Mysteries of Light
Pope John Paul II has proclaimed 2003 the Year of the Rosary. To mark this event, the Pope has announced the addition of the Mysteries of Light to the Holy Rosary. These mysteries should be recited on Saturdays.
| Baptism in the Jordan |
| Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (2 Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out. |
| Cana Wedding |
Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (Jn 2:1-12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers. |
| Proclamation of the Kingdom |
| Another mystery of light is the preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (see Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (see Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47-48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (see Jn 20:22-23). |
| Transfiguration |
| The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished apostles to “listen to him” (see Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit. |
| First Eucharist |
| A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice |
last updated 06-Feb-2009 15:49 sitemap
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