The Joyful Mysteries – A guide for discernment
I genuinely love the rosary, though you’d not necessarily know that by my (lack of) faithful consistency in carving out time from my schedule to pray it daily. My newfound freedom of schedule is certainly helping me get back on track there. One of the things I love most about praying the rosary is when a lightbulb goes off that makes this devotion super practical and relevant. The rosary is not just a good way to meditate upon the life of Christ (although, it is!).
I’ve recently grown to appreciate the joyful mysteries of the rosary as a pattern or guide for discernment.
So, let’s dive in on a short series looking at just that.
Let’s say I have a great idea. Or, I think I do, at least. Maybe it’s a theological insight. Perhaps it’s a call to a vocation, or to a new ministry. How do I know if it’s really inspired, or just wacky? Let’s use the Joyful Mysteries as a guide.
The Joyful Mysteries – For context, with tl;dr
- The Annunciation of Our Lord: In which The angel Gabriel is sent from God to Mary, who greets her unexpectedly, tells her she’s going to conceive the messiah, and she gives her consent.
- Receive a revelation or a call. Submit your will. Ponder.
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- The Visitation: Mary (now pregnant) heads up to the hill country to see her kinswoman, Elizabeth, who is both old and pregnant. Elizabeth recognizes there is something special about Mary and the child she’s carrying. Elizabeth calls her “blessed” for believing what the Lord told her.
- Go about your daily business. Prepare yourself. Find unexpected consolations.
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- The Nativity of Jesus: Nobody wants to be helpful, the timing is awful, but… the baby is here.
- The revelation, call, or idea is clearly perceived. There’s no way to delay bringing it to light. As the internet lady says – does it spark joy?
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- The Presentation in the Temple: Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple. Simeon identifies him as the messiah. Anna evangelizes.
- Present your revelation, call, or idea to the church. No, not just your tio Juan. Do they receive it joyfully? Does it call them to action?
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- The Finding in the Temple: Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way home from Jerusalem after the feast of Passover. They look everywhere for three days, then find him in the temple, in “my Father’s house,” and “about my Father’s business.”
- We participate in nurturing the revelation, call, or idea, then it surprises us. It’s “ours” no longer. It takes on a life of its own.
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In Conclusion… Read more
