Hail holy queen part I
Before we begin this lesson, hear the Word of the Lord, what He says to those believers who reject the knowledge of His Word, and feed His flock lies upon lies.
Hosea 4:6
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me: seeing thou hast forgotten the Law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." See also I Samuel 15:26.
Overview
In this document, we will be looking at the final prayer of the Rosary, entitled "Hail Holy Queen", which is a
Catholic tradition. We will also be comparing the claims of this prayer, to the Word of God. I may have used
any of the following books, as well as the King James version of the Bible, to gather this information. The
extra Biblical books are listed below.
Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: Tenth Edition
Strong's exhaustive concordance
Thayer's Greek/English lexicon of the New Testament
Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee lexicon to the Old Testament
Notes
The first section of this document uses a notation system, to help you remember the main points easier. The notes of this document are as follows:
(1) Life
(2) Hope
(3) Advocate/Mediator
(4) Clement/Clemency
***Section 1***
Hail Holy Queen
The final prayer of the Rosary, a Catholic tradition
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, (1) our life, our sweetness and (2) our hope. To thee do we cry, poor
banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn
then, most gracious (3) Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the
blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O (4) clement, O loving O sweet Virgin Mary!
Leader: Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
All: That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. (No one is worthy of the promises of Christ, based on their own merits, it is by the Grace of God, not by intercession from Mary, Ephesians 2:8-9)
(Optional)
Leader: Let us pray.
All: O God whose only begotten Son by his life, death, and Resurrection has purchased for us the rewards
of eternal life; grant we beseech thee, that meditating on these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.
(1)Is Mary our Life?
First I want to take a look at a few specific passages, which ascribe our (1) life to God alone.
Life came by Jesus alone: Romans 5:17-18, "17. For if by one man's (Adam's) offence death reigned by
one; much more they which receive abundance of Grace and of the gift of Righteousness shall
reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18. Therefore as by the offence of one, judgement came upon
all men to condemnation; even so by the Righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men
unto justification of life."
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of
life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him." see also Revelation 2:10
II Peter 1:3 "According as His Divine Power hath given (past tense) unto us all things that pertain unto
life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Now let's look at almost every instance of the word (1) life as it appears in the Scriptures. This list does not
include the words lives, or alive, or anything else, only life in the singular.
God Himself is our life: Deuteronomy 30:20 / I Samuel 25:29 / Psalm 42:8 / John 5:26
God grants life: Job 10:12 / 33:4 / Psalm 61:6 / 133:3 / Acts 11:18 / 17:25 / Romans 6:22-23 / I John 2:25
God preserves life: Psalm 64:1 / 66:9
God restores life: Ruth 4:14-15 / Psalm 103:4 / Lamentations 3:58 / Jonah 2:6 / Revelation 11:11
God has set Life and death before His people: Deuteronomy 30:15 & 19 / Psalm 16:11 / Jeremiah 21:8
The Fountain of life is with God: Psalm 36:9 / Revelation 21:6 / 22:1 & 7
The law is a Fountain of life: Proverbs 13:14
The fear of God is a Fountain of life: Proverbs 13:14
Jesus is our life: John 1:4 / 14:6 / John 5:26 & 39-40 / John 11:25-26 / Romans 5:10 & 21 / 6:22-23
Colossians 3:3-4 / II Timothy 1:1 / I John 5:20
Jesus is called the Prince of Life: Acts 3:15
We obtain life by believing in Jesus as the Son of God: John 3:15-18 & 36 / 5:24 / 6:40 & 47 / 20:31 /
I Timothy 1:16 / I John 5:11-13
He who follows Christ has the light of Life: John 8:12
Jesus' body is the Bread of Life: John 6:32-35 & 53-54
Christ gives eternal Life to His sheep: John 10:27-30
Jesus brought Life to light by His Gospel: II Timothy 1:10
The Words of God are Truth and Life: John 6:63 & 68 / Phillipians 2:16 / I John 1:1-2
Obeying God's law (or His Word), makes for a long life: Deuteronomy 32:46-47 / Proverbs 4:10-11 / 13:14
Ezekiel 33:15 / Mathew 19:16-17 / Mark 10:17-19 / Luke 10:25-28 / 18:18 & 20 / John 12:49-50
Side note: The Hebrew word for spirit, literally means breath. Therefore, spirit and breath can be used
somewhat interchangably.
The Holy Spirit (or Holy Breath) is life: Romans 8:2 & 10
The Holy Spirit (Holy Breath) grants life: II Corinthians 3:6
Life is in the breath (spirit): Genesis 6:17 / 7:15 & 22 / Job 33:4
Life is in the blood: Genesis 9:4 / Leviticus 17:11 & 14 / Deuteronomy 12:23
Wisdom is called a Tree of Life: Proverbs 3:13-18
He who endures will eat of the Tree of life: Revelation 2:7
The Tree of Life is on either side of the river which flows from the Throne of God: Revelation 22:2
Aside: Many times in the Proverbs, Wisdom is given a female persona, which may lead someone to argue
that this is an indication of Mary. However, Wisdom is clearly a picture of Jesus. In Proverbs
1:20-23, Wisdom says "I will pour out my Spirit," which is something that Yahweh says that He will
do in Joel 2:27-32, Ezekiel 39:29, and Zechariah 12:10. Proverbs 2:6 says that Wisdom
comes from the mouth of Yahweh, which His Word and Spirit also come from, His Word signifying
Jesus, see John 1:1-14, I John 1:1-2, I John 5:7, Revelation 19:13. Yahweh founded the earth
by Wisdom, according to Proverbs 3:19. Wisdom is Life, Proverbs 3:21-22. Yahweh
possessed Wisdom before His works of old Proverbs 8:23-36. Finally, and most compellingly,
in Proverbs 9:1-5, Wisdom says, "Come. Eat of My Bread, and drink of My Wine". Which is a
clear picture of the Holy Communion.
There is not a single passage of Scripture in which Mary is called our life, nor is the title of "our life" ever
ascribed to her. If this idea does not come from Scripture, where does it come from?
(2) Is Mary our Hope?
The following is nearly every instance in Scripture, that describes where the hope of the believer should lie.
I left out a few passages which were worded in such a way, that it would be difficult for some to
comprehend, but none of those passages expressed the believers hope to be in the earthly mother
of our Saviour. Notice how each and every verse that expresses where our hope should lie, is
directly connected to the person of God, be it hope in God Himself, or in His Grace, His
resurrection, or His Son. There is not a single verse in the Bible that would lead the believer to
place their hope in Mary, yet there is an enormous amount of verses calling God our hope.
Our hope is in God (Yahweh): Psalm 38:15 / 39:7 / 42:5 & 11 / 43:5 / 71:5 / 78:7 / 130:7 / 131:3 / 146:5 / Joel 3:16 / Lamentations 3:24 / Acts 2:26 / Romans 15:13 / I Peter 1:21 / Jeremiah 14:7-8 / 17:13 / 17:17 / 50:7
Our hope is in the Scriptures: Psalm 119:49-50 & 81 & 114 & 116 / 130:5 / Romans 15:4
Our hope is in Jesus: I Corinthians 9:10 / Colossians 1:27 / I Thessalonians 1:3 / I Timothy 1:1 / Titus 2:13 /
I Peter 1:13 / I John 3:2-3
Our hope is in the resurrection: Proverbs 14:32 / Acts 23:6 / 24:15 / Titus 1:2 / 3:7 / I Peter 1:3
Yahweh (God) strengthens those who hope in Him: Psalm 31:24
Our hope is in the Grace and Mercy of God: Psalm 33:18 & 22 / 147:11 / Romans 5:2
Our hope is in God's salvation: Lamentations 3:26 / Romans 8:24-25 / I Thessalonians 5:8
II Thessalonians 2:16
Our hope is in God's promise: Acts 26:6 / Romans 4:18
Our hope is to receive Christ's Righteousness by faith: Galations 5:5
Our hope is in His calling: Ephesians 1:18 / 4:4
Our hope is waiting in Heaven: Colossians 1:5
Our hope is in the Gospel of Christ: Colossians 1:23
Those who hope in Yahweh are blessed: Jeremiah 17:7
There is not a single passage of Scripture in which Mary is called our hope, nor is the title of "our hope"
ever ascribed to her. If this idea does not come from Scripture, where does it come from?
(3) Is Mary our advocate?
I John 2:1 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an (3) advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous."
The following is a definition of the Greek word that appears in the KJV as (3) advocate. The definition comes from Thayer's Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament.
(3) Advocate (pah-rah-klay-toss): 3875 1. One who pleads anothers cause before a judge, a pleader, counsil for defense, legal assistant, and advocate.2. (I John 2:1) Univ. one who pleads another's cause with one, and intercessor. 3. In the widest sence, a helper, succoror, aider, assistant.
Notice how the definition of the word (3) advocate, is the exact same as the definition for the word
(3) Mediator, see below.
(3) Mediator (mes-see-tayce): 3316 one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant; a medium of communication, arbitrator.
I Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and ONE (3) mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." See also, Hebrews 8:6.
Some catholic apologists might say, "Well Mary is our mediator between us and Christ, not between us and the Father." Well, isn't Christ God? And remember, God does not need help. Isaiah 59:1 "Behold,
the LORD's Hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; ***neither is His Ear heavy, that it cannot hear***." Christ has slain the enmity between God and man, Ephesians 2:15-16, if you are saved Christ is no longer angry at you according to the Scriptures. You do not need a mediator between Him and yourself.
There is not a single passage of Scripture in which Mary is called our advocate, nor is the title of "our advocate" ever ascribed to her. If this idea does not come from Scripture, where does it come from?
(4) Is Mary our Clement?
(4) Clemency: Definition from Webster's dictionary. "1 a. Disposition to be merciful and esp. to moderate the severity of punishment due."
There is not a single passage of Scripture in which Mary is called our clement, nor is the title of "our clement" ever ascribed to her. If this idea does not come from Scripture, where does it come from?
What does this mean?
By taking important titles that belong to God alone, i.e. our Hope, our Life, our Advocate, our Clement; we are attempting to give God's Glory to someone else, when God Himself says in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the LORD (Yahweh): that is my Name: and My Glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." and Malachi 2:1-3, "1) And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. 2) If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give Glory unto My Name (not mary's), saith Yahweh of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yeah I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart. 3) Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it." I am pleading to all Catholics who read this, to truly consider the Truth of God's Word, and to pray and meditate on this information. The doctrines of Rome, are not based soley in Scripture, which is where our Hope lies. Where then do these doctrines come from? And where does our hope truely lie?
Why pray to Mary?
The official stance of Rome, is that we are to ask for Mary to pray for us, which, they say, is no different than asking someone else here on earth to pray for us. While there is no denying that praying for others is Biblical, (II Corinthians 1:11, , Ephesians 1:16, 6:19, Phillipians 1:19, II Timothy 1:3), it is definitely not Biblical to say that intercession from the dead is condoned, or suggested. Instead, we are told to approach the throne of Grace for ourselves, with boldness, Hebrews 4:16. The consistant message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we have access directly to the Father, through Christ our Lord, and we are only told to pray to Him, Mathew 6:6-9, Luke 10:2, 11:1-4, Acts 8:22, Phillipians 4:6, and seek intercession from living members.
The Catholic argument for prayer to Mary
The Catholic argument for this, lies in Revelation 5:8, where, in regards to the twenty four elders around God's throne, it says, "every one of them having golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints." First of all, just because they have vials of prayers, does not mean that the prayers were requests to the elders, for intercession, or that they are the prayers of intercession, by these elders. Secondly, just because these twenty four elders have these prayers, does not mean that all of the "saints" receive our prayers, in fact, these vials contain the prayers of the saints. Nor does it ever imply that Mary is among these elders. In Mathew 19:28, Jesus says, "Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His Glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." It then stands to reason that twelve of these elders are the twelve disciples who continued until the end, and the other twelve are likely to be the twelve heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. No room for Mary, or the "saints". Also, praying to them, is as good as declaring them omniscient, and omnipresent, which are abilities that are only ascribed to God Himself.
***Section 2***
The Rosary
Before we look at the Rosary, I would like to remind you of Jesus' Word's in Mathew 6:7 when He says, "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, . . ." Taking into consideration that the Rosary is a series of repetitious prayers that is suggested, though not commanded, to be prayed every single day.
The following is a closer look at what the Rosary itself, as taken verbatum, from a website devoted to the Rosary, with my notes in parentheses after the red numbers.
"Quote
The purpose of the Rosary is to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in the history of our salvation, and to thank and praise God for them. There are twenty mysteries reflected upon in the Rosary, and these are divided into the five Jouful Mysteries, the five Luminous Mysteries, the five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the five Glorious Mysteries.
As suggested by the Pope John Paul the Joyful mysteries are said on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous on Thursday, the Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, and the Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday (with this exception: Sundays of Christmas season - The Joyful; Sundays of Lent - Sorrowful)
How to pray the Rosary
1. Make the sign of the Cross and say the "Apostle's Creed."
2. Say the "Our Father."
3. Say three "Hail Marys."
4. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
5. Announce the first mystery; then say the "Our Father."
6. Say ten "Hail Marys" while meditating on the Mystery.
7. Say the "Glory be to the Father."
8. Announce the second mystery; then say the "Our Father." Repeat 6 and 7, and continue with third fourth
and fifth mysteries in the same manner.
After the Rosary, say the "Hail Holy Queen."
End quote"
The following is a description of the four mysteries. They are mostly simple Biblical truth's that most Christians are aware of. However, there are a few that are worth looking at, which shed some light on Catholic doctrine that would be considered erronious to those who pull their doctrine strictly from the Word of God. The number of the mysteries of interest will be emboldened and red, and will
also be accompanied by a breif description as to why it is unBiblical, which will be in parentheses, and following the mysteries description.
"Quote
The five Joyful Mysteries
The First Joyful Mystery
THE ANNUNCIATION
1. The time for the Incarnation is at hand.
2. Of all women God prepared Mary from her conception to be the Mother of the Incarnate Word.
3. The Angel Gabriel announces: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with thee."
4. Mary wonders at this salutation.
5. The Angel assures her: "Fear not . . . you shall conceive in your womb, and give birth to a Son."
6. Mary is troubled for she has made a vow of virginity.
7. The Angel answers that she will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and her Son will be called the Son of God.
8. The Incarnation awaits Mary's consent. (There is no Scriptural indication that this is the case. In Luke 1:30-38 the angel says "Thou shalt conceive," not "If you accept this, then you will concieve." Furthermore, when anyone scoffs at the decree of God's Will, they are rebuked, but the Will of God is still accomplished, regardless of their willingness to participate, or to believe. In Luke 1:20, Zecharias, the father of John the baptist, is stricken unable to speak, because he did not believe, but the Will of God was still accomplished. In Genesis 18:13-15, Sarah was rebuked for laughing at the idea that she would have a child in her old age.)
9. Mary answers: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word."
10. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Spiritual Fruit: Humility
The Second Joyful Mystery
THE VISITATION
1. Mary's cousin Elizabeth conceived a son in her old age . . . for nothing is impossible with God.
2. Charity prompts Mary to hasten to visit Elizabeth in the hour of her need. (The Scripture does not say what prompts her to visit.)
3. The journey to Elizabeth's home is about eighty miles requiring four or five days.
4. Though long and arduous, the journey is joyous, for Mary bears with her the Incarnate Word. (The Scripture does describe Mary's joy during this travel.)
5. At Mary's salutation, John the Baptist is sanctified in his mother's womb. (The Scripture does not say that John is sanctified by Mary's salutation. Furthermore, sanctification is by the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, not by Mary's voice, Luke 1:40-44. See John 17:17 & 19, I Corinthians 1:2 & 30, 6:11, Ephesians 5:26, I Thessalonians 5:23, II Thessalonians 2:13, I Peter 1:2, Hebrews 9:13-14, 10:9-10 & 29, 13:12, Acts 26:18, Romans 15:16, I Timothy 4:5, Jude 1.)
6. Elizabeth exclaims: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
7. "How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"
8. "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled."
9. Mary replies: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit finds joy in God my Savior." (Why would Mary need a Saviour if she is sinless?)
10. Mary serves her cousin in all humility for three months until the birth of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:56 only says that Mary abode for three months, it does not say that she served Elizabeth with all humility.)
Spiritual Fruit: Love of Neighbor
The Third Joyful Mystery
THE NATIVITY
1. Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus.
2. The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn.
3. In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave, Mary remaining a Virgin.
4. She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.
5. In unspeakable joy Mary gathers to her bosom the Flower of her virginity. (This is not found in Scripture.)
6. Jesus enters the world in poverty to teach the lesson of detachment from earthly things. (II Corinthians, His Poverty was for our wealth.)
7. The angel announces to the shepherds: "Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."
8. The angelic chorus sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth."
9. The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus.
10. The Magi come to adore the Holy Child and offer Him gifts.
Spiritual Fruit: Poverty of Spirit
The Fourth Joyful Mystery
THE PRESENTATION
1. Observing the law of Moses they take Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord.
2. According to the Law the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord.
3. Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.
4. Jesus is not subject to the law of Moses, yet to teach obedience, submits to it.
5. Mary is not subject to the law of purification, yet in humility she submits to it. (Not only is this not found in Scripture, but it also contradicts Scripture. Romans 3:10-12, "There is none righteous, no not one," and "There is none that doeth good, no not one," Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." See also Psalms 14:1-3, and 53:1-3. The only Sinless human being, according to the Scripture, is Jesus
Christ, II Corinthians 5:21. Jesus Himself said that none are good except God, Mathew 19:17.)
6. God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah.
7. Recognizing the Child, he prays: "Now you can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your word."
8. "This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed."
9. And to Mary Simeon reveals: "And your own soul a sword shall pierce."
10. After they fulfill all the Law requires they return to Nazareth.
Spiritual Fruit: Purity of mind and body
The Fifth Joyful Mystery
THE FINDING OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
1. When Jesus is twelve years old, He goes with His parents to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover.
2. After the feast of the Passover, Joseph and Mary unknowingly set out for Nazareth without Jesus.
3. At the end of the first day's journey they discover Jesus is missing.
4. His parents return immediately looking for Him.
5. This loss causes grief and anxiety beyond our understanding to the hearts of Mary and Joseph.
6. On the third day they find Jesus in the Temple among the Doctors who were astonished at His wisdom.
7. Mary: "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow."
8. Jesus: "Why did you search for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"
9. Jesus goes down with them to Nazareth, and is subject to them.
10. Mary keeps all these things in her heart.
Spiritual Fruit: Obedience
The five Luminous Mysteries
The First Luminous Mystery
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
1. John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance.
2. "I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord."
3. "One mightier than I is coming after me."
4. "I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
5. Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God."
6. Against protests of his unworthiness, John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
7. After Jesus' baptism a voice from Heaven: "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."
8. The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove.
9. In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.
10. The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard as the Spirit descends upon the Son.
Spiritual Fruit: Gratitude for the gift of Faith
The Second Luminous Mystery
THE WEDDING OF CANA
1. Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana.
2. During the wedding feast the wine ran short.
3. Mary turned to Jesus: "They have no wine."
4. Jesus replied: "What would you have me do? My hour has not yet come."
5. Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever he tells you."
6. There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twenty gallons.
7. Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw some out and take it to the chief steward.
8. The chief steward said to the groom: "Every man serves the good wine first... but you have saved the good wine until now."
9. At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle.
10. By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of a Sacrament. (There is no Scriptural reason to believe that marriage was raised to a new level of importance.)
Spiritual Fruit: Fidelity
The Third Luminous Mystery
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM
1. "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
2. "My kingdom is not of this world."
3. "Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."
4. "Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will not enter into it."
5. "I have come to call sinners, not the just."
6. "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you."
7. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
8. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied."
9. "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
10. "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." (Catholics believe that Peter is the "leader" of the church because of this statement in Mathew 16:18-19, giving them their justification for the office of the Pope, which is the office of appostolic succession. However, the true intent of Jesus' Words in this statement lie in the context, as set up by Mathew 16:12-19. He asks who the people say that He is, to which His Disciples reply a number of prophets names, as well as John the baptist. Jesus then asks who the Disciples say that He is, to which Peter replies, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Then, in response to Peter's proclamation, Jesus confesses Peter's name, Mathew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Revelation 3:5. Revelation 21:2 & 9-10 shows that New Jerusalem is the bride of the Lamb. 21:14 shows us that the 12 apostles are the foundations of this city. Peter is only one of 12. In Matthew 16 Jesus is confessing Peter's place as merely one of 12 foundations.
Spiritual Fruit: Desire for Holiness
The Fourth Luminous Mystery
THE TRANSFIGURATION
1. Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray.
2. Jesus was transfigured before them.
3. "His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light."
4. This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of the Passion. (The Scripture does not give the reason for them being privy to this vision.)
5. Jesus foresaw the 'scandal of the cross,' and prepared them for it by this manifestation of His glory. (The Scripture does not give the reason for them being privy to this vision.)
6. Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the Old Testament) were conversing with Jesus about His passion. (The Scripture does not mention a conversation between Jesus and these two figures.)
7. "Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets... but to fulfill them."
8. From a cloud came a voice: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him."
9. Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man rises from the dead.
10. We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day.
Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual Courage
The Fifth Luminous Mystery
THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
1. I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
2. Jesus took bread, blessed it: "Take and eat, this is My Body."
3. Taking the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed for you."
4. At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass. (For Biblical arguments against the Catholic form of Mass/Eucharist, please see ***Section 4*** of this document)
5. At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present. (See notes on #4 above)
6. At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders to perpetuate this sacrifice. (Perpetuate: 2 to preserve from extinction or oblivion: to perpetuate one's name. Synonyms: 2. save, maintain, sustain. There is nothing we can do to perpetuate the sacrifice of Christ, the Holy Communion is an outward sign of ones devotion, in order to "proclaim the Lord's death until He returns", I Corinthians 11:26. A proclamation is not the same as perpetuation. Furthermore, Jesus' Sacrifice was once and for all, Hebrews 7:27, 9:28, I Peter 3:18, I John 2:2.)
7. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."
8. The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and a sacrament inasmuch as it is received.
9. In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to us. (God gave Himself to us once and for all, Hebrews 7:27, 9:28, I Peter 3:18. When we partake in Communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He returns, I Corinthians 11:26. Our sacrifice to God is the living sacrifice of our bodies in service to Him, Romans 12:1, not in Communion. Our sacrifice takes the form of service to God, Philippians 2:17. Praise can be a sacrifice, Hebrews 13:15.)
10. The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the Father. (See notes on #4 above)
Spiritual Fruit: Love of our Eucharistic Lord
The five Sorrowful Mysteries
The First Sorrowful Mystery
THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
1. Jesus comes with his disciples to Gethsemani: "Stay here, while I go yonder and pray."
2. Entering the garden with Peter, James, and John, Jesus prays, "My soul is sorrowful unto death."
3. Jesus sees the sins of all mankind, whose guilt He has taken upon Himself. (The Scripture does not say what Jesus sees during this time.)
4. He sees the wrath of the Father which His sufferings must appease. (The Scripture does not say what Jesus sees during this time.)
5. So great is his anguish that His sweat becomes as drops of blood falling to the ground.
6. An angel appears to Him from heaven to strengthen Him.
7. "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet, not My will but Yours be done."
8. Finding the disciples asleep: "Could you not watch one hour with me?"
9. Jesus is betrayed by Judas, cruelly bound and led away.
10. Father, by the merits of the agony of Jesus in the Garden, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Spiritual Fruit: God's Will be done
The Second Sorrowful Mystery
THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
1. Jesus is taken before the High Priest where He is falsely accused, buffeted and insulted.
2. The Jewish leaders take Jesus before Pilate, for only he can impose the death penalty.
3. The robber, Barabbas, is preferred to Jesus.
4. Pilate can "find no cause in Him", yet to appease the Jews, he orders Jesus to be scourged.
5. The scourge is made of leather thongs to which are attached small sharp bones.
6. Jesus is bound to a pillar and cruelly scourged until His whole body is covered with deep wounds.
7. The Lamb of God offers His suffering for the sins of mankind.
8. Jesus suffers so much in His sacred flesh to satisfy, especially, for sins of the flesh. (The Scripture does not say specifically that this beating satisfies sins of the flesh.)
9. The prophesy of Isaiah is fulfilled: "He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins."
10. Father, by the merits of Jesus in this painful scourging, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Spiritual Fruit: Mortification of the senses
The Third Sorrowful Mystery
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
1. Pilate asks, "Are You a king?" Jesus answers: "I am a King, but My kingdom is not of this world."
2. In the praetorium, the soldiers place an old purple robe on Jesus in mockery of His claim to be a king.
3. They fashion a crown out of thorns, and forcefully press it down upon His head.
4. In His bound hands they place a reed, as a sceptre, in mockery of His kingship.
5. Kneeling before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: "Hail, King of the Jews!"
6. Taking the reed from His hand they strike Him on the head, driving the thorns more deeply into His scalp.
7. Pilate brings Jesus before the people, hoping His pitiful sight will soften them: "Behold the man!"
8. Their response: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
9. Our Blessed Lord submitted to this terrible humiliation to make reparation for our pride. (The Scripture does not say that this humiliation satisfies the sin of pride.)
10. Father, by the merits of this painful humiliation, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Spiritual Fruit: Reign of Christ in our heart
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
1. One condemned to death by crucifixion is forced to carry the cross to the place of execution.
2. The suffering of Jesus is intense as the cross is laid on His bruised and wounded back and shoulders.
3. Weak and exhausted from loss of blood, lack of food and rest, Jesus falls three times under the cross.
4. Jesus meets His afflicted Mother causing untold anguish in the Hearts of Son and Mother.
5. The countenance of Jesus is disfigured with blood and sweat, with dust and spittle.
6. Veronica wipes His face, leaving on her towel the image of His countenance. (I do not recall this anywhere in Scripture, nor is there any mention of the name Veronica anywhere in Scripture)
7. Fearing that Jesus might die on the way, the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Jesus.
8. Jesus speaks to weeping women; "Weep not for Me, but for yourselves and your children."
9. "If anyone is to be My disciple, let him take up his cross and follow Me."
10. Father, by the merits of this painful journey to Calvary, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Spiritual Fruit: Patient bearing of trials
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CRUCIFIXION
1. The hands and feet of Jesus are nailed to the cross in the presence of His afflicted Mother.
2. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
3. "This day you will be with Me in paradise."
4. "Woman, behold your Son. Son, behold your Mother." (John 19:26, says that "Behold your mother", is said by Jesus, to His disciple. The word Son does not appear twice.)
5. "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
6. "I thirst."
7. "It is finished."
8. "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit."
9. The side of Jesus is pierced with a lance. His body is taken down and placed in the arms of His Mother.
10. Father, by the merits of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Spiritual Fruit: Pardoning of Injuries
The five Glorious mysteries
The First Glorious Mystery
THE RESURRECTION
1. The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb on the evening of Good Friday.
2. His soul descends into the realm of the dead to announce to the Just the tidings of their redemption. (I Peter 3:18-19 says that He descended into the pit to preach to the souls who were disobediant in the days of Noah, not to the just.)
3. Fearing the body of Jesus will be taken, the chief priests place guards at the tomb.
4. On the third day Jesus rises from the dead, glorious and immortal.
5. The earth quakes as the angel rolls back the stone, the guards flee in terror.
6. The holy women coming to anoint the body of Jesus are amazed and frightened to find the tomb open. (The Scripture never calls these women holy.)
7. An angel calms their fears: "He is not here. He has risen as He said."
8. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen and Peter and two disciples on the way to Emmaus.
9. That evening He appears to the apostles behind locked doors: "Peace be unto you ... do not be afraid."
10. Jesus breathes on them and gives them the power to forgive sin. (No man is given the power to forgive sins, except the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The Father forgives sins, Mark 2:7, Luke 5:21, Ephesians 4:32, The Son forgives sins, Mathew 9:2 & 6, Mark 2:5 & 10, Luke 5:20 & 24, Acts 5:31, 13:37-38, 26:15-18, Ephesians 1:7, 4:32, Colossians 1:13-14, 2:13, James 5:15, I John 1:9, 2:12. The only sins that we can forgive, are sins that have been commited against us, Mathew 6:12-15, 18:35, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 6:37, 17:3-4, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, but even then, the forgiveness of sins is from trespasses between us and them, and is not a redemptive forgiveness, as that still rests squarely on the Father. We may also forgive someone who wrongs one that we love, II Corinthians 2:10. Nowhere in Scripture does it say that we as believers may forgive anyones sins against God, only those trespasses against us, or our loved ones.)
Spiritual Fruit: Faith
The Second Glorious Mystery
THE ASCENSION
1. Jesus remains on earth forty days after His Resurrection to prove He has truly risen from the dead.
2. He commissions the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature, and promises to be with them forever.
3. He will not leave them orphans, but will send the Holy Spirit to enlighten and strengthen them.
4. Jesus proceeds to Mt. Olivet accompanied by His Mother and the apostles and disciples.
5. Extending His pierced hands over all in a last blessing, He ascends into heaven.
6. As He ascends a cloud takes Him from their sight.
7. Jesus ascends to take His place at the right hand of the Father.
8. What jubilation there must be amid the angels of heaven at the triumphant entry of Jesus.
9. The wounds in His glorified body are an endless plea before the Father on our behalf.
10. The disciples leave Mt. Olivet and "return to Jerusalem with great joy."
Spiritual Fruit: Christian Hope
The Third Glorious Mystery
THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The apostles are gathered in the upper room where Jesus had held the Last Supper.
2. They are persevering in prayer with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
3. A sound comes from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it fills the whole house.
4. The Holy Spirit descends on each of them in the form of tongues of fire.
5. Filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, they are enlightened and strengthened to spread the gospel.
6. Having lost all fear of the Jewish leaders, the apostles boldly preach Christ crucified.
7. The multitudes are confounded because every man hears them speak in his own tongue.
8. The Holy Spirit comes upon the Infant Church never to leave it.
9. That first day Peter goes forth to preach and baptizes three thousand.
10. The feast of Pentecost is the birthday of the Church, for on that day it begins to grow.
Spiritual Fruit: Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Fourth Glorious Mystery
THE ASSUMPTION
1. After the apostles have dispersed, the Blessed Mother goes to live with John, the beloved disciple.
2. Mary lives many years on earth after the death of Christ. (There is no record of how long Mary lived after Jesus' death.)
3. She is a source of comfort, consolation and strength to the apostles. (This information is not found in the Scriptures.)
4. As she had nourished the infant Jesus, so she nourishes spiritually the infant Church. (This information is not found in the Scriptures.)
5. Mary dies, not of bodily infirmity, but is wholly overcome in a rapture of divine love. (This is not found in Scripture. Also, it is contradictory to the Word that says "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgement", Hebrews 9:27.)
6. Her body as well as her soul is taken up into heaven. (This is not found in the Scriptures.)
7. After her burial the apostles go to the tomb and find only fragrant lilies. (This is not found in the Scriptures.)
8. Jesus does not permit the sinless body of His Mother to decay in the grave. (Not only is this not found in the Scriptures, it also contradicts Scripture. Romans 3:10-12, "There is none righteous, no not one," and "There is none that doeth good, no not one," Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." See also Psalms 14:1-3, and 53:1-3. The only Sinless human being, according to the Scripture, is Jesus Christ, Mathew 12:7, II Corinthians 5:21. Furthermore, Jesus Himself said, that there is none good, except God, Mathew 19:17. If Mary was sinnless, He would not have made this statement. Calling Mary sinless, is absolutely contrary to Scripture, as well as to Jesus' own Words.)
9. Corruption of the body is an effect of original sin from which Mary is totally exempted. (See the above note.)
10. The bodies of all mankind, at the last judgment, will be brought back and united again to the soul.
Spiritual Fruit: To Jesus through Mary (This implies that we go through Mary to get to Jesus. Not only is this not found in Scripture, it is heresy to imply that God neads any help, or that God's ear cannot hear, Isaiah 59:1. It is also heresy to give God's Glory to anyone other than Him, Isaiah 42:8. Catholic reasoning is that Jesus is angry with us, due to our sins, and that Mary is the only one that He will listen to. Ephesians 2:15-16 states that Jesus has slain the enmity between God and man, and, since Jesus is God, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1-14, 8:58, 20:28, then the enmity toward us as sinners is past. We do not need a mediator between us and Jesus. See also, Romans 5:9-10.)
The Fifth Glorious Mystery
THE CORONATION
1. As Mary enters heaven, the entire court of heaven greets with joy this masterpiece of God's creation. (Not found in Scripture.)
2. Mary is crowned by her divine Son as Queen of heaven and earth. (Not found in Scripture. Now, compare this "truth" with the contents of Jeremiah 7:18, "The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger." Also see verse 30 of this same chapter, "For the children of Judah have done evil in My Sight, saith the LORD: they have set their abominations (idols) in the house which is called by My Name, to pollute it.")
3. More than we can ever know the Hearts of Jesus and Mary overflow with joy at this reunion. (Not found in Scripture.)
4. Only in heaven will we know the great majesty of that coronation, and the joy it gave to the angels and saints. (Not found in Scripture.)
5. Even the angels, who by nature are greater than humans, hail Mary as their Queen. (Not found in Scripture.)
6. Mary shares so fully in the glory of Christ because she shared so fully in His suffering. (Not only is this not found in Scripture, it is also heresy to imply that any one shares in God's Glory, Isaiah 42:8
