If I'm not off hiding somewhere with a good book, chances are I'm chasing a toddler or a Jack Russell (or sleeping, because every mom can use a nap!). I found Prince Charming and married him, and now we enjoy the idiosyncrasies of life in an old farmhouse. Oh yeah, and we root for the Buckeyes. Every time.
Catholic Carnival 173: Rosary for Mother Mary
Every May, I find myself meeting Mary...in the early blossoms alongside the road and in among the weeds of my garden, in the longer days and warmer winds luring me to ignore my inside obligations, in the prayers I can't help but offer in thanksgiving for the abundance and the blessings that surround me.
Praying takes many forms, and one of my favorite forms is the one that is, to me, an intimate walk in the park with my Heavenly Mother, or, perhaps, a cozy cup of tea (with something chocolate to munch on too, of course) - the rosary. In this form of prayer, especially as the world is transforming around me, I am taken to a thousand different places, in a thousand different ways. One day, it might strike me in my vocation as mother, and another day, I may find myself humbled by a revelation. And then there are the days - all too many of them - when I just plod through, my "here we go again" attitude begging for an adjustment.
In May, the rosary is especially dear to me. We Catholics spend May honoring Mary, and I don't do it well enough. This year, I didn't even think of involving my ever-eager-for-a-craft-project three-year-old in making a special place in our home for Mary. Often, I mention her to my always-looking-for-a-good-story daughter as an afterthought. Countless times, I neglect praying my daily rosary for no good reason other than "um, well, yeah."
And, you know what? Mom probably understands.
Even so, it is an honor to have the chance, this month, to honor Mary along with other Catholics. For this week's Carnival, we'll explore each of the four groups of mysteries of the rosary. If you're interested in more information on the rosary, you can find all you need to know - and even order a free CD of the rosary (this is how I learned it, those many years ago, driving back from classes) - at CatholiCity. You can also download it to your iPod or MP3 player or computer at Rosary Army.
If you find, after our time together this week, that you’re inspired to learn more about the Catholic Carnival, you’ll find all the information here. There’s a submission form that’s easy to use. If you have found yourself submitting a few times, won’t you consider going one step further and trying your hand at hosting?
Now, if you don't mind, we'll start with a prayer, so we're in the right frame of mind.
Hail Mary,
full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Joyous
To meditate upon the joyful mysteries is to enter into the ultimate causes and the deepest meaning of Christian joy. It is to focus on the realm of the mystery of the Incarnation and on the obscure foreshadowing of the mystery of the saving Passion.
On the Most Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary 20
The Joyous Mysteries include the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation, and Finding Jesus in the Temple.I remember praying these right after my oldest daughter was born...on a major Marian feast day. All of a sudden, they were different. They were relevant. They were me, speaking to her, and she had already been where I was.
These posts resonated with me in much the same way. Some of them made me stop and think differently. Some of them inspired joy. All of them are worth reading - possibly twice.
- Alexa shares "Blessed are the Pure of Heart," and she bares her heart in this post. You'll learn about her late husband, and about the role prayer - and the rosary - played in a struggle that she holds up to us as a gift, one she shares with grace.
- In "Playing Elizabeth to Their Mary," Elizabeth shares a view of the Visitation from within - as an "aged Elizabeth," she found herself ministered to by many women, and it felt, she says, as though "I'd been mothered by the Blessed Mother herself."
- When God designed marriage, he knew what he was doing. Kate discovers it in the midst of a trying time with her children, and shares it in "I'll Never Walk Alone."
- Do you ever dread getting into one of "those" conversations? You know, the one where a well-meaning (but are they?) family member backs you into a corner and hands you a sharp object and starts fencing theology with you? Heidi shares a recent experience in "In the Company of God...and Mary...and Mom."
- "Especially the Small Stuff" starts out in a way that will make you read the rest: "Having seen and been on the receiving end of too many little things gone awry, I know firsthand how easily the devil meets me in my weakness in those moments. What I hadn't stopped to think about much until now, is that, if I stop for a minute to give the devil his due and not allow myself to become captive to his tactics, I'd remember that God is always there."
- I have a soft spot for Adoration, and in "Silence Please," I had to smile at Matt's recounting of his Adoration hour. Oh, for the silence of the chapel. But sometimes, when I go, God has other things in mind. And oh what graces when I go and cooperate! Read all about Matt's experience (and encourage him to keep participating in the Carnival!).
Luminous
Each of the mysteries of light is a revelation of the kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus...The addition of these new mysteries is meant to give the rosary fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the rosary's place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ.
On the Most Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary 21, 19
The Luminous Mysteries include the Baptism in the Jordan, the Wedding at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration, and the Institution of the Eucharist.They're the "new" mysteries, and the ones I have the hardest time remembering (it can't just be because they're only said on Thursdays, can it?).
These posts fit here as the posts that illuminate, the posts that pull together things otherwise forgotten, the posts that might themselves be shuffled under the rug because of the discomfort to the status quo they could cause.
- Sister Spitfire (previously the Red Neck Woman) is back this week with more of her one-of-a-kind laugh-til-you-pee-but-still-learn-what-you-need-to-learn style, in "He Breathed on Them...What!?" Ever wondered about Jesus breathing on the Apostles? Wonder no more!
- Denise wonders if it's time for the Church to stop participating in the legal aspect of marriage. In "Holy Matrimony vs. Marriage," she shares observations and relevant insight that are worth the read (and the consequent thinking).
- I admit to feeling a pang of...was that envy?...when I saw Jean's post. She has seen Prince Caspian. (pause for dramatic sigh) (pause to get comfy, because this is sure to be good) In "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - A Movie Review" we get...just that. A movie review. Worth your reading time whether or not you have any interest in the movie. (What? How could you not have interest in the movie?)
- "A Letter to the Candidates" sends out a message about life issues from a lifelong Democrat.
- In "The right (and duty) to kneel" Part 1 and Part 2, Alessandro explains reverence - and specifically genuflection - before and while receiving Communion.
Sorrowful
In the Passion is found the culmination of the revelation of God's love and the source of our salvation. The sorrowful mysteries help the believer to relive the death of Jesus, to stand at the foot of the cross beside Mary, to enter with her into the depths of God's love for man, and to experience all its life-giving power.
On the Most Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary 22
The Sorrowful Mysteries include the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion.
It's not comfortable to be at the foot of the cross, no matter who's there beside you. You can't pretend you're in the "cool crowd" anymore; you can't deny what you stand for; you can't look away to greener pastures. These mysteries have never been comfortable for me, but even so, I feel drawn to them. When I need to pray - really, really need to pray - these are the mysteries I default to. When I'm hurting or aching, when I'm lonely or depressed, when I'm unsure of myself or sure that God's made a mistake with me - it is the sorrowful mysteries I embrace.These posts might not be easy to read, because they might challenge you. Then again, they might go quite well with that steaming cup of tea and the warm fuzzy blanket that's on the couch...
- "The Divine and Merciful Trinity" is a reflection on the readings for Trinity Sunday, and, true to form, Kevin gleans wisdom and insight a-plenty from them.
- Well, in case you haven't heard, there are..."Aliens in the Vatican." I'd love to give you some commentary on it, but with a title like that, it doesn't need any help from me...
- "The Case for Mr. Good Enough" is a commentary on a recent article in Atlantic Monthly, in which we are introduced to the logic of Church teaching and the wisdom of the family unit.
- Heidi shares a prayer from Pope Benedict in "Our Lady of Sheshan: Prayer for the People of China."
- "Autistic Boy Banned from Church" makes me sad. You should read it, but be warned. As a parish employee myself, I hope never to be in this situation, and I will be praying for both this family and this parish (which is, incidentally, named the same as my little parish).
Glorious
The glorious mysteries ought to lead the faithful to an ever greater appreciation of their new life in Christ. The glorious mysteries thus lead the faithful to greater hope for the eschatological goal towards which they journey. This can only impel them to bear courageous witness to that Good News which gives meaning to their entire existence.
The Glorious Mysteries include the Resurrection, the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation of Mary.
These are the "big money" mysteries, the ones that set Christians apart as an Easter People. Believe it or not, they're the mysteries I have the most difficulty with, but also the mysteries I have experienced the most grace while praying. See if you don't see some things in this group of posts that make you think of words like "glorious.
- "On Being an Alleluia Person" is a reminder - to me, to you, and to you, you, and you - of just what this Christian journey is all about.
- Do you have a rosary hanging from your rear view mirror? "I am the Organ-ic Chemist" makes a case for it...and the more rosaries said, the better. (Don't you think?)
- Just what does Mary's name mean? I never thought to ask that, until I read "Mary - Acceptance and Obedience were not blind."
- Why watch TV when there's the internet? KT Cat shares "Google Tech Talks: Transcendental Meditation OK, Augustinians Not So Much." As he watched and watched and watched (these Google clips are rather, um, addictive, as it turns out), he realized something: spiritual beings who only acknowledge their biomedical side are...missing something. Something big. Go. Read it for yourself. You won't be sorry you did.
- The other day, I had the privilege of hosting the "Loveliness of Rosaries." If you want to visit a collection of posts that are rosary-centric and just plain delightful, stop on by!
- You'll see big words about a new book in "A Truly Unique Book?", and whatever you may think about it, the post has my curiosity piqued.
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