Praying with Stained Glass Images: The Luminous Mysteries

Beauty has a way of lifting our hearts and souls to God, much like a heartfelt prayer. There is something truly captivating about seeing a breathtaking landscape or a detailed piece of art. These experiences have a special quality that makes us think and feel deeply. For example, a stunning waterfall can make us pause and marvel at creation, while a detailed painting can fill us with awe as we imagine the artist's hard work. Beauty reminds us of God's greatness and the care He put into the world around us.

Art doesn't just stir our emotions; it can also tell a story or share an idea. For years, art has been used to convey messages about faith, especially during times when many people were unable to read. That's why you'll find so much religious art around: it speaks to us in ways words sometimes can't.

From the early days of the Church, Christians have used art to share the Good News and tell Christ's story. Frescoes, paintings, and other traditional art forms were common in the early Church. Over time, artists tried new styles and materials, creating new forms of art.

Stained Glass Faith

Stained glass windows have been used in churches since the early days of the Faith. But it was during the Gothic period in the 11th and 12th centuries that they became a key feature. These huge cathedrals needed a lot of light to avoid being dark and gloomy inside. To brighten them up, they used beautiful stained glass instead of plain glass. These colorful windows not only lit up the cathedrals but also taught the faithful in a simple and beautiful way. These masterpieces, both then and now, lift our souls to God.

Like the stained glass of old European cathedrals, these images are meant to teach us about the faith and help us meditate on the mysteries. These artworks helped teach people about the faith and served as a focus for prayer. People attending Mass or looking for a quiet place could meditate on them, learning about the Bible and bringing the Gospel to life.

Visio Divina

In this tradition, this new "Praying with Images*" series uses stained glass images to represent the Mysteries of the Rosary, along with reflections from Venerable Patrick Peyton. The reflections come from the Father Peyton Rosary Prayer Book** and will serve as a guide to your own meditations on the life of Christ.

*Visio Divina is a prayer practice in which one reflects on religious images or art to help develop or grow in a deeper understanding of faith. **Peyton, Patrick. Father Peyton’s Rosary Prayer Book. Ignatius Press, 2012. 

To scroll through the images, click the small arrow at the bottom right of each photo.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism in the Jordan

Reflection: 

“Jesus approached his kinsman, John, at the Jordan and submitted to baptism. John’s first encounter with Him was at the Visitation of his mother by Mary. John receives Jesus as his mother Elizabeth did, recognizing Jesus as the salvation of the world. Jesus did not hold this over his friend John, but “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.” (Phil 2: 6)” (276)

Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana

Reflection: 

“Jesus submits to the will of His mother because of her compassion for their hosts. Though he may have been justified in not giving the community this sign at that particular time, He does so because of Mary’s compassion and love for humanity. Jesus’ humility in submitting to the request of Mary, and alleviating the embarrassment of their hosts, shows us that no matter is too small with which to approach Our Lord and His Mother.” (277) 

Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

Reflection: 

“Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God that begins now and leads us to eternity. A special place in His Kingdom is reserved for the poor, the anawim, who herald the triumph of His Kingdom with their simple witness. They do not rely on power or wealth, but only upon God’s grace for their welfare. Mary’s Magnificat announced this new day, and Jesus’s proclamation of the Kingdom affirms God’s new reign.” (283) 

Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration

Reflection: 

“Jesus’ transfiguration was a spectacular revelation to Peter, James and John. Yet Jesus did not want them to share the experience with others until He was to rise from the dead. Jesus’ death and resurrection had to be experienced before the glory of his transfiguration could be revealed. Like them, we cannot understand the truth of Jesus unless we first experience his life, death, and resurrection.” (279) 

Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist

Reflection: 

“The Liturgy of Holy Thursday celebrates two main actions of Jesus’ Last Supper. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is one and the Washing of the Feet, the other. This beautiful liturgy illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ command to “Do this in remembrance of me” and “You ought to wash one another’s feet.” This is the inauguration of our Eucharistic command to take, eat, drink, and serve one another. ” (280)