ROSARY SCRIPTURE CITATIONS With the release of his inspirational Apostolic Letter,<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae_en.html>Rosarium Virginis <http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae_en.html>Mariae (October 16, 2002), Pope John Paul II has declared a "Year of the Rosary" from October 2002 to October 2003, and has appealed to the Christian faithful worldwide to confidently take up the Rosary once again" and to "rediscover the Rosary in light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of your daily lives. May this appeal of mine not go unheard!"(RVM, 43).
One practical suggestion offered by the Holy Father is to use scripture citations during the praying of the Rosary for a greater depth of meditation: "In order to supply a Biblical foundation and greater depth to our meditation, it is helpful to follow the announcement of the mystery with the proclamation of a related Biblical passage, long or short, depending on the circumstances. No other words can ever match the efficacy of the inspired word. As we listen, we are certain that this is the word of God, spoken for today and spoken 'for me'" (RVM, 30). In an effort to implement the practical wisdom of John Paul II, the following sets of Rosary scripture citations are offered. The first set of "Event citations" focus on the historical event of the Gospel mystery. The second set of "Meditation citations" offers further scriptural foundation for contemplating "with Mary the face of Christ" (RVM, 3). Either the Event citations or the Meditation citations, or both, can be used as it is fruitful for each individual. Event citations and Meditation citations are also provided for the new set of "Mysteries of Light" (RVM 21) which our Holy Father has added to the traditional sets of mysteries, in order to give the Rosary "fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary's place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ, ocean of joy and light, of suffering and of glory" (RVM, 19). Especially amidst the grave challenges to peace "confronting the world at the start of this new Millennium" which "lead us to think that only an intervention from on high, capable of guiding the hearts of those living in situations of conflict and those governing the destinies of nations, can give reason to hope for a better future" (RVM, 40), let us respond generously to the call of Pope John Paul II by daily praying the Rosary as individuals, families, communities and nations, for "the Rosary allows us to hope that, even today, the difficult 'battle' for peace can be won" (RVM, 40). Dr. Mark Miravalle Professor of Theology and Mariology Franciscan University of Steubenville October 26, 2002 www.voxpopuli.org Anniversary of the Beatification of Bl. Bartolo Longo --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Please note that I do not send or open attachments sent to this list. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Catholics on Fire" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Catholics-on-Fire May the blessing of Jesus and our Blessed Mother be with you -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
