Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) – Day 43: The Veil is Torn

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Published on: February 12, 2025
Podcast: Ascension’s Rosary in a Year

Introduction

In Day 43: The Veil is Torn, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deeply into the fifth sorrowful mystery of the Rosary—the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Guided by reflections inspired by Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Ames offers listeners a profound meditation on the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, drawing connections between scripture, tradition, and personal spiritual growth.

Reflection 1: Jesus’ Cry of Abandonment

Fr. Ames begins by recounting the biblical account of the Crucifixion, specifically highlighting Luke 23:33-46. He focuses on Jesus' poignant prayer from Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This expression of profound anguish is not merely a moment of despair but a powerful theological statement.

Fr. Ames [00:28]:
“Jesus is praying the great psalm of suffering Israel, and so he's taken upon himself all the tribulation, not just of Israel, but of all those in this world who suffer from God's concealment.”

Drawing from Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Ames emphasizes that Jesus embodies the collective suffering and feelings of abandonment experienced by humanity. This cry is transformed into a beacon of hope and redemption:

Fr. Ames [04:00]:
“In the crucifixion of our Lord, in his praying of Psalm 22, his cry to the Father, we have the certainty of an answer from God that he sees us and that he hears us.”

This segment encourages listeners to relate their own moments of spiritual desolation to Jesus' experience, reassuring them of God's attentive presence and the promise of salvation.

Reflection 2: The Veil is Torn

Transitioning to Matthew’s account, Fr. Ames reflects on the dramatic event at the moment of Jesus' death—the tearing of the temple curtain.

Fr. Ames [06:02]:
“The tearing of this curtain means that the era of the old temple and its sacrifices are over. This is Pope Benedict's words. Symbols and rituals are now overtaken by the reality.”

The curtain, or veil, in the Holy of Holies symbolized the separation between God and humanity, accessible only to the high priest once a year. Its tearing signifies the end of old sacrificial systems and the opening of a direct pathway to God through Jesus' sacrifice.

Fr. Ames [06:02]:
“God himself has removed the veil and revealed himself in the crucified Jesus as the one who loves to the point of death.”

This revelation underscores the accessibility of divine grace and the personal relationship available to all believers, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus' love and sacrifice.

Conclusion: Embracing the Open Pathway to God

Fr. Ames concludes his meditation by urging listeners to embrace the profound truths revealed through the Crucifixion. He invites them to live in gratitude and hope, recognizing that the pathway to God is now open to each individual.

Fr. Ames [07:50]:
“The pathway to God is open. Let us pray. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer

The episode concludes with Fr. Ames leading the traditional prayers of the Rosary, including the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, fostering a moment of communal prayer and reflection.

Key Takeaways:

• Deepened Understanding of Suffering: Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross serves as a universal expression of human suffering and God's unwavering presence.

• Transformation Through Sacrifice: The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the end of old religious rituals and the beginning of a direct, personal relationship with God through Jesus.

• Invitation to Personal Reflection: Listeners are encouraged to relate their own spiritual struggles to the mysteries of the Rosary, finding hope and assurance in God's grace.

• Emphasis on Gratitude and Hope: Recognizing the open pathway to God inspires a life of thanksgiving, joy, and active participation in the divine plan of salvation.

Notable Quotes:

• “Jesus is praying the great psalm of suffering Israel...” [00:28]

• “In the crucifixion of our Lord, in his praying of Psalm 22... we have the certainty of an answer from God.” [04:00]

• “God himself has removed the veil and revealed himself in the crucified Jesus...” [06:02]

For More:

Listeners are encouraged to download the complete prayer plan and continue their journey through the Rosary in a Year by visiting Ascension Press.

Stay Connected:

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God bless you on your spiritual journey!