Praying The Rosary – The Forth Joyful Mystery
The Forth Joyful Mystery – The Presentation
According to Jewish law, every first male child had to be presented in the temple together with the appropriate sacrifices. Even this Mother Mary and Joseph were obedient to. In this mystery, we ponder on their obedience.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
(Luke 2: 22-32)
Meditations on the forth Joyful Mystery
As we meditate on the forth joyful mystery, we see how obedient Mary and Joseph was to the law. Mary did not think for one moment that ‘my son doe not need this since he is the Son of God’; no. Rather they were obedient to the law.
Am I obedient to the law? Am I obedient to whoever may have authority over me – my parents, teachers? As a Catholic, am I obedient to the laws of the Church? Do I obey her laws on keeping the Sabbath day holy or do I have a don’t care attitude towards the Sabbath? Am I a humble person? Do I feel that I am better than or above others because of material gain or wealth.
Prayer
Dearest Mother Mary, through your powerful intercession, please help me to be humble and obedient at all times. I pray for the grace to be faithful to my duties and to keep my religious obligations, just as you Mary and Joseph did.
