Does containing the Luminous Mysteries really make a difference as to authenticity or faithfulness? I can't believe that would be a negative consideration.
Before the luminous mysteries were promulgated I used to play a little game when saying the Rosary, looking fo the most profound yet meaningful in terms of the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, wih the stipulation that it tie in with the existing mysteries. It was basically just a longing to meditate on more subjects.
So the idea that 5 more mysteries on our Lords life is a bad thing, and in fact would invalidate a missal, rather than being an extra should you want to avail of it, boggles the mind. I would even say it is over the edge in disobedience and a desire to seperate from the Church over any imagined slight. It's like refusing to eat a piece of cake because there is a cherry on top.
I'm very sorry, I can't pass this up. After centuries of use, when the rosary served quite well with the Sorrowful, Joyful, and Glorious mysteries for all in the Church, now all of a sudden, they are just not good enough! I think it reflects rather, mankind's dissatisfaction in the world today: change, change, everything is change. What was fine, wonderful, and perfect for everyone before, a blessed means to honor Our Lady, now is just not good enough. Or rather, it's "out with the old, in with the new" all over again!
It is not for us to judge anyone's intentions. If anything, let us hope the Pope at least "meant well" and had the salvation of the Church in his command as his first priority when he elected to have the Luminous Mysteries added to the rosary. But what must be realized is that they indeed constitute no part of the authentic Rosary, the Rosary Our Lady herself wants us to say.
To quote, you say, "I used to play a little game when saying the Rosary, looking fo the most profound yet meaningful in terms of the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary, wih the stipulation that it tie in with the existing mysteries. It was basically just a longing to meditate on more subjects." To limit your prayers/meditations solely to the Rosary is not necessary! The Church has offered us through the centuries a myriad of perfectly good meditaions - think of all the epistles, gospels, etc. etc. The sermons/homilies could reflect topics for meditation...so my point being that meditation is not to be solely restricted to the Rosary: the Sorrowful, Joyful, and Glorious mysteries cover all aspects of Our Lord's life that Our Lady knew to be perfectly useful for us to consider. Nothing more, nothing less. Outside our daily rosary, of course we are encouraged to meditate 15 minutes a day...if for some reason, you cannot find the "tie" with the "existing" mysteries, then either 1) try it anyway - perhaps there is a "tie" you'd not thought of before (besides, God is all-loving, and omnipotent. He is also most merciful: will He not see that you are trying to do what is right in His eyes? Could it be scruples that keep you from meditating on these "ties"?) or 2) If it be scruples, or whatever cause that keeps you from meditating on these topics, take the extra time of the day to do so! God is never outdone in generosity.
I hope that explains in brief why, really, the Luminous Mysteries are not necessary. I'm afraid I can't go into the Magisterium/Church's teaching on the Doctrine of the Rosary/etc. as I am not well-versed in that regard; but principles are principles, and the nice thing about them is that they are applicable in any situation.
God bless!
What if one does not enjoy consuming wax cherries?
You have asked why the luminous mysteries would make the missal I was considering buying less attractive, or even "negative." It is true I presented the subject in that light... it did make me hesitate, and this is the reason.
The rosary, as lindsey_123 has pointed out, always formerly consisted in the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries. These mysteries follow the life of Jesus Christ from the moment of His Incarnation to the crowning of His Mother as the Queen of heaven and earth.
It is the rosary of Our Lady, for she was such a central part of Our Lord's life. However, these mysteries were perfect in length and content...why else would Our Lady have encouraged the children of Fatima to pray her rosary every day?!!
So why change it now?
I do not question the Pope's authority on this matter, or his intention, for certainly it was only to honor the Mother of God more.
But assuredly, a question must arise: if these are to be the mysteries of the rosary of Our Lady... why is it that she is in only one of the luminous mysteries? I find it rather hard to meditate on the other mysteries through the eyes of the Mother of God, as she was not present when the events occurred. Perhaps you could provide an answer.
As you say, you liked to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary as a child "through the eyes of Mary" - so do I! There is nothing in the least wrong with that... in fact, it is to be highly commended. They are, indeed, in honor of her.
"The idea that 5 more mysteries on Our Lord's life" is not necessarily "a bad thing," as you have stated it... It just isn't necessary.
I hope I've answered your questions sufficiently. Please do understand however that I do not in the least doubt the Pope, his authority, or his intentions... Thank you.