Summary of "Day 163: Through His Eyes" – The Rosary in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In "Day 163: Through His Eyes," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads listeners through a profound meditation on the fifth sorrowful mystery of the Rosary—the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Utilizing James Tissot's evocative painting, "What Our Lord Saw from the Cross," Fr. Mark-Mary offers a contemplative journey aimed at deepening one's relationship with Jesus and Mary.

James Tissot and His Artistic Vision

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by introducing James Tissot, a renowned French painter born in 1836 and active until 1902. Tissot is celebrated for his realistic and impressionistic portrayals of European high society, as well as his extensive biblical series. After experiencing a personal revival of faith in 1885, Tissot embarked on creating 350 watercolors that depict the life of Christ, with "What Our Lord Saw from the Cross" being a significant piece in this collection ([08:30]).

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Tissot's painting... is part of his extensive series of 350 watercolors depicting the life of Christ, which he undertook after experiencing a revival of faith in 1885." ([08:45])

Detailed Exploration of "What Our Lord Saw from the Cross"

Fr. Mark-Mary provides a vivid description of Tissot's painting, highlighting its impressionistic style and the emotional depth conveyed through the multitude of faces gazing upwards. The scene captures a diverse crowd—Roman soldiers, rabbis, foreigners, commoners, and distinguished men on horseback—all fixated on the crucified Christ.

Key elements include:

• Expressions of Emotion: Faces depicted in draping robes exhibit a range of emotions from sorrow to mockery.
• Central Figures: In the foreground, three modestly veiled women and a young man with clasped hands mourn at the base of the cross.
• Symbolism: Two pierced and bloody feet emerge from the painting's bottom edge, representing Christ's suffering.
• Natural Elements: Olive trees frame the scene, adding to the setting's somber atmosphere.
• Backdrop: An open tomb looms behind the crowd, symbolizing the imminent resurrection ([12:15]).

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "There he is, like, giving his life for them... He can see them being disinterested, and he can hear those who are mocking him." ([16:50])

Reflections on Perspective and Empathy

Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to adopt Jesus' perspective during the Crucifixion, fostering a deeper empathy for His experience. He draws parallels between the painting and his personal experiences as a priest, where he felt the weight of others' indifference and disengagement.

• Personal Anecdotes: Recalling moments when his homilies didn't resonate with his congregation, Fr. Mark-Mary relates this to Jesus' awareness of people's varied reactions—from genuine reverence to outright mockery ([19:30]).

• Vulnerability in Service: He emphasizes the vulnerability inherent in self-giving acts, much like the musicians at the Catholic Underground event who express themselves amid distractions ([21:00]).

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "What does this do to Jesus? How does he experience this?" ([17:20])

Application to Personal Faith Life

Transitioning from the artwork to personal spirituality, Fr. Mark-Mary challenges listeners to reflect on how they receive Jesus' sacrifice:

• Self-Examination Questions:

  • Are we receiving this gift here and now?
  • Are we indifferent? Do we care?
  • Does the fact that we have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb define us? Does that speak to us our worth, our dignity, our identity? ([24:10])

• Consolation and Sorrow: He explores the dual emotions Jesus might feel—comfort from the believers who fully embrace His sacrifice and profound sorrow from witnessing His mother's anguish ([22:45]).

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Let us pray today, let's go to Calvary and let's be aware of Jesus on the cross. Being aware of us." ([26:30])

Invitation to Prayer and Meditation

Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners into a meditative prayer, encouraging them to place themselves at Calvary and engage directly with Jesus:

• Personal Dialogue: He urges listeners to speak to Jesus, expressing love, adoration, and acceptance of His gift.

• Visual and Emotional Engagement: By envisioning themselves in the painting, listeners can connect more intimately with the moment of the Crucifixion and its personal significance ([28:00]).

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "He's able to see you and to hear you. What will he see as he looks upon you? What will he hear as he listens to you?" ([18:45])

Prayers Recited

The meditation transitions seamlessly into a series of traditional prayers, fostering a contemplative state:

1. Our Father
2. Hail Mary (repeated multiple times)
3. Glory Be

These prayers serve to reinforce the themes discussed and provide a structured approach to personal devotion ([30:15]).

Conclusion

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for the shared prayer experience and looking forward to continuing the spiritual journey in subsequent episodes. This session not only offers a deepened understanding of the Crucifixion mystery but also invites listeners to integrate this reflection into their daily prayer lives.

For More Resources:

• To download the complete prayer plan for Rosary in a Year, visit Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year or text R I Y to 33777.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript.