Podcasts about Fifteenth

Golf talk live from Dirty Martin's Place on the UT Campus with hosts Ed Clements, Scotty Sayers, Mark Brooks & Ben Clements from the Golfer's Roundtable.  Guest this week is Luke Wilson talking about the new Netflix series The Hawk.  

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Camillus De Lellis, Priest First Reading: Micah 2: 1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 10: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19 Gospel: Matthew 12: 14-21   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Saturday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Camillus De Lellis, Priest First Reading: Micah 2: 1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 10: 1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 14 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19 Gospel: Matthew 12: 14-21   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

A bruised reed is weak, bent, and easily broken. A smoldering wick barely gives any light and seems ready to go out. Most people would throw both away.

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeHave mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 119Canticle: Wisdom 9Psalm 117Reading: Philippians 2Intercessions: Look upon the Mother of your Son and hear our prayer.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8 Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 38: 10, 11, 12abcd, 16 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Matthew 12: 1-8   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineThe Quiet Strength of MeeknessThe Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. Matthew 12:14–16To souls who love God and are united to Him, today's Gospel reveals a profound lesson about facing opposition. “The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.” Why? Because of their rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law of rest. But Jesus, as the Son of God, in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is the origin of that law. The Sabbath was meant to call to mind God's rest after the six days of creation—a contemplative rest in which the people reflected upon God's goodness.The Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a burdensome obligation, a scrupulous and empty duty. Jesus, the Author and Lord of the Sabbath, saw it very differently. Acts of charity are never to be refrained from—not even on the Sabbath. For the “offense” of healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, the Pharisees began plotting Jesus' murder.When Jesus realized this, He withdrew from that place. This retreat was not born of cowardice but of meekness—a virtue often misunderstood in our world. Biblical meekness is not weakness or timidity; it is power under perfect control. It is strength harnessed by wisdom and love. Jesus possessed all power yet chose restraint. He could have called down legions of angels to destroy His enemies, but instead, He quietly stepped away. His hour had not yet come.This divine meekness allowed Jesus to continue His mission with quiet determination. Many people followed Him, and He cured them all, bringing healing and restoration to broken lives. In this moment, we see Jesus' quiet strength perfectly expressed. He did not come to wage war against the leaders of the synagogue but to establish the Kingdom of grace and truth.In keeping with Isaiah's prophecy, Jesus draws hearts to Himself in silence and mercy. “A bruised reed”—fragile, bent, and seemingly worthless—He will not snap. “A smoldering wick”—flickering, nearly extinguished—He will not quench. Instead, He heals and rekindles, patiently leading justice to victory (cf. Matthew 12:18–21).Consider your own mission and the opposition you face. Do coworkers mock your Catholic practices—perhaps your fasting on Fridays or stepping away for daily prayer? Do family members dismiss your commitment to Church teaching on marriage, sexuality, or the sanctity of life? Do friends challenge your dedication to serving the poor as “wasted time” that could be spent advancing your career?Each of us is called to respond as Christ did—with meekness that reflects true strength. Prayerfully discern whether it is your “hour” to suffer rebuke, or if you are being called, like Christ in today's Gospel, to turn away from the hostility and focus on those whom God is drawing to Himself through your witness.Reflect today on any opposition you face as you strive to fulfill God's will. Not every battle must be fought today. Humility and meekness often call us to quietly retreat so we can build up the foundation of God's Kingdom in other hearts. Of course, the hour of the Cross will come for each of us. When it does, we must embrace it with love. But until that moment, we follow Jesus in discerning, listening, and loving—even in silence. Lord of perfect wisdom, though Your charity was met with hostility by the Pharisees, You did not always confront them. At times, You spoke out; at other times, You withdrew to continue Your mission in silence. Grant me, O Lord, a discerning heart, that I may know when I am called to stand firm in truth and when I must embrace humble silence. May I seek only to do Your will, that Your Kingdom of grace may be more fully established in and through my life. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: La Solitude du Christ, by Alphonse OsbertSource: 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 Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 38: 1-6, 21-22, 7-8 Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 38: 10, 11, 12abcd, 16 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Matthew 12: 1-8   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Homily from the Mass offered Friday, July 17th - 1st Reading:Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 12:1-8 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We can faithfully attend Mass, pray our rosaries, fast during Lent, and support the parish, yet still fail to show patience, forgiveness, or kindness to those around us.

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 12:1-8"I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,you would not have condemned these innocent men.For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath."

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 107Reading 1: 2 Kings 2Reading 2: From the treatise On the Mysteries by St. Ambrose, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 51Canticle: Jeremiah 14Psalm 100Reading: 2 Corinthians 12Intercessions: Save those you have redeemed by your blood, Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeDay and night I cry to you, my God.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 135Canticle: Revelation 15Reading: James 1Intercessions: Have mercy on your people, Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Micah 2: 1-5; Rs psalm 10: 1-2.3-4.7-8.14; Matthew 12: 14-21.GOD IS NOTHIDING The theme forour meditation today is: God is Not Hiding. The school year for schools hasjust started this week. In general, teaching and learning activities take placein the middle of summer and dry which can have a negative impact on theactivities of students and teachers at school. They feel the hot air bothinside the classroom and outside and especially when they are in the playground. In remotevillages, students walk daily from home and school. They endure hot every dayand bathed in dust along the way. They easily get sick because of the hot anddry weather. There was a junior high school student writing on his social mediapage, in the form of a challenge addressed to God. He said: "This is aserious threat to life. God seems to be hiding and not near us to helpus." This student'sheartfelt expression represents the feelings of difficulty, anxiety, lack ofpatience and pessimism of many people in today's world. These feelings arenatural for us humans and there is nothing wrong with complaining or urging Godto help us. The event recounted in the Gospel about Jesus calming down the windand violent waves that nearly destroyed His disciples very clearly give usconfidence that God is not silent or hiding. Our Gospel readingtoday also illustrates how Jesus chose to avoid and hide, at a time when thethreat of enemies and evil was evident. There was a conspiracy that plottedevil against Jesus and all of His works, but Jesus got rid of himself. If aleader or chief chose to abandon his responsibilities, then we can understandthat his work, struggle or task has failed.  If our life inthis world only give attention to violence, evil and the threat of the enemy,we are the people who live in fear and this world is like a terrible jungle.God is indeed seen or understood to be in silent and hiding, but He actuallydwells in our hearts. God fills the spaces of understanding and conviction ofour faith. He works as the invisible Holy Spirit, but provides everything bothin word and deed, so that we become able to face our enemies. Our livesactually remain focus on the kingdom of God and the path we walk is the way ofJesus Christ. If until this moment we have this life in the midst of adifficult and bad situation while we continue to adapt ourselves to the newreality of life, this is the path that God has given us. He is actually with usand guides our lives. Let us pray. In thename of the Father ... O Lord, in your hands we put all our hopes and fates inlife. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... In the nameof the Father ...

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath.His disciples were hungryand began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him,"See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath."He said to them, "Have you not read what David didwhen he and his companions were hungry,how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering,which neither he nor his companionsbut only the priests could lawfully eat?Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbaththe priests serving in the temple violate the sabbathand are innocent?I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice,you would not have condemned these innocent men.For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath."

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Our Lady of Mount Carmel First Reading: Isaiah 26: 7-9, 11, 16-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28 Gospel: Matthew 11: 28-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineLoving Beyond LegalismJesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry…?” Matthew 12:1–3At the heart of the Old Testament Law were the Ten Commandments. But the Law also included numerous statutes, ordinances, and ritual prescriptions. This Old Covenant was good because it reflected God's Eternal Law yet it lacked the full clarity and interior transformation that would come only in Christ. It is similar to looking through a pair of binoculars that are out of focus—you may perceive the general form, but the finer details are obscured.Jesus did not abolish the Old Covenant. He fulfilled it by revealing its true meaning and restoring its original purpose. In Him, the Law is clarified, elevated, and perfected. Today's Gospel offers us a glimpse of that divine clarity, as our Lord unveils the deeper meaning of the Sabbath and the spirit that animates the Law—a spirit not rooted in rigid formalism, but in mercy, love, and communion with God.The Pharisees who accused Jesus' disciples of violating the Sabbath by picking heads of grain misunderstood the very Law they claimed to uphold. Throughout the Gospels, we see how many religious leaders corrupted God's commandments by reducing them to external legalism—cut off from the life of charity that the Law was meant to foster.Perhaps you have struggled with this same tendency in your own spiritual journey, mentally checking off boxes—Mass on Sunday, Confession once a month, morning and evening prayers. Though these are good, our hearts can still remain distant from God. Like the Pharisees, we too can fall into treating God's beautiful invitation to relationship as a mere transaction.To emphasize the true spirit of the Law, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:7; cf. Hosea 6:6). Though sacrifice was good, when external observances become divorced from love, justice, and the desire for union with God, they become lifeless—and even offensive—in God's eyes.In Christ, we've received the complete revelation of truth—the New Law of grace, mercy, and redemption. Through Him, we're invited to go beyond external observance and enter into the interior transformation the Law was always meant to inspire. This transformation touches every aspect of our daily lives: When we refrain from gossip, it's not merely to follow a rule, but a recognition of Christ's presence in others. When we make time for prayer, it's not to satisfy an obligation, but to nurture the relationship at the center of our existence. When we choose to forgive, it's not because forgiveness is commanded, but because we've experienced God's mercy and long to extend it to others.This principle extends to every one of Christ's teachings and precepts faithfully handed down by the Church. We are called to obey not for the sake of obedience alone, but to receive the Divine Mercy that flows from Christ's Word and to become instruments of that mercy for others.Reflect today on all that God has revealed through the Scriptures and the Church. His teachings are not burdensome rules, but luminous pathways to communion with God. The ultimate purpose of every command God gives is our sanctification and fruitfulness, which culminate in God's glory. Keep that end in mind, so that all you do may be in harmony with the true purpose of God's Eternal Law—and never reduced to empty obedience.Father, God and Eternal Truth, all that You revealed through Moses and the prophets was but a reflection of Your Eternal Law. In Jesus, our Lord, You have unveiled the fullness of truth—everything we need to know in order to share in Your Kingdom. Grant me the grace to see every teaching and every law You place before me not as a burden, but as a radiant and glorious pathway to communion with You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ defends the plucking of the ears of grain on the Sabbath, by Marten van ValckenborchSource: 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 Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Our Lady of Mount Carmel First Reading: Isaiah 26: 7-9, 11, 16-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 13-14ab and 15, 16-18, 19-21 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28 Gospel: Matthew 11: 28-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

God does not approach us with condemnation or harshness. He comes with gentleness.

Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 11:28-30Jesus said:"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves.For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeIn you, my God, my body will rest in hope.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 132Canticle: Revelation 11Reading: 1 Peter 3Intercessions: Hear us, O God our refuge.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 69Reading 1: 2 Chronicles 20Reading 2: From the treatise On the Mysteries by St. Ambrose, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 87Canticle: Isaiah 40Psalm 99Reading: 1 Peter 4Intercessions: May you be glorified, Lord, for all ages.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Bonaventure, Bishop, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Isaiah 10: 5-7, 13b-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 94: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-27   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineThe Heavy Burdens of LifeJesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28–30Everything Jesus says is pure truth and pure love. Sometimes we need a loving rebuke to awaken us, but other times—when we are weighed down with heavy burdens—our Lord comes to us with the utmost empathy and care. He overlooks the things that burden us externally and looks instead into our hearts, calling us gently to Himself: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”There are many things that burden us: sin, guilt, suffering, anxiety. Sometimes our burdens are physical; other times they are emotional or spiritual. When these burdens leave us oppressed, confused, or despairing, Jesus does not come to condemn us—even if we are steeped in sin. He comes with the tenderness of His love. If our burdens stem from sin, it is His merciful love that gives us the courage to turn to Him, that He might lift the burden and set us free. If our burdens are physical, He draws near to unite Himself with us, to show us His wounds, and to give us strength to carry the cross. If our burdens come from trials beyond our control or from emotional trauma that weighs heavily on the heart, Jesus is always near—present, caring, and deeply moved by our suffering.In this passage, the Greek word for “labor” suggests more than ordinary effort—it implies exhaustive toil. Likewise, the word translated as “burdened” conveys a weight so heavy that it cannot be borne alone. These burdens may come from the world, from others, from sin, or even from within ourselves. Whatever their origin, Jesus offers Himself as the one who gives rest, who walks beside us, and who makes our burden light through the strength of His love.When we are overwhelmed, it's hard to notice Jesus' consoling presence. We might even cry out in frustration, “Where are You, Lord?” When that happens, we need to close our eyes and pray in silence. During the greatest trials, Jesus' words in today's Gospel ring most true. He is always near, especially when we are overwhelmed. By stopping, quieting our racing minds, and surrendering our weary souls, we will discover that Jesus is present to us, speaking His tender words: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”Jesus doesn't always remove our burdens; He does something far greater. He enters into them with us. He lifts us up and carries our burdens alongside us, strengthening us and drawing good even from what we perceive as evil.In those moments He says, “Take my yoke upon you,” which might at first seem confusing. Why, when we are already burdened, would Jesus ask us to carry His yoke as well? Because Jesus' yoke is not a new weight; it is a gentle invitation into discipleship and communion. The ancient yoke bound two oxen together so they could share the load. When Jesus says, “Take my yoke,” He is inviting us to be yoked to Him. He walks beside us, bearing the greater share of the weight, making this new and graced yoke light. As we walk with Him, we “learn from Him”—not merely by instruction, but through intimacy and imitation.Once yoked to Christ, “you will find rest for yourselves.” This is not the rest that frees us from our crosses. The yoke must still be carried. But now, it is carried with Christ. And carrying our burdens in union with Him becomes an act of supernatural grace, lighter and more restful than even carrying the lightest of burdens alone.Reflect today on the burdens you carry. Identify them honestly. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply, and listen. Hear Jesus say to you personally: “Come to me.” Surrender to Him your toil, your struggles, your griefs, your guilt, and your sin. Take His yoke, walk with Him, and discover the rest that only His meek and humble Heart can give. Most compassionate Lord, when I am weighed down and burdened by sin and the trials of life, I know that You are always near—coming to me, calling me to Yourself with gentle love. I accept Your gracious invitation. Please place Your yoke upon me, that I may walk beside You in peace. Help me to endure patiently whatever afflicts me, trusting always in Your presence and strength. In You alone do I find rest for my soul. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Venite ad Me by Lawrence OP, 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.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Bonaventure, Bishop, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Isaiah 10: 5-7, 13b-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 94: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-27   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 89Psalm 90Reading 1: 1 Kings 22Reading 2: From the treatise On the Mysteries by St. Ambrose, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeff Morrow. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Isaiah 7: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8 Alleluia: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Matthew 11: 20-24   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineGratitude For Divine Wisdom“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”  Matthew 11:25–27Jesus' praise of the Father, as recorded in today's Gospel, is highly significant. Being both human and divine, His praise originated in His divinity and was expressed through His human nature as a perfect act of divine gratitude. This is significant not only for Jesus, but also for us.As human beings, we are incapable of performing divine acts or attaining the perfection of divine gratitude unless God Himself acts in and through us. Since Jesus' divinity and humanity are perfectly united in the one Person of the Son of God, He not only offered the perfection of praise to the Father, He also elevated human nature itself, enabling us to do the same in Him.When we pray with Jesus as He says, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,” we join in His perfect praise of the Father for His divine wisdom and action in our lives. Our praise, in union with Christ's, is raised beyond mere emotional thanksgiving. It becomes an all-consuming adoration of the Father and a divinely inspired confession of Who He is and what He has accomplished in us. This praise glorifies God and transforms us. No prayer is more perfect or more consequential in our lives than to give praise to the Father in union with the Son.The cause for Jesus' praise is also significant. His thanksgiving is directed at the Father's wisdom in both hiding and revealing “these things.” In the Greek, the verbs for hiding and revealing are strong and deliberate, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between these two actions. From the “wise and learned,” the Father hides these mysteries. The wise and learned, in this context, are not necessarily those who possess education or intelligence, but those who are self-reliant, proud in their intellectual strength, and closed to divine mystery.To the “childlike,” however, the Father reveals these things. The word translated as “childlike” is literally “infants” or “babes” in Greek, referring to those who are humble, open, and trusting—those who recognize their absolute dependence on God. To be childlike is not to be unintelligent; in fact, it implies a higher wisdom. True intelligence is found in the comprehension of divine Wisdom, not merely in worldly knowledge or human learning.This divine wisdom stems from the gift of faith, which opens the soul to deeper understanding. Saint Augustine captures this beautifully when he says, “Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.” Humble, open, and trusting faith comes first. From there, the gifts of Wisdom and Understanding are granted.This, then, is what Jesus refers to as “these things”: the sacred mysteries of Divine Wisdom and Understanding. They are not accessible to the proud or the self-sufficient, but are freely given to those who approach the Father with the simplicity and trust of spiritual childhood. And when they are granted, this is the cause for Jesus to praise the Father and for us to join in that praise.Reflect today on your own disposition before God. Are you tempted to approach Him with self-reliance, pride in your accomplishments, or a desire to understand everything before believing? Or do you come as a child—humble, trusting, and open to receive the mysteries of grace? Seek the Wisdom and Understanding given to the childlike. When they are bestowed, unite your voice to Jesus' in offering perfect praise to the Father. In that united praise, you will not only glorify God but also be transformed by the very Wisdom you adore. Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, make me humble, simple, and open to all that You wish to reveal. With Jesus, Your Son, help me to recognize the bestowal of Your blessings—in my life and in the lives of others. United with the one voice of Your beloved Son, may I forever give You praise and thanksgiving. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus Goes Up Alone onto a Mountain to Pray, 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.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeff Morrow. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Isaiah 7: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8 Alleluia: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Matthew 11: 20-24   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Henry, Married Man First Reading: Isaiah 1: 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 10: 34 – 11: 1   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineLoving as Is NeededJesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.” Matthew 11:20–21Have you ever felt the urge to publicly rebuke someone, crying out in condemnation, “Woe to you!”? Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced that impulse. When we are hurt, dismissed, or sinned against, pride wells up within us, and our wounded hearts may long to strike back with words of righteous anger.But this human reaction is not what moved Jesus when He reproached the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum in today's Gospel. He did not condemn them because He was personally offended or emotionally wounded by their failure to repent. His pride was not injured, nor was He overcome by anger. Christ was fully in control, always responding with divine wisdom, offering exactly what each person needed in that moment.At times, He was gentle, consoling, and compassionate. At other times, He chastised and rebuked. Sometimes He refrained from performing signs and wonders; at other times, He lavished miracles upon the people. At times, He taught in the veiled language of parables, and at other times, He spoke plainly and directly.Jesus always knew how to love in every situation because every situation called for love expressed in different ways. True love is not defined by the one who gives it; it is defined by the one who receives it. What does that mean? It means that Jesus didn't offer a “one-size-fits-all” kind of love. He didn't say, “This is me, and this is how I love. Take it or leave it—I'm not changing for you.” No, Jesus' love was so pure, so other-focused, that it always sought the good of the one He loved and adjusted its expression in order to achieve that good.This is clearly seen in Jesus' rebuke of the people of these three towns, located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which were central to much of His public ministry. Capernaum was His home base; Chorazin and Bethsaida were places He frequented. Near this region He delivered the Sermon on the Mount and performed many miracles. Yet despite His tireless preaching and countless signs, few repented. And repentance was the very purpose of His mission. By chastising them—“Woe to you!”—Jesus lovingly sought to jolt them out of their complacency so that they might repent and receive the abundant mercy He and His Father so deeply desired to bestow. In this case, the rebuke was the precise expression of love that these towns needed at that time.Understanding the various expressions of Jesus' love teaches us much about the nature of divine charity—how God loves us, and how we, in turn, are called to love one another. Though the essence of God's love is always the same—perfect, complete, selfless, and sacrificial—the expression of that love varies, depending upon what each person most needs and what will most effectively lead them to eternal life.What expression of love do you need to give and receive in your life right now? Do you need God's consoling hand, His gentle encouragement, or His firm challenge to awaken you from spiritual complacency? Because God's perfect and unchanging love is expressed in various ways, according to our needs, it is essential to remain open to however He chooses to love us in this moment. In the same way, we should love others generously, purely, and selflessly, mirroring Christ, but the outward expression of that love must be shaped by the real needs of those before us.Reflect today on how God is loving you right now, and ask for the grace to receive that love with trust and humility. Then consider how you are called to extend that same discerning and sacrificial love to others—not merely as you prefer to give it—but as they most need to receive it. Let your love, like Christ's, always be guided by wisdom and formed by charity, loving others in the way that will best draw them closer to God's abundant mercy.Most loving God, Your love is perfect, unwavering, and never changing. Please open my heart to receive the expression of Your love that I need most, so that I may always repent of my sins and turn to Your mercy. Grant me the wisdom to imitate Your perfect love for others, offering not merely what I desire to give, but what they truly need in the moment. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Day of Judgement by Lawrence OP, 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 - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Monday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Henry, Married Man First Reading: Isaiah 1: 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50: 8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 10: 34 – 11: 1   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Is Jesus truly first in your life? Are you willing to remain faithful even when it costs you something? Do you recognize that the small acts of charity you perform each day have eternal value?

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 10:34-11:1"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary TimeO Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Read OnlineThe Sword of Truth and PeaceJesus said to his Apostles: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household.” Matthew 10:34–36At first glance, this Gospel sounds like a mistake. Did Jesus really say this? He certainly did. Understanding this passage requires a deep and clear awareness of Christ's mission. He came to bring the true and lasting peace that comes only through adherence to the fullness of truth and cooperation with the fullness of grace.Note that this teaching was not delivered to the crowds but to the Twelve. Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, gently nourishing them with truths they could gradually grasp. But to the Twelve, He spoke with increasing clarity and depth. Today's Gospel is one such instance.This passage comes from what is sometimes referred to as the Missionary Discourse, in which Jesus prepares His Apostles for the upheaval their mission will bring—first as they go out two by two to the towns of Israel, and later, after the Ascension, when they are sent to the ends of the earth. At first, Jesus' words seem jarring, even paradoxical, coming from Him who is the Prince of Peace. But when we grasp their meaning, we discover the “tough love” this Gospel both encourages and demands.We all desire peace, especially within our families and communities, but peace is multifaceted and can have different meanings. On a superficial level, peace simply means the absence of conflict. While such tranquility has its place, Jesus came to offer a far greater and more enduring peace: the peace of shalom.Shalom, the Hebrew word for “peace,” signifies far more than the absence of strife. It encompasses the fullness of harmony, justice, and blessing that flow from a right relationship with God. It is a peace rooted in truth and communion with Him. Ironically, true peace can provoke division, especially when the Gospel confronts the sins and falsehoods people are unwilling to abandon.The “sword” our Lord brings is not for destruction, but for purification. It cuts away what is false so that the peace of shalom may take root. The sword Christ promises is the Truth: the living and active Word of God, “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It cuts through deception, pierces the heart, and forces a choice—a decisive turning toward or away from Him. God directs that sword at each of us, and through us, toward others. Even familial bonds will be tested and purified by the Gospel. Sometimes that purification results in visible division. But often, such division is necessary to bring about a deeper and more lasting unity in God's truth.Which do you prefer? The mere absence of conflict at any cost—or a peace so deeply rooted in divine truth that it heals, unites, and strengthens bonds of love after purifying them? Certainly, the former is easier. Avoiding conflict is good when it means refraining from sinning against another—whether through anger, harsh judgment, or rudeness. But when conflict arises from purifying love, conveyed through the power of God's saving Word, then such conflict becomes an act of charity. It does not seek division for its own sake, but aims at the heart—at conversion and truth—rather than at preserving what is fleeting and passing.Reflect today on the kind of peace you seek in your own life. Are there areas in which you've settled for comfort rather than truth? Have you avoided necessary spiritual conflict for fear of tension, even when it might have led to growth or reconciliation? Pray for the courage to welcome the “sword” of God's Word—not to cause division, but to purify—so that the peace of shalom may take root more deeply in your heart, your relationships, and your mission. Prince of True Peace, You did not come to bring superficial peace to the world, but to bring the Sword of Truth—Your Word—that purifies and heals, so that true unity may be found. Pierce my heart with Your Word, O Lord. Cleanse me of all that separates me from You, and make me an instrument of Your purifying truth for those to whom I am sent. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Exhortation to the Apostles, 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.

Golf talk live, celebrating 100 years of Dirty Martin's Place, with hosts Ed Clements, Scotty Sayers & Mark Brooks.  Guests are former UT golfer Bentley Cotton and Dirty's owner Mark Nemir.   Talking British and Scottish Open golf.