Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 28: Be Joyful, Be Free

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Hosted By: Ascension
Release Date: January 28, 2025

In the 28th episode of Ascension’s The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the transformative power of embracing joy and freedom through the forgiveness of sins. Titled "Be Joyful, Be Free," this episode offers listeners profound insights into integrating faith with daily life, emphasizing the significance of joy as an authentic expression of belief.

I. Embracing Faith Through Works

[02:15] Introduction to Faith and Works

Fr. Mark-Mary begins the episode by exploring the relationship between faith and works, drawing inspiration from James 2:18:

“But someone will say, you have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. And then going down for as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.” ([02:15])

He underscores that genuine faith manifests through tangible actions, asserting that faith without works is akin to a body without spirit—essentially lifeless.

II. Personal Commitment to the Apostles' Creed

[04:30] Affirming Belief in the Catholic Teachings

Fr. Mark-Mary poses a personal reflection, questioning his own embodiment of faith:

“Do you believe and everything the Catholic Church teaches? Heck yeah, I do.” ([04:45])

He affirms his unwavering belief in the core tenets of the Apostles' Creed, particularly emphasizing:

“Do you believe in the forgiveness of sins? 100%.” ([05:10])

By affirming his belief, he sets the stage for discussing how this faith translates into daily actions.

III. The Joyful Expression of Forgiveness

[06:00] Smiling as a Sign of Faith

Transitioning from belief to action, Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the concept that one of the external manifestations of faith in the forgiveness of sins is a genuine smile:

“One of the works proper to our faith is to smile. To smile, my brothers and sisters, an authentic sign of our faith, an authentic work of our faith and the forgiveness of sins is to smile is to stand upright, to be joyful, and to be free.” ([06:00])

He emphasizes that smiling is not merely a physical act but a profound acknowledgment of God's mercy and forgiveness.

IV. The Parable of the Prodigal Son: A Deeper Understanding

[09:20] Illustrating Forgiveness with Scripture

To elucidate his point, Fr. Mark-Mary recounts the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:

“The father sees him at a distance and is moved and runs and embraces him, kisses him and has the fatty cast slaughtered. And then it says, and they begin to make merry.” ([09:20])

He visualizes the son returning, burdened by his past, and the father’s unwavering mercy that ultimately frees him from his sins.

V. Carrying the Burden of Sins

[12:45] The Weight of Unforgiven Sins

Fr. Mark-Mary paints a vivid image of the prodigal son still burdened despite forgiveness:

“I just see like the son still bent over and still with both of his hands together, kind of over his shoulders, carrying this imaginary weight.” ([12:45])

He uses this metaphor to highlight how individuals may continue to feel weighed down by their sins, even after receiving divine forgiveness.

VI. Embracing Mercy and Letting Go

[15:30] Receiving and Letting Go of Forgiveness

Encouraging listeners to fully embrace their forgiveness, Fr. Mark-Mary advises:

“Let the Father come to us again. Say, hey, the sins are gone, you are forgiven. Stand upright, my son. Stand tall, my daughter. Smile, Rejoice, be joyful, be free.” ([15:30])

He calls for a conscious release of the burdensome feelings associated with sin, advocating for a life lived in joyful freedom.

VII. Practical Application: Daily Reflection and Release

[18:10] Self-Examination and Confession

Inviting listeners to introspect, Fr. Mark-Mary prompts:

“Let us just be honest with ourselves. Firstly, do we have unrepentant sins? Do we have unconfessed sins? If we believe in the forgiveness of sins, like, let's take this to the sacrament. Let's take it and give it to Jesus.” ([18:10])

He encourages utilizing the sacrament of confession as a means to cleanse and liberate oneself from lingering sins, reinforcing the theme of joyous freedom.

VIII. Leading the Prayer

[21:00] Guiding the Congregational Prayer

Fr. Mark-Mary transitions into leading a prayer, embodying the principles discussed:

“Father, come to us. Lift our eyes to yours. Lift our heads. Free our hands from the fake burden, the fake weight. Teach us to rejoice. Teach us to do the work of smiling as we celebrate and live in and swim in the waters of your mercy.” ([21:00])

This prayer serves as a communal affirmation of forgiveness and the pursuit of joy.

IX. Concluding Prayers and Reflections

[23:30] Recitation of Traditional Prayers

The episode concludes with Fr. Mark-Mary guiding listeners through the Our Father, three Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, reinforcing the devotional practices central to the Rosary.

[28:00] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In his closing remarks, Fr. Mark-Mary reiterates the importance of internalizing the forgiveness received:

“If we have confessed sins, let's let them go. Let it go. It's gone, it's forgiven. The burden you're carrying, it is not real.” ([28:00])

He expresses gratitude for the shared prayer experience and looks forward to continuing the spiritual journey with his audience.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Manifested Through Joy: True faith in the forgiveness of sins naturally leads to a joyful and free disposition, exemplified by the act of smiling.

2. Forgiveness Liberates: Embracing God's mercy allows individuals to release the burdens of past sins, fostering a life of celebration and freedom.

3. Active Reflection: Regular self-examination and participation in the sacrament of confession are essential for maintaining spiritual well-being and joy.

4. Communal Prayer Strengthens Faith: Engaging in shared prayers like the Rosary reinforces personal faith and connects believers with the broader faith community.

Quote Highlights

• Faith and Works Connection:
  “Faith apart from works is dead.” ([02:15])

• Joy as a Sign of Faith:
  “An authentic sign of our faith...is to smile, to stand upright, to be joyful, and to be free.” ([06:00])

• Embracing Forgiveness:
  “The burden you're carrying, it is not real.” ([28:00])

Conclusion

Day 28 of The Rosary in a Year podcast serves as a poignant reminder of the profound joy and freedom that come from embracing the forgiveness of sins. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames expertly intertwines scripture, personal reflection, and practical guidance to inspire listeners to live out their faith with authenticity and joy. By fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary, listeners are encouraged to become living testimonies of God's mercy and grace, radiating joy and freedom in their daily lives.

For those seeking to embark on or continue their journey with the Rosary, additional resources and the complete prayer plan are available at Ascension's Rosary in a Year.