THE ROSARY: A SHORTCUT TO HEAVEN

In this generation, the rosary is one of a kind. There is no better weapon to fight the devil than an already-made tool like the rosary. Historically speaking, the emergence of the rosary in 1214 AD is a clear sign that God really loves us and that He cares for our salvation. Apart from our redemption, through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, the rosary is a continuation of the redemption and a proclamation of God’s redeeming grace. The rosary is a continuation of the profession of the faith in the death and resurrection of Christ through the contemplation of the mysteries. This fact is largely brought to light in the words of Pope Pius XII that the rosary “is a compendium of the entire gospel,” as manifested in the mysteries as announced in each decades of the rosary; mysteries ranging from the Incarnation to the Redemption – moving from the Joyful mysteries (the annunciation) through the Glorious mysteries (the resurrection). Thus, in praying the rosary we are contemplating on the life of Christ; contemplation worthy of all Christians.

On the other hand, the powers contained in the rosary is rightly seen when we say the invocation prayer “Come Oh Holy Spirit…,” which is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to descend and dwell in our hearts. There is no better invitation sent to heaven than the Holy Spirit coming down to inspire us. Contained within these powers of the rosary is the Creed "I believe," in which we profess God's greatness in forming the church through his death and resurrection. Again, the  Paster Noster “Our father;” is an acknowledgement of God’s teaching and obedience to that teaching when he thought the people to pray in this manner. (Mt 6:9-13)

The rosary, being the most common and popular devotion in the Catholic Church, leaves us with the question of its importance. Why is it important that we pray the rosary? Among all prayers, why is the rosary most common and popular devotion or prayer? Various answers may arise from this question, I believe. However, what is truly magnificent in praying the rosary is the fact that we are commanded to do so. Praying the rosary at all times is simply obeying the words of our mother Mary when she appears to her children at Fatima and several other places; asking us to pray the rosary for the conversion of sinners and the world, for the forgiveness of sins, to appease the most sacred heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary, among other things. This is not to mention the 15 promises promised all those who devoutly say the prayer.

Let us all think of this and meditate consciously. If we are sinners, is there a better way for asking for forgiveness from God, praying for repentance for yourself and others other than praying the rosary? Do you not see that the consolation for sinners lies in our mother’s intercession when we say, “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death?" Again, what better ways do you contemplate on the life of Christ and behold the Glory of God other than contemplating on the mysteries, through decades of the rosary? Do you not see that the rosary is a shortcut to our salvation?