Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Episode 94: No Doubt)
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Produced by: Ascension

Introduction

In Episode 94 of The Rosary in a Year podcast, titled "No Doubt," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the first luminous mystery of the Rosary—the Baptism of Jesus. This episode emphasizes the certainty of faith and explores the profound relationship between Jesus and Mary, aiming to fortify listeners' spiritual lives through structured prayer and meditation.

Meditation on the First Luminous Mystery: Baptism of Jesus

Fr. Ames begins the episode by guiding listeners through the Baptism of Jesus, the initial luminous mystery of the Rosary. He emphasizes the momentousness of this event, where the Trinity converges in a display of divine revelation:

“When the Father clearly calls from heaven in the Gospel narrative and says, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, when the Son also speaks, upon whom the Holy Spirit showed himself in the likeness of a dove...”
—Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (02:30)

Insights from St. Ambrose on Faith and Doubt

A central element of the meditation is a writing from St. Ambrose, a Doctor of the Church renowned for his theological contributions. Fr. Ames reads an excerpt that underscores the infallibility and certainty of faith:

“Is there then here any room left for doubt? ... the Word of God, the truth revealed, has been revealed by God himself.”
—St. Ambrose, as presented by Fr. Ames (15:45)

Fr. Ames highlights St. Ambrose's rhetorical question, asserting that faith founded on divine revelation leaves no space for doubt.

Personal Anecdotes from Seminary Experiences

Fr. Ames shares personal experiences from his seminary days, illustrating the profound impact of sincere faith:

1. Emotion in Reciting the Creed:

   • Academic Dean's Revelation:

     “…during Trinity class he shared about how he gets emotional while reciting the Creed at Mass. He gets emotional just reciting the Creed at Mass, and he's just saying, it's just so beautiful and I believe so deeply.”
     —Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (06:20)

2. Liturgical Conviction:

   • Liturgy Class Insight:

     “He said, I believe. I just believe. There is no help my unbelief. I believe with my whole life and, and the sincerity and the conviction to me were just like so strikingly beautiful.”
     —Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (12:10)

These anecdotes serve to illustrate the depth and authenticity of true faith, reinforcing the episode's theme that faith is both beautiful and certain.

The Certainty of Faith: Canonical Doctrine

Fr. Ames references the Catechism of the Catholic Church to substantiate his discussion on the certainty of faith:

“Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge, which why? Because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (19:05)

He elaborates that faith's certainty surpasses human understanding because it is grounded in divine revelation. This foundation ensures that believers can place unwavering trust in God.

Invitation to Prayer and Reflection

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, Fr. Ames invites listeners to reflect and pray deeply on the mysteries discussed:

“Go to the waters of the Jordan, this luminous place of theophany, of divine revelation. Take a moment in your mind's eye to hear the Father's voice... Ask for the grace to respond by following with total submission of your intellect and your will.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (25:30)

This guided visualization encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the moment of Jesus' baptism, fostering a personal connection with the divine.

Conclusion

Fr. Ames wraps up the episode with a recitation of the Our Father, Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, reinforcing the day's meditation through communal prayer. He expresses gratitude to the listeners and extends an invitation to continue the spiritual journey together:

“Thank you so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco. Friends, God bless y'all.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (40:00)

Key Takeaways

• Faith's Certainty: Emphasizes that faith, rooted in divine revelation, leaves no room for doubt.
• Personal Testimonies: Shares powerful personal experiences that highlight the beauty and certainty of true faith.
• Theological Foundations: Draws from St. Ambrose and the Catechism to underscore the doctrinal basis for unwavering faith.
• Structured Prayer: Encourages building a daily prayer habit to deepen the relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Notable Quotes

1. “Is there then here any room left for doubt? ... the Word of God, the truth revealed, has been revealed by God himself.”
   —St. Ambrose, as presented by Fr. Ames (15:45)

2. “I believe. I just believe. There is no help my unbelief. I believe with my whole life...”
   —Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, reflecting on seminary experiences (12:10)

3. “Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge, which why? Because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie.”
   —Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (19:05)

4. “Ask for the grace to respond by following with total submission of your intellect and your will.”
   —Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (25:30)

Final Thoughts

Episode 94 of The Rosary in a Year serves as a profound exploration of faith's certainty through the lens of the Rosary's first luminous mystery. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames effectively combines theological insights, personal anecdotes, and guided prayer to inspire listeners to deepen their spiritual lives, fostering a more intimate relationship with Jesus and Mary.

For a complete prayer plan and to follow along with the year's journey, visit Ascension Press: Rosary in a Year.