Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Episode: Day 76 – "The Shepherd is Shepherding"
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Introduction
In Day 76 of Ascension’s "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves into the profound theme of "The Shepherd is Shepherding." This episode guides listeners through a structured prayer and meditation journey centered around the third luminous mystery of the Rosary: the proclamation of the kingdom and the call to conversion. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames emphasizes the transformative power of the Rosary in deepening one's relationship with Jesus and Mary, ultimately becoming a conduit of grace for the entire world.
Lecture Divina: Exploring the Scripture (00:00 - 12:30)
Fr. Mark-Mary begins the session by introducing the day's scripture for Lectio Divina: Mark 1:14-15.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [01:20]: "After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God and saying the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel."
He breaks down the passage, highlighting the immediacy and urgency of Jesus' message. The proclamation of the kingdom signifies God's reign and presence in the current moment.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:45]: "The kingdom of God is God being God, it's the king reigning it is the healer healing the Savior, saving the teacher, teaching the shepherd, shepherding."
Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that Jesus embodies multiple roles—He is the healer, the savior, the teacher, and the shepherd—each aspect illustrating His comprehensive mission to guide and transform humanity.
Meditatio: Reflecting on the Kingdom of God (12:31 - 25:00)
Transitioning into meditative reflection, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to internalize the scripture's message.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [14:50]: "Repent. Have a change of mind, a change of heart and believe in the Gospel."
He urges listeners to recognize the present moment as the fulfillment of divine timing—"The time is now." This calls for immediate personal transformation and a wholehearted embrace of the Gospel.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [18:10]: "The invitation then is to leave behind any ways in which we are holding back. We are keeping him away."
Fr. Mark-Mary challenges listeners to identify and surrender areas of resistance, allowing Jesus, depicted as the shepherd, to guide and protect them.
Oratio: Engaging in Prayer (25:01 - 45:00)
Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners through the Oratio segment, a structured prayer consisting of adoration, response, request, and rejoicing.
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Adoration and Praise
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [30:15]: "We just adore you Lord and bless you and praise you for your pursuit of us, for your work in our world and in our lives."
He invites listeners to thank Jesus for His multifaceted mission and His active presence in their lives.
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Response and Surrender
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [35:40]: "We entrust that and that place of poverty to you and ask you to come to knock on the door, to enter with your tenderness, your kindness, but also your strength and your power."
Listeners are encouraged to surrender their lives and open their hearts to receive Jesus fully, embracing His shepherding role.
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Request for Grace
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [40:05]: "Give us the grace to be totally surrendered. Give us the grace to be like new clay in the potter's hand."
He petitions for the grace necessary to remain open and malleable to God's will, allowing divine transformation.
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Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [43:20]: "We just thank you, Lord, for the grace. We thank you for the good news proclaimed to us anew this morning."
Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the prayer with gratitude for the received blessings and the continual revelation of God's goodness.
Contemplatio: Deepening Through the Rosary (45:01 - Conclusion)
The session culminates in the contemplative practice of praying a decade of the Most Holy Rosary, integrating the day's reflections and prayers.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [48:55]: "We conclude our lectio divina this morning with our contemplatio receiving deeply, asking deeply for this grace by praying a decade of the most holy rosary."
This practice serves as a tangible application of the day's teachings, fostering a deeper connection with Jesus and Mary through repetitive, meditative prayer.
Conclusion
Day 76 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast offers a comprehensive guide to embracing the Rosary as a means of personal transformation and spiritual growth. Through the careful exploration of scripture, reflective meditation, and structured prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners to a more profound relationship with Jesus and Mary. By emphasizing the immediacy of God's kingdom and the importance of surrendering to His shepherding, this episode inspires a deeper commitment to daily prayer and spiritual development.
Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey by accessing the complete prayer plan at Ascension Press and to engage with additional resources available through the Ascension app, including full Rosary recordings with Fr. Mark-Mary and fellow friars.
Key Takeaways:
- Immediate Transformation: Embrace the present moment to surrender and trust in Jesus' guidance.
- Comprehensive Role of Jesus: Recognize Jesus as healer, savior, teacher, and shepherd.
- Structured Prayer: Utilize the Oratio framework to deepen your prayer life.
- Daily Commitment: Build a consistent habit of prayer to foster ongoing spiritual growth.
By following these teachings, listeners can cultivate a more intimate and effective prayer life, allowing the Rosary to become a powerful source of grace and a testament to their faith.