Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 69: Nothing is Impossible)

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Produced by: Ascension
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Podcast Description: In Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through a transformative year-long journey of prayer and meditation, deepening their relationship with Jesus and Mary through the powerful Marian devotion of the Rosary.

Introduction to Phase Three

[00:00]
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames welcomes listeners to Phase Three of the Rosary in a Year program, celebrating the completion of the first two phases. He congratulates the audience on their commitment and encourages them to continue their spiritual journey with enthusiasm.

Key Highlights:

• Phase Three Focus: Introduction to Lectio Divina, a traditional method of scriptural meditation adapted for the podcast.
• Daily Readings: Emphasis on incorporating scripture, saint reflections, and sacred art through the accompanying Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide book.

Understanding Lectio Divina

Fr. Mark-Mary explains the structure and purpose of Lectio Divina, breaking it down into four main components:

1. Lectio (Reading):

   • Approach: Reading the scripture passage prayerfully, first in its entire context, then focusing on specific sections or even individual words.
   • Objective: To understand both the literal meaning and the personal, subjective experience of the passage.

2. Meditatio (Meditation):

   • Engagement: Delving deeper into the scripture through study, questioning, and imaginative reflection to bring the passage to life.

3. Oratio (Prayer):

   • Structure: Utilizes the Four Rs—Receive, Respond, Request, Rejoice—to guide the prayer experience.
     • Receive: Embracing the good news and revelations from God.
     • Respond: Offering adoration and reflecting on personal invitations to deeper conversion.
     • Request: Petitioning for the grace to trust and respond faithfully to God.
     • Rejoice: Giving thanks for God’s goodness and the insights gained during prayer.

4. Contemplatio (Contemplation):

   • Experience: Resting in God's presence and the truths revealed, allowing the grace of the prayer to permeate the heart.

Scripture Reflection: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)

Fr. Mark-Mary guides a deep reflection on the Annunciation, emphasizing key themes and insights:

• Mary’s Encounter with Gabriel:

  • Verses Read: Luke 1:26-38
  • Key Focus: Mary's initial confusion and fear upon hearing the angel’s message.
  • Notable Quote:

    “With God, nothing will be impossible.” [15:30]

• Themes Discussed:

  • Trust in Divine Promise: Mary’s acceptance relies not on a human plan but on divine promise and the Holy Spirit’s intervention.
  • Fiat (Mary’s Yes): Her profound declaration, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” demonstrates total trust and surrender to God’s will.

    “Let it be to me according to your word.” [30:45]

• Mary as a Model of Discipleship:

  • Her immediate obedience serves as an exemplar for believers to trust and say yes to God, even amidst uncertainty and mystery.

Oratio: Guided Prayer Using the Four Rs

Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners through a structured prayer session based on the Four Rs:

1. Receive:

   • Focus: Embracing the good news of the Savior and Mary’s solidarity with humanity.

     “Receive what God is revealing about Himself.” [45:10]

   • Application: Accepting that with God, nothing is impossible.

2. Respond:

   • Focus: Adoration and praise for God’s plan and the gift of Mary’s example.

     “Praise God for coming as the Messiah, for fulfilling His promises.” [48:25]

   • Invitation: Reflecting on personal willingness to say yes to God amidst life’s uncertainties.

3. Request:

   • Focus: Petitioning for the grace to trust God and emulate Mary’s fiat.

     “Lord, help me to believe and trust in You as Mary did.” [51:40]

   • Prayer: Seeking the Holy Spirit’s assistance in deepening faith and obedience.

4. Rejoice:

   • Focus: Gratitude for God’s revelation, grace, and the ability to persevere in faith.

     “Thank you, Lord, for your ongoing invitation and the grace to trust You.” [55:15]

Contemplatio: Embracing Divine Truths

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to spend time in contemplation, absorbing the truths received during prayer:

• Deep Resting: Allowing oneself to savor God’s presence and the grace received.
• Reassurance: Even in moments of silence or lack of immediate insight, trusting that God is at work transforming hearts and lives.

Conclusion and The Rosary Prayer

The episode concludes with the prayer of the Rosary, led by Fr. Mark-Mary. He recites the Our Father followed by ten Hail Marys and the Glory Be, embodying the contemplative and meditative spirit fostered throughout the session.

Final Notable Quote:

“May the Holy Spirit, who did this beautiful work in Mary, come upon me as well and do this work in me.” [1:10:30]

Key Takeaways

• Embrace the Journey: Progressing into Phase Three signifies a deeper commitment to integrating the Rosary into daily life through structured scripture meditation and prayer.
• Mary’s Example: Her unwavering trust and obedience serve as a powerful model for personal discipleship.
• Structured Prayer: Utilizing the Four Rs provides a comprehensive framework for engaging with scripture and nurturing a profound spiritual relationship with God.
• Grace and Transformation: Trusting in God’s promise, even when circumstances are unclear, leads to personal growth and divine grace.

Resources Mentioned:

• Prayer Plan: Downloadable at ascensionpress.com/riy
• Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide: Available through Ascension Press for daily readings, reflections, and sacred art.

Stay Connected: For the best listening experience, access the podcast via the Ascension app, which offers special features and recordings of the full Rosary with Fr. Mark-Mary and other friars.

Join the Journey:
Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to continue this sacred journey of prayer and meditation in the upcoming episodes, promising further insights and deepened connections with Jesus and Mary.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of Episode Day 69: Nothing is Impossible of The Rosary in a Year podcast, capturing the essence of Fr. Mark-Mary Ames’ teachings and reflections on the Annunciation and the power of saying yes to God.