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

Episode: Day 360 — The Sorrowful Mysteries
Date: December 26, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Podcast: Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 360 of the Rosary in a Year, Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners in prayerful meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. He intersperses each decade with reflective insights rooted in Scripture, pastoral wisdom, and personal experience. The episode focuses on deepening the listener’s relationship with Jesus and Mary through honest prayer, scriptural meditation, and imaginative prayer. Notably, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages authenticity, receptivity to God’s will, gratitude, and contemplation of Christ’s sacrificial love.

Key Discussion Points & Spiritual Insights

1. Opening and Purpose

• The Rosary is described as "a source of grace for the whole world," drawing us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary (00:14).
• Fr. Mark-Mary briefly introduces the day’s focus: praying and meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries (00:45).

2. The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

[03:16-05:11]

• Scriptural Foundation: Cites Matthew 26:39, where Jesus prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
• Insight: The act of repeatedly addressing God as “my Father” in the midst of agony shows Jesus’ trust and relationship.
• Personal Reflection:

  “This is how Jesus goes through his agony: in relationship with his Father, bringing sincerely what he needs to his Father, not watering it down, being honest.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (03:49)

• Invitation: Listeners are called to bring their own agonies before God in sincere, daughterly or son-like prayer, imitating Christ’s honesty and trust.

  “We have to navigate this like Jesus does. My Father, My Father, My Father.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (04:16)

3. The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

[10:59-13:49]

• Scriptural Foundation: Matthew 27:26 — Barabbas is released, Jesus is scourged.
• Insight: The irony and tragedy of the crowd choosing Barabbas (“Son of the Father”) over Jesus, the true Son.

  “There’s great irony here...the crowd chooses, like this counterfeit worldly Son of the Father instead of the—the Son of the Father who comes to save us.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (10:59)

• Examination: Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to reflect on how, consciously or unconsciously, they might choose worldly solutions (“Barabbas”) instead of God’s way.
• Key Point: Jesus responds not with violence, but with receptivity and trust—modeling docility over aggression.

4. The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

[13:49-15:37]

• Scriptural Foundation: Matthew 27:29 — Jesus is mockingly crowned by Roman soldiers.
• Insight: The crowning with thorns is a “unique evil” not found in normal Roman punishment, yet in this suffering, Jesus’ kingship and victory shine through.

  “The condemned one, the scourged one, the crowned one, the one who will be crucified, is indeed the victorious one. Even here, even through this evil, Jesus is victorious. And God is working for the good.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (14:58)

5. The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

[19:11-23:23]

• Scriptural Foundation: Matthew 27:32 — Simon of Cyrene is compelled to help Jesus.
• Imaginative Prayer: Fr. Mark-Mary invites the listener to place themselves in Simon’s shoes:

  “You find yourself so close to Jesus. What do you want to say to Jesus as you help him carry the cross...how do you want to console his heart?” — Fr. Mark-Mary (19:26)

• Response: A call to express words of love, gratitude, and adoration: “Thank you, Jesus. I love you, Jesus. I adore you.”

6. The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

[23:23-25:20]

• Scriptural Foundation: Luke 23:45 — The temple veil is torn in two.
• Theological Reflection:

  “The era of the old temple and its sacrifices are over...God himself has removed the veil and revealed himself in the crucified one as one who loves to the point of death.” — Fr. Mark-Mary quoting Pope Benedict XVI (24:41)

• Gratitude: Listeners are urged to rejoice that, through Christ’s sacrifice, “the pathway to God is now wide open” (24:58).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authentic Prayer:

  “Let us pray as Jesus prayed: sincerely, honestly, but always in right relationship to our Heavenly Father.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (04:58)

• On Choosing the True Savior:

  “Are there ways in which we ourselves are shouting like we want Barabbas instead of...Jesus?” — Fr. Mark-Mary (11:25)

• On Suffering & Victory:

  “Even through this evil, Jesus is victorious. And God is working for the good.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (14:58)

• On Imaginative Prayer:

  “How do you want to console his heart? As we pray, let us speak words of love, of gratitude, of adoration to Jesus, our Lord, and our Savior.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (19:26)

• On the Veil Torn:

  “Today let us be moved with gratitude and joy that...the pathway to God is now wide open.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (24:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:16: First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden — Reflection and decade
• 10:59: Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar — Reflection and decade
• 13:49: Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns — Reflection and decade
• 19:11: Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross — Imaginative reflection and decade
• 23:23: Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion — Reflection and decade
• 29:08: Conclusion of Rosary and closing prayers

Episode Takeaways

• The Sorrowful Mysteries provide a framework for encountering the depths of Jesus’ love and offer a model for honest, faithful prayer.
• Listeners are encouraged to identify with Christ in his agony, suffering, and love; to examine where they might prefer comfort over God’s way; and to receive with gratitude the opening of the pathway to God made possible by Christ’s sacrifice.
• The episode blends scriptural meditation, saintly insight, and practical encouragement in a gentle, reflective tone.

For the full prayer plan and additional spiritual resources, visit Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year.