The Rosary in a Year: Day 77 – Have No Fear

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 77: Have No Fear
• Release Date: March 18, 2025

Description:
In this episode of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads listeners through a transformative prayer experience centered on the theme "Have No Fear." By engaging in daily prayer and meditation, Fr. Ames aims to deepen the listener's relationship with Jesus and Mary, fostering a powerful Marian devotion that becomes a source of grace for the world.

1. Introduction

The episode opens with a warm welcome from Father Innocent and Father Mark Mary, introducing Day 77 of the Rosary in a Year series. They encourage listeners to download the complete prayer plan from Ascension Press and highlight the benefits of tracking one’s prayer journey through the Ascension app.

Notable Quotes:

• Father Innocent [00:04]: “...the Rosary in a Year brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.”
• Father Mark Mary [00:19]: “This is day 77.”

2. Lectio Divina: Gospel Reflection

Fr. Mark Mary introduces the day’s focus by presenting the Gospel reading from Matthew 17:1-13, which narrates the Transfiguration of Jesus. This passage is identified as the Fourth Luminous Mystery, termed by Pope St. John Paul II as the "mystery of light par excellence."

Gospel Passage Highlights:

• Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain.
• His appearance changes, becoming radiant like the sun, and Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Him.
• A bright cloud overshadows them, and a divine voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5).
• Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, “Rise and have no fear” (Matthew 17:7).

Notable Quotes:

• Father Innocent [01:19]: “We will be praying with the fourth luminous mystery, Matthew, chapter 17, verses 1 through 13.”
• Father Mark Mary [06:01]: “But Jesus came and touched them, saying, rise and have no fear."

3. Meditatio: Reflection on “Have No Fear”

Fr. Ames delves into the significance of Jesus’ message, “Rise and have no fear,” emphasizing its relevance to the listeners' personal lives. He encourages reflection on areas where fear and doubt persist, inviting Jesus to gently and lovingly address these fears.

Key Insights:

• Divinity Revealed: The Transfiguration is a manifestation of Jesus' divinity, revealing His true nature as the Son of God.
• Divine Comfort: Jesus’ gentle touch and reassuring words are a source of grace meant to strengthen the disciples for the challenges ahead, particularly His impending passion.
• Invitation to Trust: The message encourages listeners to fully trust in Jesus, casting out fear through perfect love and divine assurance.

Notable Quotes:

• Father Innocent [05:14]: “...a grace is being offered to Peter, James, and John, which is meant to strengthen them as Jesus soon undergoes his passion.”
• Father Mark Mary [06:44]: “...reflect on where you still experience fear. Jesus comes and says, do not be afraid.”

4. Oratio: Prayer Following Receive, Respond, Request, Rejoice

Fr. Ames guides listeners through a structured prayer, incorporating the elements of Receive, Respond, Request, and Rejoice.

Prayer Structure:

• Receive: Acknowledging Jesus as the fulfillment of all desires and the light of the world.

  Notable Quote:

  • Father Mark Mary [09:02]: “The good news being offered for us to receive is Jesus. Jesus is the one we have been waiting for.”

• Respond: Embracing perfect love and trust to cast out all fear, committing to follow Jesus without fear.

  Notable Quote:

  • Father Innocent [10:23]: “Perfect love casts out all fear. Perfect trust casts out all fear.”

• Request: Seeking the grace to see only Jesus, trusting Him with all fears and doubts.

  Notable Quote:

  • Father Mark Mary [10:24]: “Where there's fear in our lives that we are not strong enough to remove, we give you permission to take that from our hearts and from our lives.”

• Rejoice: Thanking Jesus for His transfiguration and the grace to fully trust in Him.

  Notable Quote:

  • Father Innocent [10:34]: “We just thank you, Lord, for your transfiguration on Mount Tabor.”

5. Conclusion and Rosary Prayer

The episode concludes with a guided recitation of the Rosary, accompanied by prayers led by Father Agustino and Father Joseph, alongside Fr. Mark Mary. This segment reinforces the day’s theme of overcoming fear through prayer and devotion.

Closing Prayer Excerpts:

• Our Father:

  • Father Mark Mary [11:14]: “Hallowed be thy name... Deliver us from evil.”

• Hail Mary:

  • Father Joseph [11:35]: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you... Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

• Glory Be:

  • Father Joseph [14:19]: “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.”

Final Encouragement: Fr. Mark Mary encourages listeners to continue their prayer journey with silent prayer if called to, expressing gratitude for joining the session and anticipating the next day's journey.

Final Quote:

• Father Mark Mary [14:42]: “I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Trust Over Fear: The central message, “Rise and have no fear,” serves as a powerful reminder to trust in Jesus' divine presence and love.
• Deepening Devotion: Regular engagement with the Rosary fosters a stronger connection with Jesus and Mary, providing spiritual resilience.
• Biblical Foundation: Understanding the Transfiguration deepens the appreciation of Jesus' divinity and the grace bestowed upon His followers.

Overall Impression:
Day 77 of The Rosary in a Year podcast offers a profound exploration of faith, fear, and trust through scripture, meditation, and prayer. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames effectively guides listeners to confront their fears, embrace divine grace, and strengthen their spiritual lives through the practice of the Rosary.