Podcasts about Gomorrah

Friends, the title of my ministry, Word on Fire, came from our Gospel for today. Jesus says to his disciples, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” This is not the lighting of a cozy campfire. This is closer to, if you want, Sodom and Gomorrah—to fire and brimstone. It is a dangerous and divisive fire. Christ is the light of the world, the divine luminosity—but to the degree that we are still in darkness, we will experience that light as something difficult, off-putting, even torturous.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 2 Corinthians - Chapter 1.

Have you ever felt torn between what you know is right and what feels easier to justify?This week, we're stepping into one of the most intense and revealing parts of Genesis, chapters 18 and 19. It's the story of Abraham and Lot, of mountains and valleys, of intercession and destruction, of a God who is both merciful and just.Through these two intertwined narratives, we'll see a powerful contrast between a life shaped by God's presence and a life slowly worn down by compromise. Abraham stands in bold, prayerful relationship with God, while Lot hesitates, lingers, and ultimately has to be pulled away from the very thing destroying him.This is a message about more than just Sodom and Gomorrah. It's about us, about the sins we've come to tolerate, the little compromises we cling to, the moments where we treat God's Word as optional instead of transformative.Genesis 18 and 19 isn't easy to read. It contains themes of justice, judgment, sexual sin, and generational brokenness. But it also reveals a God who sees, who hears, who knows, and who never stops working redemption, even in the darkest places.Heads-up: This passage contains mature themes and is best suited for adult audiences.Scripture Focus: Genesis 18–19New here? Let us know: https://efree.org/connectWant to support the mission? Give here: https://efree.org/give

Deuteronomy 32:28-47 28 They are a nation without sense,    there is no discernment in them.29 If only they were wise and would understand this    and discern what their end will be!30 How could one man chase a thousand,    or two put ten thousand to flight,unless their Rock had sold them,    unless the Lord had given them up?31 For their rock is not like our Rock,    as even our enemies concede.32 Their vine comes from the vine of Sodom    and from the fields of Gomorrah.Their grapes are filled with poison,    and their clusters with bitterness.33 Their wine is the venom of serpents,    the deadly poison of cobras.34 “Have I not kept this in reserve    and sealed it in my vaults?35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay.    In due time their foot will slip;their day of disaster is near    and their doom rushes upon them.”36 The Lord will vindicate his people    and relent concerning his servantswhen he sees their strength is gone    and no one is left, slave or free.[d]37 He will say: “Now where are their gods,    the rock they took refuge in,38 the gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices    and drank the wine of their drink offerings?Let them rise up to help you!    Let them give you shelter!39 “See now that I myself am he!    There is no god besides me.I put to death and I bring to life,    I have wounded and I will heal,    and no one can deliver out of my hand.40 I lift my hand to heaven and solemnly swear:    As surely as I live forever,41 when I sharpen my flashing sword    and my hand grasps it in judgment,I will take vengeance on my adversaries    and repay those who hate me.42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood,    while my sword devours flesh:the blood of the slain and the captives,    the heads of the enemy leaders.”43 Rejoice, you nations, with his people,    for he will avenge the blood of his servants;he will take vengeance on his enemies    and make atonement for his land and people.44 Moses came with Joshua[g] son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Pepsi's 1992 promotional campaign is likely their biggest marketing blunder of all time which is saying a lot considering during a commercial shoot they lit Michael Jackson on fire. In this episode of Wiki U Kyle and Jheisson dive into the marketing campaign that destroyed Pepsi's name in the Philippines and kept them in court for the next fourteen years. Additionally the Wiki boys learn about the New Coke, Atlanta's famous Varsity Restaurant, the history of American football (which goes all the way back to Greece!), the British slang "Buggery" and finally the f'd up story about Sodom and Gomorrah.--Boost Your Focus & Energy with Magic Mind!Looking for a way to stay focused and energized? Wiki U has teamed up with Magic Mind, the ultimate nootropic energy shot designed for productivity, mental clarity, and stress reduction—all without the crash of traditional energy drinks.Why the Students of Wiki U use Magic Mind:Boosts Focus & Concentration – Ideal for work, studying, and creativity.Sustained Energy Without Jitters – Powered by matcha, Bacopa Monnieri, and Cognizin Citicoline.Reduces Stress & Supports Brain Health – Thanks to adaptogens and functional mushrooms.Get our Exclusive Deal!Use promo code WIKI20 for 20% off a one-time purchase or up to 48% off with a subscription. Get the best Magic Mind price now: Magic Mind Affiliate Link.Why it's better than other NootropicsUnlike sugary energy drinks, Magic Mind is a healthy alternative to coffee, supporting long-term cognitive function and sustained productivity.Try Magic Mind Today!Thousands love its focus-enhancing benefits—be next! Order now at Magic Mind Affiliate Link. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wikiuniversity YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmPDDjcbBJfR0s_xJfYCUvwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wikiuniversity/Music provided by Davey and the Chains

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried Elijah off to heaven. The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons”--in other words, the Valley of Demons. In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha. We also discuss the final days of the son of King Ahab, Ahaziah, who turned to Baal-zebub (“Lord of Flies”) for healing instead of God. Big mistake! Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. NOTE: If you'e going to Israel with us in October, you'll need to apply for a visa online before you travel. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.50). Log on here: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

Entrance Hymn #637 How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the LordSequence Hymn #393 Praise Our Great and Gracious LordOffertory Anthem Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Cobb)Communion Anthem The Lord Is My Shepherd (Pote)Post-Communion Hymn #423 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Soloists for today's service: Lawren Casagrande and Margret CelicoTHE COLLECT OF THE DAYGrant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.FIRST READING Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Reader A reading from the Prophet Isaiah.The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me.New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation-- I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.ReaderThe Word of the Lord.PeopleThanks be to...

Dr. Titus Kennedy, a biblical archaeologist specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean, reveals how archaeological discoveries provide tangible evidence of the Bible's historical accuracy. His journey from childhood fascination with Troy to uncovering Canaanite altars demonstrates how archaeology transforms abstract biblical narratives into concrete historical realities.• The discovery of a 9th century BC "House of David" inscription dramatically changed scholarly views on David's existence• Archaeologists have found evidence for 132 people mentioned in the Bible• Kennedy's favorite biblical figure is Daniel, whose story offers both spiritual guidance and archaeological richness• Future archaeological possibilities include discoveries related to Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, and early biblical manuscriptsFind Dr. Kennedy's work in his books "Unearthing the Bible," "Excavating the Evidence for Jesus," and his forthcoming book documenting archaeological evidence for 132 biblical figures.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapter 16.

THE PASSING of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha was spectacular: A fiery chariot pulled by horses of fire in a whirlwind carried the elder prophet to heaven.The whirlwind was a theophany, an appearance by God Himself. The chariot, as Sharon noted, was believed to be the vehicle that carried human spirits to the netherworld—but in this case, Elijah was carried off to heaven. We discuss the location of the event, the plains of Moab across from Jericho, and why that has supernatural significance. For one thing, it's where Moses was buried after his death, and it's probably not coincidental that Moses and Elijah are the two who joined Jesus on Mount Hermon, the “Canaanite Olympus,” for the Transfiguration. The place from which Elijah was caught up was below the ruins of Sodom, at the southern end of the Jordan River called the Valley of the Travelers by Ezekiel. “Travelers” was a term used by the Canaanites for the spirits of the Rephaim, which were venerated by the pagan neighbors of the Israelites. It's also the Valley of Siddim, where the armies of Sodom, Gomorrah and their allies fought the kings of Mesopotamia (Genesis 14). Siddim can also be rendered shedim, which is a Hebrew word meaning “demons.”In other words, God carried off Elijah from a place that had been notorious for demonic activity for about a thousand years by the time of Elijah and Elisha.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah shows how moral decay can lead to destruction. Our individual choices, like Lot, have profound implications for our lives and for those around us. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/?p=18683 A video of the story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/xaS6RVOvNGo

Patrick takes on bold listener questions about whether the Catholic Church is the “Whore of Babylon,” guiding a caller through scripture’s context while offering practical resources for seekers. He explores why simply being Catholic doesn’t guarantee salvation, weaving in stories of saints, sinners, and key teachings, and then fields passionate calls on faith, politics, and media manipulation, He always keeps the conversation anchored in Catholic moral principles while refusing to let emotions or propaganda set the agenda. Questions range from the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah to the challenge of discerning truth in a polarized, information-soaked world. David - Is there a relationship between the whore of Babylon and the Catholic Church? (00:40) Dennis - Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomora: Why did God decide not to destroy it when it actually was destroyed? (10:20) Robert - I understand you give out moral opinions about people's personal conduct but don't want to get to involved in government actions, but I think government actions have a moral dimension that affects people on a personal level. (18:53) Vince - I disagree with Robert. I don't want to hear politics on your show. (37:12) Pete - I don't see how any reasonable person can use a term like 'if'. Shame on you. (39:33) Ryan – Patrick, how do you separate the wheat from the chafe when looking at political issues? You are doing a great job!

Hipsters and axe throwing, the collapse of hipsterism. Too many white people in this rainbow parade.The Eternal Return, what is different today? Everything is vanity.What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again.Why there's so much LGBT today. Monasteries, the Book of Gomorrah, most monks and nuns throughout history were probably doing things that weren't considered that holy.People have felt the same as long as there have been people.Sumo's interpretation of the meaning behind the 28 Years Later movie.The premise of the movie, the fall of the Church of England, UK pedophile power rangers, rebuilding from the ground up but the same problems will remain.The only person who can bring stability back to society is the one who understands that evil can't be wiped out from it.The attempt to remove evil from the world is what turns you evil.Zombies are an allegory for most people going along with the mob.Building wells in Africa, when will the problem be fixed?The only places in the world concerned about the apocalypse are places around the Gulf of Mexico/America.The wheel in the sky keeps turning.More Linkswww.MAPSOC.orgFollow Sumo on TwitterAlternate Current RadioSupport the Show!Subscribe to the Podcast on GumroadSubscribe to the Podcast on PatreonBuy Us a Tibetan Herbal TeaSumo's SubstacksHoly is He Who WrestlesModern Pulp

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapter 15.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapters 13 and 14.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapters 11 and 12.

Send us a textArnie, Eric, Fred and Glenn continue their discussion about immorality and what the Bible says about it. We begin by looking at what Jude said about the wicked Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah whose people were engaged in immorality. Peter had even more to say about them and we look at what he said. Sodom and Gomorrah stand as the prime example of immoral behavior and how God looks at it. Eric looks at what Paul says about marriage and how that God-given institution avoids sexual immorality. We discuss several sections of scripture where Paul discusses unrighteousness that has not been forgiven by God that includes sexual immorality and how God condemns this activity. Throughout this episode, we note that in our day there continues to be a lot of immorality engaged in, which indicates that not much has changed since the activities recorded in the Bible. Take about 30-minutes to listen to our discussions. Have your Bible handy so you can verify what we are saying. There is a transcript of this Buzzsprout episode provided for your convenience. 

We learn the power and importance of intercessory prayer in the story of Abraham pleading with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah. Seven coordinating blogs begin here: https://lightofchristjourney.com/2025/08/03/gods-transparency-and-friendship/ A video of the story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eHOPi_lnOk0

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Old Testament Genesis 18:20-32 The Lord said to Abraham, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know." So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham came near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will you then sweep away the place and not forgive it for the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" And the Lord said, "If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the whole place for their sake." Abraham answered, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And he said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." Again he spoke to him, "Suppose forty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of forty I will not do it." Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak. Suppose thirty are found there." He answered, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there." He said, "Let me take it upon myself to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there." He answered, "For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it." Then he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." The Psalm Psalm 138 Confitebor tibi 1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; * before the gods I will sing your praise. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your Name, * because of your love and faithfulness; 3 For you have glorified your Name * and your word above all things. 4 When I called, you answered me; * you increased my strength within me. 5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O Lord, * when they have heard the words of your mouth. 6 They will sing of the ways of the Lord, * that great is the glory of the Lord. 7 Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly; * he perceives the haughty from afar. 8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; * you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies; your right hand shall save me. 9 The Lord will make good his purpose for me; * O Lord, your love endures for ever; do not abandon the works of your hands. The Epistle Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a spiritual circumcision, by putting off the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. [Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God.] The Gospel Luke 11:1-13 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial." And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. "So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

In this story, we learn that God is the Judge who judges justly. ✧ Check out more resources in The Biggest Story Curriculum ✧ Follow The Biggest Story on Instagram ✧ Watch The Biggest Story Animated Videos! ✧ Sign up to receive weekly emails about the new story each week!

Deacon Steve Greco is a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Orange in California. He is also founder and president of Spirit Filled Heart Ministries, which engages in evangelization and support of the foreign missions. He and MaryAnne have been married for nearly 50 years and have three adult children.  In this episode, they begin with a discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities destroyed in the Old Testament because of their wickedness, and also discuss the passage in Luke in which Jesus gives us the "Our Father" prayer. Support the show

Patrick fields heartfelt and challenging questions from listeners, offering practical insight on topics like guardian angels, Catholic parish life, and faith-filled responses to healing ministries outside the Church. He shares personal anecdotes, guides listeners through nuanced teachings on prayer, Mass intentions, and the ethics of birth control, all while weaving in stories of hidden holiness and real-world struggles. Allison (email) - I just got off the phone with you about the healing ministry school at the parish. My main concern was because the ministry is not specifically Catholic, is it ok to do? (00:32) Zachary - Do guardian angels hear our prayers to them if we mumble? Are we supposed to meditate on what is in the mystery of the Rosary? (06:04) Laurie - You praise the Walton's a lot, but they don't go to Catholic Church. Is it still ok to watch them? (12:16) Pat - A woman my son knows wants to become a Bride of Christ. What does this mean? (19:40) Tom – I am physically disabled and people ask to pray with me, but I find it annoying that they can’t accept the fact that I’m in a wheelchair. Do you have any advice? (24:40) Charlotte (email) – I am considering changing parishes from the Military Diocese (I am retired military) to a parish in my community and I have a child that is 12 and will need to receive Confirmation (28:45) James (email) - I was reflecting on Sunday’s first reading, Genesis 18:20–32, where Abraham pleads with God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if even ten righteous people can be found. It made me wonder—could it be that in our own time, it’s just a small number of truly holy people who are holding back God’s justice? (31:13) Jackie - Can evil control or hear our thoughts? (35:53)

Reading 1Genesis 18:20-32In those days, the LORD said: "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great,and their sin so grave,that I must go down and see whether or not their actionsfully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me.I mean to find out."While Abraham's visitors walked on farther toward Sodom,the LORD remained standing before Abraham.Then Abraham drew nearer and said:"Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city;would you wipe out the place, rather than spare itfor the sake of the fifty innocent people within it?Far be it from you to do such a thing,to make the innocent die with the guiltyso that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike!Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?"The LORD replied,"If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom,I will spare the whole place for their sake."Abraham spoke up again:"See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord,though I am but dust and ashes!What if there are five less than fifty innocent people?Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?"He answered, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."But Abraham persisted, saying "What if only forty are found there?"He replied, "I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty."Then Abraham said, "Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on.What if only thirty are found there?"He replied, "I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there."Still Abraham went on,"Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord,what if there are no more than twenty?"The LORD answered, "I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty."But he still persisted:"Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time.What if there are at least ten there?"He replied, "For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it."Reading 2Colossians 2:12-14Brothers and sisters:You were buried with him in baptism,in which you were also raised with himthrough faith in the power of God,who raised him from the dead.And even when you were deadin transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh,he brought you to life along with him,having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,which was opposed to us,he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.GospelLuke 11:1-13Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished,one of his disciples said to him,"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."He said to them, "When you pray, say:Father, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come.Give us each day our daily breadand forgive us our sinsfor we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us,and do not subject us to the final test."And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friendto whom he goes at midnight and says,'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journeyand I have nothing to offer him,'and he says in reply from within,'Do not bother me; the door has already been lockedand my children and I are already in bed.I cannot get up to give you anything.'I tell you,if he does not get up to give the visitor the loavesbecause of their friendship,he will get up to give him whatever he needsbecause of his persistence."And I tell you, ask and you will receive;seek and you will find;knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives;and the one who seeks, finds;and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.What father among you would hand his son a snakewhen he asks for a fish?Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?If you then, who are wicked,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will the Father in heavengive the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapters 9 and 10.

Friday, 25 July 2025   But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. Matthew 12:7   “And if you had known what it is, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' not you condemned the guiltless” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that a greater than the temple was there. Based on that, He next says to the Pharisees, “And if you had known what it is.”   The Pharisees had spoken a word of implied condemnation toward Jesus because His disciples were eating. They brought in the precept of Sabbath observance to support their view. Jesus returned words from the same law, showing that there was a valid precedent both for the allowance for food, even if it was otherwise inappropriate to procure, and the allowance for some to profane the Sabbath and not be held guiltless.   Having stated these things, He prepares to now demonstrate that not only had they missed these points in their interpretation of the situation, but that they had overlooked the basis for such allowances in relation to what His disciples were doing. He does this with the words, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”   Here, He cites Hosea 6:6, “For mercy I inclined, and not sacrifice” (CG). In using the word khaphets, to incline, it is as if the Lord leans in favor of something, as if He is inclining in that direction. As such, it signifies He desires that in favor of something else.   Therefore, the Lord looks more favorably upon mercy than mere rote sacrifice. Even if the law demanded a sacrifice to be made, the action spoke nothing concerning the state of the heart. A person could go to the temple, perform the mandatory sacrifice, and walk away completely uncaring about the sin which the sacrifice was intended to cover. It is exactly this attitude that brought the Lord to say to the people –   “Hear the word of the Lord, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the law of our God, You people of Gomorrah: 11 ‘To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?' Says the Lord. ‘I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats. 12 “When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, To trample My courts? 13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.”'” Isaiah 1:10-15   The people came to the Lord, doing the things required by the law, but they had no heart for the Lord or for doing what was morally right. It is this same attitude that these Pharisees were presenting toward Jesus and His disciples. Jesus, however, says that if they understood the words of the Lord through Hosea, then “not you condemned the guiltless.”   In verse 12:5, the word anaitios, guiltless, was introduced. This is now the second and last use of it in Scripture. It signifies one who is not causing guilt. The reason for this is that even if the law set forth a particular command, it had to be considered in the greater scope of the intent of the law.   In Isaiah, the people of Israel performed the things of the law in their sacrifices, offerings, and observances, but they failed to have a heart for what those things signified. Therefore, they were not at all in compliance with the law. Jesus and His disciples had needs. They met those needs in accordance with the implied allowances of the law. The Pharisees had not done so.   Life application: The problem with people who still demand law observance is the exact problem that Jesus addresses in this verse. They are sticklers about external conduct while not caring about the Lord who came and fulfilled the law for them. This is obviously so because they continue to demand that people do things that are no longer required.   In Israel, the people demanded that external observances be conducted, but they never took the time to consider why those things were to be conducted in the first place. With each passing funeral, they never stopped to consider the words of the law that say –   “You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:5   They might stand around the grave and say, “We will miss Schlimy. He was truly a righteous man.” But this would be untrue. If Schlimy were truly righteous before the law, he would not be plopped into the grave. He would still be alive. The people never considered why Schlimy was dead.   They saw him making sacrifices and doing all the supposedly pious things that the law demanded. And yet, here they were at his graveside complimenting him for his righteously lived life, which was insufficient to keep him from dying.   When Jesus came, He did fulfill the things of the law. He was crucified for the sins of others, and He rose again in a demonstration that He was, in fact, righteous before the law. And yet, the people of Israel collectively rejected this and continued down the same path they had followed since their first national transgression at the foot of Mount Sinai.   Every person, Jew or Gentile, who demands that precepts of the law be fulfilled by us today is following in that same unrighteous path. They are placing shadow over substance while rejecting the work of Jesus, which culminated in the resurrection, the very proof that He is righteous because He is God.   Pay heed. Don't be like Schlimy and others who trust in deeds of the law to make God happy. Instead, trust in the merits of Jesus Christ. Only what He has done can deliver you safely into the wonderful promise of total restoration with God. Through Jesus, we have peace with Him once again.   Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have total restoration with You. Great are You, O God. Amen.

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence and may not be suitable for children.Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and discuss how it could be connected to this week's other readings from the Psalms and Colossians. Then, Scott makes the argument the Our Father is all about the Exodus. Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:17.Reading 1 - Genesis 18:20-32Psalm 138: 1-3, 6-8Reading 2 - Colossians 2:12-14Gospel - Luke 11:1-13 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

In this story, we learn that God is the Judge who judges justly. ✧ Check out more resources in The Biggest Story Curriculum ✧ Follow The Biggest Story on Instagram ✧ Watch The Biggest Story Animated Videos! ✧ Sign up to receive weekly emails about the new story each week!

July 23rd, 2025 - We welcome back J.C. Miller on why Catholics are leaving the faith. Then we're joined again by Mark Lambert of Catholic Unscripted to discuss Fr. James Martin and the sins of Sodom & Gomorrah. TheStationOfTheCross.com/ACT  

Send us a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for Proper 12, the Sunday between 7/17-7/23: Genesis 18:20-33; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13.They discuss Abraham's intercession for Sodom & Gomorrah, gnosticism in Colossae, and Jesus' teaching on prayer.Notes:Ari Lamm's reflection on Sarah's laughterNobody's Mother, by: Sandra L. Glahn--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Pentecost--2019 Book of Common PrayerPentecost: A Day of Power for All People, by: Emilio AlvarezAudio Sermons for Advent AnglicanThe Bible ProjectThe Bible Project: Colossians1:11Collect1:55  Genesis 18:20-3329:53 Psalm 13832:54 Colossians 2:6-1546:09 Luke 11:1-13 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

7/20/2025 Rev. Siyoung Jung Jude 1:1-7 1 Jude, a servant[a] of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for[b] Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved[c] a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire,[d] serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 19, we delve into the sobering reality of God's judgment and its implications for our lives. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrestrained sin and rejection of God's moral order. However, this isn't just a tale of destruction – it's a call to examine our own lives and choices. Are we, like Lot, being pulled towards the allure of a fallen world? Or are we, like Abraham, standing in faith and interceding for others? The message challenges us to guard against the pull of worldly temptations and keep our eyes fixed on God's calling. Importantly, we're reminded that God's judgment isn't arbitrary, but a response to persistent unrepentance and a cry for justice from the oppressed. Yet, even in judgment, we see God's mercy – saving Lot for Abraham's sake, foreshadowing how we are saved through Christ's righteousness. This story urges us to take God's warnings seriously, but also to rest in His covenant promises and the redemption offered through Jesus.

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 19, we delve into the sobering reality of God's judgment and its implications for our lives. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrestrained sin and rejection of God's moral order. However, this isn't just a tale of destruction – it's a call to examine our own lives and choices. Are we, like Lot, being pulled towards the allure of a fallen world? Or are we, like Abraham, standing in faith and interceding for others? The message challenges us to guard against the pull of worldly temptations and keep our eyes fixed on God's calling. Importantly, we're reminded that God's judgment isn't arbitrary, but a response to persistent unrepentance and a cry for justice from the oppressed. Yet, even in judgment, we see God's mercy – saving Lot for Abraham's sake, foreshadowing how we are saved through Christ's righteousness. This story urges us to take God's warnings seriously, but also to rest in His covenant promises and the redemption offered through Jesus.

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapters 7 and 8.

When God calls us to something new, our first instinct is often to focus on what we lack—our insecurities, fear of rejection, or the possibility of failure. But Matthew 10 reminds us that confidence in God's calling is rooted not in our abilities but in His presence, power, and purpose. Jesus sent His disciples out with authority, without micromanaging their flaws. His instruction? Be wise, stay pure, and keep moving forward—even in the face of rejection. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or hesitant to pursue a new opportunity, this devotional reminds you that godly confidence is less about perfection and more about obedience. Shake off the dust, trust your calling, and walk boldly into your next assignment. Highlights ✨ God doesn’t wait for perfection—He works through our obedience.✨ The disciples were imperfect but sent anyway. So are we.✨ Jesus’ instruction to "shake off the dust" is a bold reminder: don’t carry rejection into your next opportunity.✨ Confidence in God’s call means focusing more on His power than our past mistakes.✨ Like the disciples, we are chosen, equipped, and sent to make an impact. Join the Conversation Have you ever shaken the dust off and stepped out in faith, even when you felt unqualified? Share your story with us and encourage someone else! Tag us @lifeaudionetwork and use #CalledWithConfidence to join the conversation.

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 18, we delve into the transformative nature of intercessory prayer. The story of Abraham pleading with God for Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us that true spirituality isn't just about personal blessings, but about engaging with God's mission in the world. We're challenged to leverage our relationship with God on behalf of others, standing in the gap for those who may not even realize they need prayer. This passage reveals the delicate balance between God's justice and mercy, ultimately pointing us to the gospel - where Jesus, the one truly righteous person, became our intercessor. As we grasp this truth, it should reshape how we view our relationship with God, our perception of the world's brokenness, and inspire us to bring bold requests before our King. Are we ready to move beyond self-focused prayers and embrace our role as priests in this broken world?

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 18, we delve into the transformative nature of intercessory prayer. The story of Abraham pleading with God for Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us that true spirituality isn't just about personal blessings, but about engaging with God's mission in the world. We're challenged to leverage our relationship with God on behalf of others, standing in the gap for those who may not even realize they need prayer. This passage reveals the delicate balance between God's justice and mercy, ultimately pointing us to the gospel - where Jesus, the one truly righteous person, became our intercessor. As we grasp this truth, it should reshape how we view our relationship with God, our perception of the world's brokenness, and inspire us to bring bold requests before our King. Are we ready to move beyond self-focused prayers and embrace our role as priests in this broken world?

Welcome to "The Bible in Today's World", the show that compares today's world with the Word of God. In general and specifically, are we following the Bible in our daily walks? Is society demanding that we follow the Word of God in all that we do? Does our Almighty Father look upon us and frequently say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" - or is He thinking of us as He thought/thinks of Sodom and Gomorrah? On today's show, we will discuss 1 Corinthians - Chapters 4, 5, and 6.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 10:7-15 - Jesus said to His Apostles: "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words— go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town." Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Brandon Otto on his new translation of Saint Claude La Colombière's: Seeking the Heart of Christ (TAN Books) https://tanbooks.com/products/books/seeking-the-heart-of-christ-christian-reflections-on-the-interior-life/ 4) This June, Christ the King conquers LGBT https://www.returntoorder.org/2025/07/this-june-christ-is-king-conquers-lgbtq/

Gospel Matthew 10:7-15 Jesus said to his Apostles: "As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words— go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Reflection In this gospel we again see Saint Matthew describing the early church, his ministry. It is to be a gift that is given to those who will proclaim it to others, but in an interesting way, they are not to go out and convert pagans to the reality of who God really is but they were to go to the house of Israel. And what they were asked to do was to awaken them, to build on the goodness that is there, the grace, the peace that is in their homes. It's fascinating to me that this was not about conversions, but about fulfillment. And it expresses once again the love that God the Father had and Jesus had for the Jewish people. Closing Prayer Father, there is something about you that is so consistent and so beautiful. You are a lover, and you never give up on those you love. You consistently work with them, help them to see things through experiences they've had. So bless us with an awareness of the confidence that gives us as we too participate in the coming of the Kingdom of God. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesus said to his Apostles:"As you go, make this proclamation:'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'Cure the sick, raise the dead,cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,or sandals, or walking stick.The laborer deserves his keep.Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,and stay there until you leave.As you enter a house, wish it peace.If the house is worthy,let your peace come upon it;if not, let your peace return to you.Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgmentthan for that town."

Read Online“Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” Matthew 10:14–15Recall how Jesus harshly condemned the Pharisees for their hardness of heart. In Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 23, Jesus issues seven “woe to you” condemnations of these Pharisees for being hypocrites and blind guides. These condemnations were acts of love on Jesus' part, in that they had the goal of calling them to conversion. Similarly, in today's Gospel, Jesus gives instructions to His Twelve about what they are to do if they preach the Gospel in a town and are rejected. They are to “shake the dust” from their feet.This instruction was given within the context of Jesus sending the Twelve to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” with the commission of preaching the Gospel.At that time, they were to go to those who had already been entrusted with the message of the Law of Moses and the prophets but were to now proclaim that the Kingdom of God has arrived. Jesus was the promised Messiah, and He was now here. And for those of the house of Israel who reject Jesus, they were to be condemned by this prophetic act of the wiping of the dust of their town from the Apostles' feet. At first, this can seem somewhat harsh. One can think that patience, ongoing discussions, gentleness and the like would be more effective. And though that may be the case in many of our experiences today, the fact remains that Jesus gave the Twelve this command.Just like the condemnation of the Pharisees, this prophetic action of wiping the dust from their feet was an act of love. Certainly, the Apostles were not to do this out of an irrational anger. They were not to do so because their pride was wounded by rejection or because of their disdain for these people. Rather, the Apostles were to do so as a way of showing the consequences of the townspeople's actions. When these towns of the chosen people rejected the promised Messiah, they needed to understand the consequences. They needed to know that by rejecting the messengers, they were rejecting the saving grace of the Gospel.First of all, it's important to consider those about whom Jesus was speaking. He was speaking about those who “will not receive” nor even “listen” to the message of the Gospel. These are those who have fully rejected God and His saving message. They, by their free choice, have separated themselves from God and His holy Gospel. They are stubborn, obstinate and hard of heart. Thus, it is in this most extreme case, of being completely closed to the Gospel, that Jesus instructs His Apostles to leave with this prophetic act. Perhaps upon seeing this done, some people would experience a certain sense of loss. Perhaps some would realize they made a mistake. Perhaps some would experience a holy sense of guilt and would eventually soften their hearts.This teaching of Jesus should also open your eyes. How fully do you receive and listen to the message of the Gospel? How attentive are you to the saving proclamation of God's Kingdom? To the extent that you are open, the floodgates of God's mercy flows forth. But to the extent that you are not, the experience of loss is encountered.Reflect, today, upon your being present in one of these towns. Consider the many ways that you have been closed to all that God wants to speak to you. Open your heart wide, listen with the utmost attentiveness, be humble before the message of the Gospel and be ready to receive it and to change your life as you do. Commit to being a member of the Kingdom of God so that all that God speaks to you will have a transforming effect upon your life.My compassionate Lord, Your firmness and chastisements are an act of Your utmost mercy for those who are hard of heart. Please soften my heart, dear Lord, and when I am stubborn and closed, please rebuke me in Your great love so that I will always turn back to You and Your saving message with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus blesses the Apostolic College by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Wednesday, 9 July 2025   “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Matthew 11:21   “Woe, you, Chorazin! Woe, you, Bethsaida! For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles, those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus began to rebuke the cities where He did His mighty works because they did not reconsider their ways. Now, to state His displeasure at them, and to reveal to them their fate, He begins with, “Woe, you, Chorazin!”   The word ouai, woe, is introduced. It is a primary exclamation of grief. Also, the name Chorazin is first seen here. It is a city in Galilee. The origin of the name is uncertain. Studying Hebrew root words that may be connected to the Greek transliteration, Abarim defines it as possibly Smoking Furnace.   The city is about two- and one-half miles north of a location known as Tel Hum. It remains a ruin to this day. Parts of the city are identifiable, such as the synagogue. This and its houses and buildings are built from locally obtained hard black basalt. Some of the walls that remain are up to six feet high. Next, Jesus says, “Woe, you Bethsaida!”   The name is from Beith, house, and tsayad, a huntsman. Thus, it means Hunter's House. However, being by the Sea of Galilee, some think the hunting is referring to fish and call it Fisher's House. It is where Phillip, Andrew, and Peter came from as seen in John 1:44. The location is still known and visited today. Of these cities, Jesus says, “For if in Tyre and Sidon, they occurred – the miracles.”   Turos, Tyre, and Sidón, Sidon, are both first mentioned here. The Hebrew name of Tyre is Tsor. This comes from tsor, flint, or tsur, rock. Thus, it is the fortified city, Rock. Sidon is from the Hebrew tsud, to lie alongside. Therefore, it signifies to hunt, chase, etc., due to the thought of lying in wait. As such, it is a place of fishing, and it is named after those who lie alongside as they fish. Thus, Fishery is its name.   These are cities that were destroyed by the Lord's judgment. Ezekiel was told to prophesy against Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Ezekiel 27 records a lamentation over Tyre. Ezekiel 28 begins with a proclamation against the king of Tyre and then continues in lamentation over the city. That is followed by a proclamation against Sidon in Ezekiel 28:20-24.   The Lord spent a great deal of time laying out His words against them. His descriptions and judgments put them on par with Sodom and Gomorrah as far as examples of wickedness resulting in punishment. Despite that, Jesus tells Chorazin and Bethsaida that if those terrible, wicked cities saw the miracles that Jesus did, “those done in you – if in sackcloth and ashes formerly they reconsidered.”   The adverb palai, formerly, is introduced. It is believed to come from palin, again. As such, it gives the sense of retrocession. It can mean all this time, a long time ago, already, formerly, etc. Jesus is saying that in the past, when they were wickedly going about life, there would have been a change in them.   The implication here is obvious. God used three chapters of Ezekiel, plus other references to Tyre and Sidon in His word (such as Isaiah 23), to reveal their wickedness. And yet, Jesus says that the hearts of these cities were humbler than those of Chorazin and Bethsaida.   If Jesus had gone to them and done His miracles at their time of judgment, they would have done what Nineveh did, reconsidering their ways and demonstrating that change in heart by adorning themselves with sackcloth and ashes.   Both of these words are also new. The first is sakkos, coming from the Hebrew saq, a mesh. It is the course material that would be only fitting in a time of mourning. This would be contrasted to the normal garments where life was going well. The other word, spodos, is a primary word signifying ashes.   The point Jesus is making, and which He will continue to make, is that if God destroyed these cities for their wickedness, how much more do Chorazin and Bethsaida deserve to be destroyed? They have not reconsidered their ways, but God knew that the hearts of Tyre and Sidon would have.   Life application: The meaning of the story of Jonah is a story that mirrors what Jesus is saying here. This is not the usual interpretation that is provided due to translational difficulties in Jonah 4, but when it is properly understood, it is clearly seen that God is contrasting the wickedness of Israel with the wickedness of Nineveh.   Nineveh reconsidered its ways, and God relented from His judgment upon it. Israel, with much greater revelation than Nineveh, refused to reconsider and receive their Messiah. Jesus will use exactly this symbolism in Matthew 12 and Luke 11. Israel didn't pay heed, and they were destroyed and exiled.   But the great covenant-keeping nature of God has spared them for another day. He has faithfully saved them, even through judgment, to bring them into the New Covenant. If He is this faithful to Israel through a covenant cut through the blood of bulls and goats, how much more do you think He will save you through the shed blood of Jesus Christ?   We are often just as unfaithful as Israel in our hearts and actions, but if we are in Christ, He will carry us through to a good end. Be assured and reassured in this.   Lord God, thank You for Your infinite love and grace as is revealed in our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen.  

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef considers the basis for Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, Part 5: LISTEN NOWAVAILABLE NOW FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTSome in the church today are seeking to modify Christianity to make it “relevant” to our culture. But does Christianity really need saving?In his bestselling book Saving Christianity?, Dr. Michael A. Youssef reveals the dangers of this trend with real-life examples to equip you to spot false teaching, deepen your understanding of Scripture, confidently defend the faith, and lovingly share it with others. Discover how to hold fast to the faith with Saving Christianity?while also supporting the strategic ministries of Leading The Way to passionately proclaim the uncompromising Truth. Request your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through August 3, 2025

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Monday morning, the 7th of July, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Exodus 6:7. The Lord says: “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” Then we go to that very well-known scripture that I love so much found in Romans 10:13. The Lord says: For “whoever (that means you sir, that means you madam)…whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”We serve such a merciful God, such a forgiving God, it makes me weep sometimes. I read very recently the account where Abraham said to the Lord, “Lord, if there were 50 righteous men in Sodom and Gomorrah, would You save the city?” The Lord said He would and he said, “What if there were 30? What if there were 20? What about if there were 10 righteous men in that city, would You save the city for the sake of those 10?” And He said He would. I don't know who I am talking to this morning but I feel I am talking to someone who is very burdened and heavy-laden who feels not worthy to call upon the Lord because you have disappointed God, you have broken some commandment, you know it, you did it willingly and now you've realised what you have done. I want to say to you, own up, say sorry, truly repent, and God will forgive you. I don't care who you are, and then there might be some Pharisees, some self-righteous, “No, no, you can't do that.” Yes, you can. The Lord said, in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” Who is the world? It's you, it's me, it's the one who dropped the ball, it's the one who told that lie, it's the one who has taken something that doesn't belong to you. Take it back, say sorry, repent and get on with your life. The Lord says that He would save a whole city for the sake of 10 righteous men. There is not one person listening to this programme today who is righteous in their own strength, no, not one, but it is by grace. What is grace? Undeserved, loving kindness, unmerited favour, that is what grace means. We don't deserve it but because He loves us and He says, “I am your God and I will help you, and I will take you out of your predicament.” But we must do it God's way and then He will be free to set us alive, to give us new hope and a new beginning.Jesus bless you richly! Remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Just say sorry, ask God to help you, and He will see you through. Jesus bless you and goodbye.

HAPPY SUNDAY FRIENDS! I'm SO expectant for what God's about to do through this convo today!

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explores how Abraham approached God to intercede for any righteous people left in Sodom and Gomorrah.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, Part 5: LISTEN NOWAVAILABLE NOW FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNTSome in the church today are seeking to modify Christianity to make it “relevant” to our culture. But does Christianity really need saving?In his bestselling book Saving Christianity?, Dr. Michael A. Youssef reveals the dangers of this trend with real-life examples to equip you to spot false teaching, deepen your understanding of Scripture, confidently defend the faith, and lovingly share it with others. Discover how to hold fast to the faith with Saving Christianity?while also supporting the strategic ministries of Leading The Way to passionately proclaim the uncompromising Truth. Request your copy today for your gift of any amount!*Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through August 3, 2025.

We continue to dig our way through Genesis and find more nuggets along the way! We see the giant clans showing up in Canaan and Abram and his 318 fighting men do some damage! Come along as we dig into the history, context, and foundation of our religion!

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show: I was wondering if members of other apostolic churches like Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, etc. are allowed to receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. If so, what are the conditions that must be followed? Why do we use the term “Godfather” when there is only God the Father almighty? Do our souls have a gender? At the resurrection, since our bodies and souls will be reunified, will there be any need for us to eat? I know that things like witchcraft and sorcery or anything dealing with occult powers is dangerous and wrong, but my teenage son is fascinated by magic, meaning the kind of magic that involves the art of illusion. Is there any danger in this? How are we not cannibals if we eat the body of Our Lord? Regarding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, I've heard conflicting "reasons" given for that. Most say homosexuality, but I've seen people on YouTube make arguments for other causes. Which is correct? To join the FSSP these days, do you have to consciously reject the SSPX? In seminary, what's taught on the SSPX? When discerning, why choose FSSP? What happens to the laity if a church is declared schismatic? Houston heat and Tex-Mex cuisine! Is the name Yahweh specifically connected to God the Father or to all of the persons of the Trinity? Does playing board games with your family/children count as leisure and how can we talk to someone who desires too much leisure or recreation? I was at High Mass today for the Feast of the Precious Blood. Can you explain a little about the roles of deacon and subdeacon? Where is St. Joseph buried? Can you talk about what it means for women to wear veils, why the law was changed, and why you think it seems to be coming back? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

In today's Morning Offering, Fr. Brad reflects on Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. Why did he stop at ten? Are we limiting God's mercy with small prayers?Morning Offering, June 30, 2025Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________