Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 120: "Be the One")
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Podcast Series: Rosary in a Year
Produced by: Ascension
Overview
In Day 120 of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast series, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a profound meditation on gratitude and its impact on the relationship with Jesus and Mary. Titled "Be the One," this episode delves into the second sorrowful mystery of the Rosary—the Scourging at the Pillar—and draws inspiration from the life and writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy.
Meditation on the Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by introducing the second sorrowful mystery, the Scourging at the Pillar, encouraging listeners to reflect deeply on Jesus' suffering. He emphasizes the emotional and spiritual weight of this mystery, inviting believers to witness Jesus' agony and understand the magnitude of His sacrifice.
Notable Quote:
“I saw the Lord Jesus tied to a pillar, stripped of his clothes, and the scourging began immediately. My heart almost stopped at the sight of these tortures.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:15]
Reflections on Saint Faustina Kowalska
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Saint Faustina Kowalska, her life, and her contributions to the Divine Mercy devotion. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames recounts Saint Faustina's ordinary life in the convent, her extraordinary visions, and her dedication to compiling the Diary of Saint Faustina, which encapsulates Jesus' messages on Divine Mercy.
Key Points:
- Saint Faustina's Life: Born in 1905 in Poland, joined the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy at 20, engaged in typical convent duties such as cooking and gardening.
- Divine Revelations: Received visions emphasizing Divine Mercy and obedience, later canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000.
- Legacy: Known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy, her diaries continue to inspire millions worldwide.
Notable Quote:
“Pope St. John Paul II referred to the canonization of Saint Faustina as the happiest day of his life... an opportunity to proclaim from the rooftops the good news of Divine Mercy of Jesus, mercy for the world.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:40]
The Theme: "Be the One"
Central to this episode is the theme "Be the One," inspired by Mother Teresa’s exhortations. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames challenges listeners to embody gratitude and active faith in their daily lives, reflecting on the biblical parable of the ten lepers where only one returns to give thanks.
Scriptural Reflection:
- Ten Lepers: Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to express gratitude, highlighting the importance of thankfulness.
- Ingratitude's Impact: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames discusses how ingratitude deepens sin and distances believers from Jesus.
Notable Quote:
“Jesus healed 10 people of leprosy... only one returned to give him thanks. The invitation today is to be the One.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [12:30]
Integrating Mother Teresa's Exhortation
Drawing from Mother Teresa's teachings, the episode emphasizes the necessity of active gratitude and service. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames encourages listeners to:
- Quench Jesus' Thirst for Love: Serve the poor and needy as expressions of love.
- Return with Thanks: Like the one leper, consistently express gratitude to Jesus.
- Live in Faithfulness: Let actions and words continuously proclaim thanksgiving.
Notable Quote:
“Be the one who quenches His thirst for love. Be the one that serves Him in the poor, and be the one who returns and gives thanks in Jesus.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [16:45]
Final Reflections and Call to Action
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames culminates the episode by juxtaposing the paths of ingratitude and gratitude. He urges listeners to choose the path of "Be the One," ensuring that their lives reflect constant gratitude and serve as a source of solace to Jesus’ heart.
Themes Explored:
- Ingratitude vs. Gratitude: The profound sorrow ingratitude brings to Jesus and the transformative power of heartfelt thanks.
- Empathy with Jesus' Suffering: Understanding that sin, particularly ingratitude, deepens Jesus' suffering.
- Hope and Consolation: Despite human failings, there is consolation in sincere gratitude.
Notable Quote:
“Are we like Mother Teresa, like Saint Faustina, like Our Lady? Are we going to be the One, the one who always keeps the Lord before us, who always remembers the depths of His love and the ocean of His mercy?”
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [20:10]
Conclusion and Prayer
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to internalize the day's reflections and commit to being "the One" in their personal spiritual journeys. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames reiterates the importance of continuous gratitude and deepening one's relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.
Closing Prayer Highlights:
- Expressing Gratitude: Continuous acknowledgment of Jesus' mercy.
- Seeking Strength: Prayer for the ability to remain faithful and grateful.
- Community of Faith: Joining together in the Rosary to bring solace to Jesus’ heart.
Additional Resources
Listeners are encouraged to:
- Download the Prayer Plan: Available at ascensionpress.com/riy or by texting RIY to 33777.
- Use the Ascension App: Access special features and full Rosary recordings.
- Obtain the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide: A complementary book containing daily readings, saint reflections, and sacred art.
Thank you for joining Fr. Mark-Mary Ames on this reflective journey. May you be inspired to "Be the One" and deepen your prayer life through the Rosary.