Podcast Summary: Day 85 - "The Blessing Never Stops"
Podcast Information
- Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 85: The Blessing Never Stops
- Release Date: March 26, 2025
- Description: In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a profound meditation on the perpetual blessings bestowed upon us through Jesus' ascension, encouraging a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.
Introduction
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Timestamp: [00:00]
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames opens the episode by welcoming listeners to Day 85 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast. He introduces the day's focus: "The Blessing Never Stops." He encourages listeners to download the prayer plan from Ascension’s website or via text for a structured journey through the Rosary, emphasizing the importance of building a daily prayer habit to deepen one's spiritual life.
Notable Quote:
"The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by Ascension. This is day 85. To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text R I YES to 33777." ([00:00])
Scripture Reflection (Lectio Divina)
Scripture Focus: Luke 24:50-53
Timestamp: [00:00 - ~08:30]
Fr. Mark delves into the second Glorious Mystery of the Rosary—the Ascension of Jesus. He reads the passage from Luke, highlighting how Jesus' ascension signifies an eternal and unending blessing upon His disciples and, by extension, all believers.
Key Points:
- Jesus’ Eternal Presence: Unlike His earthly life, Jesus now exists without physical limitations, continually blessing and ministering to us.
- Continuous Blessing: The act of Jesus lifting His hands in blessing symbolizes an unceasing flow of grace and protection.
- Disciples’ Response: The disciples' reaction emphasizes joy and worship rather than sadness, signifying their understanding of Jesus' ongoing presence.
Notable Quotes:
"The blessing never stops for our time of Lectio." ([00:00])
"Jesus...forever continue to bless us." ([04:30])
"They were continually in the temple blessing God." ([07:15])
Meditatio (Meditation)
Timestamp: [08:30 - ~20:00]
Fr. Mark guides listeners through a deep meditation on the eternal blessings received through Jesus' ascension. He encourages visualizing Jesus with his hands raised in blessing, fostering a personal and continuous dialogue with the divine.
Key Points:
- Unending Grace: Jesus' ascension ensures an everlasting flow of grace, surpassing any temporal limitations.
- Personal Relationship: Emphasizes developing a personal relationship with Jesus and Mary, viewing Jesus as a constant source of love and support.
- Reciprocal Blessing: Highlights the mutual relationship where Jesus blesses us, and we, in turn, bless and adore Him.
Notable Quotes:
"Jesus always looks upon us as beloved... blessing us with the grace that we need to persevere in faith." ([12:45])
"Our response... to bless God, to praise God like it never stops." ([16:20])
"Jesus, we bless you, we adore you, we worship you, we glorify you." ([19:10])
Oratio (Prayer)
Timestamp: [20:00 - ~35:30]
Following the meditation, Fr. Mark leads listeners through a structured prayer using the rosary, incorporating elements of reception, response, request, and rejoicing.
Prayer Structure:
- Receive: Acknowledging the blessings and presence of Jesus.
- Respond: Offering praise, adoration, and worship in return.
- Request: Asking for the grace to maintain a continual relationship with Jesus.
- Rejoice: Celebrating the ongoing blessings and the gift of prayer.
Key Points:
- Acknowledgment of Divine Faithfulness: Recognizing the unwavering faithfulness of the Father and the victory of Jesus through His ascension.
- Enhanced Access to Jesus: Emphasizing the profound and immediate access to Jesus post-ascension, facilitating a deeper spiritual connection.
- Continual Dialogue: Encouraging a perpetual exchange of blessings between the believer and Jesus.
Notable Quotes:
"The good news that we have a new access to Jesus...and that he continually, forever blesses us." ([25:50])
"Jesus, we bless you, we adore you, we worship you, we glorify you, we rejoice in your ascension." ([29:20])
"May we persevere in remaining in your presence in your holy temple, that we may persevere in returning the blessing." ([34:00])
Conclusion and Final Prayer
Timestamp: [35:30 - End]
Fr. Mark concludes the episode by guiding listeners through the final prayers of the rosary, including the Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be. He reiterates the importance of maintaining a continual dialogue with Jesus, encouraging participants to remain in a state of blessedness and worship.
Key Points:
- Maintaining the Divine Connection: Encourages ongoing prayer and meditation to sustain the relationship with Jesus.
- Community and Continuation: Invites listeners to continue their prayer journey and join in future episodes.
Notable Quotes:
"Look upon Jesus. See him blessing you and respond by adoring speaking to him." ([35:10])
"Thank you for joining me and praying with me today. And I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow." ([35:45])
Insights and Reflections
- Eternal Blessings: The core theme revolves around the unending blessings from Jesus following His ascension, assuring believers of His perpetual presence and support.
- Interactive Prayer: Fr. Mark emphasizes an active participation in prayer, encouraging listeners to engage both in receiving and responding to divine blessings.
- Personal Connection: The meditation fosters a personal and intimate connection with Jesus and Mary, highlighting the transformative power of the Rosary in deepening one's spiritual life.
- Joyful Worship: The disciples' reaction serves as a model for believers to approach worship with joy and gratitude, rather than sorrow, reflecting a mature understanding of divine providence.
Conclusion
Day 85 of "The Rosary in a Year" offers a profound exploration of the perpetual blessings bestowed upon believers through Jesus' ascension. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames effectively guides listeners through scripture reflection, meditation, and structured prayer, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. By emphasizing the unending nature of divine blessings and encouraging active participation in prayer, this episode serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and sustained devotion.