Day 157: We Have Authority - The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Summary4 min read

Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 157: We Have Authority)
Host: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction

In Day 157 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, hosted by Ascension and featuring Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, listeners are guided through a profound meditation on the Transfiguration—the fourth luminous mystery of the Rosary. This episode delves into the intersection of biblical narratives, artistic expression, and personal faith, aiming to deepen the listener's relationship with Jesus and Mary through the powerful devotion of the Rosary.

Overview of the Episode

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson co-host the episode, introducing the day’s focus on the Transfiguration as depicted in Raphael's masterpiece. The episode intertwines art appreciation with theological insights, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own faith and authority in Christ.

Notable Quote:

"The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by Ascension."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]

Raphael and His Masterpiece

The podcast begins with an introduction to Raphael, one of the three great painters of the Italian Renaissance, alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Raphael's Transfiguration is highlighted as his final masterpiece, created between 1516 and 1520, and regarded as one of the finest examples of Renaissance art.

Notable Quote:

"Raphael's final work, his masterpiece, is seen as one of the finest examples a painting ever."
— Fr. Josh Johnson [01:46]

Description of Raphael's "Transfiguration"

Fr. Josh Johnson provides a vivid description of the painting:

Upper Part: Jesus is depicted radiantly floating above a mountain, flanked by prophets Moses and Elijah. His arms are extended in open, expressive gestures, symbolizing divine authority and glory.
Lower Part: The landscape below contrasts with the serene upper section, showing disciples in anguish as they attempt to help a possessed boy. The disciples’ varied poses reflect confusion and desperation, highlighting their human limitations.

Notable Quote:

"Jesus raised up above a short flat top mountain where three of his disciples fall to the ground and shield their eyes from the light."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [02:10]

Biblical Study: The Transfiguration in Matthew's Gospel

The discussion transitions to a biblical analysis of the Transfiguration as narrated in Matthew 17. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how Jesus reveals His divine nature to Peter, James, and John, affirming His fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets through the presence of Moses and Elijah.

Notable Quote:

"Jesus momentarily gives Peter, James, and John a peek behind the veil of His humanity to see His glory."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [03:25]

Faith, Authority, and Divine Power

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the themes of faith and authority. The priests discuss Jesus rebuking His disciples for their lack of faith, which hindered their ability to cast out a demon. This serves as a contrast to the unwavering faith of Mary and John the Baptist, who, despite recognizing their own weaknesses, placed full confidence in God's power.

Notable Quote:

"Faith requires us to believe wholeheartedly in Jesus' lordship and divine authority."
— Fr. Josh Johnson [06:26]

Application to Personal Faith

Listeners are encouraged to introspect and identify areas in their lives where faith may be lacking. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus' mercy and transformative power, urging believers to act with confidence and rely on divine authority in their daily struggles and spiritual battles.

Notable Quote:

"Let us believe and act in the power and the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ."
— Fr. Josh Johnson [10:07]

Prayer and Reflection

The episode culminates in a communal prayer, integrating the themes discussed. The Hail Mary and Glory Be prayers are recited, reinforcing the connection between meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary and personal devotion.

Notable Quote:

"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death."
— Various Speakers [11:07 - 13:37]

Conclusion

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson close the episode by encouraging listeners to continue their Rosary journey with renewed faith and understanding of Jesus' authority. They express anticipation for the next session, fostering a sense of community and ongoing spiritual growth.

Notable Quote:

"I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
— Fr. Josh Johnson [13:55]

Key Takeaways

Art and Faith: Raphael's "Transfiguration" serves as a visual meditation on Jesus' divine authority and the disciples' human limitations.
Biblical Insights: The Transfiguration narrative underscores the importance of unwavering faith in accessing divine power.
Personal Application: Believers are called to identify and strengthen areas of weak faith, trusting in Jesus' transformative mercy and authority.
Communal Prayer: Engaging in the Rosary fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, serving as a source of grace and strength.

For the complete prayer plan and to continue your Rosary journey, visit Ascension Press.

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Transcript155 lines

[00:00]
Unknown Speaker
Foreign.
[00:05]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
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.
[00:17]
Unknown Speaker
To you by Ascension.
[00:18]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
This is day 157. To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year 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.
[00:48]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Praying with the fourth luminous mystery, the Transfiguration, with help from the painting entitled.
[00:53]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
The Transfiguration by the great artist Raphael. All right, brief introduction to our artist and artwork today. Raphael was born in the year 1483. He died in the year 1520 and along with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, he's considered one of the three great.
[01:14]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Painters of the Italian Renaissance.
[01:17]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
His father was an artist and Raphael.
[01:18]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Learned from him from an early age.
[01:20]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Eventually running his father's workshop after his death. He then traveled to Florence and finally to Rome, where he created many famous works before his death at the young age of 37. This painting was done in the early 16th century, between the years 1516 and 1520. A particular note about this painting. It's Raphael's final work in his final masterpiece and it was one of the.
[01:47]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Most famous paintings in the whole world.
[01:50]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And has been seen as one of the finest examples a painting ever.
[01:55]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Now a description of our painting of the Transfiguration by Raphael. In the upper part of the painting.
[02:03]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Before puffy white clouds that break up the blue sky, Jesus radiantly floats feet.
[02:11]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Off the ground in a plain white tunic, bare feet, arms extended, open.
[02:17]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Jesus raised up above a short flat top mountain where three of his disciples.
[02:22]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Fall to the ground and shield their eyes from the light. To his right and left are two.
[02:28]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Prophets, Moses and Elijah, who hover towards.
[02:32]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Him in the sky with flowing drapery.
[02:34]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And expressive, reverent gestures.
[02:37]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Above them, a heavenly aura emanates.
[02:41]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
The landscape below is a darker, more tumultuous environment. The disciples, clustered around a possessed boy.
[02:48]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Appear in varying poses of anguish and confusion. The boy, wide eyed, writhes in Pain, his body convulsing as he's restrained by others. The figures surrounding him are tightly packed.
[03:00]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And appear to debate the futile attempts to help.
[03:04]
Fr. Josh Johnson
They are clothed in a range of.
[03:06]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Rich saturated hues and some point their arms in different directions. Some raise their arms in exasperation and.
[03:12]
Fr. Josh Johnson
One points towards the boy.
[03:15]
Unknown Speaker
And others gesture to Jesus.
[03:20]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Now let's go ahead and do a little Bible study to make sense of.
[03:24]
Fr. Josh Johnson
What Raphael is doing here.
[03:26]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
So in chapter 17 of St. Matthew's Gospel, we have his account of the transfiguration, the mystery of light par excellence. At which, as we've already stated, Jesus momentarily gives Peter, James and John like a peek behind the veil of his humanity to see his glory. And Jesus manifested as the fulfillment of of the law and prophets by the.
[03:49]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Presence there of Elijah and Moses.
[03:52]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And Jesus reveals to them in an.
[03:54]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Experiential way his lordship, his light, his.
[03:57]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Glory, but also his authority and his power.
[04:01]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Why?
[04:01]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Because he is the Lord. And the next verses in Matthew 17, a father comes to Jesus and says.
[04:10]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Have mercy on my son.
[04:12]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
The son was being tormented by a demon. The father took his son to Jesus disciples to cast out the demon. But they couldn't. And so after hearing this, what Jesus.
[04:25]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Does is he rebukes.
[04:26]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And he rebukes quite strongly his disciples for their lack of faith. And he knows that it is their lack of faith that did not give them the power to drive out the demon.
[04:39]
Fr. Josh Johnson
All right, then Jesus goes on to.
[04:40]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Deliver this man's son and he casts out the demon. So let's go ahead and make sense of these two accounts, like in the Gospel and then included here in Raphael's masterpiece. And at first, I guess the question that comes to mind is what did the disciples trying to cast out the demon, but with weak faith look like? Raphael has like an external rendering here. And I'm imagining though like that there could be a multitude of answers of.
[05:15]
Fr. Josh Johnson
What'S going on interiorly.
[05:17]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Perhaps there's doubt of Jesus as Lord.
[05:21]
Fr. Josh Johnson
And doubt of his power.
[05:23]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Perhaps there was maybe even a fear of trying and failing. Or there could be like a conviction of personal incapacity or sinfulness that caused the disciples to hold back in some way that undercut their faith. Whatever it looks like, I imagine it to be in direct contrast to what we have seen in the faith of Mary and John the Baptist, particularly at the Annunciation and the baptism as we talked about. Like they both experienced and were keenly aware of their littleness and their poverty. But they placed their confidence in God.
[06:10]
Fr. Josh Johnson
And when they Acted.
[06:11]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
They acted with profound faith and boldness and confidence and therefore power. Jesus spends his time teaching his apostles two things, right? That both, that he is the Lord.
[06:27]
Fr. Josh Johnson
That Jesus himself has divine authority and.
[06:29]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Divine power because he is God, right? And faith requires us to believe this wholeheartedly. And this is not only confirmed by his many miracles, including his rising from the dead, but here today, right, in a particular way. During his transfiguration, he basically shouts, like, believe in me and my power. But also what he communicates to his disciples is that his power and his authority want to work through them as well, through us as well, and that we are called to share in his divine life, including his power at work in us. And Jesus gave them the authority, right? Like when he sent them out. He sent them out to cast out demons and to give them not only, like, a testimony to him and who he is, but how he can and wants to work through them. And Jesus says, like, explicitly that we that his disciples will do even greater.
[07:29]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Works than he did after his ascension. Through the power of the Holy Spirit.
[07:33]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
At work in us, Jesus, who is the Lord, gives us a share in.
[07:37]
Fr. Josh Johnson
His power and his authority.
[07:40]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And this is why it makes sense that Raphael combined these two parts of Matthew's Gospel in this painting. They touch on a common thread, a common theme, namely, the power of Jesus. And Jesus transfigured is contrasted with the lack of power of disciples, not because they don't have access to it, but.
[07:59]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Because they don't have faith.
[08:02]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And we're invited, if you will, to look at the painting and to follow the hand of that one disciple who points up the mountain to move our eyes to Jesus and away from ourselves, as Mary did and does, as John.
[08:17]
Unknown Speaker
The Baptist did and does.
[08:18]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And it's as if he's saying, hey, look at Jesus.
[08:22]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Look to him. He is the Lord, and the Lord.
[08:24]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Wants to act through you with power. Believe, have faith, and act. Now, as we pray today, like, let's look at those places in our lives where we're not living with faith and the power and the authority of Jesus that we in fact, by our baptism, have access to. I don't know that a lot of us are being called to cast out demons. I don't know that that's like a broad, daily occurrence. So I'm not going to spend too much time there. But how about, like, discouragement or temptations to despair even before personal sinfulness and like, this feeling of, like, just give up. Like, I'm never going to leave this behind.
[09:10]
Fr. Josh Johnson
I'm never going to get it better or discouragement.
[09:12]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Despair in Jesus mercy, have faith in his mercy that you can return whenever you need to, but also have faith in his power to transform you and to deliver you and to free you.
[09:25]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Like, call on the power of God with confidence.
[09:28]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Or perhaps we're encountering another suffering, it's really attacking our faith and perhaps we just don't know that we can, like.
[09:39]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Keep going forward with this with the Lord today. Like, let's look at the transfigured Lord and call on him and call on his power.
[09:48]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And we can apply this in a lot of different places on those we.
[09:50]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Are we're praying for those we're being.
[09:53]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Called to forgive, called to share the.
[09:55]
Unknown Speaker
Gospel with, to evangelize.
[09:58]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
My brothers and sisters, today, as we contemplate the Lord and His power and his authority that he has in himself.
[10:05]
Fr. Josh Johnson
And that he desires to communicate to.
[10:08]
Unknown Speaker
Us, let us before this, like, not.
[10:10]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Be hesitant or unbelieving.
[10:14]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
But let us believe and act in the power and.
[10:18]
Fr. Josh Johnson
The authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[10:23]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And asking for this grace and this.
[10:24]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Increase of faith, my brothers and sisters with Mary, let us pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[10:32]
Unknown Speaker
Amen.
[10:34]
Fr. Josh Johnson
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.
[10:51]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[10:54]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Deliver us from evil.
[10:55]
Unknown Speaker
Amen.
[10:57]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[11:00]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[11:03]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:06]
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[11:08]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:11]
Amen.
[11:12]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[11:15]
Unknown Speaker
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[11:17]
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:21]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:24]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:27]
Amen.
[11:28]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[11:35]
Unknown Speaker
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:38]
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[11:40]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:44]
Amen.
[11:46]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:52]
Unknown Speaker
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:54]
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[11:57]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:00]
Amen.
[12:02]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[12:04]
Unknown Speaker
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[12:07]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:11]
Unknown Speaker
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for.
[12:14]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:17]
Amen.
[12:19]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with the.
[12:22]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[12:24]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:27]
Holy.
[12:27]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:30]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:33]
Amen.
[12:35]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with the.
[12:38]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[12:40]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:43]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:45]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:49]
Amen.
[12:50]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[12:54]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[12:56]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:59]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[13:01]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:05]
Amen.
[13:06]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with the.
[13:10]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[13:12]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[13:15]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[13:18]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:21]
Amen.
[13:23]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[13:26]
Unknown Speaker
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[13:29]
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[13:32]
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[13:34]
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:38]
Amen.
[13:39]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Glory be to the Father and to.
[13:40]
Unknown Speaker
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[13:42]
Fr. Josh Johnson
As it was in the beginning, is.
[13:44]
Unknown Speaker
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[13:48]
Amen.
[13:49]
Fr. Josh Johnson
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[13:53]
Unknown Speaker
Amen.
[13:54]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
All right.
[13:55]
Unknown Speaker
Thanks so much for joining me and.
[13:56]
Fr. Josh Johnson
Praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey.
[13:59]
Unknown Speaker
With you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco, friends.
[14:02]
Fr. Josh Johnson
All right.
[14:02]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
God bless y' all.