The Holy Rosary

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. ● And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” ● But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. ● And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ● And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ● He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” ● And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” ● And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; ● therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. ● And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. ● (Lk 1:26-38 RSVCE)

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth. ● And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; ● and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ● and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ● And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” ● And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. ● For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. ● And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. ● He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. ● He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. ● (Lk 1:39-56 RSVCE)

But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; ● she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ● All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emman′u-el” (which means, God with us). ● (Mt. 1:20-23 RSVCE)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled... And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ● And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. ● And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ● And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; ● for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord ● ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” ● ... And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; ● (Lk. 2:1-17 RSVCE)

And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ● ... Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ● And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ● And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God ● ... and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word ● for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples..." ● and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against ● (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” ● ... And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. ● And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. ● (Lk. 2:22-40 RSVCE)

And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; ● and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. ● His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; ● and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. ● After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. ● And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” ● And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” ● And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. ● And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; ● and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. ● (Lk. 2:42-52 RSVCE)

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsem′ane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb′edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ● Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." ● (Mt. 26:36-38 RSVCE) And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. ● (Mt. 22:41 RSVCE) “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” ● And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ● (Mt. 26:39-41 RSVCE) And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ● (Lk. 22:43 RSVCE) Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. ● (Mt. 26:45 RSVCE) While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ● (Mt. 26:47 RSVCE) And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Hail, Master!” And he kissed him. ● Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. ● (Mt. 26:49-50 RSVCE)

And as soon as it was morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council held a consultation; and they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” ● (Mk. 15:1-2 RSVCE) Jesus answered, “My kingship is not of this world"... Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Every one who is of the truth hears my voice.” ● (Jn. 18:36-37 RSVCE) "But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” ● And they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” ● (Lk. 22:69-70 RSVCE) Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. ● (Jn. 19:1 RSVCE) He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows... ● Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows... ● But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... ● (Is. 53:3-5 RSVCE) ...they also blindfolded him and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” ● (Lk. 22:64 RSVCE) So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barab′bas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. ● (Mk. 15:15 RSVCE)

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. ● And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. ● And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ● And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. ● (Mk. 15:16-19 RSVCE) Pilate went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him.” ● So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” ● When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” ● (Jn. 19:4-6 RSVCE) And Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” ● (Mk. 15:14 RSVCE) Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ● Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. ● (Jn. 19:14-16 RSVCE)

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. ● As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyre′ne, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. ● (Mt. 27:31-32 RSVCE) And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. ● But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. ● (Lk. 23:27-28 RSVCE) Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ● (Lk. 23:32 RSVCE) And when they came to a place called Gol′gotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. ● And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. ● (Mt. 27:33-36 RSVCE) “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself ● and take up his cross daily and follow me. ● For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it." ● (Lk. 9:23-24 RSVCE)

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” ● (Lk. 23:34 RSVCE) [One of the criminals said] “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” ● (Lk. 23:42-43 RSVCE) When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ● Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. ● (Jn. 19:26-27 RSVCE) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” ● (Mt. 27:46 RSVCE) After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” ● (Jn. 19:28 RSVCE) When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”. ● (Jn. 19:30 RSVCE) Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. ● (Lk. 23:46 RSVCE) ...and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ● (Lk. 23:44-45 RSVCE) They took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. ● (Jn. 19:40 RSVCE)

Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Mag′dalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. ● ... an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. ● (Mt. 28:1-2 RSVCE) But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. ● ...and behold, he is going before you to Galilee." ● (Mt. 28:5-7 RSVCE) On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ● (Jn. 20:19 RSVCE) But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. ● And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself." ● (Lk. 24:37-39 RSVCE) Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ● Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” ● (Jn. 20:20-21 RSVCE) “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die." ● (Jn. 11:25-26 RSVCE)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. ● (Lk. 24:50 RSVCE) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ● 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, ● teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” ● (Mt. 28:18-20 RSVCE) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ● (Mk. 16:16 RSVCE) While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. ● (Lk. 24:51 RSVCE) ...he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ● (Acts 1:9 RSVCE) This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” ● (Acts 1:11 RSVCE) And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ● (Lk. 24:52 RSVCE) So then the Lord Jesus...sat down at the right hand of God. ● (Mk. 16:19 RSVCE)

"And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever." ● (Jn. 14:16 RSVCE) "...the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you ● (Jn. 14:26 RSVCE) ...before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ● (Acts 1:5 RSVCE) ...you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar′ia and to the end of the earth.” ● (Acts 1:8 RSVCE) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ● And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. ● And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ● Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ● (Acts 2:1-6 RSVCE) And Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ● (Acts 2:38 RSVCE) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. ● (Acts 2:41 RSVCE)

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; ● he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” ● (Gn. 3:15 RSVCE) And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. ● (Rv. 12:1 RSVCE) "Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am." ● (Jn. 17:24 RSVCE) Wherefore she is our mother in the order of grace. ● (Vt. II, Constit. on Ch. 61) Taken up to heaven, she did not lay aside this salvific duty, but by her intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation. ● (Vt. II, Constit. of Ch. 62) "...for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. ● "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed." ● (Lk. 1:48 RSVCE) I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me... For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. ● (Prov. 8:17-35 RSVCE) “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; ● (Song 2:10 RSVCE)

"For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." ● (Lk. 1:49 RSVCE) My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. ● You are the fairest of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you for ever. ● (Ps. 45:1-2 RSVCE) Because of this gift of sublime grace, she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. ● (Vat. II, Constit. of Ch. 53) I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. ● (Song 2:1 RSVCE) And now, my sons, listen to me: ...Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. ● (Prov. 8:32-33 RSVCE) The Lord chose her. He chose her before she was born. ● (Divine Office) Entirely holy, and free from all stain of sin. ● Freely co-operating in the work of human salvation through faith and obedience. ● (Vat. II, Constit. of Ch. 56) “O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all women on earth; ● (Judith 13:18 RSVCE)