The Joyful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries lead us to meditate on the beginning of the life of Jesus.   They are prayed on Monday and Saturday, however, we can meditate on the Joyful Mysteries on Sundays during Advent and Christmas, This mystery begins with the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel that Mary was chosen by God to be the vessel by which mankind would be saved from final damnation.  Mary’s fiat makes her become the first tabernacle.  The angel further tells Mary that her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, was in her sixth month of pregnancy.  Mary left in haste to visit her cousin and to offer assistance.  It is during this visitation that John the Baptist, in the womb, felt the presence of God (Jesus in the womb).   We then meditate on the birth of Jesus – Emmanuel God with us.  We go with Joseph and Mary to the Presentation of Jesus at the temple.  We meditate on Simeon’s prophecy.   Lastly, we experience Joseph and Mary’s concern as parents of a young teenager.   We learn from Mary to meditate on uncomfortable feelings in our hearts.