Jesus’ defeat over death and the promise of eternal life was a gift received by St. Joseph. These mysteries focus on the glory of Jesus and Mary, but it is possible for us to incorporate St. Joseph in each of these mysteries.
Jesus and Mary both see St. Joseph again, and together they share in the joy of Heaven. As the universal patron of the Church, Joseph joins Mary in her prayers for the world and for us.
As we pray Our Lady’s Rosary, let us ask St. Joseph to pray with us and inspire our meditation.
Resurrection
The empty tomb becomes an icon of hope for the believer because Jesus’ resurrection means death has been defeated and we all will live for eternity. The tomb of Jesus was not the only empty tomb during those days, because “the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27:51-53). Was the father of Jesus, Joseph, one of those who came forth from the tomb? As Jesus descends to the depths of the netherworld does he find his father and bring him and all the holy men and women forth, leading them into the Kingdom?
As you pray this mystery, reflect on the tomb of Joseph, and the visits Jesus would have made during his lifetime.
Ascension
Jesus commissions the apostles to go and make disciples before he departs from their sight, ascending above the clouds. Consider the heavenly reunion of Jesus and Joseph as now Jesus reigns for all eternity from His Heavenly throne at the right hand of the eternal Father.
As you pray this mystery, reflect on your vision of Heaven. What do you see? Who do you see? Where is St. Joseph in your imagination?
Pentecost
The apostles received the Holy Spirit in a powerful way nine days after the Ascension, when wind and tongues of fire descended upon them. St. Joseph he lived a life close to the Holy Spirit, for his wife conceived the child he was raising by the power of the Holy Spirit. By his virtues and life, St. Joseph manifested the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the home of Nazareth.
As you pray this mystery, reflect on how the Holy Family was aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their home, just as the Apostles were aware the Holy Spirit was in the Upper Room on that 50th day.
Assumption
Completing her pilgrimage of faith on earth, Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven. What Jesus did for her, he one day will do for all of us. Assumed into Heaven by the love of her son, she now enjoys the vision of Heaven which Joseph and Jesus already possessed.
As you pray this mystery, reflect on the joy of the Holy Family as they are reunited at last for all eternity.
Coronation of Mary
Jesus crowns Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, for indeed she is; she is our Queen Mother, the advocate for believers. St. Joseph revered and honored Mary as his queen all throughout his life with her.
As you pray this mystery, reflect on St. Joseph, present among the angels and saints, witnessing the coronation of Mary.
Concluding the Rosary
Pope Leo the XIII in his 1889 encyclical Quamquam pluries recommended to the faithful during the month of October to end the rosary with a prayer to St. Joseph. This prayer can be added at any time. After praying the Hail Holy Queen and any other prayers you add, why not close with this recommended prayer to St. Joseph?
To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
And today we celebrate...