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Luminous Mysteries

The Luminous Mysteries

These mysteries are comparatively recent, having been introduced as an option by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Centered on the ministry of Jesus, and the sacraments that he instituted, they are often said on Thursdays.

The Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

The Wedding at Cana

Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven

The Transfiguration

The Institution of the Eucharist

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) proclaimed a message of repentance in preparation for Jesus' ministry. As a sign of that repentance, he baptized those who came to him in the Jordan River. Jesus was one of those who came to him and requested baptism. John protested, saying that it was more appropriate that Jesus should baptize him instead. Jesus insisted, saying that it was right that he be baptized by John, perhaps to unite himself even more closely to our humanity. After Christ's baptism, the heavens opened and a dove lighted on him, as God proclaimed that this was God's beloved Son.

The Wedding at Cana

The Wedding at Cana

At his Mother's request, Jesus transformed the large jars of water at a wedding feast into fine wine so that the the celebration could continue. It's significant that this was the first miracle that Jesus performed, and that it occurred at a wedding. Jesus blessed the institution, joy, and promise of marriage.

Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven

From the first, Jesus' message was a radical one, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” He used many images and parables to explain what this Kingdom was about, and that it was nearer than his hearers might have guessed. It was an infinitely precious pearl for which one might sacrifice everything else; it was a like a wedding feast. This coming Kingdom and what it meant was the core of what Jesus preached.

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration

In what was perhaps a foreshadowing of Christ's resurrected glory, Jesus went up on a mountain with Peter and John, and before their bewildered eyes transformed into a glorious figure clothed in unearthly white. In this moment, it became clear to them that he was greater and closer to the Divine than anyone who had gone before—God's beloved Son.

The Luminous Mysteries are one of the Mysteries of Faith.

The Institution of the Eucharist

The Institution of the Eucharist

At the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus blessed the wine and the bread, but that wasn't all. He declared that these were his Body and his Blood. It is clear from his words that this was not a one time rite, but one meant to be continued through time. There is a promise of eternity in this Body and Blood, and eternal fellowship with Christ.

The Luminous Mysteries are meditated upon when the Rosary is prayed.
Click here to learn How to Pray the Rosary.

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