Today is the final installment of this blog series on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, but I hope it is another step in your continued journey with Jesus.
The Luminous Mysteries are my favorite. These are the events of the public ministry of Jesus. They begin with His baptism and pick up at the wedding at Cana. They then continue with the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, His Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist. Why are these mysteries my favorite? Because they tell me who I am, how to live as a Christian, my mission as a baptized Catholic, and they remind me of who God is.
The baptism of Jesus, according to the gospel of Mark (1:10-11), tells that the heavens open up, and the Spirit descends like a dove onto Jesus. God, the Father, proclaims, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” By nature of my baptism, I am an adopted daughter of God. He chooses me. Thus He says the same words to me, “This is my beloved daughter, with whom I am well pleased.” He gives me my identity as chosen, beloved, and precious. Sometimes in the day-to-day struggles, I can lose sight of this identity and get caught up in statements of scarcity (a.k.a. lies) that sound a lot like, “I’m not a good enough mom/wife/friend/etc.” What falsehoods can God speak His truth into for you? How can He help you remember who you are to Him?
When these lies settle in to my heart and steal my identity, He speaks the truth of abundance that He is the God that provides in every situation. I often try to set human limitations on God and His ability to provide for me. The wedding at Cana encounters a problem of scarcity – they have run out of wine. Jesus, at the request of His mother, changes six jars of water -filled to the brim – with the best wine known to the region. A friend challenged me to list how God fills my six jars. My six jars are filled with my family, my friends, the women of my faith group, the natural beauty of the world, and my relationship with Jesus. I only need to take the time to notice these gifts to see the depths of God’s love for me and to live in abundance. What fills your jars? Go ahead, make your list. Now for the challenge, are you spending your time, the best parts of you, with those jar-fillers?
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God has been the hardest mystery for me to unravel. It seems to encompass all of Jesus’ ministry and teaching, thus not just a single event on which to focus. Over time, it has settled on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, to live as a Christian. My mission! The Sermon on the Mount, the focus of chapters 5-7 in Matthew’s Gospel, provides an immense amount of inspiration for Christian living. Jesus challenges us with The Beatitudes, He instructs us how to pray and gives us The Our Father, and He teaches us how to treat others through the Golden Rule. Each of these asks us to give of ourselves. To show mercy, be patient, and share our love. To generously give of our time, talent, and treasure. To walk humbly with Him and those He places in our lives. Are you ready to accept your calling as a disciple of Jesus?
At the transfiguration, Jesus reveals His glory. I try to imagine how beautiful He appeared and the warmth of His radiance on my face. The moment in which I catch an earthly glimpse of this experience is when the sun rises and shines on my face. It is then that I remember I am His and that He is God. When we can live clear in our identity, from a place of abundance, and know our mission in life, we will be changed! It affects the decisions we make, our responses to adversity, and our ability to see good in all of God’s creation. We can reflect His light, love, and mercy to the world. In short, we reflect His glory! Are you ready to be transformed? What do you need to allow Jesus to change in you so you can glorify Him?
The Eucharist is how I stay connected to Christ, an opportunity to remind myself of the depths of His love for me. There is no substitute for this intimate union with Jesus during the celebration of the Mass. The reception of His body, blood, soul, and divinity. He knew we would need Him. Therefore, Jesus continues to humble Himself so He can walk with us. Every day, in every church, He is waiting for us to come to Him. Although Sunday Mass attendance is an “obligation” for Catholics, I have realized it is a gift to spend time with the one who loves me. There is no obligation necessary when love drives us to be together. This week when you go to Mass, receive His love and give Him your heart.
As the Father loves me,
so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
John 15:9
After running a few hundred miles, praying more than a hundred rosaries, and writing more than a thousand words; the words that speak to my soul, “You are my beloved daughter.” I only need to live these five words, and the rest will fall into place.
You do not need to join me running, but will you allow Mary to show you how her Son loves you? Or will Jesus use this as an opportunity to introduce you to His mom? Either way, there is so much to be gained in meditating on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. I will be praying for you!