As Lay Apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King, we have been asked by Jesus to adopt certain spiritual practices, one of which is participation in a monthly lay apostle prayer group, which includes recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.
The Luminous Mysteries were first introduced to the world in October of 2002, when Pope John Paul II wrote an Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, in which he extolled the Rosary as a means by which Christians could “contemplate, with Mary, the face of Christ.” The pope recognized that in order to bring out the Christological depth of the Rosary, it would be appropriate to add mysteries which reveal Christ’s public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. In the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, Jesus is revealed as God’s light for the world.
How appropriate that we are asked by Jesus to pray the Luminous Mysteries. Clearly, Lay Apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King are challenged to be Christ’s light in the world today, and by praying the Rosary, we will be given the graces we need to shine Christ’s love into the darkness. Pope John Paul II added that when contemplating the mysteries of the Rosary, we should pray for the graces needed to live a Christian life by concluding each mystery with a prayer to obtain spiritual fruits.
The Luminous Mysteries
The Baptism of Jesus (MATTHEW 3:13-17)
Jesus, God Incarnate, humbles Himself to be baptized by John the Baptist.
Let us pray for the Spirit to descend on us so that we may be aware of the incredible gift we have been given in Baptism, where we became sons and daughters of God.
Spiritual fruit: Openness to the Holy Spirit
The Wedding at Cana (JOHN 2:1-11)
Jesus performs His first public miracle at a wedding, where He changes water into wine and opens the hearts of His disciples to faith.
Let us pray for our Blessed Mother’s intercession, so that Jesus can transform our hearts, and give us the grace to show compassion to our families and our neighbors.
Spiritual fruit: To Jesus through Mary
The Proclamation of God’s Kingdom (MARK 1:14-15)
Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calling us to conversion.
Jesus forgives the sins of all who come to Him in trust and who desire holiness.
Let us pray for the grace to accept Christ’s incredible mercy by participating regularly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Spiritual fruit: Repentance and Trust in God
The Transfiguration (MATTHEW 17:2-5)
The glory of God shines from Christ as His apostles are praying with Him on the mountain.
Let us pray for the courage to climb our own mountain of holiness so that we may live eternally in the light of God’s love.
Spiritual fruit: Desire for Holiness
The Institution of the Eucharist (LUKE 22:19-20)
At the Last Supper, Jesus shares His very self with His apostles in the form of bread and wine. The Eucharist is God’s presence among us. The God revealed in the Eucharist is a loving servant ready to hand over His entire self to nourish and heal us.
Let us pray for the grace to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, so that we are willing to hand over our bodies in love and service to our families and communities.
Spiritual Fruit: Adoration
