The Luminous Mysteries draw us into the public life of Christ. In them we contemplate revelation, conversion, glory, and the gift of the Eucharist. Each mystery may be announced with its fruit, and each Hail Mary may be deepened by a brief phrase after the name of Jesus.
These mysteries were proposed by Saint John Paul II in Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002). Some faithful pray the older three-set pattern alone, while others also pray the Luminous Mysteries. Both practices can be received with reverence.
These phrases are offered as helps for meditation. You may repeat one phrase through the whole decade, or vary them from bead to bead if that helps you remain with the mystery.
1. The Baptism of the Lord
Fruit: Openness to the Holy Spirit, fidelity to baptismal grace
Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
Some phrases you can use through the decade:
- Jesus, baptized in the Jordan
- Jesus, baptized by John the Baptist
- Jesus, baptized to fulfill all righteousness
- Jesus, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended
- Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, with whom he is well pleased
You may repeat one of these through the rest of the decade, or remain with the one phrase that most helps recollection.
2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
Fruit: Trust in Mary's intercession, confidence in Christ
Scripture: John 2:1-11
Some phrases you can use through the decade:
- Jesus, whom you told they have no wine
- Jesus, who told you his hour had not yet come
- Jesus, to whom you pointed the servants
- Jesus, who said to fill the stone jars with water
- Jesus, who turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana
You may repeat one of these through the rest of the decade, or remain with the one phrase that most helps recollection.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Fruit: Repentance and trust in God
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
A phrase to carry through the decade:
- Jesus, proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand
Another phrase for deeper meditation:
- Jesus, preaching repentance and trust in God
4. The Transfiguration
Fruit: Desire for holiness, openness to divine glory
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8
A phrase to carry through the decade:
- Jesus, revealing his glory
Another phrase for deeper meditation:
- Jesus, whose Holy Spirit stirs our desire for holiness
5. The Institution of the Eucharist
Fruit: Eucharistic devotion, union with Christ
Scripture: Luke 22:14-20
Some phrases you can use through the decade:
- Jesus, who turned bread into his body at the Last Supper
- Jesus, who turned wine into his blood at the Last Supper
- Jesus, who said, do this in memory of me, at the Last Supper
- Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity
- Jesus, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world
You may repeat one of these through the rest of the decade, or remain with the one phrase that most helps recollection.