Podcasts about fourth week

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 13: 44-52 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Alleluia: John 8: 31b-32 Gospel: John 14: 7-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 284The Saint of the day is Saint Paschal BaylonSaint Paschal Baylon's story In Paschal's lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano, and Salvator of Horta. Paschal's Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell, which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused! In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priesthood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook, gardener, and official beggar. Paschal was careful to observe the vow of poverty. He would never waste any food or anything given for the use of the friars. When he was porter and took care of the poor coming to the door, he developed a reputation for great generosity. The friars sometimes tried to moderate his liberality! Paschal spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament. In time, many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897. Reflection Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of Saint Francis' energy. Most of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern. An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal. Some holy and busy Catholics today find that their work is enriched by those minutes regularly spent in prayer and meditation. Saint Paschal Baylon is the Patron Saint of: Eucharistic Congresses and SocietiesShepherds Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel (John 14:7-14), Jesus said to his disciples, “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” When we pray in the name of Jesus, we are relying on his intimacy with the Father, trusting that the Father will listen to The Son pleads on our behalf to the Father, and His words are the truth. Beyond petty appeals, we must confidently direct our petitions in Christ Jesus, knowing they will be granted at the right time as they result in the expansion of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. And remember, the Father delights in hearing us call upon him through his Son.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 w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• ⁠May 17, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today in the Month of Mary.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Saturday (Novena day 6). 

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 13: 44-52 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 Alleluia: John 8: 31b-32 Gospel: John 14: 7-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Psalm 92Canticle: Ezekiel 36Psalm 8Reading: Romans 14Intercessions: Lord, may your resurrection bring us the riches of your grace.Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Psalm 78Reading 1: Revelation 18Reading 2: From the commentary on the letter to the Romans by St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishopSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.Support us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 13: 26-33 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab Alleluia: John 14: 6 Gospel: John 14: 1-6   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12–14How is it that we are called to do greater works than the works that Jesus Himself did? Of course, it's true. This is our calling. We know that, because this is what our Lord promised us. This truth should fill us with gratitude for being used so powerfully by God.Among the “greater” works of which Jesus speaks is, first and foremost, the sharing of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. As Jesus walked the earth, His mission was primarily to the people of Israel. But when He ascended to Heaven and sent the Holy Spirit upon the Church, He also empowered all who would receive the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Thus, the conversion of hearts is the greatest work that we can cooperate with.Do you want to do great things? Most children dream of doing so because this desire is written upon our human nature. We want to make a difference. We want to be great. But too often we become confused about true greatness. We attempt to fulfill that innate desire through acts of worldly and passing greatness. We seek recognition, wealth, and other passing rewards that stem from selfish ambitions. None of these ultimately fulfill us, even if we were to achieve them to the greatest extent. For example, imagine if you won the Nobel Peace Prize, or became the leader of a nation, or became the wealthiest person alive. Would the attainment of one of these goals fulfill you? Only if it were the will of God. If not, it would be an empty and meaningless act.Begin by looking within. Do you see the desire within you to do great things? Hopefully you do. From there, remind yourself that the greatest thing you can do, so as to fulfill the desire within you, is to do that which is the will of God for your life. Jesus says, “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” Asking in Jesus' name means asking for the fulfillment of His will. It means asking that God use you to bring His saving grace to others any way He chooses. If you ask our Lord for this grace, He will grant it.This form of prayer requires humility and a complete detachment from our own will. It requires that we ask the Father only for that which the Son asks the Father for us. But the reward of such a humble prayer is that God will bestow His grace and mercy on others through us. This is His perfect will.Reflect, today, upon this high calling. Do so by looking at the desire within your own soul for greatness and then unite that desire with God's will as the only thing that can fulfill you. Pray for this gift every day with humility and detachment and you will become an instrument of acts that give eternal glory to God. In Heaven, this will be your eternal joy. Providential Lord, Your will is perfect and glorious. Please help me to humble myself before You, every day, so that I will understand Your will for my life and choose it always. May I be an instrument of Your saving grace to all whom You wish to touch through me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource 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 Easter Lectionary: 283The Saint of the day is Saint Margaret of CortonaSaint Margaret of Cortona's Story Margaret was born of farming parents in Laviano, Tuscany. Her mother died when Margaret was seven; life with her stepmother was so difficult that Margaret moved out. For nine years she lived with Arsenio, though they were not married, and she bore him a son. In those years, she had doubts about her situation. Somewhat like Saint Augustine, she prayed for purity—but not just yet. One day she was waiting for Arsenio and was instead met by his dog. The animal led Margaret into the forest where she found Arsenio murdered. This crime shocked Margaret into a life of penance. She and her son returned to Laviano, where she was not well received by her stepmother. They then went to Cortona, where her son eventually became a friar. In 1277, three years after her conversion, Margaret became a Franciscan tertiary. Under the direction of her confessor, who sometimes had to order her to moderate her self-denial, she pursued a life of prayer and penance at Cortona. There she established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters. The poor and humble Margaret was, like Francis, devoted to the Eucharist and to the passion of Jesus. These devotions fueled her great charity and drew sinners to her for advice and inspiration. She was canonized in 1728. St. Margaret of Cortona’s liturgical feast is celebrated on February 22. Reflection Seeking forgiveness is sometimes difficult work. It is made easier by meeting people who, without trivializing our sins, assure us that God rejoices over our repentance. Being forgiven lifts a weight and prompts us to acts of charity. Click here for more on Saint Margaret of Cortona! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,As we read today (John 14:1-6), Jesus said to his disciples:"Do not let your hearts be troubled.You have faith in God; have faith also in me.In my Father's house, there are many dwelling places.If there were not, would I have told youthat I am going to prepare a place for you?""I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me."Today is the memorial of St. Simon Stock (1165-1265), a hermit who received a vision of the Blessed Mother promising salvation to all those who wore the brown scapular of the Carmelite order. Mary showed Simon, a member of the Carmelite order, a brown scapular. This vision led to the widespread devotion to Mary over the following centuries.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 w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• ⁠May 16, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 5/15/25.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 Easter. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Psalm: Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab Gospel: John 14:1-6 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalm 40; Deuteronomy 18; Luke 9:51-62.  I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined to me, and heard my call.

Evening lessons: Psalms 37:18-41; Ecclesiastes 2; 1 John 3:11-4:6.  The Lord knows the days of the godly, and their inheritance shall endure forever.

Evening lessons: Psalms 39, 41; Ecclesiastes 3; 1 John 4:7-21.  I said, “I will take heed to my ways, that I may not offend with my tongue.”

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Simon Stock; brought the Carmelite order from the Holy Land to Europe, and changed it from a hermit order to one of mendicant friars; received an apparition from the Blessed Mother in 1251, in which she gave him the brown scapular Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/16/25 Gospel: John 14:1-6

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today in the Month of Mary.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday (Novena day 5).

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 13: 26-33 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab Alleluia: John 14: 6 Gospel: John 14: 1-6   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

For 17 May 2025, Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter, based on Psalm 98:1-4

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

https://lectiodiv.wordpress.com/2025/05/16/whatever-you-ask-in-my-name-i-will-do-saturday-of-the-fourth-week-of-easter/

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Ms. Joan Watson. Easter Weekday/ Isidore the Farmer, Married Man First Reading: Acts 13: 13-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 Alleluia: Revelation 1: 5ab Gospel: John 13: 16-20   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” John 14:1In John's Gospel, Chapters 14–17 present us with what is referred to as Jesus' “Last Supper Discourses,” or His “Final Discourses.” These are a series of sermons given by our Lord to the disciples the night He was arrested. These discourses are deep and filled with symbolic imagery. He speaks of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the vine and the branches, the world's hatred, and these discourses conclude with Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. These discourses begin with today's Gospel in which Jesus addresses the coming fear, or troubled hearts, that He knows His disciples will experience.Let's begin by considering this first line spoken by Jesus above: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” This is a command. It's a gentle command but a command nonetheless. Jesus knew that His disciples would soon see Him arrested, falsely accused, mocked, beaten and killed. He knew they would be overwhelmed by what they would soon experience, so He took this opportunity to gently and lovingly rebuke the fear that they would soon face.Fear can come from many different sources. Some fear is helpful to us, such as the fear present in a dangerous situation. In this case, that fear can heighten our awareness of the danger so that we proceed with caution. But the fear that Jesus was speaking of here was of a different kind. It was a fear that could lead to irrational decisions, confusion, and even despair. This was the kind of fear that our Lord wanted to gently rebuke.What is it that causes you to fear at times? Many people struggle with anxiety, worry, and fear for many different reasons. If this is something you struggle with, it's important to allow Jesus' words to resonate within your mind and heart. The best way to overcome fear is to rebuke it at its source. Hear Jesus say to you, “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Then listen to His second command: “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Faith in God is the cure for fear. When we have faith, we are under the control of the voice of God. It is God's truth that directs us rather than the difficulty we are facing. Fear can lead to irrational thinking, and irrational thinking can lead us deeper and deeper into confusion. Faith pierces through the irrationality we are tempted with, and the truths that faith presents to us bring clarity and strength.Reflect, today, upon whatever it is that causes you the most anxiety, worry and fear in your life. Allow Jesus to speak to you, to call you to faith and to rebuke those troubles gently but firmly. When you have faith in God, you can endure all things. Jesus endured the Cross. The disciples eventually endured their crosses. God wants to strengthen you, too. Let Him speak to you so that you will overcome whatever is most troublesome to your heart.My loving Shepherd, You know all things. You know my heart and the difficulties I face in life. Give me the courage I need, dear Lord, to face every temptation to fear with confidence and trust in You. Bring clarity to my mind and peace to my troubled heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Duccio di Buoninsegna, 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 ReadingsThursday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 282The Saint of the day is Saint Isidore the FarmerSaint Isidore the Farmer's Story Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference. When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child. Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long. He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore's supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals. He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622, with Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.” Reflection Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33). Saint Isidore the Farmer is the Patron Saint of: FarmersRural Laborers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter and Memorial of Saint Isidore. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 Gospel: John 13:16-20 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalm 37:1-17; Deuteronomy 17; Luke 9:18-50.  Fret not yourself because of the ungodly, neither be envious of those who are evildoers.

Evening lessons: Psalms 38; Ecclesiastes 1; 1 John 3:1-10.  Rebuke me not, O Lord, in your anger, neither chasten me in your weighty displeasure.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter Optional Memorial of St. Isidore the Famer, 1070-1130; born in Madrid, Spain, and spent most of life as a laborer on a farm outside of the city; he was favored with celestial visions, and it is said that angels sometimes assisted with his field work; he the patron of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in the United States Office of Readings and Morning Prayer Gospel: John 13:16-20

ROSARY - LUMINOUS MYSTERIES today in the Month of Mary.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Thursday (Novena day 4).

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Ms. Joan Watson. Easter Weekday/ Isidore the Farmer, Married Man First Reading: Acts 13: 13-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27 Alleluia: Revelation 1: 5ab Gospel: John 13: 16-20   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Read OnlineWhen Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” John 13:16–17During this, the Fourth Week of Easter, we return to the Last Supper and will spend a few weeks considering the discourse Jesus gave that Holy Thursday evening to His disciples. The question to ask yourself today is this: “Are you blessed?” Jesus says that you are blessed if you “understand” and “do” what He teaches His disciples. So what did He teach them?Jesus offers this prophetic action by which He took on the role of a slave by washing the disciples' feet. His action was much louder than words, as the saying goes. The disciples were humbled by this act, and Peter, at first, refused it. There is little doubt that this humble act of service, by which Jesus lowered Himself before His disciples, made a strong impression upon them.The worldly view of greatness is much different than the one Jesus taught. Worldly greatness is a process of elevating yourself in the eyes of others, striving to let them know just how good you are. Worldly greatness is often driven by a fear of what others may think of you, and a desire to be honored by all. But Jesus wants to be clear that we will only be great if we serve. We must humble ourselves before others, holding them and their goodness up, honoring them and showing them the deepest love and respect. By washing their feet, Jesus completely abandoned the worldly view of greatness and called His disciples to do the same.Humility is difficult to understand at times. This is why Jesus said, “If you understand this…” He realized that the disciples, as well as all of us, will struggle with understanding the importance of humbling ourselves before others and serving them. But if you do understand humility, you will be “blessed” when you live it. You will not be blessed in the eyes of the world, but you will be truly blessed in the eyes of God. Humility is especially accomplished when we purify our desire for honor and prestige, when we overcome all fear of being mistreated, and when, in place of this desire and fear, we desire abundant blessings upon others, even before ourselves. This love and humility is the only way to this mysterious and profound depth of love.Reflect, today, upon this humble act of the Son of God, the Savior of the World, lowering Himself before His disciples, serving them as if He were a slave. Try to imagine yourself doing this for others. Think about various ways that you can more readily go out of your way to put others and their needs before your own. Seek to eliminate every selfish desire you struggle with and identify any fear that keeps you from humility. Understand this gift of humility and live it. Only then will you be truly blessed.My humble Lord, You set for us the perfect example of love when You chose to serve Your disciples with great humility. Help me to understand this beautiful virtue and to live it. Free me from all selfishness and fear so that I may love others as You have loved us all. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Benvenuto Tisi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Morning lessons: Psalm 32; Deuteronomy 16; Luke 9:1-17.  Blessed is the one whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sin is covered.

Feast of St. Matthias; after the Ascension, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas in the college of Apostles Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/14/25 Gospel: John 15:9-17

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Dr. Shane Owens. Easter Weekday/ Our Lady of Fatima First Reading: Acts 11: 19-26 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 87: 1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: John 10: 22-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 280The Saint of the day is Our Lady of FatimaThe Story of Our Lady of Fatima Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos–received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of World War I, for sinners, and for the conversion of Russia. Mary gave the children three secrets. Following the deaths of Francisco and Jacinta in 1919 and 1920 respectively, Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927. It concerned devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell. When Lucia grew up she became a Carmelite nun and died in 2005 at the age of 97. Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a “bishop in white” who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this vision to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002. Reflection The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret.” Mary is perfectly honored when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church's teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome. Click here for more on Our Lady! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday/ Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs/ Pancras, Martyr First Reading: Acts 11: 1-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 42: 2-3; 43: 3-4 Alleluia: John 10: 14 Gospel: John 10: 1-10   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineJesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.”  John 10:24–25Why is it that these people did not know that Jesus was the Christ? They wanted Jesus to speak “plainly” to them, but Jesus surprises them by saying that He already answered their question but they “do not believe.” This Gospel passage continues the beautiful teaching about Jesus being the Good Shepherd. It's interesting that these people want Jesus to speak plainly about whether or not He is the Christ, but instead, Jesus speaks plainly about the fact that they do not believe in Him because they are not listening. They have missed what He has said and are left in confusion.One thing this tells us is that God speaks to us in His own way, not necessarily in the way we would like Him to speak. He speaks a mystical, profound, gentle and hidden language. He reveals His deepest mysteries only to those who have come to learn His language. But to those who do not understand God's language, confusion sets in.If you ever find yourself confused in life, or confused about the plan God has for you, then perhaps it's time to examine how carefully you listen to the way God speaks. We could beg God, day and night, to “speak plainly” to us, but He will only speak in the way He has always spoken. And what is that language? On the deepest level, it's the language of infused prayer.Prayer, of course, is different than only saying prayers. Prayer is ultimately a relationship of love with God. It's a communication on the deepest level. Prayer is an act of God within our soul by which God invites us to believe in Him, to follow Him, and to love Him. This invitation is continually offered to us, but too often we fail to hear it because we fail to truly pray.Much of John's Gospel, including Chapter Ten from which we are reading today, speaks in a mystical way. It's not possible to simply read it like a novel and comprehend all that Jesus says with one read. Jesus' teaching must be heard in your soul, prayerfully, pondered, and heard. This approach will open the ears of your heart to the certitude of the voice of God.Reflect, today, upon the mysterious ways in which God communicates to you. If you do not understand how He speaks, then that is a good starting point. Spend time with this Gospel, prayerfully pondering it. Meditate upon Jesus' words, listening for His voice. Learn His language through silent prayer and allow His holy words to draw you to Himself.My mysterious and hidden Lord, You speak to me day and night and continually reveal Your love to me. Help me to learn to listen to You so that I may grow deep in faith and may truly become Your follower in every way. 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.

Father encourages us to listen to God. He really does speak to us.