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The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
(Recited on Wednesday and Sunday)
1st Glorious Mystery- The Resurrection of Jesus
2nd Glorious Mystery- The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven
3rd Glorious Mystery- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4th Glorious Mystery- The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
5th Glorious Mystery- The Crowning of Mary
Resurrection: April 5, 33/Nisan 16, 3793
Our Father
The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb on the evening of Good Friday. His soul
descends into the realm of the dead, Sheol (limbo), to announce to the just the
tidings of their redemption. (HM-1)
Jesus’ body was not in the tomb more than 40 hours as the Shroud shows that putrefaction had not set in. Tradition holds that Jesus died at 3pm on Friday and rose at 3am on Sunday (36 hours later). (HM-2)
At the moment of the resurrection, the earth quakes as the angel rolls back the stone. The guards flee.
The priests in the temple knew that Jesus had said He would rise on the third day. Fearing the body of Jesus would be taken, the chief priests had placed guards at the tomb ( Mt 27:62-66). When in fact Jesus rose and the guards reported it; the reaction of the priests was exactly what Jesus had said it would be: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ( Lk 16:31).
The priest paid the guards: “Tell people: ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ”( Mt 28:13).
It is interesting that the priest remembered Jesus’ words, but the apostles and disciples didn’t. The disciples reacted with
confusion and fear to seeing Jesus. (HM-3)
The fact of the resurrection is preserved on the shroud. The researchers that studied the shroud speculated that the image on the shroud was formed by a burst of high frequency light. In 2012 it was finally demonstrated how the image may have been formed on the shroud. + Comparative test on linen have shown that the image on the shroud will be formed by a 10 nanosecond burst of 193 nanometer radiation using 16MW/cm2/pulse with a 9Hz repetition rate. Such radiant energy produces the markings on linen that match the markings on the Shroud. That means that at the moment of resurrection there was within 10 billionths of a second, 9 pulses of radiant energy, (each of 16 million Watts),[enough power to provide electricity to 12000 homes for 10 billionths of a second] simultaneously radiated from every cm2 on his body as his body vacated the shroud and left it lying as it was positioned in the tomb. (HM-4)
That explains why John’s gospel says: “The disciple looked at the linens and believed” ( Jn 20:8). The linens hadn’t been moved! That the linens had not been moved is also shown by the fact that there is no smearing of the blood and body fluids in contact with the linen; which would have occurred if the linens had been removed from the body: dried blood clings to the bandage. (HM-5)
The choice of wave length, duration, and power used to test the linen was not arbitrary: it is the wave length, duration, and power that are produced when matter and anti-matter collide. + The Italian physicist pointed out that Jesus’ resurrected body was physical and should obey the laws of physics. The only way in physics to explain how the body got out of the shroud is antimatter annihilation. Thus, the physicist picked the parameters for the test on the shroud.
Tradition holds that Jesus first appeared to his mother, Mary, right after the resurrection; sharing first with her the glory of the resurrection as she had shared with him the passion and shame of the cross. (HM-6)
Then just before dawn Mary Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza, and Mary the mother of James came to anoint the body of Jesus and are amazed and frightened to find the tomb open ( Mt 28:1, Mk 16:1, Lk 24:1, Jn 20:1). They run to tell Peter. When Mary Magdalene returns, an angel calms her fears: "He is not here. He has risen as He said." ( Mt 28:6, Lk 24:6). (HM-7)
Peter and John run to the tomb when they entered the tomb John saw that the linen clothes (Shroud) were lying there and the linen cloth (Sudarium) lying rolled up by itself exactly as He had left them when they closed the tomb, and he believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. ( Jn 20:4-9) ...
Two of the disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed disciple (the tradition in the Eastern Church is that the unnamed disciple was in fact Luke) were heading home to Emmaus after celebrating Passover in Jerusalem. They were arguing about everything that had happened there, when Jesus joined them as they walked along. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
And He said to them,“What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?”
And they stood still, looking sad.
One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?”
And He said to them,“What things?”
And they said to him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to the sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also, some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women had said; but him they did not see.”
And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” ( Ws 2:17-20). Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. ...
And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.”
So, He went in to stay with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them.
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?”
And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the apostles. There they found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them.
They discovered that Jesus had also appeared to Mary Magdalene and they were saying “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” (HM-8)
They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
While they were telling these things, He himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them his hands and his feet. While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them.
Now He said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, ( Lev 23:4-14) and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of my Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” ... (Lk 24:13-35). (HM-9)
The feast of First Fruits, one of the Feasts of the Lord, is always celebrated on the 1st day of the week following Passover (Lev 23:15).First Fruits celebrates the offering of the first crops harvested to God. St Paul says: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead: the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man; the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1Cor 15:20-22). With his resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Feast of First Fruits. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Resurrection
Even when faced with evidence they didn’t believeIn the parable of Lazarus (Lk 16:19-31) Jesus said that even if someone were to rise from the dead they would not be convinced. When the soldiers that were guarding the tomb, reported that the earth quaked, angels had rolled back the stone, and Jesus was no longer in the tomb the priest still didn’t believe. The priests and officials were so committed to their position that they could not believe even in the face of evidence. To believe would be to acknowledge the sacrilege and murder that they had committed. Lord it is so easy go down that path. It is so easy to become so committed to a way of life, a way of rationalization, that I can’t repent because to repent I would have to face the horror of what I have done.
You have once again provided us with physical evidence of your resurrection in the shroud and Sudarium. You have also provided us with physical evidence of your real presence in the Eucharist. Please Jesus through the graces provided in this rosary melt the heart of someone. Draw him or her back to you. Give me please, the fear of offending God such that I can avoid slipping away.
What will it take me to recognize Jesus?
Clophas and Luke didn’t recognize you until you blessed and broke the bread. Mary Magdalen didn’t recognize you until you said her name. I receive you every day and I don’t recognize you in the people you send my way. St. Theresa of Calcutta said you came to her in distressing disguises. Help me to recognize you in those who come needing a word of encouragement, an affirmation, or maybe just an acknowledgement. It is amazing what a simple smile can do. Help me to focus on others so that I don’t miss an opportunity to greet you with a smile.
All things written about Me in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.
Written in the Law of Moses are the Feasts of the Lord. You have fulfilled five of the seven. Why don’t we celebrate the other two?
Ascension: May 14/Iyyar 25
Our Father
Jesus first ascended into heaven on the day of his Resurrection, Sunday. Jesus said
to Mary Magdalene don’t hold on to me, I have not yet ascended to the Father (Jn 20:17). (HM-1)
Jesus returned to earth and repeatedly appeared to the apostles and others for forty days after his Resurrection to prove He has truly risen from the dead and to prepare the apostles for their ministry. He appeared to the disciples on each Sunday. (HM-2)
Jesus institutes the sacrament of Reconciliation when he says to them “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.” (Jn 20:23). (HM-3)
Thomas who missed seeing Jesus on the day He rose from the dead was with the others the following Sunday when Jesus appeared to them. Jesus invites Thomas to put his hand in Jesus’ side and his finger into the nail marks. Thomas exclaims “My Lord and my God.”(Jn 20:28).
He commissions the apostles to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth (Mk 16:15) and promises to be with them forever (Mt 28:20). He will not leave them orphans, but promises to send the Holy Spirit to enlighten and strengthen them (Lk 24:49). (HM-5)
Those 40 days must have been bitter sweet for Mary. On the one hand, she knew the glory that awaited her son in heaven. She knew that the ascension was a required part of our salvation, but she also knew that it meant separation from Jesus. Jesus had to leave us so that we would begin to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Jn 16:7). (HM-6)
John’s gospel does not mention the Ascension but rather ends as it began with a focus on the divinity of Christ. “In the beginning was the Word.” At the end of Johns Gospel, John tells the story of Peter, James, John, Thomas and Nathanael who were out fishing:
Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus [twin], and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So, Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?”
They answered him, “No.”
And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.
So, they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So, when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards (91 meters) away, dragging the net full of fish.
When they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. ... Jesus said to them, Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”
Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, “Come have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise (both the original fish and the fish from the catch that was also grilled) (Jn 21:2-11).
They had fished all night and caught nothing. John points out to us that the catch Jesus provided was exactly 153 fish. Jesus also had an additional fish that had already been filleted and was on the grill and that he had provided them breakfast of both the original fish in addition to some of the fish they had brought from the catch. Thus, there were 154 fish in total. Today that means nothing to us, but every Israelite knew that there were 154 sedarim in the Torah + The Word of God. Jesus was showing the apostles that He is the Torah, He is the Word. John is ending the Gospel story as he had begun it, with a reference to Jesus as the Word. (HM-7)
In Greek there are three words for love: “agapeo” which is pure ascetical love, “phileo” which is brotherly love, and “eros” which is erotic love. Notice the words Jesus and Peter use during their exchange:
So, when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, son of John, do you love [agapeo] Me more than these?”
Peter said to him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love [phileo] You.”
Jesus said to him, “Tend my lambs.” He said to him again a second time,“Simon, son of John, do you love [agapeo] Me?”
Peter said to him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love [phileo] You.”
Jesus said to him, “Shepherd my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love [phileo] Me?”
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love [phileo] Me?” And he said to him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love [phileo] You.” Jesus said to him,“Tend my sheep. (Jn 21:15-17)
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”
Jesus kept asking for pure love and Peter kept responding with brotherly love. Since Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus has Peter affirm his love for Jesus three times. (HM-8)
On the fortieth day after the resurrection, Jesus proceeds to Mt. Olivet, the Mount of Olives, ... accompanied by his Mother and the apostles and disciples. Extending his pierced hands over all in a last blessing, He ascends into heaven. As He ascends a cloud takes him from their sight (Acts 1:9-10).
An angel said to the disciples: “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11).
The disciples leave Mt. Olivet and "return to Jerusalem with great joy" (Lk 24:52).
The master had to go away for a while to receive his kingship. When He returns will he find that I have made a return on the talents he gave to me? (HM-9)
Jesus said when you see the fig tree (the symbol of the Jewish political establishment, the Jewish State) bloom … This generation will not pass away before all will be accomplished (Mt 24:32-35, Lk 21:29-33). Israel, the fig tree, became a nation in 1948 (bloomed). (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Ascension
Jesus had to leave us so that we would begin to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit.Mary, Jesus left so that I would learn to listen to the Holy Spirit who dwells within my heart. Please open my eyes that I might see and open my ears that I might hear. Teach me how to listen. Teach me how to pray that I might draw closer to your son. Teach me to make use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Help me to see the opportunities to love. Keep me from being blinded by things.
When He returns will he find that I have made a return on the talents he gave to me?
This is a scary question. Mary, guide me to do the things necessary to make the return God seeks from me. Jesus has given me so much I want to be able to provide a return for him. Show me Mary. Guide me along the way.
Descent of the Holy Spirit: May 24/Sivan 6
Our Father
The apostles are gathered in the upper room where Jesus had held the Last Supper (Acts 2:1). They are praying with Mary the Mother of Jesus. (HM-1)
A sound comes from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it fills the whole house (Acts 2:2). The Holy Spirit descends on each of them in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:3). (HM-2)
The sacrament of Confirmation is established as Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit is fulfilled. Filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of offending the Lord (Is 11:2)) ... they are enlightened and strengthened to spread the gospel. Having lost all fear of the Jewish leaders, the apostles boldly preach Christ crucified. (HM-3)
It was the Feast of Pentecost, a convocation, a dress rehearsal, when all Israelite men were to go to Jerusalem. There were, in Jerusalem for the convocation, devout men from every nation under heaven (Acts 2:5).
Pentecost is the feast in remembrance of God descending on the mountain in thunder (noise) and fire to ratify the covenant with the Israelite people (Gen 19:16-20). (HM-4)
The Bible reports sudden startling events during this celebration: the sound of a great rushing wind, something like flames hovering about the disciples. Just as strange, the disciples began to speak, but not in their native Aramaic or Hebrew. They spoke in languages they had not learned. They were understood by countless foreign visitors to the city. (Acts 2:6) (HM-5)
It was the Holy Spirit that provided the noise that caused the crowd to form in the first place. It was the Holy Spirit that prompted those people to investigate the noise. It was the Holy Spirit that enabled each man to hear what the apostles were saying in his native tongue. The Holy Spirit also opened the hearts of the people to accept the message of the crucified Christ. (HM-6)
The Cenacle (the room where the Last supper was held) is in the Essene Quarter of Jerusalem. Peter didn’t go to the temple on Pentecost, he just went outside. That day Peter goes forth to preach and baptizes three thousand (Acts 2:41). ... (HM-7)
Those three thousand were probably all Essenes. They were the devout Israelites. The New Testament doesn’t even mention the Essenes because they were “us”. The description of the life of the first Christians in Acts in which they “hold everything in common and each has what is needed” (Acts 4:32-35) is a description of the communal life of the Essenes as described by the historian Josephus. + The message of the Crucified Christ spread throughout world as those devout Israelites returned home. (HM-8)
The Holy Spirit comes gently and makes himself known as He approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well. + (HM-9)
That year the Feast of Pentecost was not a dress rehearsal. It was God the Holy Spirit descending amid noise and tongues of fire to formalize the new covenant written in our hearts! (Jer 31:33, Heb 10:16) The feast of Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, for on that day the new covenant is ratified by the Holy Spirit. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Descent of the Holy Spirit
Jesus said “ask and you will receive “... Have I asked?Wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of offending the Lord: I need piety to ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I need the Holy spirit to gain knowledge of God and his Son, then I need to understand. When I know and understand, then with fortitude I can begin to share: calling for wisdom and counsel to bring the life and light of Christ to others. God will not force himself upon me; I must ask.
How do I listen to the Holy Spirit?
In order to listen, I need to learn to be quiet. I find it so hard to shut up and listen. My mind is always going and then suddenly I am asleep. Teach me to listen. Teach me to rest in God.
Assumption
Our Father
The Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple. (HM-1)
Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Christ. Tradition held that all the apostles except Thomas were present when she died. James was the first apostle to die and he was martyred sometime just before Passover in 44 AD (Acts 12-2). Mary would have been 59 in August of 43 AD: 10 years after Jesus ascended into heaven. There are multiple ages given for Mary at the time of her dormition, depending on which mystic you follow. The Eastern Church says she was 59 when she was assumed into heaven.
She was a source of consolation and strength to the apostles. As she had nourished the infant Jesus, so she nourishes spiritually the infant Church. (HM-2)
According to the account of “St. John the Theologian of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God”; + Mary, knowing she was soon to be taken into heaven prayed to be with the apostles one last time.
Mary’s prayer was answered and all the apostles including Paul and many of the disciples were gathered to Mary from all over the known world. All the apostles were present except Thomas, who would arrive on the third day. Mary is wholly overcome in a rapture of divine love. She is thought to be dead and so she is placed in a tomb + On the third day after her burial the apostles go to the tomb and at the request of St. Thomas open the tomb to find only fragrant lilies. Jesus does not permit the sinless body of his Mother to decay in the grave. (HM-3)
The belief in the Assumption of Mary flows from the belief in her Immaculate Conception. (HM-4)
Catholics believe that if Mary was preserved from sin by the free gift of God, she would not be bound to experience the consequences of sin (death) in the same way we do. Mary’s assumption shows the result of this freedom from sin: the union of her whole being with her Son, Jesus Christ; with God, at the end of her life. (HM-5)
That belief is ancient, dating back to the apostles themselves. What was clear from the beginning was that there were no relics of Mary to be venerated, and that an empty tomb stood on the edge of Jerusalem near the site of her death. (HM-6)
Jesus came to establish a new creation. In the new creation, there is a new Adam, Jesus; a new Eve, Mary; a new Covenant, established at the last supper; a new Exodus, the Crucifixion; and a new Ark of the Covenant, Mary the dwelling place of God himself. Mary, as the Ark of the New Covenant, would not be allowed to be destroyed by decay and thus was taken into heaven. (HM-7)
St. Juvenal, Bishop of Jerusalem, at the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), made known to the Emperor Marcian and Pulcheria, who wished to possess the body of the Mother of God, that Mary had died in the presence of all the Apostles, but that her tomb, when opened, upon the request of St. Thomas, was found empty; wherefrom the Apostles concluded that the body was taken up to heaven.
In all, the Patristic Fathers defended the Assumption on two counts:
1. Since Mary was sinless and a perpetual virgin, she could not suffer bodily deterioration, the result of Original Sin, after her death
2. Also, if Mary bore Christ and played an intimate role as his mother in the redemption of man, then she must likewise share body and soul in his resurrection and glorification. + (HM-8)
Consequently, it seems impossible to think of Mary, the one who conceived Christ, brought him forth, nursed him with her milk, held him in her arms, and clasped him to her breast, as being apart from him in body, even though not in soul, after this earthly life. Since our Redeemer is the Son of Mary, He could not do otherwise, as the perfect observer of God’s law, than to honor, not only his eternal Father, but also his most beloved Mother. And, since it was within his power to grant her this great honor, to preserve her from the corruption of the tomb, we must believe that He really acted in this way.
We must remember especially that, since the second century, the Virgin Mary has been designated by the holy Fathers as the new Eve, who, although subject to the new Adam, is most intimately associated with him in that struggle against the infernal foe which, as foretold in the protoevangelium, (Gen 3:15) would finally result in that most complete victory over the sin and death which are always mentioned together in the writings of the Apostle of the Gentiles (Rm 5-6; 1Cor 15:21-26, 54-57). Consequently, just as the glorious resurrection of Christ was an essential part and the final sign of this victory, so that struggle which was common to the Blessed Virgin and her divine Son should be brought to a close by the glorification of her virginal body, for the same Apostle says: "When this mortal thing hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Cor 15:54). (HM-9)
Hence the revered Mother of God, from all eternity joined in a hidden way with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination + immaculate in her conception, a most perfect virgin in her divine motherhood, the noble associate of the divine Redeemer who has won a complete triumph over sin and its consequences, finally obtained, as the supreme culmination of her privileges, that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the tomb and that, like her own Son, having overcome death, she might be taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven where, as Queen, she sits in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages.
“The Blessed Virgin Mary did not die; She ascended to Heaven with Her body and soul"was the message from Our Lady given to five-year-old Gilles Bouhours to be taken and given only to Pope Pius XII during a special private audience May 15th, 1950 exactly three months prior to Pius XII issuing the dogma of the Assumption. In addition on Monday, October 12th 1981, Mary responded to a question; "Did you go to Heaven before or after death?" By saying "I went to heaven before death." Further at the beginning of August of 1984, Mary told Jelena: "Prepare the second millennium of my birth which will take place August 5th, 1984. If Mary had died it would not have been her 2000th birthday as birthdays stop being counted at death. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Assumption
Padre Pio’s Tribute to Mary +
“Come sister, my delight, my spouse, come! [cf. Cant. 4, 8ff.] Come O beloved of my heart, the time of your groans on earth is finished; come O spouse, and receive from the Father, from the Son, and from the Holy Spirit the crown that has been prepared for you in Heaven!”
This loving invitation was manifested to Most Holy Mary by means of the burning love that made her desire ever more ardently to see her Son and be united to Him. Her heart told her that her longings were finally to be satisfied, and totally happy she prepared herself to leave this earth. Already it seemed she could hear the angelic harmonies coming towards her. However, her heart was torn between her divine Son who was in Heaven, and her other adopted sons still on earth – the apostles. As a tender Mother, she wished to bless them before departing this world. God, in order to render her passage completely blissful, wanted to satisfy her desire - and in a short time the apostles, who were dispersed in various parts of the world in order to preach the Gospel, were carried by invisible hands to the humble house of Mary. She was greatly pleased by their arrival, and revealed to them that she was soon to be united with her son Jesus.
The apostles, upon hearing that Mary would soon leave them, reacted like children who stood to become orphans, and they burst forth in sorrowful lamentations. She took steps to console them, assuring them that she would not completely abandon them, but would continue to assist and help them from Heaven. They did not leave her alone even for a moment, and Mary in response to the sighs that they were raising up to Heaven, braided wise counsels with words of comfort as she addressed the desolated apostles.
Now what tongue can fittingly describe the triumphant entrance of Mary into Heaven? If the celebrations that are prepared here down below arouse such admiration and great enthusiasm as to move and attract the thoughts of so many people, what can possibly be said of the triumphs prepared by God Himself for His very own Mother? Saint Anselm affirms that the Redeemer wished to ascend into Heaven before His Mother not only to prepare a throne worthy of her Queenship, but also to render more triumphant and glorious her entrance into Heaven, to arrive there and encounter Himself along with all the angels and the blessed of Paradise. Thus, Saint Peter Damian does not hesitate to affirm that the Assumption of Mary into Heaven was more glorious than the Ascension of Jesus Christ, since only the angels came to greet Him, but with Most Holy Mary, not only the angels came to meet her, but also the saints and at the head of all, that same Jesus Christ.
Mary shook off the sleep of death which had deprived her of the angelic melodies. The celestial spirits burst open the tomb which had received her body; her divine Son stretched forth His hand, and Mary followed Him, all majestic and bright like the rising sun. Sweetly and calmly she rose from the earth, up towards the clouds and the celestial spheres, to the boundaries of the home of the Blessed. The gates of Heaven opened and the Mother of God entered in. As soon as the saints in Heaven saw her arrayed in the splendor of her beauty, with great festivity and joy they surrounded her, greeting her and honoring her with lofty titles. Offering their homage by prostrating themselves at her feet, by mutual consent they proclaimed her as their Queen. The heavenly celebration was joined by the Most Holy Trinity; the Father welcomed her as His favored one, inviting her to partake of His power.
Mary’s desire is to bring us to Jesus. The fastest way to Jesus is through Mary.
Mary, you keep pointing us to your son. One cannot say a rosary without coming in contact with your son. Help me to keep praying the rosary. Help me to come to know your son.
Coronation
"You are the exaltation of Jerusalem, you are the great glory of Israel, you are the great pride of our nation!" (Judith 15:9)
Our Father
Throughout the history of the Davidic monarchy none of the kings were monogamous. As a
result, none of the wives carried the title of Queen.
...
It was the mother of the king who was the most influential female in the king’s
life and the mother had a throne at the right hand of the king (1Kng 2:19). She was the
Queen. It is fitting then that Mary assumes her place as Queen since she is
the mother of Christ the King. (HM-1)
Avoiding the negative connotations of status and power associated with royalty, the
Eastern Church celebrates instead the Glorification of Mary. (HM-2)
St. Augustine described the Trinity by saying the Father who knows all has a perfect knowledge of himself. An image of himself so complete and so perfect that the image is itself God: The Son of God. The Son and the Father love each other so much that they each give to the other all of themselves. The giving is so perfect that the mutual gift as conceived by both the Father and the Son is identical. It is God: the un-created Immaculate Conception, who proceeds from both the Father and the Son; also known as, the Holy Spirit. + (HM-3)
As Jesus was to be born in the flesh, He required a mother; so together the Trinity created the Immaculate Conception. Mary at Lourdes identifies herself: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” (HM-4)
The Eastern Church fathers recognized that as “Theotokos” (God Bearer) Mary has participated in the Divine life of God in a way far exceeding that which anyone else can do. We are all called to participate in the Divine but there is only one God Bearer. (HM-5)
The motherhood of Mary in the economy of grace lasts without interruption, from the consent which she gave in faith at the annunciation, and which she unhesitatingly bore under the cross, even to the perpetual consummation of all the elect. For after being assumed into heaven, she has not put aside this saving function, but by her manifold intercession, she continues to win the gifts of eternal salvation for us.
Mary is sinless, the created Immaculate Conception, the spouse of the Holy Spirit, the site of the Incarnation, the Theotokos, the Mother of the Son of God, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Mediatrix of all grace and by her own words to Mirjana Soldo: “The first Tabernacle”. (HM-6)
There can be no other candidates for the Queen of Heaven. Mary shares so fully in the glory of Christ because she shared so fully in his suffering. Her sharing in Jesus’ suffering was so complete she also has the title of Co-Redemptorix. This does not mean that Mary’s participation in our redemption is equal to Jesus’ but that she participated in our redemption. Being free from sin herself, she joined all her suffering with her son’s.
As Mary enters heaven, the entire court of heaven greets with joy this masterpiece of God’s creation. More than we can ever know the hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion. (HM-7)
Mary is crowned by her divine Son as Queen of Heaven and Earth. (HM-8)
In the Book of Revelations, John says he sees the Ark of the Covenant and then describes the great sign in the sky: a woman clothed with the sun with the moon at her feet and on her head a crown of 12 stars ... (Rev 11:19-12:1). Only in heaven will we know the great majesty of that coronation, and the joy it gave to the angels and saints. Even the angels, who by nature are greater than humans, hail Mary as their queen. Only in heaven will we see how central the role of Mary is in the divine plan of redemption. (HM-9)
The angels and saints longed for the coming of her whose heel crushes the head of the serpent. Mary pleads our cause as a most powerful queen and a most merciful and loving mother. (HM-10, GB, OMJ)
Reflections on the Coronation
Mary’s role todayMary, you are appearing in so many places and to so many people. Your message is the same, pray, fast, draw closer to your son. We have reached the year of the 100th anniversary of your appearance at Fatima. We know Jesus said when you see the fig tree bloom this generation will not pass away before all will be accomplished. I think Jesus was referring to the fulfilling of the Feasts of the Lord. The fig tree bloomed in 1948 next year will be the 70th anniversary. I hope and pray that this world will turn toward your son. Mary please pray for me that I will hold steadfast to you and your son.
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