Podcasts about fourth week

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, April 1st. To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Lenten Weekday/ Vincent Ferrer, Priest, Religious, Missionary First Reading: Jeremiah 11: 18-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 7: 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: John 7: 40-53   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 249The Saint of the day is Saint Vincent FerrerSaint Vincent Ferrer's Story The polarization in the Church today is a mild breeze compared with the tornado that ripped the Church apart during the lifetime of this saint. If any saint is a patron of reconciliation, Vincent Ferrer is. Despite parental opposition, he entered the Dominican Order in his native Spain at 19. After brilliant studies, he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Peter de Luna—who would figure tragically in his life. Of a very ardent nature, Vincent practiced the austerities of his Order with great energy. He was chosen prior of the Dominican house in Valencia shortly after his ordination. The Western schism divided Christianity first between two, then three, popes. Clement VII lived at Avignon in France, Urban VI in Rome. Vincent was convinced the election of Urban was invalid, though Catherine of Siena was just as devoted a supporter of the Roman pope. In the service of Cardinal de Luna, Vincent worked to persuade Spaniards to follow Clement. When Clement died, Cardinal de Luna was elected at Avignon and became Benedict XIII. Vincent worked for him as apostolic penitentiary and Master of the Sacred Palace. But the new pope did not resign as all candidates in the conclave had sworn to do. He remained stubborn, despite being deserted by the French king and nearly all of the cardinals. Vincent became disillusioned and very ill, but finally took up the work of simply “going through the world preaching Christ,” though he felt that any renewal in the Church depended on healing the schism. An eloquent and fiery preacher, he spent the last 20 years of his life spreading the Good News in Spain, France, Switzerland, the Low Countries and Lombardy, stressing the need of repentance and the fear of coming judgment. He became known as the “Angel of the Judgment.” Vincent tried unsuccessfully, in 1408 and 1415, to persuade his former friend to resign. He finally concluded that Benedict was not the true pope. Though very ill, he mounted the pulpit before an assembly over which Benedict himself was presiding, and thundered his denunciation of the man who had ordained him a priest. Benedict fled for his life, abandoned by those who had formerly supported him. Strangely, Vincent had no part in the Council of Constance, which ended the schism. Reflection The split in the Church at the time of Vincent Ferrer should have been fatal—36 long years of having two “heads.” We cannot imagine what condition the Church today would be in if, for that length of time, half the world had followed a succession of popes in Rome, and half an equally “official” number of popes in say, Rio de Janeiro. It is an ongoing miracle that the Church has not long since been shipwrecked on the rocks of pride and ignorance, greed and ambition. Contrary to Lowell's words, “Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne,” we believe that “truth is mighty, and it shall prevail”—but it sometimes takes a long time. Saint Vincent Ferrer is the Patron Saint of: BuildersBusinessmenReconciliation Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (John 7:40-53), we read how the guards listened to Jesus' words and, moved, refrained from bringing Jesus to the chief priests and the Pharisees.Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to Christ Jesus earlier, said to them:“Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”At that time — as it does today — Jesus' preaching caused division. Some hearers believed him, but others wanted to arrest him.Christ's preaching seeks to restore us since all is not fine with us. We are not OK. Our culture today has an allergy to admitting personal fault — to admitting sin!We have lost sight of sin, and therefore we don't see the need for salvation in Christianity. Our holy religion has become a catalogue of moral teachings when it is a way of salvation through Christ.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Vincent Ferrer, 1350-1419; entered the Dominicans in his native Spain at age 19; ordained a priest by Cardinal Peter de Luna, who later became an antipope at Avignon; Vincent spent the last 20 years of his life spreading the Good News in Spain, France, Switzerland, the Low Countries and Lombardy, stressing the need of repentance and the fear of coming judgment; Vincent had no part in the Council of Constance, which ended the Western schism Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/5/25 Gospel: John 7:40-53

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Lenten Weekday/ Vincent Ferrer, Priest, Religious, Missionary First Reading: Jeremiah 11: 18-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 7: 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: John 7: 40-53   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, March 31st. To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

“No one ever spoke like this man…” (John 7:46)

April 5, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 5 - Psalm 3:3-6; antiphon: Psalm 3:8Daily Lectionary: Genesis 49:29-50:7, 14-26; Mark 14:1-11“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” (Psalm 3:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Shields” aren't usually talked about in normal conversation. Some people think of shields as historical battle armor. Other people think about shields when they are used in games or video games. But outside of history and games, how often do you talk about shields? No matter how often you think about or talk about shields, the picture of God being the shield of a Christian comes up often. Here in Psalm 3, as well as in Psalm 46 (and the hymn “A Mighty Fortress” based on Psalm 46) and Ephesians 6, where the full armor of God is described, God's promise to Abram in Genesis 15, Psalm 28, and in many other places, God is described as a shield around His people. Shields are used for protection during dangerous times and in dangerous places.  In our modern world, it is tempting to think that we don't need shields. We like to think that shields have been appropriately retired to history and games because there is nothing that threatens us. We like to think about ourselves as invincible, without anything that can harm us. We like to think that we aren't in the middle of danger. But that's not true. Psalm 3 mentions the Church's enemies who battle against us, and the Church today has enemies and persecutors and many people who despise the Church and everything about her. That says nothing about our greatest enemy, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We also need to be protected from ourselves, because our sinful bodies and minds work against us and try to work against God.God is indeed your shield. He protects and defends you. But your faith isn't in a disc of metal or a wooden barrier, but in God Himself. God steps between you and your enemies with His grace and mercy. The Lord takes the place between you and danger. He steps between you and evil. The Lord is your protection and your safe place. He defends and protects you because He loves you. You don't have a piece of armor, but the God of all creation to defend and preserve you. He will never fail, and He will keep your life intact forever.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dear name! The rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place; My never-failing treasury filled With boundless stores of grace. (LSB 524:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Isidore of Seville, Bishop, Doctor, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up) First Reading: Wisdom 2: 1a, 12-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineThe 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.” John 7:46–49Hopefully the Pharisees mentioned above went through a deep interior conversion before they died. If they did not, then their day of particular judgment would have been shocking and frightening to them. The greatest act of love ever known was God becoming one of us, being conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, growing up in the household of Saint Joseph, and eventually beginning His public ministry by which the saving truth of the Gospel was proclaimed so that all may come to know God and be saved. And it was of this act of perfect love given to us by God that the Pharisees attacked and called those who believed in it “deceived” and “accursed.”Though the Pharisees do not offer us much by way of inspiration, they do provide us with many lessons. In the passage above, the Pharisees model for us one of the most common tactics of the evil one. In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius of Loyola explains that when a person is moving from a life of sin to a life of holiness, the evil one will attack in various ways. He will try to unsettle you and cause an undue anxiety about serving God, he will try to sadden you with an unexplained sorrow, put obstacles in your way of virtue causing you to feel overwhelmed and think you are too weak to live a good Christian life of virtue, and he will tempt you to lose your peace of heart by doubting God's love or His action in your life. It seems clear that this attack by the Pharisees also has these goals.Again, though this may not appear “inspiring,” it is very useful to understand. The Pharisees were vicious in their attacks, not only to Jesus but also upon anyone who began to believe in Jesus. They said to the guards who were impressed by Jesus, “Have you also been deceived?” This was clearly the evil one at work through them trying to intimidate the guards and anyone who dared believe in Jesus.But understanding the tactics of the evil one and his messengers is of great value, because it helps us reject the lies and deceptions spewed out at us. Sometimes these lies come from individuals and are directed directly at us, and sometimes the lies are more universal, coming through the media, the culture and even the government, at times. Reflect, today, upon the distasteful and bitter words of these Pharisees. But do so to help yourself understand the tactics the evil one often takes as you seek greater holiness in life. Be assured that the closer you get to God, the more you will be attacked. But do not be afraid. Identify any personal, social, cultural or even governmental attack for what it is. Have confidence and do not be deterred as you seek to follow Christ more completely every day. My divine Judge of all, at the end of time, You will establish Your permanent Kingdom of truth and justice. You will reign over all and will bestow Your mercy and justice on all. May I live fully in Your truth and never be deterred by the attacks and lies of the evil one. Give me courage and strength, dear Lord, as I always trust in You. Jesus, I do trust in You.  Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 248The Saint of the day is Saint Isidore of SevilleSaint Isidore of Seville's Story The 76 years of Isidore's life were a time of conflict and growth for the Church in Spain. The Visigoths had invaded the land a century and a half earlier, and shortly before Isidore's birth they set up their own capital. They were Arians—Christians who said Christ was not God. Thus, Spain was split in two: One people (Catholic Romans) struggled with another (Arian Goths). Isidore reunited Spain, making it a center of culture and learning. The country served as a teacher and guide for other European countries whose culture was also threatened by barbarian invaders. Born in Cartagena of a family that included three other sibling saints—Leander, Fulgentius and Florentina—he was educated by his elder brother, whom he succeeded as bishop of Seville. An amazingly learned man, he was sometimes called “The Schoolmaster of the Middle Ages” because the encyclopedia he wrote was used as a textbook for nine centuries. He required seminaries to be built in every diocese, wrote a Rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning. Isidore wrote numerous books, including a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of Goths, and a history of the world—beginning with creation! He completed the Mozarabic liturgy, which is still in use in Toledo, Spain. For all these reasons, Isidore has been suggested as patron of the Internet. Several others—including Anthony of Padua—also have been suggested. He continued his austerities even as he approached age 80. During the last six months of his life, he increased his charities so much that his house was crowded from morning till night with the poor of the countryside. Reflection Our society can well use Isidore's spirit of combining learning and holiness. Loving, understanding and knowledge can heal and bring a broken people back together. We are not barbarians like the invaders of Isidore's Spain. But people who are swamped by riches and overwhelmed by scientific and technological advances can lose much of their understanding love for one another. Saint Isidore of Seville is the Patron Saint of: Internet usersComputers users Enjoy this look at our communion of saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,At the Rosary Network community, we continue praying without ceasing. That's the way to build the Kingdom and change the world.On this first Friday of the month, in the fourth week of Lent, we see the Jews trying to arrest Our Lord, condemning Him to a shameful death. It's the blindness of the wicked. It also reminds us of the Cross of Christ, showing that our glory is not to be found in temporal rewards.In the Holy One and our Saints, including the Queen of Saints, we found consolation — and often miracles.Linda Hawkins, a beloved member of our prayer group, sent us this testimonial this week:“I'm now cured of my vertigo after only three therapy appointments; even therapists are amazed, as I had it really bad. Some time ago, I asked you and, of course, Maria Blanca to pray for my healing, according to God's will. I have continued to pray with you and Maria Blanca, and I know that, in the depth of my heart and soul, she definitely interceded for me. This is not anything that would be considered a miracle, but to me, it is! All glory to the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.”Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 4, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 4/3/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 4/4/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 Psalm: Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Catholic Radio Network

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent Commemoration of St. Isidore of Seville, 560-636; born in Cartagena, brother of Saints Leander, Fulgentius, and Florentina; succeeded his elder brother as bishop of Seville; he ordered the building of seminaries, wrote a Rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning; he wrote a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of Goths, and a history of the world; he has been suggested by some as the patron of the Internet; during the last six months of his life, he increased his charities so much that his house was crowded from morning till night with the poor of the countryside Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/4/25 Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Isidore of Seville, Bishop, Doctor, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up) First Reading: Wisdom 2: 1a, 12-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

"His hour had not yet come."

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Exodus 32: 7-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 106: 19-20, 21-22, 23 Verse Before the Gospel: John 3: 16 Gospel: John 5: 31-47   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineJesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. John 7:1–2; 10The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was one of three great feasts during which the people made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem to commemorate God's saving action in their lives. This particular feast was to commemorate the 40 years that the Israelites traveled through the desert and dwelt in tents, or booths, as they wandered and were led by Moses. Therefore, the feast is also referred to as the “Feast of Booths.” During the seven days of this feast, people would set up tents (booths) around the Temple area and live in them to commemorate the journey of their ancestors.In the Gospel passage quoted above, we read that Jesus went up to the feast secretly. Saint Augustine explains that this means that though Jesus was present, the full revelation of His divine identity was hidden from many. He was physically there, but many did not know Who He was.That particular year, when the feast was half over, Jesus appeared in the Temple area and began to teach. Many were amazed at His words, and others thought He was possessed. After teaching the people, there was much disagreement among them about our Lord's identity. Jesus said to them, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” In that statement, Jesus essentially was saying that among those listening to Him, some had come to faith in Him and discovered His true identity as the Messiah, while others lacked the gift of faith and remained blind to Him. To them, His divine essence remained a secret.In a symbolic way, Jesus' presence at the Feast of Tabernacles reveals Him as the new Moses. It was Moses who led the people through the desert for 40 years toward the promised land while they dwelt in tents. Our Lord now took on that role of leading the people who were commemorating this 40-year journey by appearing in the Temple and pointing the people to Heaven, the true Promised Land.Today, our Lord continues to lead His people through the journey of life by coming to each of us to teach us and to reveal His divine presence. Some listen and believe and continue on the journey. To them, the secrets of our Lord are revealed. Others do not believe and, as a result of their lack of faith, fail to discover the hidden presence of our Lord all around them. Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus coming to you during your long journey through the desert of this life. He initially comes to you in secret, veiled in His true essence. As He teaches you, He desires to lift that veil and reveal to You His true glory. He desires that you dwell with Him through prayer and remain attentive to His Word. As you gaze upon our Lord, reflect upon the question of how clearly you hear Him speak each day. He is here, with you always. But are you with Him? Do you hear Him, believe in Him, follow Him and serve Him? Do you allow Him to lead you every day toward His promises of new life? Allow our Lord to pitch His tent next to yours so that You will daily be attentive to His teaching and be led by Him to the glories of Heaven. My hidden Lord, You came to reveal to all people Your burning love and invitation to eternal life. Please come and dwell with me during my journey through life, and open my mind and heart to all that You wish to reveal. May I know You fully and follow You to the Promised Land of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Send us a textFr Joe Homily: Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent | April 3, 2025

Friends of the Rosary,“You do not want to come to me to have life,” said Christ Jesus at that time to the Jews (John 5:31–47)We sadly prefer human testimony, as our pride confuses us. We are incapable of seeing the humility of the logos.“I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if ­another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?”Pride is a dangerous sin as it moves us to replace our infinite, all-merciful God, for whom we are made.It brings our destruction as we refuse to come to the Holy One to have lifeRemember us, O Lord, come to save your chosen people.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 3, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm: Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 Gospel: John 5:31-47 Catholic Radio Network

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St Agape; she and her sisters were Third- and Fourth-Century Christians in Thessalonica who possessed copies of the scriptures, a crime punishable by death under the Roman persecution; all were martyred in 304 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/3/25 Gospel: John 5:31-47

Msgr. Roger J. Landry The Pontifical Mission Societies Southeast Regional Meeting Franciscan Center, Tampa, Florida Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent April 3, 2025 Ex 32:7-14, Ps 106, Jn 5:31-47   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/4.3.25_Homily_1.mp3   The following text guided the homily:  Today the Word […] The post The Prayer and Witnesses That Accompany Our Mission, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent, April 3, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Exodus 32: 7-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 106: 19-20, 21-22, 23 Verse Before the Gospel: John 3: 16 Gospel: John 5: 31-47   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

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/ Francis of Paola, Hermit 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

Read Online“How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?” John 5:44It's quite normal and healthy for a parent to praise a young child for the good that they do. This healthy positive reinforcement is a way of teaching them the importance of doing good and avoiding what's wrong. But human praise is not an infallible guide of what is right and wrong. In fact, when human praise is not based in the truth of God, it does great damage.This short Scripture quote above comes from a lengthy teaching from Jesus about the difference between human praise and “the praise that comes only from God.” Jesus makes it clear that the only thing that has value is the praise that comes from God alone. In fact, earlier in this Gospel, Jesus says clearly, “I do not accept human praise…” Why is that?Turning back to the example of a parent praising a child for the good they do, when the praise they offer is truly a praise of their goodness, then this is much more than human praise. It is praise from God given through a parent. A parent's duty must be to teach right from wrong in accord with the will of God.As for the “human praise” of which Jesus speaks, this is clearly praise of another that is void of the truthfulness of God. In other words, Jesus is saying that if someone were to praise Him for something that did not originate from the Father in Heaven, He would reject it. For example, if someone were to say of Jesus, “I think He would be a great governor of our nation because he could lead a revolt against the current leadership.” Obviously such “praise” would be rejected.The bottom line is that we must praise one another, but our praise must only be that which originates from God. Our words must be spoken only in accord with the Truth. Our admiration must only be of that which is the presence of God alive in others. Otherwise, if we praise others based on worldly or self-centered values, we only encourage them in sin.Reflect, today, upon the praise you give and receive. Do you allow misguided praise of others to misdirect you in life? And when you compliment and praise another, is that praise based on the Truth of God and directed to His glory? Seek to give and receive praise only when it is grounded in the Truth of God and directs all to His glory.My praiseworthy Lord, I do thank You and praise You for Your perfect goodness. I thank You for the way that You act in perfect union with the will of the Father. Help me to listen only to Your voice in this life and to reject all the misleading and confusing voices of the world. May my values and choices be guided by You and You alone. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Send us a textFr Joe Homily: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent | April 2, 2025

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 246The Saint of the day is Saint Francis of PaolaSaint Francis of Paola's Story Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the “least in the household of God.” Yet, when the Church called him to active service in the world, he became a miracle-worker and influenced the course of nations. After accompanying his parents on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, he began to live as a contemplative hermit in a remote cave near Paola, on Italy's southern seacoast. Before he was 20, he received the first followers who had come to imitate his way of life. Seventeen years later, when his disciples had grown in number, Francis established a Rule for his austere community and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi, who were approved by the Holy See in 1474. In 1492, Francis changed the name of his community to “Minims” because he wanted them to be known as the least (minimi) in the household of God. Humility was to be the hallmark of the brothers as it had been in Francis's personal life. Besides the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Francis enjoined upon his followers the fourth obligation of a perpetual Lenten fast. He felt that heroic mortification was necessary as a means for spiritual growth. It was Francis's desire to be a contemplative hermit, yet he believed that God was calling him to the apostolic life. He began to use the gifts he had received, such as the gifts of miracles and prophecy, to minister to the people of God. A defender of the poor and oppressed, Francis incurred the wrath of King Ferdinand of Naples for the admonitions he directed toward the king and his sons. Following the request of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Paris to help Louis XI of France prepare for his death. While ministering to the king, Francis was able to influence the course of national politics. He helped to restore peace between France and Brittany by advising a marriage between the ruling families, and between France and Spain by persuading Louis XI to return some disputed land. Francis died while at the French court. Reflection The life of Francis of Paola speaks plainly to an overactive world. He was a contemplative man called to active ministry and must have felt keenly the tension between prayer and service. Yet, in Francis's life it was a productive tension, for he clearly utilized the fruits of contemplation in his ministry, which came to involve the workings of nations. He responded so readily and so well to the call of the Church from a solid foundation in prayer and mortification. When he went out to the world, it was not he who worked but Christ working through him—“the least in the household of God.” Saint Francis of Paola is a Patron Saint of: Sailors Jane de Chantal: A Saint for the Depressed Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Christ Jesus explained at that time to the Jews that the Son does all in conjunction with the Father, as He is equal to God.“For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he ­wishes.Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all ­judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not ­honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.Christ also explained the mystery of Holy Saturday, “when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.”“The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.”“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New York Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 2, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15 Psalm: Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 Gospel: John 5:17-30 Catholic Radio Network

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 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

Read Online“Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed.” John 5:19–20The most central and most glorious mystery of our faith is that of the Most Holy Trinity. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God yet three distinct Persons. As divine “Persons,” each one is distinct; but as one God, each Person acts in perfect union with the others. In today's Gospel, Jesus clearly identifies the Father in Heaven as His Father and clearly states that He and His Father are one. For this reason, there were those who wanted to kill Jesus because He “called God his own father, making himself equal to God.”The sad reality is that the greatest and most glorious truth of God's inner life, the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, was one of the primary reasons that some chose to hate Jesus and sought His life. Clearly, it was their ignorance of this glorious truth that drove them to this hatred.We call the Holy Trinity a “mystery,” not because they cannot be known but because our knowledge of Who They are can never be fully understood. For eternity, we will enter deeper and deeper into our knowledge of the Trinity and be “amazed” on a continually deepening level.One additional aspect of the mystery of the Trinity is that each one of us is called to share in Their very life. We will forever remain distinct from God; but, as many of the early Church Fathers liked to say, we must become “divinized,” meaning, we must share in God's divine life through our union of body and soul with Christ Jesus. That union also unites us with the Father and the Spirit. This truth should also leave us “amazed,” as we read in the passage above.As we continue to read this week from the Gospel of John and continue to ponder the mysterious and profound teaching of Jesus on His relationship with the Father in Heaven, it is essential that we not simply gloss over the mysterious language Jesus uses. Rather, we must prayerfully enter the mystery and allow our penetration of this mystery to leave us truly amazed. Amazement and transforming edification is the only good response. We will never fully understand the Trinity, but we must allow the truth of our Triune God to take hold of us and enrichen us, at very least, in a way that knows how much we do not know—and that knowledge leaves us in awe.Reflect, today, upon the sacred mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Pray that God reveals Himself more fully to your mind and more completely consume your will. Pray that you will be able to share deeply in the life of the Trinity so that you will be filled with a holy amazement and awe.Most holy and triune God, the love You share within Your very being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is beyond my comprehension. The mystery of Your triune life is a mystery of the greatest degree. Draw me in, dear Lord, to the life You share with Your Father and the Holy Spirit. Fill me with wonder and awe as You invite me to share in Your divine life. Most Holy Trinity, I trust in You.Image: Andrei Rublev, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. 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  

Read OnlineOne man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When 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?” John 5:5–6Only those who have been crippled for many years could understand what this man endured in life. He was crippled and unable to walk for thirty-eight years. The pool he was laying next to was believed to have the power of healing. Therefore, many who were sick and crippled would sit by the pool and try to be the first to enter it when the waters were stirred up. From time to time, that person was said to have received healing.Jesus sees this man and clearly perceives his desire for healing after so many years. Most likely, his desire for healing was the dominant desire in his life. Without the ability to walk, he could not work and provide for himself. He would have had to rely upon begging and the generosity of others. Thinking about this man, his sufferings and his ongoing attempts for healing from this pool should move any heart to compassion. And since Jesus' heart was one that was full of compassion, He was moved to offer this man not only the healing he so deeply desired but so much more.One virtue in the heart of this man that would have especially moved Jesus to compassion is the virtue of patient endurance. This virtue is an ability to have hope in the midst of some ongoing and lengthy trial. It is also referred to as “longsuffering” or “longanimity.” Usually, when one faces a difficulty, the immediate reaction is to look for a way out. As time moves on and that difficulty is not removed, it's easy to fall into discouragement and even despair. Patient endurance is the cure for this temptation. When one can patiently endure anything and everything they suffer in life, there is a spiritual strength within them that benefits them in numerous ways. Other little challenges are more easily endured. Hope is born within them to a powerful degree. Even joy comes with this virtue despite the ongoing struggle.When Jesus saw this virtue alive in this man, He was moved to reach out and heal him. And the primary reason Jesus healed this man was not just to help him physically but so that the man would come to believe in Jesus and follow Him.Reflect, today, upon this beautiful virtue of patient endurance. The trials of life should ideally be seen not in a negative way but as an invitation to patient endurance. Ponder the way you endure your own trials. Is it with deep and ongoing patience, hope and joy? Or is it with anger, bitterness and despair. Pray for the gift of this virtue and seek to imitate this crippled man. My Lord of all hope, You endured so much in life and persevered through it all in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Give me strength in the midst of the trials of life so that I can grow strong in the hope and the joy that comes with that strength. May I turn away from sin and turn to You in complete trust. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.