Day 154: I Am Not Worthy

Summary

Summary of "The Rosary in a Year" Podcast Episode: Day 154 - "I Am Not Worthy"

Podcast Title: The Rosary in a Year
Host: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Episode: Day 154 - "I Am Not Worthy"

In Day 154 of Ascension’s "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, titled "I Am Not Worthy," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a profound meditation on the first luminous mystery of the Rosary: the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. This episode intricately weaves art, scripture, and spiritual reflection to deepen the listener’s relationship with Jesus and Mary, fostering a transformative prayer habit.

Artistic Meditation: The Baptism of Christ

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by introducing the artwork that serves as the meditation focus: The Baptism of Christ by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci. He provides a detailed description of the painting, capturing its essence and symbolism:

"In a watery, rocky canyon of springs, two men stand tall, ankle-deep in water, Jesus and John the Baptist amidst the palm tree and formation of rock. John the Baptist, wearing a brown hair shirt and holding a pole cross, raises up a golden dish that pours a small stream of water onto the head of Jesus."
(00:XX)

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames emphasizes the cooperative genius of Verrocchio and da Vinci, noting the collaborative effort that resulted in this 15th-century masterpiece. The depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove, descending from angelic hands with piercing yellow spears of light, underscores the divine affirmation of Jesus’ ministry.

Comparing the Baptism of Jesus and the Annunciation

Transitioning from art to theology, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames draws a parallel between the Baptism of Jesus and the Annunciation, focusing on the theme of humility. He recalls insights from a previous discussion on Fra Angelico’s rendition of the Annunciation:

"We noted the humility of the angel who bowed his head in reverence towards the Blessed Mother, and then Mary responding with the bow of her own head in humble reverence before both the messenger and his message."
(02:15)

This comparison serves to highlight how both events—Jesus’ baptism and Mary’s acceptance of God’s will—are rooted in profound humility and obedience. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames underscores that these moments are fertile grounds for God’s work, achieved through the humility and fidelity of His servants.

Insights on Humility and Obedience

Delving deeper, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames explores the humility exhibited by both John the Baptist and Jesus during the baptism:

"John is troubled, like he resists. He recognized that he should be baptized by Jesus and not the other way around. He knows that before him is the one whose sandal straps he's not worthy to untie."
(04:10)

He mirrors this with Mary’s humility, drawing attention to the relational dynamic of speaking and listening inherent in these sacred encounters. Jesus’ own humility is poignantly portrayed as He subdues Himself to be baptized, fulfilling all righteousness despite His sinless nature.

"Jesus, who lowers himself to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness, obedient to the Father's will, taking the form of a repentant sinner, while in fact being free of all sin."
(05:50)

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames also highlights John’s response to Jesus’ request, emphasizing John’s obedience and trust:

"He receives his protest. And he says, well, let it be for now. Essentially, he says, trust me."
(06:20)

This dialogue between Jesus and John serves as a model for believers, illustrating the balance between humility and confident obedience to God’s will.

Application for Listeners

Encouraging listeners to emulate this blend of humility and confidence, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames offers practical spiritual insights:

"Let us find our own humility, our own awareness of our loneliness. But let us not hold back from responding to God's invitation with boldness and confidence. Not in ourselves, but in the One who has called us, trusting that we have access to the same Holy Spirit who overshadowed the Blessed Mother and descended upon Jesus at the Jordan."
(08:00)

He calls on listeners to cultivate a humble heart while trusting in God’s strength, drawing inspiration from both Jesus and Mary’s examples.

Guiding Prayer: The Rosary

The episode proceeds with the recitation of the Rosary, accompanied by prayers led by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and responses from the co-host. The prayer segment encompasses:

• The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father): A foundational prayer establishing a connection with the divine will.

• Hail Marys: Repeated prayers invoking Mary’s intercession, reflecting on grace and supplication for sinners.

• Glory Be: A doxology praising the Holy Trinity, affirming faith in God’s eternal presence.

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through each prayer, fostering a meditative and reflective atmosphere. The structured repetition of the prayers reinforces the spiritual lessons discussed, embedding humility and obedience into the daily prayer routine.

Conclusion

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames concludes the episode by affirming the shared journey of prayer:

"Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. And I look forward to continuing the journey with you again tomorrow."
(10:58)

He extends a heartfelt blessing to listeners, encouraging them to persist in their prayerful pursuits and deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.

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This episode of "The Rosary in a Year" seamlessly integrates artistic appreciation, theological reflection, and practical prayer guidance. By examining the humility of Jesus and the obedience of John the Baptist, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames provides listeners with both intellectual and spiritual nourishment, empowering them to cultivate a steadfast and humble prayer life.

For those seeking to embark on or deepen their journey with the Rosary, Day 154 offers invaluable insights and a heartfelt invitation to experience the transformative power of Marian devotion.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars with Renewal and this is the Rosary in Year podcast, where through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world. The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by ascension. This is date 154. To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text RIY to 33 777. You'll get an outline of how we're going to pray each month and it's a great way to track your progress. The best place to listen to the Podcast in the Ascension app. There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full rosary with myself and other friars. No matter what app you're listening in, remember to tap, follow or subscribe for your daily notifications. Today we will be meditating upon and praying with the first luminous mystery, the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan, with help from a painting entitled the Baptism of Christ by the artists Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci. Now an introduction to our artists and the artwork. Andrea del Verrocchio lived in Florence and worked as a painter and sculptor. Though he was better known for his sculptures, he did train several famous painters in his workshop, including Leonardo da Vinci, who worked with him on this one. Our painting today is from the 15th century. Now a description of our painting. In a watery, rocky canyon of springs, two men stand tall, ankle deep in water, Jesus and John the Baptist amidst the palm tree and formation of rock, John the Baptist, wearing a brown hair shirt and holding a pole cross, raises up a golden dish that pours a small stream of water onto the head of Jesus. Jesus stands stripped but for a colorful striped cloth around his waist. His hair is long, his eyes downcast, his hands clasped in prayer. Above all, against the blue sky, a dove descends from two hands at the top of the painting, bringing with it piercing yellow spears of light. The men are alone, apart from two young angels kneeling at the edge of the stream. So as we spend time with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan by John today, I like to do so by comparing the baptism of our Lord to the Annunciation, especially our prayer with Franjelko's rendition of the Annunciation with a particular focus on the theme of humility. Now, if you recall from our time with Fra Angelico's Annunciation, we noted the humility of the angel who bowed his head in reverence towards the Blessed Mother, and then Mary responding with the bow of her own head in humble reverence before both the messenger and his message. It's a moment of God's profound working being done in the most fertile of soils, right, that of humility and fidelity. So let's begin by looking at John's response to Jesus. Jesus comes to him to be baptized. And at first we could say John is troubled, like he resists. He recognized that he should be baptized by Jesus and not the other way around. He knows that before him, right, is the one whose sandal straps he's not worthy to untie. And we see in John what we saw in Mary, like humility, recognition of lowliness, but also like a dialogue, like speaking, but also listening. And of course, we see here the humility of Jesus at the baptism in the Jordan. Jesus who lowers himself to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness, obedient to the Father's will, taking the form the place of a repentant sinner, while in fact being free of all sin. And as the angel encouraged Mary when she was troubled, Jesus encourages John. He receives his protest. And he says, well, let it be for now. Essentially, he says, trust me. And the Gospel says that John consented, like Mary, he resisted. There was a dialogue, but then he said, yes. And I think this is important. It's not that there was a change of heart towards his own lowliness, but there was a movement to obedience and trust, just like Mary's fiat. And here's what happens, right? John baptizes Jesus, and then the Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove. Very similar, very parallel to how Mary, right after her fiat, is overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. And what I want to point out about now in today's painting is this. Like, firstly, the humility of Jesus as we look at the painting, notice his head bowed in reverence and humility. Taken notice the humility of his figure, of his dress, his entering into the waters of the Jordan, here portrayed as humble waters, shallow waters. He knows he is the beloved Son, the second person of the most holy Trinity. Yet look at the humility of Jesus. And now let's turn our attention to John the Baptist in this painting. Particularly his face, his disposition, like Notice his focus, his confidence, his strength, even his boldness, as we just touched on, like John has communicated, he is deeply aware of his lowliness, especially before Jesus. Yet he is here confident and bold in his response. Why? Because his confidence is in the one who has willed it. Again, just like Mary, who responds with confidence to her role as mother of God. Like there is humility, but because of Obedience. There is confidence. So as we pray today, let us be moved again by the humility of Jesus and the obedience of Jesus. But also let us find our own humility, our own awareness of our loneliness. But let us not hold back from responding to God's invitation with boldness and confidence. Not in ourselves, but in the One who has called us, trusting that we have access to the same Holy Spirit who overshadowed the Blessed Mother and descended upon Jesus at the Jordan. Now with Mary, let us pray for humility and holy confidence in responding to all of God's invitations as we pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

[B]

Amen.

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

[B]

Amen.

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Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

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Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with the blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

[B]

Amen.

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Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

[B]

Amen.

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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

[B]

Amen.

[A]

All right. Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. And I look forward to continuing the journey with you again tomorrow. Poco poco. Friends, God bless y' all.