OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY;
TODAY IS THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation.
The main focus is on Jesus—his birth, life, death, and resurrection.
The “Our Fathers” remind us that Jesus’ Father is the initiator of salvation.
The “Hail Marys” remind us to join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries.
They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence.
The “Glory Be to the Father….” reminds us that the purpose of all life is the glory of God in the Trinity.
The rosary appeals to many.
It is simple.
The constant repetition of words helps create an atmosphere
in which to contemplate the mysteries of God
and our need of God in our lives.
The Apostles prayed in continuous prayer with Mary in the Upper Room
after the Ascension of Jesus.
The Rosary invites us to pray in continuous prayer with Mary
in the hope that God's Kingdom might come and God's will may be done.
St. John Paul II called the rosary his favourite prayer, "in which we meditate with Mary upon the mysteries which she as a Mother meditated on in her heart (Lk. 2:19.)."
Acts 1:12-14 After Jesus was taken up into heaven the apostles went back from the Mount of Olives, as it is called, to Jerusalem, a short distance away, no more than a sabbath walk; and when they reached the city they went to the upper room where they were staying; there were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Jude son of James. All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
REFLECTION - YEARNING FOR GOD'S PRESENCE - THE PSALMIST
Psalm 63 O God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting. My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life, my lips will speak your praise.
So I will bless you all my life, in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul shall be filled as with a banquet, my mouth shall praise you with joy.
You have been my help; in the shadow of your wings I rejoice. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.
O God, Trinity of love, from the profound communion of your divine life, pour out upon us a torrent of fraternal love.
Grant us the love reflected in the actions of Jesus, in his family of Nazareth, and in the early Christian community.
Grant that we Christians may live the Gospel, discovering Christ in each human being, recognizing him crucified in the sufferings of the abandoned and forgotten of our world, and risen in each brother or sister who makes a new start.
This ecumenical prayer for all Christians is from Pope Francis' encyclical "Fratelli Tutti," which was published on The Feast of Saint Francis,4 October 2020.
