Pray the rosary during Advent Escrito por: Martín Ugarteche

With this rosary you can ask the Mother of Hope, during the time of Advent, to help you go through these weeks with a hear increasingly open to the grace of God, growing closer with Christ who comes to meet us.

First mystery: Annunciation-Incarnation (Mary, Available Woman)

“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.’ And the angel left her and went away.” Luke 1:38

During the time of Advent, the Church seeks to encourage us in an ever greater openness to the Lord who comes to meet us. In the scene of the Annunciation, Mary appears as the Woman always available to God, with a heart attentive to his call. She is like the wise virgins in the parable, who was ready when God needed her, with her lamp lit. That is why she responds with a Yes. May God always find us like this when he needs us. May we always respond with a Yes to his Plan.

Second mystery: The Visitation (Mary, helpful woman)

“And it came to pass, that, as soon as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41)

During this Advent season, many of us are preparing various Christmas Solidarity Campaigns to help those most in need and also to announce Jesus to many people who live as if He did not exist. However, we must not forget that no one gives what they do not have. Mary’s main service to Elizabeth is to bring the presence of Jesus, who is in her womb, to her cousin’s house. In the same way, we too can only be apostles, serving our brothers, through a personal encounter with Him.

Third mystery: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (God with us)

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)

The main objective of this Advent season is that each one of us may become another Christ before the Father, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Jesus born in Bethlehem is the Incarnate Word, in whose light the whole mystery of the human being, of each one of us, of our sorrows and joys, is illuminated. It is important that during this time, no matter where we are, or our situation in life, we travel the road that leads to Bethlehem, like shepherds and kings, knowing that the Lord always travels the greatest distance in search of the lost sheep.

Fourth mystery: The presentation of the child Jesus in the temple

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31.which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples, 32.a light to reveal to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2, 30-32)

The feast of Our Lady of Candelaria celebrates the mystery we are now reflecting on, in which Mary presents Jesus in the temple, traditionally represented carrying a light. That light is also with Mary today. And today it will serve to light the second candle on our wreath, remembering that the light is Jesus, who is approaching and whom Mary already carries in her womb.

Fifth mystery: Baby Jesus is lost and found three days later (Trust in God)

“And why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)

Saint Mary loses the Lord for three days. What a difficult experience for her! He was not only her Son, but the long-awaited Messiah whom God himself had entrusted to her! And Jesus’ response when they find him is disconcerting. Like Mary, we too face demanding experiences every day. God promises us Heaven and we trust in Him, but we need to be humble and magnanimous, we need the hope that keeps our steps firm towards the goal. These steps would lead Mary to Cana, to the Cross and beyond: to the expected victory with her Son in Heaven, which will only be fulfilled when we are all with them, if we persevere, like Our Mother, until the end.