The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Episode: Day 338: The Luminous Mysteries
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Ascension / Fr. Mike Schmitz (lead prayer)
Theme: Praying and Reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries

Episode Overview

On Day 338 of “The Rosary in a Year,” the community prays the Luminous Mysteries together. Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners in prayer and offers contemplative introductions to each mystery. Alongside the Hail Marys and Our Fathers, Fr. Mike guides reflection, drawing out how each mystery reveals Jesus’ mission, identity, and the invitation for us to share in God’s grace. The episode encourages a gradual, heartfelt approach to prayer, inviting listeners to meditate on foundational events of Christ’s public ministry.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to the Luminous Mysteries

• The Luminous Mysteries highlight key events during Christ’s public life, revealing who He is and what He’s come to do.
• “All of these mysteries are significant moments during the public life of Jesus. Each is a revelation of the kingdom of God present in the person of Jesus.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (03:29)

2. First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus

• We are called to remember our own baptism and the identity as beloved children of God that flows from it.
• “The baptism of Jesus can inspire us to recall our own baptisms, meditating on the identity that we have in him. Through our baptism, you and I share in Jesus’ own relationship with the Father.” (03:58–04:06)

3. Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana

• The transformation of water into wine is a sign of Christ’s newness and His willingness to provide what is lacking in our lives.
• “Sometimes we feel like we’ve run out of wine, we’ve run out of sweetness in our lives. However, this mystery shows that Jesus will provide… He is here as the divine bridegroom to do something new.” (07:46)
• Prayer intention: Invoking a “new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, our souls, our lives.” (08:09)

4. Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion

• Reflection draws on the story of “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee,” highlighting how fear and doubt can undermine our trust in Jesus.
• “It might feel like Jesus is asleep in the boat of our life. And we can doubt that he even cares. But let's pray now for trust, not just for trust, that Jesus is in control, but also that he loves us and that he cares for us.” (12:26–12:56)

5. Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration

• The invitation is to ascent the mountain with Jesus in our prayer lives, confronting the difficulty of detaching from worldly matters.
• “Sometimes… it can be hard to just drop everything… leave the world and go climb the mountain with Jesus to witness God and His glory.” (16:47)
• Instead, Fr. Mike encourages the “Poco a Poco” spirituality—taking the next best step, being open to God’s grace, and making slow, steady progress in holiness. (17:01–17:30)

6. Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist

• Listeners are invited to place themselves at the Last Supper, sharing in Jesus’ peace and surrender before the Passion.
• “He’s at peace because he knows who he is and he knows who His Father is. This mystery we’re invited to find rest in Jesus’s trust and surrender to the Father…” (21:37–21:43)
• The Eucharist is a source of renewal and rest, an ever-present invitation to deeper trust. (21:43)

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• “Through our baptism, you and I share in Jesus’ own relationship with the Father.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (04:06)
• “Sometimes we feel like we’ve run out of wine… However, this mystery shows that Jesus will provide.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (07:46)
• “It might feel like Jesus is asleep in the boat of our life… But let’s pray now for trust…” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (12:28–12:56)
• “Let’s practice like the Poco a Poco spirituality. Let’s be open to and ask God’s grace just to make it the next best step, the next movement, the next yes, to bring us closer to God.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (17:01–17:30)
• “He’s at peace because he knows who he is and he knows who His Father is.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (21:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and Opening Prayers: 00:04–03:24
• First Mystery (Baptism in the Jordan): 03:24–07:46
• Second Mystery (Wedding at Cana): 07:46–12:02
• Third Mystery (Proclamation of the Kingdom): 12:02–16:35
• Fourth Mystery (Transfiguration): 16:35–21:12
• Fifth Mystery (Institution of the Eucharist): 21:12–25:44
• Hail, Holy Queen and Closing Prayer: 25:44–26:49
• Final Blessing and “Poco a Poco” Farewell: 26:49–end

Tone and Spiritual Encouragement

• Gentle, meditative, and supportive, Fr. Mike consistently reassures listeners that spiritual growth is gradual.
• The “Poco a Poco” (little by little) theme runs through the episode, emphasizing patience and steady progress in faith.

For Listeners

This episode is welcoming for both longtime devotees of the Rosary and those new to the practice. Fr. Mike’s scriptural and personal reflections on the Luminous Mysteries help deepen one’s understanding of Christ’s life and the transformative power of consistent prayer.

To continue the journey or find more resources, listeners are invited to visit Ascension’s Rosary in a Year page.