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Happy feast of St. Francis Xavier! On today’s show, Matt Swaim discusses the life and heroic witness of this great Jesuit missionary. Guests include Gary Zimak, author of “Find Peace in Advent,” and Ken Craycraft on the mystery of waiting for an already present Christ during Advent. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Collect for the feast of St. Francis Xavier O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier won many peoples to yourself, grant that the hearts of the faithful may burn with the same zeal for the faith and that Holy Church may everywhere rejoice in an abundance of offspring. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Christian church as described by the Nicene Creed is one, holy, universal, and apostolic. Do we live up to those descriptions? God has called us to stand out among the world and treat each other differently. We are meant to be united and unique.
Friendship with God Part 2 “Holy Church” John 17:6-19 Download the Friendship with God Daily Bible Reading Journal | https://bit.ly/3IkMFBA Watch Daily Bible Reading Journal Explainer Video: https://youtu.be/lNMkYueEBh0 -- REACH Resources Visit the REACH webpage | https://www.fcchudson.com/reach -- GET CONNECTED! https://www.fcchudson.com and click Next Steps! --- Stay connected! Website: https://www.fcchudson.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fcchudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fcchudson YouTube: https://bit.ly/3twyuMN Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-community-church-hudson/id1815577020 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uQLVXLr6cig3TEgPYSpDL?si=e0175be24e1141b2 #fcchudson #churchonline Take your next step with us! https://bit.ly/3IJv7f1
Andy Bootes
Andy Bootes
The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes upthat can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes upthat can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares. Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
Sermon for the Feast of All Saints (November 2nd, 2025) Revelation 7:2-17; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 Rev. Jonathan Jennings -------------------------------- Check Us Out At: www.bethlehemlutheranferrin.org www.facebook.com/bethlehemlutheranferrin/
The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes up that can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares.Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
The world is watching the Church and it always has. See what we can learn from the first Church when something comes up that can derail their momentum Patrick Dennis shares.Welcome to New Life Online! We are so glad you are here! Learn more about New Life at http://newlife.church. Fill out a Digital Connection Card to ask specific questions at http://newlife.church/connect.
God's will isn't a mystery—it's to form us into a holy people. When we live this way, we reflect His character to a watching world. Teacher - Tom Harrigan
Drawing upon St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop Averky examines this teaching from St. Paul and how modernists and ecumenists can and do twist it to their liking.
In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou talks about Holy Fire and Holy Light. This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders
The priests are the human instruments working through the grace of the Church, as God ordained. What the angels cannot do, the priests ordained for God can. The priests carry out the same mission to the people of the world as Christ granted to St. Paul and the Apostles through His sanctification. They are entrusted not just to keep the traditions of the Church as bestowed through the teachings of the Apostles, but to perpetuate the Faith through their sacred ministry.
In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou comments on the famous quote: "If you die before you die, when you die, you won't die".This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders
The post The Supernatural and Holy Church of Jesus Christ appeared first on The Bridge Church.
The post The Holy Church appeared first on The Bridge Church.
In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou answers the question: "Can the living help the dead?"This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders
What if holiness isn't something you wear—but something you embody? God's grace is what saves us, but it's holiness that shapes us. In The Holy Church: How Relevance is Killing Revival, Pastor Mike O'Connell walks us through 1 Peter 1–2 to remind us that we're not called to blend in—we're called to stand out. This week, take a look at what's influencing you. What's keeping you from becoming the holiest version of who God created you to be? Let go of what's holding you back, so you fully experience God's best for your life!
What if holiness isn't something you wear—but something you embody? God's grace is what saves us, but it's holiness that shapes us. In The Holy Church: How Relevance is Killing Revival, Pastor Mike O'Connell walks us through 1 Peter 1–2 to remind us that we're not called to blend in—we're called to stand out. This week, take a look at what's influencing you. What's keeping you from becoming the holiest version of who God created you to be? Let go of what's holding you back, so you fully experience God's best for your life!
In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou speaks on how we can acquire and keep humility. Through real stories of saints and practical steps, he explains why humility is the “garment of divinity” and how silence, heartfelt prayer, and letting go of self-righteousness help transform the soul. This English translation of the sermon of His Eminence Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou during the 2nd “Lighting the lighter of the saints” Spiritual Dialogue Meeting with His Eminence, 14 April 2019, was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.' The meeting was hosted by the Renewal Committee of the Church of Panagia Kataphygiotissa in Platanistasa and took place at the event hall of the Holy Church of God's Wisdom (Agia Sophia) in Strovolos, Cyprus.Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders
Today is the Feast Day of Sts. Peter & Paul, two prominent holy Apostles. In the Icon of this blessed Feast Day, we see the Church filled with Christ in the middle and the two Apostles are pillars upholding it. Sts. Peter & Paul were so very different in their weaknesses, upbringing, personalities, and gifts. And yet, by their repentance at the experience of Christ, they were made so profoundly useful to Christ for the revelation of His salvation and the building up of the Church. We look at their lives and ministries today to gain great hope and confidence that Christ takes each one of us, His living stones, and places us all together in a beautiful order for our salvation and that of those outside the Ark of Salvation; Christ's Holy Church.
In this episode, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou recounts the trials of Saint Polycarp and Saint Ignatius, creating parallels to today's world of pandemics, migration, and moral confusion. Through storytelling, he urges the faithful to reclaim authentic Christian compassion and duty—reminding both Cyprus and the world that the judgment of our era is already unfolding.This English translation of the sermon of Metropolitan of Morphou Neophytos during the Archieratic Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of Meatfare (23 February 2020) that took place in the Holy Church of Apostle Andrew in the Nikitario municipality under the Metropolis of Morphou was provided by the ‘Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou Homilies' YouTube channel and was presented for otelders.org by Porphyrios from the ‘Orthodox Treasures YouTube Channel.'Read the full English transcript on our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/otelders
Ephesians 2:19-2219 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. May: Focus on the Family Month Building the Church Family Together The Church as a Spiritual Family Foundations of a Godly Church Family Marks of a Godly Church Family Threats to a Godly Church Family How to Build a Godly Church Family
Pastor Zack Flipse preaches from Acts 4:32-5:11, “Impurity in a Holy Church.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA
A Holy Church of Strangers - 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 (March 30, 2025) by Michael B. Linton
The Sunday of Orthodoxy: Embrace the Fullness of the Faith Fr. Anthony Perkins Every morning we join together and pray: Lord, save and have mercy on our civil authorities; protect our nation with peace, subduing our every foe and adversary. Fill the hearts of our leaders with peaceful, benevolent thoughts for your Holy Church and for all your people so that we, in their tranquility, may lead a peaceful and quiet life in true faith and in all godliness and purity. This same attitude is found amongst the most solemn intercessor prayers in all of Orthodoxy: those that occur during the Anaphora. In the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the prayer is; We also offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and for all those who live in purity and holiness. And for all those in public service, permit them Lord, to serve and govern in peace, that in their tranquility we may lead a calm and quiet life in all Godliness and purity. This is our approach to politics, and this is the basis of our theology of church and state. We are expected to pray for our government, that it provides a safe place for us to pursue perfection. And don't forget that pursuing perfection is what we are all about. We are learning to radiate peace and joy and unity so strongly, to be transformed by the grace and mercy of Christ so completely, that the people and world around us are themselves transformed. That when people see us on the streets, they recognize us as something different because of our love; that when they see us together as a church they are awed by the love that radiates among us and warmed by the Spirit that burns within our hearts. It is wonderful when the government respects this and gives us a safe space to make it happen. But sometimes the government goes beyond this. Sometimes it wants to get more involved. Orthodoxy is a way of life – we do not simply pursue holiness in our minds and before the icons in our prayer corners or in our houses of worship: we do it 24/7, with an approach to life that is complete and holistic. The way we eat, the way we talk, everything we do – it's all designed to further this one goal: the healing and perfection of us and of this world. When the government sees it as its own responsibility to guide us towards a certain way of thinking and living – rather than as simply the force that protects us as we think and live – we quickly run into problems. On previous Sundays of Orthodoxy, I have preached about the transformative power of beauty, of the fact that icons are not only allowed by Christianity but required by it, I have explained the findings of the councils and why they are true. These are very important lessons, and I will, no doubt return to them in future years. But certainly one of the lessons to be learned from the whole nasty history of iconoclasm – when morality police came into our churches and destroyed our icons and told us we were wicked for having them – is just how dangerous it is for the government to get involved in the substance of theological disputes. And it gets even worse when it seeks to enforce the version it believes is best for us. But thank God we are free from such things here and now. Thank God the First Amendment [and the rest of the Constitution] encourages our government to protect us rather than change us. This, combined with the melting pot of cultures and religions here has created a widespread respect for the ideal of religious diversity, even when disparate beliefs are held with fervor. But here's the thing. There really have been times when people hid their icons because the authorities were confiscating them and persecuting the people who were caught with them. Here, don't just think of when the iconoclasts ruled in Constantinople in parts of the first millennium; the militant atheist iconoclasts in the Soviet Union destroyed plenty of icons in the 20th century and Muslims have done this more recently than in Kosovo and the Middle East. But in America we are free. No one is taking our icons. And yet even so it seems to me that the iconoclasts are winning, not just in our broader American culture (which we are called to sanctify), but perhaps even amongst us, in our own homes. When strangers come into our homes, are they greeted with an image of that which is central to our identity? The thing that drives and draws us toward peace and perfection? Are our wedding and patronal icons central to the “feng shui” of our living rooms and bedrooms? Do we have reminders in our kitchens and hallways that there is a Christian manner of eating and living? Is there an icon near our television to remind us that our every thought should be pure and chaste, that it is better to pluck our eye than allow it to pull us off the path of righteousness? And remember, it's not just about icons. All our life is to be transformed by our life in Christ. It is a holistic way of life that informs and blessed everything. The way we eat, the way we think, the way we love. If we have not sanctified our homes with icons, I wonder if we have sanctified them with prayer. If we have not sanctified them with prayer, then there is no way we can them with love. And if we have no love, our lives are full of noise and confusion, and we are little more than wasted potential; wasted skin and mind and soul. The world believes that icons are unnecessary. We know that to be a lie. St. John of Damascus lived in a time when icons were being attacked, both by the Muslim authorities who governed over him and his flock and by heretical religious authorities who shared their vision. He was a theologian, so he defended icons with theological arguments, but his strongest advice was pastoral: He wanted to see his people free. He wanted to see them healed. He wanted to see them holy. He knew that Orthodoxy – the fullness of the faith (and not some compromised watered-down version) was essential to that purpose. So he told them to embrace their icons, despite the surrounding culture. I want you to be free. I want you to be healed. I want to see you holy. I know that Orthodoxy – the fullness of the faith (and not some compromised watered-down version), is essential to that purpose. So I encourage you to embrace your icons. And not just icons. Resist every temptation and encouragement to water down any aspect of your faith; not by attacking the forces that mock or try to destroy your faith, but by committing yourself to a life in Christ. To prayer. To fasting. To sacrificial giving. To chastity. As we will proclaim together at the end of the Liturgy; This is the Faith of the Apostles. This is the Faith of the Fathers. This is the Faith of the Orthodox. This is the Faith which has established the Universe. In the name …
We continue through the Nicene Creed.
We Believe, The Nicene Creed
We Believe, The Nicene Creed
Ephesians 4:1-6
In this episode, we critically examine Young Life's approach to Roman Catholicism through their article, "What Do Catholics (Really) Believe?" We'll unpack the theological missteps and discuss the implications of their stance for gospel clarity. Additionally, we'll dive into one of our own recent articles exploring the Roman Catholic practice of praying to Mary and the saints. Is it truly equivalent to asking friends to pray for you, or does it point to deeper theological concerns? Join us as we navigate these important topics from an Evangelical perspective, holding fast to the truth of the gospel.Episode resources:https://younglifeleaders.org/2022/04/what-do-catholics-really-believe.htmlhttps://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/why-praying-to-the-saints-is-not-like-asking-for-prayer-from-friendsExamples of prayers to Mary, Joseph and Guardian Angels from Rome's 1999 edition of the official "Manual of Indulgences. NORMS AND GRANTS. Apostolic Penitentiary." Translated into English from the fourth edition (1999) of Enchiridion Indulgentiarum: Normae et Concessiones.PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYMaria, Mater gratiaeMary, Mother of grace and Mother of mercy, shield me from the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death. Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.(Liturgy of the Hours, Ordinary for Night Prayer)PRAYERS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPHA partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g., Ad te, beate Ioseph). Ad te, beate Ioseph:To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the helpof your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.PRAYERS TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGELA partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly invoke the care of their guardian:Angele Dei, Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love entrusts me here, enlighten and guard, rule and guide me. Amen.Support the show
Ephesians 4:1-6
The Good Samaritan and Veteran's Day St. Luke 10:25-37 Introduction. The Deeper Magic of Unity. The Division of Mankind into Nations. The Demons, our Fallen Psychology, and the Reification of Separation. The Coming of Christ, Pentecost, and the Promise of Unity. And this is where we find ourselves today. We know that Christ has brought an end to our division and allows us to be One as He is One; joyous, peaceful, and continually progressing through the endless stages of perfection in peace … but still living in a world where lives come to an end and violence between nations ceases only so long as strength and vigilance are maintained. The Good Samaritan The need for our enemies and why our love for them actually brings us the light of objectivity. Christ as the ultimate “other.” Veterans Day And so we come to the juxtaposition of this Epistle with our celebration of Veteran's Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month; temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. And yet we still have war. People and nations still prey on and threaten one another. Even when we are between wars, we no not have the peace of Christ, but the peace of strength. And where we do not have the peace of strength, we have war and the lessons of martyrdom. Our Church prays and works for the Peace of Christ; and as that peace is worked for and anticipated, we pray for and support the peace that comes from military might. This is the practice and teaching of the Church. Right after the anaphora we pray: We also offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and for all those who live in purity and holiness. And for those in public service; permit them, Lord, to serve and govern in peace, that in their tranquility we may lead a calm and quiet life, in all Godliness and purity. From our Morning Prayers: Lord, save and have mercy on our civil authorities; protect our nation with peace, subduing our every foe and adversary. Fill the hearts of our leaders with peaceful, benevolent thoughts for your Holy Church and for all Your people so that we, in their tranquility, may lead a peaceful and quiet life in true faith and in all godliness and purity. And from St. Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-2): First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. And how is this peace that we pray for maintained? Through the sacrifice of men and women in our armed forces and police who are willing to put our security and comfort ahead of their own. [a note on the special sacrifice of Christian warriors]. It is obtained and maintained by soldiers, sailors, marines, and first responders who are willing to suffer, to fight, to die, and yes, even to kill – not out of glory or any kind of sinful passion; but only so that we – in the peaceful space their efforts create and sustain – might pursue perfection in Christ, and through this an end to all wars achieved not through military victory or a well thought out and executed set of treaties and institutions; but through the union of all people and nations into one humanity, humbled and perfected in Christ. We thank all of our veterans and those serving now for your willingness to live the kind of life that allows us the freedom to pursue true and lasting peace. We pray that Lord our God grant that we always be so blessed with men and women [like these] who are willing to sacrifice their lives for us and we pray that He gives us, the civilians, the strength and commitment to live in such a way that their efforts are not squandered through our impiety, selfishness, and unwillingness to live and spread the Gospel. Allow all of us to surrender ourselves to you, Lord, through the Cross, so that our Union may be eternal and the peace between us become real and unending. Check out this episode!
“And since these especially ruinous harms to all of Christendom are not to be tolerated or suffered any longer, so we have completely agreed – with a well-considered disposition, by means of much and various discussion and counsel, which we have earnestly undertaken concerning this among ourselves and with many other princes and lords of the Holy Empire, for the assistance of the Holy Church, the comfort of Christendom and the honour and profit of the Holy Empire – that we want fully and specifically to remove and depose the above-written Lord Wenceslas as a neglectful procrastinator, dismemberer and one unworthy of the Holy Empire from the same Holy Roman Empire and all the dignities pertaining to it with immediate effect.” End quoteSo concluded the Prince Electors of Cologne, Mainz, Trier and the Palatinate on August 20th 1400. King Wenceslaus IV, son of the great emperor Karl IV, king of Bohemia and duke of Luxemburg was to be deposed for his “evil deeds and afflictions [that are] are so clearly manifest and well known throughout the land that they can neither be justified nor concealed” end quote How could that happen. Last time we looked at the house of Luxemburg, they directly held almost a quarter of the German lands, controlled two of the seven electoral votes, had manoeuvred themselves into pole position to gain the Hungarian and the Polish crown, with even a long-term option on Austria, Styria, Carinthia and Tyrol . But now, a mere 22 years later, the great second Carolingian empire lies in tatters. How is that possible? That is what we will look at today.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/HistoryofthegermansTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward ExpansionThe...
Ever wonder if the Catechism of the Catholic Church is inspired by the Holy Spirit like the Bible? Patrick breaks down the distinction between divine inspiration in scripture and the wisdom found in the Catechism. Get clarity on how God breathes his Word through the apostles, while still allowing their personalities to shine. James (email) – Your advice is so bad that people can take legal action against you. I also think Relevant Radio pays actors to call into the shows (01:36) Dawn (email) – Is the Catechism of the Holy Church inspired by the Holy Spirit? (14:16) Todd - I really appreciate this dialog you are having! We need to pray for this person who emailed in. Mary - My friend's husband has family who are babying and enabling him. (23:37) Mike - How can I talk about the Catholic prohibition against gay marriage to my son? (44:42)
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” John 6:19–20 On October 22, 1978, Pope Saint John Paul II was inaugurated as the 264th pope of our Holy Church. During his homily, the Holy Father said, “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power.” The phrase “Do not be afraid” was repeated over and over again throughout his pontificate. In his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, which was written as a preparation for the new millenia, the Holy Father explained the following: “When pronouncing these words in St. Peter's Square, I already knew that my first encyclical and my entire papacy would be tied to the truth of the Redemption. In the Redemption we find the most profound basis for the words “Be not afraid!”: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (cf. Jn 3:16). This exhortation against fear is repeated throughout the Bible numerous times. It is found in the Old Testament over a hundred times in some form and in the New Testament over fifty times. Again and again, God wants us to conquer fear, worry, and anxiety. He wants us to trust in Him in all things and place all of our hope in Him. What is it that you fear the most in life? For some, fear comes on a daily basis. Perhaps you face financial insecurity, poor health, a broken relationship, psychological difficulties, etc. There are numerous things in life that can easily tempt us to fear. In the Gospel passage for today, Jesus walks toward His disciples on the water during a turbulent time on the Sea of Galilee. The wind was blowing, and the waves were distressing. And though these fishermen had spent many nights on the sea, Jesus chose to come to them at this moment, not so much to help them get to shore but to teach all of us that no matter what “storm” we face in life, He will be there in ways that are truly miraculous. Certainly, none of the disciples ever expected to see Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night while the waves were crashing upon their boat. But Jesus did this and spoke those words, “Do not be afraid,” because He wanted us to know that no matter what we struggle with in life, He is always there, coming to us in love, and will see us safely to the shore of His peace. If fear is something you struggle with on a personal level, then turn your eyes to the reality of the Redemption. The Father sent the Son into the world to save you. Jesus did not only come to teach, or to inspire, or to help. He came to save. To redeem. To destroy death, fear, sin and all that keeps us from the Father. His saving act changes humanity forever. If you understand that and believe it, then nothing can steal away your peace and fill you with fear. Reflect, today, upon this powerful little phrase: “Do not be afraid!” Imagine yourself in the boat with the disciples at night, being tossed by the waves, surrounded by darkness. And then see Jesus coming to you speaking those words. Know that He speaks them to you in the darkest moments of your life and that He will never leave you. Hope in Him and let His saving act of the Redemption transform your life forever. Jesus, my Redeemer, I thank You for coming into this world to save us. Thank You for the gift of the Redemption of the world. When I am tempted to fear and turn my eyes to the difficulties of the world, give me the grace I need to turn to You in hope and trust. Enter the storms of my life, dear Lord, and lift my burden of fear. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee By Paul Bril and Frederik van Valckenborch, via Wikimedia Commons