1st Mystery - The Annunciation

The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin whose name was Mary. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:26-38) Reflection Mary, upon hearing the Angel, accepted the honor of divine maternity. With her words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord,” she became the mother of God. All of us, as brothers and sisters redeemed in Christ, are her sons and daughters. She is the mother of God and our mother.

2nd Mystery - The Visitation

Mary set out and traveled to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:39-43) Reflection What tenderness and gentleness there was in that visit of Mary to her beloved cousin Elizabeth. Many people are likewise united by the bond of blood and by all those things which sanctify and strengthen - parents and children, brothers and sisters, relatives, neighbors. We are all called to love one another.

3rd Mystery - The Birth of Jesus

While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her first-born Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7) Reflection Jesus, the Son of God, appears for the first time to the world in a manger used for feeding hay to animals. Silence, poverty, simplicity, and innocence fill the scene. The voices of angels are heard in the heavens announcing the peace which the newborn Infant brings to the world.

4th Mystery - The Presentation

Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His Mother: “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:22-35) Reflection While still in Mary’s arms, the life of Jesus unfolds in the meeting of the Old and the New Testaments. Jesus is not only the splendor of the Chosen People, the Messiah, He is also the light of the nations. He has come for all, to bring the Heavenly Father’s peace and love.

5th Mystery - The Finding in the Temple

When Jesus was twelve years old, His parents went up to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. As they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind. After three days, they found Him in the temple. Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:41-52) Reflection At the age of twelve, Jesus accompanied Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for the ritual prayer of that age. Suddenly He disappeared from the sight of His parents and they, filled with anxiety, searched for three days. He was found in the midst of men just as He is found today in our world.