Lesson 3: The Twenty Mysteries and Their Scripture

The mysteries are the heart of the rosary. Each one is a scene from the Gospel to hold in your mind while the Hail Marys pass. This lesson introduces all twenty, the day each set is traditionally prayed, and a Scripture reference for each so that you can read the scene before meditating on it.

The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)

These cover the coming of Christ into the world.

1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will bear the Son of God, and she says yes. Fruit: humility.
2. The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56). Mary visits Elizabeth, who calls her blessed; Mary sings the Magnificat. Fruit: love of neighbor.
3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1-20). Jesus is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. Fruit: poverty of spirit.
4. The Presentation (Luke 2:22-38). Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple; Simeon prophesies. Fruit: obedience.
5. The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). The twelve-year-old Jesus is found teaching in the Temple. Fruit: joy in finding Jesus.

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

These cover the Passion.

1. The Agony in the Garden (Luke 22:39-46). Jesus prays in Gethsemane and accepts the Father's will. Fruit: sorrow for sin.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar (John 19:1). Jesus is whipped by Roman soldiers. Fruit: purity.
3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31). Jesus is mocked as a king. Fruit: courage.
4. The Carrying of the Cross (Luke 23:26-32). Jesus carries the cross to Calvary. Fruit: patience.
5. The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33-46). Jesus dies on the cross. Fruit: perseverance.

The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)

These cover the victory of Christ and its fruits.

1. The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10). Jesus rises from the dead. Fruit: faith.
2. The Ascension (Acts 1:6-11). Jesus returns to the Father. Fruit: hope.
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13). The Spirit comes upon the apostles at Pentecost. Fruit: love of God.
4. The Assumption (Revelation 12:1 is often read). Mary is taken body and soul into heaven. Fruit: grace of a holy death.
5. The Coronation of Mary (Revelation 12:1). Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven. Fruit: trust in Mary's intercession.

The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

Added in 2002, these cover the public ministry of Jesus.

1. The Baptism in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus is baptized and the Father speaks. Fruit: openness to the Holy Spirit.
2. The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). Jesus turns water into wine at Mary's request. Fruit: trust in Jesus through Mary.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus preaches repentance and the Good News. Fruit: repentance.
4. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). Jesus is revealed in glory on the mountain. Fruit: desire for holiness.
5. The Institution of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26-29). Jesus gives His Body and Blood at the Last Supper. Fruit: love of the Eucharist.

Using the fruits

Each mystery has a traditional fruit, a virtue to ask for while praying it. Naming the fruit before the decade gives your meditation a direction: Lord, through this mystery, give me patience.

Practice exercise

Look at today's day of the week and find the corresponding set of mysteries. Read the Scripture passage for the first mystery in that set. Then pray one decade on it, picturing the scene and asking for its fruit. Over the coming week, read the passage for one new mystery each day until you have met all twenty.