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

Episode: Day 49: How Can This Be? (2026)
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Ascension)
Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames returns to the Joyful Mysteries, beginning a new approach to meditating on the Rosary by focusing on the "spiritual sense" of the mysteries. He draws listeners into a deeper understanding of the Annunciation as told in Luke 1:26-38, highlighting Mary's faithful response to God's mysterious will. This reflective episode invites listeners to imitate Mary's trust and acceptance in their own spiritual journeys.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transition from Literal to Spiritual Reflection

• Fr. Mark-Mary explains a shift in focus:

  “As you know, we just looked at them a little bit more of an exegetical looking at the literal sense … We're going to be focusing now as we move through the mysteries on what we historically call the spiritual sense.” (02:10)

• The approach involves reading the Gospel passage and then giving a homily-style reflection, inviting spiritual grace for each mystery.

2. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)

• The Gospel is read aloud, immersing listeners in the scene of the Annunciation:

  “In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph... ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.’” (03:00–05:05)

• Key moments highlighted:

  • Mary’s initial fear and confusion at Gabriel’s greeting.
  • The angel’s reassurance: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
  • The mystery unfolded: Mary is to conceive Jesus, the Son of the Most High.
  • Mary’s iconic question: “How can this be, since I have no husband?”
  • Gabriel’s answer: the Holy Spirit will come upon her — “For with God, nothing will be impossible.”
  • Mary’s surrender: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.”

3. The Privileged Insight into Mary’s Interior Life

• Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes the unique window this Gospel passage offers:

  “I can't say enough of how rich a gift this gospel passage is … as the most privileged insight into the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” (06:10)

• He describes Mary’s response as fully human—she’s troubled, questions, and processes what she hears, but she does so in faith.

• Relating to listeners’ lives:

  “The more the mystery is revealed, the more God’s plan is revealed, like, kind of the more questions we have … Mary will not have perfect understanding. She won't know the 40 year plan or the 30 year plan. So she doesn't have perfect understanding, but she does have perfect faith.” (09:45)

4. Faith Amid Uncertainty—Mary’s Example for Us

• Mary’s persevering faith is held up as the model for Christian life:

  “She questions, but with faith. And she remains. And she continues to make the journey. Be it done unto me according to your word.” (12:20)

• The recurring refrain throughout Jesus’ life: Mary repeats her surrender in each new mystery and challenge—at the temple, during his ministry, at the cross.

  “As Jesus is arrested and taken before Pilate and ultimately crucified, Mary is going to be there … be it done unto me according to your word.” (14:45)

5. Invitation to the Listeners

• Fr. Mark-Mary invites the community to bring their own mysteries and troubles before God with faith, echoing Mary’s words:

  “I may not have perfect understanding, but, Lord, give me perfect faith. Give me perfect trust. Give me perfect confidence. Bringing before the Lord the mystery of our life … Let’s bring them before the Lord with faith and with Mary. Let us say, behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.” (16:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the passage’s gift:
  “I can't say enough of how rich a gift this gospel passage is … most privileged insight into the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” (06:10)

• On Mary’s humanity and faith:
  “She doesn't have perfect understanding, but she does have perfect faith.” (09:50)

• On journey through mystery:
  “She questions, but with faith. And she remains. And she continues to make the journey. Be it done unto me according to your word.” (12:20)

• Invitation to trust:
  “I may not have perfect understanding, but, Lord, give me perfect faith.” (16:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–02:10 – Introduction, thanks to supporters, and overview of new approach
• 02:10–03:00 – Explanation of spiritual reflection focus
• 03:00–05:05 – Reading of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
• 06:10 – “Rich gift” of the Gospel passage; insight into Mary’s heart
• 09:45–10:10 – Relating Mary’s questioning and faith to our own path
• 12:20–13:00 – Model of faith: Mary’s ‘yes’ in every mystery
• 14:45–15:30 – Mary’s faith through Jesus’s ministry and Passion
• 16:20–17:20 – Prayerful invitation: bring life’s mysteries to God in faith

Flow & Tone

Fr. Mark-Mary’s voice is meditative, pastoral, and gently instructive. He intertwines scriptural insight with spiritual encouragement, making the episode feel both like a homily and a personal spiritual direction session. Throughout, his tone is warm and invitational, encouraging listeners to trust God as Mary did.

Concluding Prayer & Reflection

The episode concludes with:

• The Sign of the Cross
• The Our Father
• Three Hail Marys
• The Glory Be

Each prayer is offered as a meditative response to Mary’s example of trust.

Summary Takeaway

Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners into the mystery of the Annunciation, inviting them to model Mary’s openness to God’s will—even amid uncertainty. The listener is called to accept life’s mysteries, bring questions to the Lord, and respond with faith, echoing Mary’s “Let it be to me according to your word.”