Podcast Summary: "The Rosary in a Year – Day 160: Choose Your Side" with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames

Hosted by Ascension, "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, guided by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, offers listeners a transformative journey into deeper prayer and meditation through the Rosary. In Episode Day 160 titled "Choose Your Side," released on May 9, 2025, Fr. Ames delves into the Second Sorrowful Mystery, the Scourging of Our Lord, using Caravaggio's evocative artwork as a focal point for meditation and spiritual reflection.

Exploring Caravaggio’s "The Flagellation of Christ"

Introduction to the Artwork

Fr. Ames begins the episode by presenting Caravaggio's "Flagellation of Christ" (1607), highlighting the artist's profound influence on Baroque painting through his realistic portrayal of human emotion and dramatic use of chiaroscuro (00:52).

"Caravaggio employed close physical observation with dramatic use of chiaroscuro that came to be known as tenebrism, and he made the technique a dominant stylistic element, transfixing subjects in bright shafts of light and darkening shadows."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [01:30]

Detailed Description and Artistic Analysis

Fr. Ames provides a vivid description of the painting, emphasizing the emotional intensity and technical mastery:

• Christ’s Struggle: Christ is depicted with a muscular form, contorting as he endures the scourging, symbolizing his resilience and suffering (02:00).

• Tormentors: Three soldiers flank Christ, each representing different facets of evil and human sin:

  • One soldier’s face contorts in anger, holding a branch and striking his hair in a display of raw vengeance (04:34).
  • Another, stripped to the waist, aggressively presses against Christ’s legs, epitomizing active cruelty (06:27).
  • The third soldier meticulously prepares his whipping gear, embodying calculated malice (07:18).

"There is a battle taking place between good and evil, light and darkness, God and Satan and his host of fallen angels."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:00]

Fr. Ames praises Caravaggio's ability to visually communicate the eternal struggle between light and darkness, highlighting the painting as a powerful tool for meditation on suffering and redemption.

Symbolism and Spiritual Insights

Personification of Sin and Indifference

Fr. Ames interprets the soldiers in the painting as embodiments of various sins:

• Vengeance and Passion: The first soldier represents "sins of the flesh" and uncontrolled passions, acting purely out of a desire for vengeance without personal connection to Christ (05:00).

• Indifference and Cowardice: The second soldier symbolizes sins of indifference and cowardice, passively allowing evil without actively participating in it (06:31).

• Rebellion and Blasphemy: The third soldier stands for rebellion against divine order, consciously choosing to perpetuate evil (07:21).

"This man who is not corrupt enough to strike Jesus is also not courageous enough to intervene. He acts from vengeance, giving expression to the darkness within."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:44]

Choosing Sides in Spiritual Warfare

Transitioning from art analysis, Fr. Ames emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ongoing spiritual battle within and around us:

"My brothers and sisters, we cannot compromise with darkness. We cannot shake hands with sin."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [08:42]

He urges listeners to consciously choose their allegiance:

• Sons and Daughters of Darkness: Aligning with selfishness, anger, and evil intentions.
• Sons and Daughters of Light: Embracing humility, courage, and the teachings of Jesus and Mary.

"There is a war in our midst. Are we sons and daughters of the Prince of Darkness, or are we sons and daughters of the humble King, Light from light and true God from true God?"
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [08:55]

Prayer and Reflection

Fr. Ames concludes the episode by guiding listeners through a series of prayers, inviting them to seek divine assistance in overcoming sin and embracing the light:

"Let us ask for the grace to repent of our sins, to leave the darkness and to truly live as sons and daughters of light. Now with Mary, let us pray."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [09:30]

The podcast then transitions into the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and multiple Hail Marys, fostering a meditative atmosphere for listeners to internalize the discussed themes.

Conclusion and Invitation for Continued Journey

As the episode wraps up, Fr. Ames thanks the listeners for their participation and encourages them to continue their spiritual journey:

"Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [13:29]

Key Takeaways:

• Art as Meditation: Utilizing Caravaggio’s "Flagellation of Christ" to deepen understanding of Christ’s suffering and the nature of sin.
• Personal Reflection: Encouraging listeners to identify and choose their spiritual allegiance amidst the battle between good and evil.
• Spiritual Discipline: Reinforcing the importance of daily prayer and meditation in cultivating a relationship with Jesus and Mary.
• Community and Grace: Highlighting the Rosary as a communal prayer that becomes a source of grace for individuals and the world.

Resources:

For a complete prayer plan, listeners are directed to visit Ascension Press – Rosary in a Year.

This summary encapsulates the core discussions and spiritual insights presented in Day 160 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, offering a comprehensive overview for those who seek to deepen their prayer life and understanding of Marian devotion.