The Joyful Mysteries
Five scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. Hold one in mind through each decade, and let its fruit take root in yours.
The Annunciation
Luke 1:26–38
The angel Gabriel comes to a girl in Nazareth and asks for the impossible. Mary answers, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” and God takes on flesh.
The fruit of this mystery: Humility
The Visitation
Luke 1:39–56
Carrying God within her, Mary hurries into the hill country to help her cousin Elizabeth. John leaps in the womb, and Mary sings that her soul magnifies the Lord.
The fruit of this mystery: Love of neighbor
The Nativity
Luke 2:1–20
There is no room anywhere, so the King of heaven is born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough. Shepherds are the first to be told.
The fruit of this mystery: Poverty of spirit
The Presentation
Luke 2:22–38
Mary and Joseph carry the infant to the Temple to offer him to God, as the Law asks. Old Simeon takes the child in his arms and says he can die in peace now, for his eyes have seen salvation.
The fruit of this mystery: Obedience
The Finding in the Temple
Luke 2:41–52
Twelve years old, Jesus goes missing for three days. His parents find him in the Temple among the teachers. “Did you not know I must be in my Father's house?”
The fruit of this mystery: Joy in finding Jesus