The New Rosary in Scripture: Biblical Insights for Praying the 20 Mysteries

by Edward Sri

This popular introduction to praying the Rosary draws readers closer to Jesus and Mary by placing the mysteries—including the new "Luminous Mysteries"—in the context of Scripture. The book explains Pope John Paul II's profound reflections on the meaning of the Rosary, addresses commonly asked questions about Mary and the Rosary, presents his practical teaching on how to pray it, and provides the biblical background for all twenty mysteries. It also includes a Scriptural Rosary that offers ten Bible texts suitable for meditation on each mystery. An appendix offers the complete text of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

Genres: Catholic, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Faith

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. Edward Sri is a nationally-known speaker on Scripture and Catholicism and the author of several best-selling books. Besides teaching at the Augustine Institute, Sri is a visiting professor at Benedictine College and a contributor to the popular apologetics series, Catholic for a Reason. Sri is also a founding leader with Curtis Martin of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).

He also is the creator and host of a new 18-part video series on the Catholic faith for parish adult faith formation called Symbolon (Augustine Institute), and he serves the general editor of a Opening the Word: Journey through the Sunday Readings (Augustine Institute).

Dr. Sri leads pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land for lay people each year.

He resides with his wife Elizabeth and their six children in Littleton, Colorado.

Education
STD, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome)
STL, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome)
MA, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Reviews

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overall—not moving, but very informative, better as background reading than as suggestions for praying the rosary. The updated version, "Praying the Rosary Like Never Before," is much more readable.

Sri's use of 1 Kings 2:17–20, with Bathsheba as a type for Mary as queen mother, cracked me up. He says: "When Bathsheba says she has a petition to present to Solomon, he responds, 'Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you' (1 Kg 2:19–20)."

Solomon didn't refuse Bathsheba, who probably rolled her eyes while forwarding Adonijah's request. But didn't grant the request, either, responding, "Tell him, sure, he can marry Dad's concubine. Here's my crown as a wedding present! Mazel tov!"

Not one to let the sun go down on his anger, he ordered Adonijah killed before sundown.

If Bathsheba is a type of Mary as intercessor, be careful what you ask Mary to pray for.

[Eric Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a colleague who led a retreat day workshop on the rosary to a group of predominant Protestants. Sri frames this book within St. Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, and includes the full text of this letter as a appendix at the end of the book. From here, the book is separated in three main parts: a overview of what the rosary is, a commentary on the Scriptural passages that are mediated on during the rosary, and sources on how to pray the rosary with both of these pieces in mind. I like how he (of which he attributes to John Paul II) describes the rosary as a body and soul, the body being the mechanics of the prayer and the soul being the Scriptural meditations. The author also spends time responding to common Protestant objections to the rosary (i.e. "praying" to Mary, repetition of lines, etc. ) but is clearly not writing this as a apologetic work and his answers reflect that he is writing to a primarily Catholic audience with a devotional nature in mind.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading The New Rosary in Scripture during Lent last year, have continued to read and use as a reflection this Lent to supplement my Rosary devotion.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Amicizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2002 Pope John Paul II issued his groundbreaking apostolic letter "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" in which he not only exhorted the Catholic faithful to embrace the rosary with renewed vigor but introduced a monumental change to this venerable prayer by adding the five so-called "Mysteries of Light" which focus on significant episodes from the public ministry of Jesus. In so doing, the pontiff succeeded in drawing renewed attention to this ancient devotion and also helped to accentuate the Christological character of the rosary by adding these five mysteries from the Lord's public life. In an effort to further Pope John Paul II's desire that the rosary be better understood and more widely utilized by the faithful, up-and-coming Biblical scholar and apologist Edward Sri has written "The New Rosary in Scripture", a highly accessible introduction to the rosary, its history, and the Biblical background of each of its twenty mysteries. Anyone who would like to rekindle their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the rosary would be well-advised to check this book out. Sri's chapters on the mysteries and their roots in the Bible are especially helpful for attaining a greater understanding of the Scriptural underpinnings of the rosary. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the "Scriptural Rosary" in chapter 7, in which Sri provides a series of 10 Bible verses for each decade of the rosary, enabling one to meditate on the Scriptures while praying - one of the suggestions made by Pope John Paul in his apostolic letter. Speaking of which, the Pope's letter itself is included in an appendix at the end of the book, making it all the more valuable as a resource for praying the rosary according to the mind of the Church.

[Ben Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rosary is an answer to many of our issues today. This book opened up my eyes to the depth of the mystery of Jesus and His mother. This helped me tremendously in praying the rosary more effectively by giving me practical tips and deep scriptural knowledge about the mysteries - a great help.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abolutely wonderful book. Out of print. So much insight and information about the rosary and its meanings. Highly recommend!

[Rodrigo Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ótimas reflexões dos mistérios do Rosário.