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

Episode: Day 37: To Be Transfigured (2026)
Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Produced by: Ascension

Main Theme & Purpose

Day 37 centers around the fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration. Fr. Mark-Mary explores how the Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and prophets, offers hope in our destination of divine glory, and invites listeners to listen, follow, and be transformed into Christ’s likeness. The episode ties biblical, historical, and spiritual significance to our daily prayer journey, encouraging deeper union with Jesus and the Father through the Rosary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Transfiguration Passage & Setting

(01:36–03:14)

• Fr. Mark-Mary reads Matthew 17:1-13, recounting Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and being transfigured before them.
• Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the prophets, and God the Father’s voice from a bright cloud proclaims:

  "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." (03:00)

2. The “Mystery of Light Par Excellence”

(03:19–05:05)

• Fr. Mark-Mary cites Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, calling the Transfiguration:

  "The mystery of light par excellence." (03:32)

• This event is framed as the pinnacle of the Luminous Mysteries, showing not only Christ’s glory, but where we, as followers, are ultimately headed: to share in divine glory.

3. Connection to Salvation History: Exodus and Moses

(05:10–07:37)

• The episode roots the Transfiguration in Exodus 24, comparing Jesus' ascent to the mountaintop with Moses on Sinai.

• Parallels are drawn:

  • Both involve a cloud, God’s presence, and revelation.
  • Moses receives the Law; Jesus fulfills and perfects the Law.
  • After Moses’ encounter, his face shines and he veils it—the transfigured Jesus is unveiled glory.

• Fr. Mark-Mary highlights:

  "Moses has done his part. The prophets, represented by Elijah, they have done their part. There’s no more need for prophets. We have the one they were proclaiming in Jesus." (07:02)

4. Jesus as Fulfillment and the New Exodus

(07:38–09:10)

• Jesus not only fulfills the Law and prophets but brings about a definitive new Exodus through his coming Passion and Resurrection.
• We, as the faithful, are not just onlookers but called to share in this glory, not remaining in slavery but journeying to freedom and glory with Christ.

5. “Listen to Him”: Commentary and Spiritual Invitation

(09:11–11:04)

• Fr. Mark-Mary draws on Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis’ commentary, “Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word,” focusing on the command “listen to him”:

  "For Jesus is the only thing the Father ever has to say to us. All that the Father has to say for us is Jesus." (09:44)

• Listening goes beyond obedience:

  "If you abide with him and listen to him in the same way as he and I always abide with and listen to each other, then you will experience the same divine delight…that is the very substance of our life as God."

• Our ultimate destiny is participation in the relationship and delight Christ shares with the Father.

6. Application: Our Call to Transformation

(11:05–12:00)

• The reason for prayer, the Rosary, and faith practice:

  "So that we can be more and more ourselves transformed into the image and likeness of the one who was transfigured on Tabor." (11:27)

• A call to trust in the promise of sharing Christ’s glory. Even as we follow Him to the cross, the cross is not our end—glory is.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uniqueness of Jesus:

  "There’s no more need for prophets. We have the one they were proclaiming in Jesus." (07:02)

• On God’s message to us:

  "All that the Father has to say for us is Jesus." (09:44)

• On sharing in divine delight:

  "If you abide with him … then you will experience the same divine delight … that is the very substance of our life as God." (10:15)

• On the end of our pilgrimage:

  "Sharing in his glory, in his relationship with the Father. That’s where we’re headed, my brothers and sisters. That’s the end of this new exodus." (11:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:24: Welcome, overview, episode setup
• 01:36–03:14: Proclamation of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
• 03:19–05:05: “The mystery of light par excellence”: context and significance
• 05:10–07:37: Exodus parallels: Mount Sinai and the giving of the Law
• 07:38–09:10: Jesus as fulfillment of the Law, prophets, and the new Exodus
• 09:11–11:04: Commentary on "Listen to him" and spiritual application
• 11:05–12:00: Personal transformation and the promise of sharing in Christ’s glory
• 12:01–End: Closing prayers and blessing

Tone and Language

Fr. Mark-Mary’s style is warm, invitational, and Scripture-centered. The episode is reflective, pastoral, and gently challenging, aiming to draw listeners into deeper contemplation and hope for their own journey of transfiguration.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The Transfiguration isn’t just about Jesus’ glory, but about our destiny—to share in His relationship with the Father through faithful listening and following.
• Jesus fulfills all the hopes and promises of the Law and prophets.
• Through prayer and the Rosary, we move step by step toward being transformed into Christ’s likeness, with the cross as a gateway, not a conclusion, to the ultimate glory.