The month December brings us a number of Marian feast days: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (12/8), the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12), the feast of the Visitation (12/23), the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (12/25), the Feast of the Holy Family (12/29) and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (1/1). In a never ending pursuit to incorporate more liturgical living, I am working on getting my four kids of varying ages to join in praying a family Rosary to honor our Blessed Mother this month, but was met with much confusion as we did the typical reflections on the mysteries and fruits. Unable to find a good source to help my kids focus during the Rosary, I wrote these reflections with my kids ages 4 to 8 in mind, but really the reflections have helped me focus during my daily Rosary and lean on Our Blessed Mother more and more in everyday life.
Glorious Mysteries – Prayed on Sundays & Wednesdays
- The Resurrection—Fruit of this Mystery: Faith
Have you ever doubted and been alarmed/worried? How do you seek Jesus? Ask Mary to help you find Jesus out in the everyday world. Ask her to support & encourage your faith in times of doubt or worry.
- The Ascension—Fruit of this Mystery: Hope
Jesus shows us the way in all things, even onto Heaven! Jesus ascends to the right hand of God, and, if we strive for holiness on Earth, we can be with Him too! Ask Mary to help you be holy. Ask Mary & the Holy Spirit to show you where you can strive to be more holy.
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit—Fruit of this Mystery: Love of God
How is the Spirit calling you? How do you show your love for God/serve him in the community? This is the Church – the disciples on Earth sent forth to bring God to others. Ask Mary to help you discern what God is calling you to. Ask Mary to pray for the whole church.
- The Assumption—Fruit of this Mystery: Grace of a Happy Death
Do you sometimes worry about death or those you know who have died? How great is it that we all have the chance to meet again in Heaven! Ask Mary to remember your loved ones that have died.
- Mary’s Coronation in Heaven—Fruit of this Mystery: Trust in Mary’s Intercession Mary is like having a best friend and a mother all in one. She always hears our prayers and understands our struggles. As Jesus’ mother, He listens to her and wants to do what she asks. Trust that Mary, as Queen of Heaven, takes us seriously, holds our prayers in high regard, and takes our prayers and concerns right to Jesus for Him to work miracles in our lives.
Joyful – Prayed on Mondays & Saturdays
- The Annunciation—Fruit of this Mystery: Humility
“Be it done to me according to your will.” Mary must have been so surprised when the angel Gabriel appeared. But she didn’t fight back. She didn’t even ask why. She trusted God and set aside her wants and ideas of what her life would look like to follow God’s will. Where do you think God is calling you? Ask Mary to help you discern (figure out) what God is asking of you and to help you have the faith & courage to follow it.
- The Visitation—Fruit of this Mystery: Love of Neighbor
Mary was the mother of God and she still went to serve others. Elizabeth noticed the minute she saw Mary that she was “blessed among women.” Do you see God in others? How might you serve others, confirming their dignity as children of God? Ask Mary to help you see with holy eyes.
- The Nativity—Fruit of this Mystery: Poverty of Spirit
How honored the shepherds must have felt to be called to go and be with the newly arrived savior! You too are called to be with Jesus everyday! Being born a baby, God not only made Himself small and humble, depending on others, He became human, one of us, while still being holy. God knows what it’s like to be human. Bring Him everything. Kneel in front of him just as you are, just as the shepherds, fresh from the fields, did that first night.
- The Presentation at the Temple—Fruit of this Mystery: Obedience
“A sword will pierce your soul as well.” God doesn’t promise a world without hurt and sadness. God wants us to love Him as He loves us, so he lets us choose Him. Not everyone will and this will cause hurt & sadness. But God is worth it, just like Simeon says. Even when we sin and don’t choose Jesus we can always turn back to Him in Confession. How awesome is it that even when we mess up, God receives our apologies with joy! Mary suffered much in her life, but always focused first on her son and living her life for Him. Ask Mary to help you live for Jesus.
- Finding in the Temple—Fruit of this Mystery: Joy in Finding Jesus
Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your faith or lost sight of Jesus? Mary & Joseph thought they had Jesus with them until all of a sudden they realized they had lost Him. But they knew where to go – they ran back to the temple. They ran back to where their faith was taught. If you ever feel like you’re lost and seeking comfort in faith, ask Mary to bring you back to Jesus. Go to Mass. Go to Adoration. You’ll find Jesus – and your faith – in church.
Sorrowful – Prayed on Tuesdays & Fridays
- Agony in the Garden—Fruit of this Mystery: Sorrow for Sin
Jesus tells God “your will be done.” How have we not followed God’s will lately? Where are our wants that are not Gods? Are we sorry for wanting things not of God’s plan? Ask Mary to help you follow God’s plan, not just yours.
- Scouring at the Pillar—Fruit of this Mystery: Purity
Jesus endured pain for us. How do you sacrifice for others? What pains of yours do you want Mary to bring to God? How can you help heal other’s hurts? Ask Mary to show you where you can help heal other’s hurts.
- The crowing with thorns—Fruit of this Mystery: Courage
Jesus is mocked and made fun of. How do you stand up to others that mock? Do you need Mary’s help to treat others kindly and not mock others? Do you feel strong and brave in your Faith to defend it? Ask Mary to help strengthen your courage to live for Christ.
- The Carrying of Cross—Fruit of this Mystery: Patience
Jesus goes out to Golgotha, carrying his heavy cross. What do you need to bear wrongs or frustrations patiently? Have you been patient with God, family, yourself? Ask Mary to help you wait patiently and to graciously take on your burdens/hardships/frustrations as Christ took on His Cross for us.
- The Crucifixion of Our Lord—Fruit of this Mystery: Perseverance
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Imagine standing with Mary during this event. How heartbreaking! Mary knew that Jesus was meant to do great things and bring salvation. She held strong in her faith and love, even through this. Are you struggling to stick with something or keep faith? Ask Mary to help you persevere.
Luminous – Prayed on Thursday
- Baptism in The Jordan—Fruit of this Mystery: Openness to the Holy Spirit
“This is my son with whom I’m well pleased.” Think of all the blessings you received at your baptism! How wonderful is it that God invites us to join his family, and is well pleased with us too! Even when we sin, our Baptism never leaves us. God loves us no matter what. And he sends the Holy Spirit to help guide us. How is the Holy Spirit working in your life? Can you tell when it is? Ask Mary to help you be aware of the Holy Spirit everyday.
- Wedding at Cana—Fruit of this Mystery: to Jesus through Mary
“Do whatever he tells you.” Mary is so encouraging of Jesus. She believes him, supports him and encourages him. She does the same for us! Ask Mary to be your encouragement to always “do what her son tells you” And to have a heart of Christian hospitality.
- Proclamation of the Kingdom of God—Fruit of this Mystery: Repentance & Trust in God)
Jesus tells us to keep God first in our lives. That when we fail Him, we should always make a point to get back to Him. He has a place for us in His kingdom and if we trust Him and His ways, we will join Him in heaven. Pray to Jesus that you will always trust Him and trust in God’s plan for you.
- Transfiguration—Fruit of this Mystery: Desire for Holiness
How cool that we get to shine bright in heaven with Jesus! And what a gift to have God’s voice tell us Jesus is His son! Pray to God to help you to not only grow in holiness but to always WANT to be holy. May your desire for holiness transfigure you into the saint you’re meant to be!
- Institution of the Eucharist—Fruit of this Mystery: Adoration
What a miracle! Jesus is with us in the Eucharist at every Mass. And He’s willing to give Himself entirely to us. He wanted to be fully with us – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Say thank you to Jesus for giving himself to us in the special sacrament of the Eucharist.
