Meditating on the Rosary

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

A highly recommended but often neglected part of reciting the rosary well and even more fruitfully is to reflect on the various mysteries while saying the vocal prayers. This way the recitation of the rosary becomes a meditation on the Gospels and can bear more fruit for ourselves and our intentions!

In their respective exhortations on the rosary, both Popes St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II cited the practice of making the rosary a meditative prayer. St. John Paul II even made the stunning observation that, when praying the rosary, one is “transported mystically” to the side of Mary as she watches over the formation of her Son in the home at Nazareth! (cf. Rosary of the Blessed Virgin, n. 15)

This technique of praying the rosary doesn’t have to make it laborious or time consuming if only a brief moment is taken at the announcement of each mystery, whether audibly or in silence, to bring to mind some aspect of that episode in the lives of Jesus and Mary. The brief thought then sort of jump starts a wider recollection of the whole scene, or a deeper consideration and even contemplation of the mentioned aspect, while the Our Father and Hail Marys are being recited. The vocal prayers become a background “melody” to the reflection. I know many people who make the rosary the foundation of their time for meditation and take their time with the reflection, or sometimes pray the so-called “scriptural rosary”, unfolding the events of the mystery in steps at the beginning of each Hail Mary. These forms of mediative recitation of the rosary can indeed make for a very fruitful meditation!

Contemplating more the events and meaning of the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary in the recitation of the rosary will also make its efficacy more abundant by increasing one’s faith and devotion. The Blessed Mother is praised by her cousin Elizabeth for “believing that what the Lord had spoken would be fulfilled”. Mary’s faith was greatly aided by the fact that she “treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” as St. Luke tells us twice in his gospel. It is faith that obtains all things and can move mountains if we have it even in the size of a mustard seed! So by pondering these same things in the lives of Jesus and Mary in our hearts during the recitation of the holy rosary, this month of October and throughout the year, our faith can grow and we will be able to draw closer to the Lord and bear more fruit. Please let’s pray fervently for peace in Ukraine and the safety of our members there, especially the one who needs it the most! 

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ your Son!