Podcasts about fourth week

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on March 21, 2026. The readings are from Ezekiel 37:21-28, Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13 and John 11:45-56 (Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on March 18, 2026. The readings are from Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 & 23 and John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 (Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent). _____________________________________________________ Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Saturday of the Fourth Week of LentMarch 21, 2026  Hello and welcome to the Word, bringing you the Good News of Jesus Christ every day from the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. I am Fr. Karl Esker from the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY. Today is Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent.Our reading today is taken from the holy gospel according to John. Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, "This is truly the Prophet." Others said, "This is the Christ." But others said, "The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David's family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?" So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why did you not bring him?" The guards answered, "Never before has anyone spoken like this man." So the Pharisees answered them, "Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed." Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, "Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?" They answered and said to him, "You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee." Then each went to his own house.The gospel of the Lord.Homily In today's gospel we do not hear Jesus speak, but he is the center of everyone's attention. They all have an opinion about him, but they cannot figure out who he really is. Some think he is the Messiah, and for that the Chief Priests and Pharisees sent their guards to arrest Jesus. Other question Jesus' Galilean origins: "The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?” The Pharisees are adamant: “Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee." Others say that the Messiah must come from Bethlehem. They did not know what we know from Matthew and Luke that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and is of the house of David. Jesus, however, makes little of his human origins, whether he is from Galilee or Bethlehem. In the verses that come before today's gospel reading, he declares that he comes from the one who sent him. He comes from above; it was God the Father who sent him. For saying that the Chief Priests and Pharisees were even more anxious to arrest Jesus, but the guards returned empty handed, saying: "Never before has anyone spoken like this man." So. They ridiculed the guards and the crowds who were beginning to believe in Jesus. Interestingly, a lone voice spoke up in Jesus' defense. It was Nicodemus, the Pharisee who some time before had gone to see Jesus by night. He asked: "Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?" The other Pharisees ridiculed him for his efforts; and then each went off to his own house. Listening to Jesus can bring ridicule and following him may even be dangerous. That was true in Jesus' day and is still true in our own. Even now, people are not in agreement over what Jesus represents. Jesus himself said that he had come not to judge the world, but to save it. His compassion for the outcast, the suffering and hungry drew an attentive following, but today compassion is considered weakness and attention to the needy a wasteful use of resources. Christians who adopt this attitude overlook Jesus' humanity on this earth and concentrates on his reigning in power at the right hand of God. This is a Jesus who will come in judgment for the earth, and will come at the head of a victorious army of angels. Thus, they can bless wars, whether in the Ukraine or in Iran. Of course, Pope Francis and now Pope Leo have questioned and sharply criticized this self-styled form of Christianity. Scripture teaches us that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. When he comes in glory, he will gather to himself all who have imitated his life of love and reconciliation. As he said in the famous parable of judgment: “what you have done to the least of my brothers and sisters you have done to me.” We need more Nicodemuses today who are willing to stand up for the justice that flows from recognizing the dignity of every human being as created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed in the blood of Christ. We may not be able to do much on the world stage, but we can begin by recognizing the dignity of each person in our home, our school and our work. May God bless you. Fr. Karl E. EskerBasilica of Our Lady of Perpetual HelpBrooklyn, NY

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Enda; an Irishman, who became a monk and went on pilgrimage to Rome, where he was ordained; he returned to Ireland, built churches at Drogheda, and then secured from his brother-in-law King Oengus of Munster the island of Aran, where he built the monastery of Killeaney, from which ten other foundations on the island developed; with St. Finnian of Clonard, Enda is considered the founder of monasticism in Ireland Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/21/26 Gospel: John 7:40-53

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Photina; according to Greek legend, the Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well; she took to preaching the Gospel, received imprisonment, and was finally martyred at Carthage; another tradition states that Photina was put to death in Rome after converting the daughter of Emperor Nero and one hundred of her servants; she supposedly died in Rome with her sons Joseph and Victor, along with several other Christians Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/20/26 Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

We see His humanity, but we fail to recognize His divine mission. Is that true for you?

Christ raises Lazarus to life.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on March 19, 2026. The readings are from 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 & 29, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 and Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a (Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary). _____________________________________________________ Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/19/26 Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Homily from the Mass offered Monday, March 16th -1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21 - Gospel Reading: John 4:43-54 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Isaiah 49: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 Verse Before the Gospel: John 11: 25a, 26 Gospel: John 5: 17-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent  

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on March 18, 2026. The readings are from Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 & 23 and John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 (Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: / @slakingthirsts

This reflection was originally published in 2025. While the Redemptorist's title, location, and the specific days and dates mentioned may no longer align, the reading and reflection remain just as relevant today!

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Cyril of Jerusalem; Fourth Century bishop; 24 of his catechetical instructions survive; he spent 16 of his 35 years as bishop in exile, the first inflicted by Acacius, Bishop of Caesarea, an ardent Arian who claimed jurisdiction over Jerusalem Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/18/26 Gospel: John 5:17-30

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Isaiah 49: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 Verse Before the Gospel: John 11: 25a, 26 Gospel: John 5: 17-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent  

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Jesus is always speaking through Scripture, through prayer, through the sacraments, through moments of grace in our lives.

He gives sight to the man born blind.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday/ Patrick, Bishop, Missionary First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 51: 12a, 14a Gospel: John 5: 1-16   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on March 17, 2026. The readings are from Jeremiah 11:18-20, Psalm 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 and John 7:40-53 (Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: / @slakingthirsts

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 246 The Saint of the day is Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's Story The crises that the Church faces today may seem minor when compared with the threat posed by the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and almost overcame Christianity in the fourth century. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was to be caught up in the controversy, accused of Arianism by Saint Jerome, and ultimately vindicated both by the men of his own time and by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1822. Raised in Jerusalem and well-educated, especially in the Scriptures, he was ordained a priest by the bishop of Jerusalem and given the task during Lent of catechizing those preparing for Baptism and catechizing the newly baptized during the Easter season. His Catecheses remain valuable as examples of the ritual and theology of the Church in the mid-fourth century. There are conflicting reports about the circumstances of his becoming bishop of Jerusalem. It is certain that he was validly consecrated by bishops of the province. Since one of them was an Arian, Acacius, it may have been expected that his “cooperation” would follow. Conflict soon rose between Saint Cyril of Jerusalem and Acacius, bishop of the rival nearby see of Caesarea. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was summoned to a council, accused of insubordination and of selling Church property to relieve the poor. Probably, however, a theological difference was also involved. He was condemned, driven from Jerusalem, and later vindicated, not without some association with and help from Semi-Arians. Half his episcopate was spent in exile; his first experience was repeated twice. He finally returned to find Jerusalem torn with heresy, schism and strife, and wracked with crime. Even Saint Gregory of Nyssa, who was sent to help, left in despair. They both went to the Council of Constantinople, where the amended form of the Nicene Creed was promulgated in 381. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem accepted the word consubstantial—that is, Christ is of the same substance or nature as the Father. Some said it was an act of repentance, but the bishops of the Council praised him as a champion of orthodoxy against the Arians. Though not friendly with the greatest defender of orthodoxy against the Arians, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem may be counted among those whom Athanasius called “brothers, who mean what we mean, and differ only about the word consubstantial.” Reflection Those who imagine that the lives of saints are simple and placid, untouched by the vulgar breath of controversy, are rudely shocked by history. Yet, it should be no surprise that saints, indeed all Christians, will experience the same difficulties as their Master. The definition of truth is an endless, complex pursuit, and good men and women have suffered the pain of both controversy and error. Intellectual, emotional, and political roadblocks may slow up people like Cyril for a time. But their lives taken as a whole are monuments to honesty and courage.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Patrick; born in 387 in Roman Britain; kidnapped and forced into slavery at age 16; he escaped Ireland and returned to Scotland, but soon became aware that he longed to minister to the Irish people; he returned to his old master, paid his own ransom, and began preaching the word of God; he is said to have baptized thousands, converted wealthy women and their sons, as well as ordained priests to carry on his work; over fifteen hundred years later, his legacy remains Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/17/26 Gospel: John 5:1-16

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday/ Patrick, Bishop, Missionary First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 51: 12a, 14a Gospel: John 5: 1-16   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

14 Now about the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.Jam autem die festo mediante, ascendit Jesus in templum, et docebat. 15 And the Jews wondered, saying: How doth this man know letters, having never learned?Et mirabantur Judaei, dicentes : Quomodo hic litteras scit, cum non didicerit? 16 Jesus answered them, and said: My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.Respondit eis Jesus, et dixit : Mea doctrina non est mea, sed ejus qui misit me. 17 If any man do the will of him; he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.Si quis voluerit voluntatem ejus facere, cognoscet de doctrina, utrum ex Deo sit, an ego a meipso loquar. 18 He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, he is true, and there is no injustice in him.Qui a semetipso loquitur, gloriam propriam quaerit; qui autem quaerit gloriam ejus qui misit eum, hic verax est, et injustitia in illo non est. 19 Did Moses not give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?Nonne Moyses dedit vobis legem : et nemo ex vobis facit legem? 20 Why seek you to kill me? The multitude answered, and said: Thou hast a devil; who seeketh to kill thee?Quid me quaeritis interficere? Respondit turba, et dixit : Daemonium habes : quis te quaeret interficere? 21 Jesus answered, and said to them: One work I have done; and you all wonder:Respondit Jesus et dixit eis : Unum opus feci, et omnes miramini : 22 Therefore, Moses gave you circumcision (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and on the sabbath day you circumcise a man.propterea Moyses dedit vobis circumcisionem ( non quia ex Moyse est, sed ex patribus), et in sabbato circumciditis hominem. 23 If a man receive circumcision on the sabbath day, that the law of Moses may not be broken; are you angry at me because I have healed the whole man on the sabbath day?Si circumcisionem accipit homo in sabbato, ut non solvatur lex Moysi : mihi indignamini quia totum hominem sanum feci in sabbato? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge just judgment.Nolite judicare secundum faciem, sed justum judicium judicate. 25 Some therefore of Jerusalem said: Is not this he whom they seek to kill?Dicebant ergo quidam ex Jerosolymis : Nonne hic est, quem quaerunt interficere? 26 And behold, he speaketh openly, and they say nothing to him. Have the rulers known for a truth, that this is the Christ?et ecce palam loquitur, et nihil ei dicunt. Numquid vere cognoverunt principes quia hic est Christus? 27 But we know this man, whence he is: but when the Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.Sed hunc scimus unde sit : Christus autem cum venerit, nemo scit unde sit. 28 Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching, and saying: You both know me, and you know whence I am: and I am not come of myself; but he that sent me, is true, whom you know not.Clamabat ergo Jesus in templo docens, et dicens : Et me scitis, et unde sim scitis : et a meipso non veni, sed est verus qui misit me, quem vos nescitis. 29 I know him, because I am from him, and he hath sent me.Ego scio eum : quia ab ipso sum, et ipse me misit. 30 They sought therefore to apprehend him: and no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.Quaerebant ergo eum apprehendere : et nemo misit in illum manus, quia nondum venit hora ejus. 31 But of the people many believed in him, and said: When the Christ cometh, shall he do more miracles, than these which this man doth?De turba autem multi crediderunt in eum, et dicebant : Christus cum venerit, numquid plura signa faciet quam quae hic facit?

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 65: 17-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14 Gospel: John 4: 43-54   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Read OnlineWhen Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. John 5:6–8Let us begin by imagining the overwhelming joy of this man, who was healed after he had been ill for thirty-eight years. He lay on a mat near the Pool of Bethesda, a place where tradition held that the first to enter the water after it was stirred would be healed. Some later traditions associated the stirring of the waters with the Archangel Raphael, whose name means ‘healing of God.' While Scripture does not link Raphael to this story, his healing nature from other biblical traditions makes the association meaningful for reflection.When Jesus approaches the paralyzed man and asks, “Do you want to be well?” the question seems almost unnecessary. Who wouldn't desire healing after suffering for so long? Yet this question points to a deeper reality—one that transcends physical illness. The man's condition and Jesus' question symbolize the spiritual paralysis that can afflict any soul trapped in habitual sin. Just as the man could not heal himself, so too are we unable to free ourselves from the weight of sin without divine intervention. Jesus asks us the same question today: Do we truly want to be freed from our spiritual paralysis?The man's response to Jesus also reveals an important truth. He says, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” This admission reflects a deep hopelessness that those who struggle with habitual sin often experience. Years of failure to overcome sin can lead to discouragement, even resignation. But this very discouragement is where grace begins to work. In acknowledging our inability to heal ourselves, we open the door to Christ's healing power.Perhaps Jesus chose this man precisely because he had lost all hope. After thirty-eight years of suffering, he had no one to help him and no expectation of healing. Yet Jesus, in His mercy, intervened. This is a powerful message for all who struggle with sin and despair of overcoming it: There is always hope in Christ. He takes the initiative when we cannot, bringing healing where we least expect it. Picture Christ coming to you today, asking, “Do you want to be well?” Our response should mirror the man's humility: Lord, I am powerless to free myself from my sin. In this admission of weakness, we allow Christ to work in us. It is through our humility that we prepare to receive His grace. Reflect today on any sin—whether venial or grave—that has become a habitual part of your life. Have you grown resigned to these sins, thinking they are impossible to overcome? Are there sins you have become so accustomed to that you no longer recognize their spiritual harm? Christ asks you today: Do you want to be healed? Acknowledge your weakness, confess your inability to heal yourself, and wait on the Lord. Be attentive, and you will see He is already taking divine initiative, working in ways you might not yet realize. My attentive Lord, You are fully aware of my sin and the burden it imposes upon me. You come to me night and day, asking if I want to be well. Please help me to be attentive to You and Your gentle invitations. Help me to have hope that I can change, grow closer to You, and become the saint You want me to become. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Healing the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda by Bartolome Esteban MurilloSource: 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.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 245 The Saint of the day is Saint Patrick Saint Patrick's Story Legends about Saint Patrick abound; but truth is best served by our seeing two solid qualities in him: He was humble and he was courageous. The determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of God's instrument for winning most of Ireland for Christ. Details of his life are uncertain but his popularity has never wavered. Current research places his dates of birth and death a little later than earlier accounts. Patrick may have been born in Dunbarton, Scotland, Cumberland, England, or in northern Wales. He called himself both a Roman and a Briton. At 16, he and a large number of his father's slaves and vassals were captured by Irish raiders and sold as slaves in Ireland. Forced to work as a shepherd, he suffered greatly from hunger and cold. After six years Saint Patrick escaped, probably to France, and later returned to Britain at the age of 22. His captivity had meant spiritual conversion. He may have studied at Lerins, off the French coast; he spent years at Auxerre, France, and was consecrated bishop at the age of 43. His great desire was to proclaim the good news to the Irish. In a dream vision it seemed “all the children of Ireland from their mothers' wombs were stretching out their hands” to him. He understood the vision to be a call to do mission work in pagan Ireland. Despite opposition from those who felt his education had been defective, he was sent to carry out the task. He went to the west and north–where the faith had never been preached–obtained the protection of local kings, and made numerous converts. Because of the island's pagan background, Patrick was emphatic in encouraging widows to remain chaste and young women to consecrate their virginity to Christ. He ordained many priests, divided the country into dioceses, held Church councils, founded several monasteries and continually urged his people to greater holiness in Christ. He suffered much opposition from pagan druids and was criticized in both England and Ireland for the way he conducted his mission. In a relatively short time, the island had experienced deeply the Christian spirit, and was prepared to send out missionaries whose efforts were greatly responsible for Christianizing Europe. Patrick was a man of action, with little inclination toward learning. He had a rock-like belief in his vocation, in the cause he had espoused. He never doubted his direction because he understood that grace could guide him One of the few certainly authentic writings is his Confessio, above all an act of homage to God for having called Patrick, unworthy sinner, to the apostolate. There is hope rather than irony in the fact that his burial place is said to be in County Down in Northern Ireland, long the scene of strife and violence. Reflection What distinguishes Saint Patrick is the durability of his efforts. In the face of difficulty or strife, he maintained the faith. When one considers the state of Ireland when he began his mission work, the vast extent of his labors, and how the seeds he planted continued to grow and flourish, one can only admire the kind of man Patrick must have been. One of tireless faith and incredible stamina in bringing people to God. The holiness of a person is known only by the fruits of his or her work.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Christ the Lord is the healer, and in today's reading (John 4:43–54), He cures the son of a royal official.In Jesus, divinity and humanity meet. “His purpose is to set right a world gone wrong, out of every pore of his body, Jesus expresses the healing love of God,” Bishop Barron said.Jesus's ministry of healing shows God's ultimate intention and hints at that world to come, where there will be no more suffering, no more sadness, no more sickness.He does not wait for the sinner, the sufferer, the marginalized; he goes to them.This same risen Jesus, alive in the Church, is still seeking us out!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• ⁠March 16, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Finian Lobhar; Sixth Century Irish abbot, a disciple of St. Columba; tradition credits him with founding a church and monastery at Innisfallen; after a stay in Clonmore, Finian Lobhar became abbot of Swords Abbey near Dublin; he may have returned to Clonmore in his later years; he became known as "Lobhar"--"the leper"--because he had contracted leprosy from a young boy whom he had cured of the disease; Finian died in 560 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/16/26 Gospel: John 4:43-54

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 65: 17-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14 Gospel: John 4: 43-54   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Lent gently moves us deeper. It invites us to trust Christ even before we see the results.

13 And the pasch of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.Et prope erat Pascha Judaeorum, et ascendit Jesus Jerosolymam : 14 And he found in the temple them that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.et invenit in templo vendentes boves, et oves, et columbas, et numularios sedentes. 15 And when he had made, as it were, a scourge of little cords, he drove them all out of the temple, the sheep also and the oxen, and the money of the changers he poured out, and the tables he overthrew.Et cum fecisset quasi flagellum de funiculis, omnes ejecit de templo, oves quoque, et boves, et numulariorum effudit aes, et mensas subvertit. 16 And to them that sold doves he said: Take these things hence, and make not the house of my Father a house of traffic.Et his qui columbas vendebant, dixit : Auferte ista hinc, et nolite facere domum patris mei, domum negotiationis. 17 And his disciples remembered, that it was written: The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.Recordati sunt vero discipuli ejus quia scriptum est : Zelus domus tuae comedit me. 18 The Jews, therefore, answered, and said to him: What sign dost thou shew unto us, seeing thou dost these things?Responderunt ergo Judaei, et dixerunt ei : Quod signum ostendis nobis, quia haec facis? 19 Jesus answered, and said to them: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.Respondit Jesus, et dixit eis : Solvite templum hoc, et in tribus diebus excitabo illud. 20 The Jews then said: Six and forty years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?Dixerunt ergo Judaei : Quadraginta et sex annis aedificatum est templum hoc, et tu in tribus diebus excitabis illud? 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.Ille autem dicebat de templo corporis sui. 22 When therefore he was risen again from the dead, his disciples remembered, that he had said this, and they believed the scripture, and the word that Jesus had said.Cum ergo resurrexisset a mortuis, recordati sunt discipuli ejus, quia hoc dicebat, et crediderunt scripturae et sermoni quem dixit Jesus. 23 Now when he was at Jerusalem, at the pasch, upon the festival day, many believed in his name, seeing his signs which he did.Cum autem esset Jerosolymis in Pascha in die festo, multi crediderunt in nomine ejus, videntes signa ejus, quae faciebat. 24 But Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men,Ipse autem Jesus non credebat semetipsum eis, eo quod ipse nosset omnes, 25 And because he needed not that any should give testimony of man: for he knew what was in man.et quia opus ei non erat ut quis testimonium perhiberet de homine : ipse enim sciebat quid esset in homine.

Read Online“Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. John 4:48–50What is the most precious gift our Lord could give to you? If your spouse, child, or close friend were gravely ill, would a miracle be the gift you sought? If your financial situation were dire, would you ask for monetary assistance? If you were suffering from a chronic disease, would your prayer be for a cure?Though we should entrust these situations to God's grace, it's important to understand that the gift of faith far surpasses any immediate miracle, assistance, or relief we might seek. Faith is a most precious gift because it enables us to turn away from our limited assessment of earthly situations and be open to God's wisdom, which far surpasses anything we could conceive of by ourselves.Though Jesus performed many miracles, He regularly challenged those whose faith was based on their desire for signs and wonders. In today's Gospel, a royal official, likely of high rank, traveled from Capernaum to Cana, about twenty miles, because his child was dying. His journey illustrates faith in Jesus' divine authority, but his faith was imperfect—he believed Jesus had to be physically present to heal his son. Jesus heals the child from a distance, but He also challenges the official and the crowd: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Jesus desires a faith that trusts in His word, not one that depends on visible signs.When we pray with a litany of requests, God in His mercy hears us. Sometimes He grants them, and sometimes He doesn't. But He wants us to know that such prayers are not the ideal. God already knows our needs better than we do. He knows our struggles within family, finances, health, and every other detail of our lives.The ideal prayer is one of adoration and trust. It's a prayer that surrenders everything to God without dictating the outcome. It trusts God's wisdom more than our own, enabling us to rest in His loving care, unburdened by our difficulties.The royal official's faith grew when he believed Jesus' word without needing Him to be physically present. This is evident when he learned that his son was healed at the exact time Jesus said, “Your son will live.” The official's faith was deepened, and his whole household came to believe. This shows how true faith, once rooted in trust, grows and spreads to others.If this man's faith had not matured, it could have been lost if another crisis arose and no miracle followed. A deeper faith rests in God's will, whether or not another miracle occurs. The same is true for us. Our faith must not depend on God's answer to our prayers. If He allows suffering, we must trust Him. If He heals, we must trust Him. Our faith must remain strong, rooted in Who God is, not in what He does.Reflect today on the depth of your faith and how it shapes your prayers. Believe, worship God for who He is, love Him above all else, and trust His perfect will. Then entrust yourself and your loved ones to His providence, believing that God knows what is best. My miraculous Lord, You are all-powerful and capable of anything You will. Please grant me a depth of faith that enables me to trust You more than I trust myself. May I always believe in You and worship You, not because of the favors You do for me, but because of Who You are. Jesus, I trust in You.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.

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 244 The Saint of the day is Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer's Story Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer might be called the second founder of the Redemptorists, as it was he who carried the congregation of Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the people north of the Alps. John, the name given him at Baptism, was born in Moravia into a poor family, the ninth of 12 children. Although he longed to be a priest, there was no money for studies, and he was apprenticed to a baker. But God guided the young man's fortunes. He found work in the bakery of a monastery where he was allowed to attend classes in its Latin school. After the abbot there died, John tried the life of a hermit, but when Emperor Joseph II abolished hermitages, John again returned to Vienna and to baking. One day after serving Mass at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, he called a carriage for two ladies waiting there in the rain. In their conversation they learned that he could not pursue his priestly studies because of a lack of funds. They generously offered to support both John and his friend Thaddeus, in their seminary studies. The two went to Rome, where they were drawn to Saint Alphonsus' vision of religious life and to the Redemptorists. The two young men were ordained together in 1785. Newly professed at age 34, Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, as he was now called, and Thaddeus were sent back to Vienna. But the religious difficulties there caused them to leave and continue north to Warsaw, Poland. There they encountered numerous German-speaking Catholics who had been left priestless by the suppression of the Jesuits. At first they had to live in great poverty and preach outdoor sermons. Eventually they were given the church of St. Benno, and for the next nine years they preached five sermons a day, two in German and three in Polish, converting many to the faith. They were active in social work among the poor, founding an orphanage and then a school for boys. Drawing candidates to the congregation, they were able to send missionaries to Poland, Germany, and Switzerland. All of these foundations eventually had to be abandoned because of the political and religious tensions of the times. After 20 years of difficult work, Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer himself was imprisoned and expelled from the country. Only after another arrest was he able to reach Vienna, where he was to live and work the final 12 years of his life. He quickly became “the apostle of Vienna,” hearing the confessions of the rich and the poor, visiting the sick, acting as a counselor to the powerful, sharing his holiness with all in the city. His crowning work was the establishment of a Catholic college in his beloved city. Persecution followed Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, and there were those in authority who were able for a while to stop him from preaching. An attempt was made at the highest levels to have him banished. But his holiness and fame protected him and prompted the growth of the Redemptorists. Due to his efforts, the congregation was firmly established north of the Alps by the time of his death in 1820. Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer was canonized in 1909. His liturgical feast is celebrated on March 15. Reflection Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer saw his life's work meet with disaster. Religious and political tensions forced him and his brothers to abandon their ministries in Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. Clement Mary himself was exiled from Poland and had to start all over again. Someone once pointed out that the followers of the crucified Jesus should see only new possibilities opening up whenever they meet failure. Clement Mary encourages us to follow his example, trusting in the Lord to guide us.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Fourth Week of LentText: John 9:1-41Access the Order of Worship hereAccess the Music Booklet here

This week, Charlette and David dive deep into John 9:1-41, reflecting on one of the most profound miracles Jesus performs. With thoughtful conversation and practical takeaways, they explore how this passage invites us to live faithfully in our world today.Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo

A reflection for the Fourth Week of Easter.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: First Kings 3: 4-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Paul Miki, Priest, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Sirach 47: 2-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18: 31, 47 and 50, 51 Alleluia: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: Mark 6: 14-29   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent