Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 67: He Has Promised

Host: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Introduction

In Day 67: He Has Promised of The Rosary in a Year podcast, hosted by Ascension and featuring Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, listeners are guided through a profound reflection on trust, promises, and the fulfillment of God's word as exemplified in the life of Mary. This episode delves deep into the spiritual journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's promises even when their fulfillment seems distant.

Biblical Foundations

1. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-56) Fr. Mark-Mary begins by reading and reflecting on the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise (00:50 - 04:30). He highlights Mary's humility and exaltation, illustrating how God honors the lowly and fulfills His promises.

Fr. Mark-Mary (00:50): "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

2. Jesus' Promise in Matthew 19:29 Transitioning to the New Testament, Fr. Mark-Mary references Matthew 19:29 to underscore Jesus' assurance to His followers about the rewards of sacrifices made for His name.

Fr. Mark-Mary (07:15): "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life."

Personal Testimony: Trusting God's Promises

Fr. Mark-Mary shares a pivotal moment from his youth when he grappled with discerning his vocation. Faced with the challenge of leaving behind a comfortable life, he found solace and assurance in Jesus' promise of abundant reward.

Fr. Mark-Mary (10:20): "God had made this promise to all of us, to me, to Peter... trust that fulfillment will come."

The Nacho Story: A Lesson in Faith

A memorable anecdote illustrates God's faithful provision. While on a mission trip, Fr. Mark-Mary desired nachos but upheld his vow of poverty. Instead of purchasing them himself, he prayed for God's provision and was miraculously served nachos that evening.

Fr. Mark-Mary (15:45): "That night, what was served in little grandma's house was nachos. It was a profound experience of the Father's care."

This story serves as a microcosm of trusting God with one's needs, reinforcing that He honors our sacrifices with greater blessings.

The Assumption of Mary: Fulfillment of Promises

Delving into the Assumption of Mary, Fr. Mark-Mary connects it to the theme of promise fulfillment. Mary's unwavering trust in God, despite facing suffering and privation, culminates in her Assumption—an ultimate fulfillment of God's promise.

Fr. Mark-Mary (22:10): "Mary remained with Him about three months and returned to her home... trusting in the Father's fidelity."

He emphasizes that Mary's Assumption is not just her personal glory but a source of grace for all believers, affirming that God's promises extend beyond individual experiences to the collective faith community.

Mary's Model of Faith

Mary's life exemplifies perfect trust and obedience to God. Her response to the divine call—"Let it be done unto me according to your word"—serves as a blueprint for believers facing uncertainties.

Fr. Mark-Mary (25:30): "She who believed that was spoken to her was not in vain."

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to emulate Mary's faith, especially during times of doubt and unfulfilled promises, trusting that God remains steadfast in His commitments.

Application to Daily Life

Fr. Mark-Mary bridges the theological insights with practical applications, urging listeners to:

• Build a Daily Prayer Habit: Integrate the Rosary into daily life to deepen the relationship with Jesus and Mary.

• Trust in God's Timing: Recognize that fulfillment may require patience and continued faith amidst unfulfilled promises.

• Seek Grace through Suffering: Understand that hardships are opportunities to grow in trust and reliance on God's goodness.

Conclusion and Encouragement

In wrapping up, Fr. Mark-Mary reinforces the assurance that God is faithful and His promises are sure. He invites listeners to embrace hope and trust, drawing inspiration from Mary's ultimate fulfillment in the Assumption.

Fr. Mark-Mary (29:20): "Let us pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... our hope is sure."

He concludes with prayers that encapsulate the episode's themes, inviting the faithful to seek God's guidance and Mary's intercession in their spiritual journeys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Trusting in Promises:
  "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life."
  [07:15]

• Faith in Action:
  "That night, what was served in little grandma's house was nachos. It was a profound experience of the Father's care."
  [15:45]

• Mary's Unwavering Belief:
  "She who believed that was spoken to her was not in vain."
  [25:30]

• Assurance of Hope:
  "Our hope is sure."
  [29:20]

Final Thoughts

Day 67: He Has Promised offers a rich exploration of faith, trust, and the fulfillment of divine promises through the lens of Mary's life and Fr. Mark-Mary's personal experiences. Listeners are left with a reinforced sense of hope and encouragement to persist in their spiritual journeys, trusting in God's unwavering fidelity.

For the complete prayer plan and further resources, visit Ascension Press.