The Rosary in a Year: Day 34 – "The Anointed One" with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames

In Day 34 of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), delves deep into the first luminous mystery of the Rosary: The Baptism of Jesus. This episode, released on February 3, 2025, offers listeners a profound theological exploration, connecting biblical narratives with Marian devotion to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames welcomes listeners, providing practical information about the Rosary in a Year prayer plan available at ascensionpress.com/riy. He highlights the Ascension app as the best platform to access special features, including full Rosary recordings with himself and fellow friars. Additionally, he recommends the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide book, which complements the podcast with daily scripture readings, reflections, and sacred art.

2. Scripture Reading and Context

The episode begins with a reading from Matthew 3:13-17, recounting Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames emphasizes the significance of this event as the dawn of the Trinity’s revelation:

“Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And behold a voice from heaven saying, this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” [00:00]

3. The Theological Themes of Jesus' Baptism

Fr. Ames identifies three core revelations from the Baptism of Jesus:

• The Trinity Revealed: The descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove and the Father’s voice proclaiming Jesus as His beloved Son.
• Jesus as the Messiah: Affirming Jesus as the awaited Anointed One destined to fulfill God’s plan for salvation.
• The Kingdom of God: Highlighting the inception of Jesus’ mission and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

He notes that while the fullness of this mystery unfolds at Pentecost, the baptism marks the beginning of its revelation.

4. The Significance of the Jordan River

Fr. Ames connects the Jordan River to its pivotal role in Israelite history, underscoring its symbolic importance:

• Joshua’s Crossing: The culmination of the Exodus.
• Elijah’s Ascension: Taken up to heaven at the river.
• Elisha’s Ministry: Initiation of his prophetic journey.
• Naaman’s Healing: Cured of leprosy in the Jordan.

This historical backdrop enriches the understanding of Jesus choosing the Jordan for His baptism, aligning with its deep-rooted spiritual significance.

5. John the Baptist’s Role

Fr. Ames elucidates the identity and mission of John the Baptist:

• Prophetic Fulfillment: As foretold by Isaiah, John is the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord.
• Distinct from the Messiah: John is not the awaited Savior but the herald proclaiming Jesus’ coming.

He underscores John's message of repentance and preparation for God's salvific intervention.

6. Insights from Pope Benedict

Drawing from Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Ames explores the transformative nature of John’s baptism:

“This baptism of John is meant to be the concrete reenactment of conversion that gives the whole of life a new direction.” [Timestamp not provided]

Key points include:

• Confession of Sins: Both general and personal confessions were integral to the practice.
• Symbolism of Water: Represented purification and a new beginning.
• Jesus’ Participation: By seeking baptism, Jesus identifies with sinners, prefiguring His ultimate sacrifice.

7. Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Scapegoat

Fr. Ames draws parallels between Jesus and Old Testament sacrificial themes:

• Lamb of God: Jesus fulfills the role of the Passover Lamb, an unblemished sacrifice whose blood ensures salvation.
• Scapegoat: Reflecting the Day of Atonement, where a goat bears the people’s iniquities into the wilderness, prefiguring Jesus carrying humanity’s sins to the cross.

These connections highlight Jesus’ role in atonement and redemption, embodying both the sacrificial lamb and the scapegoat.

8. Concluding Prayer Reflection

Fr. Ames concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to meditate on the grandeur of Jesus’ baptism and His role as the Lamb of God. He encourages believers to internalize the mystery, recognizing Jesus’ voluntary acceptance of humanity’s sins and His path to redemption.

9. Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [00:00]:

  “Each of the luminous mysteries... is going to reveal something of Jesus, specifically of the nature of Jesus, the nature of his mission and the nature of the kingdom of God.”

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  “Jesus loaded the burden of all mankind's guilt upon his shoulders, and he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan.”

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  “In John’s Gospel, as Jesus approaches, John the Baptist sees him, says, behold the Lamb of God.”

Conclusion

Day 34: "The Anointed One" offers a rich theological exploration of Jesus’ baptism, intertwining biblical narratives with deep Marian devotion. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames effectively bridges Scripture, tradition, and personal reflection, guiding listeners to a more profound understanding and love for the Rosary. This episode not only elucidates the significance of Jesus’ baptism but also invites believers to embrace the transformative power of prayer and meditation in their spiritual journey.

For the complete Rosary in a Year prayer plan, visit ascensionpress.com/riy.