The Rosary in a Year: Day 118 - "Partake of God"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 118: "Partake of God"
• Release Date: April 28, 2025
• Description: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through a transformative journey of prayer and meditation on the Rosary, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Introduction

In Episode 118: "Partake of God" of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the profound mystery of the Eucharist, specifically focusing on the fifth luminous mystery: the Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist. This episode blends historical insight with theological depth, aiming to enrich the listener's prayer life and understanding of the Rosary.

Exploring Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Fr. Mark-Mary introduces listeners to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, a pivotal Church Father born in 313 AD and serving as the Bishop of Jerusalem from 348 AD until his death in 386 AD. Recognized as a Doctor of the Church and the Doctor of Catechesis, Saint Cyril played a crucial role in defending orthodox faith against heresies, notably Arianism, which disputed the divinity of Jesus Christ.

"[00:03:45] 'Saint Cyril became the Bishop of Jerusalem, which is obviously important place to be bishop.'"

Reading and Reflection on Saint Cyril’s Catechetical Lecture

Fr. Mark-Mary reads from Catechetical Lecture 22, wherein Saint Cyril emphatically affirms the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist:

"[00:05:12] 'Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, take, eat, this is my body. And having taken the cup and given thanks, he said, take, drink, this is my blood.'"

Saint Cyril underscores the literal interpretation of Jesus' words at the Last Supper, dismissing symbolic interpretations as novelties.

Key Themes and Theological Insights

1. The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that Saint Cyril's teachings affirm the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist—not merely as symbols but as His actual body, blood, soul, and divinity.

"[00:12:30] 'Belief in the true presence, that the bread and wine, through the celebration of Mass by a properly ordained priest and what we call transubstantiation, really become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus.'"

He highlights that this belief dates back to the early Church, countering modern symbolic interpretations.

2. Sacramental Theology: Ex Opere Operato vs. Ex Opere Operantis

Fr. Mark-Mary introduces two critical Latin terms in sacramental theology:

• Ex Opero Operato ("from the work worked"): Refers to the objective reality of the sacrament—what actually occurs during the sacramental act.

  "[00:15:20] 'Ex opere operato... the bread and wine experience transubstantiation, become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. That is just what happens.'"

• Ex Opero Operantis ("from the work of the doer"): Pertains to the subjective efficacy—the individual's response and cooperation with the grace bestowed by the sacrament.

  "[00:17:45] 'The fruitfulness of this sacrament is going to be dependent on our response, on our cooperation with the grace.'"

This distinction clarifies that while the transformation of bread and wine is an objective reality, the spiritual benefits derived are contingent upon the recipient's personal openness and sanctification.

3. The Transformative Power of the Eucharist

Drawing from Saint Cyril, Fr. Mark-Mary articulates how partaking in the Eucharist is intended to transform believers, making them partakers of the divine nature. This transformation hinges on living a life aligned with Christ's teachings—avoiding sin, praying daily, and engaging in acts of charity.

"[00:22:10] 'Jesus gives himself totally to us in such a beautiful gift in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. And we want to live lives which make ourselves good soil.'"

He uses the metaphor of seeds and soil from Jesus' teachings to illustrate how individuals can either reject or bear the fruits of the divine life through their actions and choices.

Practical Applications for Listeners

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to:

1. Embrace Daily Prayer: Cultivating a consistent prayer life lays the foundation for spiritual growth and receptivity to God's grace.
2. Deepen Relationship with Jesus and Mary: Through meditation, scripture, and devotion, listeners can foster a more intimate connection with the divine.
3. Engage in Charity: Practicing both corporal and spiritual works of mercy reflects Christ's love and extends His grace to others.
4. Avoid Sin: Maintaining purity and holiness ensures that one remains receptive to the transformative power of the Eucharist.

Concluding Reflections and Prayers

As the episode concludes, Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners in heartfelt prayers, seeking:

• Praise for the Eucharist: Acknowledging and giving thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion.

  "[00:30:05] 'As we receive this most precious of gifts, it may truly transform us and change us.'"

• Grace for Conversion: Asking for the strength to eliminate barriers to holiness and to respond more fully to God's grace.

• Intercession of Mary: Inviting Mary’s prayers for sinners to support their spiritual journey.

The episode wraps up with the traditional prayers of the Rosary, reinforcing the themes discussed and inviting listeners to continue their journey of faith.

Notable Quotes:

• On the Real Presence:

  "[00:05:12]" "Since then he himself declared, instead of the bread, this is my body. Who shall dare to doubt any longer?"

• On Sacramental Theology:

  "[00:15:20]" "Ex opere operato... the bread and wine experience transubstantiation, become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. That is just what happens."

• On Transformation:

  "[00:22:10]" "Jesus gives himself totally to us in such a beautiful gift in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist."

Final Thoughts

In Day 118: "Partake of God", Fr. Mark-Mary Ames masterfully intertwines historical teachings with theological exposition, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist. By reflecting on Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's affirmations, the episode reinforces the sanctity of the Eucharist and encourages believers to live as fruitful recipients of God's boundless grace.

Listeners are left with a renewed commitment to their prayer lives, embracing the Eucharist not just as a ritual, but as a transformative encounter with the divine.

For the complete prayer plan and additional resources mentioned in this episode, visit Ascension Press.