Pro-Life Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

Pro-Life Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries

(Arlene B. Muller)

(1)   The Annunciation

Mary, you said “yes” to becoming the Mother of JESUS.  Though you had the great privilege of being mother of our LORD, Savior and Messiah, your “yes” was given in light of great risk to your reputation, your future, your relationships, and even your life!  You were subject to false accusation, and if not for God’s protection and the love and openness of Joseph, you could have been stoned to death!

Thank you for your courageous “yes’ to life and to God’s will in your life.  Inspire, be present with, encourage and intercede for the many women in crisis pregnancies.  They also face great risks and challenges and need courage to say “yes” to life in a society that pressures them to seek abortion as a false solution in their desperation.  Be with them at every moment to help them choose life and be their comfort, model and guide throughout their pregnancies, at every moment.

(2)  The Visitation

Mary, when you heard the news of your cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy you went in haste to be with her, to bring her and her unborn baby the joy of the Holy Spirit by bringing JESUS, alive in your womb, to her.  It is so easy for us to tell women not to have abortions.  We are called not only to speak out for life but also to put our respect for life into loving service.  Help us to show women in crisis pregnancies compassion, understanding, and spiritual, psychological, physical, and material support.  LORD, bless the work of crisis pregnancy centers, of Birthright, Bridge to Life, Good Counsel Homes, and all pro-life organizations who provide help to women in crisis pregnancies and all the people who work in them.  Help all of us to do our part in supporting their work.  Consecrate their work and bless all the women, the babies, and families to whom they minister.

(3)  The Birth of JESUS

LORD, the night on which you were born was a great occasion of joy for the entire world and the night of the birth of Great Love.  We often forget that this birth took place under less than ideal circumstances.  Your mother had to give birth to You in a stable or cave and place you in a manger used for feeding messy animals!  Joseph, your loving and chaste spouse, was with you, but you did not have the benefit of sanitary medical facilities.  Many women are giving birth in less than ideal circumstances.   Some are giving birth in poverty.  Others are in the best medical facilities, but have no husband or parent or other loving person to give them comfort, love and support.  Mary, be their loving mother and intercessor.  LORD, as the angels came to surround You and announce the glorious news of Your birth, send Your holy angels to surround the new mothers and their babies so that in spite of their difficult circumstances, the new lives may be welcomed with joy.

(4)  Presentation of JESUS in the Temple

LORD, it is Your will that every child born be dedicated to You.  Thank You for the gift of faith and the gift of baptism that makes every person baptized Your child and a member of Your family.  Many parents do not share our faith and do not have the joy of having their children baptized and do not know how to raise them to love and obey You.  Show Yourself present to all parents and children and help them to come to know and love You.

Mary, at a time of joy in presenting your Son and hearing the witness of those who recognized and accepted Him as the Messiah, you were warned that you would experience great sorrow, so you understand the sorrows and joys of child raising and you still have a tender mother’s heart.  LORD, may parents—especially mothers—feel Your Presence and the presence of Mary with them and give them the love and wisdom they need throughout the j0ys, sorrows and challenges of parenting.

(5)  Finding the Child JESUS in the Temple

LORD JESUS, when You were missing for 3 days YOU knew You were in the right place and so did Your Father in heaven, but to the anxious minds of Mary and Joseph, You were lost!

There are many children, teens and young adults who are lost, whether physically, psychologically, or spiritually.  Some have no one concerned about them.  Many have anxious parents, guardians and relatives praying for them with great sorrow and desperation.  Help those who are lost in any way and those who are seeking them in sorrow find You.  Bring those who are lost safely home to loving families and back home into relationship with You.  May women in crisis pregnancies who have been estranged from their families find a safe, secure, loving and welcoming home for themselves and their children.

© Copyright 2012 by Arlene B. Muller (Arlene Clare Muller, SFO)

These were written after I prayed the rosary at 7AM on the day of the MARCH FOR LIFE.  I felt inspired to write these as I realized how deep a connection is between the Joyful Mysteries and the pro-life cause.