For centuries, the Rosary had 15 mysteries. In 2002, St. John Paul II gave us a "significant addition" — the Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light). They fill the gap between Jesus finding in the Temple (age 12) and His Agony in the Garden (age 33).
They are prayed on Thursdays.
1. The Baptism in the Jordan
The Event: Jesus is baptized by John. The heavens open. The Father speaks. The Fruit/Virtue: Openness to the Holy Spirit. Meditation: Jesus, the sinless one, stands in line with sinners. He enters the waters not to be cleansed, but to sanctify the water for our baptism. Scripture: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
2. The Wedding at Cana
The Event: Jesus turns water into wine at Mary's request. His first public miracle. The Fruit/Virtue: To Jesus Through Mary. Meditation: Mary notices the need ("They have no wine") before anyone else. Jesus listens to His mother. "Do whatever He tells you." Scripture: "Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory." (John 2:11)
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Event: Jesus preaches the Gospel, heals the sick, and calls for conversion. The Fruit/Virtue: Repentance and Trust in God. Meditation: The Kingdom is here. It is not a place; it is a Person. Am I ready to repent and change my life? Scripture: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15)
4. The Transfiguration
The Event: Jesus reveals His glory on Mt. Tabor to Peter, James, and John. The Fruit/Virtue: Desire for Holiness. Meditation: He reveals His glory to prepare them for the scandal of the Cross. He wants us to see the end goal (Heaven) so we can endure the suffering of today. Scripture: "His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light." (Matthew 17:2)
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
The Event: The Last Supper. Jesus gives us His Body and Blood. The Fruit/Virtue: Eucharistic Adoration. Meditation: He loved us "to the end." He found a way to stay with us forever in the humble appearance of bread. Scripture: "Take and eat; this is my body." (Matthew 26:26)
Let the light of Christ shine in your Thursdays. Guided audio available on MyPrayerTower.