The Luminous Mysteries of the rosary were added by Pope John-Paul II in 2002 as an addition to the traditional mysteries. The Luminous Mysteries occur on Thursdays between the Joyful Mysteries and the Sorrowful Mysteries and illuminate important points in the ministry of Jesus. It is through the Luminous Mysteries that we can learn and experience the mission of Jesus Christ. What is the Rosary will show you how to pray the Rosary itself while here is a look at the five Luminous Mysteries.
The first Luminous Mystery: The Baptism in the Jordan
Here we experience the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. Baptism as a sacrament is instituted and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus; his ministry truly begins.
After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the Heaven were opened for him and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to Him.
And a voice came from Heaven saying “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. (Mt.3:16-17)
The second Luminous Mystery: The wedding at Cana
Here we discover and experience the first miracle of Jesus as water is turned into wine. This is a public demonstration of the true nature of Jesus as Son of God and here we can experience the sacrament of Matrimony.
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there… When the wine ran short Mary said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”
His mother told the servers, “Do whatever He tells you.”
(John 2:1-11)
The third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
In Galilee, Jesus proclaims the coming of the kingdom of God and the forgiveness of sins. Here, the sacrament of Reconciliation is begun and Jesus calls for conversion and repentance.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.
(Mark 1:14-15)
The fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration
In this mystery we experience the radiance of Jesus as he is transfigured into Light. In this mystery, Jesus sees the forthcoming Crucifixion but also talks of the Resurrection.
While Jesus was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white. And behold two men were conversing with Him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus that He was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
(Luke 9:28-31)
The fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
In this mystery Jesus offers his body and his blood for the salvation of the world. This is the culmination of the Luminous Mysteries and demonstrates Jesus’ total Love for humanity.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.
(John 6:51)
The Luminous Mysteries are ideally placed between the Mysteries of Joy and Sorrow and are incredibly active mysteries as they depict the working life of Jesus in his ministry as Son of God. Also, they are incredible meditations as the origins of the Sacraments of matrimony, reconciliation and the Eucharist are all revealed within the Luminous Mysteries.
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