The Luminous Mysteries

Traditionally prayed on Thursdays

Introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002

First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Meditation: The Trinity is revealed as the Father’s voice is heard and the Spirit descends like a dove. Jesus begins his public ministry.

Fruit of the Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit

Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana

Jesus performs his first miracle by changing water into wine.

Scripture: John 2:1-11

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. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. 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 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.” 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.

Meditation: At Mary’s request, Jesus reveals his glory through his first miracle. Mary shows us the way to Jesus: “Do whatever he tells you.”

Fruit of the Mystery: To Jesus through Mary

Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls us to conversion.

Scripture: Mark 1:15

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Additional Scripture: Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. 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.”

Meditation: Jesus announces the Good News and calls all people to repentance. He heals the sick and forgives sinners.

Fruit of the Mystery: Repentance and Trust in God

Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor.

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “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.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

Meditation: Jesus reveals his divine glory to strengthen the apostles for his coming passion. Moses and Elijah appear with him.

Fruit of the Mystery: Desire for Holiness

Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist

Jesus institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Meditation: Jesus gives us his Body and Blood as spiritual food. He establishes the priesthood and the sacrifice of the Mass.

Fruit of the Mystery: Adoration