The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Episode: Day 32 – "A Total Offering" (2026)
Date: February 1, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, Ascension
Overview:
In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames reflects on the Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. He explores the biblical and spiritual significance of this event as a “total offering”, draws connections to biblical law, highlights its fulfillment in Christ, and relates the mystery to daily spiritual life. The session ends in communal prayer, inviting listeners to cultivate peace and joy through trust in the Savior’s presence and work.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
The Biblical Account of the Presentation
[02:05-06:08]
- Fr. Mark-Mary reads Luke 2:22–39, recounting the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, emphasizing:
- The fulfillment of Jewish law: purification for Mary, and redemption of the firstborn son.
- The humble sacrifice of turtledoves or pigeons, denoting the Holy Family’s poverty.
- The testimony of Simeon and Anna as the only ones to recognize the significance of the moment.
Quote:
“Mary and Joseph…make the offering of the poor. What’s important to note here…and Pope Benedict XVI does it in the Jesus of Nazareth, the Infancy Narratives…Mary herself actually doesn’t need this purification because…of her own immaculate conception, but also the uniqueness of the virgin birth.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [06:20]
The Law’s Fulfillment and Its Deeper Meaning
[06:10–08:48]
- Explains the laws being observed:
- Purification ritual after childbirth (Leviticus 12).
- Redemption of the firstborn (Exodus 13:11–16), recalling the liberation from Egypt.
- These observances were not required to be done at the Temple, but Mary and Joseph chose to do so, “transforming” the event.
Quote:
“It becomes the presentation of Jesus in the Temple of God, which means the act of offering the Son of the Most High to the Father who sent Him. Already at 40 days old, He is living what He will live the entirety of His life: this total offering to the Father.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [08:33]
The Recognition by Simeon and Anna
[08:50–11:25]
- Only Simeon (righteous and devout) and Anna (aged prophetess, worshipping with fasting and prayer) notice Jesus.
- Both represent the faith and joyful longing of the Old Covenant awaiting fulfillment.
Quote:
“The two people who notice are Simeon… and Anna… It’s just Anna and it’s just Simeon who recognized Jesus and who noticed that something new is happening.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [09:35]
Simeon’s Canticle: Joy and Prophecy
[11:25–13:02]
- Simeon’s canticle is a proclamation of fulfillment:
- “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace… for my eyes have seen your salvation…”
- Fr. Mark-Mary connects this to prophecies in Isaiah about the Messiah as “a light to the nations.”
Quote:
“Very clearly what Simeon is saying is that there’s a fulfillment here, fulfillment of the promise here. The Messiah is here.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [11:52]
Joy Intertwined with Suffering
[13:05–14:25]
- Though a joyful mystery, the episode prefigures the Cross (“a sword will pierce through your own soul also”—addressed to Mary).
- John Paul II calls this moment a “second Annunciation” pointing already toward Calvary.
Quote:
“While we are still at the dawn of Jesus’s life, we are already oriented to Calvary. Yes, there’s cause for great rejoicing… Yet our salvation will come at great cost.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [14:02]
The Spiritual Practice of the Canticle
[14:30–16:40]
- The Church prays the Canticle of Simeon every night—an act of trust, akin to “not going to bed angry” in marriage advice.
- This canticle helps surrender joys and sufferings, placing daily anxieties in the context of Christ’s saving presence.
Quote:
“Whatever’s happened to the day, we’re gonna close the day by acknowledging that God is with us… the good news… reconciling whatever the sufferings, whatever difficulties… with the reality of our Savior, who is with us this day.”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [15:12]
Living the Joy and Peace of the Presentation
[16:42–18:30]
- Invites listeners to imitate Simeon’s peace: trust God amid unresolved circumstances, remembering salvation is already present even if “all knots haven’t been untied.”
- Encourages entrusting all needs—personal, familial, ecclesial, global—into Christ’s hands.
Quote:
“Already Simeon is saying, ‘Okay Lord, now I can go in peace. Because I’ve seen the salvation. Like everything hasn’t been put into place… But the Savior’s here, and so I know it’s going to be okay.’”
— Fr. Mark-Mary [17:12]
Memorable Quotes and Moments
- On Total Offering:
“Here, Jesus is presented to His Father. Here, Jesus is offered to the Father. Already at 40 days old, he is living what he will live…this total offering to the Father.” [08:33] - On Simeon’s Joy:
“There is cause for rejoicing, therefore there is cause for peace, because our salvation is here.” [12:09] - On Peace Despite Trouble:
“All knots haven’t been, you know, untied. All things haven’t been worked out. But the Savior’s here, and so I know it’s going to be okay.” [17:20]
Important Timestamps
- 00:00–02:05 – Introduction, Podcast mission reminder, brief housekeeping
- 02:05–06:08 – Reading: Luke 2:22–39 (Presentation account)
- 06:10–08:48 – Jewish law background; Mary and Joseph’s observance
- 08:50–11:25 – The uniqueness of the Presentation; Simeon and Anna as witnesses
- 11:25–13:02 – Simeon’s canticle; OT fulfillment
- 13:05–14:25 – Suffering foreshadowed; reference to John Paul II
- 14:30–16:40 – The Canticle as nightly prayer; entrusting joys and struggles
- 16:42–18:30 – Living the Presentation’s joy and peace
Tone and Closing
- The episode is gentle, encouraging, and deeply pastoral. Fr. Mark-Mary uses simple language, vivid scriptural explanation, and practical spiritual advice.
- He concludes by inviting prayer in the spirit of Simeon: rejoicing in Jesus’s presence and entrusting every need to him.
Final Prayer Segment
[18:32–End]
- Communal recitation of the Our Father, three Hail Marys, and Glory Be.
- Farewell and anticipation of the next episode: “Poco a poco. God bless y’all.”