Prayers - The path to empowerment, intimacy and peace
A) Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation
The Visitation
Birth of Jesus
Presentation at the Temple
Luke 2:21-40
21 On the eighth day, when the time for the child’s circumcision had arrived, he was given the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived in the womb.22 When the days for their purification were completed according to the Law of Moses, they brought the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 as it is prescribed in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer a sacrifice in accordance with what is stated in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This upright and devout man was awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 Prompted by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was required by the Law, 28 he took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all the peoples, 32 a light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: “This child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, 35 so that the secret thoughts of many will be revealed, and you yourself a sword will pierce.” 36 There was also present a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years after their marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment, she came forward and began to praise God, while she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was upon him. *(NCB)
Pick any one Reflection below for Meditating this Decade:
A) A LIFE WITHOUT REGRET [Read verses 21-35 above] Simeon waited all his life simply to catch a glimpse of the Messiah, Jesus. How many of us can claim to be ready for death without regret like Simeon.
Meditation: Lord! Grant us that similar deep gratitude and awe that Simeon had for you, especially each time we receive you in the Eucharist at Mass.
B) MOULDED IN LOVE [Read verses 34-35 above] When faced with the trials and challenges in life, what do our hearts, our tongues, our actions reveal about ourselves? Do we exhibit love, or bitterness? Do not be afraid nor discouraged when God reveals to us the areas in our lives we need to change or grow. Rather this is a cause for joy.
Meditation: My God, you discipline those whom you love (Heb 12:6). Give me the grace to celebrate and work with joy when you show me those areas in my life I can further perfect in your love.
C) [You may use the above reflections or when praying as a family or group come up with your own. Have one family member read a part or the entire scriptural passage above that strikes them (1 or 2 verses is just fine). Listen with an open heart as this person shares his/her thoughts or insights. A family praying the rosary together is a graced-filled way to foster spiritual growth and bonding together.]
Finding of our Lord Jesus
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