ROSARY MEDITATIONS- JOYFUL MYSTERIES

Meditations for the 5  Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

A thought is suggested for each of the 10 Hail Marys in each decade. Some people find it helpful simply to gaze at a picture depicting the mystery. The Joyful Mysteries are usually prayed on Mondays and Thursdays, and also on Sundays during Advent.

The Five Joyful Mysteries

I. The Annunciation

1. The Angel Gabriel is sent to Nazareth.
2. The Angel greets Mary: “Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with thee.”
3. Mary is troubled at the Angel’s word.
4. Gabriel tells Mary that she is to be the Mother of God.
5. Mary speaks of her virginity: “How shall this be done, since I know not man?”
6. The Angel foretells the Virgin Birth.
7. Gabriel also says that Elizabeth has conceived a child in her old age.
8. Mary consents: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.”
9. The Word is made flesh.
10. Mary adores the God Who has become incarnate within her womb.

II. The Visitation

1. Mary hastens to visit Elizabeth in her time of need.
2. Mary greets Elizabeth.
3. At the sound of Mary’s voice, John leaps for joy in his mother’s womb.
4. Elizabeth praises Mary: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
5. Mary returns praise to God: “My soul doth magnify the Lord...”
6. Mary waits on Elizabeth.
7. John the Baptist is born and the people celebrate.
8. Zachary’s tongue is loosed and he praises God.
9. Joseph fears to take Mary for his spouse.
10. An Angel reassures Joseph, telling him that Mary has conceived by the Holy Ghost.

III. The Birth of Our Lord

1. Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem.
2. They are turned away from the inn; there is no room for them.
3. Joseph finds shelter in a stable.
4. Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
5. The angels announces the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
6. The heavenly host praises God: “Glory to God in the highest...”
7. The shepherds come to worship at the crib.
8. They marvel at the word of the angels.
9. Mary ponders these things in her heart.
10. The Magi come to adore the Christ Child.

IV. The Presentation of Our Lord

1. Mary and Joseph bring the Infant to the Temple.
2. Mary and Joseph make an offering of two doves for the Child.
3. Simeon sees the Christ Child and recognizes the Messias.
4. He receives the Christ Child into his arms.
5. Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph.
6. He foretells the destiny of the Child and the sorrows of His Mother.
7. Anna, who leads a life of prayer and penance, also recognizes the Savior.
8. She speaks of the child to the people.
9. An angel warns the Holy Family to flee into Egypt to escape Herod.
10. The Holy Family returns to Nazareth

V. The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple

1. The Holy Family journeys to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pasch.
2. The Holy Family worships at the feast.
3. After the feast, Mary and Joseph leave Jerusalem, not knowing that Jesus remained behind.
4. Jesus is found missing from the caravan after a day’s journey.
5. Mary and Joseph search for three days.
6. Jesus is found in the Temple in the midst of the doctors.
7. Mary receives her Child in Joy and anguish.
8. Jesus speaks of his Father’s work.
9. Jesus returns with Mary and Joseph; Mary ponders in her heart.
10. Jesus grows in wisdom, age and grace.