Best ReNew Ames Podcasts (2025)

1
Day 192: A Renewed “Yes” 16:30

Play Pause

1d ago16:30

16:30

Through storytelling and scripture, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the sacrificial freedom expressed by both Jesus and Mary during the Presentation in the Temple. Mary’s renewed “yes” is a powerful witness to steadfast faith. We are reminded to remain anchored in Christ with unwavering trust. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Presentation in the Temple a…

1
July 6, 2025 "Irrigation And Biblical Context" 30:23

5d ago30:23

30:23

Speaker: Brian GelderScripture: Jonah 3:10; 4:1-4https://www.bible.com/events/49460035By ReNew Ames

1
Day 195: New Wine, New Life 14:24

3h ago14:24

14:24

“Do whatever He tells you.” Mary’s powerful words at the Wedding Feast at Cana urge us to trust Jesus wholeheartedly. This moment reveals Jesus as the divine bridegroom who brings transformation, joy, and new life into our lives. We are reminded that Jesus and Mary see our needs and respond with deep love and care, even when we do not realize it. T…

1
Day 194: Beloved Sons and Daughters 14:06

1d ago14:06

14:06

Reflecting on the Baptism of Jesus, Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that our own baptism equips us with the identity and strength needed to face spiritual trials. Drawing from Scripture and the works of St. Ambrose, he underscores the Father's declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son as a source of assurance in faith and personal identity. He also reminds …

1
Day 193: Faith in the Silence 17:24

11h ago17:24

17:24

Our guided meditation on the fifth Joyful Mystery, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, highlights the faith and trust of Mary and Joseph when faced with unexpected events and limited understanding. The quiet transition of leadership within the Holy Family, as Joseph’s protective role gives way to Jesus' revelation of His divine mission is also emph…

1
Day 191: Unworthy Yet Welcomed 15:02

2d ago15:02

15:02

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Nativity, emphasizing the overwhelming joy and sense of unworthiness that can accompany encountering the gift of Jesus. We are invited to contemplate the transformative love offered through the birth of Christ. Using Scripture, sacred imagery, and prayer, we are drawn into an intimate encounter with Jesus, who offers n…

1
Day 190: Returning to the Visitation 13:57

5d ago13:57

13:57

We continue practicing meditation with our mental archive, returning to Mary as the Ark of the Covenant, understanding the Visitation as our invitation to song, and Mary’s charity and love towards us. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we pray through the “four R’s,” asking God to reveal his grace to us through the mystery. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Vis…

1
Day 189: Beginning Our Meditation 15:59

6d ago15:59

15:59

We begin Phase 4: Finding Focus today, reviewing several topics for meditation on the Annunciation. Putting the mental meditation archive we’ve been building into practice, Fr. Mark-Mary leads us through prayer prompts and a decade of the rosary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For t…

1
Bonus: Introduction to Phase Four: “Finding Focus” 38:35

6d ago38:35

38:35

What’s the difference between a commitment and a devotion? How can we grow in love for the rosary? In this special bonus episode, Fr. Mark-Mary is joined by Sr. Miriam James Heidland SOLT, to discuss prayer quality over quantity, overcoming discouragement in prayer, and the beauty of Mary and her motherhood. For the complete prayer plan, visit http…

1
Renewment®: A Retirement Model for Career Women with Dorian Mintzer and Helen Dennis 58:22

6d ago58:22

58:22

This is a story about Renewment®, a word Helen Dennis and her co-founder, Bernice Bratter, made up.  The word is a combination of retirement and renewal.  So, what is it?  It is a small movement, process, and forum that inspires and supports career women from work to retirement…and beyond.  Over the past 25 years, 35 to 40 small in-person renewment…

1
Day 188: Gifts for Mary 15:36

7d ago15:36

15:36

In our final visio divina episode, we meditate on a fresco entitled Mary, Help of Christians, by Giuseppe Rollini. Mary is surrounded by rows and rows of saints, from all backgrounds and professions, and yet there is still more space in Jesus’ house. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we bring the gift of our prayer and present it to Mary, our Queen. Today’s focu…

1
Day 187: God is Never Outdone 13:00

6d ago13:00

13:00

Jesus took flesh from Mary and glorified it, says St. Augustine. As we meditate on the Assumption through a stained glass depiction, Fr. Mark-Mary explains how Mary’s generosity to Jesus is given back to her as he shares his divine nature with her. The creature, he says, will never best the generosity of the creator. Today’s focus is the mystery of…

1
Day 186: Power From On High 14:43

9d ago14:43

14:43

In anticipation of Pentecost, Jesus tells his disciples to wait until the Father sends them power from on high. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, considering the painting of Pentecost, attributed to Simone Peterzano, that we can trust and wait on the Lord. We may be in a place of poverty, but our strength is found in waiting for God’s power and graces. Today…

1
Day 185: Proclaiming Christ 13:15

10d ago13:15

13:15

Each of us is called to share the Gospel boldly through our witness, words, and love. Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on this mission through Duccio’s Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee, where Christ blesses and commissions his disciples before ascending. We are reminded that Jesus remains present with us, empowering our unique roles in building the King…

1
Day 184: Beyond the Tomb 13:55

11d ago13:55

13:55

What if the first person to witness the Resurrection was Mary, the mother of Jesus? Fr. Mark-Mary explores this possibility through prayerful reflection on Annibale Carracci’s painting The Holy Women at Christ’s Tomb, highlighting the emotional depth and symbolism in the women's encounter with the angel. Drawing from Pope John Paul II’s insights, h…

1
June 29, 2025 "When We Humble Ourselves" 32:20

12d ago32:20

32:20

A little different kind of sermon for Sunday. I'm gonna talk a little bit about what Jesus said about the heart - the idea is that it's the controlling center of people. You can tell a lot about where a person's heart is by the things they do - especially when they're tested. So we'll walk through the story of Naaman and leprosy and see if we might…

1
Day 183: Love Poured Out 17:46

12d ago17:46

17:46

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Crucifixion through Rubens’ painting, The Descent from the Cross, emphasizing the raw humanity of Jesus as He is lovingly lowered by His followers. He meditates on the mystical union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church, inviting us to find rest in Christ’s pierced side, the source of love, mercy, and life. Fin…

1
Day 182: Shared Sacrifice 15:31

13d ago15:31

15:31

Inspired by Raphael’s painting depicting the Carrying of the Cross, Fr. Mark-Mary focuses on the profound spiritual offering made by both Jesus and Mary. He emphasizes how Jesus willingly embraced his suffering out of love and obedience to the Father, and how Mary also offered her son with grace and faith. Their shared sacrifice is presented as an …

1
Day 181: Grace Amid Thorns 14:15

14d ago14:15

14:15

Witnessing Christ crowned with thorns reveals a striking contrast between worldly might and divine strength and humility. Through the lens of Anthony van Dyck’s dramatic painting and the words of scripture and Pope John Paul II, Fr. Mark-Mary’s meditation unveils the redemptive power found in suffering. We are invited to see our own suffering as a …

1
Day 180: The God Who Bleeds 15:42

15d ago15:42

15:42

Fr. Mark-Mary draws us in to an overwhelming realization while meditating on The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ by William-Adolphe Bouguereau: our God is a God who bleeds. We observe Jesus in his pain and suffering, reflecting on the incredible amount of love he has to pursue our souls regardless of his suffering. Today’s focus is the myster…

1
Day 179: Discouragement, Distraction, Despair 17:32

16d ago17:32

17:32

Today’s painting, The Arrest of Christ by Giotto di Bondone can be somewhat unsettling. Giotto di Bondone captures the moment of Judas' betrayal with intense emotion, reminding Fr. Mark-Mary that any of us could be in Judas’ place. Supplemented by a quote from St. Augustine, we meditate on the realization that all of us have the capacity to be grea…

1
Day 178: Open the Door 13:35

17d ago13:35

13:35

In Tanner’s painting, Christ and the Disciples Before the Last Supper, we see Jesus and a few disciples before they enter the upper room to eat the Passover. In moments, the institution of the Eucharist will occur. Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to experience the incredible love Jesus is inviting them into before they enter and share the Passover meal. T…

1
Day 177: Earthen Vessels 15:13

18d ago15:13

15:13

Fr. Mark-Mary introduces us to the spiritual background of icons as we pray with an icon of the Transfiguration. We consider how our transformation in Christ takes a lifetime, revealed through Peter’s journey from the mountain, through shadows and valleys, and back to Jesus’ mercy and love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration and we…

1
June 22, 2025 "Keep Wrestling With God" 32:56

19d ago32:56

32:56

Jacob wrestles with "God." So, did this one back in 2020 - now from a totally different angle. You could say I really "wrestled" with this one this week.A little background: Jacob's a deceiver - his life is a mess. He's on the run because his brother Esau wants to kill him 20 years after he stole the blessing. He finds himself alone on the banks of…

1
Day 176: Jesus is in the Boat 13:55

19d ago13:55

13:55

Mark chapter 5 doesn’t shrink back from the danger of the storm. The apostles’ boat is filling with water and they are in immediate danger. Rembrandt’s painting, Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, shows us how real this threat is. And yet, Jesus’ response is to urge the apostles to have faith in him. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Pro…

1
Day 175: Calling Through the Noise 14:47

20d ago14:47

14:47

Fr. Mark-Mary draws unique comparisons when meditating on Paolo Veronese’s The Wedding at Cana. The depiction of Christ’s quiet centrality amid worldly distraction mirrors how people often overlook Jesus, just as museumgoers miss this massive artwork while focused on the Mona Lisa. As well as the parallel between the statue of Atlas outside St. Pat…

1
Pedaling Through Midlife on a Bicycle Built for Two with Szifra Birk, Jay Livingston, and Dorian Mintzer 1:04:52

20d ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Leaving middle age and approaching retirement is often portrayed as a time to settle into comfortable patterns and perhaps explore grand adventures. The common view suggests that after you've spent a lifetime building satisfying relationships, now there's time to sit back and enjoy them, to lean into the habits you enjoy, to stop working so hard at…

1
Day 174: Living Our Baptism 16:29

21d ago16:29

16:29

Through Alexander Ivanov’s painting, The Appearance of Christ Before the People, Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates the baptism of Jesus and the profound humility of John the Baptist, who recognizes Christ and directs his followers to Him. The artwork and Gospel text together highlight John’s deep spiritual freedom and his role in preparing the way for the…

1
Day 173: Rooted in Identity 17:07

22d ago17:07

17:07

Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates the courage required of 12-year-old Jesus speaking in the temple, as depicted in William Holman Hunt’s vivid painting, The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple. He contrasts this with his own childhood experiences of shyness and public speaking, drawing insight into how true meekness flows from knowing one’s identity. We …

1
Day 172: Heart of Prayer 11:32

23d ago11:32

11:32

Meditating on Mary’s presence in the Presentation scene, painted by Aert de Gelder, reveals a woman who prays not only with words, but with her entire being. In the glow of the Christ Child, she models how to receive mystery, pain, and promise with unwavering faith. Her example reminds us that holiness begins not with full understanding, but with t…

1
Day 171: Worship the Newborn King 11:59

24d ago11:59

11:59

Caravaggio’s Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence offers a tender and grounded depiction of Christ’s birth, surrounded not only by the Holy Family but also by saints known for their deep love of poverty. Fr. Mark-Mary uses this scene to lead into the Praises of God by St. Francis, lifting our gaze from the humble manger to the majesty of …

1
Day 170: Grit and Grace 12:20

25d ago12:20

12:20

Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth is brought to life through Antonio Barluzzi’s mosaic, where Mary travels by donkey through rugged hills, accompanied by angels who walk beside her rather than carry her. This powerful detail highlights Mary’s strength and humility. She is a model of self-giving love, reminding us that holiness often unfolds through…

1
June 15, 2025 "Jesus Is The Capstone" 26:47

26d ago26:47

26:47

In order to understand the story, we're reading 4:1-12 - I'll need to talk about why Peter and John are in prison in the first place. Essentially, they came across a guy who was lame from birth. The guy asks for money; instead, since they knew that Jesus lived his life with love and compassion and healing and justice, they decided to go deeper. The…

1
Day 169: The Faithful “Yes” 14:15

26d ago14:15

14:15

What does it mean to say “yes” to God with complete trust? Reflecting on Jan van Eyck’s painting of the Annunciation, Fr. Mark-Mary explores how Mary’s faithful response marks the fulfillment of the Old Testament and invites us to a similar surrender. We are called to recognize God’s presence in all circumstances and to keep our focus and trust roo…

1
Day 168: Our Shared Inheritance 15:47

27d ago15:47

15:47

The Coronation of Mary is portrayed in Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis’s fresco, where the Trinity crowns her Queen of Heaven as saints, angels, and loved ones gaze on with joy. The presence of St. Joseph, St. Anne, and St. John the Baptist emphasizes that those who suffer with Christ also share in His glory. We are reminded that while the road of disciple…

1
Day 167: Glory Awaits the Faithful 13:37

28d ago13:37

13:37

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Assumption of Mary through Cesare Mariani’s 1863 fresco, which depicts Our Lady rising in glory, surrounded by angels, saints, and the faithful. This meditation reminds us that in Christ, the victory is already won—and all who remain faithful will share in that eternal triumph with Him and Our Lady. Today’s focus is th…

1
Day 166: Ordinary, Yet Called 15:17

29d ago15:17

15:17

Titian’s Renaissance painting, Pentecost, focuses on St. Peter kneeling beside Mary with the keys of the Kingdom in hand. Fr. Mark-Mark contemplates Peter’s transformation from a flawed man to the first pope to highlight the power of the Holy Spirit working through ordinary people. We are reminded that despite our limitations, each of us carries a …

1
Day 165: Following in His Footsteps 14:07

1M ago14:07

14:07

Exploring the mystery of the Ascension, Fr. Mark-Mary meditates on Jesus’ enduring presence through the symbol of His footprints, as depicted in Bernardino Gandino’s Baroque painting. This image becomes a powerful reminder of Christ’s continued presence and an invitation to follow Him not just in spirit, but step by step, through Scripture, the sac…

1
Day 164: Guided by His Hand 13:37

1M ago13:37

13:37

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on St. Thomas not as doubting and resistant, but as someone honestly expressing his need to see and believe because he is aware that if the Resurrection is true, everything must change. Caravaggio’s The Incredulity of St. Thomas captures this moment of intimate encounter, as the risen Jesus gently leads Thomas to touch His si…

1
Day 163: Through His Eyes 14:17

1M ago14:17

14:17

What did Jesus see when He looked down from the cross? And what does He see in us now? Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates James Tissot’s painting, What Our Lord Saw from the Cross, which invites reflection on what Jesus might have seen and felt as He gave His life. Fr. Mark-Mary contrasts the indifference and mockery of some in the crowd with the sorrowful…

1
June 8, 2025 "A Renewed Sense of Community" 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

It's Pentecost Sunday - the day we celebrate the arrival of the Spirit. Like we talked about last week, Christian means "follower of Christ." We can also understand it as meaning "little Christ." We're all little Jesuses. This happens with the indwelling of the Spirit. The Spirit is nothing more than Jesus moving from the outside to the inside. It'…

1
Day 162: Carrying the Cross Together 15:57

1M ago15:57

15:57

Orazio Gentileschi’s painting, Christ Carrying the Cross, captures the profound strength and inner peace of Jesus’ suffering—His body straining beneath the weight of the cross, yet His face is calm. Fr. Mark-Mary contrasts the visible burden of the cross with Jesus’ promise of a “light burden”. He invites us to consider that what lightens the load …

1
Day 161: Sharing Eternal Victory 12:13

1M ago12:13

12:13

Christ is depicted in Caravaggio’s Ecce Homo with quiet dignity amid humiliation, as He is crowned with thorns and presented to the crowd. Fr. Mark-Mary encourages a prayerful examination of conscience, recognizing our personal role in Christ’s Passion while holding fast to the light and hope that remains even in darkness. Through repentance and fa…

1
Day 160: Choose Your Side 13:45

1M ago13:45

13:45

We are in a war with darkness, and we must choose to take up the side as sons and daughters of God. Fr. Mark-Mary describes Caravaggio’s painting, The Flagellation of Christ, relating each of Jesus’ assailants to a personification of sin. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. Al…

1
Day 159: Surrender Your Suffering 11:37

1M ago11:37

11:37

As we meditate with the painting entitled Prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane Garden by Alessandro Maganza, Fr. Mark-Mary notices that all of the movement, lines, and action in the painting points towards Jesus. Sharing a story about one of his fellow friars, Fr. Mark-Mary explains how we can direct ourselves to Jesus and surrender our fears, worries, an…

1
Day 158: Wash All of Me 12:08

1M ago12:08

12:08

Jesus gives himself totally to us in the Eucharist, body, blood, soul, and divinity. Today’s art, The Last Supper, by Juan de Juanes (Vicente Juan Masip) includes the bowl and urn used for the washing of feet, reminding us of Peter’s request that Jesus wash him entirely. This is the attitude, Fr. Mark-Mary says, that we should bring as we receive t…

1
Day 157: We Have Authority 14:09

1M ago14:09

14:09

Fr. Mark-Mary notices that The Transfiguration, painted by Raphael, contains a very interesting Biblical reference. Raphael has chosen to depict the beginning of Jesus’ exorcism of a demon in Matthew 17 alongside the Transfiguration. This parallel reveals the truth that Jesus can give us all spiritual authority to resist temptation, through our fai…

1
Day 156: I Do Not Condemn You 15:00

1M ago15:00

15:00

In Lorenzo Lotto’s painting, The Adulterous Woman, we are presented with an unforgettable moment from the Gospels. A group of accusers try to trap Jesus by asking for his judgement of a woman caught in sin. However, Fr. Mark-Mary explains, Jesus’ incredible response to the accusers and the woman is a response to all of us. Today’s focus is the myst…

1
June 1, 2025 "Baptism And Belonging" 32:55

1M ago32:55

32:55

Speaker: Tony VisScripture: Matthew 3:13-17http://bible.com/events/49443990By ReNew Ames

1
Day 155: More than Meets the Eye 12:29

1M ago12:29

12:29

Jesus is a divine multitasker, intentionally and perfectly. Fr. Mark-Mary explains that while we might struggle to multitask, God works on multiple levels at all times. As Jesus turns water into wine in Gérard David’s painting, The Wedding at Cana, he is both continuing the joy of the celebration and revealing himself as the divine bridegroom. Toda…