The Joyful Mysteries
Today I sensed for the first time an overarching theme in the Joyful Mysteries: detachment from the things of the world in the pursuit of spiritual things, seeking the will of God first and foremost, and obedience born of a desire to be good. Of course, I think that is how we define joy, so it makes sense! I think when Mary said "yes" to God in the Annunciation and when she visited Elizabeth, she must have been seeking God's will for her in each situation first and foremost, detached from more worldly or selfish considerations. And when Jesus was born in a stable, He was certainly setting an example for us of detachment from the things of the world, and how to store up treasure in Heaven rather than on earth. Finally, when Mary obeyed the law by presenting Jesus in the temple, and when Jesus remained in the temple to pursue his duty, I think they both must have been motivated by the desire to be good, and to obey those laws that governed their state in life. And there you have it--the key to joy!