Praying with Images: The Luminous Mysteries

First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism in the Jordan 

Heidi Hess Saxton is the cohost of “Prayercast” and editor of The Ave Prayerbook for Catholic Mothers. 

Reflection: 

That January afternoon I was ready for the water to be chilly and cold. I had no idea it was going to be so dirty. As each of us made our way into the Jordan River to renew our baptismal promises, I looked at the flowing brown water, and wondered if it had been this same shade of murky when John the Baptist called out: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, … will baptize you with water and with fire” (Matthew 3:11). 

Suddenly my foot slipped on the rocky bank, and I would have tumbled in, if the priest hadn’t reached out a hand to catch me. But I smiled; surely stepping into murky water is a truer sign of penitence than holding out for a properly sterilized baptismal font. However muddy the water might be, it was infinitely cleaner than the soul of a penitent! 

Of course, properly speaking Jesus was not a penitent. So, what was He thinking in that moment His foot touched the water? In His mind’s eye, did the river run clear, anticipating a miraculous fulfillment of the prophesy of Ezekiel: 

And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” 

Then he led me along the bank of the river. As I went back, I saw upon the bank of the river many trees on one side and on the other. And he said to me, “This river flows along the eastern region … and when it enters upon the stagnant waters of the sea, the water shall become fresh. And wherever the river goes every living creature which swarms shall live …” (Ezekiel 47:6-9). 

We do not know for sure. We know only that his divine presence changed the very nature of the rite of baptism from a sign of repentance (as it was under John) to a sign of regeneration and transformation [CCC 1215]. 

Through His Son, God had indeed “troubled the water.” And His Father was “well pleased.” 

Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana 

Bayleigh Marquis is a 23-year-old wife who is passionate about spreading Jesus’ love to women and teenagers in the New England area and beyond. 

Reflection: 

The Wedding at Cana is where Jesus performs His first public miracle—water to wine. So much could be said about this miracle and this picture, but I’d like us to imagine we are guests at this wedding, simply sitting at the table and observing.  

Would I be the one sitting there skeptical, thinking there is no way for water to be turned into wine? Would I be the one looking elsewhere, missing what is right in front of me? Would I be the one looking over with hope because I am desperate for a miracle in my own life?  

The truth is, I am, and you are, every one of those people. Some days we are lost in the busyness of life, other days we can’t seem to find hope. But the good news is that we have the opportunity to choose to see the miracles in our everyday lives and thank God for them if we simply have the eyes to see. Which wedding guest will you be? 

Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God 

Amy Dyke, wife to Craig and mother of five, delights in family life evangelization, especially marriage ministry, and can be found at www.catholicmarriagefellowship.com. 

Reflection: 

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, the Third Luminous Mystery, reveals the very presence of God with us, Jesus Christ, while also directing us to the eternal reality of Heaven.  

As seen in this sacred stained-glass window, the Sermon on the Mount is depicted with Jesus sharing the Gospel message to those willing to listen. He seeks to draw them into a deeper understanding of the love of God and neighbor, to lift their hearts and minds to ponder the precious gift of eternal life. At first glance, we see an all-familiar scene of Jesus preaching with authority, and those in the crowd listening attentively.  

When looking deeper, however, this sacred image captures some of the raw reactions of humanity. A few appear to be skeptical, perhaps annoyed, yet are still listening. A few seem content, eager to hear such profound words from this holy man. There is one, however, sitting at the foot of Christ, completely enthralled and immersed in Jesus.  

This man’s heart and hands are open, fully ready to receive Jesus and all the greater truths of the Gospel unfolding before him. In pausing to reflect on this sacred image, I recalled those moments of my life journey, having a hardened or skeptical heart, similar to those depicted here. What was causing me to hear the Gospel, but not fully receive it? In contrast, while pondering the man sitting at the foot of Christ with his hands outstretched, I fondly recalled life moments where God’s grace opened my heart to joyfully receive Jesus and to walk more closely with Him.  

Each of us will respond to the Gospel according to His grace and where we are within our own personal journey. Where might each of us be on our journey? How might we respond when hearing the Kingdom of God proclaimed to us? May our hearts be open, our hands outstretched, so as to receive God’s grace!  

Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration 

Karen Ullo is the award-winning author of Jennifer the Damned, Cinder Allia, and To Crown with Liberty, and the editorial director of Chrism Press. Find her on the web at KarenUllo.com 

Reflection: 

St. John the Evangelist on the right looks like he’s sliding feet-first into home plate while trying not to get hit by the throw. 

The glory of God often knocks us off balance; sends us plunging into new and unfamiliar territory, often without a game plan. You wouldn't initially vote Jesus coach of the year.  

Come. Right now. Leave your nets and your family. Go without a money bag or an extra pair of sandals. Walk on the water, Peter.  

Many times in the Gospel, Jesus asked His followers to obey difficult commands without first giving them time to practice—He just puts them into the game, demanding all-star performances right from the start. It’s intimidating, and it often seems irrational. 

But in the Transfiguration, Jesus shows us the game plan. He Himself is the power behind our actions, who transfigures us from benchwarmers into saints. Whatever we need to follow Him, He will supply. When we feel like we’re being knocked off balance, many times that is when He will reveal His glory to us most clearly, in the most unexpected ways. 

Let us pray for the courage to always respond to Jesus with, “Yes, Lord, I am here.” Or, to phrase it another way: “Put me in, coach. I’m ready.” 

Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist 

Ivonne J. Hernandez is a Catholic wife and mother, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, President of Elisheba House, and author of The Rosary: Eucharistic Meditations. She lives in Trinity, Florida, where she and her husband serve as the RCIA coordinators for their parish. 

Reflection: 

Have you noticed how, when we see a person looking up at something, our immediate reaction is to also look up? We want to see what they are looking at. Did they find what they were looking for? A gaze can say so much. 

As my own eyes are set upon this beautiful image, I can't help but be drawn to their eyes… what are they focused on? My point of departure is the gaze of Jesus; He is looking up. 

"And with eyes raised to heaven to you, O God, his almighty Father, giving you thanks he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, saying: TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU" (Roman Missal, Third Edition: Eucharistic Prayer I). 

As I move my eyes to the eyes of the disciples, I notice three of them seem to be also looking up, sharing the same focus as Jesus. I wonder what they see? They seem to be awe-struck. Did the Father open the heavens for them? Did they see angels adoring the God-man sitting beside them, holding in His hands His very self now hidden as bread? 

What about the rest of the disciples? Five are looking down or have their eyes closed. They seem to be listening attentively to the words of the Lord. Two of them seem to be looking at the other disciples; perhaps confused by what is happening, they are looking for cues to respond. Only one is looking at Jesus, the one to the far left. He seems to be trying to grasp the mystery unfolding right in front of his eyes. 

What about us? Where is our gaze when we hear, Behold the Lamb of God!