Project Whetstone

It is good to be back with you! Please like, share, and rate the podcast. And remember to take your time and use the timestamps. Pray for us as we pray for you! In this episode we discuss Mary and the readings on the Solemnity of the the Assumption--the dogma teaching that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven (the fourth glorious mystery of the Rosary). While this specific event is not mentioned in scripture, it is not a foreign concept as Enoch and the prophet Elijah were both assumed to be assumed (no pun intended) into heaven by God. Why not Mary, the most holy and perfect of God's creatures? The underlying theme of the readings is that there was once a distance--an enmity between heaven and earth because of our sinfulness. But Mary, the highest honor and pride of the human race, says yes to God bringing Christ "the gate" into our midst, through whom God and man are reconciled. This presents us with a choice. To pass through the gate to God's side or stay where we are. Time Stamps (10:20) Themes (13:51) First Reading (34:35) Responsorial (49:00) Second Reading (1:10:24) Gospel (1:28:56) Final Thoughts The first reading is from the book of revelation, an apocalyptic text, describing the poetic visions of the apostle, John. The woman, Mary, who labors to give birth to Christ is antagonize by the devil represented by a dragon. The responsorial psalm comes from psalm 45 and is a psalm about a king of Israel who marries a foreign princess making her a queen. In Christian prayer, that princess is a type of Mary who represents mankind who has estranged himself from God. Mary, earth's princess, espouses herself to God in the hopes unifying the two kingdoms manifest in the person of Christ. In the second reading, Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that through Adam death entered the world but Christ corrects and elevates humanity by not only restoring us to life but to eternal life with God. Lastly, the gospel reading from Luke is the narrative of the second joyful mystery of the Rosary--the visitation. Having learned that her cousin, Elizabeth, is pregnant with a son (John the Baptist) Mary visits her. The exchange brings about two very familiar prayers. Upon hearing Mary's voice, Elizabeth gives us part of the "Hail Mary" saying "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb." Mary in response gives us the Magnificat (which means "proclaims the greatness"). Mary knows who she is before God and praises God that the promises made to our fathers in faith are being fulfilled through Her Son, Jesus. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #Catholic #CatholicPodcast

As we discuss the readings from the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time we discuss the theme of God's providence, abundance, and generosity. The revelation of God's generosity prepares His people for the greatest gift of His Son. It prompts us, then, to be generous in our faith by offering our "firstfruits". Time Stamps (2:28) Check-In: Gas Prices, Electric Vehicles, Jeff Bezos and Possibilities (15:18) Theme of Today's Readings (16:53) First Reading (40:14) Responsorial Psalm (51:35) Second Reading (1:05:55) Gospel Reading (1:26:47) Final Thoughts In the first reading, we read an anecdote of the prophet Elisha. A man who was giving the firstfruits of his labor to God is then instructed by Elisha to give the offering to the people. Miraculously 20 barley loaves and some grain was enough to feed a hundred people. This is a precursor miracle to the multiplication of loaves by Jesus. The response is from psalm 145 and we say: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. It is a psalm of praise at the abundant generosity and all-encompassing providence of God who cares, not just for humanity, but every living thing. The second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul's Ecclesiology letter, reminds us from where our identity, dignity, and unity come--God. Since we are all children of God, that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ and should treat one another accordingly. There should not be divisions among us. The Gospel is John's account of the multiplication of loaves. It is the beginning of the all-important 6th chapter of John gospel which includes Jesus walking on water and the bread of life discourses. This miracle is a preparation for Jesus to teach us about the His flesh as bread for the life of the world, by showing us that through Him God is fulfilling all of the promises of old, including what is referenced in the first reading. God can take the little offering of ourselves and can use us to do great things. Here is a link to the readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072521.cfm Please remember to take your time with the readings, use the time stamps, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram @blazeministry707 If you would like to help us and found our podcast helpful please remember to like, rate, share and subscribe. But above all pray for us, we are praying for you! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #Catholic #Podcast  

In Episode 21 we discuss the theme of God's unity, peace, and justice which he offers in place of our sinfulness as the theme for the readings on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Time Stamps (2:06) TALOFA!!! Why we use Brother and Sister (8:14) Theme (11:15) First Reading (37:13) Responsorial (54:02) Second Reading (1:18:13)Gospel Reading (1:44:52) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Jeremiah pronounces judgment against the "shepherds" or leaders of Israel who did not help the people of Israel to be God's people but, instead, contributed to their demise and scattering. God promises that He Himself will shepherd and gather His people back together and that He will establish a good king to rule--a Messiah. The response is the famous Psalm 23 which says, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." It's a spiritual retreat in words and reminds us of the kind of peace and prosperity that is only found with God. The second reading from Paul's letter to Ephesus continues to talk about the Church but this time discusses how God has gathered His people together, those near and those "far off". That can be read in a couple of ways in that sin has made us "far" from God but Paul also speaks historically of the enmity between Israel and the rest of the world. Christ overcomes every barrier by His blood. Lastly, the gospel completes the story of the Twelve being sent out two by two by Jesus. The Twelve return from their preaching mission and tell Jesus all they did. Jesus then tells them to rest and "takes over" for the Twelve in caring for the crowd they had brought back with them. Here, Jesus fulfills what was spoken in the first reading and becomes their shepherd. Thanks for spending time with us. Pray for us as we will ALWAYS be praying for you. #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707 #CatholicPodcast #Catholic #Christian

In this episode we discuss the readings of the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of the dynamics of God's grace and commissioning. God chooses those whom He calls and sends, empowering them solely by God's grace. Grace is God's "free gift"--His life given to us to conform us to the person of Christ ultimately for our salvation and perfection as God's children. Time Stamps (3:01)4th of July Recap (Bro Rhy feels like a kindergartner) (17:41) Theme of Today's Reading (19:59) First Reading (46:56) Responsorial (59:49) Second Reading (1:19:37) Gospel Reading (1:41:29) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Amos is about the prophet, Amos, whom God has called to give a stern message of warning to Israel. Amos is rejected because of it, but reveals he does not do it for the money. Rather, because his commission and message came from God directly. The response is a psalm prayer for God's kindness—for grace to be given. Signs of God's grace are peace, truth, justice, and kindness in individuals and communities who embrace it. The second reading, which is from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, is about the role of grace in the life and history of the Church. God's "plan of the mystery" from the beginning of time was always to endow humanity with the grace of his very own life given through the Holy Spirit. This life is a training ground for heaven. Lastly, the gospel reading from Mark is Jesus sending the Twelve on a "training" mission. Jesus gives them authority and sends them out two by two to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick—all the very same things Jesus is doing. God gives us the tools and the strength to do His work and be participants in the plan. But God doesn't send us alone but "two by two", that is, with a community. Thanks for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #BeCourageous

Happy and blessed Independence Day and 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Christ came that we might have true freedom and so we are called to reflect on the true meaning of freedom which we reflect on briefly before getting into the theme of this Sunday's readings which is all about the prophet and the prophetic ministry. A prophet is a commissioned messenger of God, tasked with sharing God's word with His people. However, a prophet is often treated like God's word--rejected, unheard, and met with hostility. Time Stamps: (3:50) What comes to mind when you hear “Discipline equals Freedom” (14:57) First Reading (12:05) Theme of Today's Readings (28:38) Responsorial (56:39) Second Reading (1:20:40) Gospel (1:37:54) Final Thoughts The first reading from Ezekiel, a prophet of Israel during the Babylonian exile and member of the Diaspora, is about Ezekiel's commissioning by God. God sends Ezekiel to Israel whom God characterizes as a rebellious house but nevertheless sends Ezekiel. The Responsorial, psalm 123, is the prayer of a prophet. Prophets have a servant's disposition careful to carry out the wishes of their master, but, because the tendency to "kill the messenger" is so strong, the prophet also pleads for mercy--relief from the difficulty of being God's servant. The Second reading, which is from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, shares some specific autobiographical details of Paul's experience in ministry, namely that because Jesus has commissioned him to be an apostle (one who is "sent") and gifted him with numerous revelations, Paul is given a "thorn in [his] flesh." This is so Paul remembers that he is a servant and not greater than his master, Jesus. Lastly, the Gospel reading from Mark 6 gives us the famous quote of Jesus: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place…" As baptized (and confirmed) Christians, we are, in a sense, commissioned to share how God has changed us. This is a part of the prophetic office into which we are baptized but those who knew us before our conversion will be incredulous and resistant to what God has done in us. Nevertheless, we should speak the truth. It will be difficult but "do it anyway." Be sure to use the timestamps and thank you for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadings #TheProphetMindset

Thus far, Project Whetstone has been a blur but we're just getting started! In our 18th episode, we discuss the readings of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of God's goodness at all times. God gave us life for a full life. Time Stamps: (4:30) Theme (10:25) First Reading (32:33) Responsorial (57:47) Second Reading (1:27:35) Gospel Reading (1:56:54) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that God made humanity in His own image and likeness—imperishable and good—but through sin and the devil, death and suffering entered the world. God, however, did not abandon or forsake His creation but, like a loving parent, preserves and protects through the gift of Jesus. The response from Psalm 30 praises God for recognizing the role God has assumed as our rescuer. While King David may have been inspired to create this psalm just from personal experience, it becomes the song of the Church because God has rescued us through Christ. The second reading is an excerpt from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians where he encourages the church there to be generous. Just as God gave His Son in order to give us life, we should be generous in the sharing of our material and spiritual gifts here so as to live in and foster a community that reflects the communion of heaven. The Church's teaching of the Universal Destination of Goods is an important social doctrine of the Church and can be read about more deeply in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraph 2402 (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a7.htm#I) onward. Lastly, the Gospel is a story that features a literary device that scripture scholars call a “Marcan sandwich.” It begins a story that is interrupted by another story only to return to and conclude the original story. The purpose of the sandwich is to drive home the central message of the combined stories by revealing different aspects of the message. In this case, the message is God comes to save and heal His people AND He has absolute power to do so. He commands the wind and the sea, and He even has power greater than death. God is good all the time and all the time God is good! Be sure to use the time stamps and thank you for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadingsT

In this episode, we discuss the readings of the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the theme of growth, God's plan, and God's vision for the good life. Sunday Readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061321.cfm Time Stamps (3:00) When the Why is Important The How Don't Matter (9:38) Theme of Today's readings (13:06) First reading (31:37) Responsorial Psalm (47:29) Second Reading (59:57) Gospel (1:18:02) Final Thoughts The first reading is a revelation of God's plan through the image of a transplanted shoot from a tree. This "shoot" will flourish and become a great tree. This was understood to be the restoration of Israel. But the image of plants and weeds in particular can be helpful in understanding how God enacts His power in creation and history. The responsorial psalm, 92, speaks of how those who live according to the statutes of God's justice will flourish. No matter what age, God can make one to flower as in the life of Sr. Mary Joseph. In the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds Christians that the fullness of life lies in our faith and things unseen. "We walk by faith and not by sight." And that we will fully "bloom" never to fade in heaven. Lastly the Gospel is two parables about the kingdom of God. The first is of the seed and how it grows even without the farmer necessarily knowing how. The seed is a metaphor for grace and providence. The second parable is of the famous mustard seed which can symbolize many things but faith in particular is helpful because the seed of faith flowers in sainthood and salvation. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #11ThSundayOrdinaryTime #SundayReadings

Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Theme: Eucharist, Sacramentum, and Covenant. The Eucharist is the cause of our salvation and the life of Christ within us. To be faithful to this sacramentum we must recognize the implicit vows to live in accord with the life and word of Christ. Time Stamps (3:25) Theme (8:50) First Reading (25:02) Response (39:44) Second Reading (1:01:52) Gospel (1:21:20) Final Thoughts First Reading: Ex 24:3-8 The sealing of the Mosaic covenant in blood The book of Exodus is the story of Israel's exodus from Egypt. By chapter 24 they had already had the plagues, parting of the sea, and the Ten Commandments have been given. This a formal acceptance of the covenant, the words and ordinances of God. Blood and life were synonymous concepts in the ancient world. The covenant is a proto sacrament (sacramentum in Latin/Rome was a sacred oath. "May His blood be upon us and upon our children" Matthew 27:25 said by the people at Jesus trial before pilate. Similar to the animal sacrifice of Abraham, the blood of ritually expressed, "may this be my blood if I break the oath of the covenant" RTT: the "blood of the covenant" was a sign of solemnity, a recognition that the covenant was a matter of life and death. This is a typology of the blood of Christ. By receiving communion there is an implied oath to live according to the words and ordinances of God. Responsorial Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18 Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. The “cup” or “chalice” is a symbol for the fortunes (or lack thereof) in life. A cup “overflowing” is a sign of abundance and plenty, a good state of affairs. To drink from a cup was a sign of commitment, embracing all that the specific cup signifies. In this case it is the cup of salvation. The ritual gesture of drinking can express many things but it comes down to an act of acceptance and thanksgiving. RTT: Notice the juxtaposition of the cup and calling on the Lord's name. There is also frequent reference to oaths and vows. It is a psalm that expresses the act of accepting God's offer of salvation. Second Reading: Heb 9:11-15 This section of Hebrews explains the power of the blood of Christ. Uses a rhetorical argument to give force to the power of Christ's blood to forgive sin and sanctify. (If the blood of goats and calves can do such, what about the blood of Christ?) Christ enters the sanctuary of the “heavenly” temple as high priest, not to offer the blood of animals, but His own blood(!) for the sanctification of those who have been “called“ RTT: The blood of Christ is our life and salvation and we choose salvation when we choose to drink of this chalice. Gospel: Mk 14:12-16, 22-26 The Last Supper According to Mark RTT: The Last Supper is the New Paschal/Passover supper in which we eat and drink the flesh and blood of the Lamb of God. We, the Church, now carry on this tradition daily as the “perpetual institution” until the end of time. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadings

In this episode, we discuss the readings of Trinity Sunday. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/053021.cfm God reveals Himself to us as a Trinity and, thereby, invites us into a deeply loving relationship with Him by inviting us to live in the very communion of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the inner life of God which is love itself. Time Stamps (12:35) Theme (19:45) First Reading (35:11) Responsorial (59:36) Second Reading (1:16:39) Gospel Reading (1:33:32) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Deuteronomy is an address to God's people from Moses. Moses exhorts God's people to remember all the things God has done for them especially the moment that God spoke to them as a voice from a pillar of fire and smoke (Dt 4:11). These are not just spectacles but signs of God's desire to enter into relationship with Him. Moses behooves us to remember and respond accordingly. Our response to the first reading is “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own” from psalm 33. God chooses from out of the world a particular people. Through Christ God has chosen the world and invites us into His blessedness, His beatitude. God cares for His creature and does not abandon us even in the moments that seem cursed. The second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Romans explains what we have become by receiving the Holy Spirit—children of God. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of adoption by which humanity has been grafted onto the family tree of the Trinity. Through Christ born in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sons and daughters of God. The Gospel reading is known as the great commissioning and are the very last verses of Matthew's Gospel. Jesus gives the mission of the Church to “Go”, “make disciples”, “baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'' and “teach.” In other words, God is telling us, His children, to go get our brothers and sisters out in the world who are lost for our “Abba, Father.” Remember, Love, and know that God is ours as much as we are His. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast

In this special episode, discussing the readings for Pentecost Sunday (the end of Easter), we discuss all things Holy Spirit. The Christian feast of Pentecost comes fifty (pente- means fifty in Greek) days after Easter, ten days after Jesus' Ascension. Before ascending, Jesus commissions his disciples to be messengers of the gospel to all the world but not before He sends the Holy Spirit to empower them for this mission. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the "promise of the Father" and the "Paraclete" ("Helper"). The coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost marks the beginning of the age of the Holy Spirit and the age of the Church as the body of Christ in the world. And so the Church traditionally celebrates Pentecost as the birthday of the Church and the very first celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. (2:53) CHECK IN: Jeremy's HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT, Carlo is finally DONE and Bro Rhy has some new projects on the horizon. (28:35) Theme of Today's Readings (30:00) First reading (53:32) Responsorial (1:07:20) Second Reading (1:33:43) Sequence (1:36:44) Gospel (1:57:00) Final Thoughts The first reading from Acts, chapter 2 is the keystone story for Pentecost where we read the disciples in the upper room, the very same room in which they had the Last Supper with Jesus, were praying when they heard the sound of a strong driving wind and tongues of flame came to rest on them. This coming of the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak so that anyone in any language could understand what they spoke. This gave the Church its catholic character or mark (the four marks of the Church are "one, holy, catholic and apostolic"). The word catholic means "universal" and denotes all peoples as belonging in the church. This is seen as a correction of the scattering that occurs in the story of the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). The responsorial psalm recognizes the connection between God's Spirit and its role in creation. And so the natural consequent plea of the people of God is to ask God to breathe new life into creation once again, and "renew the face of the earth" and bring refreshment to our lives. The second reading from St. Paul's first letter to Corinth is a catechesis on a community diversely gifted with the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes that we may be given different charisms (gifts for the service of others) but we all, as a Church, serve the same purpose of proclaiming, "Jesus is Lord" and glorifying God. We serve differently but toward the same end. This Sunday also comes with a special sequence, a poetic prayer from Tradition, the "veni Sancte Spiritus" which is Latin for "Come Holy Spirit." This is the prayer of the Church in response to God's promise of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Gospel is about Jesus' appearance to His disciples on the evening of the first day of His resurrection. Having already appeared to others throughout the day, Jesus appears to these disciples behind locked doors still afraid of the Temple authorities who, having killed Jesus, were now persecuting anyone who was still following the Jesus movement. Jesus says "Peace be with you", "as the Father has sent me, so I send you", breathes on them the Holy Spirit, and thereby gives them the divine authority to carry out the ongoing mission of the Church of forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation of the world to God. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadings

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the solemnity of the Ascension. The readings all point to the glorious majesty of Christ as He takes His place in heaven at the right hand of God. But before doing so, Jesus gives His disciples some final instructions as well as the promise of a "gift" to help the budding Church accomplish her mission--the Holy Spirit. Time Stamps: (3:55) What have you learned about yourself in this pandemic? (14:30) Why 2 Different readings on this 7th Sunday in Easter? (19:24) Theme of today's readings (21:45) What does Ascension Mean? (23:20) First Reading (47:20) Responsorial (1:03:01) Second reading (1:18:44) Gospel Reading (1:41:31) Final Thoughts The first reading is the very beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, which is when Jesus ascends into heaven and tells them of the "Promise of the Father" the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Church responds with psalm 47, which acclaims God who has chosen to rule Israel directly as king, and, through Israel, reveal His power and plan of salvation to the whole world. The second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians is a about how we are to understand the Church and Christ's place in it and over us as Head. In being "seated at the right hand of God", Jesus is Lord of all creation which includes the highest choirs of angels. Christ leaves us the Holy Spirit to make us members of the body of Christ and build the kingdom of God on earth. Lastly, the Gospel is Mark's rendition of the ascension of Jesus, where He instructs His disciples to go and preach the gospel, starting in Jerusalem, and then on to the whole world. Through us as His hands, he asks us to work the extraordinary miracle of ordinary love, which the world desperately needs. Little by little, Christ sends His disciples to conquer the world for His kingdom, not through violence and manipulation, but by little acts of great love right where we find ourselves. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodacst

Description: You may be relieved to hear that this is a relatively short episode but it is still just as potent. Of course, you are still encouraged to use timestamps. Please like, share, comment, subscribe, rate, and all that good stuff to help us out. Most importantly, please pray for us. We are praying for you!  Readings for the Sixth Sunday in Easter: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050921.cfm Time Stamps: (2:18) Check In (4:45) Theme of Readings (9:29) 1st Reading (29:34) Responsorial (41:02) 2nd Reading (1:03:00) Gospel Reading (1:18:24) Final Thoughts The common thread running through the readings is the theme of koinonia which is Greek for communion, fellowship, community, and friendship. These readings explore the central place of God's love for us as the source and foundation of Christian communion, the love we are called to have for one another. Love is the modus operandi of the Church because it is the heart of God--the core of who God is. By analogy, love is the “saltiness” of us who are called to be the “salt of the earth.” Without love, it is impossible to really call ourselves disciples of Christ. The first reading from Acts of the Apostles reveals how God had his sights, not just on the chosen people of Israel but on the whole world. “God shows no partiality.” All are called into the folds of His love. A very important reminder in an increasingly partisan and polarized world. The responsorial psalm indicates that this was God's plan for the world from the beginning, well before the time of Jesus in the flesh. It is a cause for joy and for “new songs” to be sung. The second reading continues with our journey through John's first letter. Having already stated that we are God's children and that we remain in Christ through keeping the commandments, chiefly, the command to love one another as Christ loves us; John roots this statement in God's love, or rather, in the fact that “God is love.” Love is fundamental to who God is and so it is especially fundamental to our identity as God's children. Love is not a “feeling” but rather a commitment--to will the good of the other. The Gospel is a snippet of Jesus' Last Supper discourses with His disciples. Among Jesus' last words before entering into His passion, Jesus gives them the commandment to love one another as He has loved them. Having reached the point where He has communicated to the disciples everything He has heard from His Father, Jesus now pronounces them friends as opposed to servants or slaves. This elevates us to a new relationship and new way of being since we are given the opportunity to peer into the plans of God--to build a kingdom of love. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #Catholic #CatholicPodcast

In this episode, we discuss the readings of the Fifth Sunday in Easter (5/2/21) The common thread running through the readings is authentic discipleship. What are the signs of a true Christian disciple? How can we “check” ourselves? What questions should we ask ourselves as we examine our conscience? Feel free to use the time stamps and listen to some now, some more later. We have a lot to share. And if you find this helpful, it is a great encouragement to us if you rate, share, and subscribe to the podcast. (1:58) Check-In about first 5 months of 2021 (14:34) Themes of todays readings (17:30) 1st Reading (50:41) Responsorial (1:07:45) 2nd Reading (1:40:40) Gospel (2:06:50) Final Thoughts Saul, also known as Paul, was an infamous persecutor of Christians who suddenly converted and became one of Christianity's most important voices. How could his fellow Christians know his conversion was the real deal? Paul is vouched for by his friend as well as by his own actions and preaching. The responsorial psalm highlights the importance of our praise of God for the evangelization of people in present times and future generations. The selection from John's letter builds upon the statement of last week's second reading, that we are children of God. With this in mind, John reminds the Church that key characters of a child of God include keeping the commandments of Jesus and, above all, love. Lastly, the Gospel is about Jesus' I Am statement: I Am the true vine. It is of essential importance that a Christian stay connected to Jesus and “remain in [Him]” by keeping His commands. This is the only connection that can truly bear the fruit of salvation. However, in our freedom, we can overly attach ourselves to vines that are not necessarily good for us. So it behooves us to, daily, “unplug” and attach ourselves to the true vine of Christ, through silence, prayer, reading God's Word, and being an active part of the Church community. ( https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050221.cfm ) Thank you and pray for us, we are praying for you! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #SundayMass #CatholicPodcast

4/25/21: The 4th Sunday in the Easter Season....In this episode we break down the readings from the Fourth Sunday of Easter( https://bible.usccb.org/Bible/readings/042521.cfm ) . The common theme throughout the readings is the exhortation to know the Lord and His goodness and thereby come to know ourselves and the salvation God offers us. It is a call to personal relationship with God through intimacy and mutual understanding. Through getting to know God, you will understand just how good and therefore trustworthy and loving God is. Time Stamps (4:53) Theme for readings (8:17) Relationship with God vs Building Intimacy with God (22:44) 1st Reading (48:08) Responsorial (1:04:35) 2nd Reading (1:29:11) Gospel Reading (1:47:28) Final Thoughts Peter and John, having healed a well-known crippled beggar at the temple, proclaim that it is the name of Christ who is the source and that salvation for all comes through Jesus' name. In the responsorial, we return to psalm 118 which is the psalm about the rebuilding of the temple and, this time, focusing on the goodness of God. The second reading is John's letter to the Church reminding us that we are truly children of God and, like Christ, that means we have been set apart--made different from the rest of the world--in a profound way. Lastly, John's Gospel reading is one of Jesus' famous I Am statements: I am the Good Shepherd. A shepherd is supposed to take care of and protect the sheep of his flock. Despite the failure of the leaders of Israe to do so, God sends Jesus to shepherd Israel (as promised in Ezekiel 34) and intends to be the Good Shepherd even to the point of dying for His sheep--us, His Church. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast

The tomb is still empty! Thank you for rejoining us after our little break. We hope your Divine Mercy Sunday was blessed and fruitful. This episode, we discuss the readings from the 3rd Sunday in Easter. Here is a link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041821.cfm  Remember to TAKE YOUR TIME and use the timestamps! (3:00) Easter Check-In  (13:22) Theme of today's readings (16:10) First Reading (35:08) Responsorial Psalm (41:54) Second Reading (59:19) Gospel Reading (1:19:25) Final Thoughts  The theme for this week is witnessing to word and deed. When we say God is faithful, we mean that what God promises, God fulfills and that we can count on God's Word. As His people, the Church is entrusted with the tradition of faith begun in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; brought to fulfillment in Jesus, continued in Peter and the Twelve, and carried on in the Church today through us until “the end of the age.” The primary content of that tradition is all that God has said and done. And so, we too are called to a Holy “integrity” and be faithful to God's Word in our deeds “in and out of season.” The first reading (as all the first readings in the Easter season) is from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, which is a beautiful book about how the Twelve carry on the mission of Christ doing and saying many of the very same things their Lord did before them. Here Peter and John, after miraculously healing the lame beggar at the temple, explain that it was not their own holiness that is at work but that of Jesus whom they rejected. But here is an opportunity to make up for their mistake and trust in Jesus. We take a moment here to discuss the canon of scripture and what that means for us as Christians. To learn more you can read about it in CCC 120-141 ( http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s1c2a3.htm#IV ). The responsorial is the fourth psalm, “Lord, let your face shine on us.” This poetic phrase is asking God to smile upon us, His people, and look on us in favor and delight, much like how a parent might look upon their child. The psalmist encourages others to likewise trust in God much like a child trusting their parent because they know God to be good and trustworthy. The second reading is from the first letter of John who urges Christians to be like God in that we too should be faithful to Jesus' commandments and “keep” them by, first, knowing them, but also abiding by them. Try as we might not to, when we do mess up Christ is there to speak on our behalf as our Advocate. Lastly, the Gospel reading is of a resurrection appearance of Jesus to a group of disciples. It takes place immediately after Jesus appeared to two disciples who were on the road to Emmaus (cf. John 24:13:35) and then returned to Jerusalem to share their encounter with the other disciples. As they were doing so, Christ again appears showing everyone that He had truly resurrected in body and soul (hence the eating of the fish) and that everything from His miracles, rejection, passion, death on a cross, and resurrection was all a part of God's plan made known to us through scripture the scriptures--the law of Moses, the psalms, and the prophets. God had said he would do it and it has been accomplished through Christ (cf. Isaiah 46:11, Ezekiel 24:14). #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhestone #CatholicPodcast #SundayMass

Happy Easter! Alleluia and Glory to God in the highest! Thank you for tuning in and being with us for this special episode. It is Easter, a time where the Church celebrates our Lord's victory over death, rises from the grave, opens the path to heaven for all to follow. So the theme for the readings we hear is rising to new life. The Paschal Mystery is the mystery of our salvation. Christ was not raised simply for His own sake, but for all. As Christ rises to new life, He brings us with Him.  Take Your Time, Gnaw on Each Section (2:30) - Gratitude and History in the making (4:24) Jeremey's Quotes/T-shirts and The Teruel Tales (12:28) Technical Talk on when LENT really ends and that's not TODAY (15:22) Theme: Raised To New Life (19:17) 1st Reading (37:44) Responsorial Psalm (55:00) 2nd reading(s) (1:05:42) SEQUENCE before the Gospel...What is that? (1:17:26) Gospel Reading (1:35:57) Final Thoughts and Invitations to you The first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles and Peter is taking the first step in proclaiming the gospel to the world and its people beyond Jerusalem. The Church today is worldwide, because Peter took this step. The Responsorial psalm, psalm 118, is a psalm of great rejoicing. At the time the psalm was written it was when Jerusalem welcomed back the Hebrews who had been exiled and were allowed to rebuild the temple. This is a type of the resurrection. The second reading options are exhortations by St. Paul to the Colossians and the Corinthians. Both have the message of living out a life of virtue and holiness in imitation of Christ because that is the path to resurrection. The sequence is a unique feature of the Easter Sunday mass. It is a poem or hymn, a piece of sacred art inserted into the mass as an aid to our worship. It is the Victimae paschali laudes or Praises of the Paschal Victim. It is a fruit of the Church's reflection on salvation history. And, lastly, the gospel reading from John is the discovery of the empty tomb by, first, Mary Magdala who goes to tell Peter and John. They find the tomb void of Christ but the burial cloths are still there. This is the first joyful cry of the Church for the Easter season: “The Tomb is Empty!” Just a note on upcoming events regarding this podcast, we will be taking a break and will not release an episode for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) but we will return with a new episode for the Third Sunday of Easter. In the meantime here is a reflection on the Easter theme of new life by Jeremy. https://aliistradere.wordpress.com/2021/04/01/a-new-commandment-a-new-humanity/ And remember to take advantage of the time stamps. Pray for us as we pray for you! Christ is risen!

This is a special episode for a special day in the Church's calendar: Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week in which the Church prepares to celebrate the Paschal Mystery, one of our faith's central mysteries of faith. Being such a special liturgy at the beginning of a week “set apart”, this episode is also especially long. So, again, feel free to use the timestamps particularly with regard to the events of Holy Week in the Church which we discuss during the Gospel reading. (6:20) Lent Check-In (9:53) Theme of Readings (13:42) Why an extra reading before Mass starts? (22:30) 1st Reading (35:15) Responsorial and the 'Dark Night of the Soul' (55:40) 2nd Reading (1:11:56) Gospel Reading (1:42:39) Helpful Tips to 'Prepare' for Holy Week and Easter The Paschal Mystery is the set of events in Christ's life by which Christ saves us from sin and paves the path to heaven. The events are the passion/suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Being the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday's theme is to prepare for this great mystery of salvation, this set of moments by which God fulfills the plan He set in motion and has been preparing His people for since the beginning. Palm Sunday begins unusually with a processional gospel, a reading of the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem and being welcomed as a conquering hero and king of Israel. Of course, Jesus fulfills their hope in ways beyond their expectation but it is fitting nonetheless. The first reading is one of Isaiah suffering servant songs. The scroll of Isaiah has several of these servant songs that speak of an unnamed servant of God who is unjustly persecuted and treated harshly but by this servant's suffering, God will cleanse the heart of Israel.  Our responsorial psalm is Psalm 22 with the refrain: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Jesus utters these same words from the cross as he experiences a very real, human experience of suffering.  The second reading is a Christological hymn about Christ who “humbled himself” to the point of death, and because God exalts the lowly, Jesus is exalted above all because He made Himself the lowest of all.  Finally, in the gospel, we read two chapters of Mark that recount the events of Jesus' week in Jerusalem from His anointing at Bethany all the way until His being laid in the tomb. The Church remembers all these things through Her liturgies particularly this week of Holy Week through the celebration of the Chrism Mass, traditions of fasting, Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday) ending with the moment we've all been waiting and preparing for, which is Easter! If you've never been to an Easter Vigil Mass, you are highly encouraged to attend one but, fair warning, plan for about a 2-hour mass or so.  Have a Blessed Holy Week! See you on the other side! #PalmSunday2021 #Lent2021 #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast

This is a longer episode so feel free to take advantage of the timestamps feature of this podcast. Listen to some now, some later, skip around or repeat sections to gnaw on for deeper reflection. And, as always, thank you for listening! (2:30) St. Patrick (8:55) 1st reading (30:55) Responsorial (43:34) 2nd Reading (1:08:10) Gospel (1:29:17) Final Thoughts The theme we discerned for the readings of the 5th Sunday of Lent (Year B) is God is doing something new. Salvation history is God's plan to make the world and his people new again.  The first reading discusses a new covenant in which God plans to write the law of His love on the hearts of His people.  Our response (Psalm 51) is a prayer to make our heart clean and thereby prepared for the sake of God's purpose.  The second reading from the letter to the Hebrews teaches us about the human heart of Jesus who is like the first priest mentioned in the bible, king Melchizedek.  Being perfected in the sense of completing His mission, Jesus becomes our bridge to eternal life and exemplar of the new life God wishes us to live here and now.  Lastly, the gospel relays Jesus' mission that the new covenant, which will be instituted in His blood, is going to redefine the people of God. Instead of solely the Jewish people, the elect is going to include all peoples and nations. The mark of the Church will not be based on race or nationality, it will be based on faith and servitude to God. This is the new kingdom of God. You can find the readings here:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearB.cfm Connect with us on IG and facebook: @BlazeMinistry707 #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast

Description: Here we discuss the readings of the 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. The theme is that God saves. Out of God's love for us, God sent his Son, Jesus (whose name means “God saves”), to save us particularly from the contradiction of sin. Sin is a contradiction (literally: speaks or declares against) to God's word.  Where God speaks life and blessing on us and is our great Advocate, sinfulness together with Satan (meaning Accuser) clamors for our death and condemnation. In choosing to sin, we contradict the work God wishes to accomplish in and for us through grace which is to make us a royal priesthood, a holy nation--a people of God perfected in love. The readings for the 4th Sunday in Lent: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031421-YearB.cfm To read about Moses raising up a serpent as mentioned in the Gospel, see Numbers 21:4-9 ( https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/21?3=#04021003 ) Edit: it is Laetare Sunday, not Laudare Sunday and Laetare in Latin is another word for rejoice. Time Stamps  (14:40) - First Reading (40:54) - Responsorial Psalm (50:57) - Second Reading (1:05:00) - Gospel Reading (1:30:55) - Final Thoughts #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707 #CatholicPodcast

In this episode, we discuss the wisdom of God as found in the readings of the 3rd Sunday in Lent. God's divinely revealed law is not just a set of arbitrary rules, but a training or teaching in the wisdom of love. Like a parent raising children, God starts us with the “no”s and “do not”s, but leads us to love—love of God and love of neighbor.  The law is ultimately for our good and benefit, which is the wisdom of God's law. To the world that tends to glorify the self first, the ways of Christ seem foolish and counterproductive.  Nevertheless, we proclaim Christ crucified as the evidence and proof of God's love for us and as our model and exemplar. Out of love for His heavenly Father, Jesus “cleanses” the temple in the sight of God's people. His zeal for His Father's house, at once, shows us how God is willing to fight and die for the purity of our faith and the salvation of our soul, but also how God's zeal should be lovingly reciprocated by us for God. Here is a link to the readings of the Third Sunday of Lent: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030721-YearB.cfm #ProjectWhetstone  #BlazeMinistry707  #CatholicPodcast (5:00) - Cycle Readings VS Scrutiny Readings

2/28/21: For the readings of the Second Sunday of Lent we discuss the theme of God's plan and faith. God's PROVIDEnce--all that God is more than willing and ready to give us--is beyond our imagination. In the previous episode we discussed God's faithfulness to his promises, in this episode, we discuss God's extravagance and generosity in fulfilling all of His covenant promises. Our response is faith. Faith is more than just a knowledge of God but a lived knowledge that ends in personal trust in God and His will and power. “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard... what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9, cf. Isaiah 64:3). Link to the Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022821.cfm 1st Reading: The attempted sacrifice of Isaac proves Abraham's faith in a God whom Abraham knew to be able to “raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Jesus in Matthew 3:8, see also Luke 3:8). The key to Abraham's faith was that he held nothing back not even his “only begotten Son.” Sound Familiar? Responsorial Psalm: “I will walk before the Lord in the land of the Living.” To walk in God's presence is a euphemism for living a life of true faith and constant prayer. We walk with God to the “Land of the living”--heaven. 2nd Reading: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son…” Romans 8:31-32. Paul writes rhetorical questions to prove God's goodness and generosity. God gives us His “Only begotten Son”--that which is most precious to God. There is nothing else that God would keep from us if He did not even hold back His Son. Gospel: The Gospel is the story of the Transfiguration--the fourth luminous mystery of the Rosary. It reveals Jesus as God's “beloved Son” (Mark 9:7), His Only-begotten. This reveals to Peter, along with James and John, that Jesus is beyond anything he imagined Jesus to be. #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707

In this episode we discuss the readings of the 1st Sunday in Lent. The theme is about covenant. God is faithful. He fulfills and upholds his “side” of the covenant in those who repent, undergo purification, and commit themselves to the Gospel. A covenant is an exchange of persons (see also “I will be your God and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:12, see also Exodus 6:7, Jeremiah 30:22, 31:1 , 33, and 24:7, Baruch 2:31, Ezekiel 37:27 and still others). God does not force His salvation upon us. To accept we must give ourselves to God freely. Link to the readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022121.cfm For further reading: Hahn, Scott, A Father Who Keeps His Promises. First Reading (Gen 9:8-15): Following the flood of Noah, which was spurred by the wickedness of humanity, God forms a covenant with Noah that he would never again destroy the earth by water. This prefigures baptism. Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 25): “Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.” Our “side” of the covenant with God is to be what we are, children of God. Second Reading (1 Pt 3:18-22): Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, while at the same time the broker of a “new and eternal covenant in [His] blood” (cf. I Cor 11:25). Gospel (Mark 1:12-15): After Jesus' baptism, “The Spirit drove Jesus into the desert” where he fasted and prayed for forty days. Forty is a symbolic number of purification and preparation. After the forty days, Jesus begins his public ministry. The time of the kingdom has come, it is here and now: “Repent and believe…” #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707 #RideOrDie

On this BONUS episode which we recorded on Ash Wednesday, we discuss a little bit of the history and purpose of LENT, some of our experiences with this Transformational season and the Ash Wednesday readings. Blessed Lent!!! #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707

2/14/21: In this episode, we discuss the readings of the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021421.cfm) which also happens to be the feast of St. Valentine patron love, married people, and young people. As men who've been married to our wives for multiple years, we offer little nuggets of experiential wisdom for those discerning married life or newly married: Invite God into your marriage, "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25), and strive to be of one mind, one heart. The theme running through these readings is where sin separates us from God and eachother, God sent Jesus to heal and gather us all back together. The first reading from Leviticus describes Mosaic law surrounding Leprosy. In the ancient world, spiritual and physical ailments were not view so distinctly as we see it today. While not directly causing disease, it remains true, however, that in general suffering is a consequence of sin. Diseases like Leprosy as described here rendered people ritually "unclean" and thus had to separate themselves from the rest of the community. This is a deeper suffering because not only were such enduring a difficult disease, but they also could not be "touched" and worship God along with everyone else. The psalm is a prayerful response, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." The only thing that can cure all our "illnesses" is God's forgiveness of sin, our salvation (cf. Luke 1:77). The second reading is from St. Paul's letter to the Church in Corinth which was a diverse port city. The challenge of diversity is overcoming cultural differences of varying sensibilities. Jewish people come from a background in the Torah, and a highly ritualized culture. The Greeks are informed by the poets and philosophers like Homer and Plato. Paul exhorts both to learn about eachother and not give offense, but ultimately everyone is supposed to come together and "be imitators of [Paul] as [he is] of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Lastly, but most importantly, we turn to the Gospel of Mark, the Gospel of action. In this reading, a leper who, having heard about the news of Jesus, this wise and powerful healer, comes to him and begs to be healed. Jesus "moved with pity...touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean'" (Mark 1:42). A detail that would have been startling to ancient hearers is that Jesus touched him. Someone who was ritually unclean was "untouchable" in the worst sense. A person who touches a ritually unclean person can be rendered unclean themselves and suffer the same fate of isolation. Leprosy in this case is symbolic of our sinfulness, by which we separate ourselves from God and each other. Christ came to bring healing through the Gospel and the giving of grace through the sacraments. Reconciliation is particularly important in this regard as sin separates, the forgiveness of sin brings back, just as Jesus' healing enables the leper to rejoin his people. Remember, this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday the beginning of the holy season of Lent. We encourage you to see this as an opportunity to get a fresh start and rejoin your local church communities as we prepare for the holiest feast of the calendar--Easter! #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app