Podcasts about Eighth

Eighth generation Texan Victor Bretting joins Knew Amsterdam Radio as a symbol of resilience. A believer of old-school values, Bretting has dedicated his life to helping others, including the next generation. His newly released book, "The Man That I Would Become" is an open look back at his journey thus far. Learn more about Victor Bretting here: https://brettingtexanranch.com/

Welcome to Day 2881 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – The Bible as a Polemic: Confronting the Powers that Rebelled Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2881 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2881 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  The Bible as a Polemic: Confronting the Powers that Rebelled To modern readers shaped by pluralism and academic detachment, the confrontational tone of the Bible may seem abrasive. But this response overlooks what the Bible truly is. It is not a disinterested theological reflection. It is a weapon. It is a series of books forged in the heart of a spiritual and historical rebellion. Its message was not formed in a vacuum but in the aftermath of Babel and the divine treason of the bene elohim who had been placed over the nations. Understanding the polemical nature of the Bible begins by understanding the world it was written to confront. The first segment is: What Is a Polemic? And Why the ANE Was Full of Them A polemic is a targeted argument or critique meant to expose, undermine, or discredit a rival idea, practice, or system. Unlike a simple disagreement or neutral description, a polemic is written to confront. It deliberately challenges an existing claim and seeks to replace it. In the ancient world, polemics were often theological, political, and cultural all at once. The gods, kings, and cities of rival nations were not treated as irrelevant. They were treated as threats that had to be addressed. In the context of the Ancient Near East, polemics were deeply embedded in the stories nations told about themselves. Every origin story, temple hymn, or divine genealogy was not just a description of how things came to be. It was a claim of legitimacy. To say your god created the world or defeated the sea monster or chose your king was to declare supremacy over other peoples and their gods. It was to say, “Our story is the true one. Yours is a counterfeit.” For example, when Babylon claimed that Marduk created the world by killing the goddess Tiamat, it was not just promoting cosmology. It was justifying Babylon's imperial authority as the city of the supreme god. When Egypt said that Ma'at held the universe together through the Pharaoh's divine rulership, it was declaring that Egyptian order was the divine ideal, and everyone else lived in chaos. In such a world, writing something like Genesis 1 was not a quiet religious reflection. It was a direct challenge to every claim made by Egypt, Babylon, and Canaan. It was a polemic. And in the Bible, this polemical instinct is not occasional. It is foundational. Israel's Scriptures were not meant to fit within the theological frameworks of other nations. They were meant to shatter them. The second segment is: Babel and the Reordering of the World Genesis 11 describes a human rebellion that goes far deeper than building a tower. At Babel, humanity attempted to unify under its own authority and defy Yahweh's mandate to fill the earth. But the judgment that followed did more than scatter languages. According to Deuteronomy 32, verses eight and nine, when Yahweh divided the nations, He appointed the bene elohim, divine sons of God, to oversee them. Only Israel would remain His direct possession. The nations were not abandoned without guidance. But over time, the spiritual beings given authority over them failed in their stewardship. They began to crave worship and corrupted the justice they were meant to uphold. Psalm 82 records Yahweh standing in judgment over these divine rulers, declaring that they would fall like mortals. This cosmic judgment sets the stage for the mission of Israel and the tone of Scripture itself. The third segment is: Israel: The Counter-Nation Unlike the nations that inherited rebellious rulers, Israel was created from scratch. Yahweh did not reform an existing people. He called Abram from among the disinherited nations and made a new people who would be His portion. Israel was not simply chosen for privilege but created for purpose. As stated in Exodus 19 verse six, they were to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This priestly identity means Israel's role was inherently polemical. Their laws, festivals, temples, and scriptures were not private religious expressions. They were public declarations that the gods of the nations were false, the powers behind them were corrupt, and that Yahweh alone was Most High over all the earth. The Bible, as the written witness of Israel's calling, reflects this purpose. The Fourth Segment is: Polemics in the Biblical Texts The polemical nature of the Bible is woven deeply into its stories, laws, songs, and prophecies. These are not culturally isolated documents. They are intentional confrontations with the dominant worldviews shaped by the fallen gods of the nations. The Fifth segment is: Creation and the Flood Genesis one is not merely an account of beginnings. It is a direct response to Mesopotamian creation myths such as Enuma Elish, which portray creation as the result of divine violence and chaos. In contrast, the biblical God creates through speech, with order and intention. There is no struggle, no divine bloodshed, no pantheon. It is a declaration that the gods of Babylon are not creators but pretenders. Likewise, the flood account in Genesis six through nine subverts the flood stories of the surrounding cultures. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the gods send the flood in terror and regret it. In the Bible, the flood is just, purposeful, and moral. It is a surgical judgment on a world corrupted by human violence and divine rebellion, not the panicked act of unstable deities. The sixth segment is: Conquest and the Defeat of the Gods When Israel enters the land of Canaan, the conquest is not simply a political campaign. It is a cosmic battle against the corrupted spiritual rulers of the land. The defeat of Pharaoh in Egypt is explicitly described as Yahweh executing judgment on the gods of Egypt. The plagues are not random punishments but targeted humiliations of Egypt's divine protectors. Jericho's fall, the silencing of Baal on Mount Carmel, the defeat of Dagon before the Ark in 1 Samuel 5, and the crushing of Leviathan imagery in the Psalms all follow the same pattern. The text is not just reporting history. It is declaring war on the false gods and the unseen rulers who manipulated the nations into darkness. The seventh Segment is: Psalms and Prophets as Weapons The Psalms, often viewed only as worship poetry, are filled with divine council imagery and subversion of Canaanite theology. Psalm 29, for instance, uses storm language that sounds like a Baal hymn but places Yahweh as the one who rides the storm and subdues the waters. In Ugaritic myth, Baal defeats Yam to earn his throne. In the Bible, Yahweh sits enthroned above the flood before it ever lifts its head. The prophets likewise deliver blistering critiques of the nations and their gods. Isaiah 19 declares judgment not just on Egypt but on its idols, priests, and necromancers. Ezekiel 28 mocks the divine claims of the Prince of Tyre, unmasking him as a fallen being in Eden. These are not veiled jabs. They are open condemnations of spiritual rebellion embedded in political empires. The Eighth segment is: The New Testament: The War Reaches Its Climax By the time of Christ, the powers of the nations had not been dethroned. The world remained under their sway. Jesus refers to Satan as the ruler of this world and frames His ministry as a battle to bind the strong man and plunder his house. Every healing, exorcism, and storm-calming miracle is a polemic in action. Jesus is not just showing compassion. He is confronting the gods. The cross itself is the ultimate polemic. It appears to be a defeat but is actually a triumph. As Paul writes in Colossians 2:15, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame. This is courtroom and battlefield language. The spiritual powers that once ruled unchallenged were publicly exposed as weak, condemned, and temporary. The apostles carry this mission forward. Paul sees the preaching of the gospel as a cosmic declaration to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. The church is not merely a new religious community. It is the living proof that

NSW legends Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns try to make sense of the axing of Haumole Olakau’atu. Joey believes Casey McLean will recover in time to play Game 2, but has serious doubts over Mitchell Moses. Red Hill in turmoil, Broncos season in jeopardy and the boys pinpoint where the major issue lies. (0:00) Jai Arrow at the Big Freeze(0:51) Rabbitohs to honour Jai(1:43) Kane Evans’ emotional interview(4:25) Olakau’atu axed from Origin(6:31) Dylan Lucas primed to perform(8:17) Joey’s weather forecast(8:38) Injury cloud around Casey McLean(9:18) How does Daley utilise Api?(9:54) D-Day for Mitchell Moses(11:05) Payne Haas returns(12:25) NRL pedigrees with Joey & Freddy(13:25) 1997 State of Origin series(15:10) Playing under Tommy Raudonikis(16:02) How will Billy use Reece Walsh?(17:41) Difficulty of managing interchanges(18:34) Will Marky Mark’s name fit on the jersey?(18:58) Multiple changes to the Maroons(19:19) Ponga-Munster-Walker combo(19:39) Ponga-Munster feud(20:07) Joey and Freddy’s feud(20:58) Best position for Walsh off the bench?(22:17) Red Hill in turmoil(22:54) Broncos’ run home(23:44) Madge at risk of losing his job?(25:12) Injuries the reason for Broncos' downfall?(27:03) Gal’s greatest Origin moment(28:46) Blues end the QLD dynasty(30:28) Freddy & the Eighth medal(34:26) Having A Crack, sponsored by Sportsbet(37:47) Thursday Night Footy preview(38:26) Friday Night Footy preview(40:07) Sunday Arvo Footy preview(41:15) Advice from the boysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael McLaren has been left wondering what's next as negotiations continue between the US and Iran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Florida man is scheduled to be executed this evening for the murder of his girlfriend's daughter three decades ago. AP correspondent Marcela Sanchez reports.

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 5/30/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Jude 1: 17, 20b-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6 Alleluia: Colossians 3: 16a, 17c Gospel: Mark 11: 27-33   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on May 30, 2026. The readings are from Jude 17, 20b-25, Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, Colossians 3:16a, 17c, Mark 11:27-33 (Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time) Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 5/29/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: Jude 1: 17, 20b-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6 Alleluia: Colossians 3: 16a, 17c Gospel: Mark 11: 27-33   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Allow Jesus to lead you into Freedom and truth

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Peter 4: 7-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 10, 11-12, 13 Alleluia: John 15: 16 Gospel: Mark 11: 11-26   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineJesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Mark 11:27–28Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem for Passover, which would culminate in His death. In the preceding months, Jesus prepared His disciples for this final journey, telling them three times that He would be handed over in Jerusalem, suffer, die, and rise again. Each time, the disciples failed to grasp the full meaning of His words.The week began with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The next day, Jesus drove the money changers, merchants, and others out of the Temple. As the week progressed, hostilities grew. Today, Jesus is confronted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Later in the week, He will face opposition from the Herodians, Pharisees, and Sadducees. Each of these groups held significant civil and religious authority within the Jewish community.The chief priests oversaw Temple worship. The scribes were experts in Jewish Law. The elders were respected lay leaders within the community. The Herodians were politically motivated supporters of Herod and Roman rule. The Pharisees focused on strict observance of the Law and oral traditions. The Sadducees denied beliefs, such as the resurrection and angels, and cooperated with Roman authorities to protect their positions.While Roman authorities governed Jerusalem civilly, the religious leaders held significant influence over the Temple and the enforcement of Jewish laws, matters that were of little concern to the Romans. The religious leaders could arrest people, but they lacked the authority to execute anyone—an authority they ultimately sought to use against Jesus. Tragically, they became icons of hostility and evil as they persecuted the Son of God.In today's Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confronted Jesus: “By what authority are You doing these things?” This challenge was likely in response to Jesus' actions the previous day when He cleansed the Temple. The tension and hostility were palpable. The disciples were fearful, and those observing took sides—some angry at Jesus, others concerned for what might happen to Him.Jesus' disposition and response to these icons of hostility and evil offer insight into how we must confront every diabolical attack and temptation in our own lives. Jesus was calm, firm, and fearless. He revealed their dishonesty, trickery, and evil intent when He said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John's baptism of heavenly or human origin? Answer me.”The religious leaders didn't know what to say. Any answer they gave would have revealed their malice and dishonesty, so they said, “We do not know.” Jesus responded, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Mark 11:33). Jesus was not intimidated and exposed their dishonesty.Evil is always irrational and hostile. When we encounter the wrath of others or witness it from a distance, we often find ourselves thinking, “This doesn't make sense!” And indeed, it doesn't. Jesus unmasked this irrationality and refused to be oppressed by it. Though it led to further persecution, He faced it without fear. His witness serves as the ideal model for us whenever we encounter irrational anger, persecution, or hostility.Reflect today on any hostility you might encounter. If it seems senseless and leaves you feeling oppressed or fearful, turn to Jesus as your guide. Hostile irrationality can arise from many sources, even those close to us. We must resist the temptation to return hostility with hostility, but neither should we give in to fear. Our response must be rational, calm, and firm, just as Jesus demonstrated. Our Lord's witness should not only result in our admiration and praise, but also in our imitation, relying on His grace to confront evil as He did.Most courageous Lord, You never allowed the anger and deception of others to oppress You or fill You with fear. You faced every evil with confidence and wisdom, unmasking its irrationality. Grant me Your courage and wisdom as I confront the evils in my life, so that I may live with confidence and security in Your grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: You cling to human traditions... by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Peter 4: 7-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 10, 11-12, 13 Alleluia: John 15: 16 Gospel: Mark 11: 11-26   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, May 26th - 1st Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12- Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52- To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

It is possible for us to look religious outwardly while inwardly becoming disconnected from God.

Josh Morris, Mark Riddell and Mike Pearsall breakdown a historic State of Origin series opener and all the controversial moments. Raiders superstar Ethan Strange absolutely lit up the Origin stage, the boys debate if he retains the number six jumper for Game 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary TimeMark 11:11-26Early in the morning, as they were walking along,they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look!The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God."

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Peter 2: 2-5, 9-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineEarly in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Mark 11:20–21The prophets often used the image of a barren fig tree to symbolize Israel's fruitless spirituality (cf. Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 8:13). Though they were God's chosen people, with whom God established His Covenant, time and moral decay led to a fruitless spirituality. Despite their outward observance of the Law, their hearts were far from God.In today's Gospel, Jesus was hungry as He left Bethany and journeyed toward Jerusalem. Along the way, He saw a fig tree from a distance with leaves, so He went to it to pick a fig to eat, but He found none. He immediately said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” (Mark 11:14). This was a prophetic action. The green tree symbolized the outward appearance of the people of Israel and especially the religious leaders, who appeared righteous but bore no fruit of genuine faith, repentance, or divinely inspired charity.After arriving at the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus drove out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the moneychangers who were desecrating the sacredness of the Temple. As He did so, He recalled the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah: “Is it not written: ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples'? But you have made it a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17; cf. Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11). Just as the barren fig tree symbolized fruitless spirituality, the cleansing of the temple revealed the corruption of worship that failed to honor God. Both acts were prophetic judgments against the emptiness of external religiosity, warning that God desires not outward appearances but true worship and spiritual fruitfulness from the heart.The next morning, on their way back to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples passed by the fig tree Jesus had cursed. To their amazement, it had “withered to its roots.” This sign of judgment sparked a conversation between Jesus and His disciples in which He taught them about the connection between faith, prayer, and forgiveness: “Have faith in God…I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours…When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance…” (Mark 11:22; 24–25). Faith in God, combined with humble prayer and forgiveness, is the key to spiritual fruitfulness.Jesus' prophetic action and teaching on prayer and forgiveness ring as true for us today as they did for the people of Israel. Like a green fig tree that bears no fruit, we can fall into the trap of being more concerned about our outward appearance of religiosity than about true prayer and worship that is fruitful for the Kingdom of God.We are the temples Jesus wants to cleanse today. Just as Jesus cast out corruption from the temple, so must we allow Him to cast out the sin and spiritual barriers within us that hinder true worship. Forgiveness is an essential part of this cleansing, as it removes the obstacles that block our prayers and relationships with God. True prayer flows from faith that trusts completely in God's power and from hearts that forgive without reservation. When our focus shifts from self-interest to the love of God and service of others, our lives become fruitful for the Kingdom.Reflect today on your soul as the new temple Jesus wants to cleanse. There is incredible potential for each one of us to bear an abundance of good fruit for His Kingdom. Begin by forgiving everyone from your heart. Then, approach prayer with faith that trusts God's providence and seeks His will. Let your worship be sincere—not for appearances or routine, but out of love for God and a desire for His Kingdom to grow. Fidelity to prayer and forgiveness will transform your life into one of fruitfulness and grace, leading you to the abundant life of His Kingdom. My Lord, the source of all abundant good fruit, You desire to cleanse my soul of every sin and obstacle that hinders true worship. You call me to a life of deep prayer, grounded in faith and forgiveness. Purify me, and use me to bear an abundance of good fruit for Your Kingdom. Make me a pure and holy child of true worship. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Accursed Fig Tree by James TissotSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

ROSARY - LUMINOUS MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Thursday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Peter 2: 2-5, 9-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 2, 3, 4, 5 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Cry out to Jesus with honesty. Do not let others silence your faith. And when Jesus heals you, do not stay sitting on the roadside get up and follow Him.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop, Religious, Missionary First Reading: First Peter 1: 18-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20 Alleluia: Mark 10: 45 Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineAs Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Mark 10:46–48Though the Torah commanded kindness and justice toward the blind, they were often treated poorly by the wider community. Unable to work or provide for themselves, the blind were typically reduced to begging. They also bore the stigma of being seen as suffering God's judgment, whether for their own sins or the sins of their parents. While today's story about Bartimaeus vividly illustrates the pitiful social and economic position of the blind at that time, it even more powerfully presents him as an ideal model to imitate.First, we should humbly see ourselves in Bartimaeus. On a spiritual level, we are all blind and in need of God's mercy. Like Bartimaeus, we must identify as people who are poor, ostracized, and incapable of seeing all that God wants to reveal to us. Pride gives us a false sense of who we are and blinds us to the truth of our spiritual poverty. Humility, on the other hand, opens the eyes of faith, enabling us to recognize our need for God's mercy and His healing grace so that we may see and understand life as He wishes to reveal it.Bartimaeus is not only a model of the humility we need; he is also a model of faith and prayer. In his humility, as soon as he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out in a twofold way. First, he called Jesus the “Son of David.” This was a profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. “Son of David” was a messianic title rooted in Nathan's prophecy, in which God promised King David that his descendant would establish an everlasting kingdom (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12–16). By calling Jesus the “Son of David,” Bartimaeus professed his belief that Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy.With his profession of faith, Bartimaeus also prayed the ideal prayer: “Have pity on me.” The word “pity” is a translation of the Greek eleison, which is also rendered as “have mercy.” For example, at Mass, we pray in Greek, “Kyrie eleison,” or “Lord, have mercy.” This prayer is ideal because every gift from God is an act of mercy. We do not earn or deserve His grace; it is a freely bestowed gift, and our prayer should reflect this profound truth.As Bartimaeus prayed, many people told him to be silent. Despite their rebukes, Bartimaeus intensified his prayer, “calling out all the more.” This persistence serves as another model for the ideals of prayer. The “many” who rebuked him and tried to silence him symbolize the numerous obstacles we face in our pursuit of God's mercy.Though the greatest obstacles we face are our own sins, which discourage us from approaching God in prayer, we also encounter challenges in the form of temptations. These temptations, like the “many” who sought to silence Bartimaeus, try to lead us away from prayer. They urge us to give up, doubt God's care for us, or remain complacent in our spiritual lives. Bartimaeus' response—to pray even louder and more fervently—teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer, even in the face of discouragement or opposition.Reflect today on this poor blind man, Bartimaeus, sitting on the roadside. With him, profess your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and cry out for mercy. When sin hinders you, have the courage to admit it, confess it, and plead for forgiveness. When temptations try to silence you, resist them and cry out all the louder. In the end, Jesus called Bartimaeus to Himself and healed him. Jesus desires to do the same for us. He will, if we humbly identify with Bartimaeus, see ourselves in his condition, and imitate his unwavering faith and persistent prayer.Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! With Bartimaeus, I profess my belief in You as the Messiah, the Savior of the world. With him, I also plead for Your mercy in my life and in the world around me. You alone are the source of all grace and mercy, and though I am unworthy, You freely bestow it upon the humble. Lord, I want to see. Open the eyes of my heart and grant me the reward of Your mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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This reflection was originally published in 2024. While the Redemptorist's title, location, and the specific days and dates mentioned may no longer align, the reading and reflection remain just as relevant today!

ROSARY - GLORIOUS MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Wednesday. 

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop, Religious, Missionary First Reading: First Peter 1: 18-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 14-15, 19-20 Alleluia: Mark 10: 45 Gospel: Mark 10: 32-45   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

How do I seek greatness? Do I seek recognition? Do I seek control? Or do I seek to love, serve, forgive, and give myself away for others?

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Philip Neri, Priest Obligatory Memorial First Reading: First Peter 1: 10-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Mark 10: 28-31   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read Online“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Mark 10:33–34How often do we fail to grasp the suffering of others, consumed instead by our own concerns? This was the struggle of the Twelve as Jesus prepared to endure His Passion. Today's Gospel presents the third time Jesus clearly told them about His Passion and Death, yet they still didn't get it.After Jesus revealed His Passion for the first time, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” In the presence of the other disciples, Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (cf. Mark 8:31–33). The second time Jesus revealed His Passion they “did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.” Instead, they engaged in a childish conversation, “discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest” (cf. Mark 9:30–37).Today's Gospel, presenting the third time Jesus revealed His Passion, depicts a similar scenario. Jesus is very explicit: In Jerusalem, He “will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Once again, despite the seriousness of Jesus' revelation, James and John immediately ask Jesus, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left” (Mark 10:37). The Apostles were so consumed with their own ambitions that they failed to grasp the gravity of Jesus' words and were unable to offer Him the charity of empathy.Fortunately for them—and for us—Jesus had perfect patience. He understood their weaknesses and showed mercy. Humanly speaking, the disciples could have offered Him the charity of human empathy and compassion, walking more firmly with Jesus toward His agony and death, but they were unprepared and unable to do so.While the Apostles failed to console Jesus, His mother consoled His Sacred Heart. With her Immaculate Heart in perfect union with His, the Blessed Mother modeled perfect empathy as she pondered her Son's life in her heart and stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. She walked with Jesus every step of the way. Her love consoled Him even as the Twelve failed to do so. The Blessed Mother teaches us how to accompany, with love and presence, those who suffer.We must see ourselves in the Apostles, listening to Jesus share news of His Passion. As we consider their apathy and lack of understanding, we should seek the grace of a loving and empathetic heart by seeing our Lord present in those around us, especially family, who carry heavy burdens. This grace will enable us to be attentive to those burdens and better imitate our Blessed Mother who consoled the heart of her Son. Though the Apostles initially failed in this mission, they were learning and growing. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they would later console others by sharing Christ's love and proclaiming His Passion with courage, especially as they lived it. Reflect today on Jesus' interaction with His Apostles. Learn from their shortcomings and be grateful for Jesus' patience. Pray for the grace of an empathetic heart, for this virtue enables us to console the Heart of Christ by sharing in His Passion with attentiveness and compassion. In doing so, we imitate the perfect love of the Blessed Mother, who teaches us how to truly love. My patient Lord, though You desire to fully share Your life and Passion with me, I often fail to be attentive and to see You in those around me. Grant me the grace to meet You in Your sufferings, and fill my heart with the charity of human empathy, especially for those I am called to love. May I learn from the weakness of the Apostles and the perfect love of Your Blessed Mother, imitating her unwavering love for You and for all. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus and his Disciples on the Sea of Galilee By Carl Oesterley Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Philip Neri, Priest Obligatory Memorial First Reading: First Peter 1: 10-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Mark 10: 28-31   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlinePeter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Mark 10:28Peter had just witnessed Jesus' conversation with the rich young man, to whom Jesus said, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Mark 10:21). After the young man went away sad because he had many possessions, Jesus turned to the disciples and lovingly explained the radical demands of the Gospel: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). This statement was astonishing to the disciples, and Peter's response reveals a common tendency for us all: He began to think about himself.The Gospel can be embraced in two ways. First, with a more intellectual approach, we can study, understand, and explain Jesus' teaching. This is important, especially for preachers and teachers. The second way is more challenging: We must hear the Gospel, believe it, and, with the help of grace, live it. When engaging the Gospel in this second way, we often do exactly what Peter did: We think about ourselves and whether or not we live up to it.Both approaches are necessary. Understanding the Gospel intellectually is a crucial starting point. Too often, we water it down to an exhortation to be kind to others, say some daily prayers, go to church, and avoid serious sin. Those who intensely study the Word of God, however, will discover so much more. Jesus' many teachings, when clearly understood, will challenge even the greatest saint to greater holiness. Even those who “have given up everything” to follow Jesus will be challenged as they are confronted with the depth of our Lord's Word.Once we understand the radical demands of the Gospel, we must do what Peter did: We must apply it to our particular situation. This introspection is good and necessary and is a sign that the Gospel is sinking in. Like Peter, we might at first justify ourselves, saying, “I have given up everything to follow You, Lord.” But we must then look deeper, more honestly at ourselves, and evaluate our lives in the clearest way possible.Jesus' response to Peter is the response He makes to us as we go through this self-evaluation, even if it tends to be more of a self-justification. Jesus gently explains that those who radically follow Him without reserve, giving up “everything” to follow Him, will receive two blessings.First, they will receive “a hundred times more now in this present age.” This is not a promise of riches, material prosperity, good health, or freedom from suffering, which Jesus emphasizes by His follow-up statement: “with persecutions.” However, it does mean that the spiritual blessings we will receive in this life, if we radically give up everything to follow Him, are far greater than anything this life can offer and will flood our souls with peace and satisfaction, even in the midst of persecutions and every form of hardship.Second, Jesus also promises “eternal life in the age to come.” This promise, though desirable, can at times feel abstract. It is sometimes difficult to get excited about the promise of eternal life while we are still immersed in the concerns of this life. Of course, we will not think that way once our life on earth is complete. On that day, the promise will become very real and remain so for eternity. Reflect today on Jesus making these two promises to you. Do you believe that giving up “everything” and following Jesus will produce “a hundred times” more than what you give up? What attachments does our Lord ask you to relinquish? Believe what Jesus says. The life of holiness, as modeled by the saints, makes great demands upon us. If we believe this and live it, then the second promise will become our hope and eternal delight. This life is short. Turn your eyes to eternal life in the age to come, strive for that gift, and both promises will become a reality in your life. Most generous Lord, the spiritual blessings You promise to those who give up everything to follow You far surpass anything this life can offer. Grant me the grace to understand this truth, believe it fully, and live it wholeheartedly. May I journey through this life with my eyes fixed on eternity, anticipating the great rewards You have prepared for those who follow You without reserve. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Stained Glass - Jesus and Saint Peter Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Father lets us know that we must do one thing more to follow Jesus 100%.

Newly declassified wartime files reveal MI5 once feared Nazi paratroopers could attempt to assassinate King George the Sixth, the young Princess Elizabeth and Winston Churchill during the final months of World War Two. We also examine fresh reports that King Charles is quietly trying to repair the relationship between William and Harry through one of his closest aides, Theo Rycroft. Plus, the King's environmentalism turns up in an unexpected place, the hidden history of the Crown Jewels, plans to renovate a long-abandoned Windsor cottage near Frogmore, and the discovery of a four-hundred-year-old tennis court map tied to Henry the Eighth and Windsor Castle.Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening.  Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network.A new season of King William is available now.Our royal newsletter written by Deep Crown is available for free.Royal Books:Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors by Tom BowerWilliam and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside StoryThe Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana

Thank you for downloading the Trap One Podcast. On this episode writer Reecy Pontiff joins Mark to discuss her excellent book, Leap of Eighth, a history of the Eighth Doctor. You can order the book from Telos Publishing here. You can hear Trap One's interview with Scott Gray here.

Did you know the Bible may in fact state that the Antichrist can be coming out of Iran? Today Pastor Stan shares maps, bible verses and previous empires to determine from which nation the Antichrist comes from! 00:00 Intro 02:00 Which Nation 06:28 Roman Empire 09:42 Eighth of the Seven 15:38 Russian Antichrist 19:10 Europe 23:38 Summery

Did you know the Bible may in fact state that the Antichrist can be coming out of Iran? Today Pastor Stan shares maps, bible verses and previous empires to determine from which nation the Antichrist comes from! 00:00 Intro 02:00 Which Nation 06:28 Roman Empire 09:42 Eighth of the Seven 15:38 Russian Antichrist 19:10 Europe 23:38 Summery

Did you know the Bible may in fact state that the Antichrist can be coming out of Iran? Today Pastor Stan shares maps, bible verses and previous empires to determine from which nation the Antichrist comes from! 00:00 Intro 02:00 Which Nation 06:28 Roman Empire 09:42 Eighth of the Seven 15:38 Russian Antichrist 19:10 Europe 23:38 Summery

Tradition is a buzzword in confessional polemics: Protestants (supposedly) say Scripture only, while Catholics and Orthodox (supposedly) say Scripture-and-Tradition without hierarchical triage between them. Of course, it has never been that simple! Luther and Melanchthon and the Formula of Concord all insist that they were in fact more faithful to the tradition of the church against Roman innovation. Roman Catholics rightly point out all that is not explicit in Scripture and yet adhered to faithfully by the church, including Protestants (e.g. the word “Trinity” or infant baptism). For that matter, Scripture itself is a form of Tradition and full of Tradition—as the opening words of I Corinthians 15 attest, and much biblical scholarship of the past two hundred years has excavated. So what do we even mean by Tradition? How do we judge it or select from it—because everybody in fact does just that? How do we know what is a faithful development from the original apostolic gospel and what is a treacherous deviation? What “principle of critical judgment” or “clear method of discrimination”? David Bentley Hart and his book Tradition and Apocalypse to the rescue! ... maybe. Related episodes: Theology & Experience 1, Theology & Experience 2, Islam, Bondage of the Will, St Paul among the Philosophers We're in our EIGHTH year! Shouldn't such a tradition be supported? Demonstrate your little-o orthodoxy by backing us on Patreon!

In a sun-drenched Londinium wine bar overlooking the calm Thames, Gaius and Germanicus engage in a spirited debate before an audience of retired centurions from the Eighth Legion. The discussion centers on the "Roman way of war"—characterized by relentless engineering, abundant resources, and the demand for total victory—contrasted against the declining American military reputation. Germanicus identifies seven historical pillars of American power, such as total mobilization and superior technology, which he argues have eroded over the last fifty years. Citing failures in Korea, Vietnam, and more recently in Ukraine and Iran, the speakers suggest that the United States has transitioned from a "redeemer nation" into a state struggling with ineffective, marginal conflicts. The centurions, professional combatants who once fought alongside former gladiators, listen intently as Gaius compares the Roman spirit to the aggressive naval strategies of the Second World War. (1/3)1940 HO CHI MINH