It’s Thursday. And where I write, it's a dark and dreary and rainy Thursday in the middle of Lent. But wait – it’s Thursday! And that means it's time to add some brightness and light to the day. That’s right, if you’re a devout pray-er of the Most Holy Rosary, today’s meditation focuses on the Luminous Mysteries of our Lord, also known as the Mysteries of Light.

Introduced in 2002 by Saint John Paul II as an addition to the Rosary the Holy Father sought to fill the gap between the childhood of Jesus (the Joyful Mysteries) and His suffering and death (the Sorrowful Mysteries). The Luminous Mysteries focus on the public ministry of Christ.  Yet that isn’t the only thing this Rosary Saint wanted to accomplish with this new Mystery addition; he was also seeking to revive interest in the Rosary.

So, let’s shine a little light on some things on which to mediate as you pray today’s Luminous Mysteries:

The Baptism 
John baptizes Jesus. This is a Sacrament. Reflect on using the holy water font at the entrance of the church. The voice of the Father declares Jesus the beloved Son and the Holy Spirit descends as a dove. Make the Sign of the Cross.

The Wedding at Cana
Marriage is another Sacrament. Christ changes water into wine as His first public miracle. Mary prompts him to do so. Meditate on when someone believed in you when you were doubtful. Jesus made wine better than what was consumed before. Jesus makes you better than you were (or, ahem, weren’t, before).

The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus calls to conversion all who draw near Him and forgives their sins. A third Sacrament, Reconciliation. Confess your sins and revel in His forgiveness and be grateful for His Grace and Mercy. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Everywhere you look. In everything you feel. Think of those individuals in your life whom you need to forgive.

The Transfiguration
The glory of the Godhead shines from the face of Christ. Offer yourself to Him and ask for guidance so you may be transfigured -- transformed. This mystery reminds us that Jesus was wholly human and wholly divine.

The Institution of the Eucharist
Jesus offers the first Mass at the Last Supper with his apostles. He ordains them as the first priests. A fourth and fifth Sacrament: the Eucharist and Holy Orders. Picture the table and everyone there. Like in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting. We Catholics believe Jesus is present Body and Blood during Holy Communion. It’s a sacrifice and a meal. Meditate on the spiritual nourishment of Christ’s body and blood for you.

So chase the clouds and darkness – literally or figuratively – from your day and let’s hope praying and meditating on these Luminous Mysteries is a bright spot in your day.