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

Episode: Day 65 – Returning Home

Date: March 6, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 65, “Returning Home,” Fr. Mark-Mary Ames explores the meaning of the Ascension—the Second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary—inviting listeners to reflect on Jesus' return to the Father. Through scriptural meditation, personal anecdote, and insights from Pope Benedict XVI, this episode delves into why the Ascension is a source of profound joy, revealing how Christ’s return to heaven brings us closer, not further, from him.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Mystery of the Ascension

• Scripture Reading (Luke 24:50-53)
  Jesus leads the disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and is carried to heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem “with great joy” and worship continuously in the temple (00:59).
• Personal Reflection
  Fr. Mark-Mary admits that the Ascension is a challenging mystery to comprehend fully, despite praying and preaching on it many times (02:00).

  “If I’m honest, it’s one of my harder mysteries to really get—to really understand, like, its meaning. And it’s a big deal.” (02:05, Fr. Mark-Mary)

“Returning Home” – An Analogy

• Fr. Mark-Mary shares a video story of a young Irish Olympian being welcomed back at his school with a joyful celebration (02:40). He likens this to Jesus’ Ascension:

  “All of the angels, all of the archangels, they’re all gathered there, and there’s this huge procession and welcome home party…and they’re all singing and celebrating the return of their victorious King.” (03:18, Fr. Mark-Mary)

• The Ascension is depicted as a cosmic “welcome home,” not a loss, but a triumph.

The Paradox: Is Jesus Leaving Us?

• Fr. Mark-Mary addresses the possible feeling of “loss” among the apostles and listeners:

  “To the disciples and the apostles…It could feel like, well, actually the opposite. Like their Savior, their beloved one…appears that he’s actually leaving.” (03:58)

• He references Pope Benedict XVI, who draws from John 14:28:
  “I go away, and I will come to you.”
  Pope Benedict reassures that Jesus’ going away is not abandonment—the disciples returned “with great joy,” understanding that Jesus did not leave them.

Pope Benedict XVI’s Interpretation

• Key Insight:
  Jesus ascending is not absence, but a new, deeper presence (05:10).

  “Yeah, Jesus has gone away, but now and forever, by God’s own power, he’s present with us and for us.” (05:30, Fr. Mark-Mary paraphrasing Pope Benedict)

• Pope Benedict looks to Mark 6 (multiplication of loaves and Jesus walking on water):
  Jesus goes up a mountain (ascent) and, though physically distant, sees and comes to his disciples in need.

  “Because he is with the Father, he sees them...Because he is going to the Father, and in the Father, he’s even closer to us.” (06:30)

The Gift of the Spirit and New Proximity

• Jesus had promised, “It’s better for you that I go away, for if I do not go, the Counselor will not come to you” (John 16:7).
  The Ascension makes it possible for Christ to be present to all, not limited by time or space (08:00).
• With the coming of the Holy Spirit, believers gain a privileged access to Jesus—even more so than during his earthly life.

Memorable Quotes

• On the Ascension’s meaning:

  “It is, in fact, good news. It is the best of news that Jesus has ascended to the Father. And so, through the power of the Holy Spirit…we have an even more privileged access to Jesus...as he sits at the right hand of the Father than even the apostles and the disciples did.”
  (08:30, Fr. Mark-Mary)

• On joyful celebration:

  “Maybe we would begin with joining the angels in this praise…this joyful celebration of just praising Jesus, the glorious King, as he returns to his throne.”
  (09:20, Fr. Mark-Mary)

• On confidence in Christ’s presence:

  “We can be absolutely certain that he sees us and he hears us.”
  (09:45, Fr. Mark-Mary)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:59 – Introduction to the day’s mystery (The Ascension: Luke 24:50-53)
• 02:00 – Personal struggles in understanding the mystery
• 02:40 – The “welcome home” analogy
• 03:58 – Addressing feelings of loss/disconnection
• 05:10–06:30 – Pope Benedict’s reflections: Jesus’ new presence
• 08:00 – Jesus’ promise of the Spirit and new closeness
• 09:20 – Invitation to join heavenly praise
• 09:45 – Assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence

Conclusion & Practical Application

Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to enter into the joy of the Ascension, to celebrate Christ the victorious King, and to ask for the grace of radical confidence: Jesus, now at the Father’s right hand, truly sees, hears, and is present to each of us in a new way.

The episode ends with the praying of the Our Father, three Hail Marys, the Glory Be, and a blessing for all listeners, followed by encouragement to continue this shared journey tomorrow.

Tone: Gentle, reflective, encouraging.
For further reflection: Meditate on the Ascension as a joyful homecoming and on Christ’s enduring presence through the Spirit.