The Glorious Mysteries

Traditionally prayed on Wednesdays and Sundays

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

Jesus rises from the dead on the third day.

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Meditation: Jesus conquers death and opens the gates of heaven. His resurrection gives us hope for eternal life.

Fruit of the Mystery: Faith

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

Jesus ascends into heaven forty days after his resurrection.

Scripture: Luke 24:50-53

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

Meditation: Jesus returns to the Father, having completed his earthly mission. He promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Fruit of the Mystery: Hope

Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles at Pentecost.

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” But others said, scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.”

Meditation: The apostles receive courage and wisdom to spread the Gospel. The Church is born through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Fruit of the Mystery: Love of God

Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

Mary is taken up into heaven, body and soul.

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on all ages will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Meditation: Mary, free from original sin, is assumed into heaven. She is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Fruit of the Mystery: Grace of a Happy Death

Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of Mary

Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-5

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne.

Meditation: Mary reigns as Queen beside her Son. She intercedes for us and helps lead us to Jesus.

Fruit of the Mystery: Trust in Mary’s Intercession