Podcast appearances and mentions of John the Baptist

Chapter 1 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels. He is Coming - The foretelling and the birth of John the Baptist. John is the last living prophet that paves the way for the coming Messiah - he is the prelude to Jesus’ epic coming. Today's opening prayer is inspired by Luke 1:37, For with God nothing shall be impossible. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of John the Baptist offers a stark reminder that following Jesus will come with a cost as we face evil in this life with our faith in Christ that will guide and sustain us to eternal life. (Lectionary #327) February 6, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Gospel Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias,  the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”  He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. Reflection Herodias gets a lot of attention in this reading, and that's the way it should be. But I'd like to look for a minute at Herod. Because Herod was an interesting character who had John the Baptist imprisoned, and then almost as if he said, I want him here so I can go and listen to him, because I don't know exactly what he's saying, but I really like listening to him. It's a beautiful image of Herod as a man who is really attracted, perhaps to the truth. And when confronted with who is Jesus, he proclaims he thinks that he's really John the Baptist reincarnated. Closing Prayer Father, you have place something inside of us that somehow knows when something is true. It's your spirit living in us. The Holy Spirit is truth, is life, is light. And when we see that in someone else, we're drawn to it naturally. Help us always to be aware of those that carry the truth, and let us surrender to what it is they're seeking to tell us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Friends of the Rosary,Today's Gospel (Mark 6:14–29) accounts for Herod's murder of John the Baptist.John is a proto-martyr, anticipating the martyrdom of many Christians.Today, February 6, we are celebrating another martyr who refused to compromise their beliefs. Saint Paul Miki and Companions.In the 16th and 17th centuries, the first to give witness, thousands of Christians in Japan suffered martyrdom.On February 5, 1597, Japanese Jesuit Paul Miki and his companions, including sixteen Japanese laymen, four of whom were boys, gave their lives for Christ.The Shogun Hideyoshi feared that these missionaries represented the vanguard of an impending European conquest.He decided to sacrifice them.He had the ears of the missionaries cut and ordered them to march four hundred miles from Miyako to Nagasaki, with blood streaming down their faces as a sign of their disgrace.In Nagasaki, each was bound to a cross and killed with a lance.The Japanese martyrs were canonized in 1862.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠February 6, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Read OnlineKing Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Mark 6:14–16When a person sins seriously and refuses to repent, the damaging effects of that sin deepen over time, creating spiritual blindness and unrest. In contrast, repentance not only brings forgiveness, it allows God to transform the wounds of sin into instruments of grace, using even our failures for His glory.Herod is a prime example of how obstinacy magnifies the damage caused by sin. The first paragraph of today's Gospel takes place some time after Herod executed John. The rest of the Gospel recounts how Herod was manipulated into beheading John by Herodias, his illegitimate wife, and her daughter. While much could be said about John's execution and the good fruit borne by his ultimate testimony to the Truth, it is also helpful to reflect on Herod's pitiful state to learn from his failure in order to avoid a similar response to sin.As soon as Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, John's ministry began to decrease, as he himself acknowledged: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). John's mission was one of preparation for the Messiah, calling people to repentance and pointing to the One who would bring salvation. Once Jesus began His public ministry, John's work was complete, and God permitted his arrest by Herod so that his martyrdom could become his greatest witness to Christ.Jesus' ministry was markedly different from John's. While John preached repentance and fearlessly rebuked Herod for his sinful relationship, Jesus' public ministry was marked not only by authoritative teaching but also by miraculous signs, including healings and even raising the dead. His fame spread quickly, reaching even Herod.When Herod heard about Jesus, he irrationally concluded that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. This reaction reveals Herod's inner turmoil. His erroneous belief was not borne of faith but of the torment of a guilty conscience. Herod had killed a holy man. His unresolved guilt blinded him to this truth and distorted his perception of Jesus, preventing him from recognizing the Messiah.Herod's tragic story reveals the universal danger of unrepentant sin, offering us a lesson about the destructive power of guilt and the healing grace of repentance. Unrepentant sin not only leads to further sin but also causes irrational thinking, fear, and paranoia. His guilt interfered with his ability to think clearly and rationally—not only about Jesus but likely about many other aspects of his life.Similarly, when we fall into serious sin, we are faced with two paths: repentance or obstinacy. Repentance opens the door to God's mercy, healing, and transformation. Through His grace, this path not only sets us free but also forms virtue within us and opens us to the spiritual gift of wisdom. Obstinacy, on the other hand, leaves us in spiritual unrest, deepening the wounds of sin. That path leads to self-destructive irrationality, confusion, and blindness. Reflect today on the importance of sincere and total repentance for past sins. Though difficult, an honest assessment of our sins and sincere repentance is the path to immediate freedom and eternal glory. We must understand and believe in the power of repentance. When we fall into sin, we must have the courage to face it, own it, and seek God's mercy. Learn from Herod by rejecting his example, and allow God's mercy to flood your life, eliminating the effects of a guilty conscience and leading you to peace and freedom. Most merciful Lord, I come before You as a sinner in need of Your infinite mercy. Free me from the spiritual blindness and obstinacy that prevent me from fully opening my heart to You. Grant me the courage to confess my guilt without fear, so that I may receive the forgiveness only You can give. By Your grace, transform my past sins into opportunities for Your glory, and turn my guilt into virtue through the gifts of Your Holy Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Caravaggio, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

From King David's words in Psalm 139 to John the Baptist leaping in his mother's womb, Scripture is clear — life is sacred from the start. Join Pastor Jeff Schreve as he reveals God's intimate work in the womb, the enemy's ongoing deception, and how we can defend innocent life with grace and conviction.

8:45 - How do we deal with the infiltration of Sharia law? Is it hypocritical to support freedom of religion and fight that? / 25:58 - What was Charlie Kirk's last book about, was he saying to hold the sabbath? / 34:38 - Why is Stephen considered the first martyr when John the Baptist was killed first? / 42:53 - Was the Constitution corrupted in any way by the founding fathers' participation in the Masonic lodge? / 50:58 - Comment on how a house divided cannot stand.

The feeding of the 5,000 reveals how God's mathematics work differently than ours. When Jesus received news of John the Baptist's death, He moved from grief to compassion, seeing the crowd's needs despite His own pain. The disciples only had five barley loaves and two fish from a boy's lunch, but Jesus multiplied this humble offering to feed thousands with twelve baskets left over. This miracle teaches us that God doesn't need our abundance to work miracles - He specializes in taking small, faithful offerings and creating extraordinary impact. The key is surrendering what we have right now, not waiting for better circumstances or more resources.

John the Baptist gives the first answer to the question of who Jesus is: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” These words are a vital clue to understanding Jesus and why he matters for us, and so in this session, we examine what John meant.

1) What does it mean that Christ went and preached to the spirits in prison in 1 Peter 3:19?2) Who are the “dead” the gospel was preached to in 1 Peter 4:6?3) Can you discuss the issue of tongues in light of 1 Corinthians 14:17?4) When did clergy first appear as professionals in church history?5) Why do you read letters before the program?6) Which James wrote the epistle of James?7) Why is Stephen the first martyr of the church instead of John the Baptist?

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  John the gospel writer's account of John the Baptist telling about how he originally did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah until GOD made it clear  and that he was the one who was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah.  Scripture References: John 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:1-31; Luke 1; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-12; Luke 3:21-22Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDms FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishafferCHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

“Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven you.’” (Mark 2:3–5 NKJV) The Gospel writers give us very little insight into why Jesus chose the people He did to serve as His disciples. We can get a sense of the personalities of Simon Peter, John—and Judas Iscariot—because they are featured prominently in certain stories. But for the rest of the Twelve, we must rely on quick glimpses. We must look beyond the words to the circumstances in which they’re mentioned to see just a little of what Jesus saw in them. Case in point: Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. We find the origin story of Andrew’s discipleship in John 1. Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. One day, as Jesus walked past, John the Baptist pointed at Him and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (verse 36 NKJV). That was all Andrew needed to hear. He immediately started following Jesus. But that’s not all he did. “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (verses 41–42 NKJV). The thing about Andrew is that once he was convinced, he was convinced. He saw for himself. He believed. And he immediately went out to tell his brother Simon. How we need more Andrews today. If we had more Andrews, we would have more Simon Peters. One person bringing another person to Jesus—it’s so simple. It’s so effective. And it’s so neglected. Mark 2 gives an account of four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Christ. As Jesus was teaching inside a house overflowing with people, these four persistent men climbed up to the roof and lowered their friend inside. Jesus was so impressed with their demonstration of faith that He forgave the paralyzed man of his sins and healed him (see Mark 2:3–5). This story serves as an inspiration and a reminder that sometimes a number of Christians working together can bring a person to Christ more effectively than one person working alone. As Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV). We all have a part in God’s plan. Andrew was brand-new in the faith, and often the newest converts are the most zealous evangelists. That’s probably because they are so cognizant of the fact that they have just been saved from a miserable lifestyle. That was Andrew. Maybe we, too, need to remind ourselves time and time again of what God has done for us. Reflection question: Who can you bring to Jesus? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday, 30 January 2026   When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Matthew 16:13   “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi, He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples finally clued in to what Jesus was trying to teach them. His words about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees were speaking of their evil doctrine. Matthew now continues the narrative of their time after arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, saying, “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi.”   A new word, Kaisareia, Caesarea, is introduced. It is derived from Kaisar, Caesar, a Latin word referring to the title of the Roman Emperor. Caesarea refers to two places in the area of Israel. The first is this location, Caesarea Philippi. Of this location, Albert Barnes says –   “There were two cities in Judea called Caesarea. One was situated on the borders of the Mediterranean (See the notes at Acts 8:40), and the other was the one mentioned here. This city was greatly enlarged and ornamented by Philip the tetrarch, son of Herod, and called Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. To distinguish it from the other Caesarea the name of Philip was added to it, and it was called Caesarea Philippi, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon.”   Having come to this general area, “He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” Translations consider His words in one of two ways. One is “Whom do men say that I am? The Son of Man?”, or “Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”   The latter is correct. Jesus has referred to Himself as the Son of Man nine times already, making this the tenth. Peter's answer will also show that He is not asking if people say He is the Son of Man. Rather, He is asking what He, the Son of Man, is called by others. He is preparing them for a great pronouncement by asking this probing question first.   Life application: Jesus came to His own country in Matthew 13:53-58. He was rejected by them. In Matthew 14:1-12, the account of the beheading of John the Baptist was given. That was followed by the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21.   Jesus then walked on the sea, as is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33. From there, they came to the area of Gennesaret, at which time He fully saved all who simply touched Him. In Matthew 15:1-20, it then noted the traditions of the Jews which Jesus condemned, explaining that what comes out of a man is what defiles, not what enters into him.   That was then followed by His journey to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, where the faith of the Canaanite woman was noted, and her daughter was saved. After that, Jesus went around the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side of it. There, He healed many and eventually fed four thousand. After feeding them, they crossed the Galilee, coming to the region of Magdala.   While there, He was accosted by the Pharisees and Sadducees who looked for a sign from heaven. He told them no sign would be given but the sign of Jonah. Once that was complete, they once again crossed the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side, being instructed on the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now in the account, they have remained on this eastern side and gone north to the area of Caesarea Philippi.   This crisscrossing of the land and the Sea of Galilee all has a purpose. Jesus' movements are being used as a walking instructional tool in what God is doing in redemptive history. It is good to stop and reconsider where He has gone and where He is at any given time. By considering these things, we can follow what God is doing in reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus.   Each area visited, each topographical marker that is mentioned, and each thing Jesus does is being woven into a marvelous tapestry for us to ponder and learn from. Keep paying attention to the details, both from a micro and macro viewpoint. God is telling us a story of humanity's long trek back to Him, and it is all centered on Jesus.   Lord God, it would make no sense for You to send Your Son into the world unless there was something to be gained from it. His life of trials and burdens, culminating in His cross and resurrection, tells us that there is a great plan that has been put in place to bring Your people to a place we cannot even imagine at this time. We are grateful to be on this journey because of Jesus! Thank You for the sure hope we possess. Amen.

Mark 1:1–8 Before Jesus begins teaching, performing miracles, or gathering crowds, God sends someone first to prepare the way. In this episode, kids meet John the Baptist—the “voice in the wilderness”—and travel with families to the Jordan River to hear his message and see people being baptized. Along the way, we learn what repentance means, why John said he wasn't even worthy to untie Jesus' sandals, and how all of this was part of God's plan from the very beginning. We'll also hear a true story about the Titanic and discover why warnings aren't meant to scare us—they're meant to save us. Most of all, children will be reminded that God is patient, kind, and loving. Even when people mess up or forget Him, God always welcomes His children back when they ask for forgiveness.

Abby Vlahos is the co-liaison for the On Behalf of All (OBOA) initiative's pilot parish, St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois. Her youngest child, Cosmas, is 9 years old and was born with a rare genetic syndrome causing a range of disabilities including intellectual disabilities and autism. She supports disability advocacy and ministry efforts in her work, her parish, and her Metropolis. In this interview Abby shares highlights of their parish experience in the first year as one of twelve pilot parishes chosen to work toward an accessible divine liturgy for children with disabilities through the OBOA initiative. St John's has been doing the holy work of making a way of belonging for families with disabilities for decades, and a few years ago established a high support needs Sunday School class. If you are interested in improving accessibility in your church community, St John's is a forerunner worth following.

In this lecture, Ian, one of the pastors, explores the themes of repentance and transformation as presented in Matthew's Gospel, specifically focusing on the figures of John the Baptist and Jesus. The session begins with a reading from Matthew 3:1-6 and 4:17, which sets the groundwork for the discussion on the importance of turning away from sin and towards God, encapsulating the central message of repentance that both John and Jesus proclaim.Ian reflects on the historical context of the time, recalling a turbulent period in 1858 Manhattan. He illustrates the inner turmoil of a man who, while contemplating dark actions, finds himself in a prayer meeting led by Jeremiah Lamphere, where the genuine confessions and prayers of other attendees move him toward repentance. This powerful personal narrative emphasizes how collective spiritual encounters can lead to profound life changes, underscoring the impact of community in the act of repentance and the transformation that often follows.Shifting focus to the text from Matthew's Gospel, Ian outlines how John the Baptist, dressed in a manner that evokes the prophetic tradition, preaches the urgent message: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” He draws attention to the stark contrast between the religious elite of Jerusalem and the common people who heed John's call. The wilderness becomes a symbol of purification and preparation, framing repentance not merely as a change of mind but as a holistic transformation involving heart, mind, and behavior.Ian emphasizes how the concept of repentance is deeply relational, rooted in the acknowledgment of one's sin against God. He explains that true repentance involves a turning towards God, which requires both an internal and external orientation. This is exemplified through the analogy of his own travels, illustrating that recognizing one's faulty direction leads to deliberate change. As he delves into various historical revivals, he highlights how each transformative movement is characterized by collective repentance, reminding listeners that throughout history, turning back to God has drawn His presence into communities.Furthermore, the lecture discusses the significance of baptism as a symbolic act of repentance and a transition into a renewed relationship with God, paralleling the Exodus narrative where God's people experienced transformation through physical crossings. In doing so, Ian contemplates the urgency behind John's ministry, calling God's people to undergo a similar spiritual Exodus—leaving behind ingrained practices that stray from God's ways.As Ian transitions toward a conclusion, he encourages attendees to evaluate their relationship with God and the state of their hearts, inviting them to engage in personal acts of repentance. He offers an affirmation that true repentance is liberative and brings about healing within both individual lives and the broader community. The session highlights that repentance is not a one-time act but an ongoing, essential practice for a vibrant relationship with God, inviting listeners to embrace this transformative journey.In the closing remarks, listeners are encouraged to take personal steps toward restoration, be it through direct repentance or intercession on behalf of others. Ian underscores that the kindness of God leads to repentance, unlocking the potential for renewal both personally and collectively, as they seek to inhabit a community characterized by grace and support, fostering an environment where turning toward God becomes a natural response.

This episode offers Part 2 of our exploration of the gospel of Luke through the lens of the question that John the Baptist asked Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?”(Make sure to have listened to Episode 427 before tuning in to this one).Today, we're asking this question of ourselves, our own lives, and our own hearts: Is Jesus truly the One our hearts desire?This begs a second question: if, as Christians, we've answered yes, then does our life reflect our stated priority?So, we examine the evidence of Jesus' identity through:·         Scripture: A thorough study of Luke's firsthand accounts and prophecies.·         Lives of Others: Observing faith's impact in people around us.·         Personal Reflection: Identifying if we're filling the “God-shaped hole” with substitutes.·         Asking God Directly: Inviting honest, personal encounter.Luke's narrative highlights three responses to Jesus, which inform our own possible response:·         Unbelief (Nazareth): Viewing Jesus as a lunatic.·         Rejection (Pharisees): Accusing Jesus of deception—a liar.·         Faith (The woman who anoints Jesus): Trusting Jesus as Lord.So, which will it be for you and me? The choice is ours – for salvation, but also throughout our lives. We get to choose to follow Jesus every single day.Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly. The journey is ongoing—keep pursuing deeper relationship, letting Him fill what only He can.Reflection:Who is Jesus to you? Lunatic, liar, or Lord? The answer shapes your identity, faith, and future. The invitation is to make Him your One—day after day, every day.We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogIdentity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I., served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show: Why is Mount Sinai sometimes referred to as Mount Horeb in the Bible? How can I use my talents from God in my work? How can the Church be in a difficult time when we've just lived through an unprecedented golden age of saint popes? Are Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory physical spaces? What is the Church's stance on the Limbo of the Unbaptized? How can life be so unbalanced, and will those who cause suffering pay in the afterlife? Does God consider protestantism heresy/grave sin, or is He ok with it since they are at least believers in Christ? Why does God give some people time to repent late in life after living a life of sin while others die young? Is there any sort of fast for after Communion? Should I worry about attacks when working with people who are against my faith? Did St. John the Baptist and the Holy Family spend a lot of time together when they were growing up? Are there any prayers I can say while the host is lifted? Resources: Fr. Elias' 2026 Pilgrimage to Japan: Click here 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!

Fr. John explores the ministry of St. John the Baptist and his preaching on preparation for meeting Christ, a call that remains for all who come to Him even today.

(9:41) Bible Study: 2 Timothy 1:1-8 We all know what priests are… or do we? Mark 3:22-30 Why does God makes Himself weak for us? (26:00) Break 1 (27:58) Letters: What is the prayer we say after the lamb of God in the Mass? Who is Mass addressed to? Father answers these and other questions, send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (35:49) Break 2 (36:42) Word of the Day Religious (38:56) Phones: Ron - Did any of the Jewish sacrifice actually forgive sins? Steve - When Jesus mentioned 'my church' was this a new concept and was it a new word in that Language? Maribel - Could you clarify when we are allowed to lift our hands in mass? Kris - Did Mary have siblings? Teresa - What is the Greek word for when john the Baptist 'leapt' in the womb? Julia - What is the Greek word for when john the Baptist 'leapt' in the womb?

John the Baptist's confrontational message in the wilderness carries an urgent warning about coming judgment that makes many uncomfortable today. When he calls the religious leaders a brood of vipers, he's delivering a prophetic warning about the reality of God's wrath - not human-like anger, but God's settled opposition to all evil and sin. John exposes two false refuges people often trust for salvation: external religion without internal transformation, and ethnic heritage or family background. Many go through religious motions - attending church, getting baptized, following traditions - without experiencing genuine heart change. Others rely on their Christian upbringing or family faith, but as John demonstrates, God has no grandchildren. Each person must individually repent and believe. The urgency is emphasized through powerful imagery: an axe laid at the root of trees and a winnowing fork separating wheat from chaff. This isn't distant future judgment but imminent reality with eternal consequences. However, there is hope. John points to Jesus as the only true refuge, the one who can actually transform hearts through baptism with the Holy Spirit. True repentance involves looking inward at one's sinfulness, outward at harm caused to others, and upward to God, resulting in visible fruit that demonstrates genuine life change.

This week, our dear friend Bob Simmons takes us into one of the most beloved miracles in Scripture—the feeding of the 5,000—but reveals a profound truth we often miss: Jesus wasn't just addressing physical hunger that day. The context matters deeply here. The disciples had just returned from an exhausting ministry tour, depleted and in need of rest. Jesus himself was grieving the brutal murder of John the Baptist. They sought solitude, but instead found themselves facing a massive crowd of perhaps 15,000 people. While the disciples saw an inconvenience and wanted to send everyone away, Jesus saw something entirely different: sheep without a shepherd. His compassion moved him to meet their immediate need, multiplying five small barley loaves and two tiny fish into a feast that left everyone satisfied with twelve baskets of leftovers. But the real miracle wasn't just the multiplication of food—it was the revelation that followed. When the crowd pursued Jesus the next day, wanting more free meals, he confronted them with a deeper truth: they were seeking a sugar daddy when what they really needed was a Savior. We all have a God-shaped vacuum in our hearts, a hunger for meaning, purpose, significance, love, and relationship that nothing on earth can satisfy. Jesus declares himself the Bread of Life, the only one who can fill that eternal longing God has placed within us. The question for us today is simple yet profound: are we seeking Jesus for what he can give us, or for who he is? Are we trying to fill our deepest hungers with temporary things, or have we discovered that only he can truly satisfy?

What are you willing to risk for the mission of Christ? The price was pretty high for John the Baptist, the disciples, and especially for Jesus himself. Going against the grain is rarely easy. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation that touches on the counter-cultural nature of Jesus' Kingdom, the marginalized status of the first disciples, and the urgency of taking risks for restoration, reconciliation, and healing. Listen to other episodes in the Coffee to Go series. Download the Transcript. Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim- Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Tobi. The words of St. John the Baptist, "He must increase, and I must decrease," act as a foundational program for the whole Christian life. Some practical teachings on how we can accomplish this and a small reflection on the life and humility of a contemporary saint, the late Bishop Makarios of Qena. Click the icon below to listen.

Sunday Morning Message: "Listening & Doing"In this message from January 25, Pastor Ben Boyd confronts us with a challenging truth from James 1:22-25: it's not enough to simply hear God's word—we must become doers of it. The teaching draws us into the uncomfortable reality that we can be captivated by biblical truth without being changed by it. Like looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what we've seen, we often experience conviction during worship or study, only to walk away unchanged. The message uses powerful examples from Scripture—King Herod who listened to John the Baptist gladly yet beheaded him, Pontius Pilate who was fascinated by Jesus yet condemned Him—to illustrate how listening without obedience is spiritually futile. The core challenge connects directly to our prayer lives: many of us avoid being alone with God because we fear what He might reveal in that mirror. But here's the liberating paradox of faith—true freedom comes through obedience to what James calls 'the perfect law,' which is ultimately Jesus Christ Himself, now written on our hearts and minds. When we root ourselves in God's Word, receiving it humbly, focusing on it, remembering it, hiding it in our hearts, and dwelling on it, transformation happens naturally. We're called beyond selective obedience and comfortable listening to a life where surrender leads to action, where hearing God's voice compels us to move, and where our Made to Pray journey becomes more than knowledge—it becomes the very rhythm of our changed lives.

This sermon explores the pivotal moment at the Jordan River where John the Baptist's prophetic mission meets its ultimate fulfillment in the arrival of the Messiah. Though John initially resists baptizing the sinless Savior, Jesus insists on this act to fully identify with the humanity He came to redeem. The event serves as a stunning reveal of the Trinity in action, as the Father's voice and the descending Spirit confirm Jesus' identity as the promised King and suffering Servant. By submitting to baptism, Jesus sets the stage for His ultimate mission of forgiveness through the cross and resurrection. We conclude by challenging listeners to reflect on their own public identification with Christ and the assurance of their identity as children of God.

Matthew 4:12-32Now, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan – Galilee of the Gentiles. Those who sat in darkness have seen a great light; those in the region and the shadow of death, on theme light has shined.”From that time, Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”As he walked along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the lake – for they were fishermen. He said to them, “Follow me and I'll make you fish for people.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. As he walked along a little further, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately, they left the boat and their father, and followed him.And Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. I have those walking monks from Texas on the brain lately. They are inspiring a piece of what we hope to do together during Lent in a few weeks, which you'll hear about soon enough. But I they came to mind as I read this morning's Gospel story about Jesus, making his way around Galilee.Surely, you've heard about the Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas. They've been “walking for peace” since October, with plans to make their way to Washington, D.C., sometime in February. 2,300 miles, I believe. Just walking. Stopping every once in a while to give talks about what they're up to – which is nothing more and nothing less than walking as an invitation to and witness about being mindful of peace and compassion. They've been compelled and inspired, of course, by a world – and our nation, in particular – that displays the opposite of those things, too much of the time; peace and compassion, I mean.So, they're just walking. And passing out prayer cords and flowers along the way. Shining a light on the call to be generous and deliberate about loving-kindness.Just walking. With their rescue dog Aloka, who walks faithfully along with them, and who has almost 700,000 followers on Facebook.Just walking. Even though at least one of them was injured along the way, after being hit by a car, and having his leg amputated.Just walking. Receiving the grace and generosity of strangers in the form of food and water and blessings of support and encouragement.Just walking. And gathering crowds as they go – in fits and starts – in various places; in all kinds of weather; sometimes a dozen or so; sometimes it looks like hundreds or thousands walking along with them.And all of it made me wonder about what we just heard about the beginning of Jesus' ministry – and if it started out just as simply and profoundly – with him just walking.When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested – which we know happened because John had spoken out against King Herod's unlawful behavior – Jesus likely felt like things had taken a turn in his world … that things had taken a turn, perhaps, in the world at large … to the point that he may not have felt safe or settled anymore in his hometown of Nazareth … maybe that he just couldn't sit still any longer …In fact, while Matthew's Gospel says that Jesus “left” Nazareth, we know from Luke's Gospel that there was more to it than that. Jesus actually got run out of town. He was kicked out of Nazareth. His hometown friends, family, and neighbors threatened to hurl him off a cliff, remember – because Jesus had the nerve to proclaim good news for the poor and recovery of sight for the blind; because he promised release for captives and freedom for the oppressed; because he reminded people about God's prophets doing ministry with – caring for – loving – and tending to – the outsiders, the outcasts, and the foreigners in Minneapolis … I mean the outsiders, the outcasts, and the foreigners in their midst.But when he was threatened with that cliff after standing up for foreigners, outsiders and outcasts, the Gospel says Jesus “passed through the midst of them and went on his way.”He just walked.And in today's Gospel, Jesus is just getting started. I imagine him walking alone when he meets Simon and Andrew – that first set of brothers who leave their nets and tag along, with the simple curiosity of what it might mean to “fish for people,” instead of, say, small mouth bass, for a change. And then Jesus gathers up James and John, who leave their boat and their dad behind, to go wherever Jesus was headed next. And maybe all of that is why some followed and some didn't. Maybe Zebedee was just too old for all of that walking. Maybe Zebedee wanted his boys to get out of the house, off the payroll, and about their own business for a change. Or, maybe Zebedee – like all those people in Jesus' hometown – wasn't on board with everything Jesus was preaching and teaching and calling them toward: release for the captive, freedom for the oppressed, care for the widow and the orphan, concern for the outcast, the immigrant, and the resident aliens in their midst.All of this is to say that this way Jesus was walking – and calling his followers to follow – was a hard one. It was counter-cultural and anti-establishment. It was dangerous and lonely, at times. It was not for the faint of heart. It was open-hearted and gracious to a fault. It was not popular or powerful – it was worthless and weak by the world's standards.But it was full of hope … hope that in spite of the brokenness of the world … that precisely because of the world's brokenness … the kingdom of heaven had come near, in Jesus. Hope … that just like before … those who sat in darkness had seen a great light. Hope … that just like before … those who sat in the region and the shadow of death … would have the light of God shine upon them, again.We could surely use some light to shine in our darkness right about now. We could surely use some hope in the face of the bad news, the violence, the lies, the unnecessary and unwarranted death and despair that seem to be winning the day for so many.And I heard someone say recently that “hope is not something you HAVE, it's something you DO.”“Hope is not something you HAVE, it's something you DO.”And that's what I see in those walking monks … and it's what I imagine Jesus was up to as he walked, too: holding out hope – for himself as he worried about John the Baptist's arrest; manifesting hope – as he grieved the loss of his hometown and their threats against him; holding out hope - as he saw the struggle and suffering of the hurting world around him; manifesting hope – for those who dared to walk with him for all of the above, and for all of us, just the same.I know it's not enough all of the time – just walking certainly doesn't feel like enough for many of us these days. And I know there won't be a lot of walking in the storm and snow that has covered so much of our country this weekend. But let's follow Jesus when and however we're able – with actions that hold out and that manifest hope – in the face of what can be so disheartening so much of the time.When things seem so frustrating, so fearful, so hopeless, imagine that HOPE isn't something you HAVE or something you can LOSE, even. Imagine, instead, that HOPE is something we can DO.So let us worship, learn and serve. Let us pray and be generous and kind. Let us walk and march for peace whenever the opportunity presents itself. And let us repent, too, that thing today's Gospel says Jesus couldn't shut up about once he started making his way around Galilee. “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”Repent for the things we've said and left unsaid.Repent for the things we've done and left undone.Repent for the actions we've taken and for the apathy we've shown.Repent for the ways we've ignored Jesus' invitation to follow him with faith, courage, justice, and love for all people.Let's repent because it means to change; because it means to turn around; because it means to do better now that we know better. Repent, because it means to exercise the Christ-like qualities of sacrifice, surrender, and humility.Let us repent, as a supreme act of faith, not because we HAVE to, but because we GET to. Repent, not full of shame or full of guilt or despair. But, let us repent and be filled with HOPE for the grace, mercy, forgiveness, and CHANGE that will come when we let the love of God, in Jesus, have its way with us, with our neighbor, with our enemies, and with the world God so loves.Amen.

By Jim Tuck - The parable of the fig tree in Mark 11 describes the tree as being without figs or unfruitful; Christ curses it to wither away. John the Baptist warned that the unfruitful tree will be cut down and thrown into the fire in Matthew 3:10. This is an analogy of a tree representing a person and a call to

This week's gospel lesson tells of Jesus' reaction to the arrest of John the Baptist. Pastor Michelle talks about why John was probably arrested - John was spreading a message of peace in the face of political leaders that used violence and oppression to remain in control. Jesus later used the same message of peace to show that violence is never the final answer to anything. She goes on to explain that showing peace and mercy can feel like an inadequate response in today's world, but it is the only response that matters.

A Reason For Hope with Pastor Scott Richards! Sharing the Word one question of the heart at a time. Tags: Third Temple, Gnosticism, and John the Baptist

Today's Scripture passages are Genesis 37 - 38 | 1 Chronicles 2:3-8 | Matthew 3:1-12 | Luke 3:1-18.Read by Ekemini Uwan. Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

The flesh, the world, and the devil all work to distract us from preparing the way for Jesus in our lives – and in others' lives through us. As we gather this Sunday and apply Matthew 3:1-12 in our lives, let's prepare the way for Jesus – in our own lives, and for others – the way that John the Baptist did.

Does the Bible really stay silent on abortion and “consensual” same-sex relationships, or are we watching Scripture get twisted in real time? In this LIVE FREE special reaction episode, Pastor Josh reacts to Texas State Rep. James Talarico and breaks down the viral claims, the word-games behind them, and what the Bible actually says about life in the womb, sexual ethics, justice, and the role of government vs. the Church. You'll also hear Josh's framework for engaging people who are sincerely confused vs. those intentionally deceiving believers—and why Christians can't afford to be naive right now. You'll learn: - Why “Jesus never talked about it” is a weak argument (and what Jesus did affirm) - The Bible's case for life in the womb (Psalm 139, Exodus 21, John the Baptist's response to Jesus) - Why Romans 1 directly contradicts the “only abusive relationships” loophole - The difference between Christian conservatives and conservative Christians - Why “feeding the hungry” doesn't automatically equal “government redistribution” - The biblical definition of justice (equal weights and measures) vs. progressive “justice” (equal outcomes for groups) - What Galatians 3 (“neither male nor female”) actually means—and what it doesn't - Why these “pastor-politician” clips go viral (and what Scripture warns us about)

2nd Sunday in Ordinary time, Year A  Gospel John 1:29-34 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

What does it really mean to call Jesus "the Lamb of God"? This week on The Cutting Room Floor, Neil sits down with Scott to unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's message. From a very real and very unpredictable lamb on stage to the deep theology behind penal substitutionary atonement, they explore why starting the year with Jesus changes everything. The conversation moves from Genesis to the Gospel of John, from Passover streets stained with blood to our everyday temptation to earn what God freely gives. Todays conversation is rooted in the hope that we are sons and daughters and not spiritual free agents trying to prove ourselves.   Your challenge: Stop treating Jesus like your last resort. This week, make Him your first response before you fix, control, or react. Pray first. Then move. Watch what changes. Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell What We Discuss Why Southland is starting the year focused on Jesus The meaning behind John the Baptist calling Jesus "the Lamb of God" The very real experience of using a live lamb on stage The foreshadowing of Jesus in the story of Abraham and Isaac What "penal substitutionary atonement" actually means The shocking reality of the Passover sacrifices Why there are no "JV" or "elite" Christians The danger of treating pastors like spiritual professionals What it really means to be a son or daughter of God How to make Jesus your first response instead of your last resort ⸻ About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Wednesday January 21, 2026II Week After EpiphanyGrowing Forward in Faith and TruthToday's readings challenge us to consider how we respond to both blessing and responsibility. In Genesis 9:18–29, we see the brokenness that still lingers even after a new beginning, reminding us that transformation is a journey and character matters in how we treat one another. Hebrews 6:1–12 urges believers to move beyond spiritual infancy, pressing on toward maturity with diligence, perseverance, and hope anchored in God's promises. And in John 3:22–36, John the Baptist models humility and clarity, declaring, *“He must increase, but I must decrease,” pointing us again to Jesus as the One who speaks the words of God and brings eternal life.This episode invites us to grow forward in faith—leaving behind complacency, embracing maturity, and joyfully aligning our lives so that Christ is exalted above all else.

Join Pastor Andrew Lovette and Dashawn Cousins as they delve into John 1:19-34, exploring the profound importance of John the Baptist's testimony, his humility, and his role in heralding Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Many Christians are familiar with the account of John the Baptist being the “forerunner” of Jesus Christ. However, today we are seeing an increasing number of forerunners for the Antichrist. Can you identify them? Are you prepared? Bob explains on this very special edition of the program.Now, do you believe in this ministry? If you do, you can keep us on the air as a radio program and podcast by visiting our website. It is vastly more urgent than ever that you do. ⁠https://truth2ponder.com/support-us⁠. You can also mail a check payable to Ancient Word Radio, P.O. Box 510, Chilhowie, VA 24319. Thank you in advance for your faithfulness to this ministry.

Notes Matthew 4:12-23 Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:12-23, which recounts the calling of the fishermen. They explore the significance of Jesus' call to Simon Peter and Andrew, as well as James and John, emphasizing the differences in the Gospel narratives. The discussion highlights the socio-political context of Galilee, where Jesus begins his ministry amid Roman oppression, and the implications of being 'fishers of men' as a call to advocate for justice rather than mere evangelism. The hosts also touch on the upcoming readings from Isaiah and 1 Corinthians, drawing connections between the texts and contemporary issues of division within the church and society. Takeaways Jesus's call to the fishermen is immediate and transformative. The Gospels present different perspectives on the same events. The arrest of John the Baptist serves as a catalyst for Jesus's ministry. Church divisions can distract from the core message of unity in Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven challenges existing power structures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:03 Conferences and Continuing Education in Ministry 04:58 Exploring the Sermon on the Mount 07:43 The Calling of the Fishermen: Matthew 4:12-23 09:00 Comparative Analysis of Gospel Accounts 12:04 The Significance of Jesus' Command to Follow 16:11 The Context of John's Arrest and Its Impact 19:26 The Political Implications of Jesus' Ministry 22:19 Understanding 'Fishers of Men' in a New Light 26:26 The Historical Context of Galilee and Its Importance 30:17 The Struggles of Modern Empires 35:07 The Light in Darkness: A Message of Hope 45:07 Unity in Diversity: The Call for Christian Togetherness  

(5:17) Bible Study: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 Father explains the story of Abraham and Issac and how it connects with John the Baptist (21:05) Break 1 (27:54) Letters: Why does the Church insist that the body should be buried in consecrated ground? What should you do if you have a possessed object? Father answers these and other questions, send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (41:56) Break 2 (42:45) Word of the Day New wine (45:51) Phones: Dan – Is tai chi ok for a catholic? Ed - Can we be married during lent?

In this message from Matthew 3, we encounter John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness with a simple but confrontational call: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. As Jesus steps into the Jordan to be baptized, we see the upside-down nature of God's kingdom on full display—where humility comes before power, obedience before recognition, and identity before performance. From repentance and fruit-bearing faith to sanctification, salvation, and the refining fire of the Holy Spirit, this passage invites us to re-examine how we're doing life and whose way we're truly following. John prepared the way for Jesus' first coming—and now we are called to prepare people for His return. Where might God be asking you to change direction so heaven can break into earth through your life?

Read OnlineThe disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Mark 2:18–19Fasting was common in Old Testament times. Its purpose was to express repentance, mourning, or preparation for divine intervention. This was especially true among John the Baptist's disciples who fasted in response to John's call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.Though the Pharisees fasted, their fasting was often for show, to illustrate a false piety. Recall the Pharisee's prayer in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: “The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income'” (Luke 18:11–12). In today's Gospel, Jesus explains that His disciples do not fast now, but that a day is coming when they will need to fast. Jesus explains this within the context of revealing His divine identity as the Bridegroom of God's people.Through the prophets, God often described His relationship with His people in terms of a marriage covenant. Isaiah said, “For your husband is your Maker; the LORD of hosts is his name, Your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5). Hosea prophesied, “I will betroth you to me forever: I will betroth you to me with justice and with judgment, with loyalty and with compassion…” (Hosea 2:22–23).While Jesus, the Bridegroom, was with them physically, His disciples were at their wedding banquet, celebrating the new marriage covenant God was establishing with them. It was inappropriate to fast at such a banquet. However, “the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day” (Mark 2:20). This is a reference to Jesus' Passion, Death, and Ascension. He prophesied that once the New Marital Covenant was sealed in His Blood and His earthly mission completed, “they will fast on that day.” That day is today!In the early Church, fasting was also common: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2–3). In this instance, fasting helped the teachers and prophets in Antioch discern Saul and Barnabas' mission in preparation for sending them forth.Today, Jesus not only calls us to regular forms of fasting and mortification, doing so is an essential part of our spiritual journey. This teaching is clear in the New Testament. For example, at the beginning of Jesus' ministry He entered the desert and “fasted for forty days and forty nights” (Matthew 4:2). This models for us the value of fasting as we attempt to fulfill our missions and overcome the temptations of the evil one.If we want to imitate our Lord, deepen our covenantal bond with Him, and further His mission, then we must regularly fast. Though fasting is only required twice a year—on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday—we are encouraged to do so weekly, especially on Fridays, uniting this practice to our prayer life. Reflect today on your practice of fasting and other forms of regular mortification. Fasting is an interior discipline that unites us to the suffering Christ and prepares our hearts to receive His abundant grace. By helping us overcome the enticements of the flesh and distractions of this world, fasting refocuses our souls on the eternal wedding feast that awaits us in Heaven. Embrace fasting not as a burden, but as a joyful opportunity to grow in holiness, deepen your covenantal relationship with the Bridegroom, and prepare more fully for the mission on which He sends you.My Lord and Bridegroom, through the shedding of Your Blood, You have established a New Covenant of love and salvation with me. I long to deepen this covenant and remain faithful to the mission You have entrusted to me. When I am tempted by the disorder of my appetites or distracted by the allurements of the world, remind me of the necessity and grace of fasting. Help me to embrace this holy practice with joyful anticipation of its spiritual rewards and with greater trust in Your providence. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

John the Baptist points out Jesus to the crowds and declares, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" (Lectionary #64) January 18, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260118dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 Closer than Cousins Jesus and John the Baptist were relatives. Their mothers, Mary and Elizabeth, were kinswomen or “cousins.” This would make Jesus and John cousins. But their closeness to one another exceeded a blood relationship. John was a herald and forerunner, the announcer of Christ’s coming. To this day, he prepares our hearts to receive the Savior by preaching repentance and faith. He preaches not only law but also gospel: “All mankind will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:6). Again, pointing to Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). How close this witness bearer was to Jesus! And Jesus was close to John, at whose hands he was baptized. In John 5:35, he calls John a “lamp that burned and gave light.” Further: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). At that point in time, Jesus was still lingering in the background. Only after his baptism in the Jordan would he come to the forefront to begin his public ministry. And then Jesus would increase, but John would decrease. It’s tempting to be jealous of how close John was to Jesus. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be Jesus' blood relative? But the truth is, every follower of Jesus is closer to him than we imagine. He loves us more than we can fully know. He is with us every moment of every day. When we receive the Lord’s Supper, we receive his true body and blood along with the forgiveness it won for us. You really can't get any closer than that! Rejoice in how close Jesus is to you—closer even than cousins! Prayer: Jesus, walk with me this day as you have promised. May all I do and say be pleasing to you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Read OnlineJohn the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'” John 1:29–30Central to the Jewish faith was the Feast of Passover, the commemoration of God's deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). In Jesus' time, Passover was one of three major annual feasts during which the Jews made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. Additionally, the Feast of Weeks celebrated the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and the first fruits of the harvest (Leviticus 23:15-22), and the Feast of Tabernacles recalled the Israelites' wandering in the desert and celebrated God's providence (Leviticus 23:33-43).Recall the first Passover meal. Moses instructed the people to sacrifice an unblemished lamb, mark the doorposts of their homes with its blood, and eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs in haste, ready to depart. This act of faith and obedience protected them from the angel of death who passed over the marked houses, sparing the firstborn of Israel, while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. The Passover thus became a perpetual memorial of God's saving power and His covenantal faithfulness to His people.Because of the Passover, the idea of a sacrificial lamb was intimately familiar to the Jewish people. The Jews were also familiar with the prophecy in Isaiah 53—often referred to as the Suffering Servant—in which the servant of the Lord is described as “a lamb led to the slaughter,” who bears the sins of many (Isaiah 53:7, 10–12). Additionally, each morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the temple as a continual offering for sin (Exodus 29:38–42).As Jesus began His public ministry, the first thing said of Him came from John the Baptist: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” His words would have resonated within the minds and hearts of John's disciples. His disciples believed that John was a great prophet and the forerunner of the Messiah, sent to prepare the way for the Lord. They saw him as a holy man who called for repentance and renewal, and some even wondered if he himself might be the Christ, though John consistently denied this.Because John's ministry was one of preparation for the Messiah, his disciples would have anticipated the Messiah's imminent arrival. Imagine the excitement, surprise, questions, uncertainty, and hope that would have filled their minds and hearts as they listened to John's prophecy about Jesus. John continued, “He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'”Though John's proclamation about Jesus took on a powerful significance for his disciples that first moment that he revealed Jesus as the Lamb of God, John's words must resonate within each of us today. Now that the Christmas Season is complete and we enter into Ordinary Time, we are invited to embrace Jesus' public ministry, with all His teachings and Paschal Sacrifice, as something extraordinary in our lives. We must approach His ministry with the same hope, enthusiasm, excitement, and anticipation that John's disciples experienced. Reflect today on the moment when John the Baptist's disciples heard him proclaim, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Like them, strive to see Jesus with new eyes and hopeful anticipation as we begin Ordinary Time. This liturgical season marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, and it must also be a renewed beginning of His works in your life. Follow Him without reserve, allowing Him to take away your sins and share in His life and love. Most holy Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, I choose to follow You, for You are the Messiah, the Son of God. As we enter into Ordinary Time, please give me the grace to embrace Your public ministry in an extraordinary way. May Your working in my life begin anew, transforming me and leading me to the freedom won by Your Paschal Sacrifice. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

“Does human fatherhood last in eternity?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of familial relationships in the afterlife, alongside other topics such as the significance of confessing sins to a priest and the Church’s authority on issues like IVF. The conversation also touches on the connection between John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus and priestly anointing, providing a rich exploration of faith and doctrine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:23 – In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter says that believers are “…you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people…” 13:01 – Is there a connection between John the Baptist baptising Jesus with the anointing necessary for one to be a priest? 18:10 – How do I explain to a friend the importance of confessing sins to a priest? 28:46 – How does the Church have any clout to teach on IVF when it is ran by men and IVF is a woman's issue? 34:35 – Does human fatherhood and motherhood last in eternity? 44:22 – I've been asked not to attend daily Mass at local parish because complaints have been made about my children being distractive, what can I do?

Friends, we return now to Ordinary Time, and the Church asks us again to think about the baptism of the Lord, this time in light of Saint John's distinctive account. John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him on the banks of the River Jordan, and the Baptist says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” You recognize that line from the Mass, when the priest holds up the consecrated elements and repeats John the Baptist's words. This declaration is of absolutely decisive significance, for John is giving us the interpretive lens by which we see and understand Jesus.