The Luminous Mysteries

Traditionally, the rosary devotion is dedicated for the meditation of fifteen mysteries of joy, sorrow and glory. However, a significant event in the history of the holy rosary happened when in 2002, Pope John Paul II published the Apostolic Letter entitled Rosarium Virginis Mariae that adds five new mysteries – the Mysteries of the Light or the Luminous Mysteries.

This new mysteries are:

1.) The Baptism of Jesus
2.) The Wedding at Cana
3.) The Proclamation of God’s Kingdom
4.) The Transfiguration
5.) And the Institution of the Eucharist

These new mysteries explore the major events in Jesus Christ’s public life. This move was well-praised by Catholics who felt a sense of lacking in the traditional rosary. Pope John Paul II, widely known as a devout Marian, reminded the catholic world that "The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christ-centered prayer." This is very evident at the mysteries of the Light which are all about Christ.

1.) The Baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan

Jesus Christ Baptism at the River Jordan signifies that He is both God and human. During this event he illuminates the world on his divine mission as a Messiah. 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power' (Acts 10:38) 'that he might be revealed to Israel' (John 1:31) as its Messiah."

In meditating this mystery, we will understand our own sacrament of Baptism. When our Lord pours the water of life unto us through Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have a relationship with God that is both personal and permanent.

When we feel unloved or abandoned, God is always around to catch and embrace us as beloved children. The Holy Spirit is a river of life and love that flows within us from the moment we were baptized.

2.) The Wedding at Cana

This was the first public miracle of Jesus Christ. He had caused a large stir when he changed the water into wine. During this event, we will notice the divine intervention of his mother. Jesus insisted that his time has not yet come, but when Mary had asked him a favor he obeyed. Thus, Mary has influence on her son.

3.) Proclamation of God’s Kingdom

This mystery ties together the five mysteries of the light. Jesus’ public ministry is all about the proclamation of God’s kingdom. The five mysteries of the light remind us that God is saving us because of his Great love and intervention in our world. When we face life-threatening problems (terrorism, global warming, famine, war, epidemic), it is the time to ask God’s mercy and his kingdom.

4.) The Transfiguration

During this event, Jesus invited Peter, James and John to join him in the mountaintop. During with Jesus communion with Elijah and Moses "[H]is face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light" (Matthew 17:2). This event reminds us that Jesus Christ is both divine and human.

5.) The First Eucharist

This mystery brings us to the miracle at the Last Supper when Jesus shared his very self to His apostles in the bread of bread and wine. It was a holy meal that invites us to join in the great banquet of Christ. There are times in our life when we feel hungry not with food but with eternal nourishment of our soul.