Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year - Day 185: Proclaiming Christ
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 185: Proclaiming Christ
- Release Date: July 4, 2025
- Description: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, guides listeners through a transformative journey of the Rosary, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. This episode focuses on the theme of proclaiming Christ, embedding listeners in the mission of evangelization as outlined in the Great Commission.
Introduction to the Episode
The episode opens with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames welcoming listeners to Day 185 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast. He emphasizes the podcast's mission to deepen the relationship between the individual and the divine through prayer and meditation, specifically using the Rosary as a focal point. He invites listeners to access the complete prayer plan at Ascension Press and highlights the benefits of the Ascension app for an enhanced listening experience.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [00:00]: “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.”
Artistic Inspiration: Duccio’s "Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee"
Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the episode by delving into the artistic representation of the second Glorious Mystery—the Ascension—through Duccio di Buondelmonte’s painting, "Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee." He provides a concise biography of Duccio, highlighting his pivotal role in transitioning Italian art from Byzantine formalism to Gothic expressiveness.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [00:45]: “Duccio di Buondelmonte was the founder of the Sienna School and a pivotal figure transitioning Italian art from Byzantine formalism to Gothic expressiveness.”
He offers a vivid description of the painting, noting its blend of Byzantine iconography with Gothic elegance and early naturalism. The depiction of the risen Jesus interacting with the apostles serves as a visual metaphor for the episode's central theme of proclaiming Christ.
Exploring the Great Commission
The core of the episode revolves around Fr. Mark-Mary’s exploration of the Great Commission as articulated in Matthew 28:18-20. He reads the scripture passage, setting the stage for a deep theological discussion on the mission entrusted to the apostles—and by extension, to all Christians.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:00]: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father... and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
He emphasizes that the Ascension signifies not an absence of Christ but a transformation in His presence. Fr. Mark-Mary underscores that Jesus’ departure marks the beginning of a new mode of engagement with the world through the Church.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:14]: “Jesus is about to ascend to the Father... His mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God and evangelizing the world is not brought to a conclusion, but it takes on a new form.”
Fr. Mark-Mary delineates the dual responsibilities of personal sanctification and evangelization. He argues against a self-centric approach to faith, advocating instead for an outward mission to spread the Gospel.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:45]: “We have a duty to nourish and foster our own relationship with Jesus, but we also have a duty to bring Jesus to the world and the world to Jesus.”
Practical Applications: Living the Mission
To translate theological insights into daily practice, Fr. Mark-Mary poses two reflective questions to listeners:
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Sharing the Faith:
- “When was the last time that you mentioned Jesus to someone or took the opportunity to share something about your faith with another person, especially someone who may not be a practicing Christian?”
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Trusting in Divine Assistance:
- “Jesus, who do you want to send me to? Who do you want me to love with your love and to speak to with your truth?”
He encourages listeners to pray for courage and openness to seize opportunities for evangelization, emphasizing that God’s presence accompanies believers in their mission.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:30]: “Jesus wants to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, but the Gospel, the good news, it will remain silent if we do not speak it.”
These practical steps aim to foster an active faith that actively engages with the world, fulfilling the mission of making disciples as mandated by Christ.
Closing Prayers and Reflections
The episode transitions into a recitation of the Rosary, guided by Fr. Mark-Mary and a Franciscan Friar. The prayers serve as a contemplative capstone to the episode, reinforcing the themes of mission and divine companionship discussed earlier.
Conclusion
Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners and reaffirming the shared journey of faith.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [13:07]: “Friends, God bless y’all.”
Listeners are left with a sense of purpose and encouragement to actively participate in the mission of proclaiming Christ, supported by prayer and the Rosary.
Notable Quotes:
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On Mission and Presence:
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:14]: “Jesus is about to ascend to the Father... His mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God and evangelizing the world is not brought to a conclusion, but it takes on a new form.”
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On Evangelization:
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:45]: “We have a duty to nourish and foster our own relationship with Jesus, but we also have a duty to bring Jesus to the world and the world to Jesus.”
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On Speaking the Gospel:
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:30]: “Jesus wants to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth, but the Gospel, the good news, it will remain silent if we do not speak it.”
Final Thoughts:
Day 185 of "The Rosary in a Year" serves as a profound reminder of the dual call to personal sanctity and active mission. Through the lens of Duccio’s artwork and the scriptural foundation of the Great Commission, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames inspires listeners to embrace their role in proclaiming Christ, supported by the timeless practice of the Rosary.
For more resources and to follow the complete prayer plan, visit Ascension Press.