"...true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ"

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Perhaps some are unaware even today of the addition to the Rosary which Pope St. John Paul II proposed in his Apostolic Letter, “On the Most Holy Rosary”

A proposed addition to the traditional pattern

1. Of the many mysteries of Christ’s life, only a few are indicated by the Rosary in the form that has become generally established with the seal of the Church’s approval. The selection was determined by the origin of the prayer, which was based on the number 150, the number of the Psalms in the Psalter.

I believe, however, that to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ’s public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. In the course of those mysteries we contemplate important aspects of the person of Christ as the definitive revelation of God. Declared the beloved Son of the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan, Christ is the one who announces the coming of the Kingdom, bears witness to it in his works and proclaims its demands. It is during the years of his public ministry that the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:5).

Consequently, for the Rosary to become more fully a “compendium of the Gospel”, it is fitting to add, following reflection on the Incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (the joyful mysteries) and before focusing on the sufferings of his Passion (the sorrowful mysteries) and the triumph of his Resurrection (the glorious mysteries), a meditation on certain particularly significant moments in his public ministry (the mysteries of light). This addition of these new mysteries, without prejudice to any essential aspect of the prayer’s traditional format, is meant to give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary’s place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ, ocean of joy and of light, of suffering and of glory.
Each Thursday I hope you will begin to pray these mysteries of light, if you do not already pray them. Please begin to pray the Rosary daily, if you do not already. Today is the First Saturday of the New Year – a good time to begin! On Saturdays, the Joyful Mysteries are prayed and as we are getting very close to the end of the Christmas season, today is a good time to pray those mysteries while at the Christmas crib in our homes.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I like the Luminous Mysteries. Unfortunately, I’ve seen not a few “Catholic” groups that have called them satanic. I don’t know about you, but I find it kind of hard to believe that Jesus’s Ministry is satanic. I believe the fifth luminous mystery, is the institution of the Eucharist. That’s something we should all meditate on a lot.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Adam,

Thanks so much for your reply. It is sad to read what some who may call themselves “Catholic” say even about words uttered by Christ Himself or His saints’ words concerning Christ and Mary. Often they do not want to listen when we try to share the Truth of God’s Word.

Christ and Christians are being attacked but it is no surprise really. We follow Blood-stained Footprints! Let us pray in reparation to the Wounded Hearts of Jesus and Mary especially today, and for all those in most need of His Mercy.