JOYS, SORROWS, AND GLORY

 A REFLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY

The mysteries of the Rosary deal not only with the life of our blessed Lord and his Mother.  Our own life is one long mystery itself, and we are often left to wonder on its purpose and its ultimate end.  Such reflection, however, is productive only if we submit these contemplations to our faith in God, pausing to consider his role in our existence, and our corresponding role in his plan for the world.  By this faith we inject hope into what could otherwise be considered an empty and worthless, and yes, often miserable succession of events pulling us from cradle to grave.

When we consider on the other hand that God sent his only-begotten Son to die for us so that we might enjoy everlasting bliss with him after this vale of tears, we are thereby illuminated with the realization that our poor life must be worth something, and that the joys and sufferings in it have a purpose.

Reflecting more deeply on this simple fact, we are faced with the awesome truth that God must truly love us.  Why else would an all-knowing God, who foresaw the rebellion of Lucifer and the disobedience of Adam and Eve, have created the whole universe for us?  Why else would he knowingly have made a world in which he would be called upon to abandon his only-begotten Son to such suffering, just to save us from the eternal fires of hell?

No amount of meditation on these things will ever suffice to bring us to a true appreciation of this love that God showed in his creation and for us, his poor creatures.  The beatific vision will one day give us a more perfect understanding of what we owe our divine Creator.  Meanwhile, as we go through life—our test here on earth—we seek out our happiness and endure our sorrows, hopefully placing both in the hands of that divine Providence who knows at every passing moment what is best for us and for our salvation.

The never-ending mix of joys and sorrows in our life is perfectly reflected in the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Every time we pray our beads, we are reminded that it is only in the Glorious Mysteries that follow after our own lives that we will find true peace and solace.  This lesson is further driven home when our loved ones pass on to eternity.  We understand by our faith that they have gone to their eternal reward, and while we might fear sometimes for their ultimate fate, we at least have the opportunity of praying for their souls and for that “eternal rest” and “perpetual light” that is promised to those who love God.  That rest and light is our own consolation too as we draw ever nearer to our own death and judgment, or if not consolation, then perhaps our inspiration to do better while we still have the chance.