Summary of "Day 66: Wait and Pray" from The Rosary in a Year Podcast
Podcast Title: The Rosary in a Year
Episode: Day 66: Wait and Pray
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Host/Author: Ascension
Release Date: March 7, 2025
In the 66th episode of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the profound theme of patience and steadfastness in prayer. Titled "Wait and Pray," this episode intertwines biblical reflections, personal anecdotes, and spiritual insights to guide listeners through moments of trial and faith.
Introduction to Day 66: Wait and Pray
Fr. Mark-Mary opens the episode by setting the tone for the day’s reflection, emphasizing the transformative power of the Rosary in fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. He encourages listeners to utilize the Rosary in a Year prayer plan, available through Ascension, to cultivate a daily prayer habit that evolves over time.
Reflections on the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
Central to the episode is the scriptural passage from Acts 2:1-13, detailing the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Fr. Mark-Mary reads the passage thoughtfully:
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place and suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind..." (00:00)
He marvels at the diversity of languages spoken by the disciples, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event and its significance in empowering the early Church.
The Story of Father Innocent’s Second Conversion
Fr. Mark-Mary shares an inspiring story about Brother Father Innocent, a fellow friar whose experience exemplifies the episode's theme. He recounts Father Innocent's initial years in the friars, marked by exemplary devotion and active service. However, everything changed when Father Innocent underwent a routine back surgery that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
"He notices, like, the doctors and the nurses starting to visit with an increasing frequency. And eventually the doctor comes in and says... you’re paralyzed from the waist down." (00:XX)
Faced with this sudden disability, Father Innocent experienced profound vulnerability and dependence on God. Alone in the hospital, devoid of the comforts of his friar life, he reached out in prayer from a place of absolute need.
"He just cried out from this place of poverty to the Lord and my brothers and sisters, the Holy Spirit came. The Holy Spirit descended upon him, and Jesus came to him..." (00:XX)
Over nine months of physical therapy, Father Innocent regained movement, but his spiritual life was forever changed. No longer driven by the need to prove himself, he approached his duties with newfound freedom and unconditional love, deeply rooted in his assurance of God's unwavering support.
Lessons on Faith and Dependency on God
Fr. Mark-Mary draws parallels between Father Innocent’s experience and the biblical narrative of Pentecost. He emphasizes that just as the disciples waited and prayed for the Holy Spirit, believers today are called to trust in God's timing and power during their own times of need.
"We might experience a variety of pains and sufferings. And we're told of the good news of God... How can this be? And with Our Lady, like God says, like, wait and pray..." (00:XX)
Connection to the Day of Pentecost
The episode revisits the Day of Pentecost, highlighting the disciples' reliance on prayer during their moment of need. Fr. Mark-Mary underscores that the Holy Spirit's arrival was not a response to their attempts to force a solution but a gift received through patient prayer and trust.
"Jesus says to them, I will ascend to my Father, and I will send the promise of the Father... wait and pray." (00:XX)
Encouragement to Wait and Pray
Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to emulate the disciples' example by embracing moments of uncertainty with faith and patience. He reassures that God’s promises are steadfast and that prayer is a powerful conduit for receiving His grace.
"The Holy Spirit will come. With this confidence and hope, let us pray." (05:45)
Integrating the Rosary in Daily Life
Concluding the episode, Fr. Mark-Mary ties the reflections back to the Rosary, advocating it as a means to deepen one's spiritual life and foster a closer relationship with Jesus and Mary. He invites listeners to continue their journey with the Rosary in a Year prayer plan, promising ongoing spiritual growth and the acquisition of grace.
Notable Quotes
- "Wait and pray. Nothing will be impossible for God." (00:XX)
- "He is living as a son who knows he's loved." (02:30)
- "The Holy Spirit will come. With this confidence and hope, let us pray." (05:45)
Conclusion
"Day 66: Wait and Pray" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of patience, trust, and unwavering faith in God’s plan. Through the inspiring story of Father Innocent and the biblical account of Pentecost, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames reinforces the message that in times of trial, believers are called to wait in prayer, confident in the knowledge that God’s grace is ever-present and transformative.
Listeners are left with a renewed commitment to their prayer lives, encouraged to persevere through challenges by drawing strength from the Rosary and the example of saints like Father Innocent.