# Rosary of the Dawn and a John 14 Reflection
*2020-02-12*

> Bill Young shares his experience praying the Rosary of the Dawn at St. David’s, reflects on John 14 as a source of comfort in sadness, and leads a morning rosary with a consecration and prayers to St. Joseph.

## Rosary of the Dawn at St. David’s

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. On Tuesday we gathered at St. David’s Catholic Church in Davie, Florida, for the Rosary of the Dawn. The prayer was offered in both English and Spanish, and the parish gave us a beautiful booklet that pairs Scripture passages with the different emotional states we may experience—sadness, abandonment, worry, doubt, fear, temptation, and so on. The booklet also lists the opposite needs—courage, faith, hope—so we can turn to the appropriate prayer in crisis. I was especially moved by the first passage, John 14, which reminds us that Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven.

## A John 14 Reflection

John 14 is a source of comfort when we feel sad or abandoned. Jesus tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me… In my Father’s house are many rooms; I go to prepare a place for you… I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He explains that the Father and the Son are one, and that those who love Him will also love the Father. This mystery of the Trinity assures us that we are never truly alone; Christ lives in us, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide us. When we keep His commandments, we share in His love and are united with the Father.

## Morning Rosary and Consecration

After a sip of coffee, I led the morning rosary, beginning with the luminous mysteries. We prayed the first mystery, the Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13‑17), recalling how the heavens opened and the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The rosary continued with the other luminous mysteries, each followed by the Our Father, Hail Mary, and a brief meditation.

I then offered a personal act of consecration to Jesus, asking for the grace to avoid sin, to fulfill my penance, and to live in His mercy. I renewed my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reciting the Nicene Creed and the traditional prayers of the rosary.

## Prayer to St. Joseph

We concluded with a prayer to St. Joseph, asking for his paternal protection over the Holy Family and for his intercession in our daily needs. I asked Saint Joseph to guard the Church, to keep us safe from the snares of the enemy, and to help us live piously and die in peace.

## Looking Ahead

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, beginning Lent. Father Michael Gately’s new devotion, “33 Days of Greater Love,” will start on St. Patrick’s Day and conclude on Divine Mercy Sunday. I encourage everyone to join in this Lenten journey.

Tomorrow’s rosary will focus on the theme of abandonment, drawing from Psalm 27, because many of us feel deserted at times—by family, friends, or even the Church. May the Holy Spirit sustain us in those moments.

*In our sadness, John 14 reminds us that Christ is always with us, preparing a place of peace and love.*