Luminous Mysteries
1.
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
Jesus is baptized in the Jordan.
Mt 3:13-17
Jesus stands in line with sinners at the Jordan. John protests; Jesus insists. The waters close over him and the heavens open. The Father's voice is heard: this is my beloved Son. We meditate on a God who steps into our river, on the moment of our own baptism, and on the identity given to us before we have done anything to earn it.
2.
The Wedding at Cana
Jesus reveals Himself at the wedding at Cana.
Jn 2:1-11
The wine has run out. The mother of Jesus turns to him and simply says: they have no wine. To the servants she says: do whatever he tells you. And ordinary water becomes the best wine of the feast. We meditate on the noticing eye of Mary, on her quiet confidence in her Son, and on a glory that begins in something as small as a wedding running short.
3.
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls to conversion.
Mk 1:15
He walks the roads of Galilee announcing the kingdom of God: it is at hand, repent and believe. He heals the sick, eats with sinners, calls the unlikely. The kingdom is not a place far off; it is breaking in here. We meditate on the conversion that is asked of us, on the joy of the good news, and on the kingdom that wishes to come now in our own ordinary day.
4.
The Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured on Mount Tabor.
Mt 17:1-8
On the mountain his face becomes like the sun and his clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah speak with him. Peter wants to stay. A cloud overshadows them and the voice says: this is my beloved Son; listen to him. We meditate on the moments of light given to sustain us, on the disciples Peter, James and John who must come down again, and on the listening that begins on the mountain and ends at the cross.
5.
The Institution of the Eucharist
Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist.
Mt 26:26-28
On the night before he died he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: this is my body. He took the cup and said: this is my blood. Do this in memory of me. The whole rosary, all the mysteries, are folded into this one. We meditate on the gift that has not stopped being given, on the altars where it continues, and on the mouths and hearts that today say amen.