The Joyful Mysteries tell us of how Christ came into this world, and of his early years. They are:
The Annunciation
Quem, Virgo, concepisti.
Him, Virgin, Whom thou didst conceive.
- The Visitation
Quem visitando Elisabeth portasti.
Him Whom thou didst carry when visiting Elizabeth.
- The Nativity
Quem, Virgo, Genuisti.
Him, Virgin, Whom thou didst give birth to.
- The Presentation in the Temple
Quem in templo praesentasti.
Him Whom thou didst present in the temple.
- The Finding in the Temple
Quem in templo invenisti.
Him Whom thou didst find in the temple.
These mysteries are a wonderful reflection on the beginning of the end of our separation with God. They are also, I was instructed by a friend, a wonderful reflection for Melancholics (the temperament), as the Joyful Mysteries are also a reflection on the dignity which God intended for His creation.
In these mysteries, we follow Mary from the conception of Christ to her finding of Him in the temple, and see in her the perfect and best example of what it means to be Christian. She was the first to hear and believe, and to do the will of the Father. She is the New Eve, the First Christian, and Our Mother, given to us at the cross. We would do well to honor her, and to imitate her.
Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us!
