Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) – Day 51: Moved With Awe

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Podcast: Ascension’s Rosary in a Year
Episode: Day 51: Moved With Awe

Introduction to Day 51: Moved With Awe

In Day 51: Moved With Awe, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the profound emotional and spiritual impact of the Nativity—the birth of Jesus Christ—and its resonance in our lives today. This episode encourages listeners to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and meditation.

The Third Joyful Mystery: Nativity Reading

Fr. Mark-Mary begins the episode by reflecting on the Third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: the Nativity. He reads the passage from Luke 2:1-20, recounting the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem amidst humble surroundings.

“And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered, and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” [02:15]

St. Francis of Assisi and the Creche

Transitioning from the biblical narrative, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the historical significance of the creche, attributing its creation to St. Francis of Assisi. He explains how St. Francis sought to recreate the manger scene to help others viscerally experience the humility and profoundness of Jesus' birth.

“What St. Francis did is the day before Christmas, he had a number of the brothers go and find a cave and prepare it in the manner of a manger.” [10:30]

This reenactment, known as the creche, includes hay, animals, and shepherds, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the Nativity story, much like Mary and Joseph did.

The Story of Fitz: Experiencing the Gift

Fr. Mark-Mary shares a poignant story from his experience at a homeless shelter in the South Bronx, drawing parallels to the Nativity scene. He recounts the visit of a man named Fitz, a recently released prisoner, to their Christmas Eve celebration.

“Fitz was just overwhelmed by the goodness, overwhelmed by the gifts upon gifts upon gifts that he had received.” [25:45]

During the event, Fitz observes the joyful celebrations with curiosity and hesitation. The friars and volunteers create a warm, festive atmosphere reminiscent of the Nativity, complete with carols, a special meal, and the distribution of gifts. Despite being surrounded by kindness and generosity, Fitz remains reserved, deeply moved by the experience.

Reflection on the Gift of Christ

Witnessing Fitz's emotional response, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the magnitude of God's gift to humanity—the birth of Christ. He draws a direct connection between Fitz's overwhelming gratitude and the awe that the shepherds and Mary likely felt during the Nativity.

“It is a gift so good, so undeserved, so beyond expectation. It's just too much.” [40:20]

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the episode: recognizing and embracing the overwhelming grace that the Rosary and the Nativity symbolize in our lives.

Invitation to Prayer

Building on these reflections, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to engage in a contemplative prayer, placing themselves before the manger in their imagination. He encourages them to visualize Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and the magi, fostering a personal connection with the divine gift.

“Perhaps you're joined by the shepherds and the magi and look at Jesus, this gift given for you. And ask the Lord for this, this holy movement of the heart, the holy grace, to receive the gift being given and to be moved with awe at this gift given us that is so undeserved, but so good and so true.” [55:10]

Conclusion with Prayers

The episode concludes with Fr. Mark-Mary leading listeners in the traditional prayers of the Rosary, including the Our Father, Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, reinforcing the episode's themes of gratitude, awe, and deeper spiritual connection.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” [60:05]

Fr. Mark-Mary expresses his gratitude to the listeners for joining in prayer and looks forward to continuing the spiritual journey together.

“My brothers and sisters, thank you so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” [61:30]

Key Takeaways:

1. Experiencing the Nativity: The episode underscores the importance of deeply experiencing the Nativity story through meditation, prayer, and even reenactment, much like St. Francis of Assisi did with the creche.

2. Overwhelming Grace: Through Fitz's story, listeners are reminded of the profound and sometimes overwhelming nature of God's grace and the gifts we receive through the Rosary.

3. Personal Connection: The invitation to place oneself before the manger emphasizes a personal and intimate connection with Jesus and Mary, fostering a transformative prayer experience.

4. Building a Prayer Habit: Consistent engagement with the Rosary, as guided by Fr. Mark-Mary, helps in forming a daily prayer habit that deepens one's spiritual life.

Notable Quotes:

• “It is a gift so good, so undeserved, so beyond expectation. It's just too much.” [40:20]
• “Perhaps you're joined by the shepherds and the magi and look at Jesus, this gift given for you.” [55:10]
• “Fitz was just overwhelmed by the goodness, overwhelmed by the gifts upon gifts upon gifts that he had received.” [25:45]

Final Thoughts:

Day 51 of The Rosary in a Year invites listeners to marvel at the miraculous gift of Christ's birth, encouraging a heartfelt and awe-filled response through prayer and meditation. By sharing relatable stories and profound reflections, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides individuals on a journey of deepening their spiritual relationship with Jesus and Mary, ultimately becoming a beacon of grace for the world.