The Luminous Mysteries

Said on Thursdays

Moving on from the infancy and the hidden life in Nazareth to the public life of Jesus, our contemplation brings us to those mysteries which may be called in a special way “mysteries of light”. Certainly the whole mystery of Christ is a mystery of light. He is the “light of the world” (Jn 8:12). Yet this truth emerges in a special way during the years of his public life, when he proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom….  Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus. – Pope John Paul II

1. The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
The heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares Jesus the beloved Son.

“And when Jesus was baptized, … 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)

Fruit of the Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit

2. The Wedding at Cana
The first of Jesus’ signs, in which Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.

“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever He tells you.’ … Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim.” (John 2:5-7)

Fruit of the Mystery: To Jesus through Mary

3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls all to conversion and forgives the sins of those who draw near to Him in humble trust.

“And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without pay, give without pay.”
(Matthew 10:7-8)

Fruit of the Mystery: Repentance and Trust in God

4. The Transfiguration
The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to “listen to him.”

“And as He was praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered and His raiment become dazzling white. And a voice came out of the cloud saying, ‘This is My Son, My chosen; listen to Him!’”  (Luke 9:29, 35)

Fruit of the Mystery: Desire for Holiness

5. Institution of the Eucharist
Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” His love for humanity, for whose salvation He will offer Himself in sacrifice.

“And He took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you.’ … And likewise with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.’”
(Luke 22:19-20)

Fruit of the Mystery: Adoration