Meditating on mysteries of the Rosary

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. So here are some important reminders.

In the litany prayer after the recitation of the mysteries of the Rosary we say, “Oh God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech You, that Meditating on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, we may Imitate what they Contain and Obtain what they Promised through the same Christ Our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.”

The words “meditating on the mysteries…” point out the way to pray the Holy Rosary. The words, “to imitate what they contain” point out the result of meditation. And the words “obtain what they promise” point out the ultimate result of imitating the life of Jesus and Mary.

Meditation on the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious mysteries and those of Light is not difficult as long as we can, in the beginning, spend a couple of reflective moments, maybe 2 minutes at least, on the action and person of Jesus and Mary. These moments are not just thoughts or mental images. They should be moments of personal encounter or experience. This can come later as we continue to gradually prolong the meditation time. Even if, without our fault, the number of mysteries are not finished but our personal experience of the presence of Jesus and Mary has grown deeply, the Rosary has been prayed. After all this is the ultimate purpose of every prayer.