Liv Homolka

This week we will be meditating on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. I love the Glorious Mysteries because they remind us of Jesus’ power. They remind us that He is in control and is so much bigger than anything we could face. I pray that you remember that as you meditate on these Mysteries and throughout your daily life.

1. The First Glorious Mystery: The Ressurection

“And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow. And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror, and became as dead men.  And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid.” Matthew 28:1-8 DRA

• How does the fact that Jesus conquered sin and death give you hope?
• Do you live in this hope always?
• How can you remember the hope of the resurrection daily?

Spend time in praise and worship today thanking the Lord for conquering sin and death because you could never do it without Him.

2. The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

“But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.” Acts 1:8-11 DRA

• What peace does it give you that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven?
• What things do you try to control in your own life when you could be giving them up to God?
• How can you surrender this control to the Lord today?

Spend time in prayer today fully surrendering to God’s will. Pray, “Jesus, I trust in You.”

3. The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

“And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak.” Acts 2:1-4 DRA

• Refresh yourself in the fruits of the Spirit. Which ones come easily to you? Which ones are more challenging?
• How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your own life?
• The Holy Spirit is often the forgotten Person of the Trinity. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Spend time in prayer today asking for an increase in the fruits of the Spirit. Pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.”

4. The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption

“The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 966

• This event foreshadows the resurrection of the body after Jesus’ second coming. What will your eternal life in Heaven be like with your body perfected without illness, sadness, or pain?
• Do the end times scare you? How does this give you hope instead?
• The Bible says, “Where, o death, is thy victory? Where, O death, is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 DRA). How does the Assumption give you comfort when you think of death

Spend time in prayer today thanking Him for the hope of the resurrection of the body.

5. The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation

“And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne.” Revelation 12:1-5 DRA

• This passage shows us that the Coronation shows us the power of Christ. It is not Mary solely that the devil is after. It is not Mary that rules all nations with an iron rod. However, it is through her that these things happen. There are many misconceptions that acknowledging Mary’s role somehow takes away from Christ. Is Mary’s importance in redemption history hard for you to accept? Why or why not?
• Mary is a woman who lived in poverty and obscurity, yet was crowned queen of Heaven. At the end of our lives, we are to receive a crown if we finish the race (2 Timothy 4:8) no matter our background or material items we accrued on Earth. If you too come from a challenging background, how does this give you hope? If you don’t come from a background like that, do you remember the Gospel is for everyone? How can you share Christ’s love with those with less than you?
• Have you considered the weight of eternity before? Are you living in a way that you will finish the race to receive the crown waiting for you? What’s the alternative?

If you find Mary’s role challenging, spend some time today asking yourself why. Is it important to recognize her role? Pray for a greater understanding of this doctrine. In addition, pray today for strength to help you “finish the race”. Pray, “Give me grace and strength to follow you closely, Lord, for without You I am nothing.”

I pray that you found this week’s meditations both challenging and inspiring. I am praying for you this Lent and always.

Many blessings,

Liv