Vocation Rosary

These meditations on each of the twenty mysteries of the Rosary were written by Seminarian David C. Deston.

The Joyful Mysteries

There's a word used in theology that means God's will as it unfolds in salvation history. That word is economy, which has a different meaning in a secular context. I bring this up because I want to argue that vocation is, essentially, finding one's place within the economy. This definition gives vocation a much broader context than is commonly understood. For example, when we pray for vocations, we think of priests, nuns, and brothers. However, if when we pray for vocations, we are praying that all people find their place in the economy, then our prayer is more perfect because when someone finds their calling, their true vocation, they are truly happy because they are fulfilled. So, then, let us look at the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and see how living out one's vocation in conformity with the economy can accomplish great things and bring true, lasting joy into our hearts.

First Joyful Mystery - The Annunciation

The mystery of the Annunciation illustrates the "call and response" element to vocation. Vocation is an invitation by God that mandates a response. Here, the Lord has asked Mary to be the mother of His son. Few callings are so clear-cut. As we pray this mystery, let us imagine ourselves in the room with Mary. Gabriel has just asked Our Lady to carry the God-Man within her. Imagine the tension in the room, indeed all of creation, as we await the answer. Our Lady agrees within a very short span of time. Let us pray that Christians everywhere be more attentive to God's call and that they follow Mary's example and answer with their own "fiat."

Second Joyful Mystery - The Visitation

Some people find their calling very early in life, others very late. This mystery illustrates both. Here is the aged Elizabeth who, after so many years, is finally doing what she was meant to - being a witness to God by motherhood. But here too is the unborn Baptist. Even before the birth of the Christ-child, even before his own birth, John proclaims the coming of the Messiah. This mystery is also full of the joy of finding one's place in the economy. Witness Elizabeth's joyful greeting, John's joyful leaps, and most spectacularly, Mary's joyful song of the Magnificat. As we pray this mystery, let us once more put ourselves in the room with Mary, Elizabeth, and their unborn children. See the tears of joy sparkle on their faces, smiles wide, and their voices lilting with happiness at the presence of God among them. Let us pray that all Christians seek God and find the joy that comes from following the Lord.

Third Joyful Mystery - The Nativity

Vocation is not without difficulty. Here, let us look to Joseph, guardian of the Madonna and the Son of God. The journey from Nazareth in northern Israel to Bethlehem in the south with a woman who was eight months pregnant could neither have been easy or comfortable, then to find that the only place available for Mary to bear her child is in a stable. Joseph's struggle is just beginning. Imagine him mucking out the barn and finding clean hay upon which to rest his foster-son, and the pain that God's only Son had to sleep on hay, not down. The flight to Egypt would soon present difficulties for the beleaguered Joseph. Yet, even in the midst of what any of us would consider a disaster, Joseph is calm. His fortitude is rewarded by the visit of the shepherds and the adoration of the Magi. Let us pray that all who struggle in their vocation do so with peace and fortitude, and that God reward them with His grace.

Fourth Joyful Mystery - The Presentation in the Temple

Through the joy and challenges of vocation, it is good to keep in mind the goal. Simeon lived his life and fulfilled his vocation so well that the Holy Spirit promised him that he wouldn't die until he had seen the Messiah. Simeon's reward is what awaits us all. Fulfillment of our vocation, our cooperation with, and in, the economy will result in our eternal reward - to see God and be happy with him forever.

Fifth Joyful Mystery - The Finding in the Temple

Vocation demands action. Jesus knew his vocation and went to work at it. However, vocation requires maturity, something he was lacking at this point. The time would come when Our Lord had to leave his mother and when she had to send forth her divine son. Undoubtedly, this was a difficult event for both mother and son, however necessary. Yet, without action, no vocation can be fulfilled, and if not fulfilled, there will be no joy, no growth, and no reward. As we pray this mystery, let us ask God to bless and prosper our actions that cooperate with his economy.