Summary of "Day 65: Returning Home" – The Rosary in a Year Podcast

Host/Author: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Episode: Day 65: Returning Home

Introduction

In Day 65: Returning Home of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), delves into the second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: The Ascension of Jesus Christ. This episode, released on March 6, 2025, offers listeners a profound exploration of the Ascension's significance, blending biblical exegesis with personal reflections and theological insights.

Exploring the Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by anchoring the discussion in the biblical narrative of the Ascension, referencing Luke 24:50-53:

"Now the second glorious mystery is the Ascension, Luke chapter 24, verses 50 to 53."

He reads the passage:

"Then he led them out as far as Bethany and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven and they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple blessing God."

Personal Reflections on the Ascension

Acknowledging the complexity of the mystery, Fr. Mark-Mary shares his personal struggle to grasp its full meaning:

"If I'm honest, in my own time, as somebody who has prayed again and again and again with the Ascension of our Lord and also someone who has, you know, preached about the Ascension, walked with other people, if I'm honest, it's one of my harder mysteries to really get to really understand, like its meaning." (03:30)

He emphasizes the Ascension's paramount importance within the Church's liturgical calendar, highlighting its status as one of the highest feasts.

The Analogy of the Student Athlete’s Return

To elucidate the concept, Fr. Mark-Mary shares a poignant analogy:

"The first image that comes to mind is from like this video I saw a number of months ago and there was somewhere in Europe, it might have been Ireland, there was a young man who's probably 16 or 17 who is in the Olympics and he's returning back to school for the first time." (05:10)

In the video, students celebrate the athlete's victorious return with applause and joy. Fr. Mark-Mary parallels this to Jesus' Ascension, portraying it as a triumphant return to His heavenly home rather than a departure from His followers.

"There's something about this joyful celebration of one of their own who's returning home. That I think really makes sense of what is happening with the Ascension." (06:25)

Addressing Potential Confusion Among Disciples

Fr. Mark-Mary anticipates confusion akin to that which the disciples might have felt:

"To the disciples and the apostles, you know, that they're... it could feel like, well, actually the opposite, like their Savior, their beloved one, who they've come to believe in. It appears that he's actually leaving." (09:45)

Pope Benedict’s Interpretation

Referencing Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Mark-Mary provides a deeper theological perspective:

"Pope Benedict asked this question, and he really beautifully fleshes out beginning with the Gospel passage we just read the disciples, as they see Jesus ascending to heaven, they worshiped him, and then they returned with great joy." (11:15)

He explains that the Pope interpreted the Ascension not as a loss but as a transition to a closer relationship with God:

"Pope Benedict... Jesus has gone away, but now and forever, by God's own power, he's present with us and for us." (12:40)

The Presence of Jesus Through the Holy Spirit

Further exploring theological nuances, Fr. Mark-Mary connects the Ascension to Jesus’ ongoing presence:

"In John, chapter 16, verse 7, Jesus, he assures us it's better that he goes away, that when the Holy Spirit comes, this is good news." (15:30)

He emphasizes that through the Holy Spirit, believers have an intimate and perpetual connection with Christ:

"We have a privileged closeness to him that we share with the disciples. This is what Jesus says." (16:05)

Embracing the Ascension in Prayer

Encouraging listeners to integrate these insights into their prayer life, Fr. Mark-Mary invites them to join the celestial celebration:

"Maybe we would begin with joining the angels in this praise, in this joyful celebration of just praising Jesus, the glorious King, as he returns to his throne." (17:50)

He calls for a prayerful confidence, trusting in Jesus' eternal presence:

"We can be absolutely certain that he sees us and he hears us." (18:20)

Concluding Prayers and Final Thoughts

The episode culminates in a period of communal prayer, embodying the themes discussed. Fr. Mark-Mary leads the congregation in the Our Father, Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, fostering a sense of unity and devotion.

"Let us pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." (20:00)

He concludes with gratitude and an invitation to continue the journey:

"I thank you for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow." (21:30)

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the Ascension: Fr. Mark-Mary elucidates the Ascension as a triumphant return to the Father, enhancing the believers' relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

• Theological Insights: Leveraging Pope Benedict’s interpretations, the episode clarifies that the Ascension signifies not an absence but a deeper divine presence.

• Practical Application: Listeners are encouraged to embrace the Ascension in their daily prayers, fostering joy and confidence in Jesus' perpetual presence.

For the complete prayer plan and to continue your journey through the Rosary in a Year, visit Ascension Press.