(translated from Ignatius’ text by Louis J. Puhl, S.J.)
NOTE. In all the mysteries given below, all the words that are in quotation marks are from the Gospel itself, but not those that are outside the quotation marks. Usually three points are given in order to make it easier to meditate and contemplate on the mysteries.
262. THE ANNUNCIATION TO MARY
St. Luke 1, 26-38
FIRST POINT. The angel, St. Gabriel, salutes Mary, and announces to her the conception of Christ our Lord: “He went in unto her and said, ‘Hail full of grace. …Thou shalt conceive in the womb and bring forth a son.’ ”
SECOND POINT. The angel confirms what he had said to her by announcing to her the conception of St. John the Baptist: “And behold Elizabeth thy kinswoman, she also has conceived a son in her old age.”
THIRD POINT. Mary replied to the angel: ” Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.”
263. THE VISITATION OF MARY TO ELIZABETH
St. Luke 1, 39-56
FIRST POINT. When Mary visited Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist in his mother’s womb knew the visit of Mary. “And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe in womb leapt and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry and said, Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.’ ”
SECOND POINT. Mary chants the Magnificat, saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”
THIRD POINT. “Mary stayed with her about three months, and returned to her own home.”
264. BIRTH OF CHRIST OUR LORD
St. Luke 2, 1-14
FIRST POINT. Mary and her spouse Joseph go from Nazareth to Bethlehem. “Joseph also went up from Galilee to Bethlehem to profess his subjection with Mary his espoused wife who was with child.
SECOND POINT. “She brought forth her first-born and she swathed him round and laid him in a manger.
THIRD POINT. “There appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest.'”
265. THE SHEPHERDS
St. Luke 2, 8-20
FIRST POINT. The birth of Christ our Lord was made known to the shepherds by the angel: “I bring to you glad tidings of great joy…for there has been born to you this day a Savior.”
SECOND POINT. The shepherds go to Bethlehem. “They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in the manger.
THIRD POINT. “The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God.
266, THE CIRCUMCISION
St. Luke 2, 21
FIRST POINT. They circumcised the Child Jesus.
SECOND POINT. “His name was called Jesus, whereby he I was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
THIRD POINT. They returned the Child to His Mother who felt compassion for Him because of the blood He shed.
267. THE MAGI
St. Matthew 2, 1-12
FIRST POINT. The Three Kings, Magi, guided by the star came to adore Jesus, saying, “We have seen his star in the East and have come to adore him.”
SECOND POINT. They adore Him and offer Him gifts, “And falling down they worshipped him…and offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
THIRD POINT. “Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their own country by another way.”
268, THE PURIFICATION OF MARY AND THE PRESENTATION OF THE CHILD JESUS
St. Luke 2, 22-39
FIRST POINT. They take the Child Jesus to the temple to be offered as the first-born to the Lord, and they offer for him “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.
SECOND POINT. Coming into the temple, Simeon received Him into his arms saying, ” Now thou dost dismiss, O Master, thy servant in peace.”
THIRD POINT. Anna “came upon them and gave thanks to God, and spoke of the Child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
269. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
St. Matthew 2,13-18
FIRST POINT. Herod wished to kill the Child and so killed the Innocents, but before their death the angel warned Joseph that he should flee: “Arise, take the child and his mother and flee into Egypt.”
SECOND POINT. He withdrew into Egypt: “So he arose…by night and withdrew into Egypt.
THIRD POINT. “There he remained till the death of Herod.”
270. THE RETURN FROM EGYPT
St. Matthew 2, 19-23
FIRST POINT. The angel admonished Joseph to Israel: “Arise, take the child and his mother and go into the land of Israel.”
SECOND POINT. “He arose…and came into the land of Israel.”
THIRD POINT. “Since Archelaus, the son of Herod ruled in Judea, he withdrew to Nazareth.”
271. THE LIFE OF CHRIST OUR LORD THE AGE OF TWELVE TO THE AGE OF THIRTY
St. Luke 2, 51-52
FIRST POINT. He was obedient to His parents.
SECOND POINT. “Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace.
THIRD POINT. He appears to have practiced the trade of a carpenter, as St. Mark seems to show in chapter six: ” Is not this the carpenter? ”
272. JESUS GOES UP TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE
St. Luke 2, 41-50
FIRST POINT. Christ our Lord at the age of twelve years goes up from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
SECOND POINT. Christ our Lord remained in Jerusalem and His parents did not know it.
THIRD POINT. After three days they found Him disputing in the temple, and seated in the midst of the doctors, and when they asked Him where he had been He answered, “Know you not that I need to be about my Father’s business? ”
273. THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
St. Matthew 3, 13-17
FIRST POINT. After Christ our Lord had bidden farewell to His Mother, He went from Nazareth to the River Jordan where St. John the Baptist was.
SECOND POINT. St. John baptized Christ Our Lord. When he wished to excuse himself because he thought himself unworthy to baptize Him, our Lord said to him: “Let it be so at this time; for so it becometh to fulfill all justness.”
THIRD POINT. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the voice of the Father from heaven testified, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
274. THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST
St. Luke 4, 1-13; St. Matthew 4, 1-11
FIRST POINT. After He had been baptized, Jesus went to the desert where He fasted for forty days and
forty nights.
SECOND POINT. He was tempted by the enemy three times: “The tempter drew near and said to Him, If thou art the Son of God command that these stones become loaves. …Cast thyself down. … All these things I will give thee if falling down thou wilt worship me!'”
THIRD POINT. “The angels came and ministered to Him.”
275. THE VOCATION OF THE APOSTLES
FIRST POINT. St. Peter and St. Andrew seem to have been called three times. First, to some knowledge of our Lord. This is evident from the first chapter of John. Secondly, to a following of Christ in some way, but with the intention of returning to the possessions they had left. St. Luke tells us this in the fifth chapter. Thirdly, to follow Christ our Lord forever, Matthew, chapter four, and St. Mark, chapter one.
SECOND POINT. He called Philip, as we read in the first chapter of St. John. He called Matthew, as is recorded by St, Matthew himself in the ninth chapter.
THIRD POINT. He called the other Apostles, of whom no special call is mentioned in the Gospel.
Three other points must also be considered:
1. That the Apostles were uneducated and from a humble condition of life.
2. The dignity to which they were so gently called.
3. The gifts and graces by which they were raised above all the Fathers of the Old and New Testament.
276. THE FIRST MIRACLE PERFORMED AT THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF CANA IN GALILEE
St.John 2, 1-11
FIRST POINT. Christ our Lord and the disciples were invited to the marriage feast.
SECOND POINT. His Mother calls attention to the shortage age of wine, saying to Him, “They have no wine. She bids the servants, ” Whatsoever He shall say to you do.
THIRD POINT. He changed the water into wine, “And He manifested His glory and His disciples believed in Him.
277. CHRIST CASTS THE SELLERS FROM THE TEMPLE
St.John 2, 13-22
FIRST POINT. With a whip made of cords He casts all those who sell out of the Temple.
SECOND POINT. He overturned the tables and scattered the money of the wealthy money-changers who were in the Temple.
THIRD POINT. To the venders of doves He said, “Take these away! Make not the house of my Father a house of traffic.”
278. THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
St. Matthew 5
FIRST POINT. He proposes the eight beatitudes to His beloved disciples apart: “Blessed are the poor in
spirit. ..the meek. ..the merciful. ..they that mourn. ..they that hunger. ..the peace-makers those that suffer persecution.”
SECOND POINT. He exhorts them to use their talents, ” So let your light shine before men in order that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
THIRD POINT. He shows Himself not a transgressor of the Law but a fulfiller. He explains the commandment not to kill, not to commit adultery, not to swear falsely, and commands us to love our enemies: “I say, love your enemies, do good to them that hate you.
279. CHRIST CALMS THE STORM
St. Matthew 8, 23-27
FIRST POINT. While Christ our Lord was asleep boat on the sea, a great storm arose.
SECOND POINT. His terrified disciples awaken Him. He reprehends them for the little faith they have, and says to them, ” Why are ye afraid, O ye of little faith?
THIRD POINT. He commanded the wind and sea to cease, and they obeyed, and the sea became calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What manner of man is this that even the winds and the sea obey him?
280. CHRIST WALKS UPON THE WATERS
St. Matthew 14, 22-33
FIRST POINT. While Christ our Lord remained on the mountain, He commanded His disciples to go away in the boat, and after He had dismissed the crowd, He began to pray alone.
SECOND POINT. The boat was buffeted by the waves. Christ came toward them walking upon the waters, and the disciples thought they saw an apparition.
THIRD POINT. Christ says to them, “It is I, fear not. St. Peter at His command walked upon the waters and came to Jesus, but when he doubted, he began to sink. Christ saved him and reprehended him for his little faith. They entered into the boat and the wind ceased.
281. THE APOSTLES ARE SENT TO PREACH
St. Matthew 10, 1-16
FIRST POINT. Christ calls His beloved disciples and gives them power to cast out devils from the bodies of men, and to heal all their infirmities.
SECOND POINT. He teaches them prudence and patience, “Behold I send you forth as sheep into the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and guileless as doves.”
THIRD POINT. He tells them how they should go, “Do not possess gold or silver.” “Freely ye have received, freely give.” And he told them what to preach: “As ye go, preach saying, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand.'”
282. THE CONVERSION OF MAGDALENE
St. Luke 7, 36-50
FIRST POINT. Magdalene, carrying an alabaster vase full of ointment, enters the house of the Pharisee where Christ is seated at table.
SECOND POINT. She stood behind our Lord near His feet, and began to wash them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. She kissed His feet, and anointed them with ointment.
THIRD POINT. When the Pharisee accused Magdalene, Christ spoke in her defense, saying, “Her many sins are forgiven because she has loved much.But He said to the woman, ‘Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace.’ ”
283. CHRIST FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND
St. Matthew 14, 13-21
FIRST POINT. Since it was getting late, the disciples asked Jesus to dismiss the multitude of people who were with Him.
SECOND POINT. Christ our Lord commanded them to bring the loaves of bread to Him, and ordered the people to sit down. Then He blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to the disciples who gave it to the multitude.
THIRD POINT. “And they all ate and had their fill, and they took up the fragments that were left over, twelve full baskets.”
284. THE TRANSFIGURATION
St. Matthew 17, 1-9
FIRST POINT. Jesus took with Him His beloved disciples, Peter, James, and John, and He was transfigured before them. His face became resplendent as the sun, and His garments like snow.
SECOND POINT. He spoke with Moses and Elias.
THIRD POINT. When St. Peter said that they should build three tabernacles, a voice was heard from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son. …Hear ye Him. When the disciples heard this voice, they fell down for fear, their faces to the ground. Jesus came and touched them, and said to them, “Arise and fear not. … Tell not the vision to anyone till the Son of Man be risen from the dead.”
285. THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
St.John 11,1-45
FIRST POINT. Mary and Martha inform Jesus of the sickness of Lazarus. After He was informed of this, He delayed for two days that the miracle might be more evident.
SECOND POINT. Before He raised him, He asked faith of both Mary and Martha, saying, ” I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me even though he die shall live.”
THIRD POINT. Jesus raises him after He had wept and said a prayer. The way in which He raised him was by a command, ” Lazarus, come forth.”
286. THE SUPPER AT BETHANY
St. Matthew 26, 6-10
FIRST POINT. Our Lord eats in the house of Simon the leper together with Lazarus.
SECOND POINT. Mary pours out the ointment upon the head of Christ.
THIRD POINT. Judas murmurs with the words, “Why this waste?” But Jesus defends Magdalene again, saying, “Why do you trouble this woman? She hath wrought a good work upon me.”
287. PALM SUNDAY
St. Matthew 21, 1-17
FIRST POINT. Our Lord sends for the ass and the foal, saying, ” Loose them and bring them to me, and if anyone say ought to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord hath need of them,’ and straightway he will let them go. SECOND POINT. After the ass was covered with the garments of the Apostles, Jesus mounted it.
THIRD POINT. The people came forth to meet Jesus, and spread their garments and the branches of trees in the way, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! ”
288. JESUS PREACHES IN THE TEMPLE
St. Luke 19,47-48
FIRST POINT. He was teaching daily in the temple.
SECOND POINT. After His teaching, since there was no one in Jerusalem who would receive Him, He returned to Bethany.
289. THE LAST SUPPER
St. Matthew 26, 20-30; St. John 13, I-30
FIRST POINT. He eats the Paschal Lamb with His disciples, to whom He predicts His death: ” Amen I say to you, one of you shall betray me.”
SECOND POINT. He washes the feet of the disciples, even those of Judas. He begins with St. Peter, but St. Peter, considering the majesty of the Lord and his own lowliness, does not want to permit it, and says, “Lord dost thou wash my feet?” St. Peter did not know that Christ was giving an example of humility in this, and therefore, Jesus said to him, “I have given you an example that as I have done you also ought to do.”
THIRD POINT. He institutes the most holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, the greatest proof of His love. He says to them, “Take and eat.” When the supper was finished, Judas went forth to sell our Lord.
290. FROM THE LAST SUPPER TO AGONY INCLUSIVE
St. Matthew 26, 30-46; St. Mark 14, 32-44
FIRST POINT. When the Supper was finished, and after the hymn was sung, Jesus, full of fear, goes forth with His disciples to Mt. Olivet. He left eight of them in Gethsemane, saying, “Sit you here whilst I go yonder and pray.”
SECOND POINT. Accompanied by St. Peter, St. James and St. John, He prays three times to the Father, saying; “My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me, yet not as I will but as thou wilt.” ” And falling into agony He prayed the more earnestly.”
THIRD POINT. So great was the fear that overwhelmed Him that He said: ” My soul is sorrowful unto death. And He sweat blood so copiously that St. Luke says, “His sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground.”
291. FROM THE GARDEN TO THE HOUSE OF ANNAS INCLUSIVE
St. Matthew 26, 47-58; St. Luke 22, 47-5 Mark 14,44-54 & 66-68
FIRST POINT. Our Lord allows Himself to be kissed by Judas, and to be seized as a robber. He says to ” Are ye come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to arrest me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching and you seized me not.
SECOND POINT. St. Peter wounds the servant of High Priest. The meek Lord says to him, “Put back
thy sword into its place.” And He healed the wound of the servant.
THIRD POINT. Deserted by His disciples, He is led to Annas. There St. Peter, who had followed Him from afar, denied Him once. Christ was struck in the face and asked, “Do you answer thus the High Priest?
292. FROM THE HOUSE OF ANNAS TO THE HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS INCLUSIVE
St. Matthew 26; St. Mark 14; St. Luke 22; St. John 18
FIRST POINT. They led Him bound from the house of Annas to that of Caiaphas, where St. Peter denied twice. When our Lord looked upon him, he went out and wept bitterly.
SECOND POINT. Jesus remained bound the whole night.
THIRD POINT. Those who kept Him bound scoffed at Him, buffeted Him, covered His face and struck Him with the palms of their hands, and asked Him ” Prophesy who it was that struck Thee.” And similar things they said, blaspheming Him.
293 FROM THE HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS TO THE HOUSE OF PILATE INCLUSIVE
St. Matthew 27; St. Luke 23; St. Mark 15
FIRST POINT. The whole multitude of Jews took Him to Pilate, and accused Him before the governor,
saying, ” We have found this man subverting our nation and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar.
SECOND POINT. After Pilate had examined Him several times, he said: “I find no crime in this man.”
THIRD POINT. Barabbas, the robber, was preferred to Him: “They, therefore, shouted again, saying, ‘Not this man but Barabbas.’ ”
294. FROM THE HOUSE OF PILATE TO THE HOUSE OF HEROD
St. Luke 23,6-11
FIRST POINT. Pilate sent Jesus, the Galilean, to Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee.
SECOND POINT. Herod curiously asked many questions, and Jesus answered nothing, though the scribes and priests accused Him constantly.
THIRD POINT. Herod and his court mocked Jesus and clothed Him with a white garment.
295. FROM THE HOUSE OF HEROD TO THE HOUSE OF PILATE
St. Matthew 27; St. Luke 23; St. Mark 15; St. John 19
FIRST POINT. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, and because of this they became friends, though before they were enemies.
SECOND POINT. Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged, and the soldiers made a crown of thons and placed it upon His head. They put a purple cloak about Him, and came to Him and said, “Hail king of the Jews!” “And they gave Him blows.”
THIRD POINT. Pilate led Him forth before all: “Jesus, therefore, came forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And He said to them, , Behold the man! ‘” When the chief priests saw Him they out,” Crucify him, Crucify him! ”
296. FROM THE HOUSE OF PILATE TO CROSS INCLUSIVE
St. John 19,13-22
FIRST POINT. Sitting in judgment, Pilate delivered up Jesus to be crucified after the Jews had denied that He was their king, saying, ” We have no king but Caesar.
SECOND POINT. He carried the cross upon His shoulders, and when He was no longer able to do so, Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry it after Jesus.
THIRD POINT. They crucified Him between two thieves. The title placed over the cross read: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
297. JESUS DIES UPON THE CROSS
St. John 19, 23-37; St. Matthew 27, 35-52, St. Mark 15, 24-38; St. Luke 23, 34-46
FIRST POINT. He spoke seven words upon the cross: He prayed for those who crucified Him; He pardoned the thief; He recommended St. John to His mother; He said with a loud voice, “I thirst,” and they Him vinegar to drink; He said that He was forsaken; He said, “It is finished”; He said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”
SECOND POINT. The sun was darkened, the rocks rent, the graves opened, and the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
THIRD POINT. They blasphemed Him saying, “Thou who wouldst overthrow the temple come down from the cross.” His garments were divided, His side was pierced with a lance, and blood and water
forth.
298. FROM THE CROSS TO THE SEPULCHER INCLUSIVE
Ibid.
FIRST POINT. He was taken down from the cross by Joseph and Nicodemus in the presence of His sorrowful mother.
SECOND POINT. The body was borne to the sepulcher and anointed, and buried.
THIRD POINT. Guards were stationed.
299. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST LORD-THE FIRST APPARITION
St. Mark 16, 1-11
FIRST POINT. Very early in the morning Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome go to the tomb. They say to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?
SECOND POINT. They see the stone rolled back and the angel who says to them: “Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth …He is risen, he is not here.”
THIRD POINT. He appeared to Mary who remained near the tomb after the others left.
300. THE SECOND APPARITION
St. Matthew 28
FIRST POINT. The two Marys go from the sepulcher with great fear and joy to announce the Resurrection of the Lord to the disciples.
SECOND POINT. Christ our Lord appears to them on the way, and says to them, “Hail!” and they went up to Him, and fell down at His feet and adored Him.
THIRD POINT. Jesus says to them: “Fear not! Go tell my brethren to depart into Galilee. There they shall see me.”
301. THE THIRD APPARITION
St. Luke 24, 9-12 & 33-34
FIRST POINT. When St. Peter heard from the women that Christ had risen, he went with haste to the tomb. SECOND POINT. He entered the tomb and saw only the linens with which the body of Christ had been covered and nothing more.
THIRD POINT. While St. Peter was thinking of these things, Christ appeared to him. That is why the Apostles said, “The Lord is risen and has indeed appeared to Simon.”
302. THE FOURTH APPARITION
St. Luke 24
FIRST POINT. He appeared to His disciples who were going to Emmaus and were talking of Christ.
SECOND POINT. He reprehends them, showing them by the Scriptures that Christ must die and rise again: “O senseless men and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and so to enter into his glory?
THIRD POINT. At their request He remains there with them till He gave them Holy Communion. Then He disappeared. Thereupon they returned to the disciples and told them how they recognized Him in Holy Communion.
303. THE FIFTH APPARITION
St.John 20,19-25
FIRST POINT. The disciples, except St. Thomas, were gathered together ” for fear of the Jews.”
SECOND POINT. Jesus appeared to them, the doors being locked, and standing in their midst said, “Peace be to you! ”
THIRD POINT. He gives them the Holy Spirit, saying, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit, whosever’s sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven.”
304. THE SIXTH APPARITION
St.John 20,24-29
FIRST POINT. Since St. Thomas was not present at preceding apparition, he would not believe and said ” Unless I see. …I will not believe.”
SECOND POINT. Eight days after, Jesus appeared to them, the doors closed, and He said to Thomas, ” Reach here with thy finger and see. ..and be not unbelieving, but believing.”
THIRD POINT. St. Thomas believed, saying, ” My Lord and my God.” Christ said to him, “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.”
305. THE SEVENTH APPARITION
St.John 21, 1-17
FIRST POINT. Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples who were fishing. They had fished all night and caught nothing. But casting the net at His command “they were not able to haul it in for the multitude of fishes.”
SECOND POINT. Through this miracle St. John recognized Him, and said to St. Peter, “It is the Lord.” Peter cast himself into the sea and came to Christ.
THIRD POINT. He gave them bread and part of a broiled fish to eat. After He had first tested three times the love of Peter, He recommended His sheep to him with the words, “Feed my sheep.”
306. THE EIGHTH APPARITION
St Matthew 28, 16-20
FIRST POINT. The disciples at the command of Christ go to Mt. Tabor..
SECOND POINT. Christ appears to the and says, “All power is given to me in heaven and earth.
THIRD POINT. He sent them throughout the world to teach, saying, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
307. THE NINTH APPARITION
1 Corinthians 15,6
“After that He appeared to more than five hundred at once.
308. THE TENTH APPARITION
1Corinthians 15,7
“After that He appeared to James.
309. THE ELEVENTH APPARITION
He appeared to Joseph of Arimathea, as is read in the Lives of the Saints.
310. THE TWELFTH APPARITION
1Corinthians15, 8
He appeared to St. Paul after His Ascension: “Last of all, as to one born out of due time, He appeared to me.
311. THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST OUR LORD
Acts 1, 1-12
FIRST POINT. After He had manifested Himself for forty days to the Apostles, and had given them many proofs, and worked many miracles, and had spoken to them of the Kingdom of God, He commanded them to await in Jerusalem the promise of the Holy Spirit.
SECOND POINT. He led them to Mt. Olivet “and He was lifted up before their eyes and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
THIRD POINT. While they were gazing up into heaven, the angels said to them: “Men of Galilee, why stand ye looking up into heaven? This Jesus who hath been taken up from you into heaven will come after the same manner that you have beheld him point up into heaven.