A Bed of Roses

There is a saying: Life is not a bed of roses. Well, let us think about that the next time we pray the Rosary, which is derived from the Latin word “Rosarium” which means “garden of roses.”  When we explore the mysteries of the Rosary, we see a dichotomy, or perhaps a union of opposites, that is clearly evident in a bed of roses—a garden of roses—as well as in life itself.

The rose blossoms give us the beauty of life and hope, while their thorns inject pain and suffering. Even with the thorns, we are drawn to the flowers’ bloom. When we contemplate the mysteries of the Rosary, we see the pain and suffering endured by Jesus and Mary for us while still possessing the hope of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life in paradise. Truly, Mary, in unity with her Son, reaches out to us in this garden—in life—to draw us close so that we may share in their divine hope and promise of salvation.

The Mystical Rose

Just as there are many varieties and colors in a rose garden, Mary, the Mystical Rose, takes on many roles to help us reach our salvation in Christ as she shares in her Son’s work of our redemption. Mary will take us by the hand, steady us when we are liable to stumble, and help us to rise when we have fallen, according to St. Louis de Montfort. Why? Because Mary is our Mother, intercessor, comforter, helper as well as our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

Mary, the Mother of Hope, spent her earthly lifetime sharing the Lord’s love with those in search of salvation and she continues that sharing so that we can flourish in the life God wants us to have—free from sin. Mary, Queen of the Rosary, calls on us to pray, especially the Rosary, to amend our lives and ask pardon for our sins. Like a rose’s thorns, sin injects pain and suffering into our lives and in our Lord. Just as Mary shared in the suffering of her Son’s passion and crucifixion, Our Lady continues to share in His pain caused by our offenses.  

Beauty and Thorns

In essence, life is like a bed of roses, filled with beauty and with thorns. Despite the thorns, Mary wants us close to her for a deeper understanding and great glory of the Holy Trinity.  With that, we gain the knowledge of the Lord’s love in order to share in the beauty that living in unity with the Holy Trinity can offer as well as eliminate those self-inflicted thorns.

Therefore, let us reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary and follow the examples of Jesus and Mary in life, so we can experience the fullness of truth, charity, kindness, compassion, respect, generosity, gentleness, patience, peace, modesty, humility, self-sacrifice and faithfulness. By bringing forth such beauty through our daily living, we share in the Lord’s work of redemption to keep the hope and promise of salvation—and eternal joy—alive.