The First Joyful Mystery of the Annunciation

THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY: THE ANNUNCIATION

(LUKE 1:26-38)

When praying the first joyful mystery we recall the Joy in the message of the Archangel Gabriel as he greeted Our Lady with the words, “Hail Full of Grace.” He immediately followed with “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God!” She must have found this message coming from the Archangel Gabriel difficult to understand. He softened his tone with the declaration “Do not be afraid.” These four words will come back over and over again in the public life of Jesus.

The angel went on with his message: “You shall conceive and bear a Son and name Him Jesus. He shall be called Son of the Most High.” Mary thought about this and asked a question. “How shall this be, since I know not man?” Gabriel explained: “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you.” Mary responded, “Let it be done to me.” Mary was filled with JOY because she was not afraid. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us." Mary became the Virgin Mother of God bringing JOY to the world and JOY to the hearts of those who trust in his Word.

Reflections inspired by THE ROSARY-“The Little Summa” by Robert Feeney

Would you like to dive even deeper into the beauty of the rosary? You may enjoy reading Champions of the Rosary by Father Donald H. Calloway, MIC, which can be found here: https://www.shopmercy.org/champions-of-the-rosary.html

by Mrs. Mary Catabui, O.P.