The Mysteries of Light
Despite the Mysteries of Light being optional, there has been some resistance to their introduction. Some people are upset that the connection between the Rosary and the number 150, the number of Psalms in the Psalter, has been broken. Pope John Paul was aware of this connection, but he felt that the Rosary was in need of revitalisation. After Vatican II, with the emphasis on the centrality of the Liturgy, there was a decline in the popularity of the Rosary. However, as Pope Paul VI said, the Rosary is not in conflict with the Liturgy, but sustains it. The Rosary faithfully echoes the Liturgy, and perhaps it does this even more so with the addition of the Mysteries of Light.
Whether or not we feel comfortable praying these new mysteries, let us never forget what the Rosary is about – in the words of Pope John Paul, ‘to recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ.’