Episode Summary: Day 215: Here With Jesus

In Day 215 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, listeners are guided through a profound journey of prayer and meditation centered on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. This episode, titled "Here With Jesus", delves into the third and fourth Sorrowful Mysteries: the Crowning with Thorns and Jesus Carrying His Cross. Released on August 3, 2025, this session aims to deepen the listener's relationship with Jesus and Mary, fostering a transformative prayer life.

Introduction and Prayer Plan Overview

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames opens the episode by introducing the Rosary in a Year program, emphasizing its role in nurturing a daily habit of prayer and forming a closer bond with Jesus and Mary.

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [00:04]: "Through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary."

He provides logistical details on accessing the prayer plan, encouraging listeners to download it via Ascension Press for structured guidance and progress tracking.

Fr. Ames [00:22]: "To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a Year, visit ascensionpress.com/riy or text RIY to 33777."

Focus on the Sorrowful Mysteries

The core of the episode centers on the third and fourth Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary:

1. The Crowning with Thorns
2. Jesus Carrying His Cross

Fr. Ames [01:01]: "Today we will be praying with the third and the fourth sorrowful mysteries, the crowning with thorns and Jesus carrying of his cross."

He emphasizes the significance of these mysteries in understanding Jesus's suffering and His unwavering love for humanity.

Deepening the Relationship with Jesus

Fr. Ames transitions into a reflective segment, urging listeners to personally connect with Jesus by envisioning His presence in their everyday environments.

Fr. Ames [02:13]: "Imagine him coming to you, visiting you, perhaps in your office, in your home, sitting at your dining table."

He advocates for a bilateral relationship where not only do devotees pray to Jesus, but they also invite Him into their daily lives, making the divine more tangible and immediate.

Guided Meditation and Visualization

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to guided meditation, where listeners are encouraged to visualize Jesus's presence in various settings:

Fr. Ames [03:17]: "Experience him looking at you, him loving you, him hearing you."

This practice aims to enhance the personal connection between the devotee and the divine, fostering a sense of companionship and solace.

Structured Prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be

The episode includes a thorough recitation of traditional prayers, meticulously timed and structured to facilitate meditation on the specific mysteries:

1. Our Father
2. Hail Mary (repeated multiple times)
3. Glory Be

Each prayer segment is meticulously timed, allowing listeners to engage deeply without distraction.

Fr. Ames [03:35]: "Now let us pray."

The repetitive nature of the Hail Mary serves as a meditative tool, grounding the listener in the essence of the mysteries being contemplated.

Encouragement to Experience Jesus in Modern Times

Fr. Ames offers insightful guidance on relating ancient prayers to contemporary life, making the Rosary a living practice rather than a ritualistic recitation.

Fr. Ames [02:28]: "I think this can be really fruitful and really helpful for us knowing that he's with us."

He encourages believers to see Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as a present companion active in their daily struggles and joys.

Closing Reflections and Blessings

As the episode concludes, Fr. Ames expresses gratitude to the listeners and extends a blessing, reinforcing the communal aspect of their spiritual journey.

Fr. Ames [12:22]: "Friends, God bless y'."

He emphasizes the continuity of the journey, inviting listeners to join again the following day.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction of Sorrowful Mysteries:

  Fr. Ames [01:01]: "Today we will be praying with the third and the fourth sorrowful mysteries, the crowning with thorns and Jesus carrying of his cross."

• Personal Relationship with Jesus:

  Fr. Ames [02:13]: "Imagine him coming to you, visiting you, perhaps in your office, in your home, sitting at your dining table."

• Encouragement for Presence of Jesus:

  Fr. Ames [02:56]: "Experience him looking at you, him loving you, him hearing you."

• Invitation to Prayer:

  Fr. Ames [03:35]: "Now let us pray."

• Closing Blessing:

  Fr. Ames [12:22]: "Friends, God bless y'."

This episode serves as a deep contemplative guide for those seeking to enrich their prayer life through the Rosary, offering both structure and personal reflection. By intertwining traditional prayers with modern-day visualization, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames crafts a meaningful experience that invites listeners to embrace the presence of Jesus and Mary in every facet of their lives.