Fr. Peyton provides a unique view of the mysteries of the rosary.  Each of the following meditations on the mysteries of the rosary are taken from the book Fr. Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book, 2003.

The Luminous Mysteries - The Humility of Jesus

First Luminous Mystery - The Baptism in the Jordan

Jesus approached His kinsman, John, at the Jordan and submitted to baptism.  John's first encounter with Him was at the Visitation of His mother by Mary.  Johh receives Jesus as his mother Elizabeth did, recognizing Jesus as the salvation of the world.  Jesus did not hold this over his friend John, but "Who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped." (Phil 2:6)

God, help me realize that the mission given me by virtue of my baptism is but a sharing in the mission of Christ and not my own will.

                                                               Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book; 2003, p.276. 

Second Luminous Mystery -The Wedding at Cana

Jesus submits to the will of His mother because of her compassion for their hosts.  Though He may have been justified in not giving the community this sign at that particular time, He does so because of Mary's compassion and love for humanity.  Jesus's humility in submitting to the request of Mary, an alleviating the embarrassment of their hosts, shows us that no matter is too small with which to approach Our Lord and His Mother.

God, grant me the wisdom to discern with a humble heart, that which is necessary to complete your will in the world.

                                                                Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book; 2003, p.277.

Third Luminous Mystery - The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

"Poor in Spirit" means to be lowly and humble.  Humility is a virtue because it helps us to see ourselves as we truly are.  The humble have no delusions about self.  Humble people know what they can do themselves and for what they must rely on God's help.  It takes the grace of the Holy Spirit to discern the difference.  Jesus knew who He was and leads us on a journey to discover our role in His mission.

O God, you have blessed us with the example of your Son, Jesus.  Help us to see one another as we truly are, and respond to His call with courage and generosity.

                                                                Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book; 2003, p.278.

Fourth Luminous Mystery - The Transfiguration

Jesus' transfiguration was a spectacular revelation to Peter, James and John.  Yet Jesus did not want them to share the experience with other until He was to rise from the dead.  Jesus' death and resurrection had to be experienced before the glory of His transfiguration could be revealed.  Like them, we cannot understand the truth of Jesus unless we first experience His life, death, and resurrection.

God of the living, help us to see that our experiences in life are part of the glory of our transformation to come.

                                                                Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book; 2003, p.279.

Fifth Luminous Mystery - The Institution of the Eucharist

The Liturgy of Holy Thursday celebrates two main actions of Jesus' Last Supper.  The Liturgy of the Eucharist is one and the Washing of the Feet, the other.  This beautiful liturgy illustrates the fulfillment of Jesus' command to "Do this in remembrance of Me" and "You ought to wash one another's feet."  This is the inauguration of our Eucharistic command to take, eat, drink, and serve one another.

O God, your Son, Jesus, gave us Himself in the form of bread, wine, and service.  Help us to be true followers of Him by sharing ourselves with one another as He did with us.

                                                                 Father Peyton's Rosary Prayer Book; 2003, p.280.

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