Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 78: "Given for You"

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Podcast Series: The Rosary in a Year
Episode Title: Day 78: Given for You
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Provider: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 78: "Given for You" of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a profound meditation on the fifth luminous mystery of the Rosary: the Institution of the Eucharist. This episode delves deep into the personal and communal significance of the Eucharist, emphasizing Jesus Christ’s sacrificial love encapsulated in the phrases "given for you" and "poured out for you."

Lectio: Exploring the Scripture (00:00 - 13:45)

Fr. Mark-Mary begins the episode with a Lectio, reading from Luke 22:14-23, the scriptural basis for the fifth luminous mystery:

"This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."
"This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
(00:14-00:30)

Key Insights:

1. Personal Sacrifice: Emphasizing "for you," Fr. Mark-Mary highlights Jesus' personal sacrifice. He isn't giving Himself in the abstract but specifically for each individual listener.

2. Apostolic Presence: He notes the significance of the apostles being present, underscoring the communal aspect of the Eucharist.

3. Burning Desire: Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on Jesus' intense desire to celebrate the Passover despite knowing his impending suffering, capturing the fervent love and commitment Jesus has for humanity.

"Jesus burns to give himself to us. It's a burning deep desire to give himself for you."
(04:30)

Meditation: Deepening the Relationship (13:46 - 25:30)

In the Meditatio segment, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to internalize the depth of Jesus' sacrifice:

1. Imaginative Prayer: Encourages placing oneself at the Last Supper, visualizing Jesus' words directly to the individual:

   "This is for you. This is for you."
   (12:15)

2. Continuous Presence: Extends the meditation to the entire Passion of Christ, reminding listeners that Jesus' sacrifice was continually for them:

   "This is my body scourged for you... This is my blood poured out for you."
   (18:50)

3. New Covenant: Emphasizes the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus' blood, highlighting the transformative power of the Eucharist in the believer's life.

Oratio: Structured Prayer for Transformation (25:31 - 53:00)

Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners through Oratio, a structured prayer consisting of five parts: Receive, Respond, Request, Rejoice, and Receive the Good News.

1. Receive & Respond:

   • Adoration and Praise:

     "We adore you, Lord, for this burning fire of charity that you have for each of us."
     (27:10)

   • Gratitude:

     • Thanking Jesus for His body and blood given for humanity.
     • Emphasizing gratitude for the sacrament as a means of receiving grace.

2. Request:

   • Grace for Love:

     "Lord, we ask for the grace to respond to your Eucharistic love with our own love, to love you totally."
     (35:20)

   • Eucharistic Amazement:

     • Seeking a deeper appreciation and reverence for the Eucharist.
     • Praying for an increased understanding of one's identity as beloved children of God.

3. Rejoice:

   • Thanksgiving for the Passion:

     "We thank you for the gift of your passion... and who never abandons his flock. But remains Emmanuel."
     (47:45)

   • Celebration of God’s Presence:

     • Rejoicing in the continued presence of Jesus, Emmanuel, who remains with believers through the Eucharist.

Conclusion: Embracing the Sacrament (53:01 - End)

Fr. Mark-Mary concludes the episode with the recitation of the Rosary prayers, fostering a meditative state that reinforces the day's reflections. He encourages listeners to continue in silent prayer, deepening their personal relationship with Jesus and Mary.

"Thank you so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
(52:50)

The episode wraps up with the traditional prayers of the Rosary, leaving listeners with a sense of peace and spiritual enrichment.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  "This is my body which is given for you. This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."
  (00:30)

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  "Jesus burns to give himself to us. It's a burning deep desire to give himself for you."
  (04:30)

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  "We adore you, Lord, for this burning fire of charity that you have for each of us."
  (27:10)

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  "Lord, we ask for the grace to respond to your Eucharistic love with our own love, to love you totally."
  (35:20)

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames:

  "We thank you for the gift of your passion... and who never abandons his flock. But remains Emmanuel."
  (47:45)

Final Thoughts

Day 78: "Given for You" serves as a heartfelt exploration of the Eucharist, inviting listeners to reflect on the personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice. Through scriptural meditation, structured prayer, and contemplative reflection, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Rosary as a pathway to a more intimate relationship with Jesus and Mary. This episode not only enriches the listener's spiritual life but also underscores the transformative power of Marian devotion as a source of grace for the entire world.

For those seeking to embark on or continue their journey with the Rosary, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance to build a lasting and meaningful prayer habit.

Resources:

• Prayer Plan & Guide: To download the complete prayer plan for The Rosary in a Year, visit Ascension Press or text RIY to 33777.
• Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide Book: Available through Ascension, complementing the podcast with daily scripture readings, saint reflections, and sacred art.