Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 12: Deliver Us From Evil

Host: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: January 12, 2025

Introduction: Embarking on Day 12

In the twelfth installment of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, titled "Deliver Us From Evil," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, delves deep into the final petition of the Our Father prayer. This episode is a pivotal moment in the Rosary journey, focusing on understanding and internalizing the plea for deliverance from evil through the lens of divine shepherding.

Understanding "Deliver Us From Evil" (00:00 - 04:30)

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by reflecting on the petition "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," highlighting its profound significance within the Rosary. He introduces the metaphor of God as the Good Shepherd, a theme that resonates throughout the episode.

Notable Quote:

"The Lord is the good shepherd who leads his flock, who delivers, protects his flock, who lays down his life for his sheep, and who goes in search of his sheep."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 02:15

The Good Shepherd and the Garden of Eden (04:31 - 12:00)

Fr. Mark-Mary draws a parallel between the Psalm 23 imagery of the Lord as the Good Shepherd and the Genesis account of the Garden of Eden. He explores how God's initial creation of Adam and Eve exemplifies divine provision and protection.

Key Points:

• Creation and Provision: God provides everything Adam and Eve need in the Garden (Genesis narrative).
• The Entrance of Temptation: Despite having everything they need, Satan infiltrates the Garden, sowing seeds of doubt and leading to the first sin.
• Original Sin: Referencing the Catechism (paragraph 397), Fr. Mark-Mary explains how the first act of disobedience was rooted in a loss of trust in God's goodness.

Notable Quote:

"Man tempted by the devil let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 08:45

The Wound of Original Sin and Its Consequences (12:01 - 18:30)

The discussion transitions to the enduring impact of original sin on humanity. Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that the fundamental wound lies in the diminished trust in God's inherent goodness, leading to persistent disobedience and sin.

Key Points:

• Internal vs. External Realities: The true loss in Eden was not just of a physical paradise but of an internal state of perfect harmony and trust with God.
• Inherited Sin: Original sin is passed down, manifesting as a collective wound across generations.
• Continuous Struggle: Humanity perpetually grapples with disobedience and a lack of trust in God.

Notable Quote:

"The ultimate garden, the ultimate green pastures for Adam and Eve wasn't just the external realities, it was the internal. ... living in union, in harmony and total trust of God."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 14:20

Jesus: The Good Shepherd Who Restores Trust (18:31 - 25:00)

Fr. Mark-Mary shifts focus to Jesus Christ, portraying Him as the epitome of the Good Shepherd who seeks to heal the wound of original sin and restore humanity's trust in God.

Key Points:

• Jesus' Sacrifice: Jesus lays down His life for humanity, embodying ultimate love and sacrifice.
• Restoration of Trust: Through His passion and resurrection, Jesus demonstrates God's unwavering goodness.
• Healing the Core: Jesus not only saves from sin but also rebuilds the foundational trust in God's benevolence.

Notable Quote:

"Jesus dies for our sins. He saves us by the shedding of his blood. But he also comes to deliver us as the Good Shepherd, to protect us."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 22:10

Meditating on "Deliver Us From Evil" (25:01 - 35:00)

The heart of the episode encourages listeners to meditate on the goodness of God through the final petition of the Our Father. Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners to reflect on God's protective and deliverant nature.

Key Points:

• Meditation Practices: Incorporating sacred art, saint writings, and scripture to deepen meditation (visio divina and lectio divina).
• Encountering God's Goodness: Understanding that recognizing God's inherent goodness is crucial for resisting temptation.
• Returning to the Kingdom of Heaven: Emphasizing that true communion with God shields believers from evil and temptation.

Notable Quote:

"We are invited to meditate upon again the goodness of God. And it is in Jesus that we are being shepherded back to the kingdom of heaven."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 28:50

The Final Petitions and Communal Protection (35:01 - 45:00)

Fr. Mark-Mary ties the personal meditation back to the collective experience of praying the Rosary, highlighting how communal prayer fosters protection and deliverance from evil.

Key Points:

• Our Father and Final Petitions: The structure of the Our Father encapsulates a journey towards trusting God fully.
• Grace and Communion: By seeking God's protection, believers move towards perfecting their relationship with Him.
• Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to return to the Father's heart, ensuring spiritual safety and peace.

Notable Quote:

"In the Our Father and in these final petitions, we are asking again to encounter the truth of the heart of God, of who he is, and by grace to be shepherded back into this perfect relationship."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 38:15

Conclusion and Blessing (45:01 - End)

Fr. Mark-Mary wraps up the episode by reciting the Rosary prayers, reinforcing the themes discussed. He encourages listeners to continue their prayer journey, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Final Thoughts:

• Progress Tracking: Listeners are reminded to download the prayer plan to monitor their spiritual growth.
• Continuous Journey: Emphasizing the step-by-step nature of the Rosary in transforming one’s prayer life and spiritual understanding.

Notable Quote:

"Bringing us to the Father's heart where we may know his goodness. Find peace. ... we'll continue the journey poco poco tomorrow."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 44:25

Additional Resources

For those inspired to embark on this transformative prayer journey, the complete prayer plan is available at Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year. Engaging with the Ascension app provides enhanced features, including full Rosary recordings with Fr. Mark-Mary and fellow friars, facilitating a more immersive experience.

End of Summary

This comprehensive summary encapsulates Fr. Mark-Mary Ames’ insightful exploration of the petition "Deliver us from evil" within the Rosary, offering listeners a profound understanding of its spiritual significance and practical application in cultivating trust in God’s goodness.