Podcast Summary: Day 96 - A New Love

The Rosary in a Year is a transformative podcast series hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal. In Day 96: A New Love, released on April 6, 2025, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deep into the theme of love as the foundation of the new law introduced by Jesus in His proclamation of the Kingdom. This episode guides listeners through a profound meditation on the Sermon on the Mount, enriched by insights from St. Augustine.

1. Introduction to Day 96: A New Love

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by welcoming listeners and highlighting the resources available to complement their spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of building a daily prayer habit and forming a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.

Mary:
"In Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, guides listeners in a step-by-step journey that will change the way you pray – no matter where you are in your spiritual life."
(00:04)

Listeners are encouraged to download the prayer plan from ascensionpress.com/riy or text RIY to 33777. The Ascension app is recommended for its special features and full Rosary recordings. Additionally, Mary promotes the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, a book containing daily Scripture readings, saintly reflections, and sacred art.

2. Meditation on the Proclamation of the Kingdom

The day's meditation centers on the third luminous mystery, focusing on the proclamation of the Kingdom and the call to conversion. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames introduces a reading from St. Augustine on the Sermon on the Mount, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Jesus’ teachings.

Mary:
"We'll be meditating upon and praying with the third luminous mystery, the proclamation of the Kingdom, and the call to conversion, with help from a reading from St. Augustine from his work on the Sermon on the Mount."
(00:04)

3. St. Augustine’s Reflection on the Sermon on the Mount

St. Augustine's reading provides a theological framework for understanding the transition from the old law to the new law brought forth by Jesus. He interprets the "mountain" as the greater precepts of righteousness, contrasting them with the lesser commandments given to the Jews.

St. Augustine (as read by Mary):
"For there were lesser ones which were given to the Jews. Yet it was one God, who, through his holy prophets and servants... gave the greater ones to a people whom it had now become suitable to set free by love."
(01:30)

St. Augustine emphasizes that Jesus’ teachings are not merely stricter rules but a higher law rooted in love, differentiating the earthly kingdom from the heavenly one.

4. The Introduction of a New Law Through a New Love

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Mary discuss how Jesus introduces a new law not to impose more restrictions but to elevate the moral and spiritual standards through the power of love. This new love enables believers to naturally embody higher virtues without feeling burdened.

Mary:
"What's actually happening is this, as Jesus comes, as he's establishing his kingdom, and he's able to give us this new law because he's giving us a new love."
(04:28)

Mary uses the analogy of new parents whose lives change organically due to the profound love for their child. This transformation illustrates how a new love can lead to a natural and heartfelt adherence to the new law.

Mary:
"I have this new love, and I want to respond to this love with a greater care, a greater giving of myself, a greater generosity, a greater ability to sacrifice."
(05:30)

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Enabling the New Law

The episode underscores the essential role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out the new law of love. The Holy Spirit infuses believers with the capacity to love, forgive, and act with mercy, making the observance of Jesus' teachings both achievable and heartfelt.

Mary:
"The new law is written on our hearts by God himself, by… the Holy Spirit."
(06:54)

Mark:
"Access we have to the Holy Spirit living."
(08:25)

The Holy Spirit transforms believers, allowing them to conform to Christ's example and embody His love in their daily lives.

Mark:
"No longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
(08:32)

6. Application: Embracing the New Law through Prayer

As the discussion transitions into prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and grace. The prayer emphasizes the desire to embody the new law of love, asking the Holy Spirit to write this law onto their hearts and to enable them to love as Jesus did.

Mary:
"What I'm going to ask you to do is to really, really beg for a grace of the Holy Spirit here. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Live your life in me."
(08:34)

Mark:
"Fill me with this new experience of love, so that I may be more perfectly conformed to Christ, that I may more perfectly love as Jesus himself loved."
(08:46)

7. The Rosary: Praying Together

The episode culminates in a collective prayer of the Rosary, fostering a sense of community and shared spirituality among listeners. The prayers recited include the Our Father, multiple Hail Marys, and the Glory Be, each accompanied by the affirming response of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal.

Mark:
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..."
(09:10)

The repetitive and meditative nature of the Rosary serves to reinforce the themes discussed, grounding listeners in prayer and reflection.

8. Conclusion and Invitation to Continue the Journey

As the episode draws to a close, Mary and Fr. Mark-Mary express gratitude for the listeners' participation and encourage them to continue their journey of prayer and meditation.

Mary:
"Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today."
(12:16)

Mark:
"I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
(12:18)

Mary concludes with a blessing, affirming the communal and supportive nature of the podcast community.

Mary:
"God bless y'all."
(12:21)

Notable Quotes

• St. Augustine on the New Law:
  "Through His Son, gave the greater ones to a people whom it had now become suitable to set free by love."
  (01:30)

• Mary on New Love and Law:
  "As Jesus comes, as he's establishing his kingdom, and he's able to give us this new law because he's giving us a new love."
  (04:28)

• Mary on the Holy Spirit:
  "The new law is written on our hearts by God himself, by… the Holy Spirit."
  (06:54)

• Mark on Living Through the Holy Spirit:
  "No longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
  (08:32)

• Mark on Prayer for Love:
  "Fill me with this new experience of love, so that I may be more perfectly conformed to Christ, that I may more perfectly love as Jesus himself loved."
  (08:46)

Key Takeaways

• Transition from Fear to Love: The episode emphasizes the shift from the old law based on fear to a new law grounded in love, facilitated by Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit’s grace.

• Empowerment through the Holy Spirit: Believers are empowered to live out the new law of love through the Holy Spirit, making higher virtues attainable.

• Natural Transformation: Using relatable analogies, Mary illustrates how a profound love can naturally lead to greater generosity, sacrifice, and a deeper commitment to living according to Jesus’ example.

• Community in Prayer: The collective recitation of the Rosary reinforces the shared journey of faith and the support system provided by the podcast community.

Conclusion

Day 96: A New Love serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of love in the Christian life. Through insightful reflections, theological depth, and heartfelt prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames invites listeners to embrace a new love that empowers them to live out Jesus’ higher law. This episode is a beacon for those seeking to deepen their spiritual life, offering both intellectual enrichment and practical guidance for a more devoted prayer practice.