The Mysteries of Light

Pope John Paul II:  New Mysteries of the Rosary
Pope John Paul II has offered another set of mysteries to accompany the traditional
meditations on the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries in the life of Jesus and
Mary. These mysteries are intended to enrich the traditional prayer, not replace any
part of it.

What is the focus of the new mysteries?
The new mysteries are centered on Jesus’ public ministry. The Holy Father has called
them Mysteria Lucis, or “Mysteries of Light.” They call us to meditate on Jesus’ public
ministry: His baptism by John, the wedding at Calla, the proclamation of the kingdom of
God, the Transfiguration, and the Last Supper.

Why are they called the “Mysteries of Light”?
Through His signs and miracles, His preaching and the gift of Himself through the
Eucharist, Jesus transforms our lives, just as light transforms a darkened room. The
Rosary has been a means of bringing light into a darkened world since its use by the
Dominican order to combat heresy in the thirteenth century .As the Holy Father noted
in his letter, the Rosary, especially with the additional meditations on Jesus’
compassionate and loving work in the world, can bring that same transforming light to
a world darkened by “the seductions of the drug culture, the lure of an unbridled
hedonism, the temptation to violence, and the manifold expressions of
meaninglessness and despair” today (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 42).

How do the new mysteries complement the traditional ones?
In his letter announcing these new mysteries, the Holy Father described the Rosary as
an expression of the “Gospel message in its entirety” (I). It is a powerful way for us to
participate in the “contemplation of the Christian mystery” (5). When we meditate on
the Mysteries of Light, we fill the gap between the Joyful and Sorrowful mysteries,
giving us a more complete encounter with Jesus, the Light of the World.

When should I pray them?
The Holy Father has suggested that those who incorporate the Mysteries of Light, or
Luminous Mysteries, into the praying of the Rosary use the following schedule: the
Joyful Mysteries on Mondays and Saturdays, the Mysteries of Light on Thursdays, and
the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the Glorious Mysteries on
Wednesdays and Sundays.

The First Mystery of Light
Our Lord’s Baptism in the Jordan

And when Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water, and behold,
the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and
alighting on Him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with
whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17

On the banks of the Jordan River, the prophet John spoke of the coming of the
Messiah. And then the Messiah came – to that same river to be baptized by John. No
one could have expected it, and John could not see the sense of it. But Jesus insisted,
and from heaven, God’s view of things was made clear. Through God’s Son, a world
darkened by sin would be newly lit by love. Jesus’ embrace of His humanity means that
human nature, once fallen, can be transformed. The ministry of the Word made Flesh,
the Light of Darkness, had begun.

We pray for the grace to be open to the transforming power of God in our human hearts.

The Second Mystery of Light
Our Lord’s Self-Manifestation At the Wedding of Calla

Jesus and Mary are in Cana, attending a wedding celebration, when the hosts run out
of wine. Mary hears this and turns to Jesus with the news. He first tells her that His
hour has not yet come, but Mary tells the servants to obey Him nonetheless. At Jesus’
request, the jars used for ritual purification are filled with water. Then the liquid inside
is tasted. It is wine – and Jesus has given them the best wine.
Our lives are darkened by suffering. Through signs such as these – miracles of nature
and healing – Jesus brings light into that darkness and God’s loving presence into our
pain, no matter how great or small.

We ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for all our needs.

The Third Mystery of Light
Our Lord Proclaims the Kingdom of God and Calls Us to Conversion

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and
believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:14-15

Jesus walks the roads and shores with the Good News: The moment you have
yearned for has arrived. All God’s promises are fulfilled, and His kingdom of love and
mercy is here. Jesus calls the apostles by name and invites them to follow Him. They
say yes.  Through His preaching and miracles, Jesus proclaims the kingdom.
Through His call to repentance, He offers mercy and forgiveness.  The call offers the
light of hope, even in the darkest moments, for those who say yes.

We pray for a spirit of repentance and a deeper trust in God’s mercy as we seek His
kingdom in all our actions.

The Fourth Mystery of Light
Our Lord’s Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings He took with him Peter and John and James,
and went up on the mountain
to pray. And as He was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and
His raiment became dazzling white. – Luke 9:28-29

On Mount Tabor, the glory of God shines forth through Jesus. The awed apostles want
to preserve the moment by building booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But as they
are enveloped in the cloud of God’s presence and hear God’s command to listen to
Jesus, they fall silent, and the visible light fades.

In Jesus, our weak eyes are given the gift of being able to behold God. We also see
who we really are in the brightness of that light.  The darkness of the world breaks,
and we can see that there is more here than meets the eye.

We pray for the grace to let the transforming light of God! s presence illuminate our vision.

The Fifth Mystery of Light
Our Lord’s Institution of the Eucharist as the Sacramental Expression of the
Paschal Mystery

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to
the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” – Matthew 26:26

In the midst of the Passover meal, Jesus takes the ancient symbols of bread and wine
in His hands. He holds the signs of God’ s power to free His people from bondage and
sheds new, brilliant light on them. Now they are Him, His own body and blood, broken
and shed to free us from the most terrible bondage of all: the chains of sin, the dark
prison of death.
Jesus shares the gift of Himself in the Eucharist. Joined to Him, our lives are
transformed with the light of love, and we are nourished to share that light with a
darkened, hungry world.

We pray for a deeper faith in the Real Presence and the great gift we receive in the
Eucharist.