The Rosary in a Year: Day 82 – Simon’s Choice
Podcast: The Rosary in a Year
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: March 23, 2025
Overview
In Day 82: "Simon’s Choice", Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the poignant moment from the Passion of Christ when Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross. This episode explores the intricate balance between compulsion and free will, and how our responses to life's burdens can lead to profound encounters with Jesus and Mary.
Scripture Reflection: Matthew 27:32
Fr. Ames centers the day's meditation on Matthew 27:32:
“As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. This man they compelled to carry his cross.”
[00:00]
He emphasizes the significance of this verse as the fourth sorrowful mystery of the Rosary—the Carrying of the Cross—inviting listeners to engage in Lectio Divina (sacred reading) to deepen their understanding and spiritual connection.
Theme: "Compelled but Free"
The core theme, "Compelled but Free," resonates throughout the episode. Fr. Ames explains that while Simon was forced to carry the cross, he retained the freedom to choose his response:
“Jesus remains free in it. Even though all of these things are happening to him… no one places this cross upon me like I take this cross freely.”
[05:45]
This duality highlights the tension between external pressures and internal agency, prompting listeners to reflect on their own lives.
Simon of Cyrene: A Deeper Look
Fr. Ames provides historical and biblical context about Simon:
“Simon is almost certainly a Jewish pilgrim from Cyrene who's in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Jesus would have for some time carried his cross… Simon, he is compelled to carry his cross.”
[02:30]
He discusses the physical limitations Jesus faced after his scourging, necessitating Simon's assistance, and explores the psychological and spiritual implications of Simon's compelled role.
Encountering Jesus Through Surrender
A pivotal insight from the episode is the opportunity for an encounter with Jesus when surrendering one's burdens:
“If he, like Jesus, at some point, even though this is injustice, like, accepts, surrenders to what is happening, it is an opportunity for him to have an encounter with Jesus.”
[10:20]
Fr. Ames encourages listeners to view their personal crosses—be it suffering, loss, or injustice—as chances to meet Christ more intimately by choosing to surrender and trust in God's plan.
Practical Application: Carrying Our Cross
Connecting the scripture to everyday life, Fr. Ames challenges listeners to:
“As the cross is compelled upon us, forced upon us in our life… can we make a choice to carry it like Jesus? Can we make a choice to pray like Jesus in the garden?”
[15:10]
He underscores the importance of active choice in how we bear our burdens, advocating for a conscious decision to emulate Jesus' example of surrender and trust.
Prayer Structure and Its Meaning
The episode intricately weaves the structure of the Rosary prayer into its reflections:
- Adoration and Praise: Gratitude for God's fidelity and Jesus' obedience.
- Response: Seeking wisdom to remain free amidst suffering and to know when to respond or surrender.
- Request: Asking for strength to carry our crosses as Jesus did and for support for those bearing heavy burdens.
- Rejoicing: Celebrating Jesus' example and the grace He bestows upon us.
“Thank you Jesus for your example. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for carrying the cross.”
[25:50]
This structured prayer invites a holistic spiritual engagement, blending reflection with petition and thanksgiving.
Conclusion: Continuing the Journey
Fr. Ames concludes by encouraging persistent prayer and maintaining a tranquil space for God’s presence:
“Protect a little bit of more silence in your life. But thank you for joining me and praying with me here today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”
[40:30]
He reinforces the transformative journey of the Rosary, emphasizing its role in fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.
Notable Quotes
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On Free Will Amid Compulsion:
“Compelled but free. And now our time for meditation… Simon… has a choice to surrender it to God and to trust that even in the midst of this injustice… he can meet Jesus the Savior.”
[12:15] -
On the Wisdom of the Cross:
“We’re introduced to the wisdom of the cross and God the Father's ability to respond and to bring about good in all things, even this great tragedy.”
[20:05] -
On Surrendering Our Burdens:
“How would you respond? How would you react?… Will you be able to encounter him, to embrace and carry it like him?”
[30:40]
Key Takeaways
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Choice in Suffering: Even when circumstances compel us to bear hardships, we possess the freedom to choose our response, potentially deepening our relationship with Christ.
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Encounter Through Surrender: Embracing our crosses can lead to profound spiritual encounters and personal growth.
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Structured Prayer as Guidance: The Rosary provides a framework for navigating life's challenges with faith, trust, and gratitude.
Join Fr. Mark-Mary Ames tomorrow for Day 83 as he continues to guide you through the transformative journey of the Rosary, fostering a deeper connection with Jesus and Mary.
For the complete prayer plan and additional resources, visit Ascension Press.