The Rosary in a Year: Day 9 – "Thy Will Be Done"

Hosted by Ascension and featuring Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Introduction

In Day 9 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves into the profound spiritual invitation encapsulated in the phrase "Thy will be done." Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew and personal anecdotes, Fr. Ames guides listeners to cultivate a childlike humility and dependence on God, reshaping their prayer life and deepening their relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Reflection on Matthew 18:1-4

Fr. Ames begins by exploring a pivotal passage from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (18:1-4):

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.’”
— Matthew 18:1-4

[00:32] Fr. Ames emphasizes that Jesus uses children as a metaphor for the qualities necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He highlights that children embody poverty, vulnerability, dependency, joy, and authentic humility, which are essential virtues in the Christian life.

Characteristics of Children in Faith

Fr. Ames paints a vivid picture of children, not just as young individuals but as representations of spiritual virtues:

• Dependence and Vulnerability: Children rely entirely on their parents for care and guidance. This dependence signifies a trusting relationship without self-reliance or pride.

• Joy and Levity: Despite their limitations, children exude a natural joy and freedom, unburdened by the complexities that often weigh down adults.

• Authentic Humility: True humility is presented as recognizing one’s limitations and need for God, not as self-deprecation or shame.

[01:10] Fr. Ames remarks, “In humility we recognize and accept that we are dependent, that we ourselves are poor and vulnerable and limited and needy before God.” This acknowledgment is foundational to experiencing the kingdom of heaven on earth.

Contrast with Adult Self-Reliance

As adults, Fr. Ames observes, many drift away from this childlike dependence, succumbing to frustration, shame, and self-reliance:

• Self-Reliance vs. Trust: Adults often attempt to manage life's challenges independently, leading to stress and a sense of inadequacy.

• Emotional Burden: The struggle to be self-sufficient breeds frustration and anger, distancing individuals from the peace that comes from trusting in God’s providence.

[03:05] “Instead of peace and joy, of just kind of frustration and angst and shame,” Fr. Ames explains, highlighting the emotional toll of abandoning childlike trust.

Embracing Dependence on God

Fr. Ames invites listeners to embrace their dependence on God as children do, fostering a relationship grounded in trust and faith:

• Bringing It to God: Instead of resisting dependence, individuals are encouraged to present their limitations and needs to God, trusting in His perfect will.

• Confidence in Divine Providence: This trust leads to inner peace and joy, reflecting the kingdom of heaven in daily life.

[05:20] He articulates, “Father, I trust that you know what is good for me,” encapsulating the essence of surrendering to God’s will.

Personal Anecdote: Trusting Parents

To illustrate childlike trust, Fr. Ames shares a personal story from his childhood experiences in restaurants:

• Decision-Making through Dependence: As a child, not knowing what to choose, he relied entirely on his parents' decisions, demonstrating trust and lack of self-reliance.

• Confidence in Parental Guidance: This behavior reflects the trust that parents (and by extension, God) know what is best, without feelings of frustration or shame over his own limitations.

[04:10] “I can’t choose, you know? But again, I’m not frustrated. I’m not ashamed of it.” This sentiment underscores the ease and peace found in dependence.

Invitation to Reflect and Emulate Childlike Faith

Fr. Ames calls listeners to introspect and identify areas where they may have moved away from a childlike trust in God:

• Identifying Barriers: Acknowledging ways in which adults attempt to hide their dependence or face the emotional burdens of self-reliance.

• Embracing Spiritual Poverty: Encouraging a humble recognition of one’s needs before God, fostering a deeper spiritual relationship.

[07:15] “Say, like, father, you know thy will be done in all things in my life.” This prayer is a testament to embracing God’s plan over one’s own, a recurring theme in Fr. Ames’ reflection.

Conclusion and Prayer

Fr. Ames concludes by reiterating the transformative power of adopting a childlike approach in prayer and life:

• Experience the Kingdom Now: By living out this humility and dependence, believers can experience the kingdom of heaven in their current lives, bringing peace and joy.

• Unified Prayer: The episode culminates in the recitation of the Our Father, Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, aligning listeners with the prayers that embody these virtues.

[09:50] “The more we live this, my brothers and sisters, the more here and now we experience the kingdom of heaven.” This final affirmation invites continuous growth in faith and trust.

Notable Quotes

• Matthew 18:3:
  “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.”
  [00:32]

• On Humility:
  “In humility we recognize and accept that we are dependent, that we ourselves are poor and vulnerable and limited and needy before God.”
  [01:10]

• On Trust:
  “Father, I trust that you know what is good for me.”
  [05:20]

• On Embracing Will:
  “Say, like, father, you know thy will be done in all things in my life.”
  [07:15]

• On Experiencing the Kingdom:
  “The more we live this, my brothers and sisters, the more here and now we experience the kingdom of heaven.”
  [09:50]

Final Thoughts

Day 9 of The Rosary in a Year invites believers to rediscover the simplicity and depth of childlike faith. By embracing humility and dependency, listeners are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, finding peace and joy in trust. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames’ reflections provide a roadmap for transforming prayer into a source of grace, fostering a spiritual life rooted in the profound truths of the Rosary.

For the complete prayer plan and to continue this journey, visit Ascension Press – Rosary in a Year.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Day 9’s discussion, offering insights and reflections for those seeking to enrich their prayer life through the Rosary.