The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan - First Mystery of Light

Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus. The Baptism in the Jordan is first of all a mystery of light. 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.

The spirit descended like a dove on Him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; and with you I am well pleased."

Mark 1: 10

The Our Father

The self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana - Second Mystery of Light

Another mystery of light is the first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 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.

Jesus changed water into wine, the first of His signs, and revealed His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

John 2: 11

The Our Father

The announcement of the Kingdom of God,
with His call to conversion - Third Mystery of Light

Another mystery of light is the preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 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. Jn 20:22-23).

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

Mark 1: 15

The Our Father

The Transfiguration - Fourth Mystery of Light

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. Lk 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.

And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like sun, and His clothes became dazzling white.

Matthew 17: 2

The Our Father

The institution of the Eucharist - Fifth Mystery of Light

A final mystery of light is the institution of the Eucharist, in which Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies "to the end" his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice.

He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

Luke 22: 19

The Our Father

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©PAULINE FATHERS MONASTERY
"Penrose Park" NSW Australia, 1999
URL of this page: http://paulinefathers.org/eng/rosglor.htm

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by [Ryszard Majchrzak]