The Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show

This video reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, focusing on the concept of fear.The speaker contrasts two types of fear:Worldly Fear (Herod's Fear): Herod's fear is characterized by a desire to maintain power and control, leading to envy and a destructive impulse when he hears of the new "king of the Jews" (0:22-1:12).Fear of the Lord (Magi's Fear): This is described as a gift of the Holy Spirit, manifesting as awe, reverence, resulting in generosity, and obedience (1:55-3:00). The Magi demonstrate this by paying homage to Jesus, being generous with their gifts, and obeying the dream to avoid returning to Herod (1:38-3:24).The video emphasizes that "fear of the Lord" is not about being scared, but about a deep reverence for God. It encourages listeners to strengthen this gift through:Prayer and Silence: Lifting hearts, minds, and souls to God in prayer, particularly in silence, is crucial for strengthening this gift (3:30-4:28).Obedience and Being a Gift of Self: Obedience means emptying oneself of selfish ways to allow God to fill them, becoming a vessel for His will and being a "gift of self" rather than being selfish (4:30-5:30). Saying "yes" to God's calling, even when it's inconvenient, strengthens this gift (5:38-6:26).The reflection concludes by encouraging viewers to commit to spending time in silence, lifting their hearts to God, and asking for a strengthening of the "fear of the Lord" to foster obedience and generosity (6:33-7:01).

The video reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, emphasizing the Christian belief in becoming adopted children of God through the Holy Spirit (0:07). The speaker highlights Mary's heart, which was "inflamed with the Holy Spirit," and encourages listeners to cultivate a similar heart through consecration to Jesus through Mary, as discussed in "33 Days to Morning Glory" (0:33-0:57).The reflection also ties into the new year and a class on patience, using a personal anecdote about driving to Mass to illustrate how God provides opportunities to grow in virtues like patience (1:27-3:09). The speaker stresses the importance of not reacting negatively to frustrating situations and allowing God's peace to dwell in one's heart (2:47-3:09, 3:54-4:02).Finally, the video encourages dedicating 2026 to a deeper prayer life, emphasizing the need for silence and solitude to allow God to speak and guide personal growth in virtues (4:08-5:21).

The video "Set Apart: A Reflection on the Readings for the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time" by Deacon Dave & Layperson Lisa Show reflects on the readings for the second Sunday in ordinary time, focusing on Jesus's baptism and the call to holiness.Key takeaways from the reflection include:Sanctifying Grace (0:24-0:36): The Holy Spirit descends upon us at baptism, granting us sanctifying grace, which calls us to a life of holiness and makes us more like God.Called to be Set Apart (0:50-1:08): Similar to how Jesus is the Son of God, we are called to be set apart from the world, living in it but not being "of this world," but rather "of the supernatural world of God."Vessels of Light and Hope (1:23-1:37): In difficult times, we are reminded to be vessels of light, hope, and God's love to others.Holiness as Disposition and Obedience (1:42-2:09): Drawing from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, holiness is described as a disposition where our hearts, souls, and wills align with God, and it involves obedience to His will.Humility and Dependence on God (2:33-3:28): Holiness also means acknowledging our smallness and weakness, allowing God to carry us, as our strength comes through Christ. This calls for a great dependency on God and openness to growth in virtues.Growth in Prudence (3:37-4:38): The speaker shares a personal experience of growing in prudence, a virtue that helps us discern and act on what is good, particularly in communication like texts and emails.Strengthening Sanctifying Grace (4:42-5:00): Sanctifying grace is strengthened through prayer, acts of sacrifice, and acts of charity or love.Embracing God's Will (5:38-5:57): Being holy involves making an act of will towards what God desires, even when it means sacrificing our own desires. This practice makes it easier over time and helps us grow in virtue, allowing us to joyfully and easily do what is good.Call to Love (6:26-6:35): Ultimately, we are called to a life of holiness and love to all we encounter, striving to be like Jesus.

The video reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, emphasizing the constant presence of God within us due to our baptism (0:09). The speaker highlights that we are "shrines of the Trinity" and that God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit dwell within our hearts, going everywhere we go (0:26).Key takeaways from the reflection include:God's Indwelling Love: Despite feelings of unworthiness or being unloved, our baptism bestows "sanctifying grace" that helps us to be like God and to be set apart (0:48).Overcoming Doubt and Brokenness: The speaker acknowledges that we can sometimes live as if we are unloved, which is displeasing to God. The devil often tries to instill doubt and feelings of unworthiness, but God can work with our brokenness when we open our hearts to Him (1:30).Emptying Ourselves for God: The concept of "empty me of me" is introduced, suggesting that by emptying ourselves of pride and selfishness, we become vessels through whom God can flow (2:27).The Delight of Prayer: Spending time with God in prayer is described as delightful to Him, as it unites our hearts with His. There's no need for an agenda or performance; simply being present to Him is pleasing (3:14).Detachment and Becoming Like God: The speaker suggests that spending more time with God helps us detach from worldly things, tap into sanctifying grace, and become vessels of love, joy, and peace (3:45).God's Unconditional Love: The video concludes by reiterating God's immense and personal love for each of us, as if we were the only one in the world. The crucifix serves as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice born out of this profound love, even knowing all our sins (4:38). The speaker encourages listeners to ask God directly how much He loves them and to disregard any thoughts that are not loving and beautiful (5:23).

The video, "Follow: A Reflection on the Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time," features Layperson Lisa reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (0:00). She shares a personal anecdote about a challenging decision to leave her full-time job to volunteer at the St. Clair of Assisi Retreat Center, a choice she initially resisted due to fear (0:07-0:49).Key takeaways from her reflection include:Divine Calling (0:50-1:28): Lisa recounts how a specific Bible passage, "They left their nets and followed him," resonated deeply during adoration, affirming God's call for her to abandon her livelihood and follow Him, much like the apostles Simon, Andrew, John, and James did.Fortitude and Trust (1:42-2:58): The reflection emphasizes the importance of fortitude, the courage to do what God asks, and to rely on Him rather than oneself. Lisa mentions St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "little way" and total abandonment to God, highlighting that God allows things to happen to draw us closer to Him.Discipleship in Action (2:59-4:31): After gathering His apostles, Jesus went out to heal, teach, and preach. Lisa asserts that all believers are called to be disciples, sharing Jesus with others, being a light in the darkness, offering an attentive ear to those in need, teaching about Jesus, and preaching the good news of God's love and the importance of prayer.Strengthening Fortitude (4:32-5:06): The video concludes by encouraging viewers to ask Jesus for a strengthening of their fortitude, a gift received at baptism, to overcome obstacles that prevent them from fully following Him, and to spread His kingdom as teachers, preachers, and healers.