Podcast Summary: Day 129 – A Disposition of Reverence

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode Title: Day 129: A Disposition of Reverence
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode Day 129 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves into the profound theme of reverence through the lens of sacred art. This episode, titled "A Disposition of Reverence," explores the interplay between humility and honor in the Annunciation, encouraging listeners to deepen their prayer life and spiritual relationships with Jesus and Mary.

Transition to Sacred Art Meditation

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames introduces a new phase in the podcast’s journey, transitioning from meditations enriched by saints' writings to those inspired by masterpieces of sacred art. He describes this approach as a form of visio divina—a practice of praying with images, allowing the visual medium to inspire and deepen personal meditation.

"We're transitioning from meditating on the Mysteries with help from the writings from the saints to a variety of masterpieces of sacred art and a little bit like entering into what we could call a visio divina, which is kind of praying with images..." [02:00]

Exploring Fra Angelico’s Annunciation

The episode focuses on Fra Angelico’s mid-15th-century painting, The Annunciation. Fr. Mark-Mary provides a historical context, highlighting Fra Angelico’s life as a Dominican friar and his eventual beatification by Pope St. John Paul II in 1982. The painting, originally created as an altarpiece for his convent, now resides in Spain’s Prado Museum.

Visual Description and Theological Insights

Fr. Mark-Mary offers a detailed visual description of the painting:

• Setting: Two round archways of a medieval covered porch frame the scene.
• Figures: The Virgin Mary in a vibrant blue robe sits on a golden chair with an open book. Opposite her, the Archangel Gabriel bows reverently.
• Additional Elements: In the distance, Adam and Eve appear, symbolizing the connection between the Fall and the Annunciation. A radiant beam of sunlight intersects the garden, linking divine presence with human action.

"Mary returns the gesture. She bows to the messenger, to the angel, and she bows humbly before the message, before the words spoken." [08:35]

Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes the profound reverence displayed by both Mary and Gabriel, illustrating their mutual humility and honor before God. He connects this depiction to the broader narrative of salvation history, contrasting Adam and Eve’s disobedience with Mary’s willing acceptance of God’s plan.

"As a consequence of sin, namely the sin of disobedience of Adam and Eve, they were driven from the garden by God... through her obedience, the disobedience of Eve is undone." [05:19]

Reflection and Application

Listeners are encouraged to internalize the disposition of reverence exemplified by Mary and Gabriel. Fr. Mark-Mary prompts them to assess their own relationship with God, seeking to cultivate a deeper sense of respect and humility in alignment with Mary’s example.

"How can you grow more in reverence towards him and his plan for you? Modeling it after Mary's reverence." [09:54]

Guided Prayer: The Rosary

The episode transitions into a guided Rosary prayer, reflecting on the themes discussed. The prayer includes:

1. Opening Prayers: Invocation of the Trinity and the Lord’s Prayer.
2. Hail Marys: Repetition of the Hail Mary, focusing on Mary’s role in salvation.
3. Glory Be: Concluding the decade with praise to the Holy Trinity.

Closing Remarks

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for participation and anticipation for the continued journey through the Rosary in the Year program. Listeners are reminded to utilize the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide and the Ascension app for enhanced engagement and further reflection.

"Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow." [13:38]

Notable Quotes:

• "We're transitioning from meditating on the Mysteries with help from the writings from the saints to a variety of masterpieces of sacred art..." [02:00]
• "Mary returns the gesture. She bows to the messenger, to the angel, and she bows humbly before the message, before the words spoken." [08:35]
• "As a consequence of sin, namely the sin of disobedience of Adam and Eve, they were driven from the garden by God... through her obedience, the disobedience of Eve is undone." [05:19]
• "How can you grow more in reverence towards him and his plan for you? Modeling it after Mary's reverence." [09:54]
• "Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow." [13:38]

Conclusion

Day 129 of The Rosary in a Year offers a rich exploration of reverence through sacred art, specifically Fra Angelico’s Annunciation. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners to a deeper understanding of humility and honor in prayer, paralleling Mary’s faithful response to God’s call. This episode not only enhances the Rosary meditation experience but also invites a transformative approach to daily prayer practices.

For the complete prayer plan and to access the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, visit ascensionpress.com/riy.