A Word from Your Pastor - October 16

Dear Parishioners:

In this month of the Rosary, I continue reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary to encourage us all to take advantage of this gift to the Church.  The Rosary has a history that is fascinating.  It shows that Heaven continues to work with us through time, inviting us to grow in our understanding of the Life of Jesus.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary were “added” to the Rosary by Saint Pope John Paul II in is Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae in October 2002.  The Holy Father proposed the addition of a new set of Mysteries to fill in the gap between the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries that move from the childhood of Jesus (the Finding in the Temple) to the Passion (the Agony in the Garden).  The new Mysteries, called Mysteries of Light or Luminous Mysteries, all refer to the public ministry of Jesus from his Baptism to the Last Supper.

The Luminous Mysteries are:

·        Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan by John, where Jesus is revealed as the Beloved Son in Whom the Father is well pleased and upon Whom the Spirit descends.
(Matthew 3:17 and parallels)

·        Jesus’ Self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, where His disciples begin to see His Glory. (John 2:1- 12)

·        The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with the Call to Conversion.  This is the first proclamation Jesus gives after His time in the desert and the summary of the whole of His public teaching before His Passion. (Mark 1:15; Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48; and John 20:22-23)

·        The Transfiguration, which is the Mystery of Light par excellence, becaue the glory of Jesus is seen in His human nature as a dazzling light (Luke 9:35 and parallels)

·        The institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery.  This Mystery reveals the depth of Jesus’ Love and His full gift of Himself in sacrifice for our redemption.

These Mysteries invite us to reflect upon the Public Ministry of Jesus.  We discover Who He Is as the Light of the World, the One Who leads us from the darkness of sin into the Light of Life in relationship to God.

Pope John Paul II suggested that the Mysteries of Light be prayed on Thursdays.  It is noteworthy that the Pope did not impose these mysteries on anyone, but offered them as a suggestion.  They offer a way of seeing more deeply into the Mystery of the Incarnation, through which Christ makes us One with God in the joys and sorrows of our human experience and through the promise of glory.

Mary, Queen of the Rosary, pray for us!