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The Luminous Mysteries - Mysteries of Light
Now available in
printed form.
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The First Luminous Mystery
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
- John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of
repentance.
- "I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the
way of the Lord."
- "One mightier than I is coming after me."
- "I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit."
- Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God."
- After Jesus' baptism a voice from Heaven: "This is my beloved
Son in whom I am well pleased."
- The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove.
- In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of
baptism.
- The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is
heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
- Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into
the desert for 40 days.
Spiritual Fruit: Gratitude for the gift of Faith
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The Second Luminous Mystery
THE WEDDING OF CANA
- Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in
Cana.
- During the wedding feast the wine ran short.
- Mary turned to Jesus: "They have no wine."
- Jesus replied: "What would you have me do? My hour has not yet
come."
- Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever he tells you."
- There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twenty
gallons.
- Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then
draw some out and take it to the chief steward.
- The chief steward said to the groom: "Every man serves the good
wine first... but you have saved the good wine until now."
- At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle.
- By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of
a Sacrament.
Spiritual Fruit: Fidelity |
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The Third Luminous Mystery
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM
- "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
- "My kingdom is not of this world."
- "Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot
enter the kingdom of heaven."
- "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child
will not enter into it."
- "I have come to call sinners, not the just."
- "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you."
- "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven."
- "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they
shall be satisfied."
- "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
- "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church... I
will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
Spiritual Fruit: Desire for Holiness |
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The Fourth Luminous Mystery
THE TRANSFIGURATION
- Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray.
- Jesus was transfigured before them.
- "His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant
as light."
- This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy
of the Passion.
- Jesus foresaw the 'scandal of the cross,' and prepared them for
it by this manifestation of His glory.
- Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the
Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about His passion.
- "Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets...
but to fulfill them."
- From a cloud came a voice: "This is my beloved Son, listen to
Him."
- Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the
Son of Man rises from the dead.
- We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day.
Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual Courage |
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The Fifth Luminous Mystery
THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
- I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I
suffer.
- Jesus took bread, blessed it: "Take and eat, this is My Body."
- Taking the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed
for you."
- At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass.
- At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present.
- At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders
to perpetuate this sacrifice.
- "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I
in him."
- The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and a
sacrament inasmuch as it is received.
- In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to
us.
- The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the
Father.
Spiritual Fruit: Love of our Eucharistic Lord
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