First Joyful Mystery:
The Annunciation


When the appointed time came for man's redemption, the Angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, to ask Mary, if she would consent to become the Mother of the Redeemer. Into her presence the Angel came and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women! Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus. And He shalt be great and called the son of the Most High."  She was afraid at first; but when the Will of God was explained to her, she said at once, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to Thy word."

At once the Redeemer came by the power of the Holy Ghost and dwelt among us. From then on Mary has always been the Help of Christians, cooperating with Christ in delivering men from the slavery of the devil.

FRUIT OF THE MYSTERY: HUMILITY

Consider the humility with which Mary receives the wonderful dignity conferred upon her. An Archangel salutes her, she becomes the Mother of God Himself; she is raised above all creatures; and yet, instead of becoming filled with pride, she humbles herself most deeply, saying: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord." Repent of your self-complacency, and resolve to put into practice at once the generosity of Mary in God's service.





www.catholictradition.org/Children/joyful1.htm