Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 202: Scapegoat and Savior)

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Published By: Ascension
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In Day 202 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, listeners are guided through a deep meditation on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus Carrying His Cross. This episode delves into the profound symbolism of Jesus as both a Scapegoat and a Savior, exploring the theological and spiritual implications of His journey to Golgotha.

Recap of Previous Meditations

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by revisiting themes from earlier episodes, particularly the concept of Jesus as the fulfillment of the new scapegoat. He draws a parallel between the Old Testament practice of the Day of Atonement, where a literal goat was burdened with the sins of humanity and sent into the wilderness, and Jesus' voluntary acceptance of humanity's sins.

“Jesus becoming the fulfillment of this, taking upon himself all of the sins of humanity... he was led outside of the city, namely Jerusalem, to Golgotha.”
(00:00)

This comparison sets the stage for understanding Jesus' crucifixion as both an atoning sacrifice and a redemptive journey, transforming the disgraceful act of crucifixion into a symbol of divine victory.

Meditation on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

Jesus as the Scapegoat and Savior

Fr. Mark-Mary elaborates on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery by emphasizing Jesus' role in carrying the sins of the world:

“Jesus freely making this journey, freely taking upon himself the exile, the rejection, the sins of all of the people... to his place of crucifixion.”
(05:30)

This meditation highlights Jesus' voluntary sacrifice, aligning His mission with the prophetic imagery of the scapegoat, thus fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament rituals of atonement.

The Role of Simon in Carrying the Cross

The discussion then shifts to Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to help Jesus carry His cross. Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the duality of Simon's action—forced yet free:

“Simon could have carried the cross under force, like endured his own share in this injustice... or there could have been some openness to... allowing the suffering that Simon was experiencing to bring him close to Jesus.”
(12:15)

This segment explores the transformative potential of suffering when embraced with openness and trust in Jesus. Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to view their own challenges as opportunities to grow closer to the Lord, mirroring Simon's pivotal role in the Passion narrative.

Theological Insights

St. Thomas Aquinas on the Cross

Fr. Mark-Mary references St. Thomas Aquinas to deepen the theological understanding of the cross:

“Jesus Christ bore his cross as a king does his scepter. His cross is the sign of his glory, which is his universal dominion over all things... he carried his cross as a victor carries the trophy of his victory.”
(18:45)

Aquinas's insight underscores the cross not merely as an instrument of suffering but as a symbol of Jesus' triumphant sovereignty and the transformative power of His sacrifice.

Transforming Suffering

Building on Aquinas's thoughts, Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that embracing one's own crosses can lead to personal sanctification:

“If we too learn to carry our cross, embrace our cross with Jesus, these painful, dishonorable, disgraceful things can be salvific, glorious, transformative, and become trophies of our share in this victory.”
(22:10)

This reflection invites listeners to reconsider their trials as means of participating in Christ's victory, offering a pathway to redemption and spiritual growth.

Practical Application

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to integrate these reflections into their daily lives by:

1. Embracing Suffering with Openness: Viewing personal hardships as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus.
2. Surrender and Trust: Adopting the prayerful attitude of “not my will, but your will be done,” fostering trust in God's plan.
3. Transformative Suffering: Allowing pain and disgrace to be transformed into sources of grace and glory through union with Christ.

“The act of surrender, of trust, of openness to the saving power of God and the unitive potential of suffering with our Lord.”
(25:50)

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode by guiding listeners through a moment of stillness to internalize the day's meditation. He introduces a roadmap of prayer—the Four Rs:

1. Receive: Contemplate the grace offered and the truth revealed.
2. Respond: Consider how to respond to this grace in one's life.
3. Request: Petition for grace to live out this response.
4. Rejoice: Give thanks for the experience and the divine presence.

The episode concludes with a communal prayer, reinforcing the themes discussed and inviting listeners to incorporate them into their daily Rosary practice.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Scapegoat: Understanding the Old Testament symbolism enhances the appreciation of Jesus' sacrificial role.
• Embracing Personal Crosses: Viewing personal suffering through the lens of union with Christ can transform hardship into spiritual growth.
• The Cross as a Symbol of Victory: Theologically, the cross signifies not just suffering but also triumph and divine glory.
• Practical Integration: Implementing the Four Rs of prayer can deepen one's spiritual practice and relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Notable Quotes

• “Jesus Christ bore his cross as a king does his scepter... he carried his cross as a victor carries the trophy of his victory.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (18:45)

• “The act of surrender, of trust, of openness to the saving power of God and the unitive potential of suffering with our Lord.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (25:50)

Additional Resources

For a complete prayer plan and to track your progress through The Rosary in a Year journey, visit Ascension Press: Rosary in a Year.

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