Liv Homolka

During week one of our Lenten journey through the Rosary, we will be meditating on the Joyful Mysteries. The Joyful Mysteries are so beautiful because they remind us of the only source of true joy: Christ. Take some time this week to meditate on maybe a mystery a day with the meditation guide; I think you’ll find it fruitful. I know I have in my own life!

1. The first joyful mystery: The Annunciation

“And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob fore ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: Because no word shall be impossible with God. And Mary said: Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to be according to thy word.” Luke 1:26-38 DRA

• Are you in tune to God’s voice in your own life? How can you grow in discerning His voice vs. your own vs. the enemy’s?
• What is He calling you to?
• How are you answering this calling? Are you reluctant because it’s difficult or do you humbly and fully accept the Lord’s will over your life?

Make Mary’s prayer your own today. Repeat “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to thy word” every time God’s will for your life becomes apparent, seems difficult or even in the mundane ordinary parts of your day.

2. The second joyful mystery: The Visitation

“And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Judah. And she entered into the house of Zechariah and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth hearth the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of the salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:39-44 DRA

• Do I go “in haste” as Mary did in serving others?
• Do I leap for joy when Jesus comes to me like St. John the Baptist did in the womb?
• Do I show Christian joy to the world like Elizabeth?

Spend some time in prayer today reflecting on Christian joy. Ask Mary to bring our Lord to you today and then leap for joy when she does.

3. The third joyful mystery: The Nativity

“And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.” Luke 2:6-11 DRA

• Have I humbled myself like the shepherds to receive and accept the good news of the Gospel?
• Have I shared the Gospel like the angels? Have I shared that it is indeed good news for ALL people?
• How can I share the Gospel today?

Spend time today in prayer thanking God for the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. Ask Him to show you someone who needs to hear the Good News. Now go be bold and share the Gospel with someone today!

4. The fourth joyful mystery: The Presentation

“And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace;  Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.” Luke 2:25-35 DRA

• Simeon was so content in his life because he had seen the Savior. Is Jesus enough in your life too?
• Jesus can be hard for many to accept especially in today’s world. How can you be a light in this darkened world?
• It can be hard work to follow Jesus closely. In what areas of your life do you need to follow Him closer?

Spend time in prayer thanking the Lord for showing you His Salvation. Pray that you can show that to others and “work out your salvation” in your own life. Pray, “Jesus, You are enough for me”.

5. The fifth joyful mystery: The Finding in the Temple“And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.  And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father’s business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.” Luke 2:42-52

• Do you sometimes “lose Jesus” in your own life? Do forget Him when He should be the center of it?
• How can you more actively seek Jesus in your life?
• Do you ponder the Word when you read it? In what ways does Jesus astonish you?

Spend time in prayer acknowledging that you need a Savior and sometimes you need help finding Him. Ask the Lord to show you how to seek Him better. Pray, “Jesus, come to me.”

I pray you found these meditations fruitful. I am praying for you this Lent.

Many blessings,

Liv