The Rosary in a Year: Day 191 - "Unworthy Yet Welcomed"

Episode Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Produced by: Ascension Press

Introduction

In Day 191: "Unworthy Yet Welcomed" of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads listeners through a heartfelt meditation on the third joyful mystery of the Rosary: the Nativity. This episode invites both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to deepen their prayer life, fostering a more profound relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Day's Theme: Embracing the Gift of the Nativity

The central theme explores the paradoxical feeling of being "unworthy yet welcomed" in receiving the gift of Jesus Christ. This duality emphasizes the immense joy and the accompanying sense of responsibility and humility that come with embracing the Savior's birth.

Meditation and Reflections

1. The Story of Fitz: Overwhelm and Joy

[Timestamp: 01:00]

Fr. Ames recounts the poignant story of Fitz, a man who recently emerged from incarceration and attends a Christmas party at a homeless shelter. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of joy and generosity, Fitz finds himself in tears, exclaiming, “It’s just too much” ([04:05]). This narrative poignantly illustrates the human struggle with feeling unworthy of God's boundless love and the profound impact of divine generosity.

2. Insights from St. Leo the Great

[Timestamp: 05:03]

Drawing from the writings of St. Leo the Great, Fr. Ames highlights the transformative power of Christ's birth. He quotes, “There is no proper place for sadness when we keep the birthday of the life, which destroys the fear of mortality and brings us the joy of promised eternity” ([05:45]). This reflection underscores the Nativity as a pivotal moment that dispels fear and instills eternal hope.

3. Personal Invitation to Joy

[Timestamp: 07:00]

Fr. Ames extends an invitation to listeners to embrace a personal joy derived from understanding and accepting Jesus's mission. He emphasizes, “It is an invitation to a personal joy” ([07:00]), encouraging individuals to allow this joy to draw them closer to both Jesus and Mary, enriching their spiritual journey.

4. Reflecting on Pellegrini’s Nativity Artwork

[Timestamp: 09:50]

Analyzing Pellegrini’s depiction of the Nativity, Fr. Ames focuses on the expressions and interactions of Joseph and Mary as they gaze upon Jesus in the manger. He notes, “They see before them in the manger their God, their Savior, but also their son” ([10:10]). This observation highlights the dual aspects of worship and familial love, illustrating the intimate relationship between the holy figures and their divine son. Fr. Ames connects this to the believer's relationship with Jesus, emphasizing both reverence and personal affection in prayer.

Prayer Reflection Questions

[Timestamp: 07:57]

Fr. Ames encourages listeners to engage deeply with their prayer life by contemplating the following questions:

1. What truth of God is being revealed to you today?

   • "From what we've reviewed today, or anything from your own personal prayer, what is the truth of God, what of the heart of God is being revealed that you are being invited to receive?" ([07:57])

2. How is God calling you to respond?

   • "How is God calling you to respond?" ([08:25])

3. What grace do you need to request and rejoice for in this moment of prayer?

   • "What is the grace that you need to request and then rejoice? Give thanks for this moment of prayer, for the truth revealed and the grace communicated and the share in Jesus' own life that is offered." ([08:25])

These reflective questions aim to deepen the listener's personal connection with God and encourage a more intentional and heartfelt prayer practice.

Guided Rosary Prayer

[Timestamp: 09:20 – 14:38]

The episode features a guided recitation of the Rosary, allowing listeners to participate actively in the prayer. This segment includes:

• Our Father

  • "Our Father, who art in heaven..." ([09:20])

• Hail Marys

  • Repeated recitations of the Hail Mary, fostering meditative focus ([10:02] - [13:51])

• Glory Be

  • Concluding with the Glory Be prayer ([14:16])

This guided prayer serves as a practical application of the day's meditation, reinforcing the themes of joy, humility, and worship.

Conclusion

[Timestamp: 14:46]

Fr. Ames wraps up the episode with a heartfelt thank you to listeners, expressing anticipation for continuing the spiritual journey together in future episodes. He reinforces the community aspect of the podcast, fostering a sense of shared faith and mutual support.

Notable Quotes

1. Fitz’s Overwhelm:

   • “It’s just too much. It's just too much.” ([04:05])

2. St. Leo the Great on Joy:

   • “There is no proper place for sadness when we keep the birthday of the life, which destroys the fear of mortality and brings us the joy of promised eternity.” ([05:45])

3. Invitation to Personal Joy:

   • “It is an invitation to a personal joy.” ([07:00])

4. Reflection on Adoration:

   • “They see before them in the manger their God, their Savior, but also their son.” ([10:10])

Final Thoughts

The Rosary in a Year: Day 191 masterfully blends storytelling, theological reflection, and guided prayer to offer a comprehensive and enriching spiritual experience. By addressing the complexities of feeling unworthy yet profoundly welcomed, Fr. Ames provides listeners with both comfort and a deeper understanding of the Nativity's significance. This episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Rosary in fostering a closer relationship with Jesus and Mary.

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