The first joyful mystery- The Annunciation

The fruit of this mystery, humility, seems to be the basis of almost all the mysteries, because God the Son was so humbled to become human (joyful), to live (luminous), and to die (sorrowful). In this mystery God becomes a zygote. A zygote! A single-celled human being, what could be more humble? The incarnation is traditionally the reason why Satan rebelled against God: He was unable to bear the humiliation of it all. This level of humility must be unfathomable to humans. More relatable, but still entirely above our own abilities, is the humility of Mary. Here she is, honored above all other women by God Himself, and we know by doctrine of the Church that she felt no sinful pride. Amazement at the awesomeness of God is what Mary felt, a truly humble response.

Hail, Mary

     "Heaven rejoices and earth is amazed when I say: Hail, Mary! Satan flees, hell trembles when I say: Hail, Mary! The world becomes contemptible, the flesh foul, when I say: Hail, Mary! Sadness disappears and joy returns when I say: Hail, Mary!

     "Tepidity vanishes and the heart is inflamed with love when I say: Hail, Mary! Devotion grows, compunction is born, hope intensifies, and consolation is increased when I say: Hail, Mary! The soul is renewed and the inclination to good is strengthened when I say: Hail, Mary!'"

-Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Mary