In looking at the mysteries in chronological order, the second set would be the Luminous Mysteries, introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002. These mysteries fill in the time between the traditional Joyous and Sorrowful mysteries and highlight the public life of Jesus. For an in depth explanation of the Luminous Mysteries, you can read section 21 of John Paul II's Apostolic Letter I will try to limit this post to pointing out the scripture passages that relate to each mystery.
The first luminous mystery is the Baptism of Jesus. We see this in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 3, verses 10-17, where Jesus approaches John to be baptized in the River Jordan.
Our second Luminous Mystery is the miracle at the Wedding Feast in Cana. Here Jesus performs his first public miracle at the urging of his mother Mary (Jn 2:1-11). This passage is useful in showing how Mary intercedes with her son for those in need (us), as she did for the wedding couple. This, after all, is what the rosary is all about-- praying with Mary to Jesus. And what is prayer? It is many things, but it can be a petition to God for some favor for ourselves or others. Asking Mary's help, just as the wine steward did, causes her to go to her son with the request. The only stipulation? In Mary's words, "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5)
The third luminous mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion. This is the call of Jesus and the Gospels in general, but can be specifically seen in the following passages: Mark 1:14-15 ("The kingdom of God is at hand"), Mark 2:3-13 ("Child, your sins are forgiven."), and Luke 7:47-50 ("Your faith has saved you; go in peace.").
The fourth luminous mystery, The Transfiguration, is, in the words of John Paul II, "The mystery of light par excellence" (RVM 21). It is found in all three synoptic Gospels: Luke 9:28-35, Mark 9:2-8 and Matthew 17:1-8.
The fifth luminous mystery is the Institution of the Eucharist, commonly known as the Last Supper. This account is again found in all three synoptic Gospels and is central to our faith. We see this account in Mt 26:20-30, Mk 14:18-26, Lk 22:14-20.
So we now have plenty to meditate on for the Luminous Mysteries. Both EWTN and OurLadyWeb have good meditations with small pictures for each of the mysteries.
Next: Two more sets to go!
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