The Rosary in a Year: Day 37 - To Be Transfigured

Presented by Ascension

Introduction to Day 37: The Transfiguration

In Episode Day 37 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the profound mystery of the Transfiguration, referred to as the "Mystery of Light Par Excellence." This episode invites listeners to explore the deeper dimensions of the Rosary, fostering a transformative relationship with Jesus and Mary through prayer and meditation.

Biblical Foundations: The Transfiguration Narrative

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by recounting the biblical account of the Transfiguration from the Gospel of Matthew (17:1-13). He emphasizes the significance of this event as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John.

"After six days, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart, and He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light." [00:00]

He highlights the appearance of Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets, conversing with Jesus. This scene serves as a testament to Jesus as the fulfillment of both, bridging the Old and New Testaments.

Theological Insights: The Mystery of Light

Fr. Mark-Mary references Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter on the Most Holy Rosary, which classifies the Transfiguration as the "Mystery of Light Par Excellence." He elaborates on how this mystery illuminates the ultimate purpose of the Christian journey.

"Jesus is the fulfillment of Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets. He reveals Himself to be the Lord of glory, in communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit." [05:30]

This revelation positions Jesus at the culmination of salvation history, inviting believers to share in His divine glory and eternal relationship with the Trinity.

Fulfillment of Moses and Elijah: From Sinai to Tabor

Fr. Mark-Mary draws a parallel between the Transfiguration and Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, as described in Exodus 24. He explains that just as Moses received the Law amidst a cloud of glory, Jesus fulfills this revelation by embodying both the Law and the Prophets.

"Jesus took them up a high mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days, the cloud covered the mountain again, pointing to the fulfillment here in Jesus of this cloud of glory." [10:15]

By doing so, Jesus completes what Moses began, establishing a new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection.

The Mystery of Light: Reveling in Divine Glory

Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that the Transfiguration is not just a historical event but a glimpse into the eternal destiny awaiting believers. He underscores that the ultimate goal is to participate in the same divine intimacy and glory that Jesus shares with the Father.

"We are headed to share in this same glory, in the same relationship of belovedness and glory and power that Jesus has with His Father." [15:45]

This vision reinforces the transformative power of the Rosary, guiding believers towards spiritual completion and divine communion.

Ultimate Goal: Sharing in Divine Glory

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the commentary by Father Simeon (Erasmo Leva Maricakis) from Fire of Mercy, Heart of the Word, highlighting the profound message of obedience and relationship conveyed in the Transfiguration.

"The only word the Father has to speak to us is Jesus. 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 within your beings." [20:10]

He reiterates that the journey of faith, as guided by the Rosary, is aimed at being transformed into the likeness of Christ, culminating in sharing His eternal glory.

Conclusion and Prayer: Embracing the Transformed Life

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode by inviting listeners to pray for the grace to embrace the transformation promised in the Transfiguration. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus through prayer, obedience, and the Rosary to achieve the ultimate fulfillment in divine glory.

"As Jesus goes from Tabor, from this mountain down, ultimately to the cross, may we remain with Him, listen to Him, be obedient to Him, journey with Him knowing that the cross is not the end, but sharing in His glory." [25:30]

The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer, encouraging listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as they continue their pilgrimage of faith.

Key Takeaways

• Transfiguration as a Fulfillment: Jesus embodies the completion of the Law and the Prophets, fulfilling the roles of Moses and Elijah.

• Mystery of Light Par Excellence: This mystery illuminates the believer's ultimate goal of sharing in divine glory and eternal relationship with the Trinity.

• Transformation Through the Rosary: Engaging in the Rosary fosters a transformative relationship with Jesus and Mary, guiding believers towards spiritual completion.

• Prayer and Obedience: Listening to and obeying Jesus' teachings is essential for experiencing divine intimacy and fulfillment.

Notable Quotes

• "The mystery of light par excellence reveals to us the fullness of the truth of our end, our completion, where this whole journey, this pilgrimage of faith is headed." – Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:30]

• "The only word the Father has to speak to us is Jesus... you will experience the same divine delight within your beings." – Fr. Mark-Mary Ames referencing Father Simeon [20:10]

Final Reflections

Day 37 of The Rosary in a Year podcast offers a deep exploration of the Transfiguration, encouraging listeners to view it as the pinnacle of their spiritual journey. Through Fr. Mark-Mary's insightful teaching, believers are reminded of their destiny to partake in divine glory, urging them to persevere in prayer and devotion.

For the complete prayer plan, visit Ascension Press. To continue this transformative journey, subscribe to the podcast on the Ascension app and join Fr. Mark-Mary and fellow friars in daily prayers and reflections.

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you on your journey towards being transfigured in Christ.