Podcast Summary: "Day 105: Love Draws Us Up"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 105: Love Draws Us Up
- Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction
In Day 105 of The Rosary in a Year podcast titled "Love Draws Us Up," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR delves deep into the second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary—the Ascension of Jesus Christ. This episode emphasizes how love and charity elevate our spiritual lives, fostering a profound connection with Jesus and Mary, and ultimately drawing us closer to heaven.
Exploring the Ascension
Fr. Mark-Mary begins by introducing the Ascension as a pivotal Glorious Mystery that extends beyond theological understanding into the realm of lived spirituality.
"The Ascension is a theological truth, but it needs to be more to us than just theological truths. They are theological truths, but can they be more than that?"
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:00]
He references St. Thomas Aquinas to illuminate how the Ascension signifies Jesus' exalted presence with the Father, granting believers unprecedented access to Him through the Holy Spirit—whom Aquinas describes as love drawing us toward heavenly aspirations.
"The Holy Spirit is love drawing us up to heavenly things... When Christ withdrew in body, not only the Holy Spirit, but both Father and Son were present with them spiritually."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:21]
The Power of Love in Spiritual Elevation
A significant portion of the discussion centers on how love acts as a catalyst for our spiritual ascent. Fr. Mark-Mary articulates that true charity redirects our desires from earthly anxieties to heavenly pursuits.
"When we love Jesus... it bears fruit in our lives with a longing for heaven. And naturally, a healthy detachment from the things of this world and its anxieties."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:24]
He shares poignant anecdotes illustrating this transformation. For instance, a grandmother mourning the loss of her husband finds renewed zeal for heaven, not in haste to leave her earthly family, but in the deep yearning to reunite with her lost spouse.
"She deeply desires to be united again with the husband she lost. It gave this love and the belief and the hope of her lost husband being with the Lord in heaven, it gave an increased focus or zeal for heaven."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:43]
Similarly, parents who tragically lose a child find their faith sustained by the hope of divine reunion, reinforcing their commitment to spiritual life even amid profound despair.
"...the desire to be with their Child again in heaven. It kept them going in life and it kept them in the faith."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:36]
Theological and Practical Insights
Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that the Glorious Mysteries are not mere abstract doctrines but are meant to inspire profound charity and deep love for Jesus and Mary. This love propels believers towards a sincere longing for heaven, fostering a spiritual detachment that aligns priorities with divine will.
"May heaven be more than just a theological reality for us. May Jesus’ ascension into heaven be more than a theological reality for us. But may it be a truth that we come to with profound love."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:08]
He underscores the importance of integrating theological truths with personal love and devotion, ensuring that concepts like the Ascension are lived and felt deeply within one's spiritual journey.
Prayer and Reflection
The latter part of the episode transitions into a guided Rosary prayer, focusing on the Ascension mystery. Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners through the prayers—Our Father, multiple Hail Marys, and Glory Be—encouraging a meditative and heartfelt participation.
During the prayer, he reinforces the episode's central theme:
"May the Holy Spirit increase our charity for heavenly things. May the Holy Spirit help us today to love Jesus even more."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:27]
This prayer segment serves as a practical application of the discussed themes, allowing listeners to internalize the lessons through sacred prayer.
Conclusion
In "Love Draws Us Up," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames masterfully intertwines theological exposition with heartfelt narratives and guided prayer, illustrating how love and charity act as conduits for spiritual elevation. By meditating on the Ascension, listeners are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary, fostering a sustained longing for heaven that transforms their daily lives into a continual journey of faith and grace.
"We rejoice in the ascension because the One we love has returned to the right hand of the Father and has prepared a place for us."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:18]
This episode not only elucidates the significance of the Ascension but also inspires believers to live out their faith with renewed passion and love, making the Rosary a powerful tool for spiritual growth and communion with the divine.
For more resources and to follow the complete Rosary in a Year prayer plan, visit Ascension Press.