Summary of "Day 198: The Love of Jesus" from The Rosary in a Year Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 198: The Love of Jesus
- Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In the 198th episode of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, a member of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, delves into the profound mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist, the fifth luminous mystery of the Rosary. This episode focuses on understanding the deep love of Jesus as revealed through the Eucharist and explores how this sacrament fosters a closer relationship with both Jesus and Mary.
Key Themes
1. The Creativity of Love
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins by discussing the concept of the "creativity of love," a phrase shared by a monastic sister in response to a question about maintaining prayer practices from their friary in the South Bronx (00:00). He explains that:
"When you love someone, you create a way, a space to be with them. But we have to always remember that the creativity of our love is always a response. It's a response to the creativity of God's love." (02:30)
This idea emphasizes that human expressions of love are reflections and responses to God's infinite love, exemplified in the Eucharist where Jesus offers Himself as bread and wine.
2. The Abyss of Love
Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the metaphor of an "abyss of love" to describe the depth of God's love, inspired by St. Catherine of Siena's writings and Jesus's words in Luke's Gospel:
"This abyss of love is the heart of the Divine Bridegroom, who gives Himself to the bride, his Church, desiring to give Himself to the Church, but also to receive the Church his bride." (04:15)
This abyss signifies the boundless and consuming love Jesus has for humanity, a love that remains steadfast even in the face of suffering and betrayal.
3. The Peace of Jesus at the Last Supper
Reflecting on Giacomo Raffaelli's mosaic of the Last Supper, Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes Jesus's inner peace despite knowing the impending chaos:
"He knows who's he is. He knows who the Father is. ... rooted in his sonship, lives in trust, lives in surrender, lives in confidence." (05:30)
This peace stems from Jesus's unwavering trust in God's providence and His confidence in the resurrection, demonstrating a profound serenity that believers are called to emulate through the reception of the Eucharist.
Practical Applications
1. Preparing for Mass and Holy Communion
Fr. Mark-Mary highlights the importance of approaching the Eucharist with a prayerful and devout heart to fully experience the grace it bestows:
"Each time we prepare for Mass, each time we go to visit the Holy Eucharist for adoration, ... Holy Communion is this most intense and intimate and beautiful of exchanges." (05:50)
By fostering a daily habit of prayer and reflection, believers can cultivate a deeper connection with Jesus, experiencing His love and peace in all circumstances.
2. Invitation to Transformation
The episode underscores the transformative power of the Eucharist, inviting listeners to allow the sacrament to deepen their relationship with God:
"The grace we receive through the Most Holy Eucharist gives us a greater, fuller, richer share in Jesus own relationship with the Father." (06:40)
This transformation is an ongoing journey, continuously enriched through regular participation in the Eucharist.
Four Rs Reflection
Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the "Four Rs" as a guide for personal reflection and prayer:
- Rejoice: Give thanks and praise to the Lord for the gift of the Eucharist and the graces received.
- Reflect: Meditate on the truths revealed in the Eucharist and their significance in your life.
- Respond: Consider how you can embody and respond to the love and grace received.
- Request: Ask for specific graces or support in living out your faith more fully.
This structured approach encourages deeper engagement with the mysteries of the Rosary and the Eucharist.
Conclusion
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames concludes the episode by inviting listeners to embrace the peace and love exemplified by Jesus at the Last Supper. He encourages a continued journey of prayer and reflection, fostering a transformative relationship with God through the Rosary and the Eucharist.
"I believe this is a beautiful intention and a beautiful way for us to come asking to receive that grace, to experience the peace and the confidence that Jesus has in His Father." (06:00)
Listeners are reminded to utilize the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide and the Ascension app for a comprehensive and enriching prayer experience.
Notable Quotes:
- "When you love someone, you create a way, a space to be with them. But we have to always remember that the creativity of our love is always a response." (02:30)
- "This abyss of love is the heart of the Divine Bridegroom, who gives Himself to the bride, his Church." (04:15)
- "Holy Communion is this most intense and intimate and beautiful of exchanges." (05:50)
- "The grace we receive through the Most Holy Eucharist gives us a greater, fuller, richer share in Jesus own relationship with the Father." (06:40)
Resources Mentioned:
- Prayer Plan Download: Visit ascensionpress.com/riy or text RIY to 33777.
- Rosary in the Year Prayer Guide: Available for purchase through Ascension.
- Ascension App: Recommended for accessing podcast features and full Rosary recordings.