The First Glorious Mystery: The Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord
Introduction
Welcome to the Brotherhood of Ascension's page dedicated to the First Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: The Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord. This mystery celebrates the foundational event of our faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Resurrection is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, a faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first Christian community (CCC 638).
Understanding the Glorious Resurrection
Biblical Foundation
The Resurrection is well documented in Sacred Scripture. Here are key passages:
Matthew 28:1-10: This passage narrates the visit of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to Jesus' tomb, where they encounter an angel who announces that Jesus has risen.
Mark 16:1-8: The women visit the tomb and are told by a young man dressed in a white robe that Jesus has been raised.
Luke 24:1-12: The women find the stone rolled away from the tomb and receive the message of the Resurrection from two men in dazzling garments.
John 20:1-18: Mary Magdalene visits the tomb, finds it empty, and later encounters the risen Jesus.
Theological Significance
The Resurrection is not just a return to earthly life. It is the manifestation of Jesus' divine power and the confirmation of all His teachings. The Catechism states:
"Jesus is definitively revealed as 'Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead'" (CCC 648).
The Resurrection is both a historical and transcendent event. It confirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God and opens the way to our own resurrection (CCC 651).
Implications for Christian Life
The Resurrection has profound implications for how we live our lives. St. Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Romans:
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).
The Catechism teaches that through Baptism, we participate in the death and Resurrection of Christ, dying to sin and being born to a new life in grace (CCC 1214).
Growing in Faith Through the First Glorious Mystery
Contemplating the Resurrection
When we meditate on the First Glorious Mystery, we are invited to reflect on the victory of Jesus over death and the hope it brings us. This contemplation strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of the Paschal Mystery.
Living the Resurrection
To live the Resurrection means to embrace the new life Jesus offers us. Here are ways to grow in this grace:
Receive the Sacraments Regularly: The Eucharist, in particular, is a foretaste of the Resurrection, nourishing us with the Body and Blood of the risen Lord (CCC 1324).
Practice Virtue: The Resurrection calls us to live in the light of Christ. Practicing virtues like charity, patience, and humility helps us embody the new life Christ has given us.
Share the Good News: Just as the apostles were sent forth to proclaim the Resurrection, we too are called to share our faith with others through our words and actions.
Prayer and Devotion
Engaging in prayer and devotion centered on the Resurrection helps us remain rooted in its mystery. The Rosary is a powerful tool for this, allowing us to meditate on the Glorious Mysteries with Mary, who witnessed the Resurrection firsthand.
Catechism References
CCC 638-658: These sections provide a comprehensive understanding of the Resurrection, its significance, and its impact on our faith and life.
Conclusion
The First Glorious Mystery, The Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord, is a source of immense hope and joy. By contemplating this mystery, living out its implications, and growing in our understanding through the teachings of the Church, we can deepen our faith and draw closer to the risen Christ. May the reflection on this mystery inspire us to live as faithful witnesses to the Resurrection in our daily lives.