The Rosary in a Year: Day 101 – "Glory and Indignity" with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 101: Glory and Indignity
• Release Date: April 11, 2025

In this 101st episode of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves deep into the third Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary—the Crowning with Thorns. Through insightful reflections, theological explorations, and personal anecdotes, Fr. Ames guides listeners on a transformative journey of prayer and meditation aimed at strengthening their relationship with Jesus and Mary.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames opens the episode by welcoming listeners and providing a brief overview of the Rosary in a Year program. He encourages listeners to download the prayer plan from Ascension Press to track their monthly progress and enhance their prayer experience. He emphasizes the podcast’s aim to foster a daily habit of prayer, build a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, and explore the Biblical foundations of the Rosary.

"Through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [00:00]

2. Exploring the Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

Fr. Ames introduces the focus of the day: the Crowning with Thorns, the third Sorrowful Mystery. He incorporates a theological reading from St. Thomas Aquinas, specifically his "Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew," to provide a rich, doctrinal foundation for the reflection.

"Instead of a crown of glory, they imposed on him a crown of indignity. These thorns signify the prickles of sinners which prick their consciences. And Christ received these for us, for he died for our sins."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:15]

a. St. Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor

Fr. Ames briefly highlights St. Thomas Aquinas's contributions to the Church, noting his extensive theological works like the "Summa Theologiae." He humorously references an alleged quote by Aquinas, expressing admiration for St. Bonaventure, to acknowledge the collaborative spirit among Dominican friars.

"St. Thomas Aquinas was called the Angelic Doctor, perhaps because of his virtues and in particular the sublimity of his thought and the purity of his life."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:10]

3. Reflection on Indignity

Fr. Ames transitions into a personal reflection on the concept of indignity, exploring its meaning and implications within the context of the Crowning with Thorns.

a. Defining Indignity

He begins by defining "indignity" using the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

"An act that offends against a person's dignity or humiliating treatment."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:30]

b. Personal Anecdote: A Lesson in Trust and Humility

To illustrate the impact of indignity, Fr. Ames shares a poignant personal story from his past. He recounts a time when he and a fellow friar played a seemingly innocent prank on a trusting host mother in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their immature game of asking only questions for an extended period led to unintended emotional hurt when the host mother realized they were manipulating the conversation.

"She trusted you. I thought this was safe. I trusted you and you took advantage of me."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:20]

This experience deeply affected Fr. Ames, instilling a lasting sense of regret and empathy for those he unintentionally hurt. He connects this memory to the theological concept of indignity, emphasizing how their actions mirrored the humiliation of Christ.

4. Theological Insights and Spiritual Application

Fr. Ames draws parallels between his personal experience and the suffering of Christ, encouraging listeners to introspect on how their actions may inadvertently bring indignity upon the Lord.

"The Lord looks at us and he says with his eyes, I gave you everything. I trusted you. I gave you life and freedom and a beautiful creation. I created for you a home. I loved you. And this, this crown of thorns, this is how you repay me."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [08:30]

a. Recognizing Personal Indignities

He urges listeners to identify moments in their lives where their sins and selfishness may have metaphorically placed a "crown of indignity" upon Jesus, instead of the rightful "crown of glory." This introspection is vital for genuine repentance and spiritual growth.

b. Call to Repentance and Contrition

Fr. Ames emphasizes the need for immediate contrition upon recognizing such indignities. He highlights the importance of heartfelt repentance in healing the relationship with God, mirroring the humility and love demonstrated by Christ.

"Just look at the ways in which we have hurt him by our sin and our selfishness. And how many times, instead of giving him a crown of glory, have we given the Lord a crown of indignation?"
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [09:10]

5. Concluding the Reflection with Prayer

Fr. Ames leads listeners through the completion of the day's Rosary, inviting them to meditate on the image of Jesus crowned with thorns. He encourages focusing on Jesus' eyes, which plead for understanding and love.

"Let us pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [12:07]

The episode concludes with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, multiple Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, fostering a communal and reflective prayer experience.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Understanding Indignity: Recognizing actions that disrespect or humiliate others, especially in spiritual contexts, is crucial for maintaining a respectful and loving relationship with God.

• Personal Accountability: Fr. Ames’s anecdote underscores the importance of being mindful of how our actions affect others, reflecting on the broader spiritual implications.

• Repentance and Healing: Acknowledging personal wrongdoings allows for sincere repentance, which is essential for spiritual growth and reconciliation with God.

• The Power of Reflection: Integrating personal stories with theological insights enhances the depth of spiritual understanding and fosters a more profound connection with the mysteries of the Rosary.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames masterfully intertwines theological discourse with personal narrative, offering listeners a relatable and profound meditation on the Crowning with Thorns. By exploring the theme of indignity, he invites an honest examination of one’s actions and their alignment with divine love and respect. This reflective journey not only enriches the listener’s prayer life but also strengthens their bond with Jesus and Mary, embodying the essence of the Rosary in a Year program.

For those seeking to deepen their prayer practices and spiritual lives, Day 101 serves as a compelling reminder of the transformative power of the Rosary and the importance of genuine introspection and repentance.

Join Us Tomorrow: Continue this spiritual journey by tuning in to the next episode of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, where Fr. Ames will guide you through another profound mystery of the Rosary.

God bless.