- There are five types of Rosaries provided. Clicking (touching) on a Rosary Type will open the Rosary below. (You may have to scroll down to see it depending on your screen size.) To close the Rosary Type that has been opened click the red "Close".
- The reflections selectible with "Select a Meditation Set for each Mystery" on this page are Mystery level reflections that will appear before each Mystery. We welcome additional reflection sets and will be happy to include them as selectible options when provided. To submit one just add a comment to this page and you will be contacted.
- You will find 3 or more 50th Rose reflection sets (a short reflection for each Hail Mary) available for each Mystery.
- There are also four study Rosaries, one for each Mystery. If you click (touch) the blue "Study Rosary" it will display the Mysteries. Clicking (touching) an individual Mystery will open it below. To close a study Mystery touch the name of the Mystery again. The Study Rosaries will provide you with the historical and contextual background for each Mystery. Plan on an hour or two for each Mystery.
- As you read the rosary reflections you may encounter a blue + which when clicked will open up a source reference. Try it.
... To close (remove the additional information) simply click (touch) the blue elipse again. To close the source reference click (touch) the blue "-" which has replaced the blue "+".
- You may also encounter an elipse ... which is a grammatical short cut for "and so on". However if the elipse is blue, clicking on it will open up additional information pertenant to the subject at hand. Try it. (above)
- To close this intro simply click (touch) "here." again.
| Slide to Adjust font size | ||
Font Size |
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Credo in Deum Patrem Omnipoténtem, Creatórem caeli et terræ. Et in Iesum Christum, Fílium eius únicum, Dóminum nóstrum, qui concéptus est de Spíritu Sancto, natus ex María Vírgine, passus sub Póntio Piláto, crucifíxus, mórtuus, et sepúltus, descéndit ad ínfernos, tértia die resurréxit a mórtuis, ascéndit ad caelos, sedet ad déxteram Dei Patris Omnipoténtis, inde ventúrus est iudicáre vivos et mórtuos.
Credo in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam Cathólicam, Sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem, vitam ætérnam. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Our Father in heaven, may Your name be held holy, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Give us this day our heavenly bread; and forgive us our sins; as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificétur nomen tuum. Advéniat regnum tuum. Fiat volúntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hodie, et dimítte nobis débita nostra sicut et nos dímittimus debitóribus nostris. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem, sed líbera nos a malo. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Ave María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum. Benedícta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui,
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace of your Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, expandit effectus gratiae a tua flamma amoris super omnes homines; nunc, et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sáecula sæculórum. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Dómine Jesu,
dimitte nobis débita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni, perduc in caelum omnes ánimas, praesertim eas, quae misericórdiae tuae máxime indigent.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Veni Sancte Spiritus.
Veni per de pŏtentĭa flamma de ămōris de Immaculati cordis María.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope, to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears; turn, then most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Salve Regina, Mater misericórdiæ. Vita, dulcédo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamámus éxsules filii Hevæ Ad te Suspirámus, geméntes et flentes in hac lacrimárum valle. Eia ergo, Advocáta nostra, illos tuos misericórdes óculos ad nos convérte. Et Iesum, benedíctum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsílium osténde. O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo María. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Génetrix.
Ut digni efficiámur promissiónibus Christi. Amen
Let us pray, O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, and may the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God. Rest in peace. Amen.
Oremus: Deus, cujus Unigénitus, per vitam, mortem et resurrectiónem suam nobis salútis ætérnæ præmia comparávit; concéde, quæsumus; ut, hæc mystéria sanctíssimo Benedicta Maríæ Vírginis Rosário recoléntes; et imitémur quod cóntinent, et quod promíttunt, assequámur. Per eúmdem Christum Dóminum nostrum. Amen.
Ut Divinum Auxilium maneat semper nobiscum, et ut in animabus Fidelibus Defunctis, per misericordiam Dei. Requiescant in pace. Amen.
none
Flame of Love Rosary
Reparation Rosary
Traditional Rosary
Amici di Giuseppe Rosary
Franciscan Crown (Seraphic Rosary)
Quaeso auge nostram fidem
Quaeso auge nostram spei
Quaeso auge nostram caritatis
Please increase our faith
Please increase our hope
Please increase our charity
Reflection: (Lk 1:26-38) When Mary was a young woman, God sent the angel Gabriel, who told Mary that she was filled with God’s grace and that she would conceive a boy named Jesus, who would rule forever. The angel also explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon Mary and her son would be called the Son of God. Although Mary was frightened, she knew that God wanted this, so she said, “Let it be done to me according to God’s word.” Then the angel went back to heaven.
Reflection: (Lk 1:39-56) Because the angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, was also going to have a child, (John the Baptist), Mary visited Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the little baby in her womb leaped up because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she understood that Mary was to be God’s mother. She said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb. Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? You are blessed, Mary, because you believed God’s word.”
Reflection: (Lk 2:1-20 and Mt 2:1-12) The Roman Emperor demanded a census. So, Joseph and Mary had to travel 90 miles to Bethlehem, to enroll their names. When they arrived, there was no room at the inn where travelers usually stay. Therefore, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, kept warm by the animals. Also, angels appeared to shepherds telling them to go to Bethlehem. There, they would find the child who was their Lord and Savior. When they came to the stable they told Joseph and Mary what happened. Mary always remembered their words. Later, three wise men came from the east. A star guided them to Jerusalem and to Bethlehem. They gave Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Reflection: (Lk 2:22-35) Forty days after giving birth, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to the temple to fulfill the Jewish law, regarding the purification of Mary after giving birth to a son and to introduce Jesus to His Father. A man named Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to prophesy that Jesus would be a light to the nations and the glory of Israel. He also told Mary that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction and that her own heart would be pierced with suffering. A woman prophet, Anna, told everyone that the child would bring about the deliverance of Jerusalem.
Reflection: (Lk 2:41-52) Every year, the Holy Family went to Jerusalem (90 miles from Nazareth) for the Passover feast. When Jesus was 12 years old, he stayed behind in the temple. Soon, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was lost, and they returned to Jerusalem. On the third day they found him in the temple, speaking and asking questions. All were amazed at his learning. However, Mary was confused. “Why did you do this to us?” she asked. Jesus replied, “Did you not realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” answered Jesus. Jesus returned with them to Nazareth. For the next 18 years, Jesus studied to become a rabbi helping to support hmself and His family as a carpenter. At 30, he was baptized and began his preaching mission.
Reflection: (Matt 3:1-17) John the Baptist preached at the Jordan River, where large crowds came and were baptized. One day, Jesus came and was baptized by John. At that moment, the clouds opened up. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, came upon Jesus and God the Father said, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert where he was tempted for forty days.
Reflection: (John 2:1-12) Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding at Cana, in Galilee at which Mary was also present. However, a problem arose. They had no more wine. Mary told Jesus about the lack of wine and, then instructed the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus had them fill six large jars with water and take it to the headwaiter. After tasting the miraculous wine, the headwaiter wondered why the groom had kept the best wine until last. This miracle was Jesus’ first sign and his disciples began to believe in him.
Reflection: (Mark 1:35-39) Jesus gathered his twelve apostles and his disciples (men and women) and visited all the towns of Galilee. He told everyone to believe in God because the Kingdom of Heaven was coming soon. To prove that the Kingdom was at hand, Jesus healed many people and even raised some from the dead. He drove out demons and told them to be quiet. The crowds grew larger and the disciples believed more and more.
Reflection: (Mt 17:1-8) One day, Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. When they were alone, Jesus clothes became extremely white and his whole body was transfigured and his face shone like the sun. When Moses and Elijah began speaking to Jesus, Peter wanted to build three tents, one for each of them. A cloud came and God the Father said, “This is my Beloved Son, listen to him.” Jesus told the three apostles not to tell the vision to anyone until he rose from the dead.
Reflection: (Mt 26:26-30) On the night before He began His passion, Jesus gathered his apostles in Jerusalem for the Last Supper. During the meal, Jesus took bread, broke it and gave it to his apostles saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” Then he took the chalice filled with wine and said, “Take and drink. This is the chalice of the blood of the new and eternal covenant which will be shed for the remission of sins. Do this in memory of me.” This Last Supper was the first mass. The apostles became priests and received their First Communion.
Reflection: (Mt 26:36-46) After the Last Supper, Jesus went with his Apostles to his favorite place of prayer, the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas had left the Last Supper to betray Jesus and to lead the soldiers to the Garden. As Jesus arrived, he told his apostles to pray, but they fell asleep. Jesus began to sweat blood and said, “O Father, if it is possible, let this suffering pass from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” After three hours, Judas and the soldiers came to capture Jesus.
Reflection: (Mark 15:11-15) Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, could find no reason to put Jesus to death. In order to stop the Jews from demanding Jesus be crucified Pilate had Jesus scourged. The objective of the soldiers scourging Jesus was to mark His entire body from His ankles to His shoulders with bruises and torn skin.
Reflection: (Mark 15:1-20) These soldiers took Jesus and put a military cloak on him and placed on his head a crown of thorns. They made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews”, striking Jesus on the head and spitting on him. Finally, they again clothed Jesus in his own robe.
Reflection: (Mark 15:21-22) When the crowd chose Barabbas, Pilate handed Jesus to the soldiers to lead him to Calvary. The soldiers made Jesus carry his cross. When Jesus grew too weak, they made Simon, the Cyrenean help him. Many women from Galilee and Jerusalem followed Jesus and wept for him.
Reflection: (Mt 27:45-61) Jesus was nailed to the cross from noon until 3:00 PM. While on the cross He forgave those crucifying Him, told the Good Thief, “This day you will be with me in Paradise”, took care of His Mother, pointed out the Psalm He was fulfilling, and finished the Last Supper. Finally, Jesus said, “Father into your hands I commend my spirit” and he died. His disciples buried him in a new grave owned by a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea. Everyone knew exactly where he was buried because they were eye-witnesses. They buried Jesus quickly because the Sabbath rest began at sundown.
Reflection: (Mt: 28-1-10) After the Sabbath rest, early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen and other women went to Jesus’ tomb. However, the stone was rolled away and an angel greeted them. “You are seeking the living among the dead. He is not here.” The women were frightened but filled with joy. As they returned home, Jesus came to them and said, “Go and tell my disciples to meet me in Galilee.” After this, Jesus appeared many times to his disciples, to prove that he was alive and to instruct them about their future work.
Reflection: (Lk 24:50-53) For the next 40 days, Jesus frequently appeared to his disciples. On one occasion, he came to 500 of them gathered together. He also came to Peter, to the two disciples, to the 11 apostles in the Upper Room, to Thomas (who doubted at first) and to many others. His final appearance came on the Mount of Olives. As they looked on, Jesus was taken up to heaven. An angel appeared to the disciples saying, “Why are you still looking up to heaven? Jesus will return to earth the same ways you saw him go up.” They returned to Jerusalem and waited for the Holy Spirit whom Jesus had promised to send.
Reflection: (Acts of Apostles 2:1-4) For 9 days, the 12 apostles gathered with Mary, Jesus’ mother, in the Upper Room. On the 10th day, (Pentecost – 50 days after Easter), there came a noise like a strong driving wind. A fire appeared and it separated into tongues of fire that settled upon the disciples’ heads. They all received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. Soon a large crowd gathered. Peter explained to them that the people had made a mistake in crucifying Jesus. However, they could receive Jesus’ Spirit by being sorry for their sins and by being baptized. 3000 people were baptized. On this day, the Catholic Church was born.
Reflection: At the cross, Jesus asked the Beloved Disciple to care for his mother. At the end of Mary’s time on earth, Jesus took her body and soul directly into heaven. What Jesus did for Mary, he will also do for you. At the end of the world, He will take you, body and soul, into heaven.
Reflection: (Revelation 12:1) Mary is God’s greatest creature. She is even above all the angels. When she got to heaven, she was made the queen. The Beloved Disciple wrote that she is the “Woman Clothed With the Sun with the moon under her feet and with a crown of twelve stars.” As Queen of Heaven and Earth, God gives her all power to help us. That is why we say the Hail Mary.
Reflection: Grant us, Mary, by the graces of this mystery, a listening heart that responds to the call of the Lord with a loving yes joined to yours.
Mary tells us: “I place in your hands a ray of Light. It is the Flame of Love of My Immaculate Heart! I am your caring Mother who loves you, and united with you hand in hand I shall save you.
Reflection: Open our hearts, Mary, to give joyfully and without counting and in a gratuitousness of love, as you did at the Visitation.
Mary tells us: "There is so much sinning in the world! Help Me save souls! I place in your hands a ray of light: the Flame of Love of My Immaculate Heart. Ignite your own heart with it and pass it on to others, at least to one more soul!"
Reflection: Mary, tenderness of the poor, make us discover the true wealth of the Kingdom, You who lived the wealth of the Kingdom at the birth of Jesus.
Mary tells us: "This Flame of graces springing from My Immaculate Heart has to go from heart to heart. This will be the great miracle whose light will blind Satan."
Reflection: Grant us, Mary, that we may recognize the Light of God in our lives, as Simeon recognized it at the Presentation of Jesus.
Mary tells us: "I will spread the flow of graces from My Flame of love over all peoples and nations. Not just those belonging to the Catholic Church but over all those marked with the sign of the Cross of My Divine Son."
Reflection: Mary, who welcomed in faith the mystery of the mission of your Son in the Temple, make us obedient to God's plan.
Mary tells us: "I can no longer suppress My Flame of Love within Me, let it flow toward you! Those who grant shelter to My Flame of Love will be empowered by an infusion of graces, and will proclaim to the whole world that such an outpouring of graces has never been seen since the Word became Flesh ... "
Reflection: O Mary, who kept everything in your Heart, make us attentive to God's presence and grateful for the privileged grace of our baptism.
Jesus tells us: “Let him who walks with Me look into My penetrating eyes and merge himself in them!”
Reflection: O Mary, Virgin of Cana, ask Jesus to change our hearts so that we may live ever more in the great freedom of God's children.
Mary tells us: “The many graces that I give you, if you make good use of them –and you must always use them better and better, cause a great number of souls to become better.”
Reflection: By your unceasing prayer, Mary, obtain for us to be authentic witnesses of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Jesus tells us: “Should you want to speak publicly or if you were asked to do so, I will then be there to comfort you. Each word should be like a seed which must bear many fruits among your listeners.”
Reflection: May our lives be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and may Your Flame of Love, Mary, warm our hearts.
Jesus tells us: “The aim is to make known the value of the work of salvation! Ah! If only your aspirations for salvation could reach the Throne of the Heavenly Father! The success would then be greater! Burn! Like the bush in flames of fire that did not burn up! I need a sacrifice that does not consume itself and whose fire reaches Me!”
Reflection: O Mary, Virgin of Contemplation, help us to increase our intimacy with Jesus in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life of every day.
Jesus tells us: “Participation in the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass increases to the highest degree the blindness of Satan.”
Reflection: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by, nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it." With You, Mary, may it become our prayer in our trials.
Jesus tells us: "My table is always set, without interruption. I, the Master, have sacrificed everything! My Self, I give you."
Reflection: May our suffering, united to the scourging of Jesus, become a prayer of offering to the world, with You, Mary.
Jesus tells us: "When receiving Holy Communion, look deeply into your soul and feel the effects My Precious Blood produces within you. Do not be insensitive to that! It is not by habit that you should come to My table, but rather propelled by a love that will be fuelled as it touches Mine, and which through Me, and in union with you, will burn away the sins of your soul..."
Reflection: May the thorns of our heart make the garden of our life blossom in faith with You, Mary.
Jesus tells us: “Without faith and trust, no virtue can take roots in you. They are the foundation of this holy project for which we are preparing."
Reflection: May our daily cross be enlightened by the sorrowful Cross of Jesus, which has become glorious by His Resurrection.
Jesus tells us: "We give you the strength and courage to take the first steps, but you should not delay accomplishing My will, or simply dismiss it with the back of your hand."
Reflection: May the loving words uttered by Jesus on the Cross become seeds of life, love and forgiveness in all the hearts.
Jesus tells us: "If you do not come to Me, how then can I bestow My graces upon you? The fullness of graces is stored up in My Heart. My Heart is an unending source of love."
Reflection: Through the power of Your Resurrection, grant us Lord the taste of life, and reach out to those who have lost its meaning.
Mary tells us: "When the consecrated and the laity observe absolute fasting on Monday, they deliver also many poor souls from Purgatory at each Holy Communion during that week at the time they receive the Holy Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Reflection: "Why are you standing here looking into the sky?” “Go out proclaim the Good News." May we become, o Lord, authentic witnesses of Your Resurrection.
Jesus tells us: “The Church is in great danger and you cannot remedy the situation with earthly means or efforts. The Most Holy Trinity and the Holy Virgin alone, the Angels and all the Saints, and with the assistance of all the souls delivered by you from Purgatory, are still able to provide for the needs of the Militant Church.”
Reflection: Send forth Your Spirit, Lord, and give us the audacity of Your true disciples.
Jesus tells us: “I could compare this torrential flood to the first Pentecost. It will submerge the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit. All mankind will take heed at the time of this great miracle. Here comes the torrential flow of the Flame of Love of My Most Holy Mother. The world, darkened already by the lack of faith, will undergo formidable tremors and then people will believe!"
Reflection: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." May these words, Mary, maintain us in the hope and the certainty of an eternal tomorrow.
Mary tells us: “Only through speech can My Flame of Love become known. I am standing with sadness in My Heart by the side of the world. You have no right to remain silent, neither by cowardice nor pride, neither by negligence nor fear of sacrifice. The words you speak about Me must be impregnated with all the fervor of your soul so that mankind can be touched by the mystery of Heaven."
Reflection: O Mary, crowned in glory, kindle us continually by the Flame of Love of Your Immaculate Heart.
Mary tells us: “I grant to all of you the grace to be able to see the success of your effort with regard to the diffusion of My Flame of Love, as well as in each heart taken individually, as well as in your country and the whole world. You who toil and make sacrifices, you will see that My Flame of Love will submerge very soon the whole humanity.”
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES(Misteria Gaudiosa)
Jesus speaking to the soul:
In your daily life you also experience the mysteries of spiritual joy and peace. All people on earth experience them, but fail to recognize it. It is a joy to do God’s Will: Ecce ancilla Domini, (Behold the handmaid of the Lord). It is a joy to practice charity for the love of God: Visitavit Elisabeth, (She visited Elizabeth). It is a joy to receive Me truly present, even in the poor stable of a simple heart. It is a joy to perform your religious devotions in Church, offering yourself to God and purifying yourself of the sins committed in your fallen human nature. It is a joy to recover Me after you have lost Me. See, my child, that among the five joys, there are two great sorrows: The prophecy of Simeon to Mary and the loss of Me in the Temple. In the joy of the Spirit there is also suffering and dryness in your life. But in the Divine Will you can find peace. I give you my blessing.
The Annunciation
Jesus: You become too anxious in the way you live and too impulsive in the way you act. Always perform your tasks without hurrying. Look first for the Divine Will in everything you do, offering yourself to God, in Mary’s words: “Behold your handmaid, O Lord. Be it done to me according to Your Word.”
The soul: O my Jesus, allow me to understand the mysteries of Your love for me, so that I may do only Your will. I have not been grateful for Your love for me and often I am doubtful. Now I do believe in Your love and I offer myself to You: Ecce Ancilla Domini, Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
The Visitation to St. Elisabeth
Jesus: You make many sacrifices for others, but you do not always make them for God. Never work for human convenience, but only for the virtue of charity. Call on the Most Holy Mary, that she may come to sanctify your soul for the glory of God: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
The soul: Deign, O my Jesus, to turn Your Face toward this insignificant one of Yours. You give Yourself to me, real and alive in the Holy Eucharist, with Your infinite love. May I never be ungrateful for this gift. I beg You, and may I glorify You with all my love: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
Jesus: You make many sacrifices for others, but you do not always make them for God. Never work for human convenience, but only for the virtue of charity. Call on the Most Holy Mary, that she may come to sanctify your soul for the glory of God: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
The soul: Deign, O my Jesus, to turn Your Face toward this insignificant one of Yours. You give Yourself to me, real and alive in the Holy Eucharist, with Your infinite love. May I never be ungrateful for this gift. I beg You, and may I glorify You with all my love: Magnificat anima mea Dominum, My soul magnifies the Lord.
The Birth of Jesus
Jesus: Everyday I come to you in the Holy Eucharist and everyday I rest in you as in the stable of Bethlehem. I was born in the silence of the night and in the silence of love. I want to work in your soul. Do not waste My gift with anxiety of soul. Trust in Me because I am faithful and will not permit in you the evil of deceit and illusion.
The soul: Come, o my Jesus, I believe in You. I adore You. Come into my poor heart and let me warm You with my love. I believe it is You who comes to me and I want to be faithful to You till death.
Jesus: Everyday I come to you in the Holy Eucharist and everyday I rest in you as in the stable of Bethlehem. I was born in the silence of the night and in the silence of love. I want to work in your soul. Do not waste My gift with anxiety of soul. Trust in Me because I am faithful and will not permit in you the evil of deceit and illusion.
The soul: Come, o my Jesus, I believe in You. I adore You. Come into my poor heart and let me warm You with my love. I believe it is You who comes to me and I want to be faithful to You till death.
The Presentation of The Child Jesus in the Temple
Jesus: The most Holy Mary presented Me in the Temple and you present Me to God in the Eucharistic offering, through the hands of Mary. When I sacrifice Myself in you, you accept the sorrows of your life just as Mary accepted the sorrows prophesied to Her by the saintly old Simeon. Be faithful to Me in all the discomfort and sorrows of your day. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Eternal Father, I offer Jesus to You in reparation for my sins and the sins of the whole world. I offer Him up especially for all sins of impurity and that all souls, consecrated to You, may not offend You. I offer You all the sorrows of my life. Jesus I trust in You.
Jesus: The most Holy Mary presented Me in the Temple and you present Me to God in the Eucharistic offering, through the hands of Mary. When I sacrifice Myself in you, you accept the sorrows of your life just as Mary accepted the sorrows prophesied to Her by the saintly old Simeon. Be faithful to Me in all the discomfort and sorrows of your day. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Eternal Father, I offer Jesus to You in reparation for my sins and the sins of the whole world. I offer Him up especially for all sins of impurity and that all souls, consecrated to You, may not offend You. I offer You all the sorrows of my life. Jesus I trust in You.
The Finding of Young Jesus disputing with the Doctors in the Temple
Jesus: How many times I gave Myself to you with great love! And without trusting in Me, you lost Me. When You lose Me, my child, you think I am not yours anymore. Come to the Church and you will find My Tabernacle. Do not become lost in My ways of love. Come to me regularly in the Eucharist. I give you my blessing.
The soul: O my Jesus, my love is for You alone and I want to love You always above all things. Never allow the love of others to prevail in me. I only want to love You who are above all things. In this way I shall never lose You and You will be with me always.
Jesus: How many times I gave Myself to you with great love! And without trusting in Me, you lost Me. When You lose Me, my child, you think I am not yours anymore. Come to the Church and you will find My Tabernacle. Do not become lost in My ways of love. Come to me regularly in the Eucharist. I give you my blessing.
The soul: O my Jesus, my love is for You alone and I want to love You always above all things. Never allow the love of others to prevail in me. I only want to love You who are above all things. In this way I shall never lose You and You will be with me always.
The Baptism of Jesus
Thou are my beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased.(Lk 3, 21-22)
The life of John the Baptist represented for the Hebrew people a marvel, and even though he did not perform any miracles, many thought that he was the Christ, the awaited Savior. This suspicion, instead of being an honor for John, was a burden for him. Immediately, he tried to clear up this mistakeas much as he possibly could, explaining openly the truth: He was baptizing with water, which was a symbol of penance and humiliation. The Savior, being God, infinitely more powerful than he, for Whom he was not worthy to unloosen the latchet of His sandals, would baptize pouring out the graces of the Holy Spirit and the fire of love. Hence His Baptism would be a true rebirth. John threatened the punishments of God but he had no power over souls. The Savior, instead, would have the ‘candelabra’ in His Hand, that is, He would be the Judge of souls. He would save the righteous and condemn the reprobates as useless straws for the eternal fire of hell. It would be wrong to exchange the symbol for the reality or the servant for the Master. God Himself took care to confirm the witness of John. Even Jesus Christ, in fact, went to be baptized. When he received the water and was covered by all our sins, the sky opened up, and appeared a strong light, almost as if the sky had been turned asunder, showing the eternal light. In that splendor the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as a halo of light, in the shape of a dove with dazzling light and the voice of the Father could be heard, Who said: “Thou are my beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” The white Dove of Light and the voice of the Father revealed the sanctity of Jesus Christ and His Divinity. The Holy Spirit consecrated His Humanity in the fullness of grace that touched the infinite and the voice of the Father expressed clearly that He was his Eternal Son, the object of His satisfaction. In this way the testimony of John was sealed and his mission could be said to have come to an end with the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. (From: The Commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel by Fr. D. Ruotolo –2ndEd. 2002 pp. 108 & following)
The Wedding at Cana
“They have no more wine”(John 2,1-11)“They have no more wine!” How many times Mary must have uttered this prayer, when in the house of Nazareth there was no more bread or what else She wanted to give to the poor? She was sure to receive what She wanted, as it was enough for Her to ask Her Divine Son. She knew by experience of the power of mediation that she had over the Heart of Jesus. It is nonsense to think that the Lord wanted to be independent of his Mother in his work of Redemption, when He entrusted all to Her from the beginning, and He wanted to have Her Co-Redemptrix at the foot of the Cross. It is even more nonsense to think that He wanted to reproach Her, when She was making a request out of charity.He then answered Her: “What there is between you and Me, Woman? My hour is not yet come”. And He wanted to say exactly this, as it is very clear in the context of what Jesus did thereafter: What difference is there between you and Me and what can I do that you cannot do? My hour is not yet come, the hour of my glorious manifestation, and that miracle that you want from Me, you can do it too. Mary with the words: “They have no more wine” claimed a miracle, either the multiplication of the last bit of wine remaining in some of the vessels or the transubstantiation of the water. “My hour is not yet come”. Was Jesus thinking already in that moment of the hour of the Eucharistic banquet of the Last Supper? When He spoke in the Cenacle of His hour, and of the desire he had desired it (Lk 22,15) make us believe that He always was thinking about it because the very purpose of His love was that of giving of Himself. His love had almost an aversion to give wine... He wanted to give his Blood; since his hour had not yet come he would have preferred that Mary perform the miracle. The Most Holy Virgin did not want only to give wine, but She wanted to give His apostles a reason for faith in Jesus. She wanted to strengthen them with a miracle and for this reason She persisted with Jesus for an action, saying to the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” By quick insight, She immediately understood the allusion of Her Son to transubstantiation and engaged the servants to provide the water for the miracle. As we can see, instead of being apart or almost stranger to each other, Jesus and Mary understood each other at once. Mary, as Mistress and Queen, entered into the intimacy of that Divine Heart and Jesus entered the delicate desires of the Immaculate Heart of his Mother. ...
“They have no more wine”(John 2,1-11)“They have no more wine!” How many times Mary must have uttered this prayer, when in the house of Nazareth there was no more bread or what else She wanted to give to the poor? She was sure to receive what She wanted, as it was enough for Her to ask Her Divine Son. She knew by experience of the power of mediation that she had over the Heart of Jesus. It is nonsense to think that the Lord wanted to be independent of his Mother in his work of Redemption, when He entrusted all to Her from the beginning, and He wanted to have Her Co-Redemptrix at the foot of the Cross. It is even more nonsense to think that He wanted to reproach Her, when She was making a request out of charity.He then answered Her: “What there is between you and Me, Woman? My hour is not yet come”. And He wanted to say exactly this, as it is very clear in the context of what Jesus did thereafter: What difference is there between you and Me and what can I do that you cannot do? My hour is not yet come, the hour of my glorious manifestation, and that miracle that you want from Me, you can do it too. Mary with the words: “They have no more wine” claimed a miracle, either the multiplication of the last bit of wine remaining in some of the vessels or the transubstantiation of the water. “My hour is not yet come”. Was Jesus thinking already in that moment of the hour of the Eucharistic banquet of the Last Supper? When He spoke in the Cenacle of His hour, and of the desire he had desired it (Lk 22,15) make us believe that He always was thinking about it because the very purpose of His love was that of giving of Himself. His love had almost an aversion to give wine... He wanted to give his Blood; since his hour had not yet come he would have preferred that Mary perform the miracle. The Most Holy Virgin did not want only to give wine, but She wanted to give His apostles a reason for faith in Jesus. She wanted to strengthen them with a miracle and for this reason She persisted with Jesus for an action, saying to the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” By quick insight, She immediately understood the allusion of Her Son to transubstantiation and engaged the servants to provide the water for the miracle. As we can see, instead of being apart or almost stranger to each other, Jesus and Mary understood each other at once. Mary, as Mistress and Queen, entered into the intimacy of that Divine Heart and Jesus entered the delicate desires of the Immaculate Heart of his Mother. ...
In the courtyard or in the vestibule of the house, there were six stone vessels called idrie. These were vessels for the water, each to contain two barrels of it, in Greek three metrete, some smaller, some bigger. The metreta, which means measure, was the biggest measure of capacity for liquids. It equaled 40 liters. Every vessel, then, had about 80 to 120 liters and all together between 480 to 720 liters.Jesus gave order to the servants to fill them. With an interior act of omnipotent will, He ordered the water for those people who took care of the wine for the banquet; He
ordered it like He did when in the beginning, when He created things from nothing and ordered harmony. The chief of the banquet in that moment was to distribute wine and not water and Jesus bidding him draw it, changed it into excellent wine. His hour to give his own Blood had not yet come, but He desired, with that miracle, to withhold that greatest miracle of His love. Interiorly He said to that water: “This is the wine for the chief of the banquet”, like one day He would say on that wine: “This is my Blood that shall be shed for you.” The water immediately became wine.
“And His disciples believed in Him”. (From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. John by Father Dolindo Ruotolo 2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 1989 pp. 62-65)
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” (Lk 4,16-22)In the Synagogue of Nazareth was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found a passage that spoke of Himself. The Prophet was talking about the Messiah to come, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, hence he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and restore sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God. (Is 61, 1& following). This was the mission of the labor of Jesus till the end of time, the synthesis of His spiritual mission and the marvelous work that would accompany it. ...
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” (Lk 4,16-22)In the Synagogue of Nazareth was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found a passage that spoke of Himself. The Prophet was talking about the Messiah to come, saying: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, hence he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and restore sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God. (Is 61, 1& following). This was the mission of the labor of Jesus till the end of time, the synthesis of His spiritual mission and the marvelous work that would accompany it. ...
He, then anointed of the Holy Spirit was to evangelize the eternal truth to the poor, that is to the people, the sinners, the ignorant, all those deprived of light and supernatural grace; He was to heal the brokenhearted, that is, the afflicted, the timid and those who being humiliated by their own sins wished to be healed. While redeeming the people, He would announce to them their freedom. With the words of truth He would give light to the blind; with the spreading of the Gospel over all the earth He would give freedom to captives filling their heart with the joy of the grace of God; with the propagation of the Divine Mercies He would announce the year of favor, that is, the time of great grace for souls, and the final Judgment. However these benefits represented greater things that He would propagate for his Church through the centuries.
He made seven great annunciations that can be regarded as prophesies of the seven periods of the History of the Church:1. The evangelization to the poor. 2. The renewal of human society, brought low by paganism. 3. The triumph of the Church, reduced to bloody servitude by the Caesars of Rome.
114. The illumination of the truth throughout the world through the Doctors of the Church. 5. Freedom from persecutions at the time of the apostasy of nations and the triumph of the Church oppressed by tyranny. 6. The Year of Favor, that is, a period of great graces and the triumph of the Church of God, the Church in the Kingdom of God. 7. Finally the last deception and the Final Judgment. Jesus, rolling up the scroll again, handed it back to the attendant of the Synagogue and sat down. He looked around to gather all in his Heart and said to them: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”(From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Dolindo Ruotolo –2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 2002 pp. 129-131)
The Transfiguration of Jesus
“And while Jesus was praying his Face changed in appearance...” (Lk 9,29).
Jesus wanted to show himself to three witnesses on earth and two witnesses from Heaven: Peter, James and John representing mankind and Moses and Elijah representing the many who longed for the Redemption in the Old Testament. Hence Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and went up the mountain to pray. ...
“And while Jesus was praying his Face changed in appearance...” (Lk 9,29).
Jesus wanted to show himself to three witnesses on earth and two witnesses from Heaven: Peter, James and John representing mankind and Moses and Elijah representing the many who longed for the Redemption in the Old Testament. Hence Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and went up the mountain to pray. ...
Since he often prayed during the night, we are right to believe that it was already dark when he began to go up with the apostles. This is clear also because the apostles were overcome with sleep: after a day busy with activities, in the calm solitude of the mountain, in the humidity of the night, it is understandable that they fell asleep. However they had gone with Jesus to pray and they were trying to stay awake, as it can be understood from the Greek Text which says that “they were awake in spite of their drowsiness”, and that they became aware of the grandiose scene that took place on the mountain.Jesus prayed and His Transfiguration makes it possible for us to understand what His prayer was. He was inflamed by infinite love in front of the Father and all rapt by His glory. His face changed in appearance and became dazzling white by divine light and this intense light made his clothing also white. It was the most sublime ecstasy. It was the Word coming forth, we could say: His assumed humanity becoming completely diaphanous by the divine light and being enlightened.The sight was sublime, immense, and so great that it is not possible to imagine it. The true God was visible in it, just as in His concealment He was perceived as the true man. The Word glorified the Father knowing and appreciating Him and the assumed humanity shined in Jesus and through Him like a flame of holocaust.
Jesus prayed in that mysterious splendor. His prayer raised up so far above the poor earthly atmosphere, just as his divine splendor had to reach far beside and well past the immensity of the firmament. Jesus prayed and the splendor of his Soul and Body was proportioned to the humiliation that he was going to be subject to, during His Passion. It was, in fact, conforming to the divine Glory, that the Man-God was sacrificed, but it was a demand of His glory that He was recognized for what He was.
Jesus prayed as He spoke of His departure with Moses and Elijah; it was a sublime canticle rising to the One and Triune God, like a grandiose Psalm going through a dazzling parallel because Moses and Elijah exalted God for His promises, and Jesus exalted Him accepting in Himself the accomplishment of them, showing the perfect harmony in his life. The two Testaments were side by side, the shadow became the light of reality and the reality enlightened the truth of the symbols and of the figures. In this canticle was the entire ancient story of infinite harmony, answered in the Man-God with a triumphant harmony of love. The great light did not yet completely awake the apostles, and Peter spoke without knowing what he was saying. When they saw the light wrapped around Jesus, Moses and Elijah, because of the sudden contrast between the intense light and the shadow of the cloud, they woke up completely and they became frightened because in that cloud appeared the Father solemnly pointing to His Son as Master of humanity. From the cloud indeed came forth a voice that said: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him!” Tabor was truly the Sinai of the New Covenant from which the Son revealed Himself, just as the Cenacle was the mountain where the Holy Spirit was revealed. On Tabor the cloud represented also the Holy Spirit which unites the Father with the Son, and the Son to the Father in Infinite Love; but in the Cenacle the manifestation was special as that of the Son on Tabor and that of the Father in heaven on Sinai. (From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Dolindo Ruotolo –2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 2002 pp. 254 & following)
The Institution of the Eucharist
“With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you”(Lk 22:14).
Jesus was at the center of the table; His appearance was spiritualized and divine. ...
“With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you”(Lk 22:14).
Jesus was at the center of the table; His appearance was spiritualized and divine. ...
His most beautiful face had an air of majesty, of love, goodness, and peace and of a sweet inner sorrow like the shadow of a most beautiful painting that made Him even more beautiful. The Divinity hidden by the most holy Humanity surfaced from his features
mysteriously incisive and most beautiful; His eyes were sparkling and Heaven was mirrored in them. He was the Bridegroom of the Canticles, who in that moment was offering himself, opening the door of his Mercy and love. He embraced the souls of all ages; embraced His Church and offered His life to her; He gazed around at His disciples and his sight embraced all of them with love, like a bare and wet rock in the rising sun. They were needy and poor of heart and did not even understand what He was going to do, but they were His and He loved them immensely. He had come to earth to make right the human failure and he was offering Himself as He gave them His life. The very misery of his Apostles increased his tenderness and He said: “With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you before I suffer”. The moment was solemn, and the Angels came down from Heaven to see it. In that moment the greatest miracle of God was accomplished, and it was accomplished in one moment with a single utterance of the Incarnate Word. He was already transfigured, but became even more transfigured. His face was like the face of God: Power, Wisdom and Love. He had the assurance of one who can do everything, the vigor of one who knows everything and accomplishes all with wisdom, the gentleness of one who gives with a most pure love.The Angels were in sublime awe and the Heavens stopped their music.
He took the bread, looked up to Heaven, and gave thanks, that is, He prayed fervently and thanked the Father for this great gift He was giving to mankind, broke the bread, hand it to the Apostles and spoke with a calm and loving tone. Before that the law of creation stopped in adoration and obeyed, as if vanishing before Him: “This is my Body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me”. The substance of the bread was as if struck by the Omnipotent Word and disappeared, giving place to the substance of the Body of the Redeemer; and because He did not pronounced His Omnipotent Word on the quantity of the bread it remained, together with the accidents, suspended like a veil over that divine substance. But He was not satisfied. He had given Himself as food, He wanted to give Himself also as drink; He had given His whole Body, now he wanted to give His Blood as well, in a sacrifice of love. He wanted to separate it, at all cost, from his Body, to anticipate its outpouring and perpetuation in all ages until the end of time. And He took the cup full of wine and giving it to His dear apostles, spoke with the same Omnipotent and Transubstantiating Word: “This chalice is the New Testament of My Blood, which shall be shed for you.” He not only shed it, He gave it; and making it sacramental, separated from his Body, he gave it as a sacrifice of love. It was his real Blood, not just a symbol: it was the same Blood that would be shed, not just a figure. It was the Blood of the same sacrifice of the Cross which would shortly be consummated by the betrayal of Judas; and for this reason, Jesus, to eliminate all doubts, added: “But yet behold, here is the hand of him who betrays Me. He is here with Me at the table”.(From: The Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke by Father Dolindo Ruotolo – 2nd Ed. Napoli, Italy 2002 pp. 487-490)
mysteriously incisive and most beautiful; His eyes were sparkling and Heaven was mirrored in them. He was the Bridegroom of the Canticles, who in that moment was offering himself, opening the door of his Mercy and love. He embraced the souls of all ages; embraced His Church and offered His life to her; He gazed around at His disciples and his sight embraced all of them with love, like a bare and wet rock in the rising sun. They were needy and poor of heart and did not even understand what He was going to do, but they were His and He loved them immensely. He had come to earth to make right the human failure and he was offering Himself as He gave them His life. The very misery of his Apostles increased his tenderness and He said: “With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you before I suffer”. The moment was solemn, and the Angels came down from Heaven to see it. In that moment the greatest miracle of God was accomplished, and it was accomplished in one moment with a single utterance of the Incarnate Word. He was already transfigured, but became even more transfigured. His face was like the face of God: Power, Wisdom and Love. He had the assurance of one who can do everything, the vigor of one who knows everything and accomplishes all with wisdom, the gentleness of one who gives with a most pure love.The Angels were in sublime awe and the Heavens stopped their music.
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES(Misteria dolorosa)
Jesus: Unite yourself to Me in your suffering and the bitterness will become for you like incense, through the joy of offering them with Me for the salvation of souls. Suffer with patience. Do not lose your temper. Do not make others suffer for your impatience. Be at peace with everyone and forgive those that make you suffer, because forgiveness for others is a pledge of forgiveness for yourself, on the part of Divine Mercy. I bless your suffering and it will be highly regarded for your eternal life. Be at peace. I give you my blessing.
Jesus Prays in the Garden
Jesus: Fulfill the Divine Will in the suffering of your life and especially in the agony of your sensitive heart. Do not become disheartened in your life. Keep your eyes on your final destination, which is Heaven. Do not grieve, but trust in God and confide entirely in Him. Do not become despondent but bear all things with patience and spread peace around you.
The soul: O Jesus, I am so weak. Teach me to follow Your Divine Will and strengthen me in my suffering. Soothe my nerves and tame my lively nature. Be You be blessed, my God, in each of my suffering. Amen.
Jesus is Scourged
Jesus: As I was scourged for love of you, so you must bear your physical pains for love of Me. Offer your tiredness for those who are weary in the ways of God; offer your suffering for those who seek pleasures of the flesh. Be holy in your suffering and give the example of your peace and your union with the Divine Will.
The soul: O my Jesus, I offer You all my suffering in union with Yours for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of souls. Grant me consolation. Give me strength.
Jesus: As I was scourged for love of you, so you must bear your physical pains for love of Me. Offer your tiredness for those who are weary in the ways of God; offer your suffering for those who seek pleasures of the flesh. Be holy in your suffering and give the example of your peace and your union with the Divine Will.
The soul: O my Jesus, I offer You all my suffering in union with Yours for the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of souls. Grant me consolation. Give me strength.
Jesus is crowned with thorns
Jesus: I was crowned with thorns to expiate the faults of leaders and to restore to health poor lost minds. Pray to the wounds of My Head to keep in sound health your mind and the ones who are dear to you, because every disorder of the conscience has its roots in the disorder of the mind. Do not indulge in daydreams but ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, that you may know how to act with confidence and peace in all your deeds.
The soul: O my Jesus, I beg You that I may I never, either stray from your truths or dishonor Your Name with strange and unholy ideas. Make me wise and prudent in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus: I was crowned with thorns to expiate the faults of leaders and to restore to health poor lost minds. Pray to the wounds of My Head to keep in sound health your mind and the ones who are dear to you, because every disorder of the conscience has its roots in the disorder of the mind. Do not indulge in daydreams but ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, that you may know how to act with confidence and peace in all your deeds.
The soul: O my Jesus, I beg You that I may I never, either stray from your truths or dishonor Your Name with strange and unholy ideas. Make me wise and prudent in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary
Jesus: I go on carrying My Cross for love of you and you follow Me for love of Me. You hesitate to carry the cross because your nature seeks joy. But how can you have joy if you don’t carry the cross? So many souls would like to create their own cross and they want to make them light. When they do this by themselves, the Cross instead becomes much heavier, causing great distress and discouragement. Unite yourself to the Divine Will and bear your daily crosses with patience, with courage and submission. Trust in Me, for I am your Simon of Cyrene. I will help you. What good are impatience and rebellion? Why must you seek your will in everything, which can only cause you problems? Live with patience and you shall live in peace. I give you my blessing.
Jesus: I go on carrying My Cross for love of you and you follow Me for love of Me. You hesitate to carry the cross because your nature seeks joy. But how can you have joy if you don’t carry the cross? So many souls would like to create their own cross and they want to make them light. When they do this by themselves, the Cross instead becomes much heavier, causing great distress and discouragement. Unite yourself to the Divine Will and bear your daily crosses with patience, with courage and submission. Trust in Me, for I am your Simon of Cyrene. I will help you. What good are impatience and rebellion? Why must you seek your will in everything, which can only cause you problems? Live with patience and you shall live in peace. I give you my blessing.
Jesus dies on the Cross
Jesus: Gaze on Me crucified and all your pains will become sweeter. Don’t be afraid. From My Cross I open My arms of Mercy to you and I save you. Trust in Me. Trust in Me. You are not on the wrong path because it is I who am leading you on your way with special love. Be at peace and join Me at the foot of the Cross, sacrificing yourself for Me. I give you My blessing.
The soul: My Jesus, make me faithful to You until death. Let me be like the holy women who always followed You with a lively faith. Like them, keep me committed to your truth.
Jesus: Gaze on Me crucified and all your pains will become sweeter. Don’t be afraid. From My Cross I open My arms of Mercy to you and I save you. Trust in Me. Trust in Me. You are not on the wrong path because it is I who am leading you on your way with special love. Be at peace and join Me at the foot of the Cross, sacrificing yourself for Me. I give you My blessing.
The soul: My Jesus, make me faithful to You until death. Let me be like the holy women who always followed You with a lively faith. Like them, keep me committed to your truth.
THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES(Misteria gloriosa)
Jesus: Suffer in peace and hope in the happiness waiting for you. Life is a test and death itself is but sleep. Bear your suffering now and later you will be happy. You will rise from the tomb to be united to Me in body and soul. Bear your suffering. The sorrows of your life will be overcome, because every pain, suffered patiently, ends and it is transformed into glory. Lift high your aspirations; live in the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Love the Most Blessed Virgin Mary and follow Her, imploring Her protection and invoking Her as your Queen, the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. Do not lose yourself in dark thoughts, do not see everything black and beyond repair. Trust, trust because what is lost shall be found and what is dead in you shall be revived. I give you my blessing.
The Resurrection of the Lord
Jesus: I am the Resurrection and the Life. Trust in Me through every pain and be certain of the triumph of My glory in your life. Be strong and live by My love and charity. Rise to a new life after you have crucified all your miseries on the cross of penance and mortification. I give you my blessing.
The soul: O my Jesus, restore me in Your grace, because I remain the same, in spite of all the many graces you bestow upon me. Put in my heart a new grace of contrition, that I may change my life and do Your Holy Will
The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
Jesus: Rise up and detach yourself from earthly things. You cannot rise if you do not first become small, humble and full of charity. Submit yourself because you are still full of yourself and you know that if a balloon is not filled with air, it cannot ascend. You need to empty your nature and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I give you my blessing.
The soul: O my Jesus, I am mortified by the very little progress I made since You called me to a more perfect life! Have mercy on me. Stretch out Your Hand to me that I may follow You, with all my heart, to the heights of a holy life.
Jesus: Rise up and detach yourself from earthly things. You cannot rise if you do not first become small, humble and full of charity. Submit yourself because you are still full of yourself and you know that if a balloon is not filled with air, it cannot ascend. You need to empty your nature and be filled with the Holy Spirit. I give you my blessing.
The soul: O my Jesus, I am mortified by the very little progress I made since You called me to a more perfect life! Have mercy on me. Stretch out Your Hand to me that I may follow You, with all my heart, to the heights of a holy life.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Jesus: As you are bound by your physical nature, you allow yourself to be guided more by impulses and enthusiasm, rather then by Grace. When you sense a bit of fervor, you believe that all is well, yet you do not know to be faithful to Me, in the darkness and the anguish of the spirit. Invoke the Holy Spirit that He may lead you. Place your whole being in His Hands that He may lead you to God in the ways of Love.I give you my blessing.
The soul: Come, O God the Holy Spirit, come and fill my heart completely. O Mary, Mother dear, pray for me that the Holy Spirit will inspire me that, like the Apostles, I may be transformed and renewed.
Jesus: As you are bound by your physical nature, you allow yourself to be guided more by impulses and enthusiasm, rather then by Grace. When you sense a bit of fervor, you believe that all is well, yet you do not know to be faithful to Me, in the darkness and the anguish of the spirit. Invoke the Holy Spirit that He may lead you. Place your whole being in His Hands that He may lead you to God in the ways of Love.I give you my blessing.
The soul: Come, O God the Holy Spirit, come and fill my heart completely. O Mary, Mother dear, pray for me that the Holy Spirit will inspire me that, like the Apostles, I may be transformed and renewed.
The Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
Jesus: You contemplate the Most Holy Virgin Mary assumed into Heaven with Her body and Her soul, yet you do not consider that the way, which brought Her to this great triumph, was the way to Calvary. If Mary suffered so much for Me, should you not also? It seems to you that you only have pains in your life here, and yet if you suffer for love of God, every bitter disappointment becomes a seed of Eternal Life. Accept your cross if you want to reach the glory of eternal triumph. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Draw me near to You, O Immaculate Virgin, and give me a great spirit of patience and peace. Draw my family and my children to God and pray for our salvation.
Jesus: You contemplate the Most Holy Virgin Mary assumed into Heaven with Her body and Her soul, yet you do not consider that the way, which brought Her to this great triumph, was the way to Calvary. If Mary suffered so much for Me, should you not also? It seems to you that you only have pains in your life here, and yet if you suffer for love of God, every bitter disappointment becomes a seed of Eternal Life. Accept your cross if you want to reach the glory of eternal triumph. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Draw me near to You, O Immaculate Virgin, and give me a great spirit of patience and peace. Draw my family and my children to God and pray for our salvation.
Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth
Jesus: The Most Holy Mary is your dearest Queen. Give Her the homage of your soul and love Her with all your heart. Devotion to Mary is the last hope of salvation for this troubled world and for your soul. Cultivate in your soul this devotion, contemplating the glory of your Mother and reciting the Holy Rosary with devotion. The Rosary is your special love for Her, I know. The Rosary saves you from despair and opens to you the luminous ways of charity and holiness. The Rosary is your comfort in your life and the sweet chain that unites you to God. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Thank You, o Jesus, for all the graces You bestow upon me. I beg you for perseverance in charity. In Your goodness, give me the crown in Heaven!
Jesus: The Most Holy Mary is your dearest Queen. Give Her the homage of your soul and love Her with all your heart. Devotion to Mary is the last hope of salvation for this troubled world and for your soul. Cultivate in your soul this devotion, contemplating the glory of your Mother and reciting the Holy Rosary with devotion. The Rosary is your special love for Her, I know. The Rosary saves you from despair and opens to you the luminous ways of charity and holiness. The Rosary is your comfort in your life and the sweet chain that unites you to God. I give you my blessing.
The soul: Thank You, o Jesus, for all the graces You bestow upon me. I beg you for perseverance in charity. In Your goodness, give me the crown in Heaven!
Reflection: The Annunciation – Fruit of Humility Reflection Credit
Mary said yes. God was asking a great amount of her. She could face disapproval. Joseph could abandon her. She might not be believed. Mary risked a lot because she had faith in God’s goodness. I imagine her kneeling in wonderment at the angel Gabriel, his hands encompassing hers, his forehead pressed against hers as he tells her of God’s great plan. She whispers “yes” knowing that her life is forever changed and possibly going to be much harder. She allows God’s will to be done and with that fiat the salvation of the world is set in motion. I pray that I can put God’s will before my own.
Reflection: The Visitation – Love of Neighbor
Newly pregnant, Mary walks several days to visit her cousin Elizabeth. She is greeted with great joy and exclaims her Magnificat. While knowing that all will call her blessed, she spends several months serving Elizabeth. I imagine her performing the tasks of life so that Elizabeth, in her third trimester when the physical burden of pregnancy is greatest, can rest. Despite her own possible exhaustion and morning sickness, she serves her cousin. I imagine them at the end of the day sitting together and sharing their feelings about these two miraculous babies. I pray that I can serve as Mary did.
Reflection: The Nativity – Poverty of Spirit
Mary and Joseph are far from home and she is about to give birth. They find nowhere to stay. Rather than panicking, they rely on God who leads them to a safe, warm place for his son’s birth. I imagine their worry but also their sense of calm. They know God cares for them and he will not abandon them on this holy journey. As the angels announce Jesus’ birth and the shepherds come to pay him homage, Mary and Joseph are surrounded by God’s love. I pray for the grace to depend on God completely.
Reflection: Presentation in the Temple – Obedience
Mary and Joseph obey the law and bring their newborn son to the temple and offer a sacrifice. There they meet Simeon who has waited many years to meet the Messiah. I imagine Simeon gazing at Jesus. The Christ for whom he has waited has arrived just as God promised. He raises his eyes to heaven in thanks. He also warns Mary that her own heart will be pierced. She continues to trust God, not knowing what lies ahead. I pray for trust in God’s plan and patience in waiting for it to unfold.
Reflection: Finding Jesus in the Temple – Piety
After not knowing where he was for three days, Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple. I imagine the fear they felt when they realized Jesus was not with them as they returned from Jerusalem. I imagine how scared they felt as they looked for him and the increasing anxiety they experience as time passed. At last they find him in his father’s home. What relief and joy. We look for Jesus too and we can always find him in church. He is there waiting for us. I pray that I will not find reasons to avoid visiting Jesus regularly.
Reflection: Baptism of Jesus – Openness to the Holy Spirit
Though Jesus is without original sin, John baptizes him and God announces that Jesus is his son and He is pleased. I imagine standing in that cool river, feeling the water rush past me. The sounds of the crowd are muffled as my head goes below the surface. I imagine hearing God’s great voice proclaiming He is pleased with his son. I desire God to be pleased with me too, and pray that I can accept the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Reflection: Wedding at Cana – Jesus Through Mary
It is here Jesus’ public life is put into motion. I imagine Mary noticing that the wine is running out and hearing her ask Jesus for help, confident in his assistance. His respect for Mary is so high, he performs his first miracle at her request. Her command, “Do whatever he tells you” is for us too. The wine stewards listen and water is turned into wine. When we pray the Rosary she intercedes with her Son on our behalf. I pray to grow closer to Jesus with Mary’s help.
Reflection: Proclamation of the Kingdom – Repentance
Jesus went about the land preaching the coming of the kingdom of heaven. He healed the sick and cast out demons. I imagine the awe of the people watching this man proclaim the importance of repenting of our sins as he healed people of their paralysis or leprosy. He preached about love and forgiveness. We too need healing and repentance. I pray for the ability to be humbly and genuinely sorry for my sins against others and against the God who loves me and made me.
Reflection: The Transfiguration – Desire for Holiness
Peter, James and John accompany Jesus up Mount Tabor where Jesus is transformed before them in glorious light and Moses and Elijah appear. Peter desires to build tents for them so they may stay. God again proclaims pleasure in Jesus, his beloved Son and tells them to listen to him. I imagine the disciples seeing Jesus with the prophets of the past and hearing God’s voice. They received a beautiful gift from God and comforting words from Jesus to not be afraid. I pray for the desire to spend time with Christ thinking about his message and striving for holiness.
Reflection: Institution of the Eucharist – Eucharistic Adoration
Jesus gives us the greatest of gifts in his presence in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul and divinity. I imagine the disciples hearing these words of the New Covenant and the directive to do this in his remembrance. We reflect on this at every Mass as we genuflect before the tabernacle. We are also invited to visit Jesus in adoration. It takes great faith to believe in the Real Presence. I pray for the grace to have that faith, to seek him in adoration and surrender myself humbly to his service.
Reflection: The Agony in the Garden – conformity to God’s will
Jesus knows torture and death lie ahead and he prays that the cup will pass. He also prays God’s will be done. In his agony, he carries the weight of our sins so that we may be saved. I imagine the courage it took to give himself to God’s plan. We too suffer and while we may pray the suffering will end, we are given support from Our Lord to endure, as Jesus received strength from the angel in the garden. I pray for the courage to conform to God’s will especially when it may be difficult.
Reflection: The Scourging – Mortification
Jesus is brutally tortured to near death. Scourging was more than mere beating; it involved using instruments to inflict the most pain and blood loss possible without actually killing. Jesus was beaten for our sins. His mother watched as her son’s blood spilled on the ground. I imagine the horror she felt watching her precious child be brutalized, and how hard it must have been to not run to his rescue. I pray for forgiveness for my sins, the sins that contributed to the torture of my Lord.
Reflection: The Crowning with Thorns – Moral Courage
Jesus is clothed with a scarlet robe and crowned with thorns. He is mocked and spit upon by the soldiers. The people demand his crucifixion. Despite his innocence, he does not defend himself. He is strong in the face of hatred. I imagine his sadness at the people’s ignorance, his sorrow at their contempt. I pray for courage to defend God’s truth and strength to withstand the criticism and hatred of others.
Reflection: The Carrying of the Cross – Patience
Jesus’ humiliation continues, as he carries the Cross that he will be crucified on, through the town and people continue to mock him. I imagine the pain of the heavy wood against his back, rubbing against the open wounds from the scourging, the hot sun on him, the thirst, and hunger. I imagine his grief at seeing Mary, knowing she is watching her son die. Jesus is patient in enduring this suffering for us. I pray for more forgiveness, knowing my sins add to the weight of that Cross. I pray for patience in my own times of difficulty.
Reflection: The Crucifixion – Salvation
Jesus arrives and is nailed to the cross. As he hangs, slowly dying, he is comforted by the presence of Mary, her sister[-in-law], John and Mary Magdalene. Mary, [His Mother,] is strong. She has watched him suffer and now die and she never leaves him. I imagine her heartache. In his words to Mary, “Woman, behold, your son” all of us are entrusted to her love. I pray in thanksgiving for Christ’s suffering and sacrifice so that I may be saved.
Reflection: The Resurrection – Faith
Jesus did as he foretold, he rose from the dead, thus securing for us everlasting life in heaven with him and his father. The women who went to visit his grave are greeted by an angel who gives them this good news and he tells them to tell the disciples of his resurrection. I imagine the joy they feel when they see the one they love living again, the celebration of the disciples and Mary when they are able to touch him and talk to him. I pray for faith that I too may one day be with Jesus in heaven.
Reflection: The Ascension – Hope
As Jesus ascends to heaven he tells his followers to go and make disciples. He sends them to the world to share his story and he promises he will always be with them. I imagine their surprise at seeing him lifted up into the clouds, and their wonderment at all that occurred. I imagine them considering what will happen next and how they will accomplish what he told them to do. They are filled with hope and maybe fear. I pray for hope when I don’t know the way forward or when times seem dark.
Reflection: The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom
The apostles and Mary are praying in the upper room in fear of the future. When the Holy Spirit, the Advocate Jesus said he would send, comes to them they are filled with the gifts they need to go out into the world: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, modesty, generosity, and chastity (Gal 5:22-23). ...
The fruits in purple type are omitted in several of the Greek and Latin manuscripts.
We receive these same gifts at our baptism and confirmation. I pray that I can use these gifts to share the love of Jesus and the story of his good news.Reflection: The Assumption of Mary – Devotion to Mary
Mary is taken to heaven to her rightful place with Jesus where she intercedes for us in prayer. I imagine her excitement at being with her son again, and her pleasure at being in heaven with God. I pray for her intercession and help in growing closer to Jesus, while asking her to help me love him more. She will keep pointing the way toward her son.
Reflection: The Coronation of Mary – Eternal Happiness
Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth. She listened to God’s will and stayed true to his plan for her life. Mary was not spared suffering but her reward in heaven is great. She is our queen too, and if asked she will help us in all facets of our life. I imagine her lovingly looking down at us and her happiness at our requests for help. I pray for her humility, patience, and trust.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus' agony in the garden - for pardon for sins of the mind and heart against the Will of God.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate the Scourging of Jesus - for pardon for the sins of torture.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus' crowning with thorns - for pardon for sins of mockery.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate Jesus carrying His cross - for pardon for sins committed every day in the world around us.
Reflection: In reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world we ask - while we contemplate the Crucifixion of Jesus - for pardon for sins of unjust death and cruelty.
Rosary Title
Introductory Prayers (Spoken by Priest, Deacon or Lay-Leader)
Make the Sign of the Cross (τ)
Unity Prayer:
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
We offer ourselves to the Heavenly Father through all the wounds of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Head, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Feet, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of your Sacred Hands with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Shoulder with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Side with sorrow deep and true. τ
Make the Sign of the Cross (τ)
Unity Prayer:
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity. May our hearts beat in unison. May our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
We offer ourselves to the Heavenly Father through all the wounds of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Head, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of Your Sacred Feet, with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wounds of your Sacred Hands with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Shoulder with sorrow deep and true. τ
We kiss the wound of your Sacred Side with sorrow deep and true. τ
Apostles’ Creed:
Our Father:
Hail Mary:
Glory Be:
Fatima Prayer:
I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the
Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again
from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary:
1st of 3.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus,
please increase our Faith.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Invocation to the Holy Spirit:
Intention:
We pray this rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: our family members who have gone before us, our loved ones who have preceded us, those who are forgotten, and those in most need of our prayers. Thus we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
All you holy men and women in heaven Pray with us.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Intention:
We pray this rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: our family members who have gone before us, our loved ones who have preceded us, those who are forgotten, and those in most need of our prayers. Thus we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
All you holy men and women in heaven Pray with us.
The Introductory and concluding prayers, while not necessary to the Rosary itself, tend to bring St. Joseph into the picture completing the Holy Family.
That is very appropriate since Joseph spent the last almost 30 years of his life contemplating the faces of Jesus and Mary.
Praying the Amici di Giuseppe Rosary
- Contemplation starter (Spoken by Priest, Deacon, or Lay-Leader)
As we begin this Rosary, let us do our best to pray well.
First - Let us Amplify with Focused Contemplation:
"The Rosary ... at heart is a Christocentric prayer [which] has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety ... The center of the gravity in the Hail Mary, the hinge that joins its two parts, is the name of Jesus ... It is precisely the emphasis given to the name of Jesus and to his mystery that is the sign of a meaningful and fruitful Rosary ... The contemplation of Christ has an incomparable model in Mary. With the Rosary, the soul sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love" (Pope St. John Paul II). "Without contemplation, the rosary is a body without a soul" (Pope St. Paul VI).
As we contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s life, we become more like St. Joseph, who spent thirty years contemplating the face of Christ together with Our Lady.
Second - Let us Weaponize with Intentionality:
The Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons against the principalities and powers, the wickedness and snares of the devil. "The decades of the Rosary are like a machine gun: every bead is a shot, every affection of the soul is an explosion of faith that frightens off Satan, and Mary once more crushes his head" (Servant of God Dolindo Puotolo).
As we enter into the spiritual battle on behalf of our family, our Church and our society, we become more like St. Joseph, who God chose to be the Guardian of the Holy Family and the Patron of the Universal Church. Like St. Joseph, may we become a terror of demons on behalf of our families.
Let us be inspired by the testimonies of countless Saints, Popes, visionaries and Our Lady herself:
- “Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?” (Our Lady to St. Dominic).
- “The rosary is ’the weapon’ for these times” (St. Padre Pio).
- “There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessings upon the family ... than the daily recitation of the Rosary” (Pope St. Pius XII).
- “There is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, whether temporal or above all spiritual, in the personal life of each one of us, of our families ... that cannot be solved by the Rosary” (Sister Lucia of Fatima).
- “Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world” (Pope Blessed Pius IX).
Let us conquer the world through prayer! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
- Consecration to our Lady (Prayed by all participants)
Heavenly Mother, Spotless Bride of the Spotless Lamb, Your children stand gathered together before you. With St. Joseph and Apostle John we wish to bring you into our home, so that you may open to us the treasures of your Immaculate Heart.
Reveal to us the hidden face of your Son, present in our midst.
Teach us to trust in the abundance of the Father’s mercy.
Make us docile to the voice of the Spirit echoing in our depths.
Grant that the seeds of grace sown in us would not be lost but blossom forth into life everlasting.
Dawn of Salvation, Star of the New Evangelization, grant that the darkness may not prevail over the light. Together with St. John Paul II, we consecrate ourselves to you in the mystery of your Immaculate Conception. Totus Tuus.
Send us into the great mission field of the family, so that among all the nations, the praise of God may resound on the lips of infants and babes.
By the grace of God, in the Power of the Holy Spirit, help us to build a civilization worthy of the human person, created male and female, created in the image and likeness of the Triune God who is Love. Amen.
- The Holy Rosary
Introductory Prayers (Spoken by Priest, Deacon or Lay-Leader)
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come again to judge the living and the dead.*I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
Our FatherOur Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.*Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary x3 (for an increase in the virtues of faith, hope, and charity)
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.*Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,*as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus,forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Mysteries of the Rosary (Each Mystery led by a different person)
Mysteries(Select)
Joyful
1st Decade: The Annunciation
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Word made flesh.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Visitation
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sanctifying.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Nativity
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the joy of the world.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Presentation
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Glory of Israel.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Next Decade: The Adoration of the Magi
Intention - Pray for the Holy souls in Purgatory.
Let us pray for the souls of our relatives and friends who have died and all those souls in Purgatory who are forgotten and need our prayers.
Intention - Pray for the Holy souls in Purgatory.
Let us pray for the souls of our relatives and friends who have died and all those souls in Purgatory who are forgotten and need our prayers.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sought by the Magi.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Finding in the Temple
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, in the Temple.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Luminous
1st Decade: The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, beloved Son of the Father.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Wedding Feast at Cana
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, performing miracles.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, proclaiming the kingdom.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Transfiguration
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, transfigured.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Institution of the Eucharist
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, the Bread of Life.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Sorrowful
1st Decade: The Agony in the Garden
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, in His agony.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Scourging at the Pillar
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, scourged.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Crowning with Thorns
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, crowned with thorns.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Carrying of the Cross
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, carrying His cross.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Crucifixion
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, who died for me.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Glorious
1st Decade: The Resurrection
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
Intention - Pray for your spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, risen.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
2nd Decade: The Ascension
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
Intention - Pray for each of your children by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name(s) out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy. We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and mind in truth, goodness, and beauty. That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, ascending to Heaven.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
3rd Decade: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. . We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
Intention - Pray for our extended family, our spiritual family, and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. . We pray for our spiritual family: our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives would be fruitful in Christ.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, sending His Spirit.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
4th Decade: The Assumption
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
Intention - Pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray for the Pope, the spiritual father of the Church. We pray for his wisdom, guidance, and spiritual protection as he shepherds the Universal Church. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God's vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the souls in Purgatory.
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, assuming His Mother.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
5th Decade: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
Intention - Pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God's own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God..
- 1 Our Father
- 10 Hail Marys Hail Mary ... blessed is the fruit of Thy womb Jesus, crowning the Queen.
- 1 Glory Be
- 1 Fatima Prayer
Select the Mystery (ies):
Joyful Mysteries
1st Mystery: The Annunciation
Intention:
We pray for our spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world. Let us also
pray for our spouse’s ancestors that are still in Purgatory that our prayers may shorten the time of their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother was visited by the Archangel Gabriel.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother was addressed by Gabriel with both name and title.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother was concerned to keep her vow of celibacy.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother’s desire was to do God’s will.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother was the location of the Incarnation
...
The Incarnation, the greatest event in human history, took place on the “Little Celebration of Light”, the eighth day of Chanukah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 B.C. (The year 3760 on the Jewish Calendar.) The Israelites began the annual celebration
of Chanukah the following year in 138 B.C. and is fulfilled with the Incarnation which is the beginning of the new relationship between God and all men.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother’s “yes” changed the relationship between God and Man.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus' Mother became the first Tabernacle.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose Mother’s love for God was beyond all others.
- Jesus, whose Mother was visited by the Archangel Gabriel.
- Jesus, whose Mother was addressed by Gabriel with both name and title.
- Jesus, whose Mother was concerned to keep her vow of celibacy.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s desire was to do God’s will.
- Jesus, whose Mother was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus, whose Mother was the location of the Incarnation ...The Incarnation, the greatest event in human history, took place on the “Little Celebration of Light”, the eighth day of Chanukah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 B.C.(The year 3760 on the Jewish Calendar.) The Israelites began the annual celebration of Chanukah the following year in 138 B.C. and is fulfilled with the Incarnation which is the beginning of the new relationship between God and all men.
- Jesus, who with his Mother’s “yes” changed the relationship between God and Man.
- Jesus, whose Mother became the first Tabernacle.
- Jesus, the Word made flesh.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary had committed herself to a vow of celibacy as part of a “prayer chain” to bring the Messiah.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary’s private prayer was to be allowed to be the handmaid of the mother of the Messiah.
- Jesus. On Monday Tevet 2, December 9, ...December 9th was also the date Mary chose to begin the apparitions under the name of our Lady of Guadalupe.the last day of Chanukah, Archangel Gabriel appeared to her saying: “Hail Mary full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:28).
- Jesus. Gabriel said: “You will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). “He will be great and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of David forever, and of his kingship there will be no end” (Lk 1:28-33).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary asked: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” [I am under a vow of celibacy] (Lk 1:34).
- Jesus. Gabriel responded: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary replied: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her” (Lk 1:38).
- Jesus, who with His Mother, Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation!
- Jesus. Chanukah that year marked a radically new beginning in the relationship between man and God. The Light has come into the world.
- Jesus. God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, and the prayers of all Israel! What joy she must feel!
- Jesus. 'The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.' (Lk 1:26-27)
- Jesus. 'Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you!' (Lk 1:28)
- Jesus. 'But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.' (Lk 1:29)
- Jesus. 'But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." ' (Lk 1:30)
- Jesus. 'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus.' (Lk 1:31)
- Jesus. 'He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; ...and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reigh over the house of Jacob forever;and of his kingdom there will be no end.' (Lk 1:32,33)
- Jesus. 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.' (Lk 1:35)
- Jesus. 'Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.' (Lk 1:35)
- Jesus. 'Mary said , "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word." ' (Lk 1:38)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2nd Mystery: The Visitation
Intention:
We pray for each of our children by name.
(Give people a moment to whisper the name(s))
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty.
That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us also pray for our deceased ancestors still in Purgatory.Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His Mother was given a sign.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His Mother traveled to Ein Karem.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His Mother was recognized as the Mother of the Messiah.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His Mother turned everything to God.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His Mother’s betrothed, arriving for the Seder, realized she was pregnant.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
His relative, under stress from Mary’s situation, gave birth 3 weeks early
...
Her son, named John by the Angel, had the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling the expectation of the Jews that Elijah would return for the Seder Meal.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Joseph chose to give his own life (reputation) rather than allow Mary to be stoned.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
The Angel appeared to Joseph.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Joseph took Mary into his home.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Sanctifying His family.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose Mother was given a sign.
- Jesus, whose Mother traveled to Ein Karem.
- Jesus, whose Mother was recognized as the Mother of the Messiah.
- Jesus, whose Mother turned everything to God.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s betrothed, arriving for the Seder, realized she was pregnant.
- Jesus, whose relative under stress from Mary’s situation, gave birth 3 weeks early. ...Her son, named John by the Angel, had the spirit of Elijah, fulfilling the expectation of the Jews that Elijah would return for the Seder Meal.
- Jesus. Joseph chose to give his own life (reputation) rather than allow Mary to be stoned.
- Jesus. The Angel appeared to Joseph.
- Jesus. Joseph took Mary into his home.
- Jesus, sanctifying His family.
- Jesus. Gabriel had given Mary a sign: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God!” (Lk 1:36-37).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary traveled with a caravan leaving Nazareth the next morning for Jerusalem, staying with the caravan until reaching the turn off to Ein Karem on the seventh day.
- Jesus. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leapt in her womb (Lk 1:40), and Elizabeth cried out in a loud voice: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
- Jesus. By following the sign given by Gabriel, Mary was rewarded with a confirmation of the angel’s message. Responding with the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), Mary turned everything to God.
- Jesus, whose Mother and Elizabeth decided it would be presumptuous to say anything to Joseph, since the angel did not mention him.
- Jesus. Joseph joined Mary’s extended family celebration of Passover in Jerusalem and realized Mary is pregnant.
- Jesus. Elizabeth, under stress because of Mary’s situation, went into labor and gave birth to a son. A son who had the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17), just as the Angel had told Zechariah, and who arrived on Passover for the Seder meal fulfilling the expectations of the Jews as to the timing of Elijah’s return.
- Jesus. Joseph retired for the night and began to pray about Mary’s situation. He decided to take Mary’s guilt on himself to save her life. Then the angel appeared to Joseph saying: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you [will adopt him and] will name him Jesus [‘Yahweh saves’], for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21).
- Jesus. Early the following morning Joseph and Mary shared the stories of their respective angelic visits.
- Jesus. They formalized their marriage, celebrating the nisu’in and planned on returning for the fall festivals when they would be relocating to Bethlehem, where they knew the messiah was to be born.
- Jesus. 'Mary set out at that time and went to the hill country. And she went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.' (Lk 1:39-40)
- Jesus. 'Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.' (Lk 1:41)
- Jesus. 'She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.' (Lk 1:42)
- Jesus. 'Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' (Lk 1:45)
- Jesus. 'And Mary said: 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.' (Lk 1:46-48)
- Jesus. 'Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blest, for the Almighty has done great things for me.' (Lk 1:48-49)
- Jesus. 'Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.' (Lk 1:49)
- Jesus. 'He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart.' (Lk 1:51)
- Jesus. 'He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.' (Lk 1:52)
- Jesus. 'The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.' (Lk 1:53)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Intention:
We pray for our extended family, our spiritual family and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family:
our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives
would be fruitful in Christ. Let us pray also for all deceased members of our faith community, that they may be speedily released
from their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
for whom the Holy family moved to Bethlehem.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
born on the Feast of Tabernacles ...
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the fact that God was physically present in the pilar of smoke and fire all during the Exodus.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
born in a Sukkah ...
All Jews are required to live in sukkot during the celebration of “God with us” (Tabernacles). A sukkah is a tent with a leaky thatched roof.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
born under the light of the giant Menorahs ...
Tabernacles, the Great Celebration of Light is celebrated by erecting four 75’ Menorahs in the Court of Women.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Light of the World.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Emanuel, God with Us.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the joy of the world.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
inspected by Levitical Shepherds ...
Because Jesus was born in a stable and found without blemish by the Shepherds, He was qualified to be a Paschal Lamb.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Lamb of God.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
fulfilling the Feast of Tabernacles.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, for whom the Holy family moved to Bethlehem.
- Jesus, born on the Feast of Tabernacles ...The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates the fact that God was physically present in the pilar of smoke and fire all during the Exodus.
- Jesus, born in a Sukkah ...All Jews are required to live in sukkot during the celebration of “God with us” (Tabernacles). A sukkah is a tent with a leaky thatched roof.
- Jesus, born under the light of the giant Menorahs ...Tabernacles, the Great Celebration of Light is celebrated by erecting four 75’ Menorahs in the Court of Women.
- Jesus, the Light of the World.
- Jesus, Emanuel, God with Us.
- Jesus, the joy of the world.
- Jesus, inspected by Levitical Shepherds ...Because Jesus was born in a stable and found without blemish by the Shepherds, He was qualified to be a Paschal Lamb.
- Jesus, the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, fulfilling the Feast of Tabernacles.
- Jesus, whose family traveled to Jerusalem for the fall feasts.
- Jesus, whose family stayed with Elizabeth and Zachariah for the feasts of Trumpets and Atonement.
- Jesus, whose family traveled to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son.
- Jesus, for whom there was no room in the courtyard of Bethlehem’s inn for the family sukkah.
- Jesus, for whom Mary and Joseph moved into a stable which qualified as a sukkah.
- Jesus, whose birth was heralded to Levitical shepherds watching over the temple flocks.
- Jesus, the new born Messiah, whom the shepherds came to Bethlehem to see.
- Jesus, who was found unblemished by the Levitical shepherds.
- Jesus, who was thus qualified to be a Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, who as the Son of God fulfilled the Feast of Tabernacles by becoming once again physically present.
- Jesus, whose parents packed their belongings and joined a caravan traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Fall Feasts (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles), on August 24th, Elul 24th. His parents were moving to Bethlehem to be there for the birth of their Son as specified by the Prophets.
- Jesus, whose parents spent each of the five nights enroute in a caravansary courtyard with the animals and they spent Trumpets and Atonement with Elizabeth and Zechariah.
- Jesus, whose parents on September 12, Tishrei 14, traveled from Ein Karem to Bethlehem to be there for the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles and the birth of their son. When they arrived, they discovered the caravansary courtyard in Bethlehem was already full of sukkot.
- Jesus, whose parents used, instead of Joseph’s sukkah, an empty stable that was used only during the winter to protect new-born lambs from the weather.
- Jesus, who was born on September 13th, Tishrei 15th, the Feast of Tabernacles (“God with us” or “Emanuel”).
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was born in a stable, sukkah; while the Four 75’ Menorahs lighted the night sky from the temple, creating a light visible all the way to Bethlehem.
- Jesus. Angels appeared to Levitical shepherds who were tending the temple flocks (Lk 2:9-14).
- Jesus, whom the shepherds came to the stable, used to protect new born lambs, to see: the new born Messiah, the Lamb of God (Lk 2:15-16)..
- Jesus, who was inspected by the Levitical shepherds, found without blemish, and thus qualified for the Pascal Sacrifice: The Lamb of God.
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was conceived (on the last day of Chanukah) and born (on the Feast of Tabernacles): the two celebrations of light.
- Jesus. 'Now while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem the time came for her to have her child.' (Lk 2:6)
- Jesus. 'And she gave birth to a son, her firstborn, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes.' (Lk 2:7)
- Jesus. 'And she laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.' (Lk 2:7)
- Jesus. 'In the countryside close by there were shepherds and the angel of the Lord appeared to them.' (Lk 2:8-9)
- Jesus. 'Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people.' (Lk 2:10)
- Jesus. 'Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' (Lk 2:11)
- Jesus. 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favor.' (Lk 2:14)
- Jesus. 'And some wise men came from the east, and going in they saw the child with his mother Mary.' (Mt 2:1,11)
- Jesus. 'And falling to their knees they did him homage. Then they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.' (Mt 2:11)
- Jesus. 'And Mary kept in mind all these things and pondered them in her heart.' (Lk 2:19)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
4th Mystery: The Presentation
Intention:
We pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
circumcised on the 8th day.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom Joseph
...
Joseph was instructed by Gabriel to adopt Jesus when Gabriel told Joseph to name Jesus. In that culture naming was the adoptive act. The child was named at the time of circumcision. That Joseph adopted Jesus is confirmed by the fact that both Mathew and Luke give to Jesus, Joseph’s genealogy. Joseph has two genealogies because his legal father had died without giving birth to an heir so his father’s half-brother following levirate law (Deut 25:5-20) married his mother to give him an heir. Joseph thus has a legal genealogy and a biological genealogy both of which go back to David. (One through Solomon and one through Nathan). All of which is only relevant if Joseph adopted Jesus.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom Joseph redeemed as first born
...
Redemption of a first born was done on the 30th day after birth and is normally not attended by the mother.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom Simeon recognized as the Messiah.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Glory of Israel.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom Anna recognized as the Messiah.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom Mary held up to introduce to His Father.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother’s heart a sword will pierce.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Simeon mistakenly recorded as presented to Temple service.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, circumcised on the 8th day.
- Jesus, whom Joseph adopted ...Joseph was instructed by Gabriel to adopt Jesus when Gabriel told Joseph to name Jesus. In that culture naming was the adoptive act. The child was named at the time of circumcision. That Joseph adopted Jesus is confirmed by the fact that both Matthew and Luke give to Jesus Joseph’s genealogy. Joseph has two genealogies because his legal father had died without giving birth to an heir so his father’s half-brother following levirate law (Deut 25:5-20) married his mother to give him an heir. Joseph thus has a legal genealogy and a biological genealogy both of which go back to David. (One through Solomon and one through Nathan). All of which is only relevant if Joseph adopted Jesus.
- Jesus, whom Joseph redeemed as first born ...Redemption of a first born was done on the 30th day after birth and is normally not attended by the mother.
- Jesus, whom Simeon recognized as the Messiah.
- Jesus, a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
- Jesus, the Glory of Israel.
- Jesus, whom Anna recognized as the Messiah.
- Jesus, who Mary held up to introduce to His Father.
- Jesus, whom Simeon mistakenly recorded as presented for Temple service.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s heart a sword will pierce.
- Jesus, whose adoptive father, Joseph, moved the Holy Family into their new home in Bethlehem.
- Jesus, whose adoptive father, Joseph, on October 12th, redeemed Jesus, Mary’s first born, at the local synagogue.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary, like any other mother who has given birth while the baby’s father is away, wanted to introduce Jesus to his father.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary, on October 22nd, purified herself in one of the baths at the entrance to the temple. When Mary and her family entered the temple, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah and taking Jesus into his arms exclaimed: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples, a light of revelation to the gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Lk 2:29-32).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary is purified with the offering specified for poor families.
- Jesus, whose parents, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to God his Father: “Yahweh, your Son”.
- Jesus. Anna, an 84-year-old widow of the tribe of Asher, also recognized Jesus as the one who will provide the redemption of Jerusalem (Lk 2:38).
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary was told by Simeon: “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you, yourself, a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many may be revealed.” (Lk 2:34-35)
- Jesus, whose Mother, while rejoicing at the introduction of her son to his Father and the fact that her son was recognized as the Messiah even as an infant, Mary held him close to her heart since she also realized that Simeon’s prophecy will occur because of her son.
- Jesus, who had been recognized by Simeon Ben Hillel as the Messiah and Simeon had assumed that Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus as an offering to God. Realizing that Mary and Joseph left without recording the dedication, he recorded Jesus as dedicated to Temple Service on their behalf.
- Jesus. 'Observing the Law of Moses, they took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.' (Lk 2:22)
- Jesus. 'Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man'. (Lk 2:25)
- Jesus. 'It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.' (Lk 2:26)
- Jesus. 'And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God.' (Lk 2:27-28)
- Jesus. 'Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised.' (Lk 2:29)
- Jesus. 'Because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see.' (Lk 2:30-31)
- Jesus. 'A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.' (Lk 2:32)
- Jesus. 'And he said to Mary his mother, 'You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected.' (Lk 2:34)
- Jesus. 'And a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.' (Lk 2:35)
- Jesus. 'And they went back to Nazareth, and the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favor was with him.' (Lk 2:39-40)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
5th Mystery: The Finding in the Temple
Intention:
We pray for ourselves.
Let us pray for the strength, stamina, discernment, understanding, and wisdom to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God’s own heart, to lay down our
lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children.
Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God.
Let us pray for an increase in people focused on assisting the souls in purgatory.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose family, after traveling a whole day, realized He was not in the caravan.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose family returned to Jerusalem to find.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose family found in the Temple on the third day.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who amazed the teachers and scribes with His knowledge and understanding of the Torah.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who when His Mother asked "Why?" said He was told He must stay in the Temple.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose family negotiated and paid for His redemption.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who returned to Nazreth with His family.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose absence for three days foretold of His three days in the tomb.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose family was blessed to have home.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who sanctified His family.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose family, after traveling a whole day, realized He was not in the caravan.
- Jesus, whose family returned to Jerusalem to find.
- Jesus, whose family found in the Temple on the third day.
- Jesus, who amazed the teachers and scribes with His knowledge and understanding of the Torah.
- Jesus, who when His Mother asked "Why?" said He was told He must stay in the Temple.
- Jesus, whose family negotiated and paid for His redemption.
- Jesus, who returned to Nazareth with His family.
- Jesus, whose absence for three days foretold of His three days in the tomb.
- Jesus, whose family was blessed to have home.
- Jesus, who santified His family.
- Jesus, whose parents took to Jerusalem every year for the Passover celebration.
- Jesus, whose parents when introducing Jesus to His Father, did not realize that at the same time they were dedicating Him for temple service.
- Jesus, whom Simeon sought out every year to assess His progress.
- Jesus, to whom Simeon would have told the story of their meeting at Jesus’ Presentation.
- Jesus, who as presented was required to take up residence in the temple before turning 13 and was now 12.
- Jesus, who thus remained in the Temple when the caravan returned to Nazareth.
- Jesus, for whom His parents returned anxiously to find after a full-day’s travel.
- Jesus, who hurt His own parents and yet did not sin since He could not leave the temple!
- Jesus, who said: “Didn’t you know that I must be in My Father’s House?” because He required redemption before He could leave the Temple.
- Jesus, who returned with His parents after redemption ...at a price of 20 pieces of silver (Lev 27:1-5) or whatever price Joseph could afford (Lev 27:8).
- Jesus, whose loss and finding in the temple is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The events occured on the same dates, on the Gregorian calendar, as his death, April 3rd, and resurrection, April 5th.
- Jesus, who didn’t commit a sin and yet to hurt one’s parents is a sin. We are missing something!
- Jesus, who at his Mother’s purification, Simeon, a rabbi and leading Pharisee, had recognized Jesus as the Messiah and saw what he assumed to be Mary presenting Jesus for dedication to Temple Service and so Jesus’ dedication to Temple Service was recorded, by Simeon, on behalf of Mary and Joseph.
- Jesus, who as God, knew this would happen and provided for it in the Torah: “If anyone vows to give himself or one of his family members to the full service of the Lord, and circumstance changes so that he cannot keep his vow, he shall pay a redemption price to be freed from that vow” (Lev 27:2). If they cannot afford the redemption price, the person dedicated will be brought to the priest who will place a value based on the man’s ability to pay (Lev 27:8).
- Jesus. Simeon lived until he was 130 years old, dying in 20 AD. He would have looked for Jesus every year at Passover, asking if this was the year he would be staying. The visit with Simeon would have become a routine part of the family Passover. He would have told Jesus that his parents dedicated him for Temple Service and that he had to be in residence by the time he turned 13.
- Jesus, who when He was 12 after the Passover Festival remained in the Temple. Mary and Joseph left for home, assuming Jesus was with the other boys in the caravan.
- Jesus, whose parents, Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus had not joined the caravan and must wait until morning to return to Jerusalem. Not finding Jesus with friends they must again wait until morning to check in the temple.
- Jesus, to whom, when Mary found him, said: “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:48)
- Jesus, who responded: “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49).
- Jesus. There was no sin: Jesus could not leave. What must Mary have thought and felt? Her son was 12 years old and Mary and Joseph had apparently left their son, to spend the rest of his life in the temple, without even saying “Good-by”! What joy to have him back!
- Jesus. 'When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.' (Lk 2:41-42)
- Jesus. 'When they were on their way home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it.' (Lk 2:45-46)
- Jesus. 'They went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. On the third day, they found him in the Temple.' (Lk 2:45-46)
- Jesus. 'He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions.' (Lk 2:46)
- Jesus. 'And all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.' (Lk 2:47)
- Jesus. 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.' (Lk 2:48)
- Jesus. 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?' (Lk 2:49)
- Jesus. 'But they did not understand what he meant.' (Lk 2:50)
- Jesus. 'He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.' (Lk 2:51)
- Jesus. 'And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.' (Lk 2:52)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Luminous Mysteries
1st Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
Intention:
We pray for our spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world. Let us also
pray for our spouse’s ancestors that are still in Purgatory that our prayers may shorten the time of their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
trained as a Rabbi. He is called Rabbi throughout the New Testament. Rabbis undergo a very formal training and do not receive “authority” until they turned 30 years old which is when Jesus began his ministry.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
baptized by John in the Jordan.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
on whom the Spirit descended.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
beloved Son of the Father.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
instituting the sacrament of Baptism.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
returning from the desert, was recognized by John as the Lamb of God.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
God’s Suffering Servant.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Messiah.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
receiving His priesthood. A priesthood not of the order of Levi but of the order of Melchizedek. A priesthood handed down from Father to Son.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
beginning His ministry.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, who is called Rabbi ...throughout the New Testament. Rabbis undergo a very formal training and do not receive “authority” until they turned 30 years old which is when Jesus began his ministry.
- Jesus, baptized by John in the Jordan.
- Jesus, on whom the Spirit descended.
- Jesus, beloved Son of the Father.
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of Baptism.
- Jesus, returning from the desert, Jesus was recognized by John as the Lamb of God.
- Jesus, God’s Suffering Servant.
- Jesus, the Messiah.
- Jesus, receiving His priesthood ...Jesus’ priesthood was not of the order of Levi but of the order of Melchizedek: a priesthood handed down from Father to Son.
- Jesus, beginning His ministry.
- Jesus, for whom John begins his gospel with the creation story, to parallel the story of the new creation brought about by Jesus.
- Jesus, about whom John the Baptist proclaims: “I have baptized you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt 3:11, Acts 13:24-25).
- Jesus, for whom the heavens were split apart (just as at the beginning of Moses’ Exodus the Red Sea was split). John testifies: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain on him” (Jn 1:32, Lk 3:21). John proclaims Jesus is the Son of God since He is the one on whom the Spirit descended (Jn 1:34).
- Jesus. In this heavenly manifestation, occurring at Jesus’ baptism, is instituted the sacrament of Baptism. The Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
- Jesus, who after his trial in the desert, approaches John the Baptist. When John sees him, John calls out: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn 1:29). John the Baptist makes a prophetic statement that refers to Jesus as a sacrificial lamb, and that acknowledges Jesus as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah.
- Jesus, whose baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and events surrounding Jesus’ Baptism are recorded in all four Gospels.
- Jesus. "I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I." (Mt 3:11)
- Jesus. "I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals." (Lk 3:16)
- Jesus. "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Mt 3:11)
- Jesus. "His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." (Lk 3:17)
- Jesus. "Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him." (Mt 3:13)
- Jesus. "John tried to prevent him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?' (Mt 3:14)
- Jesus. "Jesus said to him in reply, 'Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' " (Mt 3:15)
- Jesus. "After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him." (Mt 3:16)
- Jesus. "And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.' " (Mt 3:17)
- Jesus. "Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." (Jn 1:34)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2nd Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
Intention:
We pray for each of our children by name.
(Give people a moment to whisper the name(s))
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty.
That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us also pray for our deceased ancestors still in Purgatory.Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother hosted the wedding of her nephew ...
either the apostle Andrew the Canaanite or his brother Jude (Thaddeus).
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
foreshadowing the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
pointing Mary to the Transubstantiation of wine into His Blood
...
Jesus’ use of “My hour” points Mary to His suffering and death in 3 years time but in conjunction to the current problem of wine by turning the water into wine, the blood of the grape, it is half way to His future turning of wine into His blood thus completing the parallel to Moses first miracle of turning water into blood.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who would not refuse any request of His Mother.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
instituting the sacrament of Matrimony.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
changing water into wine.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
paralleling the first miracle of Moses with His first miracle.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is our advocate.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother must be part of our life.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother said: "Do whatever He tells you."
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose Mother hosted the wedding of her nephew ...either the apostle Andrew the Canaanite or his brother Jude (Thaddeus).
- Jesus, foreshadowing the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
- Jesus, pointing Mary to the Transubstantiation of wine into His Blood ...Jesus’ use of “My hour” points Mary to His suffering and death in 3 years time but in conjunction to the current problem of wine by turning the water into wine, the blood of the grape, it is half way to His future turning of wine into His blood thus completing the parallel to Moses first miracle of turning water into blood.
- Jesus, who would not refuse any request of His Mother.
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of Matrimony.
- Jesus, changing water into wine.
- Jesus, paralleling the first miracle of Moses with His first miracle.
- Jesus, whose Mother is our advocate.
- Jesus, whose Mother must be part of our life.
- Jesus, whose Mother said: "Do whatever He tells you."
- Jesus, who uses the wedding feast, occurring on the 7th day of the “New Creation”, to foreshadow the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9).
- Jesus, whose transformation of water into wine represents the replacement of the Jewish ceremonial washings and symbolizes the entire creative and transforming work of Jesus.
- Jesus, whose cousins, apostles St. Simon and St. Jude, were nephews by marriage to Mary and likely one or the other was the groom at the wedding.
- Jesus, whose reference to “my hour” points Mary to the connection to the Eucharistic Miracle in which He will change wine into his blood at the Last Supper: thus completing the parallel to Moses changing water into blood.
- Jesus, who as God, uses the family relationship as a metaphor all throughout the bible.
- Jesus. The Marriage Oath, to love your spouse, implies a conscious decision to place the spouse’s need, the spouse’s happiness, before one’s own. Because we are human that kind of love requires the two pillars of love: repentance fueled by humility and forgiveness fueled by mercy.
- Jesus, whose presence and miracle institutes the sacrament of Matrimony. It is a covenant relationship: a relationship bound with an oath. Violation of an oath calls a curse down on oneself.
- Jesus. The devil works to destroy the family because the family is where we learn to love, to be like God. His efforts to destroy the family began in earnest with the introduction of contraceptives: introducing the notion that sex is primarily for enjoyment (focus is on self); not for the creation and nurturing of new life.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary said to the waiters: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). That is what Mary continues to say to us: Do whatever He tells you. Mary is our most powerful advocate! Invite her to be part of your life.
- Jesus. "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding." (Jn 2:1-2)
- Jesus. "When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' " (Jn 2:3)
- Jesus. "[And] Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what is this between you and me? My hour has not yet come.' " (Jn 2:4)
- Jesus. "His mother said to the servers, 'Do whatever he tells you.' " (Jn 2:5)
- Jesus. "Now there were six stone jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons." (Jn 2:6)
- Jesus. "Jesus told them, 'Fill the jars with water.' So they filled them to the brim." (Jn 2:7)
- Jesus. "Then he told them, 'Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.' So they took it." (Jn 2:8)
- Jesus. "And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom." (Jn 2:9)
- Jesus. "And said to him, 'Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.' " (Jn 2:10)
- Jesus. "Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him." (Jn 2:11)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Intention:
We pray for our extended family, our spiritual family and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family:
our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives
would be fruitful in Christ. Let us pray also for all deceased members of our faith community that they may be speedily released
from their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
proclaiming the kingdom and instituting the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose kingdom is not of this world.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose kingdom exists in the spiritual dimension
...
Just because our senses cannot perceive something, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist. God, angels, and demons exist and are at war.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Kingdom is His Mystical Body.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Kingdom must be accepted as a little child, with wonder and awe.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
saying entry into the Kingdom requires a rebirth of water (Baptism) and Spirit (Confirmation).
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Kingdom’s 1st law is to Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Kingdom’s 2nd law is to love each other as Jesus loves us.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
God gave us an initial set of interpretations of those two laws. They are the 10 Commandments
...
Each commandment can be expressed as a value statement. They are in priority sequence.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Kingdom is the destination of the new Exodus.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, proclaiming the kingdom and instituting the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
- Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world.
- Jesus, whose kingdom exists in the spiritual dimension ...Just because our senses cannot perceive something, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist. God, angels, and demons exist and are at war.
- Jesus, whose kingdom is His Mystical Body.
- Jesus, whose kingdom must be accepted as a little child, with wonder and awe.
- Jesus, saying entry into the Kingdom requires a rebirth of water (Baptism) and Spirit (Confirmation).
- Jesus, whose kingdom’s 1st law is to Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength.
- Jesus, whose kingdom’s 2nd law is to love each other as Jesus loved us.
- Jesus, God gave us an initial set of interpretations of those two laws. They are the 10 Commandments ...Each commandment can be expressed as a value statement. They are in priority sequence.
- Jesus, whose kingdom is the destination of the new Exodus.
- Jesus, promising the poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom of God.
- Jesus, saying those persecuted for the sake of righteousness will be rewarded.
- Jesus, comparing the Kingdom to a treasure one would sell everything to obtain.
- Jesus, saying it would be better to lose an eye than to lose the Kingdom of God.
- Jesus, likening the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.
- Jesus, saying He is preparing a place for us in His Father’s house.
- Jesus, telling us to seek first the Kingdom of God and then all will be given us.
- Jesus, saying to let the little children come to Him for God’s Kingdom belongs to them.
- Jesus, saying entry into the Kingdom requires a rebirth of water and Spirit.
- Jesus, saying: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,* but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (Mt 7:21)
- Jesus, cleansing a man with leprosy ...(Mt 8:1-4, Mk 1:40-45, Lk 5:12-14) Jesus isn’t defiled by lepers, lepers are made clean.
- Jesus, healing a paralytic who was let down from the roof ...(Mt 9:1-8, Mk 2:1-12, Lk 5:17-26) Jesus shows that the Son of Man is the Son of God as He has the power to forgive sins then proving it with a miraclous healing.
- Jesus, feeding 5,000 plus women and children ...(Mt 14:13-21, Mk 6:30-44) Both a foreshadowing of the Eucharist and a fulfillment of God’s supplying manna in the desert.
- Jesus, restoring sight to Bartimaeus ...(Mt 20:29-34, Mk 10:46-52, Lk 18:35-43) Bartimaeus a blind man, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David.
- Jesus, withering the fig tree on the road from Bethany ...(Mt 21:18-22. Mk 11:12-14) Prophetical action: A condemnation of the Jewish rulers.
- Jesus, healing a servant’s severed ear while being arrested ...(Lk 22:50-51) Proof that no one takes His life.
- Jesus, providing 154 fish at the Sea of Tiberias ...(Jn 21:4-11) A reference to the 154 sedarim in the Torah. Jesus is the Torah.
- Jesus. “You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.” “What does God require of you but to do right, to love steadfastly, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8).
- Jesus, who said: "My kingdom is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). It is only perceivable in the physical world when we surrender ourselves to God and love one another.
- Jesus, who said: "Unless a man is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven" (Jn 3:5). We need to awaken to the spiritual reality, to begin life anew in the spiritual dimension
- Jesus, who said: "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it" (Mk 10:15). A child accepts reality with wonder and awe not skepticism.
- Jesus, whose Father, God, is love (1Jn 4:8): since we can love, therefore we are in his image. When we love, we are being like God, we are in God’s likeness.
- Jesus, whose Kingdom like every other kingdom has laws. The Kingdom of God has two fundamental laws:
- Jesus, as God, provided us with an initial set of intrepretations of those laws. The Ten Commandments. (Ex 20:2-17, Deut 5 6-21).
- Jesus, who as God, is a farmer raising spiritual beings. The worst things you can do to a farmer is destroy his crops (murder, war, abortion, euthanasia), render them infertile (birth control, sterilization, gender modification), destroy the means of nurturing the crops (the break-up of the family), or pollute the crop (promote the media’s value set): it seems our very culture is at war with God! We are truly in a spiritual battle. Whose side am I on?
- Jesus. "He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.' " (Lk 4:16-18)
- Jesus. "He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord." (Lk 4:18-19)
- Jesus. "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mk 1:15)
- Jesus. "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit." (Jn 3:5)
- Jesus. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (Jn 3:16)
- Jesus. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." (Jn 4:36)
- Jesus. "Now someone approached him and said, 'Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?' He answered him, 'Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Mt 19:16-17)
- Jesus. "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." (Mt 19:29)
- Jesus. "Jesus said to him, 'What is written in the law? How do you read it?' He said in reply, 'You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.' He replied to him, 'You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.' " (Lk 10:25)
- Jesus. "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all his angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blest by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' " (Mt 26:31, 33-34)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
4th Mystery: The Transfiguration
Intention:
We pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taking Peter, James, and John up a mountain.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taking them to where the temporal meets the spiritual.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
transfigured His face becomes as dazzling as the sun.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose clothes become as radiant as light.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
speaking with Moses and Elijah.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
speaking about His Exodus.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Exodus is through the Crucifixion.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Father’s beloved Son.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the bridge between heaven and earth.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whom to follow is to take up one’s cross.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, taking Peter, James, and John up a mountain.
- Jesus, taking them to where the temporal meets the spiritual.
- Jesus, transfigured His face becomes as dazzling as the sun.
- Jesus, whose clothes become as radiant as light.
- Jesus, speaking with Moses and Elijah.
- Jesus, speaking about His Exodus.
- Jesus, whose Exodus is through the Crucifixion.
- Jesus, the Father’s beloved Son.
- Jesus, the bridge between heaven and earth.
- Jesus, whom to follow is to take up one’s cross.
- Jesus, who foresaw the scandal of the cross and prepared them for it by allowing them to experience the Kingdom of God; witnessing this manifestation of his glory.
- Jesus, who was conversing with Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament) about his exodus from Jerusalem which He was about to accomplish (Mt 17:1-9, Mk 9:2-8, Lk 9:28-36).
- Jesus, who leads all of us out of slavery to self. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery to Egypt in his exodus. Moses’ exodus was in the physical realm while Jesus’ exodus is in the spiritual realm.
- Jesus, who said: “Do not think I have come to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfill them” (Mt 5:17).
- Jesus, to whom Peter said: “Lord it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mt 17:4)
- Jesus, whose Transfiguration is a pivotal moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and earth.
- Jesus, whose exodus is through the cross! Jesus even said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me” (Mk 8:34-35, Lk 9:23). Am I ready to follow Jesus on his exodus?
- Jesus. "After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves." (Mk 9:2)
- Jesus. "And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them." (Mk 9:2-3)
- Jesus. "Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus." (Mk 9:4)
- Jesus. "Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." (Mk 9:5)
- Jesus. "While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud." (Lk 9:34)
- Jesus. "then from the cloud came a voice that said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.' " (Mt 17:5)
- Jesus. "When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid." (Mt 17:6)
- Jesus. "But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Rise, and do not be afraid.' " (Mt 17:7)
- Jesus. "And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone." (Mt 17:8)
- Jesus. "As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, 'Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.' " (Mt 17:9)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
5th Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
Intention: We pray for ourselves. Let us pray for the strength, stamina, discernment, understanding, and wisdom to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God’s own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God. Let us pray for an increase in people focused on assisting the souls in purgatory.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
celebrating the Seder with all the Essenes, on Tuesday
...
It says in three of the Gospels that Jesus was anticipating celebrating the Seder with the apostles. There was only one Seder celebrated during Holy Week before Jesus died and that was on the Essene calendar on Tuesday evening.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
offering an unbloody sacrifice
...
The Essene’s were not allowed to offer animal sacrifice in the temple. So the Seder celebration did not have a sacrificial lamb (although they probably had lamb).
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
celebrating a Todah, thanksgiving sacrifice of unleavened Bread and Wine.
...
The Seder Meal was both the sacrificial meal for the Paschal Lamb and was also a Todah thanksgiving sacrifice of bread and wine in thanksgiving for the deliverance that would be provided by the blood from the Lamb.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
celebrating a Thanksgiving sacrifice for the anticipated deliverance.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
celebrating a deliverance to be provided, from the cross on Friday.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
washing the feet of the apostles.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
initiating a new Covenant in His own blood.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
instituting the sacrament of Holy Orders.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
the Bread of Life, the Manna for our journey to the Kingdom.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, celebrating the Seder with all the Essenes, on Tuesday ...It says in three of the Gospels that Jesus was anticipating celebrating the Seder with the apostles. There was only one Seder celebrated during Holy Week before Jesus died and that was on the Essene calendar on Tuesday evening.
- Jesus, offering an unbloody sacrifice ...The Essene’s were not allowed to offer animal sacrifice in the temple. So the Seder celebration did not have a sacrificial lamb (although they probably had lamb).
- Jesus, celebrating a Todah, thanksgiving sacrifice of unleavened Bread and Wine ...The Seder Meal was both the sacrificial meal for the Paschal Lamb and was also a Todah thanksgiving sacrifice of bread and wine in thanksgiving for the deliverance that would be provided by the blood from the Lamb.
- Jesus, celebrating a Thanksgiving sacrifice for the anticipated deliverance.
- Jesus, celebrating a deliverance to be provided, from the cross on Friday.
- Jesus, washing the feet of the apostles.
- Jesus, initiating a new Covenant in His own blood.
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist.
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of Holy Orders.
- Jesus, the Bread of Life, the Manna for our journey to the Kingdom.
- Jesus, celebrating a Todah sacrifice. For the Jews, sacrificed objects needed to be consumed. The Todah is one of the sacrifices of the Israelites, dating back to Melchizedek. It is a sacrifice of unleavened bread and wine that is accompanied by thanksgiving hymns and is offered by someone who has been delivered from great peril.
- Jesus, who had been anticipating the Seder with the apostles. The Seder was a special celebration in that it was both a sacrificial meal in which the sacrificed pascal lamb was consumed but it was also a Todah, a thanksgiving sacrifice, of un-leavened bread and wine in thanksgiving for the anticipated deliverance that would be provided by the blood of the sacrificed lamb: the angel of death would see the blood and pass over the house.
- Jesus, whose fulfillment of the Feast of Unleavened Bread required the celebration of a Seder Meal. For the Seder to be a dress rehearsal for the Eucharist, there must be a Seder Meal before the temple sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb which is the dress rehearsal for the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. For this God utilized the Essenes’ solar calendar.
- Jesus, who washed the feet of his apostles and announced that He would be betrayed. To show John what it means to love your enemy, Jesus gave the highest honor to Judas as a demonstration of the new commandment He was giving the apostles: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34).
- Jesus, who took bread, blessed it and said: “Take and eat, this is My Body.” (Mt 26:26). Taking the 3rd of 4 cups of wine called the “Blessing Cup” (1Cor 10:16), Jesus said: “Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood. This cup is the new covenant in My Blood, shed for you” (Mt 26:28, Lk 22:20, 1Cor 11:25). [Instituting the Eucharist] “Do this in remembrance of me” (Lk 22:19, 1Cor 11:24) [Instituting Holy Orders.]
- Jesus, whose Last Supper, a Seder Supper, was a “Eucharistic”, “Todah”, “Thanksgiving” offering in anticipation of the deliverance that was about to take place after the 4th cup was taken from the hyssop branch on the cross: deliverance by means of the blood from the sacrifice of the Lamb of God via crucifixion. At every Eucharistic Celebration, the sacrifice of Calvary is made present because the Todah sacrifice, the Eucharist, was finished not in the upper room but on the cross.
- Jesus, who has shown us through many Eucharistic miracles that the bread and wine are truly transformed into his Body and Blood.
- Jesus, who with His apostles left the last supper after drinking the blessing cup but before taking the 4th cup (the “Cup of Acceptance”): leaving the Paschal meal unfinished! The Seder meal traditionally ends with the Nirtzah: a simple statement that the meal has been completed. That too didn’t happen until later.
- Jesus. "Jesus said to them, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' " (Jn 6:32-33)
- Jesus. "So they said to him, 'Sir, give us this bread always.' Jesus said to them 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.' " (Jn 6:34-35)
- Jesus. "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die."
- Jesus. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." (Jn 6:51)
- Jesus. "The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, 'How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?' " (Jn 6:52)
- Jesus. "Jesus said to them, 'Amen, amen I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.' " (Jn 6:53)
- Jesus. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." (Jn 6:54-55)
- Jesus. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me." (Jn 6:56-57)
- Jesus. "This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." (Jn 6:58)
- Jesus. "Then many of his disciples who were listening said, 'This saying is hard; who can accept it?' As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, 'Do you also want to leave?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words to eternal life.' " (Jn 6:60, 66-68)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Sorrowful Mysteries
1st Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
We pray for our spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world. Let us also
pray for our spouse’s ancestors that are still in Purgatory that our prayers may shorten the time of their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
in His agony.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
praying for the cup to be removed.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
waking the apostles and asking for their prayers.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
tempted by the devil and repeating His prayer for the cup to be removed.
5th Hail Mary
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
sweating blood.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
praying a 3rd time and consoled by an angel.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
waking the apostles for the arrival of Judas.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
confronting Judas and the crowd.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
healing Malcus.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
bound and led away.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
• Glory Be
• Fatima Prayer
- Jesus, in His agony.
- Jesus, praying for the cup to be removed.
- Jesus, waking the apostles and asking for their prayers.
- Jesus, tempted by the devil and repeating His prayer for the cup to be removed.
- Jesus, sweating blood.
- Jesus, praying a 3rd time and consoled by an angel.
- Jesus, waking the apostles for the arrival of Judas.
- Jesus, confronting Judas and the crowd.
- Jesus, healing Malcus.
- Jesus, bound and led away.
- Jesus, sweating blood from the stress of the knowledge of what is coming.
- Jesus, foreseeing the priests and religious who would fail to shepherd their flocks.
- Jesus, foreseeing the priests and religious who feed only themselves off their flock.
- Jesus, foreseeing the heretics and schismatics who destroy the unity of the Mystical Body.
- Jesus, foreseeing the people who prey on little children.
- Jesus, foreseeing the people who pollute children with lies.
- Jesus, foreseeing the people who abuse family members.
- Jesus, foreseeing the people who escape life through alcohol and drugs.
- Jesus, foreseeing the number of souls that are lukewarm.
- Jesus, foreseeing all those who will turn their back on God.
- Jesus, who goes to the Garden of Gethsemane ...And He came out and went to the garden on the Mount of Olives; and the apostles also followed him (Jn 18:1). He went a little beyond them, about a stone’s throw, and fell to the ground, praying that if it were possible, the hour might pass him by (Lk 22:41-42).
- Jesus, for whom Peter cut off Malchus’ ear ...Peter has jumped up, drawn a sword, and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave (Jn 18:10). Jesus calls out: “No more of this!” (Lk 22:51). Jesus then said to Peter: “Put your sword back into its sheath. For all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” (Mt 26:52-54). “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (Jn 18:11). Jesus heals Malchus (Lk 22:49-51) and sees to it that his disciples are not also taken (Jn 18:8-9).
- Jesus, fear of whom causes no one to react to Peter’s attack ...Notice that no one in the crowd wants to initiate the attack on the prophet. They wait for Jesus’ lead.
- Jesus, who says: “This hour and the power of darkness are yours” ...Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple [guard] and elders who had accompanied the crowd, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? I sat teaching in the Temple day after day and you never laid a hand on me.” (Mt 26:55, Lk 22:52); but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.” (Lk 22:53)
- Jesus, whom Peter denies three times ...Peter and John followed Jesus to Ananus’ house. John who was known to the high priest was allowed to enter. John then arranged to bring Peter inside. Peter denied that he was Jesus’ disciple when asked by the slave girl at the entrance (Jn 18:15-18). Peter stayed with the crowd as Jesus was moved to Caiaphas’ palace. A relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said: “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter denied it and immediately a rooster crowed. After a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter: “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.” But he began to curse and swear: “I do not know this man you are talking about!”
- Jesus, for whom Peter weeps bitterly ...While Peter was still speaking, the cock crowed a second time and Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly ( Mt 26:69-75; Mk 14:66-72; Lk 22:54-62; Jn 18:15-17,25-27).
- Jesus. 'Jesus came with them to Gethsemane. And sadness came over him, and great distress.' (Mt 26:36-37)
- Jesus. 'Then he said, "My soul is sorrowful to the point of death. Wait here and keep awake with me." ' (Mt 26:38)
- Jesus. 'Then he withdrew from them, and knelt down and prayed.' (Lk 22:41)
- Jesus. 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.' (Lk 22:42)
- Jesus. 'Then an angel appeared to him, coming from heaven to give him strength.' (Lk 22:43)
- Jesus. 'In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly'. (Lk 22:44)
- Jesus. 'And his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.' (Lk 22:44)
- Jesus. 'Then he came back to his disciples and found them sleeping, and he said, "So you had not the strength to keep awake with me one hour?" ' (Mt 26:40)
- Jesus. 'You should be awake, and praying not to be put to the test.' (Mt 26:41)
- Jesus. 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' (Mt 26:41)
- Jesus. After withdrawing about a stone's throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." (Lk 22:41-42)
- Jesus. And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. (Lk 22:43)
- Jesus. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. (Lk 26:44)
- Jesus. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mt 26:41)
- Jesus. I cry aloud to God, cry to God to hear me. (Ps 77:2)
- Jesus. On the day of my distress I seek the Lord;by night my hands are raised unceasingly;I refuse to be consoled. (Ps 77:3)
- Jesus. My eyes cannot close in sleep; I am troubled and cannot speak. (Ps 77:5)
- Jesus. In the night I meditate in my heart; I ponder and my spirit broods:
(Ps 77:7) - Jesus. Has God's love ceased forever? Has the promise failed for all ages? (Ps 77:9)
- Jesus. Has God forgotten mercy, in anger withheld compassion? (Ps 77:10)
- Jesus, who suffered because of people's lack of understanding and commitment to the commandments.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who blaspheme, curse, and use profanity.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who put oneself first ahead of God.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who look down or put down others.
- Jesus, who suffered for those whose sins are through pride and vanity.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who are jealous of others’ goods and deeds.
- Jesus, who suffered for those whose sin is greed.
- Jesus, who suffered for those whose faith is lukewarm.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who hold onto anger.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who refuse to forgive.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2nd Mystery: The Scourging
We pray for each of our children by name.
(Give people a moment to whisper the name(s))
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty.
That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us also pray for our deceased ancestors still in Purgatory.Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taken to Pilate.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
questioned by Pilate.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose kingdom is not of this world.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who Pilate realized is innocent.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
sent to Herod.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
mocked and scorned, by Herod and his soldiers.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
sent back to Pilate in an expensive cloak.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
stripped of His clothing and bound for scourging.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
scourged from ankles to shoulders
...
Struct with at least 125 blows with a three-strap flagellum with imbedded lead.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
placed in a cistern with other prisoners
...
The cistern that was used as a common prison is still in Jerusalem
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, taken to Pilate.
- Jesus, questioned by Pilate.
- Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world.
- Jesus, who Pilate realized is innocent.
- Jesus, sent to Herod.
- Jesus, mocked and scorned, by Herod and his soldiers.
- Jesus, sent back to Pilate in an expensive cloak.
- Jesus, stripped of His clothing and bound for scourging.
- Jesus, scourged from ankles to shoulders ...Struct with at least 125 blows with a three-strap flagellum with imbedded lead.
- Jesus, placed in a cistern with other prisoners ...The cistern that was used as a common prison is still in Jerusalem.
- Jesus, whose scourging was caused by Pilate’s cowardly attempt to placate the Jewish leadership.
- Jesus, beat with over 125 blows of a three strap flagellum with two lead balls on each strap.
- Jesus, whose skin is torn in three places with each blow.
- Jesus, whose whole body is bruised from the 6 lead balls traveling at 100mph with each blow.
- Jesus, whose kidneys were bruised with the blows from the lead balls.
- Jesus, who has severe hemorrhages of the muscles between the ribs.
- Jesus, whose cells in the lungs continue to rupture.
- Jesus, whose severe blows to the chest cause excruciating rib pain with every breath.
- Jesus, whose liver and spleen are bruised and torn.
- Jesus, whose breathing becomes more painful with the accumulation of fluid around the lungs.
- Jesus, taken to Pilate later Wednesday morning ...intending for him to die Wednesday or Thursday thereby avoiding the Temple Passover Festival. They could not allow his disruption of temple commerce to go unpunished, thereby undermining the authority of the priests.
- Jesus, about whom Pilate asked: “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” ...The Jews responded: “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered him to you” (Jn 18:29-30). But Pilate said: “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” To which the high priest said: “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die. (Jn 18:31)
- Jesus, about whom Pilate realizes the charges are political ...After examining Jesus, Pilate realized that Jesus was innocent of everything but being hated by the high priest. Pilate said to the Jews: “I find no guilt in this man” (Lk 23:4). But they kept on insisting, saying: “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place” (Lk 23:5).
- Jesus, sent to Herod ...When Pilate heard that Jesus was a Galilean, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time (Lk 23:6-7). Jesus was taken to Herod Wednesday afternoon. Herod was delighted to see Jesus. He interrogated Jesus at length trying to get him to work a miracle, but he even failed to get Jesus to respond to his questioning (Lk 23:8-9). The chief priests and the scribes were accusing him vehemently. Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him. Herod then had the soldiers dress Jesus in a gorgeous robe and take him back to Pilate (Lk 23:11) Wednesday evening.
- Jesus, about whom Pilate says: “He is innocent therefore I will punish him and release him” ...The following morning, Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people: He tells them: “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined him before you, I have found no guilt in this man; regarding the charges which you make against him. No, nor has Herod, for he sent him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by him. Therefore, I will punish him and release him.” (Lk 23:13-16). Pilate is interrupted by a messenger with a message from his wife: “Have nothing to do with the holy man for I have suffered much over him today in a dream.” (Mt 27:19).
- Jesus, who receives 124 blows to mark his entire body ...Pilate informed the soldiers that they should not kill Jesus because he wanted to release him Friday. Jesus was scourged Thursday afternoon by two men each using a flagellum. The lead balls on the leather strips were made to bruise and at the same time to tear the skin. While Jewish law restricted the number of blows in a scourging to 39 (Deut 25:3), Roman law had no such restriction. The objective of the soldiers was to mark his entire body below his head. It took 124 blows with a three strap flagellum.
- Jesus, who spends the night in a cistern ...After the scourging, Jesus was likely placed in a dry cistern 12 to 15 ft. deep with smooth sides. Jesus was lowered into the cistern with a rope looped around his chest and pulled up to his arm pits. The cistern had no sewage facilities causing Jesus to spend the night standing in sewage with the other prisoners.
- Jesus, who the High Priest realizes Pilate will attempt to release ...When, on Thursday evening, the temple officials were summoned by Pilate to appear the first thing Friday morning, the high priest realized that Pilate would attempt to release Jesus to the crowds on Friday. So, the high priest ordered everyone to pass the word to be at the praetorium in the morning and that the priests wanted [Jesus] Barabbas released (Mk 15:12). They didn’t even need to mention Jesus the Nazarene.
- Jesus. 'They had Jesus bound and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him: "Are you the king of the Jews?" ' (Mk 15:1-2)
- Jesus. 'Jesus replied, "Mine is not a kingdom of this world; but yes, I am a king." ' (Jn 18:36-37)
- Jesus. ' "I came into the world for this: to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice." ' (Jn 18:37)
- Jesus. ' "Truth?" said Pilate, "What is truth?"; and with that he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no case against him." ' (Jn 18:38)
- Jesus. 'Despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows.' (Is 53:3)
- Jesus. 'Harshly dealt with, he bore it humbly, like a lamb that is led to the slaughterhouse.' (Is 53:7)
- Jesus. 'Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins.' (Is 53:5)
- Jesus. 'Ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrows he carried.' (Is 53:4)
- Jesus. 'On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed.' (Is 53:5)
- Jesus. With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. (Lk 23:23)
- Jesus. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. (Lk 23:24)
- Jesus. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. (Jn 19:1)
- Jesus. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished. (Lk 23:25)
- Jesus. How lonely she is now,the once crowded city! (La 1:1)
- Jesus. Widowed is she who was mistress over nations. (La 1:1)
- Jesus. The princess among the provinces has been made a toiling slave. (La 1:1)
- Jesus. Bitterly she weeps at night, tears upon her cheeks. (La 1:2)
- Jesus. With not one to console her of all her dear ones. (La 1:2)
- Jesus. Her friends have all betrayed her and become her enemies. (La 1:2)
- Jesus, who suffered for those who rape.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who traffic in humans.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who molest children.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who are violent and angry at home.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who are violent to others.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who are violent to children.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who are violent and bully in schools.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who make others fearful by words or actions.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who overwork and under compensate their employees.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who persecute believers.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
3rd Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
We pray for our extended family, our spiritual family and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family:
our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives
would be fruitful in Christ. Let us pray also for all deceased members of our faith community that they may be speedily released
from their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taken to the morning briefing.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
bound to a chair.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
crowned with thorns.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
handed a reed scepter.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
mocked and struck.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
thorns driven into His brain.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taken to Pilate.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
rejected for a murderer.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose blood, claimed by the people, is shed for me.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
condemned to death.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, taken to the morning briefing.
- Jesus, bound to a chair.
- Jesus, crowned with thorns.
- Jesus, handed a reed scepter.
- Jesus, mocked and struck.
- Jesus, thorns driven into His brain.
- Jesus, taken to Pilate.
- Jesus, rejected for a murderer.
- Jesus, whose blood, claimed by the people, is shed for me.
- Jesus, condemned to death.
- Jesus, for whom a crown was woven from the new growth of a Spina Christi tree.
- Jesus, handed a reed for a scepter.
- Jesus, with thorns piercing a primary facial nerve.
- Jesus, whose every movement causes pain radiating across his face like an exposed nerve.
- Jesus, with thorns piercing his nerves at the top of the spine.
- Jesus, with massive headaches beyond the worst migraine.
- Jesus, with hairs yanked from his beard.
- Jesus, called the Messiah by Pilate ...He took him before the people and unintentionally spoke to the crowd in the words of the prophet Zechariah saying: “Behold the Man” (Jn 19:5, Zech 6:12). The verse in Zechariah says: “Behold the man whose name is Branch; and he shall grow up in his place, and he shall build the temple of God” (Zech 6:12). “Branch” is the primary symbol of the Messiah used also by Isaiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots” (Is 11:1); and Jeremiah: “See the days are coming when I will raise up a righteous branch for David; as King, he shall govern wisely, he shall do what is right in the land” (Jer 23:5).
A typical rabbinical teaching technique is to start a quote: “Behold the Man” and everyone fills in the rest of the quote: “whose name is branch”. - Jesus, rejected by the people.
- Jesus, condemned to death.
- Jesus, taken to the morning briefing ...Jesus was scheduled by Pilate to be brought out the first thing Friday morning, so he could affect his release. He was taken from the prison (cistern) before the morning briefing. It was at this briefing early Friday morning that the soldiers decided to have fun at the expense of the “King of the Jews.”
- Jesus, crowned with thorns (Mt 27:29) ...The soldiers formed a crude crown from thorns of the Christ Thorn Jujube. It was more like a cap but with thorns approximately 1 to 3 inches long (25 to 76 mm). They put a purple robe on him and forced the crown down onto on Jesus’ head. In his bound hands, they place a reed, as a scepter, in mockery of his kingship. Kneeling before him in derision, they spit on him (Is 50:6), and cry out: “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Mk 15:18).
- Jesus, whose major nerves going into the brain are pierced by the thorns ...The cap of thorns digs into the trigeminal nerve. [The trigeminal nerve carries facial pain sensation to the brain: think exposed nerve. It was like a root canal without anesthetic]. The crown’s thorns also pierced the greater occipital nerves, at the top of the spine. That causes extreme headaches especially as he was struck with reeds. All this pain contributed to the ongoing traumatic shock. The wounds from the thorns were still leaking blood when Jesus died 8 hours later. That would indicate that the thorns were continually being pushed into the nerves as He turned his head or leaned back while on the cross; keeping the wounds from closing.
- Jesus, who is tortured for the amusement of the Roman soldiers ...The soldiers incurred what was thought to be a minimal risk in torturing Jesus. The soldiers could torture any prisoner; with the exception that if the prisoner was condemned to death he had to be alive to be executed.
- Jesus, taken to Pilate at the appointed time ...Pilate’s strategy to release Jesus is to satisfy the envy of the priests and scribes by showing them a beaten and humiliated man while at the same time obtaining the sympathy of the crowd.
-
Jesus, about whom Pilate said: “Behold the Man!” ...Pilate, moved at the sight of Jesus, said to the crowd: “Behold the Man”, an unintentional quote from Zechariah (Zech 6:12, Jn 19:5). The verse in Zechariah says: “Behold the man whose name is Branch; and he shall grow up in his place, and he shall build the temple of God” (Zech 6:12). “Branch” is the primary symbol of the Messiah used also by Isaiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots” (Is 11:1); and Jeremiah: “See the days are coming when I will raise up a righteous branch for David; as King, he shall govern wisely, he shall do what is right in the land” (Jer 23:5).
A typical rabbinical teaching technique is to start a quote: “Behold the Man” and everyone fills in the rest of the quote: “whose name is branch”. Imagine the fury in the priests, scribes, and pharisees, when Pilate calls Jesus the Messiah! - Jesus, for whom Pilate enflames the Jew’s hatred for Jesus ...Pilate is looking to elicit sympathy for Jesus and to satisfy the blood lust of the scribes and priests, but Pilate unknowingly called Jesus the Messiah. Instead of getting sympathy, Pilate enflamed the hatred of the scribes and priests.
- Jesus, whom Pilate tries to release ...Pilate then offered to release Jesus as the customary prisoner released during the festival. However, the crowd was primarily temple sympathizers, organized by the priests. Led by the scribes and priests, the crowd did as they were instructed and screamed for [Jesus] Barabbas.
- Jesus, about whom Pilate asks: “Then what shall I do with Jesus?” (Mk 15:12) ...To this the crowds yelled: “Crucify him.” So, Pilate said: “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him.” (Jn 19:6). A chief priest answered Pilate: “We have a law and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God.” [In 42 BC, Julius Caesar was formally deified as “the divine Julius” (divus Iulius) after his assassination. His adopted son, Octavian (better known as Augustus, a title given to him 15 years later, in 27 BC) thus became known as divi Iuli filius (son of the divine Julius) or simply divi filius (son of the god).] That scared Pilate, so he asked Jesus: “Where are you from?” But Jesus didn’t answer so Pilate said: “You will not speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the power to release you, and the power to crucify you?” Then Jesus responded: “You would have no power over me unless it had been given to you from above; therefore, he who delivered me to you has the greater sin” (Jn 19:7-11).
- Jesus, for whom Pilate washes his hands ...Pilate sought to release Jesus, but the chief priest cried out: “If you release him you are no friend of Caesar because He claims to be king and we have no king but Caesar” (Jn 19:12). Pilate in frustration sat down on the judgment seat (Jn 19:13). When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, still worse he was starting a riot, he washed his hands in front of the crowd saying: “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” All the people said: “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” (Lk 23:24-26). So, Jesus was led off to be crucified (Mk 15:20).
- Jesus. 'The soldiers led him away to the Praetorium. Then they stripped him and dressed him up in purple.' (Mk 15:16-17, Mt 27:28)
- Jesus. 'And having twisted some thorns into a crown they put this on his head and placed a reed in his right hand.' (Mt 27:29)
- Jesus. 'To make fun of him they knelt to him saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" ' (Mt 27:29)
- Jesus. 'And they spat on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.' (Mt 27:30)
- Jesus. 'Jesus then came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.' (Jn 19:5)
- Jesus. ' and Pilate said: "Behold the man," ...Pilate took Jesus before the people and unintentionally spoke to the crowd in the words of the prophet Zechariah saying: “Behold the Man” (Jn 19:5, Zech 6:12). The verse in Zechariah says: “Behold the man whose name is Branch; and he shall grow up in his place, and he shall build the temple of God” (Zech 6:12). “Branch” is the primary symbol of the Messiah used also by Isaiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots” (Is 11:1); and Jeremiah: “See the days are coming when I will raise up a righteous branch for David; as King, he shall govern wisely, he shall do what is right in the land” (Jer 23:5).' (Jn 19:5, Zech 6:12)
A typical rabbinical teaching technique is to start a quote: “Behold the Man” and everyone fills in the rest of the quote: “whose name is branch”. Imagine the fury in the priests, scribes, and pharisees, when Pilate calls Jesus the Messiah! - Jesus. 'Then Pilate took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd and said, "I am innocent of this righteous man's blood; see to it yourselves." ' (Mt 27:24)
- Jesus. ' "Why, what harm has he done?" But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" ' (Mk 15:14)
- Jesus. 'Do you want me to crucify your king?' The chief priests answered, 'We have no king except Caesar.' (Jn 19:15)
- Jesus. 'So Pilate, anxious to placate the crowd, handed him over to be crucified. (Mk 15:15)
- Jesus. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. (Mt 27:29)
- Jesus. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Mt 27:29)
- Jesus. They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. (Mt 27:30)
- Jesus. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. (Mt 27:31)
- Jesus. Lord, my God, I call out by day; at night I cry aloud in your presence. (Ps 88:2)
- Jesus. You plunged me into the bottom of the pit, into the darkness of the abyss. (Ps 88:7)
- Jesus . All day I call on you, Lord; I stretch out my hands to you. (Ps 88:10)
- Jesus. Why do you reject me, Lord? Why hide your face from me? (Ps 88:15)
- Jesus. All the day they surge round like a flood; from every side they close in on me. (Ps 88:18)
- Jesus. Because of you companions shun me; my only friend is darkness. (Ps 88:19)
- Jesus, who suffered for those who make others feel unloved.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who spread hatred, disdain, or disrespect for the Mother of Jesus.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament although their faith dictates that belief.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who demean others.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who ignore their vows and promises.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who do not offer hope when hope is needed.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who support only those at the same or higher social level.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who do not think of or help those in need.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who ignore their children.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who find fault in everything and everyone except for themselves.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
4th Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
We pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
condemned as Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
tied to the patibulum ...
The patibulum was the horizontal cross piece. The vertical piece, the stipes, was secured into the ground; so, holes didn’t need to be dug for every execution.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
carrying the patibulum to His crucifixion.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
meeting the weeping women.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
seeing His Mother.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
falling under the weight of the patibulum.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose face is wiped by Bernice. ...
Bernice was the woman who was cured of a hemorrhage by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. (see the Acts of Pilate Chapter VII)
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
thanking Veronica with His image. ...
Just as Saul’s life changing experience on the road to Damascus caused his name to be changed to Paul. Bernice’s action was met not with instant death (for touching a condemned prisoner) but with an exclamation of “Vera icona”, “true image” by the centurion: thus Bernice became Veronica.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
helped by Simon of Cyrene.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
identified as YHVH (Yahweh). ...
“YHVH” is the Hebrew equivalent of “INRI” that we have on top of every crucifix. YHVH is the name of God! It can also be read as “Behold the hand, behold the nail” as each Hebrew letter is also a word. It is also the fulfillment of John 8:28 “When you have lifted up (crucified) the son of Man you will realize that ‘I AM’ ”! Now, you know the real reason the Jewish leaders wanted Pilate to change it.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, condemned as Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews.
- Jesus, tied to the patibulum ...The patibulum was the horizontal cross piece. The vertical piece, the stipes, was secured into the ground; so, holes didn’t need to be dug for every execution.
- Jesus, carrying the patibulum to His crucifixion.
- Jesus, meeting the weeping women.
- Jesus, seeing His Mother.
- Jesus, falling under the weight of the patibulum.
- Jesus, whose face is wiped by Bernice ...Bernice was the woman who was cured of a hemorrhage by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. (see the Acts of Pilate Chapter VII)
- Jesus, thanking Veronica with His image ...Just as Saul’s life changing experience on the road to Damascus caused his name to be changed to Paul. Bernice’s action was met not with instant death (for touching a condemned prisoner) but with an exclamation of “Vera icona”, “true image” by the centurion: thus Bernice became Veronica.
- Jesus, helped by Simon of Cyrene.
- Jesus, identified as יהוה YHVH (Yahweh) ...יהוה “YHVH” is the Hebrew equivalent of “INRI” that we have on top of every crucifix. YHVH is the name of God! It can also be read as "Behold the hand, behold the nail" as each Hebrew letter is also a word. It is also the fulfillment of John 8:28 ”When you have lifted up (crucified) the son of Man you will realize that ‘I AM’ ”! Now, you know the real reason the Jewish leaders wanted Pilate to change it.
- Jesus, bound to the patibulum.
- Jesus, meeting the women of Jerusalem.
- Jesus, telling them to weep for themselves and their children.
- Jesus, saying “If they do this when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”
- Jesus, prophesying the burning of both the temple and Jerusalem.
- Jesus, falling under the weight of the patibulum.
- Jesus, whose Guards feared He would die ...If Jesus dies before being crucified, since He was tortured by the soldiers, the centurion had to take his place for the crucifixion.
- Jesus, whose Guards forced Simon of Cyrene to help.
- Jesus, tearing the shoulder muscles.
- Jesus, suffering the pain that hurt the most ...St. Padre Pio responded to St. John Paul II’s question of “Which of Jesus’ wounds hurt the most.” with “The wound in the shoulder from carrying the cross.” There were two opportunities for the wound he was referring to: on the shroud we can see tearing of the tissue on the shoulders from carrying the patibulum, and when he fell under the weight of the patibulum the patibulum likely damaged nerves in the shoulder when it fell on Jesus.
- Jesus, condemned as Jesus the Nazarene King of the Jews.
- Jesus, bound to the 60 lb patibulum.
- Jesus, meeting the weeping women.
- Jesus, seeing his mother.
- Jesus, falling face first under the weight of the patibulum.
- Jesus, face covered with mud, and thorns driven further into his head.
- Jesus, helped by Simon of Cyrene.
- Jesus, tearing the shoulder muscles as the wood digs into the open wounds from the scourging.
- Jesus, suffering extreme pains from nerve damage caused by the crown of thorns, which radiated across His face and scalp with every step.
- Jesus, suffering from the bruising, caused by the scourging, in all of His muscles and joints.
- Jesus, whom the soldiers need to keep alive ...The scourging that was the “normal part of crucifixion” occurred just prior to carrying the cross piece (patibulum). Jesus however has already been scourged and the soldiers now have a vested interest in keeping Jesus alive.
- Jesus, meeting the weeping women ...(probably including his mother) and says: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Happy are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains: ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills: ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Lk 23:26-31).
- Jesus, seen, by His Mother, beaten and bloody ...The anguish felt at seeing a loved one suffer when there is nothing that can be done to alleviate the pain is incredible. Mary sees Jesus’ physical suffering and Jesus sees Mary’s anguish.
- Jesus, falling under the weight of the patibulum ...The skin scraped off his nose shows that he fell once under the weight of the patibulum. Falling with his arms tied to the patibulum insured that He would land on his face. Jesus’ face is now covered with dirt, mud, blood, sweat and spittle.
- Jesus, whose patibulum is removed from His back ...Cutting the ropes to remove Jesus from the cross-piece, meant Jesus’ hands would be nailed to the cross when He got to the place of execution (the rope pieces are now too short to re-tie).
- Jesus, whose face is wiped by Bernice (Veronica) with her veil ...Bernice, the woman who had the hemorrhage cured by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment, steps forward and wipes Jesus’ face. Tradition calls her Veronica but that is just Latin for “true image” which is what the soldiers, who saw it, reported to Pilate. There was a “true image” of the man’s face on her veil.
- Jesus, helped by Simon of Cyrene ...That the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to help Jesus carry his cross indicates the level of concern. They feared that Jesus may die before being crucified. (Mt 27:32, Mk 15:21, Lk 23:26). The patibulum rubbing the open wounds on the shoulder now begins to tear the shoulder muscle, compounding the damage to the shoulders caused by the scourging and the patibulum falling on Jesus.
- Jesus, inflicted with his greatest pain ...When Padre Pio was asked in 1947 by Karol Wojtyla [Woytila], St John Paul II, which of Jesus’ wounds hurt the most he responded without hesitation: “The wound in the shoulder from carrying the cross.”
- Jesus, whose placard is nailed to the cross ...The placard (Titulus) that Pilate had written, which would be placed on the cross, was carried in front of the condemned as he carried the cross piece (Jn 19:19-20). It announced the crime for which the prisoner was being punished. It read: “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews”. Nazareth is the Hebrew word for “Branch town”. Thus, in context it can be read: “Jesus the Branch, King of the Jews” reminding us again of Zechariah’s “Behold the man whose name is Branch” (Zech 6:12)! In the Latin the initialism, INRI, is what is shown on our crucifixes. In Hebrew it is an acronym, YHVH, which is the name of Yahweh and can also be read as “Behold the hand, behold the nail ”. +
Dr. Kenneth Stevenson: NAZAH: White Linen and the Blood Sprinkling
- Jesus. 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself.' (Lk 9:23)
- Jesus. 'And take up his cross every day and follow me.' (Lk 9:23)
- Jesus. 'And they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus.' (Lk 23:26)
- Jesus. 'Shoulder my yoke and learn from me.' (Mt 11:29)
- Jesus. 'For I am gentle and humble in heart.' (Mt 11:29)
- Jesus. 'And you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.' (Mt 11:29-30)
- Jesus. 'Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him.' (Lk 23:27)
- Jesus. 'But Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children." ' (Lk 23:28)
- Jesus. 'For if men use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry?' (Lk 23:31)
-
Jesus, turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children. (Lk 23:28)
- Jesus, says: "The days are coming when people will say, Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.'" (Lk 23:29)
- Jesus, says: "At that time people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!'" (Lk 23:30)
- Jesus, says: "For if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" (Lk 23:31)
- Jesus, says: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mk 8:34)
- Jesus. This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke. (Is 58:6)
- Jesus. Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless. (Is 58:7)
- Jesus. Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. (Is 58:7)
- Jesus. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed. (Is 58:8)
- Jesus. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! (Is 58:9)
- Jesus, who suffered for those who gossip and hold grudges against another.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who do not consciously work for their spouse's happiness.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who live in lustful self-pleasure.
- Jesus, who suffered for those living in drunkenness.
- Jesus, who suffered for all who use or make pornography.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who self-abuse the body in any way, i.e., sexual, self-harm, drugs or alcohol.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who steal and cheat.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who fight with others.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who lie or hide the truth.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who foster division rather than unity.
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
5th Mystery: The Crucifixion
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
stripped of His clothing.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
nailed to the cross.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
forgiving His executioners.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
taunted by His enemies.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
forgiving a thief.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
providing for His mother.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
fulfilling Scripture.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
finishing the Last Supper.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who dies for me.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
pierced with a lance.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, stripped of His clothing.
- Jesus, nailed to the cross.
- Jesus, forgiving His executioners.
- Jesus, taunted by His enemies.
- Jesus, forgiving a thief.
- Jesus, providing for His mother.
- Jesus, fulfilling Scripture.
- Jesus, finishing the Last Supper.
- Jesus, who dies for me.
- Jesus, pierced with a lance.
- Jesus, ascending to Golgotha dressed as a priest.
- Jesus, His garments divided.
- Jesus, hands nailed to the patibulum.
- Jesus, carrying the patibulum to the stipes.
- Jesus, lifted onto the stipes.
- Jesus, shoulders and elbow dislocated ...We can see on the shroud that the shoulders and elbow are dislocated. There are three opportunities when this could have happened.
- After death. If Jesus had been in full rigor when taken down from the cross they may have dislocated the shoulders and elbow to break the rigor as we can see from the shroud that the arms are now by his side.
- At the nailing of his hands to the patibulum. Because Jesus was 6 inches taller than the average man they would have had to stretch his arms as far as possible so that he would not hang down so low that his feet were on the ground. In stretching they could have been dislocated.
- When they lifted Jesus to attach the patibulum to the stipes for a minute or two Jesus would have been effectively doing an iron cross hanging from just the nails in his hands. It is my opinion that this was when the already damaged shoulders and elbow dislocated.
- Jesus, feet nailed to the stipes.
- Jesus, saying the name of the psalm being fulfilled by providing the deliverance proclaimed to all generations ...Jesus speaks in Hebrew so that those present will understand that He is referring to what we now know as Psalm 22. He is letting them know that He is about to fulfill that Psalm by providing the deliverence that will be told to all generations: the deliverence from sin accomplished throuh His crucifixion.
- Jesus, finishing the Last Supper ...“In order to fulfill Scripture” Jesus says “I thirst.” Jesus needs to finish the Last Supper in order to fulfill the Feast of Unleavened Bread by completing the Seder Meal; during which He and the apostles left before consuming the 4th Cup and proclaiming the Nirtzah.
- Jesus, saying “It is finished.” ...“It is finished” is the proclamation of the Nirtzah and also what the priest says when the killing blow has been struck. Jesus’ last four statements come within minutes of each other. They are accompanied with excruciating pain because His lungs were so full of fluid that He has to pull himself up with dislocated shoulders and right elbow, causing incredible pain in His shoulders, elbow, and bruised ribs, to expand his lungs in order to expell enough air to make his vocal cords work. In addition the movement of his mouth causes the reoccurance of the lanciating pain from the thorn in the trigiminal nerve.
- Jesus, saying: “No one takes my life from me.”
- Jesus, refusing wine mixed with gall, a pain killer.
- Jesus, saying: “Father forgive them they know not what they do.”
- Jesus, saying to Dismas: “This day you will be with me in paradise.”
- Jesus, saying to His Mother: “Woman behold your son.”
- Jesus, saying to St. John: “Son behold your mother.”
- Jesus, saying: “Eli Eli Lema Sabachthani,” the name of the Psalm being fulfilled by providing the deliverance proclaimed to all generations ...Jesus speaks in Hebrew so that those present will understand that He is referring to what we now know as Psalm 22. He is letting them know that He is about to fulfill that Psalm by providing the deliverence that will be told to all generations: the deliverence from slavery to sin, accomplished throuh His crucifixion.
- Jesus, saying: “I thirst. (in order to fulfill scripture)” ...It is an odd statement: 'in order to fulfill Scripture, Jesus said "I thirst"'. But when you realize that all the Feast of the Lord are Messianic Prophecies it follows that Jesus needs to finish the Last Supper in order to fulfill the Feast of Unleavened Bread by completing the Seder Meal; at which He and the apostles left before consuming the 4th Cup and proclaiming the Nirtzah.
- Jesus, saying: “It is finished.” ..."It" is:
- the Nirtzah that finishes the Last Supper and thus finishes the Fulfillment of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
- what the priest says when the killing blow has been struck: thus the Fulfillment of the Feast of Passover
- the Fulfillment of Psalm 22: the deliverance that will be proclaimed to all generations.
Jesus, saying: “Father into your hands I commend my Spirit.” ...The daily night prayer of the Jews, likely said by Jesus every night ends with "Into your hands I commend my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God." And corresponds with the daily morning prayer: “I thank Thee, living and eternal King, for Thou hast mercifully restored my soul within me; Great is Thy faithfulness.” The Jews felt that during sleep the soul left the body and it returned in the morning when they awoke. Since the word "commend" means deposit, like you leave your coat and hat with the hat checker at a fine restaurant. Jesus' very last words are a prophecy of both the resurrection and the fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. (1Cor 15:20)- Jesus, saying: “No one takes my life from me”, ascending to Golgotha dressed as a priest, and refusing wine mixed with gall, a pain killer.
- Jesus, stripped of His garments, His garments divided, and His hands nailed to the patibulum.
- Jesus, carrying the patibulum to the stipes, falling to His knees, and then lifted onto the stipes.
- Jesus, shoulders and elbow dislocating, His feet nailed to the stipes ...We can see on the shroud that the shoulders and elbow are dislocated. There are three opportunities when this could have happened.
- After death. If Jesus had been in full rigor when taken down from the cross they may have dislocated the shoulders and elbow to break the rigor as we can see from the shroud that the arms are now by his side.
- At the nailing of his hands to the patibulum. Because Jesus was 6 inches taller than the average man they would have had to stretch his arms as far as possible so that he would not hang down so low that his feet were on the ground. In stretching they could have been dislocated.
- When they lifted Jesus to attach the patibulum to the stipes for a minute or two Jesus would have been effectively doing an iron cross hanging from just the nails in his hands. It is my opinion that this was when the already damaged shoulders and elbow dislocated.
- Jesus, forgiving His executioners, saying: "Father forgive them they know not what they do."
- Jesus, taunted by His enemies, forgiving a thief, saying: "This day you will be with me in paradise."
- Jesus, providing for His mother, saying: “Woman behold your son. Son behold your mother.”
- Jesus, saying the name of the psalm, “Eli Eli Lema Sabachthani”, that is being fulfilled by providing the deliverance proclaimed to all generations ...Jesus speaks in Hebrew so that those present will understand that He is referring to what we now know as Psalm 22. He is letting them know that He is about to fulfill that Psalm by providing the deliverence that will be told to all generations: the deliverence from sin accomplished throuh His crucifixion.
- Jesus, fulfilling Scripture by finishing the Last Supper by saying: “I thirst,” drinking the sour wine, and then saying: “It is finished.” ..."In order to fulfill Scripture" Jesus says "I thirst." Jesus needs to finish the Last Supper in order to fulfill the Feast of Unleavened Bread by completing the Seder Meal; during which He and the apostles left before consuming the 4th Cup and proclaiming the Nirtzah. “Jesus’ last four statements come within minutes of each other. They are accompanied with excruciating pain because His lungs were so full of fluid that He has to pull himself up with dislocated shoulders and right elbow, causing incredible pain in His shoulders, elbow, and bruised ribs, to expand his lungs in order to expell enough air to make his vocal cords work. In addition the movement of his mouth causes the reoccurance of the lanciating pain from the thorn in the trigiminal nerve.
"It" is:- the Nirtzah that finishes the Last Supper and thus finishes the Fulfillment of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
- what the priest says when the killing blow has been struck: thus the Fulfillment of the Feast of Passover
- the Fulfillment of Psalm 22: the deliverance that will be proclaimed to all generations.
- Jesus, saying: "Father into your hands I commend my Spirit," and pierced with a lance after His death.
- Jesus, whose degradation at being stripped naked is compounded by His undergarments which have become the bandage for the wounds from the scourging which is ripped from His body.
- Jesus, whose median nerves in his hands are severed as His hands are nailed to the patibulum.
- Jesus, who falls to His knees under the weight of the patibulum while carrying it to the stipes.
- Jesus, whose head slams into the stipes as the patibulum is attached, driving the thorns further into His brain.
- Jesus, whose nailed hands, now carrying the weight of his body, cause His shoulders and elbow to dislocate ...We can see on the shroud that the shoulders and elbow are dislocated. There are three opportunities when this could have happened.
- After death. If Jesus had been in full rigor when taken down from the cross they may have dislocated the shoulders and elbow to break the rigor as we can see from the shroud that the arms are now by his side.
- At the nailing of his hands to the patibulum. Because Jesus was 6 inches taller than the average man they would have had to stretch his arms as far as possible so that he would not hang down so low that his feet were on the ground. In stretching they could have been dislocated.
- When they lifted Jesus to attach the patibulum to the stipes for a minute or two Jesus would have been effectively doing an iron cross hanging from just the nails in his hands. It is my opinion that this was when the already damaged shoulders and elbow dislocated.
- Jesus, whose medial plantar nerves in the feet are severed as the feet are nailed to the stipes.
- Jesus, whose head aches both from the crown of thorns and oxygen deprivation.
- Jesus, whose facial nerve damage causes radiating pain with every movement.
- Jesus, whose every effort to speak causes additional pain in the hands, feet, shoulders, chest, and face
- Jesus, who dies from torture and blood loss due to crucifixion.
- Jesus, who is stripped of his garments ...Criminals were crucified naked to increase their shame, degradation, and vulnerability. The soldiers stripped Jesus of his garments and divided them between themselves. Jesus’ tunic was woven without seam, making it valuable, so they cast lots for it (Ps 22:18; Mt 27:36; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34; Jn 19:23-24). A tunic woven without seam is what Moses prescribed to be worn by the high priest as he ascended the altar to offer sacrifice (Ex 28:31-32). Jesus is both the priest and the victim!
- Jesus, who is nailed to the cross ...The upright portion of the cross was permanently fixed into the ground, so it could be reused and would be stable. There was a notch in the upright into which a corresponding notch in the patibulum would be placed and the two pieces securely held together with a rope. The height of the cross was fixed, and Jesus was 6 inches (152 mm) too tall and his arms were too long. To compensate they stretched his arms as far as possible before nailing him to the patibulum. His hands were bent at the wrist with his arms held against the patibulum. A 7 inch (178 mm) nail was driven into each of his hands at the point between the prominance at the base of the thumb and the little finger. It entered low on his palm and exited on the back of his wrist. The nails so driven through each hand into the cross will damage the sensory branches of the median nerve resulting in one of the most exquisite pains ever experienced: known medically as causalgia. The four soldiers lifted the patibulum and set it onto the notch in the upright. Jesus’ head and body bumps against the upright as they secure the patibulum, driving the thorns deep into the occipital nerves while forcing the movement (twisting) of the thorn in the trigeminal nerve. Jesus cannot hold himself up for more than a few seconds with the torn muscle, his arms stretched out almost horizontal, and nerve damage in his shoulders. The full weight of his body on the weakened shoulders dislocates the shoulders, his head bumps hard again as his shoulders dislocate and his body drops, leaving his arms at a 70-degree angle from vertical. Once the soldiers have secured the patibulum to the upright, the solders then lift his legs and place his feet against the upright. A single nail is driven through both of his feet. The hours on the cross, with pressure of the weight of the body on the nails through the hands and feet cause episodes of excruciating agony every time Jesus moves. The excruciating headaches are exacerbated every time the back of his head touches the cross driving the thorns still further into the occipital and trigeminal nerves. The unrelenting pains of the chest wall from the scourging are felt with every breath He inhales and the strain on the torn shoulder muscle and the dislocated shoulders sends searing pain every time he moves or tries to lift himself to change the position of His legs to relieve the cramping in his legs. The combination of pain is more than a human body can bear so the body continues to respond with ever deepening traumatic shock. Jesus was on the cross somewhere between 3 and 6 hours. He is nailed to the cross at the same time the Paschal lamb is tied to the altar in the temple. The Lamb of God is nailed to the altar on which He will be sacrificed.
- Jesus, who forgives his executioners ...The first thing Jesus did from the cross was to forgive those who were crucifying him: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Lk 23:34). Sin unknowingly committed carries the least guilt. Jesus has already forgiven them and now he is begging his Father to also forgive! Just who is He asking His Father to forgive? Just His executioners, how about those who shouted crucify him? How about those who condemned Him? How about me? Isn't this in fact the very prayer of redemption that saved all of us?
- Jesus, who is taunted by scribes, priests, and one of the criminals but supported by the good thief ...During that time on the cross Jesus taunted by Gestus, one of the criminals who was also crucified, saying: “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” (Lk 23:39). The other criminal, Dismas, rebuked Gestus, saying: “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And then Dismas said: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Jesus responded: “This day you will be with me in paradise”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 1491 defines the Sacramaent of Pennance as a whole consisting of three actions of the penitent, and the priest’s [acting in persona Christi] absolution. The penitent’s acts are repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and do works of reparation.
Note Dismas's words: But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; [confession] for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds [reparation] but this man has done nothing wrong.“ And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.“ [repentance] And Jesus, after hearing his Confesson, said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Lk 23:40-43). - Jesus, who gives his mother to us ...As Jesus was nearing the end, He took care of his mother saying: “Woman, behold your Son. Son behold your Mother” (Jn 19: 26-27). That is one of the more powerful arguments that Jesus was an only child. For what child, would entrust his mother to someone else’s care if he had siblings. That would be an incredible insult to his siblings! Jesus’ use of the word “woman” is to let it be known that his reference to his mother is also in her role as the new Eve, the mother of the human-race. He gives his mother to all of us and He gives us to his mother. Jesus in giving John to His Mother is making her the Mother of all creation thus fixing what Eve broke. And In giving John to His Mother Jesus is making the parental connection establishing our obligation to Honor Mary as our Mother.
- Jesus, who brings our focus back to the Last Supper’s Todah Sacrifice ...When Jesus said on the cross “Eli, Eli lema Sabachthani” (Mt 27:46, Mk 15:34); He was naming a traditional prayer that we know today as Psalm 22. Jesus was not calling out “My God, My God why have you forsaken me.” Psalm 22 describes exactly what has just happened: “All who see me mock me saying: ‘He trusted in the Lord; let the Lord deliver him’ … all my bones are out of joint … dogs are round about me … they have pierced my hands and feet … they stare and gloat over me … they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots …” and yet the prayer ends triumphantly with David proclaiming deliverance: “And I [David] will live for the Lord; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought” (Ps 22:28-32). Deliverance, by means of a crucifixion, is to be proclaimed to all generations! The psalm has described the anticipated deliverance that is referred to in the Eucharistic (Todah) sacrifice during the Last Supper at which Jesus has introduced the New Covenant in his blood! Jesus now has us focused. With just four words, “Eli, Eli lema Sabachthani”, He has taken us with him back to the Last Supper and the New Covenant. Now He will finish the Last Supper! He is about to provide the deliverance for which we are giving thanks in the Todah!
Jesus is pointing out to his Mother and the apostle John that he is finishing the last supper, the Seder Meal: a Todah for a great deliverence, and fulfilling the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Our salvation is complete. That is not what is expected from someone who feels forsaken. But let us not forget that God, in the person of the Holy Spirit inspired David to write that first line, the name of the psalm: “My god, My God why have you forsaken me.” The Holy Spirit knew that it would be centuries before we understood what was happening and many souls would be aided by the thought that Jesus felt forsaken. - Jesus, who finishes the Last Supper ...When Jesus left the last supper, He had not finished the Seder meal. He left out the 4th cup: the “Cup of Acceptance” (Mt 26) and the Nirtzah. When He prayed in the garden “Father, if it be possible, take this cup from me”(Mt 26:39, Lk 22:42), and when He said to Peter: “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (Jn 18:11); He was referring to the 4th cup which He had not yet drunk. Jesus knowing that everything had now been completed, in order to completely fulfill the scriptures said: “I thirst” (Jn 19:28). They held up a hyssop branch to which was attached a sponge that had been dipped in a mixture of vinegar (sour wine) and wine (Jn 19:29). (Hyssop was used on Passover to put the blood of the lamb, the means of deliverance, on the lintel and doorposts (Ex 12:22).) Jesus drank the wine, the 4th cup, from the hyssop branch; and said: “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). “It is finished” is both the Nirtzah that ends the Seder meal and is also what the priest says when he has struck the sacrificial lamb the killing blow. Jesus is both Priest and victim! He finished the Last Supper on the cross: tying together the Essene’s “un-bloody” Seder celebration (the Todah as dress rehearsal for the Eucharist: an un-bloody sacrifice) with the Temple Passover celebration (the animal sacrifice as the dress rehearsal for the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.) The Kingdom of God has arrived, Jesus is finished ( Mt 26:29, Mk 14:25, Lk 22:18)!
- Jesus, who dies on the cross ...Jesus said: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”( Ps 31:5, Lk 23:46). The daily night prayer of the Jews, likely said by Jesus every night ends with "Into your hands I commend my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God." And corresponds with the daily morning prayer: “I thank Thee, living and eternal King, for Thou hast mercifully restored my soul within me; Great is Thy faithfulness.” The Jews felt that during sleep the soul left the body and it returned in the morning when they awoke. Since the word "commend" means deposit, like you leave your coat and hat with the hat checker at a fine restaurant. Jesus' very last words are a prophecy of both the resurrection and the fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits. (1Cor 15:20) Jesus died as the Passover victim, at the same time, that the priests began sacrificing the Paschal lambs ( Mt 27:46, Mk 15:34, Lk 23:44). The Lamb selected as the offering for the people on Lamb Selection Day was always the first lamb sacrificed. By the time Jesus died, it had been unnaturally dark for 3 hours (Mk 15:33) and as He died the earth quaked. The centurion cried out “This truly was the Son of God”(Mk 15:39). The curtain that separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple was torn from top to bottom: profaning the Temple (Mk 15:38). Only the high priest could venture into the Holy of Holies and then only on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. When an Israelite expressed extreme sorrow, he tore his garment from top to bottom. Caiaphas tore his garment when he heard Jesus admit to being the Son of God. God himself tore his garment, expressing his extreme sorrow, when his son Jesus died on the cross!
- Jesus, who is taken down from the cross and his side is pierced while lying in his mother’s arms ...After Jesus died at 3 pm his face was immediately covered with the sudarium. Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate to obtain his body (Mk 15:43) and Pilate, surprised that He could have already died, sent for the centurion to be sure that Jesus was dead (Mk 15:44). Once assured, he then gave Joseph permission to remove the body from the cross. His body was placed in the arms of his mother. Mary immediately covered Jesus and then held him for about an hour while Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas left to get burial linen and spices. Pilate then instructed a centurion to break the legs of those who were crucified. When the soldier, the centurion Longinus, came to Jesus, He was lying in the arms of his mother, with his face covered, his body rhythmically moving as Mary breathed. Longinus could not tell if Jesus was dead or alive. To follow his orders, rather than break Jesus’ legs (which would not be lethal to a man already removed from the cross) Longinus stabbed Jesus in his side and into his heart to ensure that Jesus was dead.
- Jesus, who is placed in the tomb ...John along with Joseph of Arimathea, Mary, Nicodemas, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome (Mk 15:40), the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt 27:56), and Joanna the wife of Chuza carefully, lovingly washed the dirt, sweat, spit, and blood (that was not life blood) from Jesus’ body to prepare him for burial. His feet were placed at the bottom of the 14-foot-long shroud and the linen was then folded over his head, taken down the front of his body, back under his feet and tied to his body with a single strip of cloth at the ankles, then looped around his knees, waist, and neck before being tied back to itself.
- Jesus. 'When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified him.' (Lk 23:33)
- Jesus. 'Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing." ' (Lk 23:34)
- Jesus. 'One of the criminals crucified with him said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." ' (Lk 23:39, 42; Mk 15:32)
- Jesus. ' "Indeed, I promise you," he replied "today you will be with me in paradise." ' (Lk 23:43)
- Jesus. 'Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and the disciple he loved.' (Jn 19:25-26)
- Jesus. 'Jesus said to his mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then to the disciple he said, "Son behold your mother." ' (Jn 19:26-27)
- Jesus. 'And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.' (Jn 19:27)
- Jesus. 'And Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." ' (Lk 23:46)
- Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. (Lk 23:42)
- Jesus. And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mt 27:46)
- Jesus, cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." (Lk 23:46)
- Jesus. And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. (Jn 19:30)
- Jesus. Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior! (Ps 27:9)
- Jesus. But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. (Ps 27:13)
- Jesus. Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord! (Ps 27:14)
- Jesus. But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. (Ws 3:1)
- Jesus. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction. (Ws 3:2)
- Jesus. But they are in peace.(Ws 3:3)
• Glory Be- Jesus, who suffered for those who murder unborn children.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who murder in streets, schools, neighborhoods and homes.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who divorce except those from partner abuse and broken vows.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who promote or assist in genocide, war, and all forms of mass murder.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who have a complete disrespect of creation.
- Jesus, who suffered for those for whom power, fame, and/or pleasure are their gods.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who provide or use insider information, assist or benefit financially in market manipulation to the detriment of others.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who take revenge on one or more people.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who cause another to sin or put to their faith in jeopardy.
- Jesus, who suffered for those who publicly reject Jesus as God.
• Fatima Prayer
•Come Holy Spirit.Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Glorious Mysteries
1st Mystery: The Resurrection
Intention:
We pray for our spouse by name. (Give people a moment to whisper the name out loud)
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our spouses: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
That they may grow closer to Christ, be animated by the Spirit, be protected from all evil, and be a life-giving source of goodness and grace in the home and in the world. Let us also
pray for our spouse’s ancestors that are still in Purgatory that our prayers may shorten the time of their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose body remained in the tomb 36 hours.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
risen.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
for whom the earth shakes as the stone is removed.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose guards were bribed to lie.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose shroud shows the effect of the resurrection.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
appearing to His Mother.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
joining disciples on the road to explain scriptures.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
who is recognized in the breaking of the bread.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
opening the minds of the apostles.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
fulfilling the Feast of First Fruits.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose body remained in the tomb 36 hours.
- Jesus, risen.
- Jesus, for whom the earth shakes as the stone is removed.
- Jesus, whose guards were bribed to lie.
- Jesus, whose shroud shows the effect of the resurrection.
- Jesus, appearing to His Mother.
- Jesus, joining disciples on the road to explain scriptures.
- Jesus, who is recognized in the breaking of the bread.
- Jesus, opening the minds of the apostles.
- Jesus, fulfilling the Feast of First Fruits.
- Jesus, rising from the dead through His own power on the third day.
- Jesus, for whom Angels opened the tomb to show that He arose.
- Jesus, whose shroud was left behind as physical proof of the resurrection.
- Jesus, raising a glorified body from His crucified body.
- Jesus, through His resurrection, validating all He promises.
- Jesus, whose return shows us the reality of His Kingdom.
- Jesus, whose return demonstrates that there is life after death.
- Jesus, confounding the Temple authorities.
- Jesus, recognized in the Breaking of the Bread.
- Jesus, fulfilling the Feast of First Fruits.
- Jesus, whose body is placed in the tomb on the evening of Good Friday. His soul descends into the realm of the dead, Sheol (limbo), to announce to the just the tidings of their redemption.
- Jesus, whose body was not in the tomb more than 40 hours as the Shroud shows that putrefaction had not set in. Tradition holds that Jesus died at 3pm on Friday and rose at 3am on Sunday (36 hours later).
- Jesus, who at the moment of His resurrection, the earth quakes as the angel rolls back the stone. The guards flee.
- Jesus. The priest paid the guards: “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ” (Mt 28:13).
- Jesus, who left proof of the resurrection on the shroud. The researchers that studied the shroud speculated that the image on the shroud was formed by a burst of high frequency light. In 2012 it was finally demonstrated how the image may have been formed on the shroud.
- Jesus, who according to tradition holds that He first appeared to his mother, Mary, right after the resurrection; sharing first with her the glory of the resurrection as she had shared with him the passion and shame of the cross.
- Jesus, who joins Cleopas and Luke on the road and explains the scriptures to them.
- Jesus, who is recognized in the breaking of the bread (Lk 24:31).
- Jesus, who opened the minds of the apostles and disciples to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, (Lev 23:4-14,Hos 6:2) and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Lk 24:46)
- Jesus, who with his resurrection, fulfilled the Feast of First Fruits (1Cor 15:20).
- Jesus. 'I tell you most solemnly, you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.' (Jn 16:20)
- Jesus. 'For I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you.' (Jn 16:22)
- Jesus. 'At the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared.' (Lk 24:1)
- Jesus. 'And all at once the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.' (Mt 28:2)
- Jesus. 'I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here.' (Mt 28:5-6)
- Jesus. 'And now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.' (Mt 28:7)
- Jesus. 'I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live.' (Jn 11:25)
- Jesus. 'And whoever lives and believes in me will never die.' (Jn 11:26)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2nd Mystery: The Ascension
Intention:
We pray for each of our children by name.
(Give people a moment to whisper the name(s))
Let us pray for the spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being of our children: that they may be healthy, happy and holy.
We ask that God preserve them in purity and guide their hearts and minds in truth, goodness, and beauty.
That they may grow in Christ and be a source of light in this world of darkness. We pray for all the unborn, their mothers and fathers, and an end to the scourge of abortion. Let us also pray for our deceased ancestors still in Purgatory.Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
appearing to Mary Magdalene.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
remaining 40 days to prepare the apostles for their mission.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
instituting the sacrament of Reconciliation.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
admonishing Thomas for his unbelief.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
commanding the apostles to preach the Gospel.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
promising to be with us forever.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
reminding us that He is the Word, the Torah.
...
The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is the Word of God. It was venerated as such and was read three times a week in the synagogues through out the Holy Land. There are 154 sedarim (verses) in the Torah which is equal to the 153 fish brought in by the apostles in the boat plus the fish that was already on the fire.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
strengthening Peter.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
leaving us so that we would listen to the Holy Spirit.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
ascending into Heaven.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- Our Father
- Jesus, appearing to Mary Magdalene.
- Jesus, remaining 40 days to prepare the apostles for their mission.
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Jesus, admonishing Thomas for his unbelief.
- Jesus, commanding the apostles to preach the Gospel.
- Jesus, promising to be with us forever.
- Jesus, reminding us that He is the Word, the Torah. ...The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is the Word of God. It was venerated as such and was read three times a week in the synagogues through out the Holy Land. There are 154 sedarim (verses) in the Torah which is equal to the 153 fish brought in by the apostles in the boat plus the fish that was already on the fire.
- Jesus, strengthening Peter.
- Jesus, leaving us so that we would listen to the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus, ascending into Heaven
- Jesus, who first ascended into heaven on the day of his Resurrection, Sunday. Jesus said to Mary Magdalene don’t hold on to me, I have not yet ascended to the Father (Jn 20:17).
- Jesus, who returned to earth and repeatedly appeared to the apostles and others for forty days after his Resurrection to prove He has truly risen from the dead and to prepare the apostles for their ministry.
- Jesus, who institutes the sacrament of Reconciliation when he says to them “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn 20:23).
- Jesus, who commissions the apostles to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth (Mk 16:15) and promises to be with them forever (Mt 28:20).
- Jesus, whose mother, Mary, knew the glory that awaited her son in heaven. She knew that the ascension was a required part of our salvation, but she also knew that it meant separation from Jesus.
- Jesus, who had to leave us so that we would begin to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Jn 16:7).
- Jesus, whose Apostle/Evangelist John ends his Gospel as he began it: with a reference to Jesus as the word, the Torah. He tells of the fishing trip for which Jesus provides the same number of fish as there are sedarim (verses) in the Torah.(Jn 21:1-14)
- Jesus, who asks Peter three times if he loves him since Peter denied him three times.
- Jesus, who proceeds to Mt. Olivet, the Mount of Olives, on the fortieth day after the resurrection, accompanied by his Mother and the apostles and disciples. Extending his pierced hands over all in a last blessing, He ascends into heaven. As He ascends a cloud takes him from their sight (Acts 1:9-10).
- Jesus. 'He said: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."' (Mt 28:18)
- Jesus. 'Go, therefore make disciples of all the nations.' (Mt 28:19)
- Jesus. 'Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' (Acts 1;10-12)
- Jesus. 'And teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.' (Mt 28:19)
- Jesus. 'He who believes and is baptized will be saved.' (Mt 28:20)
- Jesus. 'He who does not believe will be condemned.' (Mk 16:16)
- Jesus. 'And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.' (Mk 16:16)
- Jesus. 'As he said this he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. (Mt 28:20)
- Jesus. 'And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away.' (Acts 1:9)
- Jesus. 'And so the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven; there at the right hand of God he took his place.' (Mk 16:19)
• Glory Be
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
Intention:
We pray for our extended family, our spiritual family and our benefactors.
Let us pray for our parents, our siblings, our grandchildren, great grandchildren, our aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and our friends. We pray for our spiritual family:
our God-children and anyone we mentor in the faith. We pray for their spiritual protection and that their lives
would be fruitful in Christ. Let us pray also for all deceased members of our faith community that they may be speedily released
from their suffering.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose apostles gathered with Mary in the upper room.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Holy Spirit descended on Mary and the apostles.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
pouring out the gifts of the Holy Spirit on all present.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Spirit comes to save, to heal, and to teach.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Spirit comes to counsel, to strengthen and to console.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Spirit comes gently making Himself known as He approaches.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Spirit enabled all gathered to hear Peter in their native language.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Holy Spirit opened the hearts of the people to accept a Christ crucified.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
for whom Peter and the apostles baptized 3000.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Spirit ratified the New Covenant.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, instituting the sacrament of Confirmation, sending His Spirit as tongues of fire.
- Jesus, providing Wisdom to enable us to aspire after the things of heaven.
- Jesus, providing Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of divine truth.
- Jesus, providing Counsel to enable us to choose the surest way of pleasing God.
- Jesus, providing Knowledge to enable us to know God.
- Jesus, providing Fortitude to enable us to bear our cross with Jesus.
- Jesus, providing Piety to enable us to find the service of God amiable.
- Jesus, providing Fear of Offending the Lord so that we dread displeasing God.
- Jesus, opening hearts to accept a crucified Christ.
- Jesus, fulfilling the Feast of Pentecost.
- Jesus, whose apostles gathered with Mary in the upper room.
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit descended on Mary and the apostles.
- Jesus, pouring out the gifts of the Holy Spirit on all present.
- Jesus, whose Spirit comes to save, to heal, and to teach.
- Jesus, whose Spirit comes to counsel, to strengthen and to console.
- Jesus, whose Spirit comes gently making Himself known as He approaches.
- Jesus, whose Spirit enabled all gathered to hear Peter in their native language.
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit opened the hearts of the people to accept a Christ crucified.
- Jesus, for whom Peter and the apostles baptized 3000.
- Jesus, whose Spirit ratified the New Covenant.
- Jesus, whose apostles are gathered in the upper room where Jesus had held the Last Supper (Acts 2:1). They are praying with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
- Jesus, whose Mother and Apostles filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of offending the Lord (Is 11:2)) are enlightened and strengthened to spread the gospel. Having lost all fear of the Jewish leaders, the apostles boldly preach Christ crucified.
- Jesus, whose Feast of Pentecost was a convocation, a dress rehearsal, when all Israelite men were to go to Jerusalem. There were, in Jerusalem for the convocation, devout men from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5).
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit provided the noise that caused the crowd to form in the first place. It was the Holy Spirit that prompted those people to investigate the noise. It was the Holy Spirit that enabled each man to hear what the apostles were saying in his native tongue.
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit also opened the hearts of the people to accept the message of the crucified Christ.
- Jesus, whose Apostle Peter goes forth to preach and together with the other apostles baptizes three thousand (Acts 2:41).
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit comes gently and makes himself known as He approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well.
- Jesus, whose feast of Pentecost is now the birthday of the Church, for on that day the new covenant is ratified by the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus. 'When Pentecost day came around, they were all together in one place.' (Acts 2:1)
- Jesus. 'Suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house.' (Acts 2:2)
- Jesus. 'And something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them.' (Acts 2:3)
- Jesus. 'Now there were devout men currently in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven.' (Acts 2:5)
- Jesus. 'And Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed them in a loud voice.' (Acts 2:14)
- Jesus. 'Repent and be baptized, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' (Acts 2:38)
- Jesus. 'And they accepted what he said and were baptized. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.' (Acts 2:41)
- Jesus. 'Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created; and you shall renew the face of the earth.'
- Jesus. 'Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love.'
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
4th Mystery: The Assumption
Intention:
We pray for the Universal Church.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the Pope and bishops to implement Jesus’ teachings. We pray for all priests, deacons, religious, and all who live a life totally consecrated to God. We pray for the laity to embrace the call to be laborers in God’s vineyard. We also pray for all our separated brothers and sisters in Christ and all non-believers, and all the holy souls in Purgatory. We pray especially for all those whose lives were consecrated to God and who remain in Purgatory but have no one to pray for them.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother asked to see all the apostles one last time.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is overcome in a rapture of Divine Love.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is placed in a tomb.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
assuming His Mother.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
not leaving His Mother to decay.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother’s Immaculate Conception precluded death.
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother told Gilles to tell the pope she did not die.
...
“The Blessed Virgin Mary did not die; She ascended to Heaven with Her body and soul” -Message from five year old Gilles Bouhours given to Pope Pius XII during a special private audience May 15th, 1950 exactly three months prior to Pius XII issuing the dogma of the Assumption.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother at Medjugorje said she went to heaven before death
...
Message of Monday, October 12th 1981: Mary responded to a question; “Did you go to Heaven before or after death?” By saying “I went to heaven before death.”
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the new Eve of the Protoevangelium.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother will crush the head of Satan.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose Mother asked to see all the apostles one last time.
- Jesus, whose Mother is overcome in a rapture of Divine Love.
- Jesus, whose Mother is placed in a tomb.
- Jesus, assuming His Mother.
- Jesus, not leaving His Mother to decay.
- Jesus, whose Mother’s Immaculate Conception precluded death.
- Jesus, whose Mother told Gilles to tell the pope she did not die. ...“The Blessed Virgin Mary did not die; She ascended to Heaven with Her body and soul” -Message from five year old Gilles Bouhours given to Pope Pius XII during a special private audience May 15th, 1950 exactly three months prior to Pius XII issuing the dogma of the Assumption.
- Jesus, whose Mother at Medjugorje said she went to heaven before death ...Message of Monday, October 12th 1981: Mary responded to a question; “Did you go to Heaven before or after death?” By saying “I went to heaven before death.”
- Jesus, whose Mother is the new Eve of the Protoevangelium.
- Jesus, whose Mother will crush the head of Satan.
- Jesus, who assumed His Mother into heaven.
- Jesus, whose Mother is most admirable.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Holy Virgin of Virgins.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Holy Mother of the Church.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Mother of divine grace.
- Jesus, whose Mother is most pure.
- Jesus, whose Mother is most chaste.
- Jesus, whose Mother is inviolate.
- Jesus, whose Mother is undefiled.
- Jesus, whose Mother is most amiable.
- Jesus, whose Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Jesus. Tradition held that all the apostles except Thomas were present when she was thought to have died.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary is wholly overcome in a rapture of divine love. She is thought to be dead, so she is placed in a tomb.
- Jesus, whose apostles go to the tomb on the third day after her burial, at the request of St. Thomas, and open the tomb to find only fragrant lilies. Jesus does not permit the sinless body of his Mother to decay in the grave.
- Jesus, for whom the belief in the Assumption of His Mother Mary flows from the belief in her Immaculate Conception: if Mary was preserved from sin by the free gift of God, she would not be bound to experience the consequences of sin (death) in the same way we do.
- Jesus, for whom it seems impossible to think of His Mother, Mary, the one who conceived Christ, brought him forth, nursed him with her milk, held him in her arms, and clasped him to her breast, as being apart from Him in body, even though not in soul, after this earthly life.
- Jesus, who as the Son of Mary, our Redeemer could not do otherwise, as the perfect observer of God’s law, than to honor, not only his eternal Father, but also his most beloved Mother. And, since it was within his power to grant her this great honor, to preserve her from the corruption of the tomb, we must believe that He really acted in this way.
- Jesus, whose Mother, the Virgin Mary, has been designated by the holy Fathers as the new Eve, who, although subject to the new Adam, is most intimately associated with him in that struggle against the infernal foe which, as foretold in the protoevangelium (Gen 3:15), would finally result in that most complete victory over sin and death.
- Jesus, whose Mother Mary did not die: she ascended to Heaven with her body and soul. That was the message from Our Lady given to five-year-old Gilles Bouhours to be taken and given only to Pope Pius XII during a special private audience May 15th, 1950 exactly three months prior to Pius XII issuing the dogma of the Assumption.
- Jesus, whose Mother in an apparition in Medjugorje, on Monday, October 12th 1981, responded to a question; “Did you go to Heaven before or after death?” By saying “I went to heaven before death.” Further at the beginning of August of 1984, Mary told Jelena: "Prepare for the second millennium of my birth which will take place August 5th, 1984. If Mary had died it would not have been her 2000th birthday as birthdays stop being counted at death.
- Jesus. 'Come then, my love, my lovely one, come.' (Song 2:10)
- Jesus. 'For see, winter is past, the rains are over and gone.' (Song 2:11)
- Jesus. 'Show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful.' (Song 2:14)
- Jesus. 'And the sanctuary of God in heaven opened. Then came flashes of lightning and peals of thunder.' (Rev 11:19)
- Jesus. 'Now a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman, adorned with the sun.' (Rev 12:1)
- Jesus. 'She was standing on the moon, with the twelve stars on her head for a crown.' (Rev 12:1)
- Jesus. 'With jewels set in gold, and dressed in brocades, the king's daughter is led in to the king.' (Ps 45:13-14)
- Jesus. 'You are the glory of Jerusalem! You are the great pride of Israel! You are the great boast of our nation!' (Jdt 15:9)
- Jesus. 'You have done good things for Israel, and God is pleased with them. May the Almighty Lord bless you forever!' (Jdt 15:10)
- Jesus. 'Happy are those who keep my ways, who day after day watch at my gates.' (Pr 8:32,34)
• Fatima Prayer
•
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
5th Mystery: The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Intention: We pray for ourselves. Let us pray for the strength, stamina, discernment, understanding, and wisdom to live lives worthy of the call we have received: to be men and women after God’s own heart, to lay down our lives for our spouses in loving sacrifice, to bring joy into our homes and to manifest the merciful love of God the Father to our children. Let us be the salt of the earth, a light to the world, a city set on a hill ... that all may see the good that we do and give glory to God. Let us pray for an increase in people focused on assisting the souls in purgatory.
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1st Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the Theotokos.
2nd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the Immaculate Conception.
3rd Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is sinless.
4th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
5th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the Co-Redemptrix.
6th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the Ark of the "New Covenant."
7th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the First Tabernacle.
8th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
whose Mother is the Mediatrix of all Grace.
9th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Christ the King, who as a Davidic King, His Queen is His Mother, Mary
...
In the House of David none of David’s descendants were monogamous therefore the Queen was the “Queen Mother”, the Mother of the King. She was the woman with the most influence over the King and she had a throne beside the throne of the King.
10th Hail Mary:
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
crowning His Mother the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
Holy Mary
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Come Holy Spirit.
Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Our Father
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Theotokos.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Immaculate Conception.
- Jesus, whose Mother is sinless.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Co-Redemptrix.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Ark of the "New Covenant."
- Jesus, whose Mother is the First Tabernacle.
- Jesus, whose Mother is the Mediatrix of all Grace.
- Jesus, Christ the King, who as a Davidic King, His Queen is His Mother, Mary ...In the House of David none of David’s descendants were monogamous therefore the Queen was the “Queen Mother”, the Mother of the King. She was the woman with the most influence over the King and she had a throne beside the throne of the King.
- Jesus, crowning His Mother the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
- Jesus. Throughout the history of the Davidic monarchy none of the kings were monogamous. As a result, none of the wives carried the title of Queen.
- Jesus. It was the mother of the king who was the most influential female in the king’s life and the mother had a throne at the right hand of the king (1Kng 2:19)Jesus, whose Mother as “Theotokos” (God Bearer) has participated in the Divine life of God in a way far exceeding that which anyone else can do. We are all called to participate in the Divine but there is only one God Bearer.Jesus, whose Mother is sinless, the created Immaculate Conception, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, the site of the Incarnation, the Theotokos, the Mother of the Son of God, the Ark of the Covenant, the Mediatrix of all grace and by her own words to Mirjana Soldo: “The first Tabernacle”.Jesus, whose Mother shares so fully in the glory of Christ because she shared so fully in his suffering. Her sharing in Jesus’ suffering was so complete she also has asked to be given the title of Co-Redemptorix.Jesus, who as His Mother enters heaven, the entire court of heaven greets with joy this masterpiece of God’s creation. More than we can ever know, the hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion.Jesus, whose Mother is crowned by her divine Son as Queen of Heaven and Earth.Jesus, who revealed to John as described in the Book of Revelations, where John says he sees the Ark of the Covenant and then describes the great sign in the sky: a woman clothed with the sun with the moon at her feet and on her head a crown of 12 stars ...The described sign made up of the constellation Virgo, with the moon at her feet, the sun shining through her dress, and crowned with the nine stars in the constellation Leo along with the planets Venus, Mercury, and Mars was in the sky over Jerusalem on 2017/09/23 from 1 to 4pm.Jesus, whose Mother’s role in the Divine Plan of Creation will be known to us only in heaven along with the great majesty of that coronation, and the joy it gave to the angels and saints. Even the angels, who by nature are greater than humans, hail Mary as their queen. Only in heaven will we see how central the role of Mary is in the divine plan of redemption.Jesus, whose angels and saints longed for the coming of her whose heel crushes the head of the serpent. Mary pleads our cause as a most powerful queen and a most merciful and loving mother.• Glory Be
- Jesus. 'Who is this arising like the dawn, fair as the moon, resplendent as the sun?' (Song 6:10)
- Jesus. 'Like the rainbow gleaming against brilliant clouds, like blossoms in the days of spring.' (Sir 50:7-8)
- Jesus. 'I am the rose of Sharon, I am the lily of the valleys.' (Song 2:1)
- Jesus. 'Approach me, you who desire me, and take your fill of my fruits.' (Sir 24:19)
- Jesus. 'I am like a vine putting out graceful shoots, my blossoms are sweeter than honey.' (Sir 24:17,20)
- Jesus. 'And now, my children, listen to me; listen to instruction and learn to be wise.' (Pr 8:32-33)
- Jesus. 'A great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars' (Rev 12:1)
- Jesus. 'For those who find me find life, and win favor from the Lord.' (Pr 8:35)
- Jesus. Hail, Queen of mercy, protect us from the enemy, and receive us at the hour of death.'
• Fatima Prayer
•Come Holy Spirit.Come by means of the power of the flame of love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Annunciation
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- Mary committed herself to a vow of celibacy as part of a “prayer chain” to bring the Messiah.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, whom thou didst joyfully conceive.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary’s private prayer was to be allowed to be the handmaid of the mother of the Messiah. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Monday Tevet 2, December 9, was the last day of Chanukah that year. ... December 9th was also the date Mary chose to begin the apparitions under the name of our Lady of Guadalupe.On that day, Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary saying: “ Hail Mary full of grace! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:28).Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Gabriel said: “You will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31),
[Yeshua: ‘Yahweh saves’]. “He will be great and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and the Lord God will give
him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of David forever, and of his kingship there will be no end”
(Lk 1:28-33). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary asked: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” [I am under a vow of celibacy] (Lk 1:34).
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Gabriel responded: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be
born will be called holy, the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary replied: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word. And the angel departed from
her” (Lk 1:38). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- With Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation! Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Chanukah that year marks a radically new beginning in the relationship between man and God. The Light has come into the world. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, and of all Israel! What joy she must feel! Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
.Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Visitation
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- Gabriel had given Mary a sign: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:36-37).
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, whom thou didst joyfully carry to Elizabeth.Holy Mary, mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary traveled with a caravan leaving Nazareth the next morning for Jerusalem, staying with the caravan until reaching the turn off to Ein
Karem on the seventh day. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leapt in her womb (Lk 1:40), and Elizabeth
cried out in a loud voice: “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that
the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- By following the sign given by Gabriel, Mary was rewarded with a confirmation of the angel’s message. Responding with the Magnificat
(Lk 1:46-55), Mary turns everything to God. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary and Elizabeth decided it would be presumptuous to say anything to Joseph, since the angel did not mention him.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Joseph joined Mary’s extended family celebration of Passover in Jerusalem and realizes Mary is pregnant. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Elizabeth, under stress because of Mary’s situation, went into labor and gave birth to a son. A son who had the spirit of Elijah
(Lk 1:17), just as the Angel had told Zechariah, and who arrived on Passover for the Seder meal
fulfilling the expectations of the Jews as to the timing of Elijah’s return. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Joseph retired for the night and began to pray about Mary’s situation. He decided to take Mary’s guilt on himself to save her
life. Then the angel appears to Joseph saying: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is
of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you [will adopt him and] will name him Jesus [‘Yahweh saves’], for He will save his
people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Early the following morning Joseph and Mary shared the stories of their respective angelic visits. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- They formalized their marriage, celebrating the nisu’in and plan on returning for the fall festivals when they would be relocating to
Bethlehem, where they knew the messiah was to be born. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
.Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Nativity
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- Because they were moving to Bethlehem, on August 24th, Elul 24th, Mary and Joseph packed their belongings and joined a
caravan traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem for the Fall Feasts (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles).
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, who overwhelmed you with joy as you first looked upon Jesus at his birth.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- They spent each of the five nights enroute in a caravansary courtyard with the animals and they spend Trumpets and Atonement with Elizabeth
and Zechariah. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- On September 12, Tishrei 14, they traveled from Ein Karem to Bethlehem to be there for the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles and the birth of their son. When they arrived, they discover the caravansary courtyard in Bethlehem is already full of sukkot. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- They used, instead of Joseph’s sukkah, an empty stable that was used only during the winter to protect new-born lambs from the weather. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- On September 13th, Tishrei 15th, the Feast of Tabernacles (“God with us” or “Emanuel”), Jesus was born. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Four 75’ Menorahs lighted the night sky from the temple, creating a light visible all the way to Bethlehem, while Jesus, the light of the world, was born in a stable, a sukkah. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Angels appeared to Levitical shepherds who were tending the temple flocks (Lk 2:9-14). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The shepherds came to the stable, used to protect new born lambs, to see the new born Messiah (Lk 2:15-16). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Jesus, Mary’s first born, was inspected by the Levitical shepherds, found without blemish, and thus qualified for the Pascal Sacrifice: The Lamb of God. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Jesus, the Light of the World, was conceived (on the last day of Chanukah) and born (on the Feast of Tabernacles): the two celebrations of light. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Adoration of the Magi
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- We say there were three magi because there were three gifts: gold for a king, frankincense for a priest, and myrrh for his death, which remind us of Isaiah 60:6. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, who was acknowledged and adored even by Gentiles.Holy Mary, mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The Magi were from the East: either Seleucia (Babylon was destroyed in 325 BC and a new capital city, Seleucia, was established 27 miles (27 Km) to the North) or possibly Persepolis, the capital of Persia. They were likely disciples of Daniel whose inheritance they were bringing to the Messiah. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Daniel told them approximately when the sign would happen so they could begin to watch the sky. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The sign they were looking for likely began on Tishri 1 (September 10, 3 BC), the Jewish New Year of 3759 and throughout 2 BC, when there occurred a rare triple conjunction of Jupiter (the king planet, through its retrograde motion) and Regulus (the king star): they intersected on 9/11/3 BC, 2/6/2 BC, and 5/7/2 BC. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The Magi would have arrived in Jerusalem sometime in November or December of 2 BC saying: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” That they have come to worship the new born king implies that they were worshipers of Yahweh and followers of Daniel. While in Jerusalem seeking direction from the priests and scribes, Simeon likely told the Magi to ask for Mary and Joseph when they got to Bethlehem. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The star from Jerusalem to the house in Bethlehem was likely angelic in origin. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The end of Jesus’s life is shown from his birth: Jesus is acclaimed King by the Magi and at his death by Pilate; Plans were made in secret by the rulers to kill Jesus at both his birth and his death. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Artistic contrasts: Light in the sky proclaims Jesus birth and darkness during the day of Jesus’ death. At his birth, He is worshiped and at Jesus’ death, He is mocked. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- God recognized that Mary and Joseph would need money to pay for the trip to and from Egypt as well as to pay for the redemption of Jesus when he was 12. God provides. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Finding in the Temple
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- The loss and finding of Jesus in the temple was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The events occurred on the same days, on the Gregorian calendar, as his death and resurrection.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, whom you found in the temple.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- To hurt one’s parents is a sin and Jesus didn’t commit a sin! We are missing something! Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- At Mary’s purification, Simeon, a rabbi and leading Pharisee, had recognized Jesus as the Messiah and saw what he assumed to be Mary presenting Jesus for dedication to temple Service and so Jesus’ dedication to temple service was recorded, by Simeon on behalf of Mary and Joseph. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- God, of course, knew this would happen and provided for it in the Torah: “If anyone vows to give himself or one of his family members to the full service of the Lord, and circumstance changes so that he cannot keep his vow, he shall pay a redemption price to be freed from that vow” (Lev 27:2). If they cannot afford the redemption price the person dedicated will be brought to the priest who will place a value based on the man’s ability to pay (Lev 27:8). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Simeon lived until he was 130 years old, dying in 20 AD. He would have looked for Jesus every year at Passover, asking if this was the year he would be staying. The visit with Simeon would have become a routine part of the family Passover. He would have told Jesus that his parents dedicated him for Temple service and that he had to be in residence by the time he turned 13. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- When Jesus was 12 after the Passover Festival, Mary and Joseph left for home, assuming Jesus was with the other boys in the caravan. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The devil insured both Mary and Joseph were preoccupied all day. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus did not join the caravan and must wait until morning to return to Jerusalem. Not finding Jesus with friends they must again wait until morning to check in the temple. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- When Mary finds Jesus, she says: “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:48). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Jesus responds: “Why were you looking for me?” [He was doing what the law required.] “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49). There was no sin: Jesus could not leave. What must Mary have thought and felt? Her son was 12 years old and Mary and Joseph had apparently left their son, to spend the rest of his life in the temple, without even saying “Good-by”! What joy to have him back! Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Resurrection
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- The body of Jesus was placed in the tomb on the evening of Good Friday. His soul descended into the realm of the dead, Sheol (limbo), to announce to the just the tidings of their redemption.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, who came directly to you, after rising from the dead to share with you the completion of his mission.Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Jesus’ body was not in the tomb more than 40 hours as the Shroud shows that putrefaction had not set in. Tradition holds that Jesus died at 3pm on Friday and rose at 3am on Sunday (36 hours later). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- At the moment of the resurrection, the earth quaked as the angel rolled back the stone. The guards flee. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The priest paid the guards: “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” (Mt 28:13). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- The fact of the resurrection is preserved on the shroud. The researchers that studied the shroud speculated that the image on the shroud was formed by a burst of high frequency light. In 2012 it was finally demonstrated how the image may have been formed on the shroud. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Tradition holds that Jesus first appeared to his mother, Mary, right after the resurrection; sharing first with her the glory of the resurrection as she had shared with him the passion and shame of the cross. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Jesus joined Cleopas and Luke on the road and explained the scriptures to them. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- They recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Lk 24:31). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- He opened the minds of the apostles and disciples to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Lk 24:46) Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- With his resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Feast of First Fruits (1Cor 15:20). Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Assumption and Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven
Our Father:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
- On the third day after her burial the apostles went to the tomb and, at the request of St. Thomas, opened the tomb to find only fragrant lilies. Jesus did not permit the sinless body of his Mother to decay in the grave.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, JesusJesus, who has brought you back to himself, to sit at his right hand as queen of heaven and earth.Holy Mary, mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- It seems impossible to think of Mary, the one who conceived Christ, brought him forth, nursed him with her milk, held him in her arms, and clasped him to her breast, as being apart from him in body, even though not in soul, after this earthly life. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Since our Redeemer is the Son of Mary, He could not do otherwise, as the perfect observer of God’s law, than to honor, not only his eternal Father, but also his most beloved Mother. And, since it was within his power to grant her this great honor, to preserve her from the corruption of the tomb, we must believe that He really acted in this way. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- “The Blessed Virgin Mary did not die; she ascended to Heaven with her body and soul" was the message from Our Lady given to five-year-old Gilles Bouhours to be taken and given only to Pope Pius XII during a special private audience May 15th, 1950 exactly three months prior to Pius XII issuing the dogma of the Assumption. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- It was the mother of the king who was the most influential female in the king’s life and the mother had a throne at the right hand of the king (1Kng 2:19). She was the Queen. It is fitting then that Mary assumes her place as Queen since she is the mother of Christ the King. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary was sinless, the created Immaculate Conception, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, the site of the Incarnation, the Theotokos, the Mother of the Son of God, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mediatrix of all grace and by her own words to Mirjana Soldo: “The first Tabernacle”. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- As Mary entered heaven, the entire court of heaven greeted with joy this masterpiece of God’s creation. More than we can ever know the hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- Mary was crowned by her divine Son as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
- In the Book of Revelations, John says he sees the Ark of the Covenant and then describes the great sign in the sky: a woman clothed with the sun with the moon at her feet and on her head a crown of 12 stars
... (Rev 11:19-12:1).
The described sign made up of the constellation Virgo, with the moon at her feet, the sun shining through her dress, and crowned with the nine stars in the constellation Leo along with the planets Venus, Mercury, and Mars was in the sky over Jerusalem on 2017/09/23 at from 1 to 4pm.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. - The angels and saints longed for the coming of her whose heel crushes the head of the serpent. Mary pleads our cause as a most powerful queen and a most merciful and loving mother. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, JesusJesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus,
forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
Closing Prayers
Final Prayer for the Holy Souls
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen. +
Final Prayer for the Holy Souls
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses celebrated throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen. +
The Prayer of St. Gertrude is one of the most famous of the prayers for souls in purgatory. St. Gertrude the Great was a Benedictine nun and mystic who lived in the 13th century. According to tradition, our Lord promised her that 1000 souls would be released from purgatory each time it is said devoutly. https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-for-souls-in-purgatory.html
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope, to thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we
send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears; turn, then most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,
and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Rosary Prayer
Let us pray, O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal
salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, and may the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God.
Rest in peace. Amen.
Unity Prayer
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together.
May our hands gather in unity.
May our hearts beat in unison.
May our souls be in harmony.
May our thoughts be as one.
May our ears listen to the silence together.
May our glances profoundly penetrate each other.
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
Prayer for the propagation of the Flame of Love
Blessed Virgin Mary, our cherished heavenly Mother, you love God and us, your children, so much that you offer us to your Divine Son Jesus on the Cross, to forgive us by our Heavenly Father and to obtain our salvation. Thus, all those who believe in Him do not perish but obtain eternal life. With a filial confidence, we pray to you, Virgin Mary, that the Flame of Love of your Immaculate Heart, kindled by the Holy Spirit, you ignite in our languid hearts the fire of a perfect love for God and all humanity. So that, together with you, with one heart, we love God and our neighbor. Help us to transmit this holy Flame to all people of good will. That way, the Flame of Love will extinguish hatred everywhere on earth and Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will be the King and center of all hearts in the Sacrament of His Love on the throne of our altars. Amen
My Adorable Jesus, we ask you to take us in spirit before your Eucharistic Presence throughout the world. Take us and place us where we belong in the Divine Fire. Share with us your Immaculate Conception.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
My adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together.
May our hands gather in unity.
May our hearts beat in unison.
May our souls be in harmony.
May our thoughts be as one.
May our ears listen to the silence together.
May our glances profoundly penetrate each other.
May our lips pray together to gain mercy from the Eternal Father. Amen
Prayer for the propagation of the Flame of Love
Blessed Virgin Mary, our cherished heavenly Mother, you love God and us, your children, so much that you offer us to your Divine Son Jesus on the Cross, to forgive us by our Heavenly Father and to obtain our salvation. Thus, all those who believe in Him do not perish but obtain eternal life. With a filial confidence, we pray to you, Virgin Mary, that the Flame of Love of your Immaculate Heart, kindled by the Holy Spirit, you ignite in our languid hearts the fire of a perfect love for God and all humanity. So that, together with you, with one heart, we love God and our neighbor. Help us to transmit this holy Flame to all people of good will. That way, the Flame of Love will extinguish hatred everywhere on earth and Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will be the King and center of all hearts in the Sacrament of His Love on the throne of our altars. Amen
My Adorable Jesus, we ask you to take us in spirit before your Eucharistic Presence throughout the world. Take us and place us where we belong in the Divine Fire. Share with us your Immaculate Conception.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the children of God; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; As you once rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Terror of demons Pray for us.
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the children of God; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; As you once rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Terror of demons Pray for us.
Prayer for Protection
St Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray and do you prince of the heavenly host by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Final Petitions
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus We trust in You, have mercy on us. x3
Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us.
St. Joseph pray for us.
San Diego de Alcala pray for us.
St. Maximilian Kolbe pray for us.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino pray for us.
All you holy men and women in heaven pray with us.
All the martyrs pray for us.
All the saints in heaven pray for us.
All you holy angels of God pray for us.
St Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray and do you prince of the heavenly host by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Final Petitions
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus We trust in You, have mercy on us. x3
Immaculate Heart of Mary pray for us.
St. Joseph pray for us.
San Diego de Alcala pray for us.
St. Maximilian Kolbe pray for us.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino pray for us.
All you holy men and women in heaven pray with us.
All the martyrs pray for us.
All the saints in heaven pray for us.
All you holy angels of God pray for us.
Prayers for the Pope and for the indulgences attached to our prayers.
Our Father:
Hail Mary: x2
Glory Be:
Our Father:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses; as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary: x2
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women; and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners. Spread the effect of grace from Thy Flame of Love over all humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Joyful Mysteries
| Slide to Adjust font size | ||
Font Size |
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
(Recited on Monday and Saturday)
1st Joyful Mystery- The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary
Background- The date of Jesus’ birth: The fulfillment of Tabernacles
2nd Joyful Mystery- The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
3rd Joyful Mystery- The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
4th Joyful Mystery- The Presentation of our Lord
[Franciscan Crown- The Adoration of the Magi ]
5th Joyful Mystery- The Finding Jesus in the Temple
Annunciation
- December 9, 3 BC/Tevet 2, 3759 ...In the Hebrew Calendar Tevet 2, 3759 is the 8th day of Chanukah. Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple after it had been profaned in 139 BC. The Israelites began the annual celebration of Chanukah the following year in 138 BC.
The true light, that enlightens every man, was coming into the world." (Jn 1:5-9).
Our Father
Mary lived in the temple from the time she was weaned until she was twelve.
+
She was trained in the spirit of the law and prophets: philosophically an
Essene. The Essenes prayed, fasted, and denied themselves pleasures, as a
sacrifice, to beseech God to send the Messiah. Mary, along with many other
Essene men and women, committed herself to a vow of celibacy as part of a
“prayer chain” to bring the Messiah.
+
Mary’s private prayer was to be allowed to be the handmaid of the mother of the
Messiah.
...
Our Father
As Mary reflected on the words of the angel, she realized the angel had given her a sign in the pregnancy of Elizabeth. Gabriel had said: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:36-37). (HM-1).
Mary rejoiced for Elizabeth. Elizabeth ...
Mary’s
extended family: relatives, friends and neighbors numbered about 70: men,
women, and children. The minimum number required to consume a year-old lamb was
10 adult males (males over 13) with their immediate families, while the average
number was 20 adult males. The Paschal Lamb had to be at least 8 days old (about 12 to 15 lbs, 5 to 7 kg) and not more than a year old. A year-old male lamb weighed from 70 to 100 lbs.
(32 to 45 kg). A small lamb weighing 70 lbs. (32 kg) produced 27 lbs. (12 kg)
of meat.
+
The entire lamb needed to be consumed. Anything left over had to be burnt.
Elizabeth was overcome by the stress of the
situation: seeing Joseph as he looked at Mary, watching Mary as Joseph looked
at her, trying to protect Mary, trying to communicate to Joseph the integrity
of Mary, but Mary is obviously pregnant, and yet Elizabeth cannot address the obvious.
The combination of the stress of Mary’s situation and the stress of Passover Meal
preparations: three meals for the extended family, 70 plus people, to be
prepared before sun down was likely enough stress to cause Elizabeth to go into
labor and deliver early!
...
After Elizabeth’s baby is born and the Seder meal finished, things began to settle down. Joseph laid down for the night in a common area (likely the roof) with the rest of the extended family. ...
His thoughts return to Mary and her situation. Mary left suddenly 3 months ago, had she been attacked? He was hurting. He felt betrayed. Then he considered the consequences to Mary. It was not his child, so if he denounced her she would be stoned to death as an adulteress. Over the two and a half years that he has known Mary, he has grown to love her. Mary was such a good, kind, and loving girl. She had an incredible love of God. It was difficult to understand how this could have happened. He could not let such a one be stoned. If instead he just submitted a writ of divorce to the Great Sanhedrin, ...
Joseph
fell asleep, praying over the problem, but his decision has been made. An angel
appeared to him in a dream. It must have
been a dream as only Joseph, in a crowded area, saw or heard the angel and yet
it was so real that Joseph was wide awake at the end and could not doubt its
reality.
The angel said: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you will name him Jesus, ‘Yahweh saves’, for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21).
Naming Jesus was an adoptive act. Joseph was to adopt Jesus as his own son. The Angel had asked Joseph if he would take Mary into his home and be the father to Jesus. I wonder if Joseph slept at all the remainder of the night. Joseph pondered the implications of being a father to the Messiah, a father to the Son of God! He had thought, with his vow of celibacy, he would never get to experience the joy of fatherhood. He had thought that, even though he was a descendant of David, he was not worthy to even be considered to be in line for the fatherhood of the Messiah. He took the vow of celibacy as a prayer to bring the Messiah. Now the Messiah was not only coming, He was coming into Joseph’s care! His sorrow has turned to great joy: his prayer for the Messiah has been answered. Mary is not an adulteress, she is the mother of the Messiah! He can hardly wait for Mary to awake.
Consider the joy in the house on the following morning, the morning following the Seder Supper. Mary and Joseph shared the stories of their respective angelic visits: “Mary, an angel came to me last night …” Think of the flood of relief and joy that poured over Mary at those words!
Elizabeth and Zechariah are now parents of a son, just as the angel had told Zechariah. They are now also overwhelmed with relief and delight at the sight of Mary and Joseph together: hand in hand and grinning from ear to ear! One look at the joy on Mary’s face and Elizabeth knows that Joseph is also part of God’s plan.
Mary’s parents are told that they will be grandparents after all, of the Messiah! (Remember Mary’s father had to give his permission for Mary to take a vow of celibacy.) (HM-8)
The Seder celebration has a custom of setting an extra place at the table for Elijah, because of the tradition that Elijah would return on Passover. + That year, with the birth of John the Baptist, whom the angel Gabriel told Zechariah had the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17), Elijah did return for the Seder meal on Passover of 2 BC.
Normally the father of the groom determines when a marriage for a betrothed couple will be formalized: the nisu’in is celebrated under the wedding canopy. Hence the saying “Only the Father knows the day and the hour” (Mt 24:36). The father determines the day and the hour based on the couple’s behavior. Think about that in the context of Mt 24:36. (HM-9)
But if Joseph was 30 years old then he alone could decide when the nisu’in is celebrated. Joseph and Mary likely celebrated it that same day, while together with the extended family in Jerusalem. Zechariah, a priest, has known Mary’s situation for three months. He gladly officiates at the ceremony (with someone reading the words for him as is normally done even today for a priest or minister who lost his speech to a stroke).
Since John was born on Passover, his circumcision would have taken place on Passover Yizkor. ...
And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zechariah,after his father. But his mother answered and said, “No, he will be called John.”
And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.” And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.
Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote as follows: “His name is John.” And they were all astonished and at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.
All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David his servant [a prophecy concerning Jesus] - as He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old - Salvation from our enemies from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
“And [concerning his own son] you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways to give to his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Lk 1:57-79). [Jesus is the dawn from on high, the “Sunrise”, who will visit us bringing ‘life’, ‘light’, and ‘peace’]. +
After sharing such a powerful experience as that which occurred throughout the Feast of Passover; Mary and Joseph did not leave until they had made plans to return in the fall, when they would be relocating to Bethlehem, a suburb of Jerusalem. ...
Mary and Joseph had been betrothed for almost 3 years. Mary has been away from home, Nazareth, for just over three months and returns a married woman. Joseph’s family is from Bethlehem where the wedding would have normally been held. No one in Nazareth would have expected a wedding in Nazareth.
Mary and Joseph left Nazareth for Bethlehem 3 weeks before Jesus’ birth, the last week of August. They then fled from Herod by going from Bethlehem to Cairo, Egypt. ...
Our Father
That summer there came a decree, from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed. ...
Joseph has family in Bethlehem, so he seeks them out to set up his sukkah with theirs and at the same time to arrange for assistance for Mary who was now beginning labor. It is suggested that rather than use Joseph’s sukkah, they use one of the nearby stables. +
The stables were only used to protect new born lambs from the cold weather.
The stables are currently empty since the temple flocks are still in pasture.
...
Coincidences?
We see coincidences all the time. We run into a friend at a store or are thinking of someone and they call. There is math for that: it is called probability. What is the probability that if I go into a store I will see someone I know? That is a fairly high probability, I know a lot of people. When you combine two independent events: “What is the probability I meet someone in the store I know, who was at Mass this morning?” The number of possible successful outcomes is now significantly reduced because most of the people I know were not at Mass this morning and I don’t know all the people who were at Mass this morning. However sometimes the series of coincidences (the number of events) gets to be so long it becomes obvious that this was planned: Linda always stops at the store, on her way home from Mass, to pick up a gallon of milk so she has fresh milk for her kids. If I meet her at the store after Mass the probability was 100%. When the probability of accidental happening gets so small and yet it happens that implies that it was planned! Jesus is the Lamb of God. Lambs are frequently born in stables. New born lambs are inspected by Levitical shepherds. Unblemished lambs are sacrificed. What is the probability that Jesus would also be born in a stable, inspected by Levitical shepherds, and die on Passover? Oh, and that He would be known as the Lamb of God and that He would be born on the feast of “God with Us”, the feast of Emanuel, that the Light of the World would be conceived and born on the two celebrations of light, that the Source of living water would be born on the day of the Joyous Water Drawing Ceremony? It was planned that way! Help me Lord to see your hand in the coincidences in my life.
Proto Evangelium of James. chapter 5ff;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes
According to church Fathers, such as St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Augustine, Mary had previously taken a vow of lifelong celibacy. Ignatius Study Bible, Lk 1:34 commentary
Mary took a vow of celibacy, so she did not expect to be the mother of the Messiah. She was trained in the temple in weaving and sewing. As a celibate maid so trained, she would have expected to earn her own livelihood as a handmaid. Having dedicated her life to the coming of the Messiah her highest aspiration would have been to be the handmaid of the Mother of the Messiah.
Thus, she learned to weave and sew providing the items needed for service in
the temple while learning skills necessary to be a handmaid.
...
Tradition has it that Mary wove the tunic without seam worn by Jesus to his death. It is also tradition that Mary sewed the strip of cloth that was cut from the shroud back onto the shroud after the resurrection. Children serving in the temple were taught skills that were required in support of temple functions: including weaving and sewing. Specifically, the priests offering sacrifice were required to wear a tunic woven without seam.
With the consent of Mary’s father, in order to protect her wish to maintain her vow of celibacy,
...
(An uncommitted young woman at that time was essentially the property of her designated guardian. A woman could not make a vow without her spouse, father, or guardian’s consent. If Mary had not been betrothed and her father (who was older) died, Mary could be given in marriage despite her wish to remain celibate (Num 30:3-5). This would typically be done to relieve the guardian of the cost of supporting her.)
the priests, betrothed Mary to Joseph, who had also committed himself to lead a life of
celibacy. Mary’s betrothal was arranged by the priests. The kiddushin, the
betrothal ceremony, was celebrated before she left the temple when she turned
twelve. With the betrothal Joseph committed himself to provide for Mary’s support
after she was no longer supported by her father. At twelve, Mary could no
longer stay in the temple.
...
A woman who was menstruating was unclean by virtue of the bleeding. So only a young girl or a woman who has gone through menopause could live in the temple.
So she returned to Nazareth to rejoin her family. At that same time, Joseph
relocated from Bethlehem to Nazareth to be close to Mary whom he was now committed
to protect and to provide for after she no longer lived with her parents.
...
If Joseph had already lived in Nazareth he would not have been known to the priests. Thus, he likely would not be considered as a candidate to be betrothed to Mary. If you are picking someone to remain celibate it is better to pick someone who you know has demonstrated the desire and willingness to remain so.
A betrothal with intent to consummate the relationship usually only lasted a year unless
one of the betrothed was under age: 12 for a girl, 13 for a boy.
with the
consent of Mary’s father
+
As of December 9, 3 BC, Mary is 4 months past her 14th birthday. She has been betrothed 2 years and 4 months after becoming of age, well beyond the normal
time between the kiddushin, betrothal, and the nisu’in, the husband taking his bride to his home.
When a couple is betrothed they are committed to each other, but each remains
with his or her own family. (HM-1)
December 9th,
Tevet 2, was the last day of Chanukah
that year. While at the local well
drawing a pitcher of water, Mary sensed a presence, heard a voice, and seeing
no one she became frightened and fled to her home.
+
Protoevangelium of James (11): “And she took the pitcher, and went out to fill it with water. And, behold, a voice saying: Hail, thou who hast received grace; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women! And she looked around, on the right hand and on the left, to see whence this voice came. And she went away, trembling, to her house, and put down the pitcher”
There, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her saying: “Hail Mary full of grace! The
Lord is with you." (Lk 1:28)
This is the only time in scripture that an angel greets someone by title, "full of grace" in addition to a personal name.
+
Grace is what draws us to God. And the angel is indicating with the title that Mary is already completely drawn to God. Her love for God was so strong that she was already recognizable in the spiritual dimension as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. (HM-2)
Ignatius Study Bible Lk 1:28 commentary
Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what sort of greeting this might be (Lk 1:29).
Asking herself why would this spiritual being refer to a 14 year old with such a title? A girl who aspires to be a handmaid! Gabriel continues: "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." (Lk 1:30).
Gabriel says: “Behold you will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). (Yeshua: ‘Yahweh saves’). ...
Gabriel says: “Behold you will conceive and bear a son and you will name him Jesus” (Lk 1:31). (Yeshua: ‘Yahweh saves’). ...
The name Jesus is the Latin form of the Greek “Iesous”, which in turn is the transliteration of the Hebrew word “Yeshua”. Yeshua means “Yahweh saves.
+
“He will be great and will be called ‘Son of the Most High’, and the Lord God will
give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of
David forever, and of his kingship there will be no end” (Lk 1:32-33).
That is the Messiah! Mary is to be the mother of the Messiah! (HM-3)
But both she and Joseph have vowed to live a life of celibacy. Mary asks: “How can
this be, since I have no relations with a man?" - I am under a vow of celibacy.
...
Mary statement leaves no room for a future relationship with a man: she is under a vow of celibacy.
(Lk 1:34). (HM-4)
The angel tells Mary: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy,
the Son of God.” (Lk 1:35). (HM-5)
God himself is to Father the Messiah! Mary’s vow of celibacy is key to her
selection (Is 7:14)
...
Gabriel continued: “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail!(Lk 3:36-37).”
Mary’s child is to be the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God! How could Mary have said anything but yes? There is one rather large problem: Joseph, her betrothed. When Mary is found to be pregnant, Joseph can denounce her, and she will be stoned for adultery. ...
Mary says: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Lk 1:38). (HM-7)
God’s plan for salvation was dependent on a human. With Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation! Jesus is both God and is fully man.
As God’s plan unfolds, it is Tevet 2, the last (8th) day of the celebration of Chanukah. The number 8 signifies new beginnings. The feast of Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the temple after it had been profaned by the Syrian armies under Antiochus Epiphanes. It took 8 days to complete the re-dedication. For the people of Israel, that 8th day, in 3622, 139 BC, represented a new beginning in their relationship with Yahweh. In the year 3759 on the same day on the Jewish Calendar, which occurred that year on December 9th of 3 BC, was another very new beginning in God’s relationship with man! God has become man! That day, the completion of Chanukah, is called the little celebration of light ...
God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, the prayers of all the Essenes, and of all Israel! What joy she must feel! (HM-9)
Elizabeth got it right when she said: “Happy is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Lk 1:45). Share Mary’s joy! (HM-10, GB, OMJ) ...
Isaiah 7:10-14 The LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD.” He [Isaiah] said, “Listen now, house of David. Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. The word for virgin here is “almah” and the rabbis, as well as many translations from the original Hebrew, say that does not mean virgin but young girl. They say the Hebrew word for virgin is “betulah”. But אלמה “almah”" can refer to a literal virgin as we see in the story of Rebekkah at the well: Genesis 24:43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin אלמה,“almah,” cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink. Etymologically, the meaning of the word “almah” is derived from the verb meaning “to hide,” or “to conceal” as a womb conceals a child. Other aspects of the almah’s “hiddenness” is that the term “almah” is never applied to a married woman. And “betulah” doesn’t always refer only to literal virgins but could also mean a young woman who is married as we see here: Joel 1:8 Lament like a virgin, בתולה, “betulah” girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.
When the Septuagint was written by the 72 elders of Israel (six from each tribe) all the writers specifically chose the Greek word “parthenos,” for virgin. This clearly demonstrates the common Jewish understanding of this passage at that time. There is no doubt that Jewish leaders looked at this passage as a messianic passage with the expectation of some type of supernatural birth. Also in Isaiah 9:6,7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. In the dead sea scrolls there was found an anomaly: the letter מ “mem” is only closed at the end of a word but the word here for increase the ם “mem” is closed when it should not be: לםרבה instead of an open mem as here: מ “Mem” means water in Hebrew and they say an open mem is an open womb and a closed mem represents a barren womb. The rabbis teach that when it is time for the Redemption, the closed mem of Isaiah’s l’marbeh will open for the coming of the Messiah (Radak, Isa. 9:6).
There can be no possibility of another
father. (HM-6)
Gabriel continued: “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail!(Lk 3:36-37).”
Mary’s child is to be the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God! How could Mary have said anything but yes? There is one rather large problem: Joseph, her betrothed. When Mary is found to be pregnant, Joseph can denounce her, and she will be stoned for adultery. ...
The Jews didn’t lose the ability to enforce the Levitical Law until 6 AD so stoning for adultery was still enforced.
Mary’s response is one of complete surrender to God: her heart’s only desire is
to do God’s will. To even consider the consequences is to attempt to control,
which is against the complete surrender to God’s will.
+ Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo: Surrender Novena Day-2
Mary says: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be it done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Lk 1:38). (HM-7)
God’s plan for salvation was dependent on a human. With Mary’s “Yes” came the Incarnation: God assumed human nature! God entered his own creation! Jesus is both God and is fully man.
As God’s plan unfolds, it is Tevet 2, the last (8th) day of the celebration of Chanukah. The number 8 signifies new beginnings. The feast of Chanukah celebrates the re-dedication of the temple after it had been profaned by the Syrian armies under Antiochus Epiphanes. It took 8 days to complete the re-dedication. For the people of Israel, that 8th day, in 3622, 139 BC, represented a new beginning in their relationship with Yahweh. In the year 3759 on the same day on the Jewish Calendar, which occurred that year on December 9th of 3 BC, was another very new beginning in God’s relationship with man! God has become man! That day, the completion of Chanukah, is called the little celebration of light ...
During the rededication in 3622 there was only enough uncontaminated oil for the lamps for a single day. Miraculasly
the oil lasted throughout all 8 days of the rededication. Thus,
Chanukah is closely tied to
the big celebration of light during the Feast of Tabernacles. That day the
true light that enlightens every man came into the world. (HM-8)
God has answered Mary’s prayer, Joseph’s prayer, the prayers of all the Essenes, and of all Israel! What joy she must feel! (HM-9)
Elizabeth got it right when she said: “Happy is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Lk 1:45). Share Mary’s joy! (HM-10, GB, OMJ) ...
That Mary said “Yes” was important but when you look at the mysteries from Mary’s perspective to say “no” would make her whole life a lie.
Reflections on the Annunciation
“And the angel departed from her”
+
I consider it important to focus also on the final sentence of Luke’s Annunciation narrative: “And the angel departed from her” (Lk 1:38). The great hour of Mary’s encounter with God’s messenger—in which her whole life is changed—comes to an end, and she remains there alone, with a task that truly surpasses all human capacity. There are no angels standing around her. She must continue along the path that leads to many dark moments–from Joseph’s dismay at her pregnancy, [the flight into Egypt, learning the names of the children slaughtered by Herod’s soldiers, the journey back to Jerusalem in search of her son], to the moment when Jesus is said to be out of his mind (Mk 3:21; Jn 10:20), right up to the night of the cross.
How often in these situations must Mary have returned inwardly to the hour when God’s angel had spoken to her, pondering afresh the greeting: “Hail, full of grace!” And the consoling words: “Do not be afraid!” The angel departs; her mission remains, and with it matures her inner closeness to God, a closeness that in her heart she is able to see and touch.
Why would God become part of his creation?
We are spiritual beings immersed in a physical experience, constrained by time. You, Father, chose this physical experience as the mechanism to raise spiritual beings that are made in your image and likeness. From all eternity, You planned to come into your own creation to show us how to be like You. You knew man would fall. You wanted us to learn to love. You wanted us to choose to love. You wanted us to learn that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for someone. As the father of us all You knew the way to teach us was to teach by example; so, You, in the person of your son, became man to give us the example. You wanted us to learn to see beyond ourselves. We need to be shown. Give me the grace to learn. Give me the gifts of the Holy spirit so I can help to draw others to you.
Why was I blessed to be shown God’s love while others have not?
God has a plan for each of us. We each have a role to play. God has given me a task that requires the gifts he has given me. Help me, Mary, to do what God has planned for me. Give me the guidance to see the direction I must go. Lead me to your Son for if I stay close to him I will be safe. Mary help me to realize that everyone has a role to play in God’s plan. Help me to see Jesus in everyone. God loves us all the same and each has been given what is required. We are all brothers on a similar journey. After all the greatest human that ever lived, other than Jesus, who was also God, was you Mary, who aspired to be a handmaid! In the spiritual dimension, greatest is determined by love; not power, fame, or wealth!
Mary’s love for God allowed her to risk life: Trust
When I love, make a sacrifice for someone, there is no guarantee that the beloved will accept my gift. Jesus, when you sacrificed yourself on the cross, you knew not everyone you loved would accept your sacrifice. You were willing to take the heart break of rejection you loved us so much. Mary, you loved God so much, you were willing to risk anything, simply because it was your Love, God, who asked. Mary’s trust in God was such that she did not even need to consider the consequences. It was God’s will, that was enough!
Prayer as more than words
Mary, you were completely drawn to God even as a little girl. Your whole life was made into a prayer as you took a vow a celibacy. Prayer is communicating with God or the saints in heaven. We can also communicate with more than words. Just as a picture is worth a 1000 words, an action is worth a 1000 pictures. Help me to love without seeking recognition as you did. Help me to do things for others without them knowing they have ever been done. Cleaning up a mess (pet or child made a mess) before anyone knows it has ever happened and then never mentioning it. Doing chores that belong to others to make their job lighter. Every act of love is a prayer in action. Help me to be grateful for all that has been given me, remind me to thank God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Remind me to be grateful to others. It makes someone feel good to receive acknowledgement of their contributions. As we are all members of the Mystical body any act of gratitude is an act of gratitude to your son. Never let me forget that your special ones are closest to your son. That an act of kindness to one of the special ones whether infant, aged or handicapped is a prayer you will never forget.
Coincidences
The Annunciation happened on the last, 8th day of Chanukah. That feast celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple. A new beginning of the people’s relationship with God. The number 8 stands for new beginnings. God became human on that day.
Mary immediately wanted to go to help Elizabeth and there were visitors from Jerusalem who would be returning home the following morning, since the celebration of Chanukah had ended. Nazareth was an out of the way place. Caravans to Jerusalem were not a regular occurrence.
Jesus of Nazareth, The Infancy Narratives, Kindle edition (loc 488-501) by Pope Emeritus Benedict
I consider it important to focus also on the final sentence of Luke’s Annunciation narrative: “And the angel departed from her” (Lk 1:38). The great hour of Mary’s encounter with God’s messenger—in which her whole life is changed—comes to an end, and she remains there alone, with a task that truly surpasses all human capacity. There are no angels standing around her. She must continue along the path that leads to many dark moments–from Joseph’s dismay at her pregnancy, [the flight into Egypt, learning the names of the children slaughtered by Herod’s soldiers, the journey back to Jerusalem in search of her son], to the moment when Jesus is said to be out of his mind (Mk 3:21; Jn 10:20), right up to the night of the cross.
How often in these situations must Mary have returned inwardly to the hour when God’s angel had spoken to her, pondering afresh the greeting: “Hail, full of grace!” And the consoling words: “Do not be afraid!” The angel departs; her mission remains, and with it matures her inner closeness to God, a closeness that in her heart she is able to see and touch.
Why would God become part of his creation?
We are spiritual beings immersed in a physical experience, constrained by time. You, Father, chose this physical experience as the mechanism to raise spiritual beings that are made in your image and likeness. From all eternity, You planned to come into your own creation to show us how to be like You. You knew man would fall. You wanted us to learn to love. You wanted us to choose to love. You wanted us to learn that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for someone. As the father of us all You knew the way to teach us was to teach by example; so, You, in the person of your son, became man to give us the example. You wanted us to learn to see beyond ourselves. We need to be shown. Give me the grace to learn. Give me the gifts of the Holy spirit so I can help to draw others to you.
Why was I blessed to be shown God’s love while others have not?
God has a plan for each of us. We each have a role to play. God has given me a task that requires the gifts he has given me. Help me, Mary, to do what God has planned for me. Give me the guidance to see the direction I must go. Lead me to your Son for if I stay close to him I will be safe. Mary help me to realize that everyone has a role to play in God’s plan. Help me to see Jesus in everyone. God loves us all the same and each has been given what is required. We are all brothers on a similar journey. After all the greatest human that ever lived, other than Jesus, who was also God, was you Mary, who aspired to be a handmaid! In the spiritual dimension, greatest is determined by love; not power, fame, or wealth!
Mary’s love for God allowed her to risk life: Trust
When I love, make a sacrifice for someone, there is no guarantee that the beloved will accept my gift. Jesus, when you sacrificed yourself on the cross, you knew not everyone you loved would accept your sacrifice. You were willing to take the heart break of rejection you loved us so much. Mary, you loved God so much, you were willing to risk anything, simply because it was your Love, God, who asked. Mary’s trust in God was such that she did not even need to consider the consequences. It was God’s will, that was enough!
Prayer as more than words
Mary, you were completely drawn to God even as a little girl. Your whole life was made into a prayer as you took a vow a celibacy. Prayer is communicating with God or the saints in heaven. We can also communicate with more than words. Just as a picture is worth a 1000 words, an action is worth a 1000 pictures. Help me to love without seeking recognition as you did. Help me to do things for others without them knowing they have ever been done. Cleaning up a mess (pet or child made a mess) before anyone knows it has ever happened and then never mentioning it. Doing chores that belong to others to make their job lighter. Every act of love is a prayer in action. Help me to be grateful for all that has been given me, remind me to thank God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Remind me to be grateful to others. It makes someone feel good to receive acknowledgement of their contributions. As we are all members of the Mystical body any act of gratitude is an act of gratitude to your son. Never let me forget that your special ones are closest to your son. That an act of kindness to one of the special ones whether infant, aged or handicapped is a prayer you will never forget.
Coincidences
The Annunciation happened on the last, 8th day of Chanukah. That feast celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple. A new beginning of the people’s relationship with God. The number 8 stands for new beginnings. God became human on that day.
Mary immediately wanted to go to help Elizabeth and there were visitors from Jerusalem who would be returning home the following morning, since the celebration of Chanukah had ended. Nazareth was an out of the way place. Caravans to Jerusalem were not a regular occurrence.
The Festival of Lights
The 8th day of Chanukah, on which all the lights on the Menorah are lit is closely tied to the Feast of Tabernacles at which there were four giant Menorahs lit in the Court of the Women in the temple to symbolize the light provided by the pillar of fire during the Exodus. The light could be seen all over Jerusalem and was even visible in Bethlehem. What a coincidence that the Light of the World would also be conceived on the eighth day of Chanukah and 40 weeks later be born on the Feast of Tabernacles. I wonder which had the greater light: the four 75ft Menorahs in the Court of the Women or the 4 million candle power of the 9 candles per Menorah in a half a million homes of the Israelites.
The 8th day of Chanukah, on which all the lights on the Menorah are lit is closely tied to the Feast of Tabernacles at which there were four giant Menorahs lit in the Court of the Women in the temple to symbolize the light provided by the pillar of fire during the Exodus. The light could be seen all over Jerusalem and was even visible in Bethlehem. What a coincidence that the Light of the World would also be conceived on the eighth day of Chanukah and 40 weeks later be born on the Feast of Tabernacles. I wonder which had the greater light: the four 75ft Menorahs in the Court of the Women or the 4 million candle power of the 9 candles per Menorah in a half a million homes of the Israelites.
There is something about the date of Jesus’ birth that the devil just doesn’t want it known. There has been centuries of obfuscation: Herod died in 4 BC, Quirinius didn’t serve as governor of Syria until 6 AD, and there was no reason to register. We have always known that December 25 is nothing more than the feast of the Roman sun god.
Luke also ties the birth of Jesus to a census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria (Lk 2:2). This has caused problems because Quirinius reigned from 6 to 9 AD. But considering that: “there was found near Tibur (Tivoli) in AD.1764 a fragment of marble known as the Lapis Tiburtinus, with part of an inscription, which is now preserved in the Lateran Museum of Christian Antiquities, as one of the important monuments bearing on the history of Christianity:
The inscription records the career and honors of a Roman
official who lived in the reign of Augustus, and who survived that emperor. He
conquered a nation; he was rewarded with two Supplicationes and the Ornamenta
Triumphalia, i.e., the gorgeous dress of a triumphing general, with ivory
scepter and chariot, etc.; he governed Asia as proconsul; and he twice governed
Syria as legatus of the divine Augustus.
That serious difficulty evaporates when we realize that Jesus was born in 2 BC not sometime before 4 BC as was assumed by Mommsen and others.
We have established now that Quirinius was the Governor of Syria at the time of Jesus’ birth. We still want to validate the rest of Luke’s statement, that there was a requirement to go to the ancestral home for taxation. The Romans levied both a Land Tax and a Poll tax. The Land Tax was levied every 14 years and only affected the wealthy who owned property. The Poll Tax was also levied every 14 years. It affected both men (age 14 to 60) and women (age 12 to 60). The Poll Tax required everyone to return to their home city and register. The Poll Taxation occurred half way between the Land taxations. There was a Land tax riot mentioned by Josephus which occurred in 6 AD. Thus, the prior Land Tax would have occurred in 9BC and the Poll tax would have occurred in 2 BC and would have been executed by Quirinius during his first reign as governor of Syria from 3 to 1 BC. +
This spreadsheet is very large so it will take a few moments to completely load onto screen. Temple rotation occurred at sunrise on Saturday morning so Jehoiarib would have begun serving at sunrise on Saturday August 4th. The priests were in the Temple saying the prayers for Sunday evening when the soldiers actually broke into the Holy of Holies.
To scroll down use the scroll wheel on your mouse, or the scroll bar on the right side of the spreadsheet. There are two sheets. Sheet1 shows the serving Division of Priest beginning in the week ending 8/11/70 AD and goes back in time to the week ending 1/5/3 BC. Sheet2 begins with week ending 1/5/3 BC and goes forward in time to week ending 8/11/70 AD. Also, those interested can view the full document in Excel format here.
Looking directly at scripture.
God wanted Moses to convey to his people some truths that He wanted them to never forget. Those truths form the very basis of salvation history. So, he made them a list of festivals to be celebrated every year (Lev 23:4-43): Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. He called them “holy convocations, my appointed feasts” (Lev 23:2) . Convocation in Hebrew: “קָרָא”, (transliterated: “kaw-raw”), has two meanings and God meant both: a convocation and a dress rehearsal.
...
It is unfortunate that the translators of the NABRE edition chose to translate the Hebrew: “?????” as "festival". In doing so, they lost half of its meaning which is retained in the other translations of the Bible but which do not allow online reference as does the NABRE edition.
- A convocation is when all the Israelite men, were to convene in the place designated for the worship of Yahweh: the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided (Deut 16:6). After the Exodus, but prior to David that place varied between Bethel (Jug 20:27), Shiloh (1Sam 1:3), seven months (1Sam 6:1) in the hands of the Philistines in Ashdod, in the temple of Dagon (1Sam 5:2), Kiriath-jearim (1Sam 7:3) and later Gibeon, in the house of Obed-edom (2Sam 6:11) . After David, it was Jerusalem. “Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose: at the Feast of Passover, the Feast of Weeks [Pentecost], and the Feast of Tabernacles” (Deut 16:16). Women and children went to Jerusalem for Passover which is a family feast but were only required to go to Jerusalem for Tabernacles on Sabbatical, Shmittah year – years divisible by 7 (Deut 31:10-13). They did not need to attend the other Feasts. The holy family went to Jerusalem every year for Passover (Lk 2:41).
- A dress rehearsal concept implies that the feasts are prophecies of something beyond themselves. These feasts form the cornerstone of the practice of the Jewish faith.
The Feasts in date sequence, according to the Jewish Temple, solar/lunar Religious Calendar:
- Passover (Pesach) is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month, Nisan. It is a remembrance of the sacrifice of an unblemished, male lamb; whose blood saved the 1st born sons of the Israelites. It is in fact a dress rehearsal for the sacrifice of God’s First-Born Son, the Lamb of God, to save all men. It happened on the 14th day of the first month. St. Paul says “For our Passover has been sacrificed, that is, Christ.” (1Cor 5:7)
- Unleavened Bread (Chag Matzot) begins on the 15th of Nisan with the Seder Meal which was both the sacrificial meal for the Paschal lamb, slaughtered just before sunset, and a Todah, thanksgiving, offering of unleavened bread and wine. The Todah was in thanksgiving for the deliverance, about to be provided, by the blood of the paschal lamb: the angel of death would see the blood on the door posts and lintel of the homes of those who had participated in the Seder meals. The Angel of death would then "pass over" their houses (Ex 12:21-23). Animal sacrifices could only be made in the Temple in Jerusalem. Anyone offering sacrifice anywhere else was to be cut off from the people of God. Anyone who could not travel to Jerusalem was expected to celebrate the Seder in an un-bloody fashion as the primary event is the Todah. The word “Todah” means “thanksgiving”. Todah in the Greek is “Eucharistia”. The Seder is a dress rehearsal for the Eucharist: a Todah, Eucharistic, offering of unleavened bread and wine in thanksgiving for the deliverance [from sin] accomplished through the blood of the unblemished Paschal Lamb: The lamb of God. The Seder meal as the sacrificial meal for the Paschal Lamb is celebrated after the death of the Lamb. Since Jesus could not celebrate the Seder meal after his own death, God arranged for there to be two calendars in use in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus death. Jesus celebrated the Seder meal on the Essene calendar, on Tuesday Evening. The Essene’s were not allowed to offer sacrifice in the Temple. So, that Seder celebration was called an un-bloody sacrifice, celebrated just as the Jews celebrate the Passover Seder Meal today. For an exercise for yourself go through the Gospels and look at the time from the Meal in Bethany at which Mary poured expense perfume over Jesus to the feast of Passover. It is very confusing as some show it to be 2 days and some 5 days. They are both right! There were two Seder Meals! The Last Supper, a Seder meal, was initiated on the 15th of Nisan, according to the Essene calendar. God uses both calendars! It was completed on the cross, with the completion of the Seder ritual’s consumption of the 4th cup and the declaration of the Nirtzah: “It is finished”. That happened right before the death of the Paschal lamb, the Lamb of God, on the Passover Preparation Day: Nisan 14 on the Temple calendar! Jesus, the Lamb of God, upon entering Jerusalem, had been selected by the people on Lamb Selection Day (Palm Sunday) as the lamb for sacrifice for all the people by waving Palm fronds and shouting Hosanna.
- First Fruits (Reishit Katzir) is the celebration of the first fruits of the harvest. It is an acknowledgement that God continues to provide for us. Jesus is the first fruit of the resurrection, opening the Kingdom of God and demonstrating that God continues to provide for us for all eternity (1Cor 15:20). First Fruits was the third day: Passover Eve (the day the Lamb of God died on the cross) is the first day; the first day of Unleavened Bread (the Seder) is the second day; and First Fruits is the third day. First Fruits was the day Jesus rose from the grave. So, in answer to the question: Where does it say in scripture that the Messiah must die and rise on the third day? Although most scholars will quote Hos 6:2, it is specifically in the fulfillment of Passover and First Fruits! (Lev 23:1-14). Passover, Nisan 15, the second day, is always a Sabbath. The Hebrew calendar is always tweaked so that two Sabbaths will never occur back to back: Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday. That was because no cooking was done on the Sabbath and without refrigeration food would not keep for two days without cooking. Thus, the Feast of First Fruits, specified in Leviticus as occurring on the first day after the Sabbath, is always on the 3rd day. Thus First Fruits is always the 3rd day: to fulfill the Feast of First Fruits Jesus must have died on Passover Eve and rise on the 3rd day, the Feast of First Fruits according to scripture!
- Pentecost (Shavuot) means 50 days and is the 50th day after First Fruits. It is a memorial of the day God himself came down on Mount Sinai in a cloud of fire and smoke and a blast of God's trumpet (Ex 19:18-19), to ratify the covenant with his people. It is a dress rehearsal for the day the Holy Spirit came down as flames of fire on the disciples, with a noise loud enough to draw a crowd of over 3,000 to the Cenacle, to ratify the new covenant written in our hearts.
- Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated on the 1st day of the 7th month. The feast celebrates God judgement: when all the world is judged before God’s throne. ...It is unfulfilled but thought to be the warning or illumination when everyone will see themselves as God sees them. The first of the two events that must yet be fulfilled before the Messiah returns is that the Gospel must have reached all men. If you think about it the only way that can happen is with the warning, a supernatural event in which all men recognize the truth. It is interesting to note that it is the only event that happens to everyone in the world on the same day. If you think about it there is no time when it is the same day everywhere in the world, but Trumpets is also a 2-day feast, oh what a coincidence!The Feast of Trumpets in Old Testament times was understood as the inauguration of a judgment process .https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Hebrew_Roots/Holy_Days/Trumpets/The_History_of_the_Feast
- Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the holiest day of the year. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 7th month. It is unfulfilled. It is thought to be when the Jewish nation will acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. The second event, that must happen before the end, is the conversion of the Jews. That is not meant to be the personal conversion of every Jew but rather the acknowledgement by the Jewish people, the nation of Israel, that Jesus was/is the Messiah.
- Tabernacles (Succot), the Feast of “God with us”, in Hebrew “Emanuel”, is on the 15th day of the 7th month. It is the feast that celebrates God’s physical presence with the Israelites, during the Exodus, in a pillar of cloud by day to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light during the Exodus (Ex 13:21). The feast is celebrated by living in Sukkot, tents with a thatched roof, through which the stars must be visible, and rain must leak into the dwelling. It is a dress rehearsal for the birth of Jesus; when God came to live among his people as the Light of the World and the Source of Living Water. Jesus was born in a stable, which with the thatched roof qualified as a sukkah. The stable was used during the winter to protect infant lambs during the first week of life, while they were still vulnerable to the weather. Jesus, like infant lambs, was inspected by Levitical Shepherds and found without blemish thus qualified to be selected for sacrifice on Passover: The Lamb of God! It is interesting to note that just as it says in scripture the first shall be last and the last shall be first (Mt 19:30, Mk 10:31): Tabernacles was the first of the Feasts to be fulfilled and the last in the list on the Jewish lunar, solar calendar.
Checking consistency with the rest of scripture
It is one thing to derive the approximate year of Jesus birth and to believe that Jesus fulfilled the feast of Tabernacles with his birth. It is another to show that is in accord with Matthew and Luke’s description of all the events surrounding the conception of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus.
A birth on the Feast of Tabernacles explains:
A birth on the Feast of Tabernacles explains:
- Why there was no room in the inn (the caravansary courtyard): it was full of wealthy men’s tents (sukkot). Noone could stay inside the inn, so the rich set up their sukkah in the courtyard where the poor people normally stayed.
- Why Jesus was born in a stable: it qualified as a sukkah and provided more privacy than a poor man’s sukkah.
- Why none of Joseph’s relatives opened their home to Mary who was about to give birth: she wouldn’t have stayed anywhere but in a sukkah.
- It fulfills both Jewish celebrations of light:
- The Incarnation on the last day of Chanukah, the little celebration of light, when every family had lit all nine candles (one for each of the eight days of Chanukah and the center one to light the other candles.) Every family had Menorahs for each of the older children in addition to the family Menorah. A half a million families with just one older child each lighting their Menorahs produces 9 million candle power.
- The Feast of Tabernacles, the great celebration of light, for which 4 giant (75’) Menorahs were erected in the Court of Women produced enough light to keep all of Jerusalem lit up all night.
One of the things about the story of the Nativity that struck me the most was that Jesus was born in a stable used to protect ‘paschal’ lambs from the weather. He was inspected by Levitical shepherds (All the shepherds around Bethlehem were caring for the flocks owned by the Sadducees and only a Levitical shepherd could declare a lamb unblemished). Jesus was found without blemish; thus, qualified to be a lamb for sacrifice on Passover: The Lamb of God. That would not have happened if He had not been born on the Feast of Tabernacles. He would have been born in a family home, remember Joseph was from Bethlehem. He certainly had friends and family there. In a culture with a strong tradition of helping travelers, Joseph would not have been refused shelter in his own home town, especially when his wife was in labor.
John the Baptist was most likely to have been born on Passover, March 20, 2BC.
+
The Jewish tradition has been that Elijah would return on Passover, Nisan 15. Thus, according to the tradition, to this day, the Jews leave a place for Elijah at the table, for the Passover Seder Meal. The angel Gabriel told Zechariah that his son, John, would have the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17). Although that makes the birth of John three weeks early, Elizabeth was certainly in enough stress. Mary was in her 15th week and Joseph’s arrival for the celebration of the Seder was his first encounter with Mary since the Incarnation.
We know from scripture that Zechariah was serving in the temple during his divisions “normal” course of service when the angel appeared to him (Lk 1:11). Normal course of service means he was not serving during one of the convocations during which a man from any division could serve. We know that he was of the division of Abijah (Lk 1:5) which is the eighth division. There were 24 divisions (1Chr 24:7-18), and each served for a week twice a year. 24 divisions twice a year is 48 weeks. There are 51 weeks (50 weeks and 4 days) in a year on the Jewish calendar. In a leap year there is an additional 4 weeks and 2 days. The temptation is to consider that the extra weeks were all common weeks or that the rotation continued during the leap year but paused during the convocations: festival weeks of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, when all men were required to be in Jerusalem
...
that Jehoiarib was serving on the 9th of Av in 70 AD, and a correlative reference in Josephus when the temple was destroyed,
+
(Saturday August 4th 70 AD). All that needs to be done is to walk the Hebrew calendar back in time.
There is some controversy over whether the weeks of the leap year were common weeks. That cannot be the case as to travel just from Nazareth to Jerusalem took 6 days so priests living away from Jerusalem would be en route when the designated priest examined the barley to see if it was a leap year. That would then imply that either the traveling priest had to return home or stay in Jerusalem for a month which is not logical
.
However Gemera Suka 55b-56a
+
and Rambam Hilchos Klei Hamkidash 4:4-6
+
indicate that during the festivals all Kohanim, priests, could serve in the service that was specific to the holiday. They were selected by lot for that service. They would all share from the Lechem Hapanim, the showbread, and the two breads of Shavuos, the leavened bread offered at Pentecost, but other sacrifices were brought by the mishmar, the division of priests, of that week. Thus, the weeks served by each division shifted from year to year and the rotation never paused. That means a division could over time serve in any of the weeks.
There is no reference in scripture as to which division of Priests was serving on any particular date. There is however a reference in the Talmud
+
Talmud Mishnah (b. Ta?an 29a).
Josephus Wars 6.4.5
Luke tells us that John the Baptist began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar (Lk 3:1), who reigned from September 17, 14 AD to 37 AD.
...
Tiberius Caesar did not become emperor until September 17th even though Augustus died on August 19, 14 AD. See: Tiberius roman emperor at http://Britannica.com
That means his 15th year began on September 17, 28 AD and ended at his 15th anniversary which would have been Sept. 17, 29 AD.
John was the son of a priest and was himself a Rabbi. John was called rabbi by Jesus. Only a Rabbi could make a new interpretation of Scripture so it was not a title used lightly and applied to any teachers. John would have been trained as a Rabbi. A Rabbi began his ministry at age 30. We also know that Jesus was 30 when He was baptized by John and began his ministry (Lk 3:23), about 6 months after John began his ministry. So, if John was 30 by September 17, 29 AD then he was born in 2 BC or late 3 BC. There was no year 0. So, if he was born in 2 BC, he was 1 in 1 BC; 2 in 1 AD; and 30 in 29 AD. Thus, John would have most likely been conceived in 3 BC.
There are only 2 cases to consider:
-
John was conceived Shevat 10, 3758 (Jan 26, 3 BC) which would imply that Jesus was born on Nisan 15, 3759. That might explain why the caravansary was full
...
Bethlehem was a town of about 400 people. It was, at that time, the center for sheep production for the priests in the temple. It had a caravansary which is an inn with a walled in courtyard. The courtyard was used to protect pack animals and their owner’s property from wild animals and thieves. Poor people slept on the ground inside the courtyard with the pack animals while the wealthy slept in the inn. For the inn to be full means there had to be a very large celebration going on in Jerusalem which was 5 miles away. Travelers to Jerusalem would have stayed there if they expected the inns in Jerusalem to be full. There was nothing but sheep to attract people to stay in Bethlehem, but Jerusalem was only an hour’s walk away.(there was no room in the inn).
- John was conceived Av 1, 3758 (July 13, 3 BC) which implies that Jesus was born on Tishrei 15, 3760 (Sept 13, 2 BC). That explains: why the caravansary was full; why Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger; why shepherds were sent to the manger; and how the Feast of Tabernacles was fulfilled, and even fulfills the Feast of Chanukah.
We know that Mary conceived right away since, when Mary arrived in Ein Kerem seven days later, Elizabeth knew she was pregnant. We could then assume that Elizabeth likewise conceived right away, especially since Zechariah was given great incentive to believe what the Angel told him. Since Zechariah didn’t initially believe, to make his point the Angel struck him mute (Lk 1:20). Scripture tells us that Zechariah served the rest of his week before returning home (Lk 1:23). If Elizabeth conceived on Av 1, 3758, the night Zechariah returned home; then Av, Elul, Tishrei, Cheshvan, and Kislev were the 1st thru 5th months of her pregnancy. Tevet is Elizabeth’s 6th month. If the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary on Tevet 2 then 278 days later (during the 40th week),
+
Mary gave birth on the 15th of Tishrei: The Feast of Tabernacles, The Feast of God with Us, The Feast of Emanuel.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3777570/ normal time 268 days to 280 days.
The 8th day of the celebration of the re-dedication of the Temple, Chanukah, after the temple had been polluted by Antiochus Epiphanies, marked a new beginning in the relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. That year, 3 BC, it was truly a new beginning in man’s relationship with God: God became man!
The Feast of Tabernacles and the 8th day of Chanukah are the two celebrations of light in the Jewish religion. On the eighth day of Chanukah all eight candles on the menorah are lit.
+
On that day Jesus, the light of the world, was conceived. On the Feast of Tabernacles four giant menorahs were constructed in the court of women in the temple and lit . The light from the four giant menorahs could be seen all over Jerusalem, making it light all night long, and the light from the 75’ menorahs could be seen in Bethlehem where Jesus, the light of the world, was born.
...
http://www.jewishroots.net/library/holiday-articles/illumination-of-the-temple-ceremony.html
Which celebration of light was greater: The 9 candles on every menorah in 2 million homes throughout the world or 4 75ft, (23m) menorahs each fueled by a barrel of oil with wicks made of rolled up priestly garments? Jesus’ birth required the public manifestation while the Incarnation was the more significant event (my opinion).
The dates of Jesus birth and death are readily established by looking at the Jewish Religious Calendar. Once the Feasts of the Lord celebrated by the Jews are recognized as Messianic prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus on the day of the feast it is easy to conclude that Jesus was born on September 13th, 2BC (the Feast of Tabernacles), and that Jesus died on preparation day for the Feast of Passover, April 3rd, 33AD (Nisan 14, 3793).
Thus, we have established from scripture the date of Jesus birth and validated it via the story of the conception of John the Baptist and the consistency with the narrated events surrounding the birth of Jesus. There should be no further requirement, but our atheistic society demands extra-biblical validation and Luke was kind enough to provide it.
Extra Biblical Validation.
The biggest obstacle to dating Christ birth is the belief that because Herod’s son began his reign in 4 BC, Herod must have died in 4 BC. Thus, Jesus must have been born before Herod died. However, Herod was reduced from a “friend” to a “subject” by Cesar Augustus in 4 BC
+
for sending troops into Arabia. He did not die! He then had to share his reign with his chosen heir, Antipater.
...
Antiquities’ of the Jews, Josephus Flavius Book 16, Chapter 9:3
Herod’s sons were king in name only until after their father died. Herod retained his power and his sons had the title.
Antipater considered his two younger half-brothers who were of “Royal”, Hasmodean, descent a potential threat. He connived to have them executed for treason. Then Antipater plotted to kill Herod, so he would not have to wait to have control of the kingdom. His plot was discovered and exposed. Since Herod had been demoted, he had to get Varus, governor of Syria, to hear the case. (That would be difficult to do while dead.) Varus found Antipater guilty and left the punishment up to Herod. Herod ordered him executed.
+
Herod then decided to split the kingdom between his three remaining sons: Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip. Their reigns were antedated to when Herod was demoted to show the continuity of reign. Coins confirm that antedating was common. Herod died 3 years after Antipater was executed.
+
Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus Flavius Book 17 Chapter 7
http://www.ancient.eu/Publius_Quinctilius_Varus/
Josephus gives two indications of the length of the rule of Herod: 1) He says Herod had a reign of 37 years from the time he was proclaimed king by the Romans and; 2) He says he reigned for 34 years after the death of Antigonus, which happened shortly after Herod took Jerusalem.
+
Herod took Jerusalem late in 36 BC. Josephus says Herod captured Jerusalem 27 years to the day that Pompey committed his abominations, which happened in 63 BC. He also said it was on the occasion of the 185th Olympiad which began in July of 36 BC.
+
Both clearly give 36 BC for Herod's capture of Jerusalem. If we use the common accession method of counting years of rule,
+
a practice the Jews copied from the Babylonians, the date to start his 34 years is on the 1st of Tishrei in 35 BC or on the 1st of Nisan in 35 BC (the beginning of the Temple year following the capture of Jerusalem). Israel’s Northern and Southern Kingdom used different methods of accession counting: one using the Secular year starting on Tishrei 1 and the other used the Temple year starting on Nissan 1. Which method that was used by Josephus doesn’t really matter as both imply a death in 1 BC. So, Herod's 34th year of rule would start with the 1st of Tishrei in 2 BC and end with the 1st of Tishrei in 1 BC or would start with the 1st of Nisan in 2 BC and end with first of Nisan in 1 BC. Now 34 years after 35 BC would give 1 BC for the death and end of the reign of Herod.
Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus Flavius Book 17 Chapter 8
Antiquities of the Jews Book 14 Chapter 16
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mysterious_Numbers_of_the_Hebrew_Kings
The crux of the debate on the date of the death of Herod lies in the statement of Josephus that Herod died shortly after having Matthias burned alive on the day of a “fast” and that very night there was an eclipse of the moon.
+
Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus Flavius Book 17 Chapter 6 verse 4
The point missed by all the scholars is that: “Josephus calls the day of the fall of Jerusalem "the day of the fast" (νηστείας ἡμέρα; "Ant." xiv. 4, § 3); but in this he merely followed the phraseology of his Gentile sources, which regarded the Sabbath as a fast-day, according to the then current Greco-Roman view. Dio Cassius says (xxxvii. 16) correctly that it was on a "Cronos day," this term likewise denoting the Sabbath.
+
There are four candidate eclipses considered by the scholars:
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12264-pompey-the-great
- Friday September 15, 5 BC
- Monday, Tuesday Mar 12-13, 4 BC
- Saturday January 10, 1 BC
- Wednesday December 29, 1 BC
There is only one that falls on a Sabbath (Cronus Day) and it is also the most memorable: being a Total Eclipse centered over Libya just west of Jerusalem which lasted 3 hours and 34 minutes and was in total eclipse an hour and 39 minutes: certainly, worthy of being the eclipse mention by Josephus.
Herod died soon after the total eclipse of the moon as indicated by Josephus. The eclipse occurred on Jan. 10, 1 BC.
+
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat5/LE-0099-0000.html : 04821 0000 Jan 10 02:04:40 (note: NASA uses a year 0 in the eclipse list but since there was no year 0 that year is actually 1 BC.) (note: NASA uses a year 0 in the eclipse list but since there was no year 0 that year is actually 1 BC.) href="http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/5MCLEmap/-0099-0000/LE0000-01-10T.gif"
Eclipse
Jul Date
|
Time
|
Type
|
Umbra
Magnitude
|
Duration
|
Lat
|
Lon
|
|
Jan 10, 1 BC
|
02:04:40
|
Total
|
1.7825
|
98.8
|
22N
|
16E
|
Luke also ties the birth of Jesus to a census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria (Lk 2:2). This has caused problems because Quirinius reigned from 6 to 9 AD. But considering that: “there was found near Tibur (Tivoli) in AD.1764 a fragment of marble known as the Lapis Tiburtinus, with part of an inscription, which is now preserved in the Lateran Museum of Christian Antiquities, as one of the important monuments bearing on the history of Christianity:
 |
| Lapis Tiburtinus |
Though the name has perished, yet these
indications are sufficient to show with practical certainty (as all the highest
authorities are agreed -- Mommsen, Borghesi, de Rossi, Henzen, Dessau, and
others), that the officer who achieved this splendid career was Publius
Sulpicius Quirinius. His government of Syria in 6-9 AD, was therefore his
second tenure of that office. He had administered Syria at some previous time.
Is not this earlier administration the occasion to which Luke refers?
+
“Here again, however, we are confronted with a serious difficulty. The supreme authority on the subject, Mommsen, considers that the most probable date for Quirinius's first government of Syria is about BC.3-1.” +
Arthur Eedle, Seven Steps to Bethlehem page 81 and http://www.torahtimes.org/writings/roman-governors-of-syria/article.html
“Here again, however, we are confronted with a serious difficulty. The supreme authority on the subject, Mommsen, considers that the most probable date for Quirinius's first government of Syria is about BC.3-1.” +
http://biblehub.com/library/ramsay/was_christ_born_in_bethlehem/chapter_11_quirinius_the_governor.htm and http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/bethlehem.iv.vii.html
That serious difficulty evaporates when we realize that Jesus was born in 2 BC not sometime before 4 BC as was assumed by Mommsen and others.
We have established now that Quirinius was the Governor of Syria at the time of Jesus’ birth. We still want to validate the rest of Luke’s statement, that there was a requirement to go to the ancestral home for taxation. The Romans levied both a Land Tax and a Poll tax. The Land Tax was levied every 14 years and only affected the wealthy who owned property. The Poll Tax was also levied every 14 years. It affected both men (age 14 to 60) and women (age 12 to 60). The Poll Tax required everyone to return to their home city and register. The Poll Taxation occurred half way between the Land taxations. There was a Land tax riot mentioned by Josephus which occurred in 6 AD. Thus, the prior Land Tax would have occurred in 9BC and the Poll tax would have occurred in 2 BC and would have been executed by Quirinius during his first reign as governor of Syria from 3 to 1 BC. +
Author Eedle: Seven Steps to Bethlehem p77-79
Jewish Temple Priest Rotation- Courses of Priest from 70 AD to 4 BC
This spreadsheet is very large so it will take a few moments to completely load onto screen. Temple rotation occurred at sunrise on Saturday morning so Jehoiarib would have begun serving at sunrise on Saturday August 4th. The priests were in the Temple saying the prayers for Sunday evening when the soldiers actually broke into the Holy of Holies.
To scroll down use the scroll wheel on your mouse, or the scroll bar on the right side of the spreadsheet. There are two sheets. Sheet1 shows the serving Division of Priest beginning in the week ending 8/11/70 AD and goes back in time to the week ending 1/5/3 BC. Sheet2 begins with week ending 1/5/3 BC and goes forward in time to week ending 8/11/70 AD. Also, those interested can view the full document in Excel format here.
Validation of the Jewish Calendar
Some scholars may complain that this is a derived calendar, whereas the Jews only started using a derived calendar after the destruction of the temple in 70 AD and therefore, all my dates are suspect at best because all the dates are on or before 70 AD. However the derived calendar was derived based on 2000 years of practice. And was self correcting every spring. So to validate the calendar I will demonstrate its validity using NASA’s solar and lunar eclipse records. All dates are going to be plus or minus 1 day because the date changes at sunset not midnight and because the Jews tweaked the calendar to prevent back to back Sabbaths. Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar based calendar a total solar eclipse can only occur on the 1st of the month and a total lunar eclipse can only occur on the 15th of a month. We have shown that the temple destruction began on the 9th of Av, of 70 AD and the Talmud establishes that on the 10 of Av the priests were reciting the prayers for the afternoon of the first day of the week when the soldiers came into the Holy of Holies. On our derived calendar the 9th of Av is also a Saturday, August 4th and the 10th is thus also a Sunday the first day of the week: Sunday August 5th: exactly right. Once again the validity of the date of the crucifixion is easy because the moon rose over Jerusalem as a partial blood moon: in a partial eclipse on April 3rd of the year 33 AD. [27] (As referenced by Peter's speech referring to the day of Jesus' crucifixion on Pentecost (Acts 2:20) as a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. (Joel 2:10) As shown in this Web publication the crucifixion happened on April 3rd, 33AD, the 14th of Nissan the eve of Passover. To validate the calendar for the date of Jesus’ birth we have:- On February 15, 3 BC a total solar eclipse #4757 which occurred on the last day of Adar, 30 Adar
- On January 10, 1BC a total lunar eclipse #4821 which occurred on the 15th of Shevat
- On July 5, 1 BC a total lunar eclipse #4822 which occurred on the 14th of Tammuz Since Jesus was born on Tishrei 15, of 2 BC, which is after the solar eclipse of February 15, 3 BC at which time the derived calendar was exactly right and before the total lunar eclipse of January 10th, 1 BC at which time the derived calendar was exactly right; we have established the date of his birth.
Visitation
- approximately 12/16/-3 to 3/19/-2 about 3 months (Lk 1:56)
A Love Story
Our Father
As Mary reflected on the words of the angel, she realized the angel had given her a sign in the pregnancy of Elizabeth. Gabriel had said: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:36-37). (HM-1).
Mary rejoiced for Elizabeth. Elizabeth ...
Elizabeth was a “relative“, either an aunt or an distant cousin. Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, a Levite (a priest) and Luke indicates that Elizabeth was also descendant of Aaron, a Levite (Lk 1:5). Mary’s father was of the house of Judah. Thus, it is likely that Elizabeth was related to Mary through Mary’s mother, Ann.
Elizabeth and Zechariah lived only 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) from the temple where Mary lived for 8
years. Being childless, Elizabeth devoted care and attention to the children
in the Temple. During her stay in the Temple, Mary saw much more of Elizabeth
than she did of her parents, who lived 90 miles (145 kilometers) away. Mary
knew how much her own child would mean to Elizabeth. As she thought about
Elizabeth, Mary also realized that Elizabeth, because of her age, would need
help during the last months of her pregnancy and she was already in her sixth
month. Mary was delighted at the thought of helping Elizabeth. She had to go
to Elizabeth! Now Elizabeth needed her!
 |
| Map of Palestine |
It was the last day of Chanukah, an 8-day
Feast, one of the few that does not require travel to Jerusalem. Chanukah was
an opportunity for people from Jerusalem to travel to spend the holiday with
friends and relatives who did not live in Jerusalem. (On the other holidays,
Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, everyone had to come to Jerusalem).
There were likely visitors from Jerusalem in Nazareth who would be returning to
Jerusalem right after the feast, on Tuesday December 10th, the 3rd
of Tevet. We are told that “Mary made haste”.(Lk 1:39) Mary likely joined that caravan going from Nazareth back
to Jerusalem, leaving the following morning. Elizabeth lived in Ein Karem,
Israel, which is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Jerusalem. Mary only
went with the caravan as far as the turn off to Ein Karem, which is about 2
miles (3.2 kilometers) north of Ein Karem. “Mary entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
...
The route taken was likely Nazareth to the Kings road just east of Caesarea then south on the kings road to the first turn toward Jerusalem just south of Lydda. That route was paved most of the way and over flatter terrain as well as slightly shorter than going up toward the Sea of Galilee and then south along the Jordan river road or easier than going overland straight to the Jordan river and then south.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leapt in her womb (Lk 1:40-41), and Elizabeth,
filled with the Holy Spirit, realized that Mary was the mother of the Messiah.
(HM-2)
Elizabeth
cried out in a loud voice; “Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the
fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord
should come to me?” (Lk 1:41-43). Elizabeth
knows!
Mary
followed the sign given by the angel Gabriel and is rewarded with confirmation
of the angel’s message! Now, suddenly Mary has someone with whom to share her
joy! God has not only filled Mary with joy at the Annunciation, He wants Mary
to experience the full measure of joy, so He has now provided someone to share
it with. Someone who also has great joy to share: Elizabeth was barren and now
she is pregnant and in her 6th month (Lk 1:37). Elizabeth
has just recently come out of seclusion (Lk 1:24) and somehow Mary
already knows and has come all the way from Nazareth to help her. Joy is not
complete until it is shared. (HM-3)
Notice
also that Mary turns everything to God. Mary immediately proclaims how great
God is: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior,
for He has regarded the humility of his handmaid. For behold henceforth all
generations will call me fortunate;
...
When did I last turn a complement to God’s glory where it truly belongs? When did I last give glory to God? (HM-4)
A heteronym is a linguistic term for two words that are spelled the same but are pronounced differently and have different meanings. Some examples:
Using the Yandex Translate:
The point here is that Mary never said “All generations will call me blesSED (Holy)” she said: “All generations will call me blesD (the receipent of a blessing – Happy).
This is not intended to take anything from Mary but rather to point out Mary’s humility. It is most appropriate that all generations call Mary blesSED (Holy) because she is indeed so. But understand that wasn’t Mary’s prophecy because she never said it. And to attribute to Mary something that is not true gives her no honor!
for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And
his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown
strength with his arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their
hearts, He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the
lowly; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent
empty away. He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as He
spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his posterity forever” (Lk 1:46-55).- Combine komBYNE- put together; KOMbyne- a threshing machine
- Conduct KONduckt- behavior; kunDUCKT- to lead (as in an orchestra)
- Blessed blesD – the receipient of a blessing; blesSED – someone or something that is holy
- Latin: Lk 1:42 et exclamavit voce magna, et dixit: Benedicta tu inter mulieres, et benedictus fructus ventris tui.
- English: Lk 1:42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb
- Latin: Lk 1:48 Quia respexit humilitatem ancillæ suæ: ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.
- English: Lk 1:48 For he has looked with favor on the humility of his handmaid. For behold, from this time, all generations shall call me blessed.
Using the Yandex Translate:
- “Benedicta mulier” translates: “blessed woman”
- “Beata mulier” translates: “happy woman”
The point here is that Mary never said “All generations will call me blesSED (Holy)” she said: “All generations will call me blesD (the receipent of a blessing – Happy).
This is not intended to take anything from Mary but rather to point out Mary’s humility. It is most appropriate that all generations call Mary blesSED (Holy) because she is indeed so. But understand that wasn’t Mary’s prophecy because she never said it. And to attribute to Mary something that is not true gives her no honor!
When did I last turn a complement to God’s glory where it truly belongs? When did I last give glory to God? (HM-4)
It
is important to realize the humility of Mary. She did not consider herself a
candidate to be the mother of the Messiah. Mary truly considered herself just
a handmaid who loved God and her people. She
loved so much that she had committed to make her whole life a prayer to bring
the Messiah into the world. Now she is to be the instrument that brings him
into the world. (HM-5)
Elizabeth
is also someone with whom Mary can share her concerns as well as her joy. As
Mary thinks about her situation she turns to Elizabeth for advice. Mary has shared
the story of the angel’s visit with Elizabeth. Thus, Elizabeth knows that
Joseph isn’t aware of it and that there was no mention of Joseph during the
angels visit. Mary had a deep love and respect for Joseph. She does not want
Joseph to be hurt nor does she know how to tell him. Mary and Elizabeth surely
talk about the approach to telling him and concluded that it was a problem best
left for God. They would not presume to know the rest of God’s plan or
Joseph’s place in it! It is the height of arrogance to attempt to do God a
favor. They would simply trust God to
handle it. (HM-6)
Mary
would meet her betrothed, Joseph, for Passover. As Mary’s betrothed, Joseph would
have been expected to join Mary’s extended family to celebrate the Passover
Seder meal. He probably traveled from Nazareth with Mary’s parents for the
festival in Jerusalem.
 |
| One Year Old Male Lamb |
Joseph has not seen
Mary for at least 3 months. By Passover Mary was in her 15th week
...
The Hebrew / Gregorian calendar, for the years from 3 BC through 1 BC, are in the document at this link.
(see the 4th month), enough to tell on a woman who was accustomed to fasting: a regular
practice for a devout Israelite. Mary was likely self-conscious and Joseph was
perceptive enough to recognize the problem. Mary saw the confusion and pain in
Joseph’s face. There was nothing she could say.  |
| Stages of Pregnancy |
Elizabeth was not due until April 9th and it was only March 22nd. Luke says that Mary stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months (Lk 1:56). If Elizabeth had gone full term Mary would have stayed over 4 months and it makes no sense to consider that Mary would have left Elizabeth when Elizabeth was in her 9th month.
That would
have distracted Joseph and the rest of the family. More importantly, Mary would have been totally focused on helping Elizabeth. Joseph could not speak with her. (HM-7)
After Elizabeth’s baby is born and the Seder meal finished, things began to settle down. Joseph laid down for the night in a common area (likely the roof) with the rest of the extended family. ...
Passover was a Sabbath regardless of the day of the week on which it fell. Therefore, Joseph would have stayed the night since he could not travel more than 2000 cubits (about a 1000 yards, 914 meters) on a Sabbath.
His thoughts return to Mary and her situation. Mary left suddenly 3 months ago, had she been attacked? He was hurting. He felt betrayed. Then he considered the consequences to Mary. It was not his child, so if he denounced her she would be stoned to death as an adulteress. Over the two and a half years that he has known Mary, he has grown to love her. Mary was such a good, kind, and loving girl. She had an incredible love of God. It was difficult to understand how this could have happened. He could not let such a one be stoned. If instead he just submitted a writ of divorce to the Great Sanhedrin, ...
The Great Sanhedrin met daily in Jerusalem and he was going to be in Jerusalem for at least a week. At that time a man could obtain a divorce for any reason by just submitting the writ of divorce to the Sanhedrin.
then she would be a repudiated woman and free to marry the father of her child,
if that was what she wanted. But, because he had not divorced her for adultery,
people would think that he was the father. He would be considered a “deadbeat”
father and be scorned and possibly even shunned for casting Mary off while she was with
child. As shameful as that would be, he could not leave Mary subject to the
law (stoning). Joseph chose to divorce Mary privately rather than to make an
example of her (Mt 1:19). He chose to
give up his own reputation for Mary. Joseph chose to take on Mary’s "guilt”, just as Jesus has taken on our guilt. There is no greater love than to give up your life for someone (Jn 15:13)
 |
| Typical home during Jesus’ time |
The angel said: “Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary, your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit: she will bear a son and you will name him Jesus, ‘Yahweh saves’, for He will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:20-21).
Naming Jesus was an adoptive act. Joseph was to adopt Jesus as his own son. The Angel had asked Joseph if he would take Mary into his home and be the father to Jesus. I wonder if Joseph slept at all the remainder of the night. Joseph pondered the implications of being a father to the Messiah, a father to the Son of God! He had thought, with his vow of celibacy, he would never get to experience the joy of fatherhood. He had thought that, even though he was a descendant of David, he was not worthy to even be considered to be in line for the fatherhood of the Messiah. He took the vow of celibacy as a prayer to bring the Messiah. Now the Messiah was not only coming, He was coming into Joseph’s care! His sorrow has turned to great joy: his prayer for the Messiah has been answered. Mary is not an adulteress, she is the mother of the Messiah! He can hardly wait for Mary to awake.
Consider the joy in the house on the following morning, the morning following the Seder Supper. Mary and Joseph shared the stories of their respective angelic visits: “Mary, an angel came to me last night …” Think of the flood of relief and joy that poured over Mary at those words!
Elizabeth and Zechariah are now parents of a son, just as the angel had told Zechariah. They are now also overwhelmed with relief and delight at the sight of Mary and Joseph together: hand in hand and grinning from ear to ear! One look at the joy on Mary’s face and Elizabeth knows that Joseph is also part of God’s plan.
Mary’s parents are told that they will be grandparents after all, of the Messiah! (Remember Mary’s father had to give his permission for Mary to take a vow of celibacy.) (HM-8)
The Seder celebration has a custom of setting an extra place at the table for Elijah, because of the tradition that Elijah would return on Passover. + That year, with the birth of John the Baptist, whom the angel Gabriel told Zechariah had the spirit of Elijah (Lk 1:17), Elijah did return for the Seder meal on Passover of 2 BC.
Normally the father of the groom determines when a marriage for a betrothed couple will be formalized: the nisu’in is celebrated under the wedding canopy. Hence the saying “Only the Father knows the day and the hour” (Mt 24:36). The father determines the day and the hour based on the couple’s behavior. Think about that in the context of Mt 24:36. (HM-9)
But if Joseph was 30 years old then he alone could decide when the nisu’in is celebrated. Joseph and Mary likely celebrated it that same day, while together with the extended family in Jerusalem. Zechariah, a priest, has known Mary’s situation for three months. He gladly officiates at the ceremony (with someone reading the words for him as is normally done even today for a priest or minister who lost his speech to a stroke).
Since John was born on Passover, his circumcision would have taken place on Passover Yizkor. ...
Yizkor is a memorial service (one of three each year) held for all those who have recently died. It is possible that the caravan from Nazareth would be delayed a day if several wanted to stay for the memorial service.
Circumcisions took place on the 8th day even if it fell on a
Sabbath. Mary and Joseph would have stayed for the celebration. They would
not have left for home until Nisan 23.
...
Mary would have arrived at Elizabeth’s home on or about Dec 16 and would have left on March 19th with Elizabeth and Zechariah for the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Thus, Mary remained about 3 months.
And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zechariah,after his father. But his mother answered and said, “No, he will be called John.”
And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.” And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.
Zechariah asked for a tablet and wrote as follows: “His name is John.” And they were all astonished and at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.
All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for his people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David his servant [a prophecy concerning Jesus] - as He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old - Salvation from our enemies from the hand of all who hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
“And [concerning his own son] you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare his ways to give to his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Lk 1:57-79). [Jesus is the dawn from on high, the “Sunrise”, who will visit us bringing ‘life’, ‘light’, and ‘peace’]. +
Oxford Bible Commentary Edited by John Barton and John Muddiman, Lk 1:59-80 p928
Mary had to have been there for the memory of the words of Zechariah to have been preserved.
After sharing such a powerful experience as that which occurred throughout the Feast of Passover; Mary and Joseph did not leave until they had made plans to return in the fall, when they would be relocating to Bethlehem, a suburb of Jerusalem. ...
They did not return to Nazareth after Mary’s Purification and were found in Bethlehem by the Magi.
Both Mary and Joseph knew that Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be
born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2), Joseph’s home
town. Even if they hadn’t remembered it, Zechariah would surely have reminded
them. Knowing Mary was carrying the Messiah; Zechariah would have reviewed all
the scriptural prophesies relating to the Messiah.
Mary and Joseph had been betrothed for almost 3 years. Mary has been away from home, Nazareth, for just over three months and returns a married woman. Joseph’s family is from Bethlehem where the wedding would have normally been held. No one in Nazareth would have expected a wedding in Nazareth.
Mary and Joseph left Nazareth for Bethlehem 3 weeks before Jesus’ birth, the last week of August. They then fled from Herod by going from Bethlehem to Cairo, Egypt. ...
The Holy Family likely went to Cairo, Egypt. Mary appeared in Zeitoun Egypt in 1968 where it is widely believed that she passed in route to Cairo, while fleeing from Herod.
The Holy Family did not return to Nazareth for almost 8 months. They did not
return to Nazareth until after Passover in 1 BC, returning from Jerusalem with
the caravan from Nazareth on Sunday, April 15th, 1 BC. The
timing of Jesus’ birth versus the formalization of the marriage would simply
never have arisen.
(HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Visitation
Mary’s initial thought was service
Mary, your initial reaction to the angel’s message was to go and help Elizabeth. You immediately decided to go take a 90 mile, 6-day walk to help someone. My reaction would be: “Good for her, I’ll bet she is excited.” Teach me to focus on service for that too is prayer. It is taking an active part in the Mystical Body of your son. Help me to recognize opportunities to serve.
Turn the praise back to God
Mary, when Elizabeth recognized you as the mother of the Messiah, your first reaction was to turn the praise to God. You turned Elizabeth’s focus directly to God. Help me to keep in mind that all things come from God and all praise belongs to God. If I am given the gift to accomplish something it is only because God has first given me both the opportunity and the skills necessary to accomplish it. I have simply been blessed to be his instrument.
Do not presume to do God a favor
God can do anything. He does not need me to do anything for him. If he wants something he will ask directly or through one of his messengers (angels). Most often though, He provides both an opportunity through a series of coincidences and a compulsion to do what He is asking. If he has not asked, it is not time and He may even block my attempts to do so. It is presumption to think that God needs me to do something. It is likely not possible to be more arrogant. Lord give me the grace to recognize that when you have not presented the opportunity it is simply not time. Give me the wisdom to recognize when it is time. Give me the humility to accept that I am not finished. Give me the grace to see what still needs to be done. Thank you, Lord for what you have provided already. God has given me the desire, so I must change my prayer to one of “Show me what I must do to be ready.”
Mary was given a sign by Gabriel
When Mary went to Ein Kerem to see Elizabeth she was also responding to the sign given her by Gabriel. For her effort she was rewarded with confirmation of all that the angel had said, since Elizabeth realized she was carrying the Messiah. Elizabeth’s words: “Happy is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Lk 1:4) were fulfilled at that very moment.
Joseph was not told until he had decided to give his life for Mary Joseph, God chose to wait until you had decided what to do about Mary, before He let you in on his plan. I think He wanted you to know that you had in fact chosen to give yourself for Mary. He wanted you to know you had freely chosen love. Help me to love. Keep me aware of my choices in the little things of the day. Picking up some trash on the floor, putting something left out away, taking out the trash, a word of encouragement, an acknowledgement of the effort of another, and doing what needs to be done are also acts of love. You lived a life in the background, always there, always providing, always loving. Help me to imitate you. God has shown me that in doing things for love, that are never mentioned, God will not be out done in generosity: Peace reigns, the Kingdom of God comes. I wish I knew more about you, Joseph. I love the staircase you built in Santa Fe. That was something beautifully done and then you simply left, asking for no acknowledgement or payment.
Mary, your initial reaction to the angel’s message was to go and help Elizabeth. You immediately decided to go take a 90 mile, 6-day walk to help someone. My reaction would be: “Good for her, I’ll bet she is excited.” Teach me to focus on service for that too is prayer. It is taking an active part in the Mystical Body of your son. Help me to recognize opportunities to serve.
Turn the praise back to God
Mary, when Elizabeth recognized you as the mother of the Messiah, your first reaction was to turn the praise to God. You turned Elizabeth’s focus directly to God. Help me to keep in mind that all things come from God and all praise belongs to God. If I am given the gift to accomplish something it is only because God has first given me both the opportunity and the skills necessary to accomplish it. I have simply been blessed to be his instrument.
Do not presume to do God a favor
God can do anything. He does not need me to do anything for him. If he wants something he will ask directly or through one of his messengers (angels). Most often though, He provides both an opportunity through a series of coincidences and a compulsion to do what He is asking. If he has not asked, it is not time and He may even block my attempts to do so. It is presumption to think that God needs me to do something. It is likely not possible to be more arrogant. Lord give me the grace to recognize that when you have not presented the opportunity it is simply not time. Give me the wisdom to recognize when it is time. Give me the humility to accept that I am not finished. Give me the grace to see what still needs to be done. Thank you, Lord for what you have provided already. God has given me the desire, so I must change my prayer to one of “Show me what I must do to be ready.”
Mary was given a sign by Gabriel
When Mary went to Ein Kerem to see Elizabeth she was also responding to the sign given her by Gabriel. For her effort she was rewarded with confirmation of all that the angel had said, since Elizabeth realized she was carrying the Messiah. Elizabeth’s words: “Happy is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Lk 1:4) were fulfilled at that very moment.
Joseph was not told until he had decided to give his life for Mary Joseph, God chose to wait until you had decided what to do about Mary, before He let you in on his plan. I think He wanted you to know that you had in fact chosen to give yourself for Mary. He wanted you to know you had freely chosen love. Help me to love. Keep me aware of my choices in the little things of the day. Picking up some trash on the floor, putting something left out away, taking out the trash, a word of encouragement, an acknowledgement of the effort of another, and doing what needs to be done are also acts of love. You lived a life in the background, always there, always providing, always loving. Help me to imitate you. God has shown me that in doing things for love, that are never mentioned, God will not be out done in generosity: Peace reigns, the Kingdom of God comes. I wish I knew more about you, Joseph. I love the staircase you built in Santa Fe. That was something beautifully done and then you simply left, asking for no acknowledgement or payment.
Nativity
- September 13, 2 BC/Tishrei 15, 3760
The birth of the Lamb of God
Our Father
That summer there came a decree, from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed. ...
The Romans levied a poll tax that taxed every individual (taxing the poor as well as the rich) and a land-tax that was paid only by property owners. Every 14 years the Romans levied the land tax and the poll tax was levied half way between the land taxations. William Thomas Arnold, The Roman System of Provincial Administration to the Accession of Constantine the Great page 172
Joseph, being from the house of David and intending to relocate to his home
town, Bethlehem, now also had to go to Bethlehem to register for the poll tax (Lk 2:1-3). The census during
the reign of Quirinius
...
It has now been established that Quirinius served as governor two times the first from 3 to 1 BC and the 2nd from 6 to 9 AD.
required all to travel to their own city sometime
during the fall and winter months: when harvest was over. Harvest completion
was marked by the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkoth, an 8-day feast, beginning on
Tishrei 15. The Feast is in remembrance of God’s physical presence with the Israelites in the pillar of cloud and fire, during the Exodus (Ex 13:21). It is also called the Feast of God with us, in Hebrew: “Emanuel”.(HM-1)
The Israelites lived in booths, called a sukkot, during the Exodus. They were accompanied during their journey by the physical presence of God in the Pilar of cloud by day and a Pilar of fire by night. They were also provided water from the rock that accompanied them during the Exodus. Thus there are three components to the celebration of Tabernacles: lights, water, and booths:
- The Illumination of the Temple Ceremony in which four oil fed lamps, seventy-five-foot Menorahs, provided light to the entire city all night long just as the pillar of fire provided light during the Exodus (Jesus is the light of the world).
-
The Joyous Water-Drawing Ceremony.
+ On Sukkoth, water was also poured over the altar in a special ceremony. This ritual engendered such joy that it was celebrated with music, dancing and singing all night long. It celebrates the fact that during the Exodus water flowed from the rock that accompanied them during their journey (Jesus is the source of living water.) ...
The water drawing ceremony was performed at all three convocations:
The rock was Jesus (1Cor 10:4) and that is why Moses was punished for striking the rock twice. (Nm 20:11)(HM-2) - Tabernacles is also called Shelters or Booths because during the entire eight days, all Israelites are required to live in shelters, called sukkot, like they did during the Exodus. The sukkot are tents for the wealthy but for the common people, like a carpenter and his wife, it was a kind of lean-to. A sukkah must have at least 3 sides, allow the stars to be visible, and have a cover of branches: a leaky thatched roof. If it rains you are supposed to get wet!
 |
| Expensive Sukkah Exodus Encampment Minimum Sukkah |
 |
| Holy Land Caravansary |
Joseph needed to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles as it is a convocation during which every Israelite male over 13 was required to go to the designated place of worship: Jerusalem. Bethlehem is a suburb of Jerusalem, just 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of the Temple. Although it is only 70 miles (113 kilometers) from Nazareth to Jerusalem the route the caravan would take was 92 miles (148 kilometers) to avoid going through Samaria.
Travel arrangements were complicated by the fact that a large group, most of whom are on foot, could only travel 15 miles (24 kilometers) per day
...
A caravan can only travel at the speed of the slowest traveler. Even today caravans in Pakistan traveling on foot typically cover 15 miles (24 km) per day: Fr Greg Rice missionary.
and Jerusalem was 92 miles (148 kilometers) away via the Kings Road. That meant a 6-day trip. Normally you would begin a 6-day trip on Sunday and arrive on Friday in time for the Sabbath. The Feast of Tabernacles, the 15th of Tishrei, was always a Sabbath and that year it fell on the Sabbath so for the 92-mile (148 kilometer) trip one would need to leave on the 9th. But the 10th of Tishrei was always a Sabbath since it was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day the year. Then the 8th that year was a Sabbath and the 1st was the Feast of Trumpets. For which the first day of the two-day Feast was also a Sabbath. Unless you wanted to spend a Sabbath or two in a caravansary you were going to have to
leave on the 24th of Elul (August 24th). Thus, there
were probably 2 caravans from Nazareth that year. The first on the 24th
of Elul enabling the travelers to spend all the feast days in Jerusalem and the
second caravan would have left on the 7th of Tishri (September 5th)
giving those travelers an extra ten days to finish the harvesting, but their
trip was 8 days instead of 6. The additional 2 days were spent in a caravansary
joined in prayer with other travelers. It can be noted that a group with
mounts (donkeys, horses, or camels) could easily make 25 miles (40 kilometers) per
day making the journey in 4 days but everyone would need to be mounted. A group
with no children or elderly could travel 20 miles (32 kilometers) in a day,
making the journey in 5 days.
Mary and Joseph joined the first caravan, as that provided
them the safety of travel in a caravan with their possessions, since they were
moving to Bethlehem. It also allowed them to spend the feasts of Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur with Elizabeth and Zechariah as they had planned. Mary
and Joseph loaded their possessions onto a donkey cart
...
Although they were poor, Joseph had to have brought his tools and even with what little they possessed it could not be carried. As a carpenter Joseph would have had to travel to find and harvest the wood he would be using. That required a donkey cart. That they were moving can be seen from the fact that they were still in Bethlehem when they were found by the Magi sometime after the presentation of Jesus which was 40 days after his birth.
and joined their neighbors traveling in the caravan from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
During the 6-day journey from Nazareth
the caravan stopped for the night at caravansaries: inns with a central courtyard. The central courtyard was intended for the pack animals: camels, mules, donkeys, horses, and oxen that were used to
transport the travelers and their baggage. The courtyard provided security for
the travelers’ property from wild animals and bands of thieves. The poor travelers stayed in the courtyard with the
animals while the wealthy rented space in the inn. The courtyard in
unpopulated areas usually contained a mini market providing provender for the
pack animals and food and supplies for the travelers. (HM-3)
Mary and Joseph likely separated from the caravan at the turn off to Ein Karem just
as Mary had done when she went to help Elizabeth. They still had 2 weeks
before the baby was due and they haven’t seen Elizabeth and Zechariah since
John was circumcised and Zechariah regained his speech. They remained with
Elizabeth and Zechariah through the first of the holidays. They planned to
leave Ein Karem for Bethlehem on the 14th of Tishrei, Friday the 12th
of September, and set up their sukkah in Bethlehem thereby spending the eight-day
Feast of Tabernacles with Joseph’s family. Joseph planned on preparing their
house
...
Joseph had only been in Nazareth for 3 years. He likely had property in Bethlehem and maybe even a house. Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost 50 days after Passover. Knowing he would be relocating to Bethlehem he likely made arrangements for the relocation at that time.
while they were living in the sukkah as was required during the eight-day
feast. They set out on Friday morning for the 6.75-mile (10.8 Km) trip to Bethlehem. (A donkey cart can travel 3 mph and can travel for 10
hours/day).
+
At 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) per hour traveling by themselves the trip would
only have taken about 2.5 hours. They were traveling along the south side of
Jerusalem never more than a few miles (kilometers) from Jerusalem which would
have been safe traveling.
Travelers without family or friends in Jerusalem, upon arriving in environs of Jerusalem, set up their sukkot in the central courtyard of the caravansaries with the pack animals and baggage. This allowed them to leave their property in the caravansary and go to the Temple or market, as was required, without fear of losing their property. With the courtyards filling up with sukkot even the caravansaries as far away as Bethlehem filled quickly. For the next 8 days, no one lived inside! The Greek word for “caravansary” which is used by Luke in his Gospel has been translated into English as “inn”.
Arriving at the caravansary in Bethlehem early Friday afternoon, Joseph discovers the courtyard is already full of sukkot (there is physically no room in the “inn”, the caravansary courtyard, to set up even a poor man's sukkah). (HM-4)Joseph has family in Bethlehem, so he seeks them out to set up his sukkah with theirs and at the same time to arrange for assistance for Mary who was now beginning labor. It is suggested that rather than use Joseph’s sukkah, they use one of the nearby stables. +
The choice to stay in the caravansary was probably based on the fact they wanted security for all their possessions, without imposing on family, while Joseph prepared their new home.
The Sadducees, the priestly family, controlled all the pasture lands around Bethlehem. It was only September so the flocks would remain in the surrounding pastures until winter set in so they would not consume the vegetation near the city until the weather turned cold. New born lambs were vulnerable to the weather for two weeks.
Joseph’s sukkah does not provide the required privacy for giving birth. The stable qualifies as a sukkah, provides privacy, and is much warmer than Joseph’s lean-to. Joseph’s family is there to assist Mary with the birth of Jesus. (HM-5)
When my daughter had her first child, a son, as she lay in the hospital bed holding her son, she looked up at me and said: “I didn’t think it was possible to love a human being this much!” Worn out from hours of labor, hair in dis-array, with no makeup, her face radiated with so much joy, I have never seen her so beautiful!
Consider the joy felt by both Mary and Joseph. They also know that their little baby boy is the long-awaited Messiah! The baby is God’s Son. God’s own son is the answer to their prayer for the Messiah! (HM-6)
Their joy is magnified when shepherds arrive
...
The shepherds likely did not leave right away as it was the Sabbath. They would have remained with the sheep until relieved the following day. They would have had no trouble finding the Holy Family as the requirement to remain in a sukkah was an 8 day requirement.
with news that a host of angels had appeared and that the angels were singing praise
to God. The shepherds explain that the angels told them where to find the
child (Lk 2:8-16). Mary and
Joseph are now sharing their joy with the shepherds! (HM-7)
The
shepherds to whom the angelic host appeared had been tending the temple flocks.
The Sadducees had a monopoly on Paschal lambs. The Sadducees’ flock had more
than 600,000 sheep and goats. They controlled all the pasturage for 6 or 7
miles (10 or 11 kilometers) in all directions from Bethlehem. When a ewe gave
birth, a Levitical
...
Only a Levite could make the determination that a lamb was unblemished.
shepherd inspected the lamb. If it was a male without blemish both the ewe and
the lamb were moved to a separate flock and especially cared for. The lamb was
destined for the Paschal sacrifice in the Temple. The shepherds, likely all
Levites, were sent by the heavenly hosts to the stable in Bethlehem to inspect
God’s First Born, Mary’s first born: The Lamb of God! (HM-8)
Jesus is Mary’s first born, born in a stable used by the Levitical shepherds to protect new born Paschal Lambs from the weather. He is inspected by the Levitical shepherds and found without blemish! How else could the Lamb of God be born?
Mary’s child is born in Bethlehem which means “House of Bread”. Where else would the Bread of Life be born? (Like coincidences? Jessi Romero calls them "Godincidences.") In Arabic "Bethlehem" means "House of Meat". But wait. isn’t the Bread of Life actually the flesh of the Lamb of God! The Nativity is not only pointing to Passover but also to the Eucharist!
Jesus is born on the Feast of Emanuel, the Feast of God with us! When else would He who is God, is now with us, and is even called Emanuel (God with us) by Isaiah (Is 7:14), be born?
Jesus is conceived and born on the two Jewish celebrations of light. How else should the “Light of the World” be brought into the world?
The joy experienced by Mary and Joseph at the birth of Jesus, the source of living water, is the fulfillment of the saying in the Talmud: He who has not seen the Water-Drawing Celebration has never seen joy in his life.” +
Talmud, sukkah 53.
Mary had much to ponder in her heart. (Lk 2:19) (HM-9)
This gives additional meaning to the words of Jesus to Pilate when He said: “for this I was born” (Jn 18:37). Jesus was a first born, born in a stable used for the temple flocks to protect the new born lambs, inspected by the Levitical shepherds, found without blemish, and thus qualified from his birth for a Paschal sacrifice: The Lamb of God. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Nativity
God’s Providence
Mary, how many hundreds of millions of people read the story
of the birth of your son and thought: Why was Joseph so late that there was no
room in the inn? Why was there no one, in a culture that valued highly “providing
assistance to travelers”, to take you in so that you could have your baby in
the warmth and privacy of a home? God had a plan! Your son was born in a
stable used for the temple flocks to protect new born lambs from the weather. He
was inspected by the Levitical shepherds and found without blemish thus marked
for sacrifice on Passover as the Lamb of God. All these things happened by the
Providence of God not just for those living when you lived but also for us
living 2000 years later. Luke says you pondered these things in your heart.
Did you see the connections? I take my life on the surface, based only on what
my own senses perceive, one day at a time. It is inconceivable to me that my
life too is part of God’s plan. My part may be small but it is a part of his
plan. The only requirement is that I love. Love is action not feeling! I must
reach out to those with whom I come in contact. When I submit myself to become
God’s instrument He will use me in ways that I will only understand after I
die. What a joy to look forward to.
Coincidences?
We see coincidences all the time. We run into a friend at a store or are thinking of someone and they call. There is math for that: it is called probability. What is the probability that if I go into a store I will see someone I know? That is a fairly high probability, I know a lot of people. When you combine two independent events: “What is the probability I meet someone in the store I know, who was at Mass this morning?” The number of possible successful outcomes is now significantly reduced because most of the people I know were not at Mass this morning and I don’t know all the people who were at Mass this morning. However sometimes the series of coincidences (the number of events) gets to be so long it becomes obvious that this was planned: Linda always stops at the store, on her way home from Mass, to pick up a gallon of milk so she has fresh milk for her kids. If I meet her at the store after Mass the probability was 100%. When the probability of accidental happening gets so small and yet it happens that implies that it was planned! Jesus is the Lamb of God. Lambs are frequently born in stables. New born lambs are inspected by Levitical shepherds. Unblemished lambs are sacrificed. What is the probability that Jesus would also be born in a stable, inspected by Levitical shepherds, and die on Passover? Oh, and that He would be known as the Lamb of God and that He would be born on the feast of “God with Us”, the feast of Emanuel, that the Light of the World would be conceived and born on the two celebrations of light, that the Source of living water would be born on the day of the Joyous Water Drawing Ceremony? It was planned that way! Help me Lord to see your hand in the coincidences in my life.
Presentation
- October 22, 2 BC/Cheshvan 24, 3760
Jesus meets his
Father
Our Father
On the 8th day, September 20th, Tishrei 22, Jesus was
circumcised at the local synagogue and given the name prescribed to both Mary
and Joseph by the angel Gabriel. After the Feast of Tabernacles, when the requirement to live in a sukkah ended, Joseph moved his small family into a home where they would be found by the magi (Mt 2:10). (HM-1)
When a woman gives birth to her first child, if it is a boy, then he must be redeemed by the father. The ceremony of redemption of a first born by his father is termed a Pidyon Haben. It takes place on the 30th day after the birth (for Jesus that would have been: October 12th, Cheshvan 14th). The offering for redemption, five shekels (Nm 18:15-16), is not mentioned in the New Testament but Joseph understood his role as adoptive father and we are told that they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord (Lk 2:39). (HM-2)
A woman, who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, is ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as during her monthly period. Then the woman must wait thirty-three more days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary (Lev 12:2-4). The mother does not attend the Pidyon Haben. At the end of this period of purification the woman was required to make a sacrifice of a year-old lamb for her purification and a turtle dove or pigeon for sin (Lev 12:6). If she could not afford that, then a sacrifice of two turtle doves could be made (Lev 12:8). ...
Simeon Ben Hillel was known for providing the two turtle doves required for the purification out of his own pocket when a woman came to the temple for purification and did not have the money for the doves. That Simeon encountered Mary and Joseph may not have been an accidental encounter. He may have been pointed out to Mary and Joseph as a source of funds for Mary’s purification.
(HM-3)
Mary and Joseph went to the temple to make the required sacrifice for Mary’s purification (Lk 2:22). Mary, like any woman who has given birth while the father is away, wanted to take Jesus to his Father, Yahweh.
As Mary and Joseph entered the temple, after Mary’s purification in one of the many baths located just outside the temple, Simeon approaches (Lk 2:27). Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah, he takes Jesus into his arms saying: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples, a light of revelation to the gentiles, and glory for your people Israel”(Lk 2:29-32). (HM-4)
Simeon
+
follows Mary and Joseph into the temple and is thus present when they introduce
Jesus to his Father: “Yahweh, your Son!” Consider the joy felt by Mary and
Joseph as they presented Jesus to his Father. (HM-5)
Journal of Bible and Religion Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan., 1966 Does the Simeon of Luke 2 Refer to Simeon the Son of Hillel www.jstor.org/stable/1460564 A Cutler - 1966 "Simeon and Hillel’s son without any kind of surname (patronymic or other) ... and
www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7698-Hillel. Simeon was likely Simeon Ben Hillel the grandfather of Gamaliel. Simeon lived 130 years, dying in 20 AD. He was noted for both believing in the eminent arrival of the Messiah and teaching the requirement for love of God and neighbor.
Mary also rejoices with Anna, an 84-year-old widow of the tribe of Asher, who recognizes Jesus and goes off telling everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Lk 2:38)
Both Simeon and Anna (Lk 2:36) filled with the Holy Spirit, have recognized not Mary and Joseph but the child and give glory to God! According to Jewish Law, it takes two witnesses of an event to prove that the event occurred as described by the witnesses. It is not a coincidence that Luke provides two witnesses to the presentation of Jesus. (HM-6)
Consider the joy Mary felt when strangers exclaimed over her new born. Even more so, the joy she felt when her child is recognized for being special. Jesus is recognized as the Messiah even as an infant! (HM-7)
As they were leaving the Temple, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary: “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many may be revealed” (Lk 2:33-35).
Mary holds her son close to her heart as she realizes that Simeon’s prophecy will come because of her son. (HM-8)
Simeon has witnessed what he perceives to be a dedication to temple service. Mary and Joseph did not make a sacrifice for the redemption of Jesus after presenting him to his Father so from Simeon perspective Jesus, the Messiah, has just been very appropriately dedicated to the service of God. Since Mary and Joseph must have forgotten to record the dedication, Simeon was happy to take care of that for them. ...
Jesus assumed his mother knew that He had to stay in the temple. The only reason He would have had to stay was because He was recorded as dedicated to Temple service. Mary would not have forgotten such a dedication, so when she brought her son to the temple to meet his Father, she had no intention of dedicating Jesus to Temple service. Someone else must have recorded the dedication. Simeon became the head of the Sanhedrin in 9 AD when his father died. Not knowing the relationship between Jesus and his Father, Simeon is the likely candidate for having mistaken Jesus introduction to his Father for a dedication to temple service.
(HM-9)
Mary
+
and Samuel
+
(1Sam 1:28) were presented
to God by their parents because they each were God’s answer to a fervent prayer
for a child. They were intentionally dedicated to God’s service in the temple,
by their parents, even before conception!
Proto Evangelium of James. Joachim chapter 1; Anna chapters 3 & 4
New Jerusalem Bible Luke 2:22 commentary; Navarre Bible, Pentateuch commentary Lev 27:1-34 page 514
Both Samuel and Mary, dedicated to the temple, were brought back to the temple to stay when they were weaned (able to live without their mother) but it was not required to bring the male child until he became of age because his dedication was for life.
God initiated Jesus’ conception. Mary had no intention of dedicating Jesus to the Temple. Mary and Joseph knew Jesus was to be the Messiah. They were simply bringing Jesus to his Father. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Presentation
Joseph and Mary acknowledge the Fatherhood of God
When a woman whose spouse is on military deployment gives birth, the first thing she wants to do is bring their child to his father. Mary, you were no different. By law you could not go into the temple for 40 days. You were an hour away from the temple, but you could not go. You were completely drawn to God as Gabriel testified. Now you were holding your son, God’s Son! Joseph has adopted Jesus at God’s request and he too wants to be with you as you brought to God his own son. Just from a human perspective it had to be an incredibly joyful moment. From a spiritual perspective, it was indescribable, even unimaginable!
Joy tempered with sorrow
The presentation was a complex event. It was at the same time a Joyful Mystery and one of your sorrows. It filled you with incredible joy to be able to introduce your son to his Father. Your joy was amplified when Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the Messiah. As a new mother, all praise directed to your son was shared by you. You were on such an incredible high when, as you were about to leave, Simeon brought you down: “A sword will pierce your soul!” These were words you immediately recognized to be prophetic. It made you want to hold your child close to your heart because you knew it meant the sword would come because of your son. There would be those who would resent, even hate, your son.
As Joseph took you by night to Egypt you began to see just how much the world could hate; then you were told about the children in and around Bethlehem who were killed as Herod attempted to kill your son. ...
The population of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus was about 400. There were an additional 200 people living in the vicinity of Bethlehem. One half were female so there were about 300 males. Half the population is typically below the age of twenty so the average number of children would have been 7.5 per year of age. Thus, there would have been about 20 babies 2 years old and under slaughtered at Herod’s command. The sign in the heavens seen by the magi began in September of 3 BC and continued until June of 2 BC. So if the sign implied the newborn king was born in September of 3BC he could already be 15 months old. Herod would rather error on the side of caution so he ordered all males 2 and under to be killed.
Many were children you had met in your brief stay in Bethlehem. They were the
children of the mothers with whom you had shared the joys of new motherhood. Your
heart was ripped apart. You felt all the pain of those 20 mothers. Your child
was safe but theirs were gone! Lord give me the grace to accept the losses
that must come. Allow me the wisdom and compassion to be able to console those
who feel the pain.Joseph is the Adoptive Father of God’s Son
Joseph was told by the angel to name the baby Yeshua, “Yahweh saves”. Naming is an adoptive act. The angel was telling Joseph to adopt Jesus as his own son. Joseph took Jesus to a Synagogue and made the offering of 5 shekels to redeem Mary’s first born. Joseph knew that Jesus was conceived by the action of the Holy Spirit and that Jesus would grow up to become the Messiah. Joseph, you were a carpenter who swore to live a life of celibacy as a prayer to bring the Messiah. Now your son is God’s son! What must it have been like to hold God? To hold him in your arms and rock him to sleep? He must have fallen when he was learning to walk, and you held him when he cried. God cried in your arms! You taught Jesus to be a carpenter. You taught God! You learned humility from your son. So, you chose to always remain in the background. You chose to love and to serve providing for Mary and Jesus. Teach me to love as you loved. Help me to provide for my family.
Adoration of the Magi
- November - December, 2 BC / Kislev to Tevet, 3760Our Father
We
all associate the “3 Kings” with the Nativity; the arrival of the kings is a mystery in the Franciscan Crown rosary.
+
The magi didn’t arrive until after the presentation. (Mary’s offering was two doves: they had not received any gold). The actual number of magi is unknown. What we know about the Magi is the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which remind us of Isaiah 60:6. (Both frankincense and myrrh are types of incense.) (HM-1)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscan_Crown
The Franciscan Crown Rosary Mysteries are the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of Jesus, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, the Resurrection, and the Assumption.
Their origin was from the East. It is thought from either Seleucia (Babylon was destroyed in 325 BC and a new capital city, Seleucia, was established 27 miles (43 kilometers) to the North) or possibly Persepolis if Cyrus or Darius had moved the wise men back to Persia.
It took 4 months for a large caravan to travel from Babylon to Jerusalem. + It was 1090 miles (1754 kilometers). It is 1420 miles (2285 kilometers) from Persepolis to Jerusalem. A small group on camels would average 25 miles (40 kilometers) a day carrying up to 300 lbs. (136 kg) per camel for a few days. For a longer trip the average was closer to 18 miles (29 kilometers) a day. Thus, the trip would have taken a minimum of 72 days from Seleucia and 94 days from Persepolis, allowing for 1 day of rest for every 6 days of travel for the camels and men. (HM-2)
Beginning on Tishri 1 (September 11, 3
BC), the Jewish New Year of 3759 and throughout 2 BC, 3760, there occurred a
rare triple conjunction of Jupiter (the king planet, through its retrograde
motion) and Regulus (the king star) they intersected on 9/11/3 BC, 2/6/2 BC,
and 5/7/2 BC. The Magi likely interpreted this rare triple conjunction as a giant neon sign in the heavens
blinking KING-KING-KING. This all began at the Jewish New year and all within
the constellation of Leo (the lion, a symbol of the tribe of Judah). So, it
heavily symbolized a Jewish King from the tribe of Judah, a clear indication
for those familiar with the Messiah.
+
(HM-3)
http://BethlehemStar.net
(caution this site also talks about the sign of the virgin in the heavens which by definition could not be seen since the constellation is clothed with the sun.)
“Attempts to identify the Christmas star with a planetary
conjunction, comet, or supernova are futile. The protoevangelium of James
(21:3), Ephrem the Syrian in his commentary on the Diatessaron, and Chrysostom
in his commentary on Matthew all rightly recognize the so-called star does not
stay on high but moves as a guide and indeed comes to rest very near the infant
Jesus. Matters become clear when we recall that the ancients generally
believed stars to be animate beings, and the Jews, in particular, identified
them with angels(Job 38:7). The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy, 7 and Theophylact must be
right in identifying the magi’s star with an angel, and one may compare the
angelic guide of the Exodus (Ex 23:20,23; Ex 32:34)
+
(HM-4)
The Oxford Bible Commentary Edited by John Barton and John Muddiman: Matthew 3 p849
All this symbolism of a Jewish king from Judah was enough to get
the well-versed Magi moving to Jerusalem, but you can understand why the
average citizen of Jerusalem missed it.
+
(HM-5)
The wise men were of the group of scholars that was originally formed and led by
the prophet Daniel in Babylon. Daniel left an inheritance for the Messiah and
instructed the other scholars in how to determine the date of the Messiahs
birth based on the stars (Nm 24:17). His
instructions to them were to pass the task down through the generations of
scholars until the appointed time and then to take the inheritance to the new
born Messiah. The triple conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus indicated the time
was near. Leaving for Jerusalem on the first day of the following Jewish new
year would have them arriving in Bethlehem in late November or December
depending on whether they came from Seleucia or Persepolis and how long they
were delayed in Jerusalem. (HM-6)
Daniel had been shown the heavens at the time of the Messiah’s
birth and told them what to look for in the sky. Daniel had also been shown
the number of years that would pass before the coming of the Messiah. Armed
with the time frame to start looking and what to look for; the Magi found in
the sky the formation foretold by Daniel and headed off to Jerusalem as
instructed by Daniel
...
In my humble opinion all the symbolism of the Star of Bethlehem, and the events of the birth of the Lamb of God as well as the symbolism and physical evidence remaining from the crucifixion were lost on those living during Jesus’ lifetime. Those things were from the beginning directed to those of us living today that we would be able to see the Hand of God in the events of the past.
(HM-7)
The Magi would have arrived in Jerusalem sometime in November
or December of 2 BC saying: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” That they have come to worship the new born king implies that they were worshipers of Yahweh and followers of Daniel.
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests
and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In
Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet Micah:
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of
Judah; For out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people
Israel.’” (Mic 5:2)
While in Jerusalem seeking direction from the priests and
scribes, Simeon likely told the Magi to ask for Mary and Joseph when they got
to Bethlehem. (HM-8)
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared (the first conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus). And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. (The early Church Fathers assumed that the star was angelic at this point as the star had to have been low enough to designate which house it was over). When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary his mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. (Mt 2:1-12)
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared (the first conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus). And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. (The early Church Fathers assumed that the star was angelic at this point as the star had to have been low enough to designate which house it was over). When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary his mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. (Mt 2:1-12)
Herod would have figured out that the Magi weren’t coming back by the end of December.
The triple conjunction began on 9/11/-3. It was now 12/-2 so if the baby was
born on 9/11/-3 he would already be over a year old so to be safe he ordered
the death of all boys in and around Bethlehem that were 2 years old and under.
...
Population of Bethlehem was about 400 and the population of surrounding area an additional 200. One half were female so there were 300 males. One half were under 20 so 150 or 7.5 per year. Thus about 15 baby boys were killed. Mary would have met many of the mothers in her brief time in Bethlehem. Think of pain she felt upon learning of their loss.
Herod died sometime between the total lunar eclipse on January 10, 1 BC
and March 25, 1 BC. (HM-9)
God recognized that Mary and Joseph would need money to pay for the trip to and from Egypt as well as to pay for the redemption of
Jesus when he was 12. God provides. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Adoration of the Magi
The End from the Beginning and Artistic Contrasts
There are several elements which anticipate the stories end. Here as there the issue is Jesus’ status as the King of the Jews. Here as there the Jewish leaders gather against him. Here as there, plans are laid in secret. And here as there Jesus’ death is sought. So, the end is foreshadowed in the beginning. But there are also artistic contrasts. Here a light in the night sky proclaims the Messiah’s advent. There the darkness during the day announces his death. Here Jesus is worshipped and there He is mocked. Here it is prophesied that Jesus will shepherd his people Israel; there it is foretold that Jesus, the shepherd, will be struck and his sheep scattered. Here there is great rejoicing; there we find mourning and grief. +
Why would they bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh?
Isaiah speaks of the coming of the light and that Gentiles would come on camels bringing gold and incense. Both frankincense and myrrh are incense. Jesus, like Melchizedek, was priest, prophet, and king; and He was both God and man. Jesus would choose to sacrifice himself for us. Gold is a gift for a king. Frankincense is a gift for an offering of a smell pleasing to God. Myrrh is a gift of an incense used for embalming. What did Mary and Joseph do with the gifts? Is that where the money for the redemption of Jesus came?
Why did God provide the celestial symbolism?
Mary, I suspect that you didn’t notice the celestial symbolism. Yet God so arranged the events that it is obvious that it had to be planned. It was another thing God did for us living 2000 years later so that we would believe.
There are several elements which anticipate the stories end. Here as there the issue is Jesus’ status as the King of the Jews. Here as there the Jewish leaders gather against him. Here as there, plans are laid in secret. And here as there Jesus’ death is sought. So, the end is foreshadowed in the beginning. But there are also artistic contrasts. Here a light in the night sky proclaims the Messiah’s advent. There the darkness during the day announces his death. Here Jesus is worshipped and there He is mocked. Here it is prophesied that Jesus will shepherd his people Israel; there it is foretold that Jesus, the shepherd, will be struck and his sheep scattered. Here there is great rejoicing; there we find mourning and grief. +
The Oxford Bible Commentary Edited by John Barton and John Muddiman: Matthew 3 p849
Why would they bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh?
Isaiah speaks of the coming of the light and that Gentiles would come on camels bringing gold and incense. Both frankincense and myrrh are incense. Jesus, like Melchizedek, was priest, prophet, and king; and He was both God and man. Jesus would choose to sacrifice himself for us. Gold is a gift for a king. Frankincense is a gift for an offering of a smell pleasing to God. Myrrh is a gift of an incense used for embalming. What did Mary and Joseph do with the gifts? Is that where the money for the redemption of Jesus came?
Why did God provide the celestial symbolism?
Mary, I suspect that you didn’t notice the celestial symbolism. Yet God so arranged the events that it is obvious that it had to be planned. It was another thing God did for us living 2000 years later so that we would believe.
Finding in the Temple
– April 5th, 12/Nisan 25, 3772
A foreshadowing
of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Our Father
The
Passover Festival in 3772 (12 AD) would have ended on Nisan 22 (a Sabbath) so
the caravan from Nazareth would have departed for their return on the 23rd
of Nisan. Mary and Joseph discovered Jesus was missing on that day (April 3rd).
Their return to Jerusalem would have been on the 24th of Nisan (April
4th) and they would have found Jesus on the morning of the 25th
of Nisan which is April 5th on the Gregorian Calendar. The finding
in the temple has traditionally been considered a foreshadowing of the death
and resurrection of Jesus. In fact, it happened on the Gregorian Calendar on
the same days as Jesus’ death, April 3rd, and Resurrection, April 5th. (HM-1)
This mystery is both one of Mary’s sorrows and a Joyful Mystery. Being one of
Mary’s sorrows is an indication of how much Mary and Joseph were hurt because
Jesus stayed behind in the Temple. To hurt one’s
parents is a sin and Jesus didn’t commit a sin! We are missing something!
(HM-2)
When Jesus was introduced to his Father as an infant (at the time of Mary’s
Purification); Simeon, a leading Pharisee, recognized Jesus as the Messiah as the family entered the temple. He saw what he assumed
to be Mary presenting Jesus for dedication to temple Service and so Jesus was recorded
as dedicated to temple service. Then, unless He was redeemed, when he
became of age, turned 13, he had to stay in the temple just as Samuel stayed in
the temple.
It says in the Torah: The Lord said to Moses, “speak to the children of Israel
and say to them: If anyone vows to give himself or one
of his family members to the full service of the Lord, and circumstance changes
so that he cannot keep his vow, he shall pay a redemption price to be freed
from that vow. The value of an adult male from twenty to sixty years old
is to be set at fifty pieces of silver; for an adult female at thirty pieces of
silver; for a young male from five to twenty years at twenty pieces of silver …”
(Lev 27:1-5). (HM-3)
“If anyone making such a vow is too poor to pay the required amount, he must
present himself or the other family member to the priest who will make an
adjustment of the redemption price according to what the man can afford.” (Lev 27:8). (HM-4)
Jesus was 12 years old when he stayed behind in the temple (Lk 2:42) An Israelite
boy becomes of age at 13. The family traveled together each year to Jerusalem
for Passover, Nisan 15(Lk 2:41)
Simeon lived until 20 AD
+
and would have remembered Jesus
and looked for his coming to the temple each year at Passover. Simeon would
have been looking forward to the day that Jesus would be coming under his care
and likely asked Jesus each year, from the time Jesus started his education, if
He was staying. Simeon had explained to Jesus that it had been arranged by his
parents when He was presented as an infant, an event that he, Simeon, had
personally witnessed. Simeon may even have shown Jesus where his dedication
was recorded. During each visit, after Jesus had begun his education, Simeon
would have spent time with Jesus to observe his progress. Simeon at some point
would have told Jesus that He had to be in residence before He turned 13. Even if
Simeon had died in 10 AD, when he was replaced as the leader of the Sanhedrin, Jesus would have last seen Simeon when he was 10. Now at
12, knowing his family would not return to Jerusalem before his birthday, Jesus
had to stay.
There is a question as to the date Simeon died the genealogical records indicate that he may have lived until 20 AD.
https://www.geni.com/people/Rabbi-Simeon-ben-Hillel-HaNasi/6000000001288296458#/tab/overview
Since his parents had presented him He logically assumed
that they planned for him to be dedicated to the Temple and knew that He would
need to stay. (HM-5)
Mary and Joseph had presented Jesus to his Father. They did not however intend to dedicate
him for temple service; but there was no legal distinction. The dedication had
been recorded by Simeon. They needed to redeem Jesus. When
Mary finds Jesus, she says: “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:48). Mary didn’t
realize that Simeon had recorded the dedication for her and the corresponding
legal implications. (HM-6)
Jesus responds: “Why were you looking for me?” He was
doing what the law required. “Didn’t you know that I must
be in my Father’s house?” (Lk 2:49). There was no
sin: Jesus could not leave. What must Mary have thought and felt? Her son was
12 years old and his family left him; without even saying “Good-by”! (HM-7)
At his response, the Holy Spirit opens Mary’s mind, she understands: Mary had been
committed to the Temple, so she also knew the requirements for the young men. Jesus must be redeemed (released from temple
service) before He becomes of age, turned 13, or be committed to temple service for
life. Mary presented Jesus, so she had to release him from temple service
while she could; before He was responsible for himself! At the same time, Mary realized the pain she had caused
her son by leaving without saying anything. That hurt more than the pain of
his loss. Mary was sinless but still human. Neither she nor Joseph checked
for Jesus when they left or at any time during the 15 miles (24 kilometers) traveled
that day
...
Even today caravans in Pakistan traveling on foot typically cover 15 miles (24 km) per day: Fr Greg Rice missionary
Luke says that Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus said to them (Lk 2:50).
...
This narrative is the only explanation as to why Luke calls Mary’s purification, the Presentation of Jesus. It was a Presentation of Jesus but not one intended by Mary or Joseph. When Mary told the story to Luke, she with 20x20 hindsight would have realized it was Jesus’ Presentation but Jesus had already been redeemed as a first born by Joseph 10 days before.
Mary and Joseph didn’t comprehend the intensity of the hatred the priests and
scribes would have for Jesus. If they had not redeemed Jesus, the devil would
have prompted a priest or scribe to check and they would have found that Jesus
was dedicated to the temple as an infant. Jesus would have been forcibly made
into a temple slave. Remember, we are in the middle of a spiritual battle and
the enemy, the devil, knows far more than we do. Our only recourse is to stay
close to Jesus. Jesus was doing both what the law required and what was
necessary in God’s plan. (HM-9)
Mary and Joseph are overjoyed that they have their son back and that He will remain
with them.
It is apparent that Jesus did not use his divinity, or He would have known that
Mary wasn’t aware. Jesus was totally focused on his humanity.Jesus was like us in everything but since (Heb 2:17). That means he
had to go to school to learn and needed to study. He grew up as a normal
(although exceptional) Jewish child, adolescent, and young man.
Jesus obtained knowledge by studying; beginning as was custom at age 4 and continuing his
education through a formal program of study to become a
rabbi, until, at age 30 He was given “authority”. Authority meant that he
could make new interpretations of scripture. The scribes could only read
existing interpretations. All rabbis also learned a trade. Jesus was a
carpenter, taught by Joseph. Jesus followed the law. He would have completed
all the requirements to make new interpretations of scripture.
(HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Finding in the Temple
Jesus did not use his divinity.
If Jesus had used his divinity, He would have known that Mary and Joseph were not aware of the requirement for Jesus to remain in the temple. Knowing and allowing them to be hurt as they were, would be sinful. Scripture tells us Jesus was like us in everything but sin. Jesus did work miracles but so have many saints. Jesus did raise the dead but so did Elisha and Peter. Jesus knew the hearts of people but so did Padre Pio (he wouldn’t absolve a woman until she confessed having an abortion). Both Padre Pio and Jesus’ mom bi-located, Jesus didn’t do that, but He did say you will do still more than I have done. Mary, while I am afraid of anything miraculous because of my own ego, I believe in miracles and still petition you and your son to intervene in the lives of us still on earth.
There is a spiritual battle going on.
Mary, you were only 27 when you were confronted with the realization that your son was missing. You checked with all your neighbors and discovered that Jesus and not been with the caravan at all. He was still in Jerusalem. The wait until daybreak to begin the trip back to Jerusalem was horrible. That next day ended in frustration. You were back in Jerusalem and had checked with all your relatives and friends where Jesus might have gone and it is nightfall again. Once again you must wait until morning. I know you were praying for your son. Praying that you would find him safe. Did you begin to suspect that the spiritual battle had begun again? The devil had struck another blow: distracting you throughout the first day’s journey.
When you found Jesus and asked him why He had done this you were stunned by his answer: “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my father’s house.” Suddenly you realize Jesus must be redeemed! But you know you never intended to dedicate Jesus to temple service. Yet you must redeem Jesus since you presented him! At that point, you probably realized you were once again in the middle of a “God thing” although you can’t see the whole picture: the foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection as well as preventing a future move by Satan to hinder Jesus’ mission. You are grateful that the solution is simple: redeem Jesus and you can go home. Mary help me to see the things that I don’t understand as just that: “God things”. Help me to trust as you did, that God is in control and that He directs events according to a picture beyond my ability to see. Did you wonder if this was the sword that Simeon was referring to? I’ll bet you knew in your heart this was not it.
In the presentation joy is followed by sorrow and now sorrow is followed by joy.
The Presentation and the Finding in the Temple are both Joyful Mysteries and one of your Seven Sorrows. The Presentation was joyful until Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce your soul: joy followed by sorrow and now the Finding in the Temple is intense sorrow followed by intense joy. Jesus is found safe and will return home. My life is like that too. There is both joy and sorrow. Thank you for the joy, thank you for sharing the joy with me. Help me through the sorrows that must also come. Sorrow is always associated with loss and nothing in this life except love will last. All though even love can be rejected which brings sorrow. Give me the courage to love without worry about rejection.
There is only one life. It will soon be past. Only what’s done for love will last.
| Slide to Adjust font size | ||
Font Size |
The Luminous Mysteries
Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary
(Recited on Thursdays)
1st Luminous Mystery- The Baptism in the Jordan
2nd Luminous Mystery- The Wedding at Cana
3rd Luminous Mystery- The Proclamation of the Kingdom
4th Luminous Mystery- The Transfiguration
Background- The Events of Holy Week
5th Luminous Mystery- The Institution of the Eucharist
The Baptism in the Jordan
A prefiguration of Jesus Passion and Death“This is my beloved Son (Ps 2:7) in whom I am well pleased ( Is 42:1, Mt 3:17, Mk 1:11, Lk 3:22).
Our Father
Jesus began his life as the Lamb of God. Now as He begins
his ministry, John the Evangelist makes us aware that Jesus is accepting his
role as the Lamb of God: God’s suffering servant. (HM-1)
John the Evangelist begins his gospel with creation references: “In the beginning
was the word [Jesus] and the word was with God and the word was God. He was in
the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him
nothing came to be. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The
light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (
Jn 1:1-5). John is affirming
the divinity of Jesus and setting the stage for the new creation that is
brought about by Jesus. (HM-2)
John, the Evangelist, introduces John the Baptist and his mission to prepare for the coming of the Messiah
(Jn 1:6-27).
...
"On the 1st day", John the Evangelist is beginning his
new creation account when John the Baptist begins his Ministry likely shortly after
Passover in 29 AD. John turned 30 on Passover.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might
believe through him. He was not the light but came to bear witness to the
light. The true light, that enlightens every man, was coming into the
world." (Jn 1:5-9). John exclaims: “I am the voice of one crying in the desert; make straight the way of
the Lord.” (
Is 40:3,
Mt 3:3,
Mk 1:3,
Jn 1:23).“I have baptized you with water, for repentance, but
the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry
his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (
Mt 3:11). (HM-3)
Despite protests of his own unworthiness (
Mt 3:4), John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
...
"On the next day" John baptizes Jesus. That was likely right after the end of the Feasts of Tabernacles on Tishrei 23, October 8. Note that day
is in a biblical creation context meaning a period of time not a calendar day.
Jesus’ baptism is his acceptance and beginning of his mission as the Lamb of
God, God’s suffering servant. He has accepted this baptism of death for the
remission of sins. Afterwards a voice from Heaven
announces: “This is my beloved Son (
Ps 2:7) in whom I am
well pleased (
Is 42:1,
Mt 3:17,
Mk 1:11,
Lk 3:22). (HM-4)
John bore witness to him and cried, “This was He of
whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, for He was before me.” (
Jn 1:15).
The heavens were split apart (just as at the beginning of Moses’ Exodus the Red Sea was
split).
+
John testifies: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain on him.”
(
Jn 1:32,
Lk 3:21). Isaiah had said
of the Messiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a
branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon
him.” (Is 11:1-2). John
proclaims Jesus is the Son of God since He is the one on whom the Spirit
descended (Jn 1:34). The dove is not just the symbol of the Holy Spirit, but for the Jews it is
also the symbol of safety, hope, peace and future as it is used in Genesis 8
(Gen 8:8-12) indicating that Noah had arrived safely on dry ground.
Its descending on Jesus is also an indication of his status as King of Israel.
+
(HM-5)
Catechism of the Catholic Church page 536.
Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, The Jewish Gospel of John: Discovering Jesus, King of All Nations Kindle Edition loc 447 of 4240.
In this heavenly manifestation, occurring at Jesus’
baptism, is instituted the sacrament of Baptism. The Trinity is
manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the
Son.(HM-6)
John
the Baptist is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance. Seeing
Jesus, as He approaches,
...
Jesus at this point was likely returning from his 40 days in the desert.
John cries out: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”(Jn 1:29).
John the Baptist makes a prophetic statement that refers to Jesus as a sacrificial lamb,
and that acknowledges Jesus as the Suffering Servant. (HM-7)Jesus’ Baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ public
ministry and events surrounding Jesus’ Baptism are recorded in all four Gospels. Peter and his brother Andrew,
James and his brother John were disciples of John the Baptist. John the
Evangelist tells us that Andrew and another disciple (James or John?), were
with John the Baptist when Jesus walked by (Jn 1:35-36). In addition,
Simon, Jude, and James the less were cousins of Jesus and may also have
accompanied Jesus, a new rabbi who has just become of age and may now begin his
ministry, as He went out to see John.
Already in the first chapter of the Gospel of John, John the Evangelist has made it
very clear that Jesus is Divine (Jn 1:14); Jesus is the Messiah
(Jn 1:41); Jesus is the
Son of God (Jn 1:34); and Jesus is
God’s sacrificial lamb (Jn 1:29,36). (HM-8)
John the Baptist is a Levite. Jesus is not a Levite. Jesus became a priest with John’s laying on of hands. Jesus has his priesthood not of the order of Levi but of the order of Melchizedek
+
(Ps 110:4)
...
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/13541-shem and http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries
Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, is Shem, Noah’s first born Son. Shem was the only righteous first born son all the way back to Adam. Shem actually out lived Abraham. Check it out in Genesis! Shem was the King of Salem (Jerusalem). When Shem blessed Abraham he passed on to Abraham priesthood which he had received from Noah. Priesthood passed all the way down from Adam. Abraham then passed it on to Isaac and which Israel (Jacob) bought from his brother Esau.
That priesthood is handed down from father to son: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well
pleased.” (
Mt 3:17,
Mk 1:11,
Lk 3:22). (HM-9)
Jesus was 30 years old at this time (Lk 3:23). That is the
age at which a rabbi could begin his ministry (Nm 4:1-3). Jesus began
his ministry with a 40-day retreat in the desert where He was tempted by the devil (
Mt 4:1,
Lk 4:1). (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Baptism of Jesus
A foreshadowing of his baptism unto deathLike their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, Jesus and John were associated in the plan of God. John had a specific role to play as the forerunner announcing the arrival of the Messiah and proclaiming a baptism of repentance. By the hand of John, Jesus is baptized in waters that symbolize his upcoming death, and as he rises from the water, the Spirit descends and the Father’s voice is heard echoing across the Jordan. This mystery of Jesus’ baptism offers a glimpse of that other baptism he will undergo on the cross—a total submersion into sin and death, two abominations that never should have been, but that man’s free will brought into the world. By this baptism, Jesus is saying that he is ready to take it all on, that he is not afraid of our sin, and that he will do this for us because he loves us. In this mystery, Mary can help us to face our own challenges, especially the ones we fear most. Perhaps it is a long-postponed confession, or an overdue reconciliation with a family member, or an act of honesty about something we would rather leave in the shadows. She can teach us to plunge into those cold waters with the confidence that we will rise again, made stronger and purer by the Father’s grace.
Do little things exceedingly well for love of me.
In the reality of daily living we do little things constantly. But how about the little things of the Spirit: that one step farther, that true smile that comes from the depth of your heart and not only from your lips? When you are numb with tiredness and your body wants only to sit, and suddenly in the crowd you see a sad person, how about that one little touch?
The inner power of the Spirit makes you get up and extend your hand to that person and say, “Good night, sleep well, I will really pray for you. I know without ‘knowing,’ that you are sad.” Suddenly the face of that other person lights up. Then when you get home, don’t forget to “do little things well for love of Me.” Don’t forget to pray, if only a little: “Lord, I don’t know her name, but you know her name. Cheer her.” Then you can go to sleep.
That’s very little, but it too must be done well. This mandate is not only physical; that is to say it’s not only that I must arise. It’s deeply spiritual, regarding the hidden life of the Spirit.
The Little phrase is like a misty horizon that under the sun or the fire of the Spirit, extends in depth. Each one of those words calls you until the end of your life. Only when you are laid into the grave will you know the dimension of the road and the country you have traveled. It’s much bigger than the distance between earth and moon, in fact it’s infinite.
For Peace +
Peace reflections from the reflections of Fr. Doug Lorig.
John the Baptist baptized Jesus even though He did not need it. Jesus lived his life – the joys, the daily routine, his mission, and sufferings always in the presence of his Father. Tuned precisely to his Father’s will, his baptism was not for himself, a baptism of necessity; but it was rather a necessity for us – that we might follow his Way to the Father. He was giving us the invitation: “Follow Me.”
Peace of heart is the result of applying love in all of our relationships; with God, others, and even the natural world. Love when applied in our daily life draws the Holy Spirit. He is the one who brings peace.
You can do little to make the whole world peaceful, but you can BE peace in your small part of it. St. Seraphim of Sarov said: “Attain Peace and you will save a thousand around you.” Peace opens hearts to God. In this decade of the Rosary I pray that we the baptized, can become peace - like a candle that says: “Follow Me.”
The Wedding at Cana
Remember Jesus’ words: “What is this between you and me?” Jesus won’t refuse his mother!
Our Father
In
John chapter 1, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,”
says John the Baptist. In John chapter 2, the Lamb goes to a wedding feast!
John climaxed his book of Revelation, which had already been written, by
inviting all of us to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). In John’s
gospel, the wedding feast foreshadows the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. (HM-1)
The transformation of water into wine
...
(all the water used for ceremonial washings became wine!)
represents the replacement of the Jewish ceremonial washings and symbolizes the entire
creative and transforming work of Jesus
+ Introduction to the Gospel of John, New American Bible Revised Edition
Jesus’ Mother was at a wedding in Cana to which Jesus and his disciples
were also invited (Jn 2:2).The typical wedding
celebration lasts several days and is hosted by the groom’s family: the groom’s
mother was from Cana. Three of the apostles were from Cana: Simon the Canaanite,
...
(Matthew the half-brother of James the less who is the step brother of Simon and Jude identifies Simon and Jude as being from Cana (
Mt 10:2-4))
his brother Jude, and Nathanael. A wedding of any one of these would explain
why the disciples were invited. Since Mary was at the wedding (not invited
like Jesus and the disciples) it is likely she was part of the groom’s family:
the wedding is for a relative.
...
Joseph had a brother named Clophas who had two sons, Simon and Jude,
before his wife died. Clophas then married Alpheas’ widow, Mary. Mary was also Alpheas’ 2nd wife. Alpheas had at
least one son, the apostle Matthew, with his first wife. Mary gave birth to two sons by Alpheas: James, the Apostle
James the Less (Lk 6:15, Acts 1:13) the first bishop of Jerusalem, and Joses. All four lists of apostles place James
son of Alpheas then Simon and Jude, the sons of Clophas at the end of the list, right before Judas
(
Mt 10:2-4,
Mk 3:13-19,
Lk 6:12-16,
Acts 1:13-14). Matthew and Acts place Matthew right before James the less. Luke fixed his first
list in Acts. For detail source references on Jesus family see http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/MARYCLEO.HTM
Joseph’s brother, Clophas, had 2 sons by his first wife: Simon and
Jude. Simon became the 2nd bishop of Jerusalem after his step
brother, James, was martyred.
+
Jude was also known as Thaddeus, “Good Heart”, to differentiate him from Judas
Iscariot (Mt 13:55-56, Mk 6:3). The brothers
...
Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History, Book III, ch. 11.
(The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude uses the Common of Apostles implying both were apostles in addition to being brothers.)
were nephews by marriage to Mary
and likely one or the other was the groom at the wedding. When Clophas died, Joseph
took in Clophas’ family as was the custom among the Jews. Then when Joseph
died, it left Aunt Mary as the closest living relative on the father’s side of
the groom’s family.
...
(Isn’t it a coincidence that 2000 years later the groom’s family still picks up the tab for the alcohol at the reception?)
(Mt 13:55)
(HM-2) During the wedding feast, they ran out of wine. Mary
turned to Jesus: "They have no wine." (Jn 2:3).
Jesus replied: “Woman, ...
That sounds like a rebuke to us, but “What is this between you and me?” is a biblical idiom that means: our relationship or this situation is such that you know that whatever you ask me I will do. +
It is accepted by Abraham, when he bought the tomb for Sara (Gen 23:15).In John’s Gospel,
Jesus’ use of the term “Hour” always refers to the culminating moments of
Jesus’ life. Jesus is pointing out to Mary the fascinating connection to his
hour: Jesus’ first miracle will turn water into the finest wine while at his
Hour He will turn wine into his own blood. Thus, his public life becomes the
fulfillment of Moses first miracle of turning water into blood.
+
Notice also; Mary did not question Jesus but told the waiters to do whatever Jesus said.
Jesus replied: “Woman, ...
Jesus’ use of ‘Woman’ in reference to his mother should always take us back to Genesis and her role as the new Eve. Jesus is acknowledging Mary’s role in redemption by allowing her to initiate his public manifestation of his divinity.
what is this between you and me? My hour
has not yet come.” (Jn 2:4). That sounds like a rebuke to us, but “What is this between you and me?” is a biblical idiom that means: our relationship or this situation is such that you know that whatever you ask me I will do. +
The Greek text of the Jewish expression is τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί (ti emoi kai soi) which is literally rendered: "What to me and to thee?" What this expression does is to denote a relationship between the one who is asking and the one who is asked. In effect it is something that someone says when they are reluctant to do what the asker wants but, based on their respect for the one who asks, they agree to do it. Maybe the closest English expression is, "What is that between friends?" or "You don’t even have to ask!" The same Greek expression is translated as “What do you want with me/us” in 1Kng 19:20, Mt 8:28-34, Mk 1:23-28, MK 5:6, Lk 4:31-37, Lk 8:26-39 in each case the individual using the expression is acknowledging that he will/must do whatever has been asked but is asking for leniency or some other condition be granted.
Scott Hahn, The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross page 122-123 Image 2018.
This is another example of Jesus’ focus on his
humanity. In his obedience to his mother the divine is accomplished through
his humanity! (HM-3)
The
first of Jesus’ miracles is to turn water into wine, just as the first miracle
of Moses was to turn water into blood, (Gen 7:17) so Jesus turns
it into the blood of the grape as it called in Genesis
(Gen 49:11). Parallels
between Moses and Jesus exist throughout Jesus’ life to make it clear to the
Israelites [and the rest of us] that Jesus was
the Messiah. Moses had said to the Israelites: “The Lord your God will raise
up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren. Him you shall
heed.” (Deut 18:15). (HM-4)
God uses the family relationship as a metaphor all
throughout the bible. “Prophets speak of God’s relationship with Israel…,
comparing it to a marriage (Hos 2:18-20,
Jer 2:2, 3:1). Acts of idolatry were also considered in such terms,
but rather as adulterous unions.”
+
Scott Hahn, The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross page 110 Image 2018.
Marriage
requires the free gift of oneself to another. It is based on freedom, if
either party is coerced in any way it is not a marriage. Love cannot be
forced. It must be freely given. It is as close as most of us will be to
being like God who is “Love”. (HM-5)
Marital
Love is a conscious decision and commitment to work for the happiness of the
spouse. It is a decision to place the spouse’s need,
the spouse’s happiness, before one’s own. Because we are human and not divine
that kind of love requires the two pillars of love: repentance fueled by
humility and forgiveness fueled by mercy. The impediment to both humility
and mercy is pride. It is pride that prevents us from asking for forgiveness: saying
“I am sorry” or even admitting that I was wrong (the only unforgivable sin);
and it is pride that prevents us from forgiving. Forgiving: that means
forgetting or really “letting go” of past hurts. (To “forgive” but “not
forget” is to not forgive.) (HM-6)
Marriage is a covenant relationship: a relationship bound
with an oath. Violation of an oath brings a curse. So, if I have taken an oath to put my spouse’s happiness
ahead of mine, when I examine my conscience do I consider the times, when I put
myself first, as a violation of my oath? Before I go to sleep at night do I
think about how I made my spouse happy today? Or do I refuse to think I have
done anything wrong?
The
spouses are to be so close, that together they are charged to both “create” and
nurture new life! In fact, if either party is not open to children it is not a
marriage.
God
makes covenants with his people. Violations of his covenant, idolatry, God even
calls adultery. (HM-7)
Jesus,
speaking of marriage, said: “That is why a son leaves his family and the two
become one.”(Mt 19:5). The Trinity
is one. It is family: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is a reason that
the commandment to honor your father and mother immediately follows the commandments
that define our relationship with God. Our parents provide the first example
of love that we receive: they introduce us to God.
That
is why the devil works so hard to destroy the family! The destruction of the
family began in earnest with the introduction of
contraceptives: introducing the notion that sex is primarily for enjoyment
(focus is on self); not for the creation and nurturing of new life
+
(focus on other). That does not mean that it must be only for the creation of
new life but that we must always be open to it. It also means each should be
focused on the spouse. Jesus’ attendance and miracle establishes Matrimony
as a sacrament. (HM-8)
Humanae Vitae Pope Paul VI
We
have been taught that a sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Jesus to
give grace. Grace is that which draws us to God, who is love. The marriage
relationship teaches us to love. There we begin to learn that the key is to
conquer pride because pride is what inhibits our relationship with our spouse:
an outward sign of our relationship with God. God is love (1Jn 4:8). and in his
relationship with us, God provides the mercy on his side of the relationship. We
need only the humility to seek forgiveness after first admitting that we have
need for forgiveness. (HM-9)
Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever he tells
you." (Jn 2:5). That is what
Mary continues to say to us: Do whatever He tells you.”
There
were six stone water jars, each holding 15 to 20 gallons. Jesus bids the
waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw some out and take it to the
chief steward. The chief steward said to the groom: "Every man serves the
good wine first but you have saved the good wine until now." (Jn 2:6-10).
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory;
and his disciples believed in him (Jn 2:11).
Mary asked for wine and Jesus provided the “good wine”. Remember Jesus’ words: “What is this between you and me?” Jesus won’t refuse his mother! Mary would not let the groom be embarrassed by running out of wine at his wedding. She knew what was needed. As He died on the cross, Jesus gave her to us to be our mother. Mary is our most powerful advocate! Invite her to be part of your life.
(HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Mary asked for wine and Jesus provided the “good wine”. Remember Jesus’ words: “What is this between you and me?” Jesus won’t refuse his mother! Mary would not let the groom be embarrassed by running out of wine at his wedding. She knew what was needed. As He died on the cross, Jesus gave her to us to be our mother. Mary is our most powerful advocate! Invite her to be part of your life.
Reflections on the Wedding at Cana
Who is this man?The wedding in Cana is the first moment when Jesus performs a public miracle – an act of power that makes people start asking the crucial question: “Who is this man?” Mary is there with him, with her discreet and serene presence. When the wine runs short, she approaches Jesus with an implicit request that she knows will have tremendous consequences: “They have no wine.” Mary knows that if he works this miracle now, their hidden life together will never be the same, that he will leave Nazareth for Capharnum ...
Capharnum is in territory of Zebulun and Naphtali which were the first of the tribes to be deported. Jesus began his mission of re-uniting the 12 tribes with those same tribes.
and begin his public ministry. It is a sacrificial request inspired by the
Holy Spirit, and Jesus acts on it because he perceives the Father’s will behind
her words. In fact, his hour has come. He works the miracle, and the great
mystery of his identity begins to attract attention. In our lives too, there
are moments when other people with their needs and requests are actually the
voice of God speaking to us, asking us to take a step that perhaps we know will
have big consequences. Perhaps the timing is inconvenient, or we would rather
not get involved. But that inconvenient request could be God’s way of imploring
us to step into an important mission in his plan. In this mystery, Mary can
gain us the grace to “do whatever He tells you.”
Love, love, love, never counting the cost
I barely dare to touch that because, speaking for myself, I have counted the cost very often. As God knows, I have cried out, “Lord, that is impossible!” To love means to surrender to every situation, no matter how horrible and impossible. To love means to surrender to every person, no matter how terrible or obnoxious. It means to stand naked with the naked crucified Christ in the market place where people may spit at you or push you.
But doing this has the power to make the other surrender to God. Our love, when it is without counting the cost, leads the other toward God. Our love makes straight the paths of the Lord. It’s making straight the paths of the Lord with our bare hands and bare feet, sometimes through brambles. Torn and broken, we still keep moving so that other people can follow this little path without being scratched. No matter what the price, we make a road to Christ for the other. It’s life in the Spirit.
There can be no self-pity in the person who makes straight the way of the Lord. No matter how hard it is to love and love and love again, always the Fire and the Wind are there, so you resolutely enter the brambles. Then after you’ve made about six steps, or perhaps only three, a tremendous Wind comes like a tornado and — whoosh! there are no brambles, for they are torn from the path. All God asks is an act of faith made with love and he will do the rest.
When our heart is open to that Gospel we must preach, a shadow falls over us: Someone Else is walking beside us. Faith brings Christ right next to us. As we surrender to “Love without counting the cost,” immediately we see Golgotha. We hear, “I thirst!” and we understand what love is. Dimly, that is, for who can understand God?
I too am called to accomplish the divine through my humanity
God has a plan. I am part of that plan. When I love I am contributing to that plan. Mary, I would hate to die and discover all the times I had inhibited God’s plan by my failure to love or worse contributed to the damnation of someone. Mary, I know that in the past I have failed miserably to love. I know that in God’s love he has forgiven me. Please beg your spouse to give me fear of offending the Lord so that I seek out opportunities to love and flee from seeking to serve myself.
Through obedience I too am working to accomplish God’s plan. When I am obedient to authority, I am doing God’s will for me. All authority comes from God (Rm 13:1)
For Peace
Jesus works his first miracle at his mother’s request – at a wedding in the little town of Cana. Hospitality was deeply engrained in the culture, and Mary did not want the family to be embarrassed by running out of wine. We also read that this miracle gave Jesus’ disciples such a sublime experience that they began to believe in him - it was as if a page had turned.
Mary’s heart had room for everyone, and so she was quick to ask for Jesus’ help. He told her it was not time, which tells us she was asking for extraordinary action on his part. There were no Circle K stores in that dusty little town. Such an action would begin to unveil his Person and Mission. That is exactly the effect this miracle had on the disciples.
Jesus knew such a miracle would bless some, but offend others – thinking maybe of the Pharisees. Mary’s humble, “Do whatever He tells you”, shows us the confidence she had in him, and in her discernment that it was indeed time.
This miracle initiates a new phase in Jesus’ Mission – one in which the cross was writ large. The Prince of Peace recognizes that peace has a price: it will cost him everything. We who pray for peace must be willing to pay the price of it – the widening of our hearts to include everyone – even THEM.
What is this between you and me, my hour has not yet come.
“What is this between you and me” is a Hebrew idiom that means: You know whatever you ask of me I will do. “ My hour has not yet come” is to remind Mary of the connection to Jesus Passion, “My Hour,” where He will turn wine into his Blood. Thus, completing the parallel to Moses turning water into blood. Jesus turns water into wine (also called the blood of the grape) and then in his hour turns wine into blood. Jesus turned far more water into wine, about 100 gallons, than they would need to finish the wedding feast. Makes one wonder if the left-over “best” wine was actually the wine used during the Last Supper. They were already using Oak Barrels to store and transport wine in Jesus’ time. (Alexander the Great used clay “amphora” while the Romans switched to Oak barrels prior to their conquest of the Greeks.) Jesus as a carpenter may have even made oak barrels. And Jesus did direct the Apostles to a specific house in which to prepare the Last Supper.
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
“What does God require of you but to do right, to love steadfastly, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Mic 6:8)"The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mk 1:15)
“You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.” +
Widely attributed to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin but a specific reference is not available.
Our Father
Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when He sent the
12 out 2 by 2 to announce the coming of the Kingdom, preach repentance, and
anoint with oil those who were sick (
Mt 10:6-7,
Mk 6:13).
But what is the Kingdom that they were announcing? The Kingdom of God is the
Mystical Body of Christ. It is each member fulfilling God’s will in his or her
life by participating in the Divine: that is by joining God’s love for creation
and for each other; and then by doing what love requires. (HM-1)
The Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, it resides in the
spiritual dimension: "My kingdom is not of this world" (Jn 18:36). It is perceivable in the physical world when we surrender
ourselves to God and love one another: Our Father in heaven, … may your kingdom come, … [and] your
will be done…
"Unless a man is born again of water and the
Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven" (Jn 3:5). We need to
awaken to the spiritual reality, to begin life anew in the spiritual dimension.
In other words: we need to acknowledge
the existence of God, a spiritual being, and begin to discover the spiritual
reality that we are part of. A reality that also includes both angels and
demons engaged in a war between the forces of God and the demons in which we
ourselves are the prize, for which they are fighting.
The demons envy us and so they want us to share in their misery, while the angelic
forces love us, seeing in us the image and likeness to God, they want us to share
in the kingdom of God. The devil knows he cannot win. His objective is to
inflict on God as much pain as he can. He does that by turning souls of men
away from God. Each soul lost inflicts a hole in God’s heart that will last
for eternity.
"Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a
little child will not enter into it" (Mk 10:15). A child accepts reality with wonder and awe not skepticism. (HM-2)
God can be metaphorically thought of as a farmer and
the universe is his farm. He raises beings in his own image and likeness
(Angels and Humans): “God said let us make man in our own image, in the
likeness of ourselves.” (Gen 1:26).
God is love (1Jn 4:8): since we can love, therefore we are in his image. When we love, we are being like God, we are in God’s likeness.
- Love requires freedom (free will). Free will allows us to establish our priorities (I can choose chocolate over vanilla).
- Love is choosing to place someone else before myself. (I choose to give you the chocolate rather than keep it for myself.)
- A sacrifice is choosing to satisfy another’s need before satisfying my needs.
- There is a natural priority of needs.
- Self-preservation (which requires: oxygen, food, water, clothing, shelter, and sleep)
- Self-actualization or self-fulfillment (which requires: sanitation, healthcare, education, and contribution - work)
- Socialization (which requires: self-control - politeness, consolation, peace-making, protection, and support)
- Self-gratification (now we are at chocolate and vanilla)
- To satisfy a more basic need is a greater act of love: to save a life (the gift of a kidney or bone marrow is better than a gift of chocolate).
- To give from need is a far greater act of love than to give from surplus. Remember the old woman who put two pennies in the treasury? (Mk 12:41). She put the needs of God’s house before her own survival.
- There is no greater love than to give up one’s life for someone. (Jn 15:12-13). It is a gift from need, I only have one life, and it is a gift of the highest priority: self-preservation.(HM-3)
- We are social creatures, so we have many relationships. Love implies a relationship between us and our beloved.
- We are free to prioritize our relationships. We must have a relationship with God first, and then with our spouse, our family, our community, our country, our animals, our environment. Whom do I serve? Each of these relationships carry responsibilities. Do I live up to my responsibilities? The Jewish notion of righteousness is living up to the responsibilities of our relationships.
- We cannot love what we do not know. We prioritize our relationships by our quest for knowing. With whom do I communicate?
- Every Kingdom has laws. The Kingdom of God has two fundamental laws:
- Love God with your whole heart, mind, and strength (hence the prioritization of the relationship with God as the highest priority).
- Love your neighbor as Jesus loves us. (Jn 13:34) [He gave the highest honor at the Last Supper to his enemy, He gave his life for each of us.] (HM-4)
- God, provided us with an initial set of intrepretations of those laws: The Ten Commandments
... When dealing with children we say “don’t steal” but the intent is to teach them “ value personal property”. It also would therefore apply to damaging property, vandalism (defacing), and littering...(Ex 20:2-17, Deut 5 6-21). They were given in priority sequence:
- The first group addresses our relationship with God: divine worship (#1-3).
- Monotheism.
- Respect & honor God.
- Acknowledge the primacy of our relationship with God, weekly.
- The second group addresses our relationship with those who introduced us to God, to Love (our parents/family) (#4).
- Filial responsibility.
- The third addresses our relationship to each other (#5-8).
- Respect Life.
- Respect the Family.
- Respect property rights.
- Be grounded in Truth: seek the truth and let your yes be yes and no be no.
- The last addresses ourselves (9,10).
- Sensual detachment (pleasure must not be our goal in life).
- Material detachment (material things must not be our goal in life).
- Every Kingdom has overseers. All authority comes from God (Rm 13:1) and we must obey all authority unless to do so would violate one of the fundamental laws and intrepretations stated above.
There is no greater arrogance than to presume
to do God a favor. When we announce there are too many people or not enough
resources, we are really announcing we know better than God! It is our duty to
conserve resources and improve production of the food and water supply. It is
not however, our place to limit or destroy God’s crop.
As St. John Paul II says: “Everything
flows through the family”. It flows through the family because the family is
the preferred mechanism for nurturing God’s crops. God is still a farmer! The
family is where we first learn to love, and it can therefore be called the
school of love.
+
I am here to grow spiritually: to learn to love. To do that I need the school
of love, both as a student and as a teacher.
The School of Nazareth: A Spiritual Journey with St. Joseph Day 19.
The media, which attempts to control our
values, promotes individualism (self-worship), power (control), fame (“it is
about me”), wealth, and pleasure. Contrast that with the values we are given: monotheism
(divine worship), surrender (“Thy will be done”), humility (I have been blessed
by God”), material detachment, and sensual detachment.
The worst things
you can do to a farmer is destroy his crops (murder, war, abortion, euthanasia), render them
infertile (birth control, sterilization, trans-gender), destroy the means of
nurturing the crops (the break-up of the family), or pollute the crop (promote
the media’s value set): it seems our very culture is at war with God! We are
truly in a spiritual battle. >Whose
side am I on? (HM-5)
We like someone who pleases us, who makes us feel good. We love someone only when
we place them ahead of ourselves in our priorities, when we sacrifice for the
one we love. We can only truly acknowledge to ourselves that we love someone
when we have denied ourselves for the benefit of that person.
We must be careful not to buy back love: when I place someone before myself,
denying myself, I can easily buy it back by telling the person or even someone
else what I have done. When I do that; I didn’t love, I bought gratitude or
admiration with my self-denial. That is why Jesus said: “Don’t let your right
hand know what your left hand is doing” (Mt 6:3).
God gives us children to teach us to love. There is
so much a parent does for the children for which there is no return.
When we love (sacrifice something for
the beloved) we are like God.
Everyone should re-read the Good
Samaritan parable and look at what love cost the Samaritan. Would I make the
same sacrifice for someone I don’t know and who holds me in contempt?
The first of God’s commandments is to
love God. How can I love God? He has everything! He doesn’t need anything. You
can’t love what you don’t know. We have an obligation to get to know God: ask him
questions; read the bible and commentaries; read the lives and writings of the
saints. All He wants is my love! Think of your relationship with your son or
daughter. What joy do you get when your child speaks to you; when he/she
thanks you; when they just want to be with you. Think of the joy you get when
you see your child imitating you in word or deed. It is in the same way that
we can show God our love. We are God’s children. Nothing makes a parent happier than to see the
children love each other and love what the parent loves. Conversely nothing
pains the parents more than seeing their children be selfish and hurting each
other. Love what God loves;
all creation and especially each of us! Do you really want to love God, to
give Him something? Then undo what the devil has done. The devil(s) attempt
to hurt God by turning the spiritual beings that are immersed in a human experience
away from God. Jesus even commented on the joy in heaven when a sinner repents:
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who need no repentance” (Lk 15:9) and James reminds us: “My brethren, if any one among you wanders
from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings
back a sinner from the error of his way will save his [own] soul from death and
will cover a multitude of sins. The only real gift we can give to God is
to bring someone, who was lost, back to Him”(Jam 5:19-20).(HM-6)
Scripture tells us that the kingdom is already among us but that God has allowed the
enemy to put his followers in the world alongside Jesus’ followers [the parable
of the wheat and the weeds (Mt 13:24-30), the parable of
the drag net (Mt 13:47-50), the parable of
the sheep and the goats (Mt 25:31-46)]. Jesus told
us what differentiates the two: by their fruits you will know them (Mt 7-16). There are twelve fruits (Fruits of the Holy
Spirit): charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,
modesty, generosity,and chastity
(Gal 5:22-23).
...
The fruits in purple type are omitted in several of the Greek and Latin manuscripts
In addition Jesus describes in parables those who will be in the
kingdom: they are the humble [poor in spirit (Mt 5:3), like little
children (Mt 18:3)]; the detached
[blessed are the poor (Lk 6:20)]; the obedient
[does the will of my father (Mt 12:50)]; the long
suffering [hunger and thirst for justice (Mt 5:6)]; the patient
[blessed are those who are persecuted (Mt 5:10), who go through
many hardships (Acts 14:19-28)]; the generous
[feed the hungry (Mt 25:35), clothe the
naked (Mt 25:36)]; the compassionate
[welcome strangers (Mt 25:36, Heb 13:12), care for the
ill (Mt 25:30), visit the
imprisoned (Mt 25:36)]; the forgiving
[a king and his unforgiving servant (Mt 18:21-35), by the measure
you use you will be measured (Mt 7:2), the prodigal
son (Lk 15:11-32)]; and those who
actually "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."
(Mt 5:43-48). Is that me?
We know that we are all connected [the Mystical Body (Jn 15:5-8,
Eph 4:4-13)]
and that the kingdom grows: spreading just
by us being faithful followers [mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32,
Mk 4:30-32,
Lk 13:18-19) and yeast
(Mt 13:33,
Lk 13:20-21)]. Just as we have been impacted by many who will never
know how they changed us: moving us closer to or away from God; so, we are
impacting others. Which direction? (HM-7)
The kingdom is of such great value [treasure in the field (Mt 13:44) and fine pearl (
Mt 13:45-46)] that it
behooves us to leave everything (Mt 19:21,
Lk 5:11), not looking
back (Lk 9:62); once we are
committed to God’s Kingdom. (Our
possessions have us: the more we have the more we are consumed. Think of the
time you spend taking care of your clothes, your yard, your house, and your
car.) Am I ready for commitment?
I am here on earth to grow and mature spiritually to prepare myself for birth into
the full participation in the spiritual dimension. Why should I focus on
anything that I can’t take with me at my birth into the spiritual dimension?
God created the heavens and the earth. The devil and his minions created hell. God
who is love created all that is good. (HM-8)
We are free to choose to love God and all his creation: to participate in the
Divine by joining God’s love for creation. We join our love with God’s just as
parents, in their love for each other, join in their love for their children. (HM-9)
When we love, we allow the indwelling of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
within our hearts. Where there is love, there is God. Theosis is union with
God. We participate in the divine (are united with God) when we choose to do whatever
Love requires. We pray: “Thy Kingdom come”. It comes when I begin to live the
new commandment: “Love one another”
(Jn 13:34); when my focus
shifts away from myself toward others. That means living up to the
responsibilities of my relationships: to God, spouse, family, community, and
environment. “They will know you are my followers by the way you love one
another (Jn 13:35).”
Heaven is the Kingdom of God! Through our death, we follow Jesus on his Exodus: into
his kingdom. Can anyone recognize me as Jesus’ follower? (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion
Response to Jesus’ call
One of the ways that God reaches man is through words. The spoken word—and even the written word that seems to leap off of the page when we read it—has the power to pierce and move hearts. And when that word is full of truth, it has a mysterious resonance in the heart, a kind of magnetic attraction for the soul that is truly hungry for what is right, true, and good. When Christ came to proclaim the Kingdom of God, he made a series of appeals to the heart—invitations to a life of greater poverty, simplicity, honesty, and wholehearted service. Some perceived the beauty of that call and rose up to follow it. Others did not. Why? Perhaps some became entrenched in their own supposed righteousness, so burdened by the need to maintain appearances that they cannot rise up in response to the call. The accessories of success keep them weighted down. Others are so hungry for God, in some cases, so humiliated by life, that they feel entirely free to let go of everything, even their pride. Others are simply pure of heart, focused on what is good and not on self at all. There are so many reasons why some do and some do not follow Jesus, and He alone knows the story of each soul. Where do we stand? What does He see in our hearts? In this mystery, we can ask Mary to show us the way to get closer to that eternal Kingdom where obedience sets us free.
Preach the gospel with your life - listen to the spirit and he will lead you
“Preach the Gospel” doesn’t mean that we be great preachers of Sacred Scripture, or scholars. It simply means that we live it. Here is our greatest difficulty. I speak for myself. Christ said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you.”
There is absolutely nothing in this world that Christ has not touched simply by saying, “Love God, love your neighbor and each other.” Everything is subject to the immense Gospel of the love of God, who became one of us. Love did that. Out of the little country of Palestine, most of it arid and desert, came light and a solution to every problem from now until the parousia.
But we close our ears to the Gospel. Because, indeed, it calls us to empty ourselves until there is nothing left of ourselves. For us to walk around in the world for a while feeling empty is devastating emotionally! It’s only after a little while that we perceive that Christ is filling us. It’s a sort of death. Those of us who in God’s grace have experienced that for a moment, know that the price of preaching the Gospel is terribly high, intensely high.
Yet into these difficulties comes joy. The difficulties seem hard and they are. The cross of Christ was hard and so is our life. Yet suddenly, through the goodness of our Father, we’re given the Spirit. He enters into our family with a song, with the words of the Father which come to us through his Son. The Holy Spirit has the capacity to crack those words open and to make pleasurable what seemed intolerable.
Suddenly the painful process of growing in faith, emptying oneself, carrying each other’s crosses and identifying with the other is lifted up like a song. Into the ears of our soul come words of the Holy Spirit, that Word of Fire who illuminates and warms. The words of that Wind pick us up and bring us right to the mountaintop without touching the ground. Instead of angels, he himself carries us lest we fall or hurt our feet.
The media defines our culture.
The media feeds us with a set of values by providing examples of beautiful, humorous, charming people who show us they have achieved happiness and success while portraying the values being pushed by the media. When we watch the shows and buy the advertised products we vote with our money on our agreement of the media assessment of values: self-love, money, fame, power, and pleasure!
For Peace
Jesus came to invite us into the Kingdom of God – which in the end means inviting us to be sons and daughters by adoption in Christ – sharing, with him, intimately, the life of the Trinity. Jesus is In the Trinity by nature – we are invited to be WITH the Trinity by adoption. St. Paul teaches us this, and the private prayer of the Priest when he adds water to the wine in the Chalice affirms it: “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
The Kingdom of God extends the presence and reign of Christ to the entire creation – everyone and everything in it. When I love God, all of the OTHERS, and the whole created world, I help bring the whole created order to fulfillment. St. Paul says the entire created world groans for salvation in Christ – for wholeness and completion in Christ.
When I love all that God has made, I build the Kingdom. When I retreat into selfishness I diminish the Kingdom. The goal is fulfillment and completion in Christ. The work that gets that done is love. If I really want peace in my heart and in the world, I absolutely have to do the work. In a way, our religion then becomes love, and peace.
Happiness in Heaven
As spiritual beings we are placed on earth to grow and mature spiritually, just as our physical being’s physically grow and then mature. All growth is painful: does anyone want to go through puberty again? We are called by Jesus to take up our cross daily and follow him if we are going to mature spiritually. We can look around and see people who stopped physical maturing because of a tragic event: a loss of a parent or as a child, who was sexually molested or abused, during puberty who is now unable to establish a relationship with a member of the opposite sex. So also, we can stop maturing spiritually, by the pain of love’s rejection or the inability to forgive someone. We are given opportunities to grow spiritually (crosses to bear) and we will continue to be given crosses to allow us to practice loving. After we die and get to heaven we know we will be as happy as we can be, we know we will be completely happy for all eternity. So, stop for a moment and look at us from God’s point of view: if you place a gallon jug on the table beside a jigger and fill both vessels with water to the point that adding another drop to either vessel will cause it to overflow that drop. We can see that both vessels are completely full. Just so our spiritual growth determines the size of the vessel we take into eternity: our capacity for happiness. Which would you rather go into eternity with: a jigger or a 55-gallon drum? It all depends on our spiritual growth!
The Transfiguration
A Prefiguration of the Resurrection and the Kingdom of GodOur Father
“Truly, I say to you, there
are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man
coming in his kingdom.” (Mt 16:28). “And after
six days Jesus took Peter, James and John
up a high mountain
...
Mount Tabor which is North and East of Nazareth.
to pray.” (Mt 17:1). (HM-1)
Jesus was transfigured before them: "His face became as dazzling as the sun, his
clothes as radiant as light." (
Mt 17:1-9,
Mk 9:2-8,
Lk 9:28-3). (HM-2)
This was to fortify their
faith to withstand the coming tragedy of the Passion. Jesus
foresaw the scandal of the cross and prepared them for it by allowing them to
experience the Kingdom of God; witnessing this manifestation of his glory. (HM-3)
Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the
prophets of the Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about his exodus from
Jerusalem which He was about to accomplish (
Mt 17:1-9,
Mk 9:2-8,
Lk 9:28-36). (HM-4)
His exodus is another parallel between Moses and Jesus. Moses
led the Israelites out of slavery to Egypt in his exodus and took them to the
promise land. Jesus leads all of us out of slavery to self and leads us into
the Kingdom of God. Moses’ exodus was in the physical realm while Jesus’
exodus is in the spiritual realm. "Do not think I have come to destroy
the law or the prophets... but to fulfill them.”
...
Fulfill the “law”? The Feasts of the Lord, defined in the law are prophetic, and are fulfilled by Jesus: 5 down and 2 to go.
(Mt 5:17). (HM-5)
In Moses’ Exodus the people were fed with the Manna from heaven and provided water
from the rock that followed them throughout the 40 years wandering in the
desert. In Jesus Exodus, we are led throughout our physical life to the
Kingdom of God. During our journey we are fed with heavenly bread for as we
say in the Our Father: “Give us today our daily bread” what was really said by
both Matthew and Luke is:
Give us today our daily bread
|
|
τόν äρτον ημών τόν έπιούσιον δός ημίν αήμερον
|
|
Give us today our day by day bread
|
|
τόν äρτον ημών τόν έπιούσιον διδόυ ημίν το καθ ήμεραν
|
Epiousiosis, έπιούσιον, is the significant Greek word which is only used in scripture in
the Our Father. Epi means super or beyond and ousia means substance or nature
which should probably have been translated as our super-substantial bread or
maybe our heavenly bread. The Eucharist is the manna provided to us by Jesus
for our journey to the Kingdom of God, which would be opened with the death of
Jesus. Jesus, who according to St. Paul, was the Rock (1Cor 10:4) that provided the water for the Jews during Moses’
Exodus. Likewise Jesus has promised us to be the source of living water during
our Exodus.
Jesus’ Exodus began when He died on the cross and continues until He comes again to establish a new earth.
Peter said to Jesus: “Lord it is good that
we are here. If you wish I will make three tents here, one for you, one for
Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Mt 17:4)
At that moment from a cloud came a voice: "This
is my beloved Son, listen to him." (Mt 17:5,
Mk 9:7,
Lk 9:35). (God
is making sure we get the point!) (HM-6)
Peter, James, and John share the experience, so they know it is real! They see Jesus
speaking with two men who they understand are Moses and Elijah, both of whom
they know to be dead. Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man rises from the dead (
Mt 17:9,
Mk 9:9). The voice
tells them to listen to Jesus! They are receiving a powerful experience that proves
that life doesn’t end with death. Jesus is telling them that He will come back
from the dead! (HM-7)
The Transfiguration is unique among miracles that appear in the Canonical gospels: the miracle
happens to Jesus himself.
+
St. Thomas Aquinas considered the Transfiguration
"the greatest miracle" because it complements baptism and shows the
perfection of life in heaven.
+
(HM-8)
Kari Barth Church Dogmatics ISBN 0-567-05089-0 page 478
Nicholas M. Healy, 2003 Thomas Aquinas: Theologian of the Christian life ISBN 978-0-7546-147202 page 100.
In Christian teachings, the Transfiguration is a pivotal
moment, and the setting on the mountain is presented as the point where human
nature meets God: the meeting place for the temporal and the eternal, with
Jesus himself as the connecting point, acting as the bridge between heaven and
earth, the spiritual and physical realms.
+
Peter, James, and John have seen the Son
of man coming in his kingdom (Mt 16:28). For Peter the Transfiguration is the point at which the “Son of God” becomes “God the Son”. (Mk 1:1)
+
Transfiguration by Dorothy A. Lee 2005 ISBN 978-0-8264-7595-4 page 2
https://www.hprweb.com/2019/08/second-peter/#fnref-24617-11
Am I ready to follow Jesus on his exodus? Jesus’
exodus is through the cross! Jesus even said “Whoever wants to be my disciple
must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” (
Mk 8:34-35,
Lk 9:23).
Taking up my cross means being willing to love even
when it is hard. He also showed me as He showed Peter, James, and John that it
means life after death! (HM-10,
GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Transfiguration
A prefiguration of the Resurrection
In the Transfiguration, another moment of supernatural light bursts through and shatters the ordinary appearances of business-as-usual. Jesus allows them to see the dazzling light of glory, and to hear the Father’s voice attesting to his Son. If Jesus’ baptism prefigured his Passion and Death, the Transfiguration prefigures his Resurrection into glory. In the shining face of Jesus, the new Moses, the apostles see the glory that will be waiting for them too, once the sufferings of this life are through. Peter wanted to set up tents on the mountain, but he had it all backwards. They were not meant to dwell in that experience; it was meant to dwell in them, as a memory that would travel with them like a torch to enlighten the hard times ahead. In our lives too, sometimes we find ourselves nostalgic for our own mountain-top experiences, wishing we could return to bask in that blissful glow. But like Peter, we’ve got it all backwards. Those moments are given to us as an encouraging memory to spur us on in hard times, as a glimpse of the greater joy that lies ahead of us. In this mystery, Mary can help us remember that no matter how deep and shadowed the valleys—discouragement, depression, confusion, loneliness, anxiety— the light of heaven is real and there is much to look forward to. The best is yet to come.
Jesus wasn’t changed. +
Bishop Steven Lopes on the occasion of confirmation at the Church of the Nativity in Payson, AZ.
Pray always I will be your rest.
He says to us, “Go without fear into the depth of men’s hearts. I shall be with you.” Suddenly this dimly-seen Figure becomes luminously clear and envelops us in his embrace. No matter what state we may be in, if we abandon ourselves we shall rest on his breast as did the apostle John.
Now this is real joy! He will be our rest at all times if only we follow his words. Let us be little, and not too literal. In his infinite mercy, God doesn’t wait until we become perfect in every letter of his Little Mandate. As we put ourselves into what appears to us as the “cold water” of this mandate, he is already our rest, and that also means our strength.
Resting in the arms of God is supreme prayer. Resting in the arms of God is having one’s ears opened by God, and once this happens, our point of view falls apart like a house built on sand. Then we become another house, built on the rock of his love. All this doesn’t happen in a day!
Like him, we must walk in the heat of a Palestinian day. We have to go through everything he did. But we know something that nobody knew in his day. We know that we live in his resurrection, and that he will temper this heat and quiet the wind of our emotional storms and help us in everything, if we let him.
For Peace
Baptism is the beginning of our life in the heart of the church, and Transfiguration in Christ is the fulfillment of that beginning. Jesus’ Transfiguration not only pulled the curtain back, so Peter, James, and John could see as much of the Glory of God as they were able to stand, but also shows the reality of the transfiguration of our own souls – we get an idea of how noble the future of the believer really is in God’s design! It begins to dawn on us that we have too small a vision where God is concerned.
It has been said that Jesus of Nazareth, his divinity hidden beneath a robe of humility, was crucified and buried and that the one who emerged from the tomb in a glorious explosion of light was the Christ – Eternal God, whose Spirit fills the entire universe. Sort of an uncreated big bang! Something not found in creation, but only in the Triune One.
The Christ, the great and holy Other, the one we cannot look upon without falling to the ground – this Lord Jesus Christ is the very one who bends over us like a mother over her child – like a hen over her chicks – like our beloved, who longs for our love and glorification in eternal life. This is the Peace that is beyond all human concepts and understanding. Peace is not passive – the lack of strife – but entrance into the Mystery of God Himself.
The Events of Holy Week
The Events of Holy Week in the year 33, the year Jesus died.
To understand what happened during Holy Week we need to
pause our meditations on the Rosary to pick up back ground on the feast of
Passover and relate it directly to what was happening in the year 33. It is
important to know that Jesus fulfilled Passover in all aspects. The Evangelists
didn’t need to go into these details because everybody knew them. Two thousand
years later we are missing a lot.
Passover is a family feast. The population of Jerusalem swelled from 200,000 to over 2
million for the period beginning 5 days before Passover to the day following
the end of the days of unleavened bread (Shvii Pesach).
20% of the population were Essenes. The Essenes followed a solar calendar
developed by Enoch while the rest of the population followed a solar/lunar
calendar. While most of the Essenes recognized the legitimacy of the temple
and paid the Temple tax they were excluded from animal sacrifices.
+
Thus the Essene celebration of the Seder meal did not include a sacrificed
animal and the corresponding requirement to consume the entire animal.
The other 80% of the population arrived in sufficient time to acquire their lamb;
the required 4 days prior to the sacrifice of the lamb.
The celebration events began with Lamb Selection day, then Lamb acquisition day, cleaning day, preparation day, Passover, and on through the seven days of un-leavened bread.
Lamb Selection Day, Sunday in the year 33 AD, Nisan 9, is the day that the high priest goes out of the city and looks over the 100,000 plus unblemished male lambs and picks the finest of the lambs to be the lamb for the sacrifice, that he will offer, on behalf of all the people. He will bring the lamb into the city to joyous shouts of “Hosanna”, “God save us”, and the waving of palm fronds. Thus, the assembled people indicated their acceptance of the High Priest’s selection.
The following day, Monday Nisan 10, is Lamb acquisition day. On that day each household goes out to the fields to the north of the city and selects a lamb for their family group. The lambs must be at least 8 days old and not more than one year old. thus they would weigh from 12 lbs to as much as 100 lbs, (5 to 45 kg.), and must be entirely consumed by the assembled group. So, the objective is not the largest but one that can feed the assembled family with little left over. The lambs will be grossly over priced as they are owned by the Sadducees and are "one-year old" (meaning less than one year old) certified unblemished males. These lambs are taken into the temple where they are paid for and documents are provided that will allow them to be taken into the temple on preparation day for sacrifice.
Then Nisan 13 is cleaning day. The law specifies that all leaven must be removed from the house and sold or destroyed (burnt) and no leaven may be in the house during the 7 days of unleavened bread (beginning on the 15th of Nisan). The 14th of Nissan will be spent cooking so the house cleaning must be done the day before. There were neighborhood bonfires created to burn any of the leaven found to be in the houses during the cleaning. The children assisted their mothers, gathering the leaven found into baskets to take to the bonfire when all the leaven had been found. Removing of leaven from the homes symbolized the removal of sin from their father’s house.
Nisan 14 is Preparation Day. The head of the household took the lamb to the temple for slaughter while the assembled women prepared the meals for the assembled group for two days. No cooking could be done after sunset and the assembled family groups consisted of 60 to 100 people that need to be fed both that evening, at the Seder Meal, and all day the 15th. The slaughter of the lambs began at 3 pm in the afternoon and had to be done by 6:20pm;
+
so, the lambs could be skinned and roasted before the start of the Seder, at approximately 8 pm in Jerusalem that day! Josephus tells us that the lambs were slaughtered in two waves and that a river of blood flowed from the temple, about 50,000 gallons (200,000 liters). Once killed, the lambs are to be roasted. That is trussed up in the form of a cross. For one spit is transfixed right through from the lower parts up to the head, and one across the back, to which are attached the forelegs of the lamb.
+
https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/table.php?lat=31.78&lon=35.23&year=33 See the Sunset time for April 3rd
Pitre, Brant. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (pp. 63-65). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Nisan 15 is technically Passover as the Angel of Death passed over at midnight. Since the day changes at sunset the Seder meal is celebrated on the 15th of Nisan since it is celebrated after sunset. The Seder meals follows a prescribed formula.
Lamb Selection Day: Palm Sunday - March 29th;Nisan 9th (for the Temple Passover)
On the tenth day of the first month of the year
(five days before Passover), every family was required to choose a lamb for
Passover, according to the instructions given by God to Moses: “Tell the whole community of Israel
that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family,
one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they
must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the
number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in
accordance with what each person will eat. The animals you choose must be
year-old (more than eight days old but less than one year old) males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the
goats.” (Ex 12:3-5). [A "year-old" male runs from 12 to 100 lbs. (5 to 45 kg.). A 100 lb. (45 kg.) lamb will produce 39 lbs. (18 kg.) of meat.
+
Josephus tells us the normal group for Passover consisted of 20 people. He was of course only counting the men (males over 13 years old). So, with 20 males probably 15 are married and each has an average of 4 children (grandparents’ kids are grown so actually the families are larger). You would have 30 parents and 10 teen agers and 46 children for a group of 86 people. They would be eating between 27 and 39 lbs. (12 to 18 kg.) of meat. Figure a ¼ lb. (.11 kg.) for the children (11.5 lbs or 5.2 kg.) and a ½ lb. (.22 kg.) for the teenagers and adults (20 lbs. or 9 kg.) It works out. A small group could consist of 10 (men) but anything smaller had to be combined with another group. All the leftovers had to be burnt. ...
Passover was always a Sabbath so one could not start a fire or cook anything. Thus the fire used to roast the Passover Lamb (or Goat) had to have enough coals so that any leftovers could be consumed several hours later when the celebration ended.
Take care of them (the lambs) until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Care must be taken not to break any of the bones (Ex 12:46).
Jewish historians record that the lambs were
brought from the fields of Bethlehem, in the south, up to Jerusalem and through
the Northeast gate of the city by the pool of Bethesda, called the “Sheep’s
Gate”. Because the flocks of Bethlehem were owned by the Sadducees, only these
sheep and goats were allowed to be sacrificed on Passover – for the purpose of
filling their coffers. There were so many lambs/goats sacrificed that the
flocks were moved back out of the city walls to the fields to the North of the
city. Because there were so many people selecting lambs to comply with the
instructions from Exodus 12, the lamb that would be offered by the high priest
on behalf of the people was chosen the afternoon of the 9th.
+
The high priest would go out the Damascus Gate into the fields to the north of Jerusalem
to select his lamb (the best of all the lambs) for the sacrifice. His lamb was
sacrificed for the whole people. The people would wait in the city until he
returned with the selected lamb. Then they would wave palm branches and sing
out “Hosanna” (God Save us!) as he came into the city. This signified the
people’s acceptance of the lamb chosen to be sacrificed for the people.
That day, the 9th, came to be
called, "Lamb Selection Day." On that day in Jerusalem, several hundreds
of thousands of people would be entering the city so that they would be there
to choose their lamb on the following day, the lamb that their family would
sacrifice.
In Mark 11, it says Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem
from Bethphage, east of Jerusalem. He entered the city through the Golden
(Eastern) Gate. The prophet Ezekiel had prophesied that the Messiah would
enter through the Golden gate (Ez 43:4). Zechariah says that
the Messiah would enter the city riding a donkey and its foal (Zech 9:9) which is also prophesied
in Gen 49:11. As Jesus approached the city He was recognized by a
group of zealots. They saw the miracle worker fulfilling two Messianic
prophecies! They began shouting their
battle cry: “Hosanna”; which as stated above means “God Save Us”. They were
hoping Jesus, the miracle worker, would be their savior from the Romans. After
all Jesus was an established miracle worker and He was coming into Jerusalem
through the Golden gate just as Ezekiel had foretold and He was riding a donkey
and its foal just as Zechariah and Genesis had foretold.
Meanwhile, Caiaphas had just left the city through the Damascus gate, the next gate (not counting the sheep gate) to the North and West of the Golden Gate, to select a lamb to be the sacrificial lamb
The people were waiting with palm fronds
to shout Hosanna (God Save us) when Caiaphas returned with the lamb. Their
shouting and palm waving would signify their acceptance of the lamb as the
sacrifice for all. When they heard the shouting of “Hosanna” coming from the
Golden gate (the next gate to the right) they hurried to the Golden gate,
thinking Caiaphas had returned that way. When they saw Jesus, and were told of
the fulfilled prophesies, they joined the chorus in the celebration of Jesus, the Messiah!
However, Jesus was not entering the city as a conquering Messiah but rather as the Lamb
of God. With their shouting and waving of palm fronds they formally selected
Jesus, the Lamb of God, to be their sacrifice on Passover. When Caiaphas
returned with his lamb, there was no one to meet him. The people had already selected the
Lamb of God!
Jesus, a first-born male, born in Bethlehem in a stable used for the protection of Paschal lambs, inspected by the Levitical shepherds, and found without blemish was offering himself as the sacrificial lamb, on Lamb Selection Day! He fulfilled the prophecies of Zech 9:9 and Gen 49:11 by riding down into the city on a donkey with her colt, through the Eastern gate also fulfilling Ez 43:4. He came as the Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind. +
Jesus, a first-born male, born in Bethlehem in a stable used for the protection of Paschal lambs, inspected by the Levitical shepherds, and found without blemish was offering himself as the sacrificial lamb, on Lamb Selection Day! He fulfilled the prophecies of Zech 9:9 and Gen 49:11 by riding down into the city on a donkey with her colt, through the Eastern gate also fulfilling Ez 43:4. He came as the Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind. +
That evening
...
Both Matthew (Mt 26:2) and Mark (Mk 14:1) say it was 2 days before Passover and John says it was 6 days before Passover (Jn 12:1). It needs to be noted that it was Sunday evening but Monday had started at sunset so the Essene Passover was in two days (on Tuesday evening) and the Temple Passover was in 6 days (on Friday evening): both are correct if John is referring to before Sunset Sunday and Matthew and Mark are referring to an event that took place after sunset on Sunday.
Jesus and his apostles went to a suburb, Bethany, and at the home of Simon the Leper had dinner. Martha,
Mary, and Lazarus were present. While at dinner Mary poured expensive ointment
over Jesus. When Judas complained, Jesus said that she was anointing his body
for burial, beforehand.
Judas surely thought that Jesus had blown it. He came into to Jerusalem amid shouts
and jubilation. The people were ready to make him king. Instead He wept over
the city and then left going back to Bethany.
Maybe Judas should force Jesus to take action.
Jesus, as God, knew the Jews would reject him and kill him, that had been the plan from all eternity. Jesus also knew the Jews would continue to reject him and that, that was necessary until the time of the Gentiles was fulfilled, (See Romans 11). If the Jews had not rejected Jesus, Christianity would have been just another Jewish Sect and would not have been accepted in the Gentile world. [we are now approaching the time of a “Post Christian world” which implies that the time of the Gentiles has been fulfilled and we will now begin to witness the conversion of the Jews!]
Cleaning Day Monday of Holy Week - March 30th; Nisan 10th; Essene Nisan 13th
The Essene Passover celebra