Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 86: Filled with New Wine)

Title: Day 86: Filled with New Wine
Host/Author: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Duration: Approximately [Estimated Duration]

Introduction

In Day 86 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), leads listeners through a profound meditation centered on the theme "Filled with New Wine." This episode is part of a structured 365-day journey aimed at deepening one's prayer life through the Rosary, regardless of where listeners are in their spiritual journeys.

Key Topics Covered:

• Building a daily prayer habit
• Forming a relationship with Jesus and Mary
• Biblical foundations of the Rosary
• Meditation techniques using sacred art and scripture
• The transformative power of Mary’s influence

Opening and Context [00:00]

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by welcoming listeners and introducing the focus of the day’s reflection:

“Today, we will be praying with the third glorious mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost...” ([00:00])

He emphasizes that the central theme for this session is being "filled with new wine," a metaphor for the Holy Spirit's enriching presence in the believers' lives.

Lectio Divina: Scriptural Foundation [02:15]

Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners through a Lectio Divina of Acts 2:1-13, recounting the events of Pentecost. He reads the scripture attentively, highlighting the miraculous signs—like the sound of a mighty wind and tongues of fire—that signify the Holy Spirit's arrival.

“When the day of Pentecost had come... they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...” ([05:30])

This passage sets the stage for understanding how the Holy Spirit empowers believers, symbolized by "new wine."

Meditatio: "Filled with New Wine" [10:45]

Delving deeper, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the meaning behind the mockery mentioned in Acts 2:13, where some accuse the disciples of being "filled with new wine." He draws a parallel to the mockery faced by Jesus during His Passion, emphasizing that such ridicule often inadvertently reveals deeper truths.

“But others, mocking, said they are filled with new wine.” ([15:00])

He interprets "new wine" as the Holy Spirit's grace that transforms and revitalizes believers, offering new strength, courage, understanding, and joy. This transformation aligns with the Rosary's goal of fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

“The new wine, the life of God alive in us, a new way of encountering suffering.” ([20:25])

Fr. Mark-Mary connects this metaphor to previous reflections, such as the luminous mystery of the wedding feast at Cana, where Jesus introduces Himself as the bridegroom who imparts "new wine."

Insights on the Holy Spirit as the Promise of the Father [30:10]

Fr. Mark-Mary elaborates on the Holy Spirit's role as the "Promise of the Father," highlighting its fulfillment during Pentecost. He underscores that the Holy Spirit is not merely an abstract concept but an active, divine presence that empowers believers.

“One of the titles of the Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father... the Holy Spirit, who the disciples receive here at Pentecost.” ([25:40])

This personification of the Holy Spirit as the Promise emphasizes its enduring and personal impact on the faithful, reinforcing the Rosary's role in nurturing this divine relationship.

Oratio: Structured Prayer [45:50]

Transitioning into the Oratio segment, Fr. Mark-Mary leads a structured prayer focused on invoking the Holy Spirit's blessings—the "new wine." The prayer follows the template of receiving, responding, requesting, and rejoicing.

Prayer Highlights:

• Praise and Adoration:

  “Holy Spirit, we adore you. We worship you as God.” ([35:15])

• Request for Renewal:

  “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us with new wine. Work your wonders in us.” ([40:05])

• Seeking Perseverance:

  “Come, Holy Spirit. Keep us faithful. Come, Holy Spirit. Keep us persevering in prayer.” ([42:30])

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to reflect on areas in their lives yearning for renewal—be it their relationship with the Lord, themselves, or others—and to invite the Holy Spirit to infuse these aspects with divine grace.

“We come here crying out to Jesus to send us again anew, the Holy Spirit, to make us new.” ([38:20])

Rosary Prayer: Meditating on the Mystery [55:00]

The episode transitions into the meditative practice of praying one decade of the Rosary with the intention of being filled with the "new wine." Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes approaching prayer with open and receptive hearts, confident in the Holy Spirit's transformative power.

“Let us pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” ([50:00])

He guides listeners through the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers, encouraging a heartfelt connection with Mary as the Mother of God and intercessor.

Concluding Reflections and Encouragement [60:30]

As the prayer session concludes, Fr. Mark-Mary offers final reflections, urging listeners to remain in prayer and maintain their spiritual perseverance.

“May you continue to teach us how to pray and give us perseverance in prayer.” ([58:45])

He invites the audience to embrace the Holy Spirit's gifts continually, reinforcing the episode's theme of being "filled with new wine" as an ongoing spiritual journey.

Notable Quotes

• “They are in fact filled with new wine, not the fruit of crushed grapes, but the Holy Spirit, who gives us a new strength, a new courage, a new confidence.” ([20:25])

• “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill us with new wine. Work your wonders in us.” ([40:05])

• “The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father, a real eternal Divine Person, who empowers us to live a life of grace.” ([25:40])

Conclusion

Day 86 of The Rosary in a Year offers a rich and deeply contemplative exploration of the Holy Spirit's role in the believer's life, using the metaphor of "new wine" to illustrate spiritual renewal and empowerment. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames effectively intertwines scriptural analysis with practical prayer guidance, making the theology accessible and personally applicable. This episode not only enhances the listener's understanding of the Rosary's biblical foundations but also inspires a renewed commitment to daily prayer and spiritual growth.

Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey with the provided prayer plan, available at Ascension Press, and to engage with the Ascension app for additional resources and full Rosary recordings. Fr. Mark-Mary’s heartfelt guidance serves as a beacon for those seeking to deepen their faith and become conduits of grace in the world.

For More Information:

• Prayer Plan Download: Ascension Press - Rosary in a Year
• Support the Podcast: Visit ascensionpress.com/support
• Contact: support@ascensionpress.com

Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript. For precise timing, please refer to the actual podcast episode.