The Luminous Mysteries - Meditations based on the Letter on the Rosary of St. John Paul II

The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

The Baptism in the Jordan is first and foremost a mystery of light. Here, as Jesus descends into the water – the Innocent One who makes Himself ”sin” for us – the heavens open and the voice of the Father declares Him the beloved Son, while the Holy Spirit descends upon Him to invest Him with the mission which He is to carry out.

The Wedding at Cana

A mystery of light is the beginning of signs at Cana, when Christ, by changing water into wine, opens the hearts of the disciples to faith thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.

The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ”This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
A mystery of light is the preaching of Jesus, during which He proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God and calls to conversion, forgiving the sins of those who drew near to Him with trust, initiating that ministry of mercy which He Himself will continue to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which He entrusted to His Church.

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration, which according to tradition took place on Mount Tabor, is a mystery of light in the full sense of the word. The glory of the Godhead shines from the face of Christ, as the Father commands the ecstatic Apostles to listen to Him and prepares them to experience with Him the painful moment of the Passion, so that they may come with Him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

The Institution of the Eucharist

A mystery of light is, finally, the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers His Body and Blood as food under the appearances of bread and wine, testifying ”to the end” His love for humanity, for whose salvation He will offer Himself in sacrifice.