Joyful Mysteries Archives - Catechist's Journey

Finding of Jesus in the Temple - Detail from "The Fifteen Mysteries and the Virgin of the Rosary" by Netherlandish Painter (possibly Goswijn van der Weyden, active by 1491, died after 1538), ca. 1515–20, public domain via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Joyful Mysteries: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple and Finding Him in Our Lives

Today, we look at the Fifth Joyful Mystery: the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. This mystery also includes elements of the Sorrowful Mysteries; there is nothing joyful about losing something, let alone losing a child! So much of Scripture, however, speaks of loss. We refer to the experience of the Jewish people wandering in the desert as 40 years of being lost. The people of Israel were later lost in exile. Jesus’ parables are […]

Presentation - Detail from "The Fifteen Mysteries and the Virgin of the Rosary" by Netherlandish Painter (possibly Goswijn van der Weyden, active by 1491, died after 1538), ca. 1515–20, public domain via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Joyful Mysteries: The Presentation and Carrying the Light

Joe Paprocki

We continue our reflections on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary by looking at the Fourth Joyful Mystery: the Presentation. One of the distinguishing features of the Christmas season is lights. As December rolls along, more and more homes light up inside and out with Christmas lights, which serve to dispel the darkness of winter. As each Sunday of Advent reaches us, an additional candle is lit on our Advent wreaths, increasing the light just […]

Nativity - Detail from "The Fifteen Mysteries and the Virgin of the Rosary" by Netherlandish Painter (possibly Goswijn van der Weyden, active by 1491, died after 1538), ca. 1515–20, public domain via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Joyful Mysteries: The Nativity and Rejoicing in the Nearness of God

Joe Paprocki

Today, we look at the Third Joyful Mystery: the Nativity. For my 50th birthday, my wife told me to splurge and buy a ticket to see Sir Paul McCartney live at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Even after John Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, I still held out hope that I might one day see one of the remaining Beatles perform in the flesh. My wish came true, and it was one of the most exciting […]

Visitation - Detail from "The Fifteen Mysteries and the Virgin of the Rosary" by Netherlandish Painter (possibly Goswijn van der Weyden, active by 1491, died after 1538), ca. 1515–20, public domain via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Joyful Mysteries: The Visitation and Stirring Up Life

Joe Paprocki

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary lead us up to and through the birth of Jesus Christ and his childhood. Today, we look at the Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation. Mary had just received the biggest news of her life: she was with child (mysteriously, since she had no relations with a man), and this child was destined to be the long-awaited Messiah. No one would blame her if she went into seclusion, wrapped up […]

Annunciation - Detail from "The Fifteen Mysteries and the Virgin of the Rosary" by Netherlandish Painter (possibly Goswijn van der Weyden, active by 1491, died after 1538), ca. 1515–20, public domain via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Joyful Mysteries: The Annunciation and Encountering Mystery

Joe Paprocki

It’s not uncommon for contemporary people, when reading stories such as the Annunciation (the angel appearing to Mary, Luke 1:26–38), to comment along the lines of, “Well, I’d have a much easier time making decisions if an angel appeared to me and told me God’s plan!” Ah, be careful what you wish for! The truth is, whenever people in Scripture—including Mary—are confronted by an angel, they react with great fear. As a result, the first […]