Day 176: Jesus is in the Boat

Wed Jun 25 2025

Mark chapter 5 doesn’t shrink back from the danger of the storm. The apostles’ boat is filling with water and they are in immediate danger. Rembrandt’s painting, Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, shows us how real this threat is. And yet, Jesus’ response is to urge the apostles to have faith in him. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Gospel and Call to Conversion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) Episode: Day 176: Jesus is in the Boat Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In Day 176 of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves into the profound theme of trusting Jesus amidst life's storms. This episode intricately weaves together art, scripture, and spiritual reflection to guide listeners toward a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.

Artistic Analysis: Rembrandt’s "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee"

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by exploring Rembrandt van Rijn's renowned painting, "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee". Created in 1633, this Baroque masterpiece exemplifies Rembrandt's signature tenebrism and dramatic chiaroscuro, which heighten the emotional intensity of the scene.

[02:02] Mary: "A great wave swells amidst the black contemptuous sea."

Fr. Mark-Mary provides a vivid description of the painting:

[02:13] Mary: "Within the wooden boat, several men put their whole weight into pulling against the sails."

The composition features a diagonal mass that divides the canvas into unstable and stable triangles, symbolizing the turbulence of the storm against the calm presence of Jesus.

An interesting historical note is shared about the painting's disappearance:

[02:02] Mary: "It is missing. Stolen from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston."

Gospel Connection: Mark 4:35-41

The episode seamlessly transitions from art to scripture, focusing on the Gospel passage Mark 4:35-41, which recounts Jesus calming the storm. Fr. Mark-Mary highlights the realism of the disciples' fear and the authority of Jesus.

[03:00] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Some are immersed in the sailing, others are paralyzed in their fear and despair at the circumstances, and three are praying and pleading, looking to Jesus."

He emphasizes the simplicity yet profundity of Jesus' message:

[03:38] Mary: "Jesus is God, Jesus is in the boat."

Reflections on Faith and Trust

Delving deeper, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the themes of trust, hope, and peace that Jesus imparts amidst chaos.

[04:58] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Is because they didn't submit the reality of the storm to the reality of Jesus. Which right is more real? Which is more powerful, Creation or the Creator?"

He challenges listeners to consider their own responses to life's storms:

[07:24] Mary: "His ways and designs are perfect. His providence is perfect."

Fr. Mark-Mary addresses the common human struggle with trust:

[08:09] Mary: "Attention. It might feel like he's not doing enough, soon enough."

He reassures that Jesus understands our struggles and invites us to trust in His perfect plan:

[09:03] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Not receive it as a cliché and just move on. And of course, like, as I've said."

Symbolism of the Church as a Boat

The podcast draws a powerful parallel between the church and the boat navigating through life's tumultuous seas.

[06:19] Mary: "There's a long tradition of symbolizing the church as a boat traversing through tumultuous seas with crashing waves."

This metaphor underscores the importance of collective faith and reliance on Jesus to guide the church and its followers through challenges.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, reinforcing the themes of trust and reliance on God's providence. The prayer sequence includes the Our Father, multiple Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, fostering a meditative atmosphere for listeners.

[10:01] Mary: "My brothers and sisters, let's not water this down, this matter of obedience from God that says trust me."

[13:24] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

The episode wraps up with expressions of gratitude and encouragement to continue the journey of faith.

[13:43] Mary: "I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."

Key Takeaways

Trust in Jesus: Amidst life's storms, trusting in Jesus provides peace and assurance of His presence and providence.
Art as Reflection: Rembrandt's painting serves as a visual metaphor for the spiritual lessons found in scripture.
Symbolism of the Church: Viewing the church as a boat highlights the collective journey of faith and the need for steadfast leadership.
Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in the Rosary fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, serving as a source of grace and strength.

Quotes to Reflect On

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Which right is more real? Which is more powerful, Creation or the Creator?" [05:04]
Mary: "Jesus is God, Jesus is in the boat." [03:38]
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Trust me, it's simple, it's clear." [09:03]

Listeners are encouraged to download the complete prayer plan and engage with additional resources available at Ascension Press to further enrich their spiritual journey through the Rosary.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) Episode: Day 176: Jesus is in the Boat Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

Artistic Analysis: Rembrandt’s "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee"

[02:02] Mary: "A great wave swells amidst the black contemptuous sea."

Fr. Mark-Mary provides a vivid description of the painting:

[02:13] Mary: "Within the wooden boat, several men put their whole weight into pulling against the sails."

The composition features a diagonal mass that divides the canvas into unstable and stable triangles, symbolizing the turbulence of the storm against the calm presence of Jesus.

An interesting historical note is shared about the painting's disappearance:

[02:02] Mary: "It is missing. Stolen from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston."

Gospel Connection: Mark 4:35-41

[03:00] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Some are immersed in the sailing, others are paralyzed in their fear and despair at the circumstances, and three are praying and pleading, looking to Jesus."

He emphasizes the simplicity yet profundity of Jesus' message:

[03:38] Mary: "Jesus is God, Jesus is in the boat."

Reflections on Faith and Trust

Delving deeper, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the themes of trust, hope, and peace that Jesus imparts amidst chaos.

[04:58] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Is because they didn't submit the reality of the storm to the reality of Jesus. Which right is more real? Which is more powerful, Creation or the Creator?"

He challenges listeners to consider their own responses to life's storms:

[07:24] Mary: "His ways and designs are perfect. His providence is perfect."

Fr. Mark-Mary addresses the common human struggle with trust:

[08:09] Mary: "Attention. It might feel like he's not doing enough, soon enough."

He reassures that Jesus understands our struggles and invites us to trust in His perfect plan:

[09:03] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Not receive it as a cliché and just move on. And of course, like, as I've said."

Symbolism of the Church as a Boat

The podcast draws a powerful parallel between the church and the boat navigating through life's tumultuous seas.

[06:19] Mary: "There's a long tradition of symbolizing the church as a boat traversing through tumultuous seas with crashing waves."

This metaphor underscores the importance of collective faith and reliance on Jesus to guide the church and its followers through challenges.

Conclusion and Prayer

[10:01] Mary: "My brothers and sisters, let's not water this down, this matter of obedience from God that says trust me."

[13:24] Fr. Mark-Mary: "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."

The episode wraps up with expressions of gratitude and encouragement to continue the journey of faith.

[13:43] Mary: "I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."

Key Takeaways

Trust in Jesus: Amidst life's storms, trusting in Jesus provides peace and assurance of His presence and providence.
Art as Reflection: Rembrandt's painting serves as a visual metaphor for the spiritual lessons found in scripture.
Symbolism of the Church: Viewing the church as a boat highlights the collective journey of faith and the need for steadfast leadership.
Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in the Rosary fosters a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, serving as a source of grace and strength.

Quotes to Reflect On

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Which right is more real? Which is more powerful, Creation or the Creator?" [05:04]
Mary: "Jesus is God, Jesus is in the boat." [03:38]
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames: "Trust me, it's simple, it's clear." [09:03]

Listeners are encouraged to download the complete prayer plan and engage with additional resources available at Ascension Press to further enrich their spiritual journey through the Rosary.

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Summary

Introduction

Artistic Analysis: Rembrandt’s "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee"

Gospel Connection: Mark 4:35-41

Reflections on Faith and Trust

Symbolism of the Church as a Boat

Conclusion and Prayer

Key Takeaways

Quotes to Reflect On

Summary

Introduction

Artistic Analysis: Rembrandt’s "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee"

Gospel Connection: Mark 4:35-41

Reflections on Faith and Trust

Symbolism of the Church as a Boat

Conclusion and Prayer

Key Takeaways

Quotes to Reflect On