The Rosary in a Year: Day 49 - "How Can This Be?"

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Podcast: The Rosary in a Year
Produced by: Ascension
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In Day 49 of Ascension's The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the profound moments of the Annunciation, exploring Mary's encounter with the Angel Gabriel as depicted in Luke 1:26-38. This episode, titled "How Can This Be?", offers listeners a deep reflection on faith, trust, and the human experience of divine mysteries.

Recap of the Gospel Passage

Fr. Ames begins by reading the Gospel passage from Luke 1:26-38, which narrates the Angel Gabriel's visit to Mary in Nazareth. The passage captures Mary's astonishment and her initial questioning in response to Gabriel's announcement that she would conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God, despite being a virgin.

Notable Quote:

"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 of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary."
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Fr. Ames's Reflections and Insights

1. Mary's Human Experience and Faith

Fr. Ames highlights Mary's humanity in the passage. She is portrayed as a young woman simply going about her daily life when confronted with an extraordinary divine message. Mary's initial reaction is one of great trouble and contemplation as she tries to comprehend the angel's greeting and message.

Notable Quote:

"She was greatly troubled at the same, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be."
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2. The Dialogue Between Mary and the Angel

As the angel reveals more about God's plan, Mary's faith is continually tested. She questions how she can bear a child without a husband, reflecting a natural human response to an unimaginable situation. The angel's responses assure her of God's power and His ability to make the impossible possible, as seen in Elizabeth's miraculous conception despite her old age.

Notable Quote:

"Why can this be, since I have no husband?"
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3. Mary's Profound Trust and Acceptance

Despite her understandable doubts, Mary's unwavering faith shines through her ultimate acceptance: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." This declaration epitomizes her complete trust and submission to God's will, serving as a model for believers facing their own life mysteries.

Notable Quote:

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word."
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4. The Journey of Faith in Everyday Life

Fr. Ames draws parallels between Mary's journey and the listener's own spiritual journey. He emphasizes that life continually presents unforeseen challenges and mysteries, much like the unexpected message Gabriel brought to Mary. The key takeaway is to approach these moments with faith, trust, and openness, mirroring Mary's disposition.

Notable Quote:

"We receive it, we process it with the Lord, and again and again we say, 'Be it done unto me according to Your word.'"
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Application to Personal Spirituality

Fr. Ames encourages listeners to emulate Mary's example by:

• Building a Daily Prayer Habit: Starting small with daily prayers can cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

• Embracing Mysteries with Trust: Accepting life's uncertainties with faith, much like Mary did during the Annunciation.

• Seeking Grace Through Devotion: Engaging in the Rosary as a pathway to receiving grace and becoming a source of that grace for others.

Concluding Reflections and Prayer

The episode concludes with Fr. Ames leading the listeners in prayers, reinforcing the themes of trust and submission to God's will. He reiterates the importance of placing one's life and its mysteries before the Lord with faith, inspired by Mary's exemplary response.

Notable Quote:

"Let us say, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.'"
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Key Takeaways

• Mary’s Example: Mary embodies perfect faith and trust in God, serving as a beacon for believers.

• Faith Amidst Uncertainty: Embracing God's plans, even when they defy natural expectations, leads to spiritual growth.

• Daily Devotion: Establishing regular prayer practices like the Rosary can transform one's spiritual life and deepen the relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames provides a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Mary's encounter with Gabriel, urging listeners to adopt a similar posture of faith and trust in their spiritual journeys. By reflecting on Mary's response, believers are inspired to navigate their own life challenges with grace and unwavering faith.

Stay Connected:
For the complete prayer plan and additional resources, visit Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year.

Thank you for joining Fr. Ames on this transformative journey of faith. Stay tuned for the next episode as we continue to deepen our prayer life through the Rosary.