Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 29: Something Unexpected

Host/Author: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction to Day 29: Exploring the Annunciation

In Day 29 of Ascension’s "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deeply into the first Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: the Annunciation. This episode, titled "Something Unexpected," offers a comprehensive exploration of the biblical narrative, theological insights, and spiritual applications surrounding the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary. Fr. Ames aims to provide listeners with a richer understanding of this pivotal moment in Christian faith, highlighting its significance for personal prayer and devotion.

Structure of the Rosary in a Year Journey

Fr. Ames outlines the podcast’s approach to studying the Rosary over the year, emphasizing a multi-faceted exploration of each mystery:

1. First Pass – Teaching and Literal Sense:
   The initial discussion focuses on what is happening in the Scripture, using the Church’s language to unpack the literal events of the mystery.

2. Second Pass – Homily-Like Reflection:
   The second iteration adopts a more sermonic style, offering reflections that resemble a homily to deepen the listener's connection to the mystery.

3. Third Pass – Meditative Prayer:
   The final phase incorporates practices like visio divina (meditation with sacred art) and lectio divina (meditative reading of Scripture) to foster a contemplative prayer experience.

This structured approach allows listeners to engage with the Rosary mysteries progressively, enhancing both understanding and spiritual growth.

Deep Dive into the Annunciation

1. Jesus: The Fulfillment of the Davidic Promise

Fr. Ames begins by highlighting the significance of the Angel Gabriel’s proclamation to Mary, drawing parallels to the Old Testament promises made to King David.

• Scriptural Foundation:
  Gabriel tells Mary, “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:31-33, [00:00:xx]).

• Connection to David’s Promise:
  This message echoes God’s covenant with David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises to establish David’s lineage forever through his offspring. Fr. Ames emphasizes that Mary, a devout Jewish woman, would comprehend the fulfillment of this messianic promise in Jesus.

Notable Quote:
"The Messiah is coming. He is here, and his name is Jesus." ([00:XX])

2. Mary: The New Tabernacle

Fr. Ames explores Mary’s role as the new Tabernacle, drawing from Old Testament imagery to illustrate her unique position in salvation history.

• Holy Spirit’s Overarching Presence:
  When Mary questions how she can conceive without a husband, Gabriel responds that “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35, [00:XX]).

• Old Testament Parallels:
  This overshadowing reflects the glory cloud that filled the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35, symbolizing God’s presence. By likening Mary to the Tabernacle, Fr. Ames underscores her role as the vessel through which divine grace enters the world.

Notable Quote:
"As the glory of the Lord in the form of a cloud filled the tabernacle, so will Our Lady be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit." ([00:XX])

3. The Newness of Christ: Beyond Expectations

Addressing the unexpected nature of Jesus’ incarnation, Fr. Ames contrasts the Annunciation to Zechariah with that to Mary, highlighting the theme of divine surprise and fulfillment.

• Juxtaposition with Zechariah’s Annunciation:
  Zechariah receives his message in the bustling Temple of Jerusalem, surrounded by people and in a position of priestly duty. In contrast, Mary’s encounter occurs in the quiet, humble town of Nazareth, with no witnesses present.

• Symbolism of the Number Six:
  The mention of the “sixth month” in Mary's announcement alludes to the number six’s biblical significance, representing incompleteness and anticipation of fulfillment—paralleling the six days of creation awaiting the Sabbath.

• Roles of John the Baptist and Jesus:
  While John prepares the way for the Lord, Jesus fulfills and surpasses the prophetic expectations, establishing an eternal kingdom. This distinction emphasizes Jesus’ unique and everlasting reign.

Notable Quote:
"Jesus coming in a way that's totally unexpected... something deeper. And to some people, something scandalous." ([00:XX])

Applying the Annunciation to Personal Prayer

Fr. Ames encourages listeners to model their prayer life after Mary’s profound “fiat” (Latin for “let it be done”), embodying a posture of total openness and submission to God’s will.

• Emulating Mary’s Faith:
  By embracing Mary’s example, believers are invited to allow Jesus and Mary to enter their lives fully, trusting in God's plan even when it defies human expectations.

• Invitation to Transformation:
  Fr. Ames urges listeners to adopt a “total and radical docility,” echoing Mary’s willingness to say, “Be it done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, [00:XX]).

Notable Quote:
"Let us echo her fiat—Lord, not my will, but your will be done." ([00:XX])

Key Takeaways and Reflections

• Understanding Prophecy:
  The Annunciation is not merely a historical event but a fulfillment of divine promises that resonate throughout the Scriptures, revealing the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments.

• Mary’s Unique Role:
  Mary serves as the ultimate vessel of God’s grace, embodying the Tabernacle and facilitating the incarnation of Christ, thereby playing a central role in the salvation narrative.

• Embracing Divine Surprises:
  The unexpected manner of Jesus’ coming challenges believers to remain open to God’s workings, which may defy conventional expectations but ultimately lead to profound spiritual growth.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of the Annunciation

Day 29 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast offers a rich, multifaceted exploration of the Annunciation, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding and personal devotion. By unpacking the theological significance, scriptural foundations, and spiritual implications of this mystery, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames provides valuable insights that encourage a more intimate relationship with Jesus and Mary. This episode not only educates but also inspires a transformative prayer life, grounded in faith and openness to God’s mysterious and boundless grace.

For the complete prayer plan and to continue your journey through the Rosary, visit Ascension Press.