Praying with Images: The Glorious Mysteries

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection 

Rachel Bulman is a wife, mother, author, and speaker. Learn more about Rachel at RachelBulman.com. 

Reflection: 

The women were waiting to enter the tomb and came face to face with an angel of the Lord.  

My eyes are drawn to the woman with her back turned to me. What is the expression on her face? What is she feeling?  

I imagine my own face beneath the tan cloak, and my hands wrapped around the wooden bowl in her hands. The bowl must mean that she came with a mission. She came to the tomb with the intention of accomplishing a task, setting out to do something, but instead is met with news that will change the entire course of her life. That’s what belief in the Resurrected Lord does, doesn’t it? The woman’s task is no longer relevant. Her lists and plans no longer hold value in the gaze of the angel sharing that the Messiah has risen.  

While our tasks and missions, our daily to-dos and missions in life are important, some needed and some simply wanted, what remains when our plan is altered? What is this thing in light of the Resurrection? I imagine that like the woman at the well, this woman left her bowl and took up a new mission of sharing this news with the world.  

What should we leave behind for what God is calling us to do today? 

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord 

Deacon Kevin Gingras is a husband, father of three, and Permanent Deacon ordained for the Diocese of Fall River in 2019.  

Reflection: 

When praying over this image the thing that first struck me is the juxtaposition between Heaven and Earth and here is Jesus, right in the midst of his transition. He has one hand out blessing his Apostles and Blessed Mother on earth and his other hand raised to Heaven where his Father is lovingly waiting for him. We all face this same issue; we are stuck here on earth awaiting our shot at Heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:1 tells us “For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.” Eternity is a long time! 

Our goal should be set to follow Jesus into Heaven but to do this we must also emulate what Jesus did on Earth. C.S. Lewis famously said "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither." In the image, there are eleven Apostles plus Mary left on earth. Judas is not among them; he chose Earth and in the end, he despaired. Let’s not be Judas! 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien and the White Wizard Gandalf who said regarding death: “No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take”. Where will our new path take us when we leave this Earth? Will we warrant Heaven? Are our Earthly behaviors in line with Jesus? Jesus is the path we must take while we are here on earth, He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our guide to eternal life in Heaven when our soul ascends at our particular judgment. 

Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit 

Dr. Andrew Macdonald is the Executive Director of Advancement at Holy Cross Family Ministries where he works to reach thousands of HCFM supporters with an invitation to become part of HCFM through their time, talent, and treasure. 

Reflection: 

“Follow me.” (Mt 4:19).  These simple words changed the lives of the apostles.  The gospels say very little about their personal stories, but what is known is that each of them had lives, that is families, jobs, and probably more.  And yet, with these words, they gave up everything to follow Him.  They became His followers and throughout His time on earth, this is what they were, how they were identified, and how they identified themselves.  They hung on every word, experienced every miracle, growing ever deeper in their faith, and then the end came and even Peter was lost and afraid.  His most stout-hearted followers denied him and “hid for fear of the Jews.” (John 20:19)   

But then something happens between the Ascension and Pentecost.  They are instructed to be His witnesses and no longer follow but find followers, but even here they hesitate until an angel asks them “Why do you stand here looking to the sky?” (Act 1:11).  Finally on Pentecost it happens, the Holy Spirit descends upon them like a dove and the followers were now the leaders.  These twelve men from simple lives would go on the become the cornerstones of Jesus’ Church around the world.  

We are all called in the same way, but how often do we think, “What can I do.”  I’m just better off following, and yet our Christian leadership is the best way we can follow.   If we are truly believers, then the greatest service we can offer our Church and our Lord is to lead, without title, without applause, and often without recognition.  Evangelize, be an example, support others, and yes, like the apostles, venture into places you have never been, always knowing that the comforter, the consoler is with you . . . always. 

Fourth Glorious Mystery:  The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven 

David and Mercedes Rizzo, Catholic Mom contributors and parents—who provide encouragement and inspiration for parents of special needs children. Learn more: www.davidandmercedesrizzo.com   

Reflection: 

The first thing we notice in this picture of the Assumption of Mary is the bright light bathing the whole image. We wondered where the light is coming from. It seems to be emanating from the halos of Mary and the angels surrounding her and carrying her up to heaven. We know from faith that the light is emanating from God and that this is a powerful display of God in the physical world, the world in which Mary and all of us inhabit as embodied creatures. Mary at this moment is being assumed body and soul into heaven by God, a powerful reminder of our belief that we will all be transformed in body and spirit when we die and return to God. This is a glorious mystery indeed!   

Mary is filled with this light like she was filled with Jesus in her womb. In the Rosary, we pray to the Blessed Mother, “Hail Mary, full of Grace. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.” Mary is filled with God’s grace and this grace is available to all of us when we approach her in sincere devotion and love. She rises toward her Son and brings our prayers to Him as our intercessor.  

There is always a peaceful feeling when we look at a picture or statue of Mary like this one. Traditionally, she is dressed in blue, as she is in this picture, the color of the sea and sky on a bright sunny day. On the Feast of the Assumption at the Jersey shore, near where we live, the faithful go down to the beach for a local custom known as the Wedding of the Sea. The bishop is rowed out into the waves on a boat to toss a wreath into the water. We have gone to watch this too. The sky and water seem very blue, and we feel once again a peacefulness as we think of Mary and the Glorious Mystery of her Assumption. 

Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Allison Gingras is Social Media and Digital Specialist for Family Rosary and Catholic Mom. Learn more about her writing at ReconciledToYou.com.

Reflection: 

“Mary, My Queen, My Mother,” were Venerable Patrick Peyton’s last words. This holy priest understood the Blessed Mother’s extraordinary position God’s grace bestowed upon her. A truly unique relationship with the Trinity—daughter of God, the Father Almighty; chosen spouse of the Holy Spirit; Blessed Mother of the Son. Queen of Heaven and of Earth.   

Depicted sometimes with crowns of roses or bedecked with a royal diadem, and yet other times with a crown of twelve stars (to represent the twelve tribes of Israel). I am drawn to the softness of this crown of roses; lovingly placed upon her brow by both Father and Son. The Spirit’s light illuminating not only the beauty of the moment but also the woman.   

This particular image is filled with many powerful symbols to ponder including a cross, the world, and a royal scepter.   

Jesus suffered upon that Cross which Mary witnessed as she stood at the foot of it; feeling His suffering so deeply within her tender heart yet filled with trust and hope in God’s perfect plan. From the Cross Jesus gave her to us as mother, and us to her as children, with the words, “Mother, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.” The world tucked beneath the Father's arm stands as a reminder, at least to me, of her ever-present intercession to us still occupying this world from her new home in Heaven.  

The queen’s scepter calls to mind her role as Queen Mother. In many cultures, especially those who practiced polygamy (prevalent at the time of King David); it was the King’s mother and not the wife who sat beside the King—acting as counselor and confidant. Subjects of the kingdom came to her when seeking favor from the King, as the queen knew how to best present their requests.   

What a comfort she must have been to those desperate or despaired, just as the Blessed Mother is to each of us, when in times of difficulty or distress.