MYSTERIES OF LIGHT

LUMINOUS MYSTERIES

On October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II, celebrated his 24th anniversary as the Holy Father.  On that day, he proclaimed October 2002 to October 2003 as THE YEAR OF THE ROSARY.  He also announced a rare change in the rosary itself, new mysteries called The Mysteries of Light or the Luminous Mysteries, consisting of 5 decades honoring the ministry of Jesus on earth.

THE MYSTERIES OF LIGHT
LUMINOUS MYSTERIES

The First Luminous Mystery
The Baptism in the Jordan

"Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became 'sin' for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out." (no. 21)

The Second Luminous Mystery
The Wedding at Cana

"The first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. John 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers." 

The Third Luminous Mystery
The Proclamation of the Kingdom

"The preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mark 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mark 2:3-13; Luke 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. John 20:22-23)." 

The Fourth Luminous Mystery
The Transfiguration

"The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to 'listen to him' (cf. Luke 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit." 

The Fifth Luminous Mystery
The Institution of the Eucharist

"Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies 'to the end' his love for humanity (John 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice." 

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On which day should we say the Mysteries of light?  Our Holy Father says:

"According to current practice, Monday and Thursday are dedicated to the 'joyful mysteries', Tuesday and Friday to the 'sorrowful mysteries', and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to the “glorious mysteries”. Where might the “mysteries of light” be inserted? If we consider that the 'glorious mysteries' are said on both Saturday and Sunday, and that Saturday has always had a special Marian flavor, the second weekly meditation on the 'joyful mysteries', mysteries in which Mary's presence is especially pronounced, could be moved to Saturday. Thursday would then be free for meditating on the 'mysteries of light'.