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The Luminous Mysteries

The Luminous Mysteries, also known as the "Mysteries of Light," were introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002. These mysteries focus on Christ's public ministry, shedding light on His work of revelation and redemption.

Traditionally, the Luminous Mysteries are prayed on Thursdays.

1

The Baptism of Jesus

"After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" (Matthew 3:16-17)

In this mystery, we contemplate the beginning of Jesus' public ministry when He was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The Holy Trinity is revealed: the voice of the Father, the Son in the flesh, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.

Meditate on this mystery
2

The Wedding at Cana

"His mother said to the servers, 'Do whatever he tells you.' ... Jesus told them, 'Fill the jars with water.' So they filled them to the brim." (John 2:5-7)

We reflect on Jesus' first public miracle, performed at the wedding feast in Cana at Mary's request. By turning water into wine, Jesus reveals His divine power and inaugurates His messianic ministry, showing us the importance of following Mary's counsel to "do whatever he tells you."

Meditate on this mystery
3

The Proclamation of the Kingdom

"Jesus went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people." (Matthew 4:23)

We meditate on Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom of God, His call to conversion, and His ministry of healing and forgiveness. Through His preaching and parables, Jesus reveals the merciful face of the Father and invites us to participate in God's reign.

Meditate on this mystery
4

The Transfiguration

"And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light." (Matthew 17:2)

We contemplate the moment when Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. This glimpse of Christ's divinity and heavenly glory strengthened the apostles for the trials ahead and offers us hope of our own future glory.

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5

The Institution of the Eucharist

"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.'" (Matthew 26:26-28)

We meditate on Jesus instituting the Eucharist at the Last Supper, giving us His Body and Blood as spiritual nourishment. In this sacrament, Christ continues His presence among us and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice of love.

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Fruit of the Mysteries

Each of the Luminous Mysteries is associated with a particular spiritual fruit:

  • The Baptism of Jesus: Openness to the Holy Spirit
  • The Wedding at Cana: To Jesus Through Mary
  • The Proclamation of the Kingdom: Repentance, Trust in God
  • The Transfiguration: Desire for Holiness
  • The Institution of the Eucharist: Adoration, Eucharistic Devotion
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