Reflecting on the Joyful
Mysteries brings us to Christ

    Last June Pope John Paul II announced that from October ’04 through October 29 ’05, Catholics would be observing the Year of the Eucharist. In his column last month, Bishop Blase Cupich outlined the diocesan plans for this observance.

   In his apostolic letter “Remain with us Lord,” of October 7, the Pope calls us not to create new programs but to use those that are already part of our faith life: Sunday Mass, eucharistic adoration and eucharistic processions especially on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

    In this letter as in his encyclical “The Church of the Eucharist” and his letter “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary” the pope continues to call us to discover, see and gaze upon the face of Christ. With that in mind I invite you to reflect with me on the Joyful Mysteries in which we see the face of the eucharistic Christ.

    The Annunciation: The Archangel Gabriel announces that Mary is to be the mother of Our Lord. How can this be? The power of the Most High will see to it happening. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.”

* Lord I wish to believe that this bread, this host and this cup of wine the priest holds in his hands will indeed become your Body and Blood. But how can it be? It is a mystery! But by the power of your word, of your Holy Spirit it is! Humbly, like the Virgin Mary, I accept this truth. Help me discover your Eucharistic Face as I pray this mystery.

    The Visitation: Mary carrying the Infant Jesus in her womb journeys to see her cousin Elizabeth and to be with her in the final months of her pregnancy. “How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? My soul magnifies the Lord. He who is mighty has done great things for me.”

* Lord did Mary ever wonder if the baby she was carrying was really you. I think not. But there are times when I wonder about your Presence. How can this bread and wine be your Body and Blood? Yet I know the truth. You are here. May my soul leap for joy as I hear the words “Take and eat. This is my Body. Take and drink. This is the cup of my Blood.” In the eucharistic gift you who are mighty have done great things for me. Help me discover your Eucharistic Face as I pray this mystery.

    The Nativity: A stable cave, some livestock, a newborn baby, angels, shepherds, and the great hymn: Glory to God in the Highest. “Today is born to you a Savior.” In the midst of it all Mary and Joseph gaze intently upon your face. They see the face of the living God made flesh.

* Lord it matters not whether it is a great cathedral or a poor mission church. When the sacrificial banquet of the Eucharist is celebrated choirs of angels are present, a multitude of saints stand in awe. And we, as the shepherds, never realize the fullness of this mystery. Yet we know and believe that here and now is given to us a Savior, Christ the Lord. Not as a babe in swaddling clothes but in the fullness of his glory as he is now. Help me discover your Eucharistic Face as I pray this mystery.

   The Presentation: Mary and Joseph fulfill the rubrics of the Law. Simeon and the widow Anna have lived for this day. Simeon takes the Baby in his arms and states that he is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel, that a sword will pierce Mary’s heart. And he prays, “Now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your saving deed.”

* Lord help me, as I come forward to receive your Body and Blood in Communion, to have Simeon’s prayer in my heart. The gift of yourself is the saving deed. Freely you give yourself to me. I take you not in my arms but into myself so that I can be one with you and you with me. Like Anna may I not hesitate to give thanks to you and to tell others of the wonder of this Sacrament. Help me discover your Eucharistic Face as I pray this mystery.

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple: The boy has come with his parents to Jerusalem. On their return journey to Nazareth they discover he is not in the caravan. What fright, worry, concern must have occupied their hearts! “Son, why have you done this to us?” “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said.

* Lord, help me. When I neglect to receive Communion, stir up in my heart sentiments like those of Mary and Joseph. When I fail to see the importance of my being part of the parish in prayer at Sunday Eucharist, grace me with thoughts of worry and concern about not being there. Place in me a fright of thinking I may have lost you. But then grace me with the understanding that I can find you in the house we call a church, in the act we name as Mass, in the gift that is yourself. Help me discover your Eucharistic Face as I pray this mystery.