The Luminous mysteries, which come just after the Joyful Mysteries and before the Sorrowful Mysteries in the prayer of the Rosary, correspond to the five episodes of the public life of Jesus. These five mysteries were added to the Rosary by St. John Paul II in 2002. By reciting this chaplet we are invited to meditate upon these moments in the life of Christ which are “light for the world”.
The Luminous Mysteries correspond to the Thursday chaplet. Like the other mysteries, we have to pray five decades to make up the five Luminous Mysteries which are composed of : one Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and One Glory Be.
Before beginning a decade, it is important to think about the Mystery with the help of the Word of God, by reading the corresponding passage in the Gospel or by imagining the scene in your mind. After meditating about it, we realize that it isn’t just a biblical event, but the reality of every Christian and that we can all learn from it.
“Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1 : 10 - 11)
We can say the following prayer before praying the Our Father that starts the decade: “I offer You, Lord, this first decade in honour of your baptism in the Jordan River, and I ask that this decade and the intercession of your Holy Mother, will help me keep my baptismal promises.”
The fruit of the mystery is the fidelity to our baptismal promises. Through our baptism, we have received the Holy Spirit and have become children of God. Through baptism, Jesus has become our brother. Our horizon is no longer death but eternal life and this changes everything!
You can add this sentence called a “clausule” to each Hail Mary of the decade. “and Jesus, the fruit of your womb, who was designated by God as His beloved Son, is blessed.”
We can end the decade with this sentence : “May the blessings of Jesus’ baptism descend into my soul and keep me faithful to God.”
“What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2 : 11)
We can start the decade with the following prayer: “I offer You, Lord, this decade in honour of the wedding in Cana, and I ask that this decade and the intercession of your Holy Mother, will help me to trust Mary more.”
The fruit of this mystery is trust in Mary. The waiters come and tell Mary about their problem; she listens to them, understands their situation and then tells her Son about it. The first sign that Jesus gave was because His Mother asked, after listening to the needs of humans.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “and Jesus, who answered you at Cana, is blessed”
Finish the decade with, “Blessings from the wedding in Cana, descend into my soul and help me to trust Mary more.”
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1 : 15)
You can start the decade with the following prayer: “I offer You , Lord Jesus, this decade in honour of the proclamation of the kingdom of God and I ask through this mystery and the intercession of Your Holy Mother, the conversion of my soul.”
The fruit of the mystery is the conversion of souls: “Convert and believe in the Gospel.” This is what the priest tells us on Ash Wednesday, when he makes the Sign of the Cross on our foreheads at the beginning of Lent which leads up to Easter. Let us prepare our hearts again and again for what is to come.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “and Jesus, who invites us to convert, is blessed.”
Finish the decade with : “Blessings of the proclamation of the kingdom of God, descend into my soul and change my heart.”
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17 : 2)
You can start the decade with the following prayer: “I offer You , Lord Jesus, this decade in honour of Your transfiguration, and I ask through this mystery and the intercession of Your Holy Mother, to be more recollected when praying .”
The fruit of the mystery is the grace of an inner life. Light, true light that shines, heats and illuminates comes from the inside. It is prayer and our relationship with God in the secret of our hearts that allows each Christian to be a light in the world for others.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “and Jesus, who manifested His glory to the Apostles, is blessed.”
Finish the decade with: “Blessings of the transfiguration, descend into my soul and make it prayerful.”
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them.” (Mark 14 : 22 - 24)
You can start the decade with the following prayer: “I offer You, Lord Jesus, this decade in honour of the Institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and I ask that through the intercession of Your Holy Mother and this mystery, a greater devotion to the Holy Eucharist.”
The fruit of the mystery is love of the Eucharist. This sacrament allows us to be in communion with Christ and other Christians and allows us to be one body.
You can add this to the Hail Mary : “and Jesus, who gave us the sacrament of His love, is blessed.”
Finish the decade with: “Blessings of the Eucharist, descend into my soul and make it more devoted to the Holy Eurcharist.”
“Heavenly Father, Even when temptation has a hold on me, give me the wisdom and strength to follow you. When my path seems dark, please help me to follow the light. Thank you for being there to guide me. Thank you for never leaving me. I will follow you, amen.”
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