May 2008

Recently, Brother Carlos Aspiroz Costa, OP, Master General of the Order of Preachers, called on the global Dominican Family to “re-discover the Rosary as a means of contemplation and an instrument of prophetic preaching.” When we reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, is not only about the birth of Jesus in many years past, but also about the truth of God in our own lives. The Spirit of Jesus continues to heal, teach, forgive and challenge us. We need to allow the images of the mysteries to intersect with our own lives. Thus the Rosary is Biblical, Christ-centered and contemplative as well as contemporary. Our God is God with us, Redeemer and Savior, Sanctifier and Glorifier.

Mary can be seen as a protector of pregnant women, immigrant families and a model of faith, hope and love through all her suffering. Carlos goes on to say that when he prays the Rosary, it becomes his intercession along with Mary’s in placing the wounded of today at the feet of Jesus. Today the world is torn apart by war, conflict, disease and ills of every kind. We call on Mary, the Queen of Peace  to help bring about that longed for peace on earth. The Rosary, the words of Scripture and our meditation make it a contemplative and prophetic prayer.

After many years, we find many people longing for a return to some popular religious practices from the past. Many people want a Rosary in their hands when they are dying and afterwards, with their burial.

• Can we contemplate the life of Jesus through the eyes of his mother?
• Can we contemplate our world profoundly in need of transformation and may our longing for peace and justice be brought to Mary for a response?

Let us walk the road of renewal together. Let us set out having the same confidence that Dominic had in Mary, the Mother of God. (IDI Bulletin, January 2008.)