The Luminous Mysteries - Meditations of St. John Paul II
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
You are my beloved Son! The voice from heaven over the Jordan referred in the highest and incomparable degree to Jesus, the only true Son of God from eternity. But today, and in every baptism, these words from heaven are spoken as if anew over every baptized person. The seed of grace placed in our hearts, that is, inside the baptized, must grow and bear fruit in abundance. You too, adults, are called to live in accordance with your baptism, that is, to renew your faith in the Lord and your ecclesial duties, because what we celebrate during baptism involves all of us personally.
The Wedding at Cana
In every case, Her trust in the Son is rewarded. Jesus, to whom She completely left the initiative, performs the miracle, recognizing the courage and humility of the Mother. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim. (Jn 2:7)
Thus, their obedience also contributes to obtaining wine in abundance. Mary's command: Do whatever he tells you (Jn 2:5), always retains its relevance for Christians of every age, and its purpose is to renew miraculous effects in the life of every person. The episode of the wedding at Cana encourages us to be courageous in faith and to experience in our lives the truth of the Gospel words: Ask, and it will be given to you.
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
Man is not a passive witness to God's intervention in history. Jesus calls us to actively strive for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and for this to become our fundamental concern. Man is therefore called to cooperate with his hands, mind, and heart in spreading the kingdom of God in the world. This applies especially to those who are called to the apostolate and who are-as St. Paul says-co-workers for the kingdom of God, but it also concerns every human being.
The Transfiguration
At the moment of the Transfiguration, the voice of the Heavenly Father is heard: This is my beloved Son. Listen to him! (Mk 9:7). These words contain an entire program: we are to listen to Jesus. He reveals the Father to us, for as the eternal Son He is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), and at the same time-as the true Son of Man-He reveals to us who we are, He reveals man to man himself. Therefore, let us not be afraid of Christ! Lifting us to the heights of His divine life, He does not deprive us of our humanity, but on the contrary, makes us more human, giving full meaning to our personal and social lives.
The Institution of the Eucharist
Jesus instituted the Eucharist because He wanted His redemptive sacrifice to be present in every age and for every generation. Let us learn from the Blessed Virgin, whose life was a true ”Eucharistic existence.” She allowed Herself to be completely shaped by the presence of Her Divine Son. She is full of grace, the living tabernacle of the Word incarnate. Worshipping Christ the Lord present in the Eucharist, let us turn with childlike gratitude to Her, who became the Royal Gate for His coming into the world.