Summary of "The Rosary in a Year" Podcast Episode: Day 97 - Climb the Mountain
Podcast Information
- Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 97: Climb the Mountain
- Release Date: April 7, 2025
- Description: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through a transformative journey of prayer and meditation, deepening their relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.
Introduction
In Day 97: Climb the Mountain, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames embarks on an inspiring exploration of spiritual ascent through the Rosary. This episode emphasizes building a daily prayer habit, fostering a closer relationship with Jesus and Mary, and understanding the Rosary's biblical foundations. Fr. Mark-Mary introduces listeners to the fourth luminous mystery—the Transfiguration—and reflects on Saint Anastasius of Sinai’s writings to illuminate the path of spiritual growth.
Exploring the Transfiguration
Fr. Mark-Mary begins by delving into the Transfiguration, one of the Rosary's luminous mysteries. He introduces the audience to Saint Anastasius of Sinai, a seventh-century monk known for his ascetical life and defense against heresy. Although specific biographical details about Saint Anastasius are scarce, his contributions to Marian devotion and clarity in teaching on Guardian Angels are highlighted.
[02:45] Mark Mary: "These are the divine prodigies behind the present festival. What we celebrate here on this mountain now is for us, too, a saving mystery."
Saint Anastasius’s Insight on Climbing the Mountain
Fr. Mark-Mary shares an extended reading from Saint Anastasius’s homily on the Transfiguration, which serves as the foundation for the day’s meditation. Saint Anastasius describes the Transfiguration as a sacred initiation into Christ's mystery, inviting believers to join in the divine light and transformation.
[02:45] Mark Mary: "Our hope is that bathed in a vision of him flooded with light, we might be changed for the better and joined together as one."
The Call to Spiritual Ascent
A central theme of the episode is the metaphorical "climbing of the mountain of the Lord." Fr. Mark-Mary addresses the practical questions listeners might have about undertaking this spiritual journey, especially when they feel distant from grand mystical experiences.
[06:13] Mark Mary: "How do we climb the mountain of the Lord? How do we enter into this ineffable sanctuary? We follow Jesus. It's as simple as that."
He emphasizes that spiritual ascent is a daily, incremental process of following Jesus, prioritizing prayer, and rejecting worldly attachments. This approach makes the climb accessible to everyone, regardless of their current spiritual state.
Practical Steps for Climbing the Mountain
Fr. Mark-Mary outlines actionable steps to facilitate this spiritual climb:
- Daily Conversion: Embracing an ongoing transformation by saying "yes" to Jesus each day.
- Rejecting Sin: Letting go of temptations and worldly desires.
- Prioritizing Prayer: Increasing the depth and consistency of prayer life.
- Engaging in Scripture and Charity: Regularly reading the Bible and performing acts of kindness.
[08:15] Mark Mary: "Our daily choices to say no to temptation, our daily prayers, reading of the scripture, works of charity. This is how we continue to put one foot in front of the other and climb the mountain of the Lord."
Meditation and Visualization
The episode guides listeners through a meditative exercise tied to the Transfiguration. Fr. Mark-Mary encourages envisioning oneself at the base or partway up the mountain, inviting Jesus into this personal journey. This visualization aims to foster a deeper connection with God and Mary, aligning one's heart with divine light and peace.
[08:30] Mark Mary: "Imagine you're standing at the base of the mountain... Allow him to come to meet you, wherever you are."
Concluding with the Rosary
To solidify the meditation, Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners in praying one decade of the Rosary, integrating the day's reflections into their prayer practice. This act serves as a tangible step in the journey of climbing the spiritual mountain, reinforcing the day's teachings through prayer.
[13:11] Franciscan Friars: "Hail Mary, full of grace... Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death."
Final Reflections
Fr. Mark-Mary concludes by reiterating the significance of daily spiritual practice in achieving greater intimacy with God. He reassures listeners that while the ultimate experience of divine glory is in God's hands, consistent prayer and faithfulness will lead to increased light, joy, and peace in their lives.
[06:14] Mark Mary: "It's very boots on the ground. Like, we're just not angels. We don't fly up the mountain of holiness and prayer and glory. We climb it day by day."
Notable Quotes
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On Following Jesus:
[06:14] Mark Mary: "We follow Jesus. It's as simple as that."
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On Daily Choices:
[08:15] Mark Mary: "Our daily choices to say no to temptation, our daily prayers, reading of the scripture, works of charity. This is how we continue to put one foot in front of the other and climb the mountain of the Lord."
-
On Spiritual Climb:
[06:46] Mark Mary: "The more we leave behind sin... the more we grow in prayer... the higher we go up the mountain."
Conclusion
Day 97: Climb the Mountain offers listeners a profound reflection on the spiritual journey of prayer and meditation through the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames skillfully intertwines scripture, saintly wisdom, and practical guidance to inspire and equip believers in their daily ascent towards deeper faith and divine intimacy. By embracing the invitation to follow Jesus and engage in consistent spiritual practices, listeners are encouraged to experience the transformative grace that the Rosary can bring into their lives.
Additional Resources
For those interested in following along with the Rosary in a Year plan, visit Ascension Press to download the complete prayer plan and access the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, which includes daily Scripture readings, saint reflections, and sacred art for meditation.