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

Episode: Day 45: He Parted from Them (2026)

Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames reflects on the Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension. By meditating on Luke 24:50–53 and teachings from Pope Benedict XVI, he offers insights into the meaning of Christ’s ascension and its powerful implications for Christians today. The episode encourages listeners to see the Ascension not simply as Jesus “leaving,” but as an opening of hope and a new way to encounter God, culminating in a call to steadfast perseverance rooted in the promised new creation.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scriptural Foundation: The Ascension of Jesus

[01:15]

• Fr. Mark-Mary reads Luke 24:50–53: Jesus leads his disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and is “carried up into heaven”—after which the disciples worshipped him and “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”

2. The Meaning of “Glorification” in the Mysteries

[02:10]

• He explains the theme of “glorification” that runs through the glorious mysteries: these events are about something once familiar being transformed into a new, more radiant reality.

3. Interpreting the Ascension: Not Jesus ‘Going Away’

[03:20]

• While it superficially appears as if Jesus is departing, Fr. Mark-Mary insists the Ascension is actually Jesus’ “glorified presence,” not an absence.
• Quote:

  "He's not going away. His way of being present to us is being glorified, something new is happening." (03:35)

4. Pope Benedict XVI on Space, Presence, and Dominion

[04:05]

• Fr. Mark-Mary reads from Pope Benedict XVI to clarify that Christ’s Ascension isn’t a spatial journey:
• Quote (Benedict XVI via Fr. Mark-Mary):

  “Sitting at God's right hand means participating in his divine dominion over space. God is not in one space along other spaces. God is God. He is the premise and the ground of all the space there is, but He Himself is not part of it. His presence is not spatial, but divine." (04:15)

• The Ascension means Jesus now shares in this divine, all-encompassing presence.

5. Implications for Humanity: A Place in God

[06:10]

• Through the Ascension, Jesus—still fully human—enters into divine life, opening a way for all humanity.
• Quote:

  "What we notice for the first time is that humanity, as Jesus ascends with his human body, now enters into the life of God, the being of God, the presence of God in a new way." (06:20)

• Fr. Mark-Mary again cites Pope Benedict:

  “He who took flesh and now retains his humanity forever. He who has eternally opened up within God a space for humanity now calls the whole world into his open space in God, so that in the end, God may be all in all...” (06:45)

6. Personal Relevance: Hope and Endurance

[08:00]

• The Ascension is difficult to fully comprehend, but its mystery points Christians toward a “sure hope” that is meant to sustain them through suffering.
• Quote:

  "It’s an invitation to a hope that is sure... all wrongs are made right, all wounds are healed, all tears are wiped away… through the gift of faith…we ourselves will be invited to participate in this new creation..." (08:30)

7. Conclusion: A Call to Perseverance

[09:45]

• Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to let this hope “be a source of courage and strength and perseverance” as they journey through life’s spiritual and earthly trials.
• Quote:

  "Blessed are we who are called to live for all of eternity in our Father's house." (10:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He's not going away. His way of being present to us is being glorified, something new is happening." (03:35)
• Pope Benedict XVI: "Sitting at God's right hand means participating in his divine dominion over space... His presence is not spatial, but divine." (04:15)
• "What we notice for the first time is that humanity, as Jesus ascends with his human body, now enters into the life of God, the being of God, the presence of God in a new way." (06:20)
• "It's an invitation to a hope that is sure... through the gift of faith…we ourselves will be invited to participate in this new creation..." (08:30)
• "Blessed are we who are called to live for all of eternity in our Father's house." (10:05)

Important Timestamps

• [01:15] – Reading of Luke 24:50–53 (The Ascension scripture)
• [03:35] – Jesus’ Ascension is not absence, but glorified presence
• [04:15] – Pope Benedict XVI quote on Christ’s dominion over space
• [06:20] – Significance of human nature entering divine life
• [08:30] – The Ascension as “sure hope” for believers
• [10:05] – Fr. Mark-Mary’s final encouragement and blessing

Tone and Language

Father Mark-Mary speaks in a gentle, accessible, and theologically rich tone, blending scriptural reflection, doctrinal teaching, and personal encouragement. His style is inviting and pastoral, designed to deepen listeners’ understanding while offering practical spiritual hope.

Final Takeaway

The Ascension is not about Jesus leaving his followers behind, but about the unveiling of a glorified presence—an invitation for all humanity into the very life of God. In the midst of trials, this mystery offers a sure hope and the promise of a heavenly home, encouraging perseverance, courage, and trust in God’s redemptive plan.