THE SORROWFUL MYSTERY AS WE PRAY THE ROSARY

The First Mystery: The Agony of our Lord in the garden.

God’s word:  In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Lk 22:44)

(OR) The Agony of our Blessed Mother.

God’s Word:  Simeon bless them and said to Mary His mother.  “Ye see this child: He is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. (Lk: 2:34-35).

Our Father . . .

Hail Mary . . .

1.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when my friends fail, remind me that in Jesus I have a faithful friend.

2.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I am abandoned by every one remind me that even if may own mother were to forget me, God will not forget me.

3.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when all my actions are cynically looked upon, remind me that God sees everything.

4.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I am misunderstood and criticized, remind me that I have an understanding brother in your Son.

5.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I meet with failures and frustration, remind me that what counts is good will and effort.

6.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when no one appreciates my hard work, remind me that your Son is a just judge.

7.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when self-acceptance becomes very difficult, remind me that you and your Son accept me as I am.

8.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when tested by natural calamities, remind me that God can bring good out of everything.

9.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when everything looks gloomy and I find myself all alone, remind me that God loves me.

10.      Holy Mary Mother dear, when all hope is gone, remind me that in you I have a reason to hope.

The Second Mystery:  Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth.

God’s Word:  “My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. (Jn 18 : 36)

Or  The flight of the Holy Family into Egypt.

God’s word:  “The angel of the Lord said to Joseph in a dream, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt”. (Lk 3 : 13)

1.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me so that I may be able to form correct principles that will guide me through life.

2.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me when faced with difficulties to choose always what is right.

3.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when I have to disagree with others, help me to disagree in an agreeable manner.

4.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when parents and elders don’t understand me, help me to understand why they don’t understand.

5.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, guide me along the right path when pleasure-seeking overwhelms me.

6.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when alcoholism and drugs lure me, guide me to find enjoyment in wholesome entertainments.

7.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, prevent me from using abusive and vulgar language, even though they seem to make me appealing to others.

8.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me to earn my living by hard work and not by cheating.

9.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, give me hope when I am in despair.

10.       Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me to devote time for intellectual and spiritual development even when they appear boring.

The Third Mystery : Jesus the Way

God’s Word:  I am the way, the truth and the life, no one goes to the father except by me.  (Jn 14 : 6)

Or  Mary Leads us to Jesus – the Way.

God’s Word:  “I am the hand handmaid of the Lord”, said Mary.  “Let it be done to me according to your word”. (Lk 1 : 38)

1.            Holy Mary mother of youth, hold my hand in the tug-of-war between childhood–self and adolescent–self.

2.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, give me the right insight as I look at life as a teenager with eyes full of searching curiosity and heart full of expectation.

3.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, lead me along the right path at this age when I am so enthusiastic and full of vigour.

4.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, show me the right values at this age when I feel like breaking away from social customs and traditions.

5.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, help me to form the correct attitude to religious ceremonies at this time when religious practices look very old-fashioned.

6.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, make me long for God at this time when   I am temped to believe that I can do without God.

7.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, show me the truth when conflicting ideologies come my way.

8.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, protect me when worldly pleasures draw me.

9.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, hold my hand firm when alluring promises tempt me.

10.         Holy Mary Mother of youth, guide me when I am confused.

The Fourth Mystery:  Jesus overcomes difficulties through prayer and fasting.

God’s Word: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  (Mt. 26 : 41)

Or   Mary receives strength by pondering over the word of God.

God’s Word:  “. . . and his mother kept all these things in her heart”.

(Lk 2:51).

1.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may be able to distinguish between truth and error and follow the former.

2.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not fall into temptation because of the obscene things I am forced to see and hear.

3.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may safeguard myself from sexy movies and magazines.

4.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, help me that I may always choose good literature.

5.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not look for immediate gratification which always leads later to bitterness and sadness.

6.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not join bad company.

7.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not place myself in unhealthy circumstances, which may lead me to sin.

8.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, give me the patience to follow my elders’ advice even when they are annoying.

9.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, help me to be open to those who guide and direct me.

10.      Holy Mary Mother most prudent, at this age when all that matters to me is love, teach me to love truly.

The Fifth Mystery : Jesus the Lord of Love.

God’s Word: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another”. (Jn 13 : 34)

Or    Mary shows unconditional concern for others.

God’s word:  “When the wine failed, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine”.  (Jn 2 : 3)

1.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that the only way to heaven is a life of love.

2.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that unconditional love is indeed costly.

3.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that true love demands that I learn how to focus my attention on the needs of those I love.

4.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in giving that I receive.

5.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in understanding others I am understood.

6.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in obeying, that I learn to command.

7.         Holy Mary Mother of love, help me to understand that it is only when I love others that I will be loved.

8.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that real love involves dying to self which is very painful.

9.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may Understand that love is a decision and a commitment rather than a feeling.

10.      Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that without fidelity there cannot be any authentic relationship.