Day 45: He Parted from Them - The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Day 45: He Parted from Them

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

Published: Fri Feb 14 2025

What does Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, body and soul, mean for us? Fr. Mark-Mary explains that this mystery is more than Jesus joining the Father in Heaven: the Ascension has implications for our future destiny. For the first time, humanity enters into the life of God as Jesus’ human body enters heaven. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Ascension, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 45: He Parted from Them)

Podcast Information:

Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode: Day 45: He Parted from Them
Release Date: February 14, 2025

Overview: In Day 45 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves into the second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: The Ascension of Jesus. This episode offers a profound exploration of the theological and spiritual implications of the Ascension, drawing from Scripture, the writings of Pope Benedict XVI, and personal reflections to guide listeners deeper into their prayer life and relationship with Jesus and Mary.

1. Introduction to the Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by recapping the journey through the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, emphasizing the progression from the Resurrection to the Ascension. He highlights how each mystery reveals the glorification of a previous reality, underscoring the transformative nature of these events in the life of Jesus and for believers.

"As we move through the glorious mysteries, what we'll be seeing is the glorification of a previous reality way of being. Something new is happening, something is being glorified."
[05:20]

2. Biblical Foundations of the Ascension

Fr. Ames references Luke 24:50-53, where Jesus leads His disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven. He connects this passage to Psalm 110, interpreting Jesus' ascension as a participation in the divine dominion over space alongside the Father.

"Traditionally, the way to understand what's happening here is to go to Psalm 110... he is returning to the right hand of the Father."
[12:45]

3. Theological Insights on God's Presence

Delving deeper, Fr. Ames cites Pope Benedict XVI to explain the nature of God's presence in relation to space. He elucidates that God's presence is divine, not spatial, and that Jesus' ascension signifies a shift from a physical, limited existence to a glorified, divine presence.

"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."
[18:30]

4. Implications for Believers

Fr. Ames explores the implications of the Ascension for believers both in their present lives and their future destiny. He explains that Jesus' glorified presence offers a new access to God, inviting humanity into a new creation characterized by justice, healing, and eternal communion with the Father.

"There will be a new creation where justice reigns, where all wrongs are made right... we have a place at the right hand of the Father, in Him."
[27:10]

5. Hope and Eternal Perspective

Acknowledging the challenges of understanding such profound theological concepts, Fr. Ames emphasizes the hope that the Ascension brings. He assures listeners that despite the hardships of earthly life, the promise of a glorified existence filled with grace and divine presence offers courage and strength to persevere.

"It's an invitation to a hope that is sure... Blessed are we who are called to live for all of eternity in our Father's house."
[34:50]

6. Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Ames concludes the reflection with a heartfelt prayer, reaffirming the themes of the episode and inviting listeners to internalize the hope and joy that the Ascension signifies. He leads the traditional Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be prayers, fostering a communal spirit of devotion and contemplation.

"May this hope be for us a source of courage and strength and perseverance as we still travel through the various trials and tribulations of our pilgrimage which is our earthly life."
[42:15]

Key Takeaways:

The Ascension marks a pivotal moment of Jesus' glorification and a transition from His physical presence to a divine, everlasting presence.
Psalm 110 and the writings of Pope Benedict XVI provide a theological framework for understanding God's omnipresent and non-spatial nature.
Believers are invited into a new creation, promising eternal communion with God and a hope that sustains through earthly challenges.
Prayer and meditation on the Glorious Mysteries deepen the relationship with Jesus and Mary, fostering spiritual growth and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

"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."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [18:30]
"There will be a new creation where justice reigns, where all wrongs are made right... we have a place at the right hand of the Father, in Him."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [27:10]
"Blessed are we who are called to live for all of eternity in our Father's house."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [34:50]

Final Thoughts:

Day 45's episode of "The Rosary in a Year" by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames offers a deep and reflective exploration of the Ascension, encouraging listeners to embrace the transformative power of prayer and the hope of eternal life. By intertwining Scripture, theological insights, and personal reflections, Fr. Ames provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to enrich their spiritual journey through the Rosary.

For those interested in following along or accessing additional resources, please visit Ascension’s Rosary in a Year prayer plan or download the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide to complement your listening experience.