I’d like to start with a little show and tell. I would like to show you one of my most
valuable possessions. It may not
be worth much in dollars and cents, but it is literally one of the top
possessions I own—my Grandma Betty’s rosary which I always carry in my pocket.
My
Grandma and I were very close. I
was her favorite grandson—obviously—and she became a great influence in my
life. While I attended St.
Scholastica I had many opportunities to spend time with Grandma. I would run down the hill to visit her
in the high rise on Third Street and we would spend time visiting. During these times we also said the
Rosary together.
Grandma
taught me how to say the Rosary and in so doing showed me that the Rosary has
power. I say this not meaning to
suggest superstition or magic, but because I witnessed some incredible things
while we prayed together.
The
greatest was two days before her death.
Nearing the end, Grandma had stopped eating, speaking or even
moving. Yet as my friend and I
prayed the Rosary with her (she couldn’t even finger along) something amazing
happened. The light came on in her
eyes, she lifted her head and said, “Jesus loves you.” These words still ring in my heart
today and have supported my life, faith and vocation to the priesthood.
Many
may criticize Catholics for praying the Rosary—why do you babble repetitious
prayer?
We
pray the Rosary because we meditate on the mysteries of the life of Jesus. Think of it—our greatest feast days of
the year are included in the Rosary.
In its four sets of mysteries we ponder the life of Jesus as we
pray. We begin with the Joyful
Mysteries that include Gabriel’s request of Mary, a visitation to Elizabeth,
Christmas, the presentation of Jesus in the temple (which we honor today) and
finding Jesus in God’s house.
In
the Luminous Mysteries we reflect on Jesus’ public ministry. We take to heart Jesus’ Baptism,
wedding feast of Cana, proclaiming the Gospel, the Transfiguration and the
institution of the Eucharist. In
fact, the latter is featured in Mass on Holy Thursday.
The
Sorrowful Mysteries highlight what we do in Lent, especially during Holy Week. Jesus agonized in Gethsemane, was
scourged at the pillar, crowned with thorns, carried his cross and died for our
sins. This is what our faith is
all about.
Yet
the story continues in the Glorious Mysteries. On Easter Sunday we rejoice in the Resurrection and
throughout the Easter season we celebrate Jesus’ ascension into heaven and his
sending the Holy Spirit to us. Later
in the year we remember Mary’s assumption into heaven and her coronation as
queen of heaven and earth.
The
fourth Joyful Mystery—the one which we proclaim today—gives much food for
thought. First, we must be
reminded that Jesus was a regular Jewish boy. Just like other firstborn sons he was brought to the Temple
to be dedicated by God.
At
the same time, two incredible witnesses stand out as the Gospel according to
Luke records the presentation—Simeon and Anna. What was it about Jesus that caused them to recognize
him? He probably looked like any
other Jewish boy with similar parents.
What made them believe? Simeon
and Anna were both devoted to God in their prayer and worship. They were filled with the Holy
Spirit. They were so in tune with
God that they knew when they saw his
son.
May
we, like Simeon and Anna, strive to be united to God. May we, like them, be able to perceive the presence of Jesus
Christ in a dark world in which he may be hard to see. May we have eyes of faith to always
perceive him.
And
one of the ways we can strive for such goals is to pray the Rosary and meditate
on Jesus’ life.
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