The Joyful Mysteries

Page 8 in "Marian Devotions in the Domestic Church"

Catherine Fournier and Peter Fournier

Luke 1 :26-38 

The whole world was waiting for the Messiah. God promised to send His people a Savior. He would be a King, said the prophecies. He would open the way to heaven, which was closed when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. 

Still, Mary of Nazareth was surprised when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her, saying, "Hail, full of grace." The angel told her she had been chosen as Mother of God. "How can this be?" she asked and then said, "Let it be done according to Your will." In that instant, Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and became man. What joy, thanks to the trust and humility of Mary! 

Let this mystery teach us to be humble. 

Luke 1:39-56 

The Angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby son. This was joyful news. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were very old. They had no children to care for them in their old age. Mary went to help Elizabeth with her pregnancy. 

When Mary arrived at Elizabeth's house, Elizabeth called out, "Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!" Mary replied with a song of praise called a "Canticle". Mary took care of Elizabeth until the baby, John, was born. What joy for us all, thanks to the love and charity of Mary! 

Let this mystery teach us to be charitable. 

Luke 2:1-7 

The Roman emperor ordered a census of all the land. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem to answer the census. When they arrived, Bethlehem was very crowded. Mary and Joseph wondered what they should do. They were poor, and the inns were all full. The baby was coming soon, and they had nowhere to stay. 

But they did not worry. They knew God was watching over them. So Mary's son, Jesus, the Son of God and the Savior of the world, was born in a stable with God's creatures around Him. What joy for us all, that God watches over us the way He watched over the Holy Family that night! 

Let this mystery teach us to trust God in all things. 

Luke 2:22-38 

Jewish law says that a first-born son must be presented to God in thanks for His great works. Mary and Joseph obeyed this law. They took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem when He was forty days old. They offered a sacrifice and gave thanks to God. 

An old man named Simeon waited his whole life to see the Messiah. He recognized the child as the promised Savior and praised God. He also made a prophecy about Jesus' ministry, telling Mary that she would have great joy and great sadness. An old woman named Anna also saw that Jesus was the Messiah and gave thanks to God for His answer to the Jewish people's prayers. What joy for all of us in the marvelous works of God! 

Let this mystery teach us to give thanks to 

God for His great works. 

Luke 2:41-52 

When Jesus was twelve, the Holy Family traveled to Jerusalem for the great Passover feast. They went with many other pilgrims from Nazareth. On the way home, Mary and Joseph did not see Jesus in the group. They thought He was walking with friends. But Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem! 

Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus for three whole days. They were very worried. Finally, they found Him in the great temple, talking to the priests. The priests were amazed at His understanding of God's teachings. Mary and Joseph were just glad to find Him. They asked why He had left them. Jesus answered, "Do you not understand I must do My Father's work?" He obeyed His parents and returned to Nazareth with them. What joy for all of us in obeying our parents, because it is obeying God too! 

Let this mystery teach us how to live in obedience.