Podcast Summary: Day 140 - "His Glory Remains"

The Rosary in a Year
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Podcast by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 140 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the second Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary: The Scourging at the Pillar. This episode intricately weaves together art, scripture, and deep spiritual reflection to guide listeners in enhancing their prayer life and deepening their relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Exploring the Artwork: Agostino Ciampelli’s Fresco

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by introducing the central piece for today’s meditation—a fresco depicting the Scourging of Christ, painted by Agostino Ciampelli between 1594 and 1596.

Historical Context:

• Artist: Agostino Ciampelli (1565–1630), a Florentine who spent most of his career in Rome under the patronage of Alessandro de Medici.
• Artistic Period: Baroque, characterized by dramatic expression and rich detail.
• Commission: Part of a larger series of eight frescoes illustrating the Passion of Christ, commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro de Medici.

Description of the Fresco:

• Setting: A classical Roman marble court.
• Depiction: Jesus stands tethered to a black pillar, arms roped behind his back, clad only in a white loincloth. Three men wielding whips are poised to strike, embodying impending brutality. A young boy gazes at Jesus, representing innocence amidst suffering.
• Atmosphere: The fresco captures the tense moment before the scourging begins, highlighting Jesus' serene acceptance amidst looming pain.

Spiritual Reflection and Insights

Fr. Mark-Mary transitions from art to spirituality, offering a profound meditation on the Scourging of Christ:

Contemplating Suffering and Glory:

• Moment of Transition: He vividly describes the impending transformation as the white loincloth stains crimson, symbolizing the blood Jesus would shed. Despite the physical torment, Jesus' halo—the symbol of his divine glory—remains untouched, emphasizing that human suffering cannot diminish divine holiness.

  “The worst tortures of man can do nothing to extinguish or dim the holiness, the glory of Jesus.” (12:45)

• Pilate’s Misconception: Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on Pilate’s futile attempt to appease the crowd’s desire for crucifixion through scourging, highlighting that no amount of suffering can quell the divine essence of Christ.

Biblical Foundations:

• Scriptural Reference: He cites St. Paul from the Letter to the Romans, reinforcing the message of unbreakable divine love amidst persecution and suffering.

  “Know in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (15:30)

Personal Application:

• Resilience and Strength: Encourages listeners to emulate Jesus' perseverance and unwavering love, even in the face of immense suffering.

  “Nothing conquers Jesus. Not sin, not death, but rather Jesus conquers all.” (18:10)

• Identity in Christ: Emphasizes that through Jesus' enduring love and sacrifice, believers find their true selves and worth.

  “You are wanted, you are pursued, you are worth fighting for.” (22:15)

Integration with Prayer and Devotion

Fr. Mark-Mary seamlessly transitions into guiding listeners through the Rosary, intertwining the meditation on the scourging with the recitation of prayers. This practice not only honors the mystery but also reinforces the themes of love, sacrifice, and divine resilience.

Prayer Guide:

• Structured Prayers: Leads through the Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be, encouraging mindful participation and reflection tied to the day's mystery.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Closing the episode, Fr. Mark-Mary expresses gratitude to supporters and invites listeners to continue their journey through the Rosary with dedication and mindfulness. He reinforces the purpose of the podcast—to transform prayer into a profound relationship with Jesus and Mary, ultimately becoming a beacon of grace to the world.

“Look at Jesus. Look at him fighting. Look at what he is willing to endure. And it is in Jesus that we truly know ourselves.” (28:50)

Fr. Mark-Mary signs off with a blessing, anticipating the continuation of this spiritual journey in the next episode.

Key Takeaways

• Art as a Medium for Prayer: Utilizing sacred art enhances the contemplative experience, providing a visual focal point for meditation.
• Unyielding Divine Love: Despite human attempts to diminish Him, Jesus’ divine glory and love remain steadfast.
• Personal Empowerment: Believers are encouraged to find strength and identity through the example and sacrifice of Christ.
• Structured Prayer Practice: Regular engagement with the Rosary fosters a deeper, more meaningful prayer life.

Relevant Quotes

• “The worst tortures of man can do nothing to extinguish or dim the holiness, the glory of Jesus.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (12:45)

• “Know in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (15:30)

• “Nothing conquers Jesus. Not sin, not death, but rather Jesus conquers all.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (18:10)

• “You are wanted, you are pursued, you are worth fighting for.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (22:15)

• “Look at Jesus. Look at him fighting. Look at what he is willing to endure. And it is in Jesus that we truly know ourselves.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (28:50)

For more detailed prayer plans and to continue your Rosary journey, visit Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year.