Day 197: Mystery of Light - The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Summary4 min read

Episode Summary: Day 197 – Mystery of Light

Podcast: The Rosary in a Year
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Title: Mystery of Light

Introduction

In Day 197 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the Transfiguration, the fourth of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. He explores the profound significance of this event, illustrating how it illuminates the path toward a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through prayer and meditation.

Biblical Foundations

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by anchoring the discussion in scripture, referencing the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-13, which narrates the Transfiguration of Jesus. He draws parallels between this event and the Mosaic experience in the Book of Exodus 24:12,15, where Moses encounters the glory of God on Mount Sinai.

"There are some similarities between Mount Sinai, what we experience there, and what we experience at the Mount of the Transfiguration. We see the glory of God, we see the cloud, we see the light, we see Moses."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:19]

This comparison highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

Theological Insights

Fr. Mark-Mary references Pope John Paul II, who described the Transfiguration as the "mystery of light par excellence." He explains that during the Transfiguration, Jesus embodies divine light, transcending mere radiance to become "the sun" itself.

"Jesus is transfigured, if you will, from within. He himself is the light. He himself has the glory within him."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:03]

This revelation underscores the essence of the Luminous Mysteries, which focus on pivotal moments where Jesus' divine nature is unveiled, inviting believers to recognize His kingdom.

Reflections on Solitude and Distraction

A significant portion of the episode contrasts spiritual solitude with worldly distractions. Fr. Mark-Mary shares personal reflections inspired by Saint Anastasius of Sinai, illustrating the difference between observing the stars on a mountaintop versus the obscured sky of a bustling city like Times Square.

"When you see the stars, you're moved with awe and wonder... In the middle of Times Square... what you see is kind of darkness. The light pollution makes it impossible for you to even see the stars."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:53]

This analogy serves as a metaphor for spiritual life, encouraging listeners to create spaces of quiet and reflection to experience God's presence, away from the "light pollution" of everyday life.

Spiritual Journey: Poco Poco

Emphasizing gradual spiritual growth, Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the concept of "poco poco" (little by little) inspired by Saint Anastasius. He reassures listeners that the journey toward deeper faith doesn't require overnight transformation but rather consistent, incremental steps.

"We don't have to climb the whole mountain today. We can take it step by step."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:50]

This approach aligns with the podcast's overarching theme of building a daily habit of prayer, fostering a sustainable and meaningful spiritual practice.

Iconography and Symbolism

Fr. Mark-Mary examines the icon of the Transfiguration, noting how it depicts Peter, James, and John ascending and descending the mountain with Jesus. This visual representation symbolizes the journey of encountering divine glory and returning fortified to everyday life.

"This is a reflection of the Gospel calendar that Jesus took these three apostles up the mountain... to receive the experience of the Lord, his glory, his grace that would strengthen them for going back down."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [06:33]

The ascent and descent encapsulate the essence of spiritual encounters—moments of profound revelation followed by the application of divine grace in daily living.

Practical Applications and Encouragement

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to seek their own "mountaintop" experiences through prayer, emphasizing the importance of intentional spiritual practices to navigate the challenges of modern life.

"As we pray, I ask this question for you: What is the grace being offered, the truth being revealed that you are invited to receive?"
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [08:29]

He invites believers to integrate these spiritual lessons into their daily routines, fostering resilience and a deeper connection with God amid life's distractions.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a guided prayer, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey and seek the grace needed to continue climbing their personal mountains with Jesus. Fr. Mark-Mary reiterates the importance of gradual growth and persistent prayer in cultivating a meaningful relationship with the Divine.

"We are making up the mountain with the Lord poco poco, little by little."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:47]

He expresses gratitude for the listeners' participation and looks forward to continuing this transformative journey in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

On the Mystery of Light:
"The Transfiguration is, in the words of Pope John Paul II, the mystery of light par excellence."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [01:04]
On Solitude vs. Distraction:
"God reveals himself again and again in salvation history and here at the transfiguration on the top of a mountain."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:53]
On Gradual Spiritual Growth:
"We don't have to climb the whole mountain today. We can take it step by step."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:50]

This episode of The Rosary in a Year offers a profound exploration of the Transfiguration, blending scripture, theological insight, and practical guidance to inspire a richer, more disciplined prayer life. Through thoughtful reflection and engaging storytelling, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames invites listeners to embrace the light of Christ and persevere in their spiritual journey, poco poco.

Loading summary

Transcript144 lines

[00:00]
Unknown Speaker 1
Foreign.
[00:05]
Mark Mary
Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and this is the Rosary in a Year podcast where through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and.
[00:14]
Unknown Speaker 2
Becomes a source of grace for the whole world.
[00:17]
Unknown Speaker 3
The Rosary in the Year is brought.
[00:18]
Mark Mary
To you by Ascension.
[00:20]
Unknown Speaker 4
This is day 197.
[00:23]
Mark Mary
To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text R I Y to 33777. You'll get an outline of how we're going to pray each month and it's.
[00:34]
Unknown Speaker 3
A great way to track your progress.
[00:35]
Mark Mary
The best place to listen to podcasts is in the Ascension app. There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full rosary with myself and other friars. On behalf of myself and the whole team here at Ascension, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's helped support this podcast financially. Your support is so appreciated and helps us to reach as many people as possible. And if you haven't already, please consider supporting us@ascensionpress.com support.
[01:01]
Unknown Speaker 3
Today we will be.
[01:02]
Unknown Speaker 4
Meditating upon and praying with the fourth.
[01:04]
Unknown Speaker 3
Luminous mystery, the Transfiguration. All right, so the Transfiguration is, in the words of Pope John Paul ii, the mystery of light par excellence. To get our bearings as a reminder about the transfiguration and what is fulfilling, we were looking at the transfiguration account in the Gospel of Matthew, That's Matthew, chapter 17, verses 1 through 13. And we were reflecting on this gospel by calling to mind what we come across in Exodus, chapter 24, verses 12 and 15, that to the Israelites, the glory of God looked like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain. And Moses, he entered the cloud and he went up into the mountain and he stayed there for 40 days and 40 nights. It was there, on top of Mount Sinai, that he received the Ten Commandments, the two stone tablets. And that after conversing with God, like in his glory, Moses own face would shine bright. It would be so kind of radiant.
[02:14]
Mark Mary
That he would cover his face.
[02:20]
Unknown Speaker 3
So there are some similarities between Mount Sinai, what we experience there, and what we experience at the Mount of the Transfiguration. We see the glory of God, we see the cloud, we see the light, we see Moses. But right, Moses face like it's shown reflecting as like a response to the encounter with the glory of God. Jesus is transfigured, if you will, from within. He himself is the light. He himself has the glory within him. And so he doesn't just like shine Bright. It's not just like his face is like sun kissed. He is in fact the sun. And in the Mount of Transfiguration, we see Elijah and we see a Moses, and then right at the end, we see only Jesus. And that Jesus himself is the fulfillment of the law. And the prophets, the prophets have fulfilled their mission.
[03:15]
Unknown Speaker 4
And the time of Jesus has been reigned in, where he is.
[03:20]
Unknown Speaker 3
The lawgiver, he is the fulfillment of the law, he's the fulfillment of all of the prophecies.
[03:24]
Unknown Speaker 4
They were all pointing to Him.
[03:27]
Unknown Speaker 3
So the transfiguration, it all points to.
[03:31]
Unknown Speaker 4
It all brings us to Jesus.
[03:35]
Unknown Speaker 3
And we've seen this theme throughout the luminous mysteries, the revelation of Jesus that Jesus is the kingdom and we are drawn to him.
[03:46]
Unknown Speaker 4
So it's all about Jesus.
[03:50]
Unknown Speaker 3
And so now I'll talk about a couple of episodes. One is kind of the episode that has to do with. It's kind of like what I call like the homily episodes. And then one, for the Transfiguration, which was based off of the writings of Saint Anastasius of Sinai, we looked at kind of the context of the revelation of Jesus and the transfiguration on the mountaintop. That the mountaintop is this place away. It's a place separate, it's a place apart. It's a place of a bit of solitude, of stepping back from many worldly comforts. And I shared this reflection on the difference between the first time I saw the stars on the mountaintop versus the experience of all the bright and shining lights at Times Square in New York City. And in the middle of Times Square, not only are you not likely to look all the way up, if you do look up into the sky, like what you see is kind of darkness. The light pollution makes it impossible for you to even see the stars. And so there's this limiting experience, this experience of the world that is quite worldly and lacks depth versus when you.
[04:54]
Unknown Speaker 4
See the stars, you're moved with awe and wonder.
[04:59]
Unknown Speaker 3
You're put into the context of the vastness of the universe and the greatness of God. And I think that it's not by accident that God reveals himself again and again in salvation history and here at the transfiguration on the top of a mountain. And there's this invitation within this to step away, if you will, to come to have a healthy distance from excessive worldliness and distraction. Because what can happen is eventually like, not are we physically in Times Square, but Times Square can be in our own minds, making it hard for us.
[05:35]
Unknown Speaker 2
To see the truth of our faith.
[05:37]
Unknown Speaker 3
Which for me, like shine, like stars in the sky. But this journey, right, this journey to.
[05:44]
Unknown Speaker 4
Be with the Lord on the mountain.
[05:48]
Unknown Speaker 3
It'S a journey that's not necessarily made.
[05:51]
Unknown Speaker 4
Overnight, but little by little, step by step.
[05:54]
Unknown Speaker 3
And that's the encouragement from the writing of St. Anastasius of Sinai. It's just this reminder that we don't have to climb the whole mountain today. We can take it step by step.
[06:04]
Unknown Speaker 2
Poco opoco, if you will.
[06:08]
Unknown Speaker 3
And then lastly, as we looked at the icon for the transfiguration, if you remember, there's part of the icon where, like Peter, James and John are going up the mountain with Jesus. And then there's part of the icon where they're going down the mountain with Jesus. And this is a reflection of the Gospel calendar that Jesus took these three apostles up the mountain, but not just to remain at the mountain, not to stay there forever, but to receive what they needed to receive the experience of.
[06:33]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord, his glory, his grace that.
[06:36]
Unknown Speaker 3
Would strengthen them for going back down.
[06:39]
Unknown Speaker 5
The mountain and then in our lives.
[06:42]
Unknown Speaker 3
I do believe that Jesus is going.
[06:43]
Unknown Speaker 5
To invite us to both.
[06:44]
Unknown Speaker 1
He.
[06:44]
Unknown Speaker 3
He's going to invite us to these mountaintop experiences, particularly through prayer.
[06:53]
Unknown Speaker 4
So now we'll let that settle for.
[06:54]
Unknown Speaker 5
A moment in stillness. And in the wake of this reflection.
[07:05]
Unknown Speaker 3
This review, we'll allow.
[07:10]
Unknown Speaker 4
Our affection, our attention to be drawn to Jesus alone.
[07:13]
Unknown Speaker 5
The fulfillment of the law and the prophets. We'll allow some of the noise, some.
[07:22]
Unknown Speaker 4
Of the light pollution, if you will.
[07:24]
Unknown Speaker 5
In our own minds to settle.
[07:28]
Unknown Speaker 1
To.
[07:28]
Unknown Speaker 4
Be open to this invitation of Jesus.
[07:30]
Unknown Speaker 3
To climb the mountain with him, to.
[07:32]
Unknown Speaker 5
Take some steps away, not just in.
[07:34]
Unknown Speaker 4
This moment, but in our daily routines, we receive the encouragement that this journey.
[07:46]
Unknown Speaker 3
We'Re making up the mountain with the.
[07:48]
Unknown Speaker 4
Lord is made pocoapoco little by little. And we ask for the grace in this moment to experience the Lord, his goodness, his glory, to receive, if you will, from the Lord by encountering his goodness, his glory, our daily bread, the strength we need, the courage we need.
[08:14]
Unknown Speaker 3
To persevere as he invites us back down the mountain. As we pray, I ask this question for you.
[08:29]
Unknown Speaker 4
What is the grace being offered, the truth being revealed that you are invited to receive? How can you respond? What is the grace that you would like to request at the service of this response? And then rejoice, Give thanks to the Lord for this time of prayer, prayer for this, if you will, mountaintop experience, for the grace given and the life shared as he invites us back down the mountain. Now with Mary, let us pray.
[10:38]
Unknown Speaker 1
In.
[10:39]
Unknown Speaker 6
The name of the Father and of.
[10:40]
Unknown Speaker 4
The Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[10:43]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[10:45]
Unknown Speaker 4
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[10:50]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
[10:54]
Unknown Speaker 4
On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[11:08]
Unknown Speaker 5
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[11:11]
Unknown Speaker 4
But deliver us from evil.
[11:13]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[11:15]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[11:18]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[11:21]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:24]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:27]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:31]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:35]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[11:38]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[11:40]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[11:44]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:47]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:51]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:54]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:58]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[12:01]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[12:07]
Unknown Speaker 5
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[12:10]
Unknown Speaker 9
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:14]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:17]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:21]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[12:24]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[12:26]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[12:29]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[12:32]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:34]
Unknown Speaker 1
Holy.
[12:35]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:38]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:42]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[12:44]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[12:46]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[12:49]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[12:52]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:55]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:58]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:02]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[13:05]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[13:07]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[13:10]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[13:13]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[13:16]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[13:20]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:24]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[13:26]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[13:28]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[13:31]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[13:35]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[13:38]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[13:41]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[13:45]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[13:47]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[13:52]
Unknown Speaker 5
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[13:55]
Unknown Speaker 9
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[13:58]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[14:01]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[14:05]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[14:07]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[14:09]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[14:12]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[14:15]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[14:18]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[14:21]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[14:25]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[14:27]
Unknown Speaker 8
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[14:29]
Unknown Speaker 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[14:32]
Unknown Speaker 5
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[14:35]
Unknown Speaker 9
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[14:38]
Unknown Speaker 6
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[14:40]
Unknown Speaker 4
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[14:44]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[14:46]
Unknown Speaker 5
Glory be to the Father and to.
[14:48]
Unknown Speaker 4
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[14:51]
Unknown Speaker 5
As it was in the beginning, is.
[14:53]
Unknown Speaker 6
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[14:57]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[14:58]
Unknown Speaker 6
In the name of the Father and.
[14:59]
Unknown Speaker 4
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[15:02]
Unknown Speaker 7
Amen.
[15:04]
Unknown Speaker 3
Thank you so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.
[15:09]
Unknown Speaker 4
Poco poke. Friends, God bless you.