All Saints Parish - Sunday Homilies Podcast

Why did God accept Abel's sacrifice… but not Cain's?   In today's reflection, we begin the Stations of the Eucharist with a powerful truth:   What you offer matters.   At every Mass, we're not just watching… we're participating.   We are meant to bring something to the altar: our prayers, our struggles, our sacrifices.   What are you offering to God?

How will this week be amazing? Holy Week is not just another week. It's set apart. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us of one powerful truth: Your best ability is availability. If you want this week to be different… you have to make yourself available: ➡️ to prayer ➡️ to Mass ➡️ to silence ➡️ to God This week matters. Don't miss it. If these reflections are helping you grow, consider subscribing and sharing with someone who needs this message.

What if you could understand the Mass like never before? This Holy Week, we invite you into a powerful journey through the Stations of the Eucharist — a biblical walk that reveals what is really happening at every Mass. This isn't just a study. It's an encounter. Each day, you'll walk with Jesus through His Passion, His death, and His Resurrection — and discover how His love is still being poured out for you today. Don't just go to Mass this week… enter into it.

What are you planning for?   We plan for everything — vacations, careers, relationships, even dinner…   But are we planning for what matters most?   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer challenges us to think deeper:   ➡️ Are you planning for eternity? ➡️ Are you planning for holiness? ➡️ Are you planning to walk with Jesus this Holy Week?   In the Gospel, people were making plans… but they were planning for the death of Jesus.   We're called to something different.   We're called to plan for glory.   What is your plan?   If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this challenge.  

Where do you go to find peace? Is there a place where you first encountered God? A place where your faith became real? In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to remember something powerful: Places matter. There are places where God has met us — and those places become sacred. Jesus Himself returned to the place where He first began His ministry. Maybe it's time for you to go back. ➡️ Your parish ➡️ A chapel ➡️ A place from your past ➡️ Even just a quiet place where you once prayed Where is God calling you to return? If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this reminder.

Do you want to live forever? It sounds like a big question… but Jesus gives us a clear answer. In today's Gospel, He says: “Whoever keeps my word will never see death.” That's not just poetic language — that's a promise. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us: What we call death… is not the end. It's the beginning. When we follow Christ, we don't just gain eternal life someday — we begin to experience peace, joy, and hope right now. Do you believe that? If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this message.

How can you be more like Mary? It begins with one simple but powerful prayer: “Let it be done unto me.” In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to reflect on the surrender of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation — a total yes to God's will. Not my will. Not my way. But yours. What would your life look like if you truly lived those words? Mary shows us the path: ➡️ Trust ➡️ Surrender ➡️ Say yes If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this message.

When was the last time you saw the Son of Man lifted up? The answer might be closer than you think. At every Mass, Jesus becomes truly present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — and is lifted up before us. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us of something powerful: We don't just remember the sacrifice of Christ… we enter into it. If you're looking for a real change in your spiritual life, start here: ➡️ Go to Mass more often ➡️ Encounter Jesus more deeply ➡️ Let Him transform your life Daily Mass isn't just for a few — it's a game changer. If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this invitation.

When was the last time you truly repented? In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Those words aren't just about forgiveness — they're about transformation. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer challenges us to go deeper: Are we just confessing the same sins… or are we actually trying to change our lives? God's mercy is real. But so is His call to freedom. What in your life needs to be removed so that you can stop falling into the same sin? You are not meant to stay stuck. You were made for freedom. If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this message.

Do you believe?   Not just in your head… but in your heart?   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to go deeper:   Faith isn't just something we know — it's something we live.   The journey of belief moves: ➡️ from the head ➡️ to the heart ➡️ to the hands   It transforms how we think, how we love, and how we serve.   So today, ask yourself honestly:   Do I truly believe… or do I just know about God?   If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this reminder.  

Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem? It wasn't random. Bethlehem means “house of bread.” And Jesus is the Bread of Life. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer connects something incredible: Bethlehem… The shepherds… The lambs… The Eucharist… From the very beginning, God was preparing us to understand who Jesus truly is. He is the Lamb of God. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the Bread of Life. As you prepare for Mass this weekend, take a moment to reflect on how deeply God has planned your salvation. If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs to hear it today.

Do you always feel like going to Mass?   If we're honest… probably not.   There are days when we're tired, busy, frustrated, or just not feeling it.   But today's Rise Up reflection reminds us of something important:   Do the right thing.   Even Jesus went where He needed to go — even when it was difficult, even when it didn't make sense.   True joy isn't found in doing what we feel like doing. It's found in doing what is right.   Where in your life is God calling you to choose faithfulness over feelings?   If these reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this reminder.  

What are the pillars of your life? On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, we're given a powerful example of what it means to live with purpose, strength, and faith. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer shares four pillars from the life of St. Joseph: Silence. The woman. The child. Charitable authority. These aren't just ideas — they're a blueprint for becoming the man (or person) God created you to be. Where is God calling you to grow today? Take a moment and share in the comments: Which of these four pillars do you need to grow in the most? If these Rise Up reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs it today.

When will you stop trying to do everything on your own?   The world tells us to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient.   But today, Jesus reminds us of something radically different: we were never meant to do life alone.   Even Jesus says He does nothing on His own — He is in complete union with the Father.   So why do we keep trying to carry everything by ourselves?   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to surrender — to open our hands and say:   “God, I need you.”   Where in your life are you trying to do it all alone?   Take a moment and bring that to prayer today.   If these reflections are helping you grow closer to Christ this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who needs this reminder.  

Have you ever tried to do the right thing… only to have people completely misunderstand your intentions? In today's Gospel, Jesus heals a man — an act of mercy and love. But instead of celebrating the miracle, people criticize Him because it happened on the Sabbath. Even Jesus experienced what it's like to be misunderstood. Sometimes when we try to help others, show charity, or do what we know is right, people judge our motives, gossip, or assume the worst. But the message of the Gospel is clear: keep doing the right thing. You may not receive your reward here on earth — but God sees your heart. If these Rise Up reflections are helping you grow closer to Christ this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who might need it today.

What are you known for? Sometimes we become known for things we did in the past — mistakes, embarrassing moments, or something people can't seem to forget. In today's Gospel, people remember Jesus for turning water into wine. But that wasn't the reason He came. Jesus didn't come to perform signs and wonders. He came to save us and give us freedom from sin.   Maybe you feel like people only see one part of your story. But God sees something deeper. You are not defined by your past — you are a son or daughter of God. If these Rise Up reflections are helping you grow this Lent, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who might need it today.

Where in your life do you need healing? In today's Gospel, Jesus does something surprising: He spits on the ground, makes mud, and heals a blind man's eyes.   It may seem strange at first, but this moment points all the way back to the creation of Adam — when God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed life into him. Jesus is doing the same thing again. He is recreating. So today ask yourself: What part of your life needs to be reshaped, healed, or restored by God? Take a moment and share in the comments: What has helped you grow the most this Lent? And if these reflections are helping you grow closer to Christ, consider subscribing and sharing this video with someone who might need it today.

Why do Catholics strike their chest at Mass?   In today's Gospel, we see where this powerful gesture comes from. When we strike our chest during the Confiteor, we are acknowledging something important: we are sinners who need God's mercy.    But it's not just about admitting we've done something wrong. It's also about choosing to do something about it — to seek forgiveness, make things right, and grow closer to Christ.   Imagine a world where people didn't just admit their mistakes… but actually did something to make them right.   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us that humility and repentance can change everything.  

What are the two greatest commandments?   Jesus gives a simple but powerful answer: Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul… and love your neighbor as yourself.    Every commandment God gives flows from these two.   When we love God first and truly love our neighbor, the rest begins to fall into place.   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us that God's commandments are not burdens — they are gifts that lead us to freedom and joy.  

There is a spiritual battle happening all around us. In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us that the devil wants us to believe the battle isn't real — but God has given us powerful weapons to fight back: the sacraments, prayer, the angels, and the protection of St. Michael. We are not meant to live in fear, but in the victory of Christ. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Did Jesus break the Ten Commandments?   Of course not. But sometimes we act like it's okay for us to ignore them.   In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us that Jesus didn't come to abolish the law — He came to fulfill it. He lived a faithful life of prayer, fasting, and obedience to God.    Lent is a time to rediscover the beauty of living the way Jesus lived — honoring God, dedicating time to prayer and rest, and allowing His commandments to lead us to freedom.   Which commandment do you struggle with the most? Invite God's grace into that today.  

Do you have family wounds? In today's Day 21 Rise Up reflection, Father Meyer reflects on St. Peter's question: “How often must I forgive?” Sometimes the hardest people to forgive are the ones we love the most — parents, siblings, and family members who have hurt us deeply. Those wounds can run deep. But with God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, healing and forgiveness are possible. “Give me the grace to forgive. Give me the grace to embrace. Give me the grace to let go.”   Today, ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to forgive and allow God to bring healing to your heart. If you know someone carrying hurt or struggling to forgive, consider sharing this video with them. Sign up to receive the daily Rise Up reflections by texting rise26 to 84576. #RiseUp #Lent #Forgiveness #Catholic #DailyGospel #Healing #Faith

Have you ever been treated badly for doing the right thing? In today's Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer reminds us that rejection is not new for followers of Jesus. In today's Gospel, people are so angry with Jesus that they try to throw Him off a cliff. Later, He will be mocked, scourged, and crucified.   Throughout history, the saints and martyrs have suffered for living the truth of the Gospel. If you've ever been rejected, misunderstood, or treated poorly because of your faith—you're not alone. Today is a new day. A new week. A chance to recommit to the life God is calling you to live. Keep going. Be the saint God created you to be.

Rise Up – Day 19   In today's Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent, we hear the powerful story of the woman at the well.   After encountering Jesus, she runs back to the town and says:   “He told me everything I have done.”   Jesus saw her past. He saw her sins. He saw the things she tried to hide.   And yet she leaves that encounter filled with joy — because she realizes something incredible:   She is still loved.   Sometimes the things we try hardest to hide are the very things Jesus already sees. And instead of rejecting us, He meets us with mercy.   Today, take a moment to rest in this truth:   God sees you. God knows you. God loves you.   You are not alone.   Sign up to receive the daily Rise Up reflections by texting rise26 to 84576.   #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #DailyGospel #WomanAtTheWell #Confession

In today's Gospel we hear the story of the Prodigal Son—but what if the real question is not which son we are… but whether we can become like the Father.   The father in the story was deeply wounded. His son essentially wished him dead and walked away from the family. Yet the father never stopped hoping, never stopped waiting, and when his son returned, he ran to meet him with mercy.   Many of us have experienced hurt, division, or broken relationships in our families. Today's reflection invites us to ask a difficult question:   Do we forgive like the Father? Do we keep hope alive for those who have walked away?   God's mercy never gives up on us. Today, let's ask for the grace to imitate that same mercy in our own lives.    God has a plan for you. Keep your head up. Keep persevering. Be a saint.  

Have you ever felt rejected? From a job… A relationship… A team… Even your own family? Rejection can leave deep wounds in our hearts. But the Gospel reminds us of a powerful truth: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Your past does not define you. Your worst day does not define you. You are a son or daughter of God, loved and chosen by Him. Watch today's reflection in Rise Up – Day 17 and remember who you truly are. #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #ChildOfGod #Faith #CatholicFaith #DailyGospel #ChristianHope

What are you procrastinating about? Is it prayer? Daily Mass? Calling someone you need to forgive? Taking the step you know God is asking of you? In today's Gospel reflection, Father Meyer challenges us to stop putting off the things that lead us closer to God. God gives the grace. We just have to cooperate. Maybe today is the day to stop waiting and start living the life God is calling you to. Watch today's Rise Up – Day 16 reflection and take the next step. #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #DailyGospel #CatholicFaith #ChristianLiving #BeASaint #CatholicYouTube

Welcome to Rise Up – Day 15. In today's Gospel, Jesus asks James and John a powerful question: “Can you drink the chalice that I will drink?” At the time, they had no idea what He meant. But that chalice would become the chalice of the Mass—the sacrifice of Christ poured out for the salvation of the world. Every time we attend Mass, we are invited to enter into that same mystery: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question remains for us today: Can we drink the chalice? Watch today's reflection and allow the Lord to draw you deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist. #RiseUp #Catholic #DailyGospel #TheMass #Eucharist #CatholicFaith #CatholicYouTube

Do your socks match? I know a young adult who intentionally wears mismatched socks. Why? He's training himself in humility. He wants to learn how to handle ridicule and small humiliations — because he knows bigger ones will come. In today's Gospel we hear: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Most of us run from humiliation. We hide from it. We avoid it. But what if small moments of humility are training for sainthood? Rise Up is a 90-day daily reflection series from Ash Wednesday through the Easter season — helping you grow in focus, friendship, and fellowship. Subscribe and walk with us.  Text rise26 to 84576.  #RiseUp #Lent #Humility #Catholic #DailyReflection #BeASaint

How big is your measuring cup? Jesus says: “The measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” What's your measuring cup when it comes to generosity? Gratitude? Encouragement? You can't out-give God. When you are generous, blessings overflow — packed down, shaken together, and running over. This isn't prosperity gospel. It's simply the truth of the Gospel. Today, make your measuring cup bigger. Be generous. Be kind. Build people up. And get ready… it's going to overflow. Rise Up is a 90-day daily reflection series from Ash Wednesday through Easter to help you grow in focus, friendship, and fellowship. Subscribe and walk through Lent with us. #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #Generosity #Gratitude #DailyReflection #Overflow ⸻

Back on Ash Wednesday, you had a desire in your heart. You wanted to change. You wanted to grow. You wanted to become a saint. Now we're at the Second Sunday of Lent — the Transfiguration. This is your check-in. Are you being changed? Are you moving in the right direction? Are you becoming who God is calling you to be? Today isn't about pressure. It's about reflection. It's about letting Jesus transfigure your heart. Take time to rest. Pray. Breathe. Reflect. Rise Up is a 90-day daily reflection series from Ash Wednesday through the Easter season to help you focus, walk with friends, and grow in fellowship.

“If you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that?” Today Jesus challenges us to step outside our comfort zones. Don't just greet your friends. Don't just love the people who are easy to love. Go out and greet people today. Look them in the eye. Preach the Gospel — and if necessary, use words. Let's change the world one person at a time. Rise Up – Day 11 is here.

When was the last time you went to confession?   In today's Gospel, Jesus makes something very clear: before we approach the altar, we are called to reconciliation. Confession and the Eucharist belong together.   Lent is the perfect time to reflect, repent, and return to the Lord.   It's okay to go to Mass and not receive Holy Communion — but let's not stay away from confession.   Let's make Lent amazing by repenting of our sins.   Rise Up – Day 10 is here.  

Are you a do-gooder?   Jesus tells us: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.”   It's easy to say we believe. But belief without action isn't what Jesus asked for.   Our faith demands a response. Scripture demands a response. Jesus demands a response.   Rise Up – Day 9 challenges us to stop just saying we believe… and start living it.   Happy Lent.   #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #ChristianLiving #DoGood #FaithInAction #BeASaint #DailyReflection

Rise Up – Day 8 Are you waiting for a sign? In today's reflection, Father Meyer reminds us that our faith isn't built on symbols, myths, or vague spiritual feelings. Jesus is not just a sign — He is real. He lived. He died. He rose again. This Lenten season is an invitation to open our eyes to the reality in front of us — the reality of Christ, the people around us, and the grace present in this very moment. Lord, open my eyes. Watch today's reflection and share it with someone who might be waiting for a sign. #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #DailyReflection #Faith #Jesus #Conversion #ChristianLiving

Instant gratification feels good… but forgiveness sets you free.   In today's Rise Up reflection, we face one of the hardest questions of Lent:   Who do you need to forgive?   Jesus tells us clearly: “If you forgive others… your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive you.”   We can't receive mercy while refusing to give it.   Let today be a day of freedom. Let the bitterness go. Let the anger go. Forgive those who have hurt you.   Rise Up is a 90-day daily Gospel reflection for Lent and Easter focused on focus, friends, and fellowship.   Text “riseup” to 84576 to receive the daily reflection by text or email.   #RiseUpSeries #LentReflection #Catholic #Forgiveness #ChristianLiving #DailyGospel #FaithJourney #LetGo #Mercy #CatholicYouTube

Have you ever stopped to think that every act of kindness — or impatience — is done to Jesus Himself?   In Rise Up – Day 6, Father Meyer reflects on the powerful words from Matthew 25: “You did it to me.”   Through the simple yet profound Five Finger Prayer taught by Mother Teresa, and the powerful witness of St. Polycarp, we're reminded that the Eucharist transforms us. When we receive Christ, we are called to become Christ for others.   What you do to the least… you do to Him.   Let's love boldly. Let's love intentionally. Let's love the Eucharist.   #RiseUp #DailyReflection #CatholicFaith #Eucharist #StPolycarp #LentJourney #BeSaints #CatholicYouTube #FaithInAction

You were fired up on Ash Wednesday. You had a plan. You were ready to “crush Lent.”   But now it's the First Sunday of Lent…   How are you doing?   In today's Rise Up reflection, we look at Jesus being tempted in the desert — and what that means for you four days into your Lenten commitment.   Because of your baptism, you are not alone. Because of your baptism, you have nothing to fear. Even in the desert.   Rise Up is a daily Gospel reflection for Lent and Easter. Text “riseup” to 84576 to receive it by text or email.   #RiseUp #Catholic #Lent #FirstSundayOfLent #GospelReflection #CatholicYouTube #BeNotAfraid

Are you sick?   Jesus says, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.” The question is — do we recognize our need for Him?   If we don't admit we're not where God wants us to be yet, we won't seek healing. We won't seek growth. We won't seek repentance.   The good news? God isn't done with us.   Today is another chance to grow. Another chance to forgive. Another chance to love better than yesterday.   Let's pray for healing in our Church. Let's pray for holiness among priests. Let's pray for revival.   Rise Up is a daily reflection journey through Lent and Easter focused on the Gospel, friendship, and real transformation.  

Is Friday abstinence enough? Or are we missing the point of fasting altogether?   Jesus says when He is taken away, His disciples will fast. But what does that really mean for us today?   On this first Friday of Lent, let's talk about delayed gratification, self-denial, and the fastest way to become a saint.   Rise Up – Day 3   #RiseUp #Lent #Catholic #CatholicFaith #Fasting #FirstFriday #BecomingASaint #SelfDenial #DelayedGratification #FatherMeyer

Day 2 of Lent.   Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”   But denial is hard. And instant gratification is easy.   If you've ever struggled to keep your Lenten commitments… this reflection is for you.   Spiritual transformation doesn't come from comfort. It comes from delayed gratification, daily discipline, and accountability.   Are you ready to deny yourself — not just once — but daily?  

Ash Wednesday is a day filled with possibility. Today, the world walks around marked with ashes — repentant, desiring change, longing to become who God created us to be. But most of us don't actually pray for transformation. We pray for small adjustments. In Day 1 of Rise Up, Fr. Jonathan challenges you to stop asking for minor improvements and start surrendering everything. What righteous deeds will you commit to during these 40 days? What in your life needs to change — not be tweaked — but transformed? This journey doesn't end at Easter Sunday. We will walk together through: • 46 days of Lent • 50 days of Easter • All the way to Pentecost 95 days of daily encouragement, challenge, and accountability. Let's rise up. ⸻

This reflection comes from our weekly Alive series, where we gather around the Gospel and let it speak into real life. Over Lent and Easter, Alive will pause as we enter into something even deeper.   Beginning Ash Wednesday, we'll be sharing Rise Up — a daily Gospel reflection journey that runs through Pentecost. It's about moving from rules to freedom, from white-knuckling faith to living it with grace.   How to sign up for Rise Up:

In this powerful retreat talk, Fr. Meyer invites us to rediscover our deepest identity — not based on performance, failure, or fear, but on the unshakable truth that God loved us first.   Drawing from the Nativity, Scripture, Marian devotion, and years of pastoral and youth ministry experience, Fr. Meyer reflects on what it means to know not only who we are, but whose we are: beloved daughters of God. He reminds us that our identity is rooted in God's initiative — a love freely given, not earned.   Through prayer, reflection, and a guided renunciation of lies, this talk gently leads us to release shame, fear, anxiety, and false beliefs, and to proclaim the truth of who we are in Christ: Loved Wanted Forgiven Protected Never abandoned   This talk is especially meaningful for anyone who struggles with self-worth, anxiety, or trusting God's love, and for those longing for deeper interior healing and peace.   “Your identity is rooted in the fact that God loved you first.”   May this reflection help you rest more fully in the truth of who you are — and who God is for you.

Welcome to a bonus episode of ALIVE as we prepare to celebrate Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.   This beautiful feast marks the 40th day of Christmas, when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus—the Light of the world—into the Temple. In this reflection, Father Jonathan Blyer explains why we bless and carry candles, why this liturgy is so powerful, and how Candlemas invites us to reflect on the light Christ brings into our own lives.   We reflect on: The blessing and procession of candles Jesus as the Light entering the darkness The Presentation in the Temple (the Fourth Joyful Mystery) Simeon's canticle and the prophetess Anna The role of candles in prayer, both at church and at home   You're also encouraged to bring candles from home to Mass to be blessed, and to consider how candlelight might deepen your personal and family prayer life.   ✨ When was the last time you lit a candle and prayed?   Discussion questions are included below. We're glad you're here. Be a saint.

Adolf Hitler was baptized Catholic — but baptism alone does not guarantee holiness or salvation. In this homily, Fr. John Hollowell reflects on the meaning of baptism, original sin, and the ongoing spiritual battle each of us faces after receiving the grace of the sacraments. Drawing on powerful analogies from hiking and mountaineering, Fr. Hollowell explains why baptism is the beginning of the Christian adventure, not the end. Baptism makes us adopted sons and daughters of God and temples of the Holy Spirit — gifts even Adam and Eve did not possess. Yet, as the Catechism teaches, the consequences of sin remain, and we are still called to strive, cooperate with grace, and put our God-given talents to work. This homily challenges us to avoid complacency, to take our faith seriously, and to find joy, peace, and purpose in striving for holiness through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.

Fr. Vincent Lampert, longtime exorcist for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, delivers a powerful talk at the Intense Youth Conference 2025. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in spiritual warfare, Fr. Lampert reveals how the devil works to separate us from God, the dangers of the occult and false freedoms, and the hope we find in Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and God's mercy.   This talk challenges us to “wake up” spiritually, root out anything that is contrary to Christ, and rediscover our true freedom in obedience to God.  

In this ALIVE reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Father Jonathan Meyer dives into one of the most challenging and misunderstood Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” What does it mean to truly see God — not just in creation, but in the human person? Drawing from Theology of the Body and real pastoral experience, Father Meyer invites us to move beyond lust and temptation toward purity of heart, where beauty leads us to gratitude, reverence, and compassion. Instead of objectifying others, we're called to recognize their dignity and see God living and breathing in them. This reflection also challenges us to respond with mercy and love, especially toward those who may not yet understand their own worth.

Welcome to ALIVE, our weekend Gospel preparation series.   In this reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer walks with us through Matthew 4:12–23, the Call of the Apostles, reminding us that God is not distant — He is actively calling each of us right now.   God calls us to prayer, to love, to repentance, to service, and sometimes to bold commitment. Too often we hesitate, overthink, or wait for the “perfect time.” But Jesus' invitation is simple: “Come after me.” And the response is just as simple — trust and follow.   Whether God is calling you to deeper faith, ministry, marriage, religious life, or to finally take that step you've been putting off, this reflection invites you to drop your nets and follow.  

The most important piece of paper in your life isn't your diploma or your résumé — it's your baptismal certificate. This Sunday homily from January 11, 2026, reflects on the Gospel proclamation spoken over Jesus and spoken over each of us in baptism: “You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.” Our identity is not earned. It is received. It was purchased at the cost of Christ's death, and it defines who we are and how we are called to live. May we ask for the grace to live the vocation won for us through baptism and the cross of Jesus Christ. ⸻

Alive is our weekly Sunday preparation. In this episode, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (John 1:29–34) and the powerful words we hear at every Mass: “Behold the Lamb of God.” Why does John the Baptist choose this title for Jesus? This reflection weaves together:  • Bethlehem as the House of Bread  • Jesus laid in a manger — a feeding trough  • The shepherds who raised lambs for temple sacrifice  • And the fulfillment of it all in the Eucharist From the unblemished lambs of the Temple, to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, this Gospel reveals that Jesus is not a symbol — He is the reality. As priests lift up the Eucharist at Mass, they echo the words of John the Baptist and the faith of the Bethlehem shepherds, holding not a sacrifice that points forward, but the Lamb who fulfills every promise.