Matthew is a
wonderful storyteller. I cannot possibly do the opening story of this chapter
on Mother Teresa justice other than to say what a wonderful way to bring to
light the power of the humble rosary beads and a saint that taught us the
beauty in a simple life dedicated to loving others.
Simplicity
in life is such a rare thing to observe in our society. Our lives today are captivated
by complexity. We complicate everything. When we look at something as pure and
simple as the rosary, we discount what it can do in our lives. Catholics
today have abandoned praying the rosary because of the allure of complexity. We
have failed to see in its simplicity the peace it can provide our lives.
The genius
of God is simplicity. Matthew notes that all the great leaders throughout history have agreed that the simplest solution is usually the best. If we desire to tap into the wonder
and glory of God, we only need apply simplicity to our life and prayers and
follow the example of Mother Teresa. She carried everything she owned in one small
bag. Now that is living a life that says, "the only thing that counts in life is the
simply pure love of God and of neighbor."
Matthew tells us that he began praying the rosary because it was a form of prayer that soothed him, both
mentally and spiritually. Today he prays the rosary because he found it the
simplest way to reflect upon the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. By praying
the rosary, we can ponder many aspects of Jesus his life. Matthew spoke earlier in
this book on the power of stories. There is none more powerful than that of
Jesus Christ. The rosary helps us to know his story and teaches us to integrate
it into our own lives.
The rosary also has practical spiritual benefits in its ability to help us grow in virtue. The
fruit of the spiritual exercise of the rosary is an increase in the
supernatural virtues: faith, hope and love. Virtue begets virtue. Eventually
the habitual effort to practice virtue blossoms into spontaneous right action.
Each decade of the rosary introduces practical examples of human virtues, and
teaches us to practice these virtues in our own lives.
In the
rosary we have twenty mysteries that beget twenty lessons in life, love, the
attainment of virtue, and the genius of God’s plan for humanity. Matthew encourages
us to explore these human virtues now, one decade at a time.
Question
Can you name
the Four Mysteries of the Rosary? How can you integrate the habit of praying
the Rosary into your daily routine? How do you plan to embrace a simpler life?
In peace,
Dan
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