Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 33: Lost and Found
Release Date: February 2, 2025
In Day 33: Lost and Found of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads listeners through a profound exploration of the fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary—the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Drawing deeply from Pope Benedict XVI’s insights in Jesus of Nazareth, the MC Narrative, Fr. Mark-Mary offers a rich theological and spiritual reflection aimed at deepening the listener's prayer life and relationship with Jesus and Mary.
Introduction to the Fifth Joyful Mystery
Fr. Mark-Mary begins by presenting the biblical foundation of the fifth Joyful Mystery, quoting Luke 2:41-52:
“After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers... And Mary kept all these things in her heart.”
(00:00)
This passage recounts the story of the 12-year-old Jesus remaining behind in Jerusalem during the Feast of Passover, an event that not only highlights His early understanding of His divine mission but also sets the stage for the profound relationship between Jesus and His parents, Mary and Joseph.
Understanding the Pilgrimage
Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes the significance of pilgrimage in Jewish tradition, noting that:
“Every Israelite, the Jewish people, were to visit the temple three times a year for the major feasts.”
(10:30)
He explains that while the obligation for men began at age 13, Mary’s participation signifies her unwavering faithfulness. This annual journey symbolizes the continual spiritual pilgrimage of the Israelite people, ever striving to grow closer to God.
Jesus’ Early Pilgrimage and Filial Obedience
Highlighting Jesus’ actions, Fr. Mark-Mary observes:
“What we have here is the 12-year-old Jesus making this journey, part of his ongoing growth and preparation for fulfilling the law.”
(15:45)
He connects this early pilgrimage to Jesus’ later mission, illustrating how Jesus embodies both obedience and the fulfillment of divine law. The three-day search for Jesus in Jerusalem serves as a foreshadowing of His eventual sacrifice and resurrection.
Insights from Pope Benedict XVI
Drawing from Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Mark-Mary delves into the theological implications of the passage:
“Jesus comes not to abolish, but to complete or to fulfill the law.”
(25:20)
Pope Benedict emphasizes that Jesus’ mission introduces a new dimension of human intimacy with God, characterized by filial obedience rather than rebellion. This obedience leads to true freedom—“the freedom of the Son,” which aligns perfectly with God’s will.
Theological Implications: Radical Newness and Faithfulness
Fr. Mark-Mary conveys Pope Benedict’s profound observation:
“The link between radical newness and equally radical faithfulness rooted in Jesus sonship is the actual theological content that this story is intended to convey.”
(35:10)
This highlights how Jesus’ actions embody a transformative faithfulness that invites believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, mirroring Mary’s contemplative devotion.
Application: Embracing Our Own Pilgrimage
Encouraging listeners to internalize the mystery, Fr. Mark-Mary offers practical guidance:
“There’s a really beautiful and deep invitation to join Mary in our own pilgrimage of faith.”
(40:55)
He urges believers to:
- Ponder the Mysteries: Engage in continuous reflection on the mysteries of faith, much like Mary did.
- Remain Pilgrim People: Embrace the journey of faith, recognizing that spiritual growth is an ongoing process.
- Seek Intimacy with God: Aspire to the radical freedom and intimate relationship with God that Jesus exemplifies.
Concluding Reflections and Prayer
In closing, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to pray for:
“A greater share in Jesus’ own freedom, a freedom which... understands our moral obligations as both a means and an expression of our freedom in Christ.”
(44:30)
He leads the congregation in traditional prayers—Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be—reinforcing the themes of obedience, faithfulness, and intimate communion with God.
Final Thoughts
Day 33: Lost and Found serves as a compelling reminder of the enduring nature of faith and the journey towards deeper spiritual intimacy. Through thoughtful reflection and theological insight, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners to not only understand the biblical narrative but to actively incorporate its lessons into their daily prayer life, fostering a more profound connection with Jesus and Mary.
For the complete prayer plan and additional resources, visit ascensionpress.com/riy.