Podcasts about first letter

Prayer is less about having extraordinary experiences and more about faithfully turning our hearts toward God throughout the day. Fr. Gregory and Rebecca unpack what they call Brother Lawrence's “Little Way” — a life of gentle attentiveness to God in every moment. Today, we are reading Part 2: First Letter and Second Letter. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics

On this Trinity Sunday we marvel at the totally gratuitous self-revelation of God. In Jesus He reveals the secret of His inmost being: That in the One Godhead there are three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To put this in other way, we could quote the First Letter of John and St. Augustine: "God is Love" (1 Jn 4:8) -- the Father who loves, the Son who is beloved, and the Holy Spirit, who is the love that binds together the Father and the Son. Since God is the very foundation and source of the universe and all created things, we can say Love is the origin of all creation, and Love -- Communion with God -- is our destiny!

Read OnlineGod so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16–18Saint John the Apostle is identified in his Gospel as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” a title that appears multiple times and has been consistently understood in the Church's tradition to refer to John himself (cf. John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7; 21:20). By calling himself the beloved disciple, John was revealing his interior experience of the perfect love he encountered in Jesus. Certainly, Jesus loved everyone—equally and without limit. Yet John includes this personal designation not to claim favoritism, but to offer a personal testimony to the divine love made manifest in Christ's humanity—love he experienced firsthand and which changed his life.Love plays a central role in John's writings—not only in his Gospel but also in his letters and the Book of Revelation. In his First Letter, likely written to the Christian communities he helped convert and shepherd, John declares: “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” (1 John 4:16). This is both a personal sentiment and a profound theological affirmation. John speaks from both divine inspiration and lived experience; he had walked with Love Incarnate. To say “God is love” is to profess that love is not something God merely does—it is who God is. God's love is not a feeling, not sentimentality, but the pure, self-giving, eternal communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a love that precedes and surpasses all creation.That mystery lies at the very heart of today's Solemnity. Because God is Love in His very essence, love naturally flows from His divine nature in superabundance. God loves because He is Love. Today's Gospel reveals the most perfect expression of that divine essence: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” This eternal, Trinitarian love is made visible in time when the Father sends the Son, conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Why does God give His Son? So that we might not perish but have eternal life. That is, so we may be drawn into the very life of God—into the Trinitarian communion of love. God desires to rescue us from condemnation and to share with us His Divine Existence.This is the essence of Divine Love. This is the Trinity. And this is the astonishing invitation extended to every soul: To believe in the Son is to begin participating in the eternal love that flows ceaselessly between the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit—a love that never ends. We are invited to be caught up by the love of God into Love Himself: the eternal communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Trinity Sunday is set apart on the Church's calendar to renew our awe, deepen our understanding, and intensify our worship of the central mystery of our faith: that God is One in essence and Three in Persons. While every liturgy honors the Trinity—through prayers to the Father, in the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit—this solemnity invites us to pause and gaze more intentionally into the inner life of God as it has been revealed to us. We do not celebrate a theological abstraction but a divine Personhood: the eternal exchange of love between the Father and the Son, perfectly expressed and eternally proceeding in the Holy Spirit.Reflect today on the Most Holy Trinity. We were made to share in Their Life and Love. Though the fullness of the Trinity remains a mystery beyond human grasp, it is not beyond human encounter. Through grace, revelation, and contemplative union, God draws us to Himself—not to explain Himself, but to be consumed by Him. Celebrate this day by repeatedly praying one of the most ancient and simple prayers in the Church:Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen! Most Holy Trinity, I love You and trust in You!  Image: Leandro Bassano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: 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.

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsPart 2 — Core Citations / BibliographySecondary Works and Reference SourcesEncyclopaedia Britannica. “Perpetua.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Polycarp.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Relations between Christianity and the Roman Government and the Hellenistic Culture.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Decius.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Diocletian.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Catechesis: Instructing Candidates for Baptism.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Kerygma and Catechesis.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Exorcism.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Eucharist.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Early Christian Art.”Smarthistory. “Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome.”Vatican Museums. “Jonah Sarcophagus.”Yale News. “House Call: A New Study Rethinks Early Christian Landmark.”Yale News. “Yale Art Gallery Painting Might Be Oldest Known Image of the Virgin Mary.”Yale University Art Gallery. Materials on Dura-Europos and the Christian Building/Baptistery.Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Chi-Rho.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Paschal Controversies.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Melito of Sardis.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christology: Early History.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Docetism.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Adoptionism.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Cerinthus.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Theodotus the Tanner.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “St. Ignatius of Antioch.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Apologist.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Saint Justin Martyr.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “First Apology.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Dialogue with Trypho.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Celsus.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Apologetics: Defending the Faith.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Tertullian.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Athenagoras.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “First Letter of Clement.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “St. Cyprian.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Novatian.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Saint Irenaeus.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Aversion of Heresy: The Establishment of Orthodoxy.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “The Process of Canonization.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Late 2nd-Century Canons.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Muratorian Fragment.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Biblical Canon.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Codex.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Authority and Dissent.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Christianity: Relations between Christianity and Judaism.”Joshua Ezra Burns. “The Parting of the Ways in Contemporary Perspective.” In The Christian Schism in Jewish History and Jewish Memory. Cambridge University Press.Adam H. Becker and Annette Yoshiko Reed, eds. The Ways That Never Parted: Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Fortress Press.Judith Lieu. Neither Jew nor Greek? Constructing Early Christianity. T&T Clark.Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Constantine I.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Arianism.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “First Council of Nicaea.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Saint Athanasius.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Festal Letters.”Encyclopaedia Britannica. “First Council of Constantinople.”Primary Texts UsedThe Martyrdom of Polycarp. Used for the early literary shaping of martyrdom, witness, bishop-martyr memory, and the theological interpretation of death.The Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity. Used for imprisonment, trial, visions, martyrdom, and the rare preserved voice of a female Christian martyr.Apostolic Tradition, traditionally associated with Hippolytus. Used for baptismal preparation, catechumenal scrutiny, exorcism, fasting, vigil, renunciation, oil, and immersion.1 John 4. Used for the anti-docetic pressure around confessing Jesus Christ as having “come in the flesh.”Ignatius of Antioch. Letter to the Smyrnaeans. Used for Christ's real flesh, real suffering, Eucharistic theology, and bishop-centered unity.Ignatius of Antioch. Letter to the Philadelphians and related letters. Useful backup for episcopal unity, Eucharistic order, and anti-schismatic arguments.Melito of Sardis. On Pascha. Used for Paschal theology, Christ as Pascha, typology, and Christian interpretation of Passover.Justin Martyr. First Apology. Used for apologetics, public defense, accusations against Christians, Eucharistic misunderstanding, and Christian worship.Justin Martyr. Dialogue with Trypho. Used for Christian-Jewish polemic, scriptural inheritance, fulfillment arguments, and the hardening separation between Christianity and Judaism.Athenagoras. A Plea for the Christians / Embassy for the Christians. Used as a major example of second-century apologetics addressed to imperial authority.Athenagoras. On the Resurrection of the Dead. Used as a philosophical Christian defense of resurrection.Tertullian. Apology. Used for Latin apologetics, Christian defense against Roman accusation, and the combative posture toward pagan criticism.Tertullian. Prescription Against Heretics. Useful backup for rule of faith, public apostolic teaching, and anti-heretical boundary-making.Origen. Against Celsus. Used for Celsus' pagan critique and Origen's major intellectual defense of Christianity.Celsus. The True Word / True Doctrine. Survives mainly through Origen's quotations and refutations; used for educated pagan criticism of Christianity.First Letter of Clement. Used for early ministry order, Roman intervention in Corinth, appointed bishops and deacons, and the emerging logic of succession.Cyprian of Carthage. On the Unity of the Catholic Church. Used for episcopal unity, schism, discipline, and the theological seriousness of the bishop's office.Novatian. De Trinitate. Used as a witness to mid-third-century theological conflict and Roman Latin theology.Irenaeus. Against Heresies. Used for anti-gnostic consolidation, rule of truth, fourfold Gospel authority, apostolic succession, and public apostolic memory.Eusebius. Ecclesiastical History. Used for the Paschal controversy, Polycarp and Anicetus, Victor and Polycrates, Irenaeus' intervention, early church memory, and the broader historical framing.The Didachē. Used as part of the wider early Christian literary world that remained influential outside the final New Testament canon.Letter of Barnabas. Used for anti-Jewish polemic, allegorical reading of Hebrew Scripture, and Christian claims over Israel's inheritance.The Shepherd of Hermas. Used as an example of a beloved early Christian text that was widely read but later excluded from the New Testament canon.Apocalypse of Peter. Used as part of the wider early Christian apocalyptic library that circulated before the canon fully closed.Muratorian Fragment. Used for the late-second-century Roman list of recognized Christian writings and the emerging shape of the New Testament.Cyril of Jerusalem. Mystagogical Catecheses. Used for post-baptismal instruction and the interpretation of initiation after the rite had been received.Ambrose of Milan. On the Mysteries and On the Sacraments. Used for mystagogical teaching, baptismal interpretation, anointing, and sacramental instruction.The Nicene Creed / First Council of Nicaea, 325. Used for creed formation, anti-Arian settlement attempts, and the conciliar compression of Christological conflict.Athanasius. Festal Letter 39. Used for the earliest surviving list matching the 27-book New Testament canon recognized in the mainstream tradition.Constantinopolitan Creed / First Council of Constantinople, 381. Used for the later stabilization and expansion of Nicene theological identity.Also want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A

Fr. Mattingly reflects on the Second Reading from the First Letter of Saint Peter, inviting us to consider what it means to “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”

The First Letter of Peter offers practical advice about how we are to speak and act as disciples of Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #55) May 9, 2026 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Jesus said to his disciples, as we read today (John 14:21-26)“Whoever has my commandments and observes themis the one who loves me.Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”“The Advocate, the Holy Spiritwhom the Father will send in my name.He will teach you everythingand remind you of all that I told you.”Yesterday, in the Second Reading from the First Letter of St. Peter 2:4-9, the Prince of the Apostles reminded us that we must be holy, for we are the living stones out of which the new spiritual temple of God is formed. The cornerstone is the risen Christ.Because of Him, and through Him, we are able to offer sacrifices which are acceptable to God.Look, the basis of interior peace is our faith in God. Trust in Christ brings stability amid uncertainty and anxiety. It's critical to lift the soul toward eternal realities but not to passing things.Alleluia! Christ is Risen!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠May 4, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

This week we will be returning to our intermittent study of John's First Letter. Although it is a sweet and personal expression of his love, it is also an urgent warning. He is sounding the alarm. They are in danger, grave danger. John says he is writing ‘about those who are trying to deceive you.' He says we are living in the last hour, and in the last hour, false teaching is a recurring pattern within the Christian community. It creates division, leads to opposition, and it results in fear and doubt.How do we remain unmoveable in the face of opposition, fear and doubt?John gives the assurance that they already know the truth; therefore, all they need to do is abide in it. Feel free to read 1 John 2:17-28 and come ready on Sunday. We will study together how abiding in the truth and abiding in fellowship with the Holy Spirit will guard us against spiritual deception.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

Pastor Josh Lee 

The Lesson of the Basin and Towel Today's Homily reflects on the Gospel of Gospel of John, . . . . . . focusing on Jesus washing the disciples' feet at the Last Supper. It highlights three central themes: 1. Remembrance with purpose The readings emphasize not just remembering but living out what is remembered. The Eucharist is not a routine ritual . . . it is a call to actively embody Christ's self-giving love. The Homily story of “The Guru's Cat” illustrates how people can continue religious practices while forgetting their original meaning. 2. The Eucharist as self-giving love Drawing from First Letter to the Corinthians, the Homily stresses that the Eucharist is participation in Christ's total self-gift. Divisions, inequality, and neglect of the poor contradict its meaning. 3. The model of humble service Through the act of washing feet, Jesus Christ establishes a new kind of leadership . . . one rooted in humility and service. True greatness in God's kingdom is expressed through serving others, especially the marginalized. Ultimately, the Homily calls us to move beyond passive remembrance into active love, unity, and service, especially toward the poor and suffering. Listen to this Meditation Media. The Lesson of the Basin and Towel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet: Italian Renaissance painter: Jacopo Robusti, best known as Tintoretto:  1549 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: This painting vividly portrays the humility of Jesus washing feet. It visually reinforces the Homily's message that leadership in Christ's kingdom is expressed through service. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15

The First Letter of John | Stevy York

Epistle Reading: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Sermon by Tim Rich at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2025, at All Saints Church, Pasadena. Readings: Isaiah 58:1-10, Psalm 112:1-9, Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 2:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-20. Watch the sermon on YouTube.       Please consider pledging to All Saints Church at https://allsaints-pas.org/pledge/, or donate to support the mission and ministry of All Saints at https://allsaints-pas.org/giving/. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated! Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsPasadena/. Follow us on Instagram at #allsaintspas. Check out the rest of our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/allsaintspasadena1/videos. Subscribe, like, get notifications every time we post! Enjoy our extensive archive of stimulating and inspiring content!

Sermon by Diana Butler Bass at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2025, at All Saints Church, Pasadena. Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:18-31 and Matthew 5:1-12. Watch the sermon on YouTube.      Please consider pledging to All Saints Church at https://allsaints-pas.org/pledge/, or donate to support the mission and ministry of All Saints at https://allsaints-pas.org/giving/. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated! Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsPasadena/. Follow us on Instagram at #allsaintspas. Check out our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/allsaintspasadena1/videos. Subscribe, like, get notifications every time we post! Enjoy our extensive archive of stimulating and inspiring content!

The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff In this powerful reflection, Msgr. John Esseff speaks about the urgency of Jesus' call to every human heart. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, and the story of Jonah, he reflects on the immediacy ... Read more The post The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff In this powerful reflection, Msgr. John Esseff speaks about the urgency of Jesus' call to every human heart. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, and the story of Jonah, he reflects on the immediacy ... Read more The post The Urgent Call of Jesus – Building a Kingdom of Love w/Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The First Letter of John challenges us to put our love for God into practice as we love the people in our lives. (Lectionary #215) January 8, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The First Letter of John reminds us that the love of God drives out fear from our hearts and engages us to live for the Lord. (Lectionary #214) January 7, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The First Letter of John teaches that God is the source of all love, revealed through creation and the redemption we have in Christ Jesus. (Lectionary #213) January 6, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Join us this week as Pastor Ben Kaempfer leads us in our new series through The First Letter of the Apostle Peter!Support the show

Paul finishes up his letter with some final words of instruction: Timothy should keep himself from greed Timothy (and all Christians) should fight the good fight How has "no one seen God" if we've seen Jesus? Commands for wealthy church members Don’t just check out one… Take a look at them all! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869 Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more: www.lifeaudio.com Become a member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The First Letter of John offers practical spiritual insight regarding how we test situations and stay close to Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #212) January 5, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123125.cfmFather Chris Alar, MIC, confronts a hard but urgent truth drawn from Sacred Scripture and the teaching authority of the Church: the Antichrist is not only a future figure, but a present spirit at work in the world. Reflecting on the First Letter of John, Fr. Chris explains that Scripture speaks of both a singular Antichrist still to come and many “antichrists” already active—those who have departed from Christ by rejecting His Church (1 Jn 2:18–19; NABRE).This deception is subtle. It often disguises itself as independence, spirituality without authority, or self-made salvation. Yet the Catechism warns that before Christ's return, the Church must endure a final trial marked by religious deception that offers false solutions at the price of apostasy (Catechism of the Catholic Church §675). To deny the Church established by Christ is to deny Christ Himself, even when His name is still spoken.Father Chris reminds us that the Church is not man-made, but God-made—founded by Christ, entrusted to the Apostles, and preserved through apostolic authority (Mt 16:18; NABRE). Though imperfect in her human members, she remains divinely protected in her mission. Like Noah's Ark, the Church may feel uncomfortable at times, but outside of it there is only drowning.The answer to confusion is not retreat, but fidelity. Through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, God sustains His remnant and strengthens them to remain faithful witnesses. Evil has already been defeated, but souls are still at stake. Our task is not fear, but perseverance—praying, teaching, and living the truth so that others may return to Christ through His Church.“Anyone who knows God listens to us” (1 Jn 4:6; NABRE).To deepen your understanding of the Sacraments Christ gave His Church, explore Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Dialogue Out Loud, we present “The First Letter She Found” by Charity Shumway, a deeply intimate short story about faith, embodiment, love, and the quiet costs of self-surrender across generations. Framed… The post The First Letter She Found by Charity Shumway: Audio Story appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

Godliness Takes Grit (1 Timothy 6:11-16;20-21) The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy December 21st, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

Why Honor Matters (1 Timothy 5:17-6:2)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy December 14th, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

1 Timothy is a foundational text for understanding the church's identity, purpose, and function. It is not merely as a manual for pastors but as a vital guide for all believers. The church is God's living organism and the body of Christ—a divinely instituted community designed to be the pillar and buttress of truth, uniquely tasked with proclaiming and embodying the gospel across all nations. The letter's authority is grounded in the apostolic commission of Paul, who, as Christ's emissary, speaks with divine mandate to equip Timothy and the Ephesian church for faithful leadership, doctrinal purity, and godly living. Through a close examination of the letter's opening, we learn that the church's effectiveness depends not on modern methods or human wisdom, but on adherence to the apostolic method and message, rooted in grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our hope. The study of 1 Timothy is essential for renewing the church's mission, correcting cultural compromises, and restoring biblical fidelity in every generation.

The lectionary readings for the Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cauhtlatoatzin help to show us why he was chosen by our Lord to receive such a gift from Our Lady. St. Paul begins the First Letter to the Corinthians:  “Not many of you were wise by human standards,   not many were powerful,   not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,   and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong…”  Juan Diego was not expecting anything special to happen to him as he was walking from his home to the Franciscan mission station for religious instruction. As his route passed by the hill at Tepeyac in the Sierra de Guadalupe Mountain Range, he encountered the Virgin Mary, who revealed herself to him as the ever-virgin Mother of God. He was instructed to request from the bishop that a chapel be erected in her honor so that she might relieve the distress of those who call upon her in their need.  The bishop, as might be expected, did not initially go along with the plan. Bishop Juan Zumarraga asked Juan Diego to come back another day so the bishop would have time to reflect upon the request. Returning home, Juan encountered the Virgin again and announced the failure of his mission. Juan suggested the Blessed Mother ask someone of more importance to speak to the bishop, but she insisted that it was he, Juan Diego, that she wanted for the task. Juan returned to the bishop the next day, which was Sunday, December 10th, 1531. The bishop then asked Juan for some proof that this apparition was truly from heaven.  Juan returned immediately to the hill at Tepeyac, and the Virgin met him again. She told Juan to return to the bishop and she would provide the proof needed. Overnight, however, Juan Diego's uncle's health had deteriorated to the point where Juan felt he had to get a priest to administer the sacraments. It was two days later that the Virgin met him on the road and gently admonished him for not trusting in her intercession. She instructed Juan to climb to the top of the mountain and bring her back some of the flowers that were growing there. He found the flowers, even though they were not in season and were not expected to be found on the rocky outpost where normally cactus and shrub only grew. He gathered them into his mantle and brought them back to Our Lady. She arranged the flowers and Juan set off to find the bishop. When he was allowed into the bishop's presence, he opened the mantle of his cloak and when the flowers dropped out, what remained was an impression of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Lady of Guadalupe.  In the words of the Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Our Lady “is the friend who is ever concerned that wine not be lacking in our lives. She is the woman whose heart was pierced by a sword and who understands our pain. As mother of all, she is a sign of hope for peoples suffering the birth pangs of justice…As a true mother, she walks at our side, she shares our struggles and she constantly surrounds us with God's love.” The words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego after he missed their meeting due to his uncle's illness could be addressed to everyone privileged to know her : “My youngest son, what is the matter? Do not let it disturb your heart. Am I not here, I who have the honor to be your mother?”  Advent Blessings,Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.  

Training Day - Five Essential Habits for God's Servants (1 Timothy 4:6-16)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy November 30th, 2025John Bruce, Pastor

This time on Ron's Amazing Stories, we bring you a special Box 13 double feature suggested by listener Pete Toreck from Miami, Florida. We kick things off with the very first adventure Dan Holiday ever tackled, The First Letter. Then we follow it up with one of the most listened-to stories of the entire run, The Professor and The Puzzle. Between the two tales, we take a humorous look at the advice columnists of the 1950s—those brave souls who solved life's everyday mysteries one letter at a time. This episode also marks a milestone: we close out the last known radio acting done by Alan Ladd. Known is the key word—because the world of old-time radio is full of surprises. I may continue with more Box 13 stories in the future, and if you know of any Ladd broadcasts I haven't covered, let me know! In This Episode Box 13 – "The First Letter" The pilot episode that sets Dan Holiday's unique career of adventure in motion. A Look at 1950s Advice Columnists A lighthearted break exploring the real-life letter-solvers of the era. Box 13 – "The Professor and The Puzzle" A classic episode featuring mystery, danger, and a reclusive professor. Alan Ladd Milestone Wrapping up the known Ladd broadcasts—with room for future discoveries. Ron's Amazing Stories Is Sponsored by: Audible - You can get a free audiobook and a 30 day free trial at audibletrial.com/ronsamazingstories. Your Stories: Do you have a story that you would like to share on the podcast or the blog? Head to the main website, click on Story Submission, leave your story, give it a title, and please tell me where you're from. I will read it if I can. Links are below. Music Used In This Podcast: Most of the music you hear on Ron's Amazing Stories has been composed by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0. Other pieces are in the public domain. You can find great free music at FreePd.com which is a site owned by Kevin. Program Info: Ron's Amazing Stories is published each Thursday. You can download it from Apple Podcasts, stream it on Stitcher Radio or on the mobile version of Spotify. Do you prefer the radio? We are heard every Thursday at 10:00 pm and Sunday Night at 11:00 PM (EST) on AMFM247.COM. Check your local listing or find the station closest to you at this link. Social Links: Main Podcast Site by LibSynThe Blog Site by WordPressFacebook LinkTwitter Link Contact Links: EmailStory Submissions Contact Ron

Satan's End-Times Strategy (1 Timothy 4:1-5)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy November 23rd, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

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1The Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:14-16)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy November 16th, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

Friend of Outsiders - 1 Timothy 3:2The Healthy Household:Paul's First Letter to TimothyNovember 9th, 2025Kyle Driggers, Pastor of Discipleship

John Newton's final letter to Mrs. — reminds believers that suffering is never wasted. Dr. John Snyder explores Newton's insights on sanctification, God's glory in affliction, and Christ's inexhaustible compassion.   In this final episode on John Newton's Letters to Mrs. —, Dr. John Snyder explores Newton's tender counsel to a believer walking through prolonged difficulty. Newton reminds her — and us — that though human compassion is limited, the compassion of Christ is infinite: deeper than every sorrow and sufficient for every need. Drawing from this sixth letter (1772), we hear Newton explain that the believer's suffering is never meaningless. Every trial is woven by God for two great purposes: the sanctification of His children and the glory of His name. Even in affliction, the Christian's contentment and quiet trust adorn the gospel. This letter also offers a glimpse into Newton's weekly rhythms — his Saturday evening walks through Olney, spent praying for the ministers and congregations who would gather the next day. It closes with one of his most beautiful meditations on the inexhaustible riches of Christ, who can fill and satisfy all His people without measure. The remaining letters Newton wrote Mrs. — are about topics we have already discussed so this will be the final letter between that we will discuss. But if you want to read the text of all the letters he wrote her, you can find them below. We pray they are a blessing to you.   You can read this week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Read all eight letters to Mrs. First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs- Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik

We Are Family | 1 Timothy 3:4-5,12 / 5:1-2The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy November 2nd, 2025Greg Arthur, Family Pastor

Dr. John Snyder continues the Letters that Continue to Speak series with John Newton's Letter 5. In this pastoral letter, Newton teaches how God uses trials to cultivate humility, Christlikeness, and dependence on Him alone. He warns that comforts can quietly divide our hearts, but through trials, Christ—the perfect Teacher—draws us back to Himself. Newton closes with four exhortations: gratitude for Christ as Teacher, attentiveness to daily lessons, obedience on the path of duty, and drawing strength from prayer and Scripture. This episode is a reminder that God's kindness is never absent, even in our hardest seasons.   You can read this week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs You can read next week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Read all eight letters to Mrs. First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs- Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik

Skilled in Teaching (1 Timothy 3:2)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy October 25th, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

In this week's episode of The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series on Christian letters from the past, focusing on Letter 4 to Mrs. —, written by John Newton. These letters, though centuries old, still speak powerfully into our lives today. This week's letter reveals Newton's pastoral heart as he guides a friend through illness and spiritual struggle. He addresses a question many believers wrestle with: Why does God allow difficulties in the life of a Christian? Newton doesn't offer simple answers or platitudes. Instead, he points to the sovereign wisdom and tender care of our Shepherd, reminding us that even the most painful trials can serve our spiritual growth. Newton encourages Mrs. — to see her hardships in light of God's greater purposes. He reminds her that God's love is both merciful and wise, allowing what is necessary to purify, teach, and strengthen His children. And when life feels bleak, he offers hope: God is always present, His ear always attentive, and His power sufficient to sustain us. Whether you're walking through illness, disappointment, or other trials, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for leaning on God in every season.   You can read this week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs You can read next week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs Read all eight letters to Mrs. — First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs- Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs   Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Generous (1 Timothy 3:3, 8; 6:3-10, 17-19)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy October 19th, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

Alex Youngstrom • 1 John 1:1–5:21 • Due to technical difficulties, this sermon is incomplete • Foundation Bible Study

Last week, we introduced “Mrs.. —.” She is a lady whose name is lost to history, but John Newton's “shepherding through the post,” as Dr. John Snyder phrased it in the first episode of this series, is timeless to her.  Newton wrote a series of eight letters to Mrs.— and this week is the second letter. In it, John Newton helps her see the battle of the Christian life. New believers may be surprised that conviction doesn't end after conversion, but can often feel even worse. As we draw nearer to God, two things are brought more into focus: his holiness and our sinfulness. So how do we continue drawing near to him while it feels so uncomfortable? As Newton said, “It becometh the Lord's people to be thankful; and to acknowledge His goodness in what we have received, is the surest as well as the pleasantest method of obtaining more. Nor should the grief arising from what we know and feel of our own hearts, rob us of the honor, comfort, and joy, which the word of God designs us, in what is there recorded of the person, offices, and grace of Jesus, and the relations He is pleased to stand in to His people.” We pray this letter is as much of a blessing to you as it has been to us. You can find all the letters to Mrs.— in the links below. You can read this week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs You can read next week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Show Notes: Watch all the episodes of this series here: Read all eight letters to Mrs. First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs- Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Peacemaking (1 Timothy 3:3, 8, 11)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy October 12th, 2025Jeff Bruce, Lead Pastor

This week, we return to our series of Christian letters from history. Previously, we have looked at letters John Newton wrote about stages of the Christian life and a letter he wrote concerning corporate prayer.  This week, we begin looking at a series of eight letters Newton wrote to a “Mrs. . —.” We do not have her name, as Newton removed most identifying information from the letters when he published them. But we do know some things about her. She lived in London and wrote to Newton early in his pastoral ministry. She was bothered about the indwelling nature and influence of sin in her life. Newton's counsel to her applies to every Christian who grieves their sin and desires a closer walk with Christ.  As we work our way through this series, we will not discuss every letter he wrote to her. However, we will have the text of each letter available on our website for you to read. You don't have to wait week to week to see the letters. All eight letters are linked below for you to read and consider before listening to John discuss them week by week. You can read this week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs You can read next week's letter here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Show Notes: Watch all the episodes of this series here: Read all eight letters to Mrs. First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs- Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Disciplined (1 Timothy 3:2,3,8,11)The Healthy Household: Paul's First Letter to Timothy October 5th, 2025 John Bruce, Pastor

Sermon by Tim Rich at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at All Saints Church, Pasadena. Readings: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16, Paul's First Letter to Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31. Watch the sermon on YouTube.         Please consider pledging to All Saints Church at https://allsaints-pas.org/pledge/, or donate to support the mission and ministry of All Saints at https://allsaints-pas.org/giving/. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated! Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsPasadena/. Follow us on Instagram at #allsaintspas. Check out the rest of our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/allsaintspasadena1/videos. Subscribe, like, get notifications every time we post! Enjoy our extensive archive of stimulating and inspiring content!

In this episode, we conclude our overview of the Bible by looking at the 7 catholic epistles, and the book of Revelation. The aim of these episodes is to provide us with a bird's-eye view of the whole Bible, to help equip us to begin reading it, or to read it more deeply. In this episode, we'll look at the following books:HebrewsJames1 and 2 Peter1, 2, and 3 JohnJudeRevelationThis podcast relies 100% on the generosity of listeners. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links:⁠⁠Donate via PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠References and further reading/listening/viewing:Peter Kreeft, ⁠You Can Understand the Bible⁠Scott Hahn, ⁠Catholic Bible Dictionary⁠USCCB, ⁠Books of the Bible⁠The Catholic Encyclopedia:⁠Epistle (in Scripture)⁠⁠New Testament⁠Epistle to the HebrewsEpistles of Saint PeterEpistle of St. JamesEpistles of Saint JohnEpistle of St. JudeCatholic Answers:⁠Letter Writing in the Ancient World⁠⁠Who Wrote 1 Peter?⁠John's First Letter to the Protestants?The Letter to the HebrewsThe Book of RevelationBishop Robert Barron on The Book of Revelation

Sermon by Susan Russell at 10:00 a.m. on Celebration of Ministries Sunday, September 21, 2025 at All Saints Church, Pasadena. Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, Paul's First Letter to Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13. Watch the sermon on YouTube.        Please consider pledging to All Saints Church at https://allsaints-pas.org/pledge/, or donate to support the mission and ministry of All Saints at https://allsaints-pas.org/giving/. Any donation, big or small, is appreciated! Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsPasadena/. Follow us on Instagram at #allsaintspas. Check out the rest of our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/allsaintspasadena1/videos. Subscribe, like, get notifications every time we post! Enjoy our extensive archive of stimulating and inspiring content!

The First Letter to the Thessalonians offers us hope that our journey from death to eternal life is sustained through the saving work of Jesus Christ. (Lectionary #431) September 1, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com