Episode 2862: From the Manger to Majesty: Part 1: with Nancy

"From the Manger to Majesty: The Divine Plan Through Mary: Part 1”
Nancy: Welcome, everyone, to today’s first episode of From the Manger to Majesty. I’m Nancy, your host, and I’m joined by my insightful co-host, Walt. We are diving deep into the beautiful mysteries of the Rosary, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries today and how they reveal Mary’s unique role in salvation history. Walt, isn’t it incredible how these mysteries shine a light on God’s divine plan for humanity through the Blessed Mother?
Walt: It truly is, Nancy. The Joyful Mysteries invite us into some of the most profound moments in the lives of both Jesus and Mary. They’re not just ancient events; they have a transformative power that continues to shape our lives today. Each mystery invites us to reflect on God’s great love and His divine intervention in the world. Let’s take a closer look. We are so privileged to be able to recite the bead mediations each week and reflect on these mysteries.
Segment 1: The Annunciation
Nancy: Our journey begins with the Annunciation, as told in Luke 1:31-32: "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High." This is a pivotal moment in human history the moment the Word became flesh.
Walt: Absolutely. What strikes me the most is Mary’s response. She doesn’t question or resist; she offers herself completely. Her fiat "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" shows total trust and surrender to God’s plan. It’s an incredible example of faith. St. Bernard of Clairvaux beautifully said, "The world waits for your answer, Mary." That “yes” changed the course of history, and it still echoes through our lives today.
Nancy: It’s remarkable that through her willingness, God’s plan of salvation unfolded. And let’s not forget the role of the Holy Spirit in this moment. When Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, the Word took on human flesh within her. This moment is at the heart of our faith, and it showcases God’s profound humility and boundless love.
Segment 2: The Visitation
Nancy: Moving on to the Visitation, in Luke 1:42-45, we hear Elizabeth’s exclamation: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." This is a moment where Mary brings Jesus to others, even before His birth.
Walt:
Yes, and what stands out here is the reaction of John the Baptist. In Elizabeth’s womb, he leaps at the presence of Jesus. It’s a powerful reminder that even the unborn can recognize the presence of Christ. And this leap is also a foreshadowing of Mary’s evangelizing role she is the first to bear and bring Christ to others. St. Augustine said, “Mary brought Christ to us; now it is our turn to bring Christ to the world.”
Nancy: Absolutely, Walt. And we can’t forget the beauty of Mary’s Magnificat, her song of praise. She says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” St. Louis de Montfort beautifully expresses, “Mary is the echo of God she says nothing, does nothing, and desires nothing except what God wants.” Her entire being reflects the glory of God, and she models for us how to live in complete harmony with His will.
Segment 3: The Nativity
Nancy: Moving to the Nativity, as recounted in Luke 2:6-7, we encounter the birth of Jesus. The Savior of the world is born in poverty, laid in a humble manger because there was no room at the inn.
Walt: It’s remarkable when you think about it. The King of Kings, the Creator of the universe, chooses to be born in the simplest of circumstances among animals and in a manger. St. Alphonsus Liguori reflects, “The Creator of the heavens lies in a manger. The God of eternal glory rests on hay.” This moment invites us to detach from worldly comforts and embrace the simplicity and humility of Christ’s life.
Nancy: And then, there are the shepherds, the first to witness this divine event. Their humble adoration shows that God reveals Himself to those who are open and humble. As we reflect on this mystery, we are invited to welcome Jesus into the “manger” of our own hearts, finding Him in the simplicity of everyday life.
Segment 4: The Presentation
Nancy: Next, we come to the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as found in Luke 2:22-24. Mary and Joseph, in obedience to the law of Moses, present Jesus to the Lord. Walt, what stands out to you about this moment?
Walt: Simeon’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is profound. He says, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation." St. John Paul II called this moment “a meeting between the Old and New Testaments.” Simeon’s prayer, the Nunc Dimittis, expresses the fulfillment of God’s promises through the coming of Christ.
Nancy: And Simeon’s prophecy to Mary—that "a sword will pierce your soul"—foreshadows the suffering she will endure as the mother of the Savior. This is a moment of both joy and sorrow. Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plan, even in its most difficult aspects, teaches us to embrace His will, trusting in His perfect wisdom.
Segment 5: The Finding in the Temple
Nancy: Lastly, we come to the Finding in the Temple, described in Luke 2:46-47. After three days of searching, Mary and Joseph find the young Jesus discussing the Scriptures with the teachers in the Temple.
Walt: What stands out here is Jesus’ response, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" In this moment, Jesus is fully aware of His divine mission, even at this young age. Yet, in humility, He returns to Nazareth and submits to His earthly parents. This perfect balance of divine and human nature is awe-inspiring. What stands out here is Jesus’ response to Mary and Joseph when they find Him in the Temple after three days of searching:
“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49).
This moment is remarkable for several reasons. It provides a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of Jesus as a 12-year-old, revealing His profound awareness of His divine identity and mission. Jesus refers to God as "My Father," which is both intimate and unique, signifying a relationship far beyond the usual Jewish understanding of God as Father of Israel collectively. Even at this young age, Jesus understands that His primary mission is to fulfill the will of His Heavenly Father, a mission that will culminate in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Awareness of Divine Mission
Jesus’ response to Mary and Joseph is not one of defiance or disrespect, but a statement of truth. He is fully aware of His divine mission, which surpasses earthly ties and obligations. The words “I must be” indicate a sense of divine necessity, often used in the Gospels to express Jesus' obedience to His Father’s will. Here, He demonstrates that His identity and purpose are rooted in His relationship with God the Father. This is a foreshadowing of His later ministry, where obedience to the Father’s will remains central:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34).
Even at 12 years old, Jesus is already orienting His life toward His ultimate purpose: the salvation of humanity.
Humility and Submission
What is equally awe-inspiring, however, is what follows this moment of profound self-revelation. Despite His divine awareness, Jesus does not remain in the Temple or assert His independence. Instead, the Gospel tells us:
“And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them” (Luke 2:51).
Here, we see the perfect harmony of Jesus’ divine and human natures. Although He is the eternal Son of God, He humbles Himself and submits to Mary and Joseph, honoring the Fourth Commandment to "Honor your father and your mother." This act of humility highlights the sanctity of the family and the importance of obedience within the human condition. Jesus, who holds authority over all creation, willingly places Himself under the authority of His earthly parents.
This obedience is not just an example for children but for all Christians, calling us to humility and trust in God’s will, even when we don’t fully understand His plan.
Theological Insights
This scene in the Temple encapsulates several key theological truths:
1. The Mystery of the Incarnation: Jesus is fully God and fully man. His awareness of His divine mission does not negate His human experience, including the responsibilities and relationships within His family.
2. The Sacredness of Ordinary Life: By returning to Nazareth and living in obedience and obscurity for the next 18 years, Jesus sanctifies ordinary family life and daily labor. This period, often referred to as His “hidden life,” reminds us that holiness is found not only in extraordinary deeds but in faithfully fulfilling our daily duties.
3. Prefiguring the Passion and Resurrection: The three days that Mary and Joseph search for Jesus foreshadow the three days He will spend in the tomb before rising from the dead. This event also points to the sorrow Mary will experience during the Passion, as well as the joy of reunion in the Resurrection.
Application for Our Lives
Jesus’ actions in this moment challenge us to consider our own priorities and relationships. Are we, like Jesus, seeking to be in “the Father’s house” and about His business? Are we living with a sense of divine mission in our own lives, recognizing that our ultimate purpose is union with God?
At the same time, do we embrace the humility of Christ, submitting to the legitimate authorities and responsibilities God places in our lives? Jesus’ example teaches us that true greatness lies not in asserting our own will but in aligning it with God’s and serving others with humility and love.
This moment in the Temple is a profound reminder that Jesus’ mission is one of both divinity and humanity, a perfect balance that continues to inspire awe and devotion.

Nancy: It’s a beautiful lesson in how we must prioritize God’s will while still honoring our earthly responsibilities. St. Maximilian Kolbe famously said, "Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did." Reflecting on Mary’s anxiety during these days of searching, followed by the joy of finding Jesus, encourages us to trust in Mary’s intercession as we navigate the trials of our own lives.
Conclusion:
Nancy: The Joyful Mysteries reveal the depth of God’s love and the crucial role Mary plays in His divine plan of salvation. Through these mysteries, we draw closer to Jesus by following Mary’s example of faith, humility, and obedience.
Walt: Absolutely. As St. Louis de Montfort reminds us, "To Jesus through Mary." She is our guide and advocate, always leading us closer to her Son.
Nancy: Thank you for joining us today. Let’s close with a prayer:
Do you mind if I tell you a story about Blessed Alan de la Roche?
Christ appeared to Blessed Alan de la Roche, a Dominican priest and theologian of the 15th century, and reproached him for his failure to promote the Rosary. Blessed Alan is known for his role in reviving and formalizing the devotion of the Holy Rosary, which was originally given to St. Dominic in the 13th century.
The story goes that Christ chastised Blessed Alan by reminding him of his divine mission to preach the Rosary as a powerful spiritual weapon for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls. It is said that Christ told him:
“You are guilty of a great sin, for you have been silent so long about the Psalter of My Mother. You must now preach My Mother's Rosary, and because of this negligence, many souls have been lost.”
This event deeply moved Blessed Alan and led him to dedicate the rest of his life to promoting the Rosary, emphasizing its power for personal sanctification, the conversion of sinners, and victory in spiritual battles. He reestablished the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary and formalized the structure of the Rosary as the fifteen decades we recognize today (Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries).
While these accounts are part of Catholic tradition and have greatly inspired devotion to the Rosary, they are not part of formal Church doctrine and are based on the writings and experiences attributed to Blessed Alan.
Both: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. May the grace of the joyful mysteries come down into our souls and make them really Holy.
Amen.
Nancy: Until next time, may the grace of the Joyful Mysteries fill your hearts and guide your lives. God bless!