The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary are the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. They are prayed on Monday and Saturday.

Also prayed on the Sundays of Advent.

For each mystery, read the Scripture, hold the meditation in mind, and pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be. See how to pray the Rosary for the opening and closing prayers.

1. The Annunciation

Fruit of the mystery: Humility

And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

The angel Gabriel comes to a young woman in a small town and asks if she will become the mother of the Son of God. Mary does not understand everything, but she trusts, and she says yes. God did not force His way into the world; He asked, and He waited for her answer. He treats you with the same respect, inviting rather than demanding. Ask for a heart like Mary's, ready to say yes to what He asks of you today.

Intention. For the grace to say yes to God's will, even when we cannot see the whole road.

2. The Visitation

Fruit of the mystery: Love of neighbor

And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Newly pregnant herself, Mary hurries into the hill country to help her older cousin Elizabeth. When she arrives, the child in Elizabeth's womb leaps for joy, because Mary carries Jesus with her. Wherever Christ is brought, joy follows. You carry Him too, through your baptism and every Communion. Think of one person who needs a visit, a call or a helping hand, and bring Him to them.

Intention. For someone near us who is lonely, expecting a child, or in need of help.

3. The Nativity

Fruit of the mystery: Poverty of spirit

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Son of God is born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough, because there was no room anywhere else. The Creator of everything chose to arrive small, poor and dependent on a mother's care. He did this so that no one would be too afraid to come near Him. You do not need to be impressive to be loved by God; you are His beloved child already. Make room for Him today in the crowded inn of your heart.

Intention. For the poor, the homeless, and every family welcoming a new child.

4. The Presentation in the Temple

Fruit of the mystery: Obedience

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple, as the law of Moses asked, and offer Him to God. The old man Simeon takes the child in his arms and knows that his long wait is over. He also tells Mary that a sword will pierce her heart. Faithfulness in small duties, done out of love, is where God meets us. Offer Him your ordinary day, and trust Him with what you are still waiting for.

Intention. For parents, and for all who are waiting patiently on the Lord.

5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Fruit of the mystery: Joy in finding Jesus

And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.

For three days Mary and Joseph search Jerusalem for their missing twelve year old son, and they find Him in His Father's house. Even the holiest family knew the ache of feeling that Jesus was lost. If God seems far away from you right now, you are in good company, and He is not gone. Keep looking for Him where He has promised to be: in prayer, in Scripture, in the Mass. He wants to be found.

Intention. For those who have drifted from the faith, that they may find Jesus again.

The other mysteries

• The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
• The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)
• The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)