Meditations for the Joyful
Mysteries of the Rosary
May 3rd, 1992
Brother John Raymond
During Our Lady's month of May let us pray, each day, the Joyful
Mysteries of the Rosary. The following meditations can be read
before each Mystery.
Annunciation
In the middle of a beautiful light could be seen the figure of an
Angel. It was the Archangel Gabriel. "Hail, full of grace. The Lord
is with You. You are blessed among all women," said Gabriel to Mary.
Then there was silence. It seemed as if time had ceased. What did
these words mean? She was troubled. The Angel's voice became very
gentle "Fear not Mary. You have found favor with God." Peace flowed
back into Mary's soul. The Angel continued "Behold You shall
conceive and bear a Son; and You shall call His Name `Jesus.' He
shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the
Lord God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He shall
be King over the house of Jacob forever; and of His Kingdom there
shall be no end."
Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. Heaven was on earth.
Mary was wrapped in the love of God. Never before had any created
being experienced this intimacy. God was in Her womb.
Visitation
Elizabeth was preparing for her first child. She was already
making baby clothes. She heard a familiar voice outside call out,
"Elizabeth." It was Mary. When Elizabeth greeted Her she was filled
with the Holy Spirit and cried out, "Blessed are You among women,
and blessed is the fruit of Your womb!"
Mary stayed for John's birth. She knew this was no ordinary
child. She wanted to see and hold him who would prepare the way for
Her Son. Zachary was going to do what the Angel told him in the
Temple; he was going to name the child "John." His neighbors and
relatives protested. He should be called by the father's name or at
least a relative's name. But the mute Zachary wrote, "John is his
name." Then another marvel of grace took place. Zachary spoke his
first words in almost a year: "You my child shall be called the
prophet of the Most High for you shall go before the Lord to prepare
His way to give His people knowledge of salvation through
forgiveness of their sins because of the loving kindness of our God.
A light from on high has visited us, to shine on those in darkness
and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of
peace."
Nativity
The Son of God was born! Lowly shepherds keeping watch over their
sheep were surprised by an unknown light. They were ready to run.
Then the voice of an Angel came from the light, "Fear not, for I
bring good tidings of great joy to all the people. For this day is
born to you a Savior Who is Christ the Lord in the City of David.
And this shall be a sign to you, You shall find the Infant wrapped
in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." The shepherds said to
each other, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see what has been revealed
to us." Running down the grassy slopes they quickly found the cave.
Going in they found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a
manger. They fell down and worshipped Him. Mary spoke for Jesus,
thanking the shepherds for their visit. After leaving the cave the
shepherds conferred among themselves about the poverty of the Holy
Family. They didn't have much but perhaps they could spare some food
and blankets. Upon returning home they could not restrain themselves
from telling all their family and friends the good news.
Presentation
At the Presentation of the Child at the Temple Simeon said to
Mary gravely, "Behold this Child is set for the fall and rise of
many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted, and Your
own soul a sword shall pierce that out of many hearts thoughts may
be revealed."
Mary knew these words were true. Her Child would suffer. Her
heart was filled with sorrow. Also Joseph suffered from these words
of Simeon. He loved Mary and Jesus so much. When they suffered he
suffered too.
It was not long after Their return to Bethlehem that Simeon's
prophecy began to unfold. Herod, furious about being tricked by the
Three Kings, ordered all male children of Bethlehem two years and
younger to be killed. He could not tolerate a rival to his throne.
Joseph awoke in the middle of the night and told Mary They must
escape. An Angel had warned him to leave immediately. With Their few
belongings They set out for Egypt.
The Finding in the Temple
At night when the caravan stopped, Joseph and Mary discovered
Jesus was not with Them. They sought Him among Their relatives and
friends. Had anyone seen Him? No one had! They remembered Herod's
successor. Had he taken Jesus? Also many robbers took advantage of
pilgrims. Had He been kidnapped? Many such thoughts tortured Their
hearts.
There was only one thing to do. They must return to Jerusalem.
The city was still crowded. Not many of the multitude of pilgrims
had left. They searched for two days. Their love for Jesus was so
great that Their hearts were breaking. Finally They found Him
sitting in the midst of the doctors, listening to them and asking
them questions. All that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and
answers. Mary said to Jesus, "Son, why have You done this to Us?
Your father and I have looked for You sorrowing." Jesus responded,
"How is it that You looked for Me? Did You not know that I must be
about My Father's business." Mary and Joseph were relieved to find
Jesus again. He was safe. Jesus went back to Nazareth with Them and
was subject to Them.