Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 81: Behold Your King
Introduction
In Day 81 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads listeners through a profound meditation on the third sorrowful mystery: the Crowning with Thorns. Released on March 22, 2025, this episode emphasizes deepening one's relationship with Jesus and Mary through structured prayer and reflection.
Scripture Reading and Meditation
Fr. Ames begins with an Alexio (reading) of Matthew 27:27-31, recounting the mocking of Jesus by the Roman soldiers:
“And the soldiers of the Governor took Jesus into the praetorium and gathered the whole battalion before him, ... they mocked him, saying, ‘Hail King of the Jews.’” [02:15]
He invites listeners to engage with the scripture through Lectio Divina, encouraging a vivid visualization of the scene. Fr. Ames prompts reflection on the soldiers' mockery juxtaposed with Jesus' true kingship:
“They mockingly say, hail, King of the Jews. But we with true worship and adoration, behold the true nature, the true love, the true sacrifice, the true dignity and royalty of our King.” [10:45]
Meditation: Behold Your King
The meditation centers on recognizing Jesus as the true King despite the soldiers' derision. Fr. Ames guides listeners to:
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Visualize the humiliation Jesus endured—stripped, mocked, crowned with thorns, and beaten.
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Contemplate the nature of sin and its effects on the soul through the imagery of the crown of thorns.
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Affirm Jesus' kingship by internally declaring:
“Behold our King. We worship you, our King. We adore you, our King.” [18:30]
He emphasizes maintaining reverence for Christ's true identity amidst external scorn.
Prayer (Oratio): Receive, Respond, Request, Rejoice
Fr. Ames structures the prayer segment into four parts:
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Receive:
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Message: Accepting the revelation of God's love and sacrifice.
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Quote:
“Receive the good news of who it is that we worship and who it is that asks for your fidelity and obedience.” [25:10]
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Respond:
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Action: Expressing adoration, praise, and repentance.
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Quote:
“Lord, in my heart, I want to receive you, I want to see you, I want to worship you as the true King.” [30:00]
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Request:
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Petition: Seeking a heart of worship, obedience, and gratitude.
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Quote:
“May my heart overflow with gratitude through the power of your Spirit, Lord.” [35:20]
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Rejoice:
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Gratitude: Thanking Jesus for His kingship and the grace received.
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Quote:
“We thank you, Jesus, for your love for us. We thank you for in fact being our King.” [40:15]
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This structured prayer fosters a deep personal connection with Christ, aligning the heart with divine will.
Conclusion and Rosary Recitation
Fr. Ames concludes the episode by guiding listeners into a decade of the rosary, maintaining focus on Jesus as King. He encourages continued silent prayer for those who wish to extend their meditation.
“Keep before you Jesus crowned with thorns and behold your King.” [50:45]
The episode wraps with a traditional rosary recitation, reinforcing the themes of kingship, sacrifice, and worship.
Final Thoughts
Day 81: Behold Your King serves as a transformative guide for listeners to cultivate a consistent prayer habit, deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary, and embrace the Rosary as a source of grace. Fr. Ames' insightful reflections and structured prayers offer a meaningful pathway for spiritual growth, making this episode a pivotal part of the Rosary in a Year journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Visualization enhances the meditation experience, bringing scripture to life.
- Structured prayer (Receive, Respond, Request, Rejoice) fosters a comprehensive spiritual connection.
- Acknowledging Jesus’ true kingship amidst adversity strengthens personal faith and trust.
- Consistent practice through the rosary cultivates a deeper, more intimate relationship with the divine.
Listeners are encouraged to utilize the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide available through Ascension to complement their daily prayers and track their spiritual progress.
For more resources and to access the complete prayer plan, visit Ascension Press.