The Rosary in a Year Podcast: Day 187 – "God is Never Outdone"

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Guest: Fr. Bede
Release Date: July 6, 2025

Introduction

In Day 187 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Fr. Bede, listeners are guided through a meditative exploration of the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: the Assumption of Mary. This episode blends theological insights with artistic reflection, offering a profound journey into Marian devotion and its impact on spiritual life.

Artistic Meditation: The Assumption of Mary in Burgos Cathedral

Fr. Bede begins the episode by introducing a stunning piece of stained glass from the Burgos Cathedral, titled Assumption of Mary. Created in the 15th-16th centuries, the exact artist remains unknown, yet the artwork exemplifies the collaborative craftsmanship influenced by Flemish and Spanish Gothic traditions.

Description of the Artwork (01:32 – 02:40):

• Central Figure: Virgin Mary ascending to heaven, surrounded by blue clouds and flanked by angels with vibrant wings. Her palms are open, symbolizing her humble offering.
• Foreground: Two haloed men tenderly tending to blossoms in a garden bed resembling an empty tomb, signifying resurrection and eternal life.
• Background: Ornate Gothic tracery with curling gold details adorn the side panels, framing ten disciples gazing upward in awe.

Fr. Bede remarks, “Mary being assumed into heaven, being depicted through the stained glass window… fits beautifully within our Rosary in a Year pilgrimage, complementing the Transfiguration mystery we previously explored.”

Theological Insights: Connecting Transfiguration and Assumption

Building on the visual meditation, Fr. Bede delves into the theological connections between the Transfiguration of Jesus and the Assumption of Mary.

Key Points:

• Transfiguration: Jesus’ garment becomes dazzling white on the mountain (03:28). This transformation signifies Jesus glorifying what he receives from Mary.
• Mary's Role: "He receives his humanity from Mary... more right than just receiving material clothing from Mary, he receives his humanity, his flesh," emphasizing Mary as the source of Jesus' human nature.

Fr. Bede cites St. Augustine, stating, “He took his flesh from the flesh of Mary,” highlighting the profound unity between Jesus and Mary. This relationship culminates in the Assumption, where Jesus bestows a share in his divinity to Mary through theosis, the process of becoming divine.

Generosity and Divine Light: Mary's Transformation

The conversation transitions to the theme of generosity and divine light as central to understanding Mary’s Assumption.

Highlights:

• Jesus’ Generosity: “The creature, even Mary, will never best the generosity of the Creator,” indicating that God's gifts transcend human generosity.
• Mary’s Transformation: From receiving Jesus' humanity—being cared for, clothed, lifted up—and ultimately being assumed into heavenly glory. “Mary who clothed Jesus with this fragile fabric is now dressed in light” (06:18).

Fr. Bede emphasizes that Mary's journey from earthly suffering to heavenly glory serves as a model for all believers, underscoring that “God is never outdone in generosity” (07:05).

Invitation to Share in Divine Nature

Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 460), Fr. Bede invites listeners to embrace the call to share in the divine nature.

Core Message:

• Divine Sonship: By entering communion with the Word, humans are invited to become “sons of God.”
• Eternal Life: Just as Mary shares in Jesus’ divinity, believers are invited to share in eternal life and divine light.
• Transformation: “We who serve him in time will be invited to reign with him for eternity” (07:42).

Fr. Bede encourages listeners to relinquish earthly attachments and focus on heavenly glory, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Conclusion and Prayer

The episode concludes with a communal prayer, the Rosary, led by Fr. Bede, Brother Joseph, and Sister Mary. The prayer serves as both a culmination of the day's meditation and a practical application of the discussed themes, reinforcing the transformative power of the Rosary in fostering a deeper spiritual life.

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Bede: “Brothers and sisters, we are called to share in the very life of God” (05:28).

Listeners are reminded to continue their journey in prayer, building daily habits that nurture their relationship with the divine through the Rosary.

Final Thoughts

Day 187 of The Rosary in a Year offers a rich tapestry of art, theology, and personal reflection, guiding listeners to a deeper appreciation of Mary’s role in salvation history and their own spiritual growth. By connecting the Assumption to the Transfiguration and emphasizing the boundless generosity of God, Fr. Bede and Fr. Mark-Mary Ames provide insightful teachings that resonate with both novices and seasoned practitioners of the Rosary.

For the complete prayer plan and additional resources, visit Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year.

“God is never outdone in generosity,” encapsulates the essence of this episode, inspiring believers to embrace the profound gifts of grace through Mary’s example and the Rosary’s meditative power.