as an outcast. Divinity is often found where we least
expect it.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, provide the poorest of the poor in our world—
the faces of Christ – with their daily bread. Amen.

Monday: First Canticle
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation
of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.
—Luke 2:25
Reflection:
Simeon’s canticle was the first song to celebrate Christ’s being
born on the earth. He sang that Jesus was a light to reveal God
to the nations, and the glory of the people of Israel.
Prayer:
Heart of Jesus, Desire of the Everlasting Hills, please heal all
divisions in the Holy Land so that Christians, Jews and Muslims
may live together in blessed accord, and demonstrate peace to
every corner of the world. May the Holy Land become a land
of healing and harmony. Amen.

Monday: What Must I Do?
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
After they had completed its days, as they were returning,
the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents
did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they
journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives
and acquaintances.
—Luke 2:43–44
Reflection:
At twelve years old, Jesus was using the word “must” with
regard to His duty to His Heavenly Father. He was already
steeling Himself in His human nature, to fulfill the “must” of
His divine nature.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, show me what I “must” do to fulfill Your
will, and steel me to do it through my human nature and
through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to endure to
the end. Amen.

“It is as though our great teacher, Holy Mother Church, is saying, ‘yes, we have had this great solemnity.  She [Our Lady] has been assumed into heaven, whose Queen she is, but she is still Queen on earth.  Now let us celebrate her Queenship, still perduring, always to perdure upon the earth.'”  –Mother Mary Francis of Our Lady, P.C.C. (+ 2006)

Thank God we have the “Hail Mary” prayer, when we can ask Our Lady fifty times each day (or more) for her help.  We are so fortunate to have this wonderful prayer. 

Intention:   Father, thank You that every part of my day can be exciting when I allow Jesus to step in and be a part of it!

Sunday: Grasp the Significance
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our
preaching; empty, too, your faith.
—1 Corinthians 15:14
Reflection:
The Rosary proposes that we look past the death and burial of
Our Lord and into His resurrection, to see Him as The Risen
One. It is beneficial to look through the eyes of the apostles and
Mary when seeing Him risen, because then we will grasp the
significance of the resurrection more vividly.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Cause of our Joy, please let me feel a hint of the
joy that you felt when you found out that your Son had been
raised from the dead. It must have been a Hallelujah moment
of wonder! Amen.

Sunday: Right Hand
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he
had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking
about the kingdom of God.
—Acts 1:3
Reflection:
Jesus ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand
of the Father in glory. He lives to intercede for us to the Father
and to thwart the proud demons. He is on our side.
Prayer:
Jesus, I pray for all those who are down and out in the world,
the rejected and those who are alone. Comfort them, and send
loving people to let them feel how valuable and loved they truly
are. Amen.

Sunday: Closeness and Kindness
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying
in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but
they were confused because each one heard them speaking in
his own language.
—Acts 2:5–6
Reflection:
The apostles and Mary were gathered together to pray, like an
obedient family, in the upper room. Kindness and closeness
flourished in the group. The result was the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This should be a model for all of us in
our gatherings as a church.
Prayer:
Lord, raise up godly men and women to proclaim the love and
joy of the gospel with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and help
them to bring a new Pentecost to the church today. Amen.

Sunday: Most Wonderful
of Life’s Goals
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Quote:
“The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation
in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection
of other Christians.”
—Catechism, No. 966
Reflection:
Mary’s travel into heaven, in glory, was a privilege that all of us
can hope to enjoy, when we leave this earth.
Prayer:
Lord, please motivate me to keep my focus on the most
wonderful of life’s goals: heaven. May it be my guiding star
throughout my life. Amen.

Sunday: Ultimate Glory Attainable
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Quote:
“After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny,
we can find no better way to conclude than by looking to
Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her
mystery on her own ‘pilgrimage of faith,’ and what she will be
in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, ‘in the glory
of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity,’ ‘in the communion
of all the saints,’ the Church is awaited by the one she venerates
as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.”
—Catechism No. 972
Reflection:
Mary is a symbol for the church of the ultimate glory attainable
for us creatures, and she is our example that we look toward for
the end of times.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Ark of the Covenant, you are my mother and
my model. Send holy angels to protect all those Christians who
are under attack by the forces of intolerance and hatred. Amen.

“O Lord, you were not satisfied to live and associate with mankind during your mortal life.  When you were on the point of returning to heaven, your most insatiable love and exceeding great desire to prove the tremendous truth that your delight is to be with the children of men inspired you to devise a most admirable institution that would keep you ever with us, and give yourself to us with all the essence of your riches and wonders.”  –Saint John Eudes (+1680)

These days often seem dark and foreboding to me, but I am always grateful because Jesus is with me!

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.

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.

“Many say that love is blind, which is partially true in relationship, to some traits.  But it is also possible to say that love alone is able to see — in reference to the unique meaning and value of a person.”   –Ronda Chervin

God sees each one of us through His lens of incredible love and appreciation.  No matter what comes our way in life, He is standing next to us, He is yoked to us and we are following His lead.  We can have confidence because of that!

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.

Friday: Ease the Burden
1st Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture:
After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and
kneeling, he prayed.
—Luke 22:41
Reflection:
Jesus was tempted mightily by Satan in the Garden of
Gethsemane, to say “no” to the anguish awaiting Him in
His passion and death. But He said “yes” to the Father’s plan,
reversing the “no” that Adam and Eve said by disobeying God
in another garden: the Garden of Eden.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, You see the cross I carry in my own life. I
implore You to ease the burden of that cross, if it be for my
ultimate good; nevertheless, let Your Will be done in my life.
Amen.

Friday: Offer in Unity
2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture:
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple
cloak. And [Pilate] said to them, “Behold, the man!”
—John 19:5
Reflection:
Our Lord was thrust into the most horrid of physical sufferings
when He was scourged.
Prayer:
Jesus, Your human nature underwent torture in the scourging—
part of the passion that saved us. When I undergo painful trials
in my life, help me remember to offer them up to You in unity
with Your saving passion. Amen.

Friday: He Trusts Me
3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning With Thorns
Scripture:
And they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And
they struck him repeatedly.
—John 19:3
Reflection:
Our Lord was thrown into the most disgraceful of mental and
emotional sufferings when He was crowned with thorns and
mocked, beaten and spat on.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me remember that my suffering is
allowed to come to me because You trust me. You trust me to
suffer well and to continue loving You through it all. Amen.

Friday: He Carries it With Me
4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture:
Then [Pilate] handed him over to them to be crucified.
—John 19:16
Reflection:
God humbled Himself unto death, even death on a Cross
(Philippians 2:8). He took this Cross and carried it all the way
to Calvary, in the most humiliating way possible. But He was
willing to do it for you and for me.
Prayer:
Jesus Christ, all that I am and all that I will ever be is in You.
Please help me to know that when I am carrying my cross, we
are yoked together, and so You are carrying it with me. I am
never alone. Amen.

Friday: Jesus’s Love
5th Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture:
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and
divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also
took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece
from the top down.
—John 19:23
Reflection:
Jesus died a horrible death—a painful death of asphyxiation
on the Cross. We can imagine being with Mary beneath His
Cross, loving Him, understanding with her how deep Jesus’s
love is for all of us.
Prayer:
Dear Mary, Mystical Rose, please pray for me, that the mystery
of Jesus’s love may be revealed to me more and more, as I
contemplate His saving sacrifice on the Cross. Let the knowledge
of His love fill me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“If my whole being is not full of mercy for others, I am not worthy to call myself a Christian.  Without mercy, I cannot hope to receive the Lord’s mercy.”   –Venerable Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (+2002)

I need to give mercy from my heart, to everyone I know, everyone I see, everyone I hear speak.  

Intention:  I call in healing and righteousness for America.

Thursday: Protection From Evil
1st Luminous Mystery: The Baptism
of Jesus in the Jordan
Scripture:
After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove [and] coming upon him.
—Matthew 3:16
Reflection:
In the waters of the Jordan, Christ instituted Christian baptism
and was affirmed as being pleasing to the Father—through the
Father’s own voice.
Prayer:
It is wonderful to reflect that in my baptism, I died to sin
and rose up with Jesus in new life. Jesus, I thank You for the
protection from evil that my baptism has afforded me. I am
grateful to You for the countless negative things that might have
happened that didn’t happen, because of my baptism. Amen.

Thursday: Bridegroom of My Soul
2nd Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
Scripture:
As a young man marries a virgin,/ your Builder shall marry
you;/ And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride/ so shall your
God rejoice in you.
—Isaiah 62:5
Reflection:
In the Old Testament, the relationship between God and
Israel was often portrayed as the relationship between the
bridegroom and the bride. Jesus also inferred that there would
be a matrimonial relationship between Himself and His church,
in which He would be the Bridegroom, and His church would
be the bride. In this way, it was appropriate that He would
perform His first miracle at a wedding feast.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the Bridegroom of my soul. Help me to do as
You have commanded me, for the love of You—inspire me to
serve my brothers and sisters more completely. Amen.

Thursday: Never Take for Granted
3rd Luminous Mystery: The
Proclamation of the Kingdom
Scripture:
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has
shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves
little.
—Luke 7:47
Reflection:
In His public ministry, Jesus usually forgave people their sins
at the same time that He healed them. When He pardoned
the sinful woman, her love for Jesus was magnified through
this forgiveness. Jesus showed her kindness when most others
wouldn’t have given her any acknowledgment at all.
Prayer:
My sweet Jesus, I love You for forgiving me for my sins, both
large and small. I promise to never take for granted Your
sacrifice on the Cross for me. Let me never be presumptuous
toward You. Amen.

Thursday: Crowning Glory
4th Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
Scripture:
While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his
clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were
conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory
and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in
Jerusalem.
—Luke 9:29–31
Reflection:
When Jesus was transfigured on Mount Tabor, He was joined
by Moses and Elijah, who had laid the groundwork for Him
to complete. According to Jewish belief they would return to
behold the Messiah. Their work already done, they nevertheless
came to consult with Jesus, to encourage Him and to embolden
Him for His journey to the Cross.
Prayer:
Jesus, the redemption You achieved for us by Your death on the
Cross was Your crowning glory. I praise You, along with Moses
and Elijah. Amen.

Thursday: Receiving
Holy Communion
5th Luminous Mystery: The Institution
of the Holy Eucharist
Scripture:
Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave
it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for
you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they
had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
which will be shed for you.”
—Luke 22:19–20
Reflection:
At the Last Supper, Jesus initiated the memorial of His suffering,
death and resurrection: the Holy Eucharist. He wished to leave
the gift of the Holy Eucharist for His disciples and us as a
foretaste of the gifts of heaven.
Prayer:
Blood of Jesus, Pledge of Eternal Life, inspire me to
commemorate the spiritual freedom that You won for me on
Calvary, by receiving You in Holy Communion with reverence
and thanking You afterward. Amen.

“There is one characteristic of this generation that is wholly good — our growing realization of human solidarity, of our need for one another, the real oneness of all human creatures.  Perhaps this realization is the seed that has been sown in secret by all the nameless martyrs of this century.”   –Caryll Houselander (+1954)

Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, so it is good to remember that when interacting with them, and send them love from our hearts, if we can remember and manage to do so.

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

Wednesday: Emanate the Kindness
1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of Our Lord
Scripture:
But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices
they had prepared and went to the tomb.
—Luke 24:1
Reflection:
For two days, the precious Body of Jesus laid on a cool slab of
stone, cold and lifeless Itself. Then all of a sudden on the third
day Jesus came to life again, with all the radiance of the sun.
Prayer:
Just as Christ rose and radiated the majesty of His Glorified
Body, so I am called to emanate the kindness of the Holy Spirit
within me. Dearest Holy Spirit, please shine Your love and joy
through me to everyone I meet. Amen.

Wednesday: Jesus Asked Me
2nd Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord
Scripture:
According to [the Lord’s] promise we await new heavens and a
new earth in which righteousness dwells.
—2 Peter 3:13
Reflection:
The apostles accompanied Jesus to His ascension, and watched
Him fade from their sight, with joy in their hearts. As the
radiance of His being continued to resonate inside of them,
they were in reverie, until angels came to remind them to keep
focused on the task at hand—that of proclaiming the gospel to
a broken world.
Prayer:
The angels sent the apostles back to the world, back to the cross
and back to their lives of hard work and rejection from the
powers-that-be. They understood that that was the path they
needed to walk, to receive their crowns of glory in heaven.
Heavenly Father, boost my confidence so that I, too, will be
able to do the challenging work of living as Jesus asked me to
live. Amen.

Wednesday: Enlighten Me
3rd Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the
Holy Spirit on Our Lady and the Apostles
Scripture:
And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak
in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
—Acts 2:4
Reflection:
To begin with, Jesus’s apostles were not men of superior
willpower, humility or intuition. But by the power of the
Holy Spirit, the weak became strong and courageous; the proud
became humble. And, the ones who didn’t quite comprehend
Jesus’s divine Sonship turned into those who were absolutely
convinced of it.
Prayer:
I am weak, sometimes proud and often don’t quite understand
the Christian mysteries either. Holy Spirit, enlighten me with
the gifts of Your strength, humility and knowledge. Give me
the right words to share with others that will inspire and benefit
them in their lives. Amen.

Wednesday: Be a Model
4th Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
of Our Blessed Mother
Scripture:
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe
those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you
have in us.
—Philippians 3:17
Reflection:
The Blessed Virgin Mary was Jesus’s first and best disciple; she
survived the death of her Divine Child because she understood
that He was present to her with His love, always.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Throne of Wisdom, I pray that you will be a
model of sure faith for me, and that I will be able to survive
any trial or tribulation that might come my way through my
friendship and relationship with your Son. Amen.

Wednesday: Wash Their Feet
5th Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of our
Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Scripture:
Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he
has been proved he will receive the crown of life that [the Lord]
promised to those who love him.
—James 1:12
Reflection:
Jesus gave His disciples two important duties to perform just
before He went to the Cross. The first was to change bread
and wine into His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. The
second was to wash one another’s feet in humble service to one
another. He was modeling humility for us, since humility is the
path towards receiving a crown of glory in heaven.
Prayer:
Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven, Model of Humility and Service,
pray for me to be inspired to receive the Blessed Sacrament
often, and to act out of humility toward my neighbor—in
opposition to the world, which encourages me to act out of
pride and arrogance. I pray to become a star student of yours.
Amen.