Podcasts about Judea

Saturday, 24 January 2026   And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” Matthew 16:7   “And they deliberated in themselves, saying, ‘Because not we took bread!'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said to the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Because of Jesus' words, not understanding the metaphor He spoke to them, Matthew records, “And they deliberated in themselves.”   A new word, dialogizomai, to reckon thoroughly, is seen. When one reckons a matter, he deliberates. HELPS Word Studies says, “properly, go back-and-forth when evaluating, in a way that typically leads to a confused conclusion. The term implies one confused mind interacting with other confused minds, each further reinforcing the original confusion.”   This word is only found in the synoptic gospels. At times, such as in Luke 1:29, it signifies an internal pondering or musing over a situation. In this case, however, any internal musing spilled over into dialogue where they deliberated the words of Jesus, “saying, ‘Because not we took bread!'”   Not understanding Jesus' intent concerning His words about the Pharisees and Sadducees, they could only grasp at straws about what He meant. Eventually, they came to the faulty conclusion that He must be scolding them for not bringing bread. Thus, they assumed Jesus meant their shortsightedness would leave them hungry on their journey.   Life application: The definition concerning the word dialogizomai given by HELPS words studies spoke of a confused conclusion, which resulted from one confused mind interacting with other confused minds. Because they have started with the wrong premise, their conclusions will be faulty.   This pretty much sums up any rapture discussion board you may go to. People start with a faulty premise. In doing so, their analyses will always end with faulty conclusions. Jesus' last words to His disciples were based on a question they proposed to Him –   “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'” Acts 1:6-8   Paul, when referring to the timing of the rapture, uses Jesus' words to explain end times matters –   “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1, 2   The Lord, through His word, has told us that we are simply not going to know when the rapture will take place. That is the end of the matter... well, unless you think you are smarter than God. And so people constantly and nauseatingly come up with a constant stream of predictions as to when the rapture will take place.   This has been going on for two thousand years. Eventually, some false prediction is bound to correspond to the day, merely because every day, someone has a false prediction about the rapture.   There will be no reward for “getting it right” by such a person. In fact, there will be no rewards for having wasted one's life sitting on rapture boards with other ill-informed people, deliberating a day that we are told we will not be able to identify. Instead, there will be many who stand before the Lord and have absolutely nothing of value to present to Him for the lives they lived.   It is even questionable if many of these rapture seekers are even saved. The best way to avoid coming to faulty conclusions because of debating with confused-minded people is to not bother debating with them.   Instead, read your Bible, study it carefully, and be ready to tell people about the goodness of God in Christ. This is what we have been tasked with, so be about that good business. The Lord will come when He comes. Let's leave that to Him.   Lord God, help us not to get caught up in sensationalism, predictions about things we are told we will not know, and focusing on the nothingness of useless banter about unproductive things. Instead, may our deliberations be based on what is sound, reasonable, and glorifying of You. Amen.

Gospel Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known. Reflection It was more difficult for people to understand the heart of the teaching of Jesus, that he was really presenting himself as the son of man, a human being filled with divinity. And when they wanted to make him God, that was blocking the whole notion of what he's come to reveal. He's not telling us that we can be gods. Nor is he saying all that God needs to do is come here and heal and fix everybody. No, the work is us being filled with divinity and then doing what Jesus did. That's the heart of the message to become an instrument of healing through us, not from us. Closing Prayer God's plan is not that we become perfect. That we lose our humanity. Our humanity is a key ingredient, our sinfulness, are our shortcomings are key ingredients in keeping us in the place that God longs for us to be as an instrument of his power, working through us, and not that we become the source of the power. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meditación del Evangelio según San Marcos 3, 7-12 por el biblista P. Norberto Padilla, misionero claretiano.Jueves 22/ene/2026, Los espíritus inmundos gritaban: «Tú eres el Hijo de Dios», pero él les prohibía que lo diesen a conocer.Canción: Creo en un solo Dios (2025), de Jaz Allende----------Lectura del santo evangelio según san Marcos 3, 7-12En aquel tiempo, Jesús se retiró con sus discípulos a la orilla del lago, y lo siguió una muchedumbre de Galilea. Al enterarse de las cosas que hacía, acudía mucha gente de Judea, de Jerusalén y de Idumea, de la Transjordania, de las cercanías de Tiro y Sidón. Encargó a sus discípulos que le tuviesen preparada una lancha, no lo fuera a estrujar el gentío. Como había curado a muchos, todos los que sufrían de algo se le echaban encima para tocarlo. Cuando lo veían, hasta los espíritus inmundos se postraban ante él, gritando: "Tú eres el Hijo de Dios." Pero él les prohibía severamente que lo diesen a conocer.Palabra del Señor... Gloria a ti, Señor Jesús#SoyClaretiano #Evangelio #MisionerosClaretianos #CMFAntillasIntro: Lámpara Es Tu Palabra, de Ain Karem

+ Evangelio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo según san Marcos 3, 7-12 Jesús se retiró con sus discípulos a la orilla del mar, y lo siguió mucha gente de Galilea. Al enterarse de lo que hacía, también fue a su encuentro una gran multitud de Judea, de Jerusalén, de Idumea, de la Transjordania y de la región de Tiro y Sidón. Entonces mandó a sus discípulos que le prepararan una barca, para que la muchedumbre no lo apretujara. Porque, como curaba a muchos, todos los que padecían algún mal se arrojaban sobre él para tocarlo. Y los espíritus impuros, apenas lo veían, se tiraban a sus pies, gritando: «¡Tú eres el Hijo de Dios!» Pero Jesús les ordenaba terminantemente que no lo pusieran de manifiesto. Palabra del Señor.

Mc 3,7-12.Jesús se retiró con sus discípulos a la orilla del mar, y lo siguió mucha gente de Galilea.Al enterarse de lo que hacía, también fue a su encuentro una gran multitud de Judea, de Jerusalén, de Idumea, de la Transjordania y de la región de Tiro y Sidón.Entonces mandó a sus discípulos que le prepararan una barca, para que la muchedumbre no lo apretujara.Porque, como curaba a muchos, todos los que padecían algún mal se arrojaban sobre él para tocarlo.Y los espíritus impuros, apenas lo veían, se tiraban a sus pies, gritando: "¡Tú eres el Hijo de Dios!".Pero Jesús les ordenaba terminantemente que no lo pusieran de manifiesto.

Read OnlineJesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. Mark 3:7–8Jesus was amassing quite a following, with people flocking to Him from territories that include modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Among them were traditional Hebraic Jews, Greek-speaking Jews, Syro-Phoenician Gentiles, and Edomites. This diverse crowd reveals how Jesus' ministry transcended cultural, religious, and national boundaries, foreshadowing the universal call of the Gospel. While some were drawn to Him through authentic faith, others came out of curiosity, eager to witness His miracles.Just prior to today's Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians began to plot Jesus' death because they saw Him as a threat. In response, Jesus “withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.” His timing was perfect; the hour of His Passion had not yet come. This withdrawal was not an act of fear but a deliberate step forward in preparing for the next phase of His mission. There was still much to accomplish—gathering followers, performing works of mercy, and preparing the Twelve for their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.While Jesus acted in accordance with divine wisdom, those who flocked to Him could only see the immediate. They were captivated by His teachings and miraculous works but often misunderstood the full scope of His mission. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–3). For Jesus, this “time” in His public ministry was a time to build up His earthly flock, teaching them, inspiring faith, and forming them for their mission.As we consider the many and diverse people who flocked to Jesus at this time in His ministry, it's important to see ourselves in them. Those who came to Him could have never imagined all that would follow. While some might have foreseen the possibility of His death due to the hostility of religious and political leaders, few, if any, could have predicted that Jesus' Passion and Death were something He would freely welcome and embrace. At that time, they could never have understood that Jesus had to suffer and die for the salvation of souls. Moreover, everything that followed His death would have been foreign to them: His Resurrection, establishment of the Church, Ascension, bestowal of the Holy Spirit, and future coming as the Universal King.We all go through countless experiences, some good, some bad. When we encounter something good, we often want to hold onto it, yet those experiences often fade with time. When we encounter something bad, we long for that situation to be removed or resolved, yet it sometimes stays longer than we hoped. Jesus' life clearly teaches us that “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” As we journey through life, we ought not dismiss the difficult times and try to cling to the good ones. We must enter and live each moment as it comes and goes, seeking to use everything as God intends it, preparing us for the glory that awaits us if we remain faithful until the end.Reflect today on the seasons of your life, both the joys and the trials. How is God calling you to trust in His timing and use each moment to grow in faith and love? Consider whether you view your challenges as obstacles or as opportunities to deepen your trust in God's perfect plan. Embrace the good and the difficult, growing in grace and virtue as you do, and your life will unfold in beautiful ways, giving glory to God. In doing so, you will reflect the trust and fidelity of Jesus Himself, whose perfect obedience to the Father brought about the salvation of the world.Lord of perfect timing and wisdom, Your divine plan unfolded flawlessly throughout Your earthly life. At every moment, You lived in perfect accord with the Father's will, embracing both joy and sorrow for the sake of salvation. Help me to trust in Your providence during every season of my life, the good and the difficult, confident that You bring forth an abundance of good fruit in all things. Strengthen my faith, and teach me to surrender fully to Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Galatians 1:11-13, 15-24 - For I would have you know, brothers, that the Gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. … But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

Muchos más recursos para tu vida de fe (Santo Rosario, Oración, etc.) en nuestra web https://sercreyente.com________________Jueves, 22 de enero de 2026 (2ª Semana del Tiempo Ordinario)Evangelio del día y reflexión... ¡Deja que la Palabra del Señor transforme tu vida! Texto íntegro del Evangelio y de la Reflexión en https://sercreyente.com/jesus-se-retiro-con-sus-discipulos-a-la-orilla-del-mar/[Marcos 3, 7-12] En aquel tiempo, Jesús se retiró con sus discípulos a la orilla del mar y lo siguió una gran muchedumbre de Galilea. Al enterarse de las cosas que hacía, acudía mucha gente de Judea, Jerusalén, Idumea, Transjordania y cercanías de Tiro y Sidón. Encargó a sus discípulos que le tuviesen preparada una barca, no lo fuera a estrujar el gentío. Como había curado a muchos, todos los que sufrían de algo se le echaban encima para tocarlo. Los espíritus inmundos, cuando lo veían, se postraban ante él y gritaban: «Tú eres el Hijo de Dios». Pero él les prohibía severamente que lo diesen a conocer.________________Descárgate la app de SerCreyente en https://sercreyente.com/app/¿Conoces nuestra Oración Online? Más información en: https://sercreyente.com/oracion¿Quieres recibir cada día el Evangelio en tu whatsapp? Alta en: www.sercreyente.com/whatsappTambién puedes hacer tu donativo en https://sercreyente.com/ayudanos/Contacto: info@sercreyente.com

Welcome to Day 2779 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2779– The Prophet of the Most High – Luke 1:57-80 Putnam Church Message – 12/14/2025 Luke's Account of the Good News - “The Prophet of the Most High”   Last week, we continued our year-long study of Luke's Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “The Day Mary Met Gabriel.” – Peace in the Unexpected. This week is the third Sunday of Advent, which is Joy, as we continue to build anticipation of the coming Messiah. Today's passage is the story of: “The Prophet of the Most High.” Joy to the World - Our Core verses for this week will be Luke 1:57-80, found on page 1589 of your Pew Bibles.  The Birth of John the Baptist 57 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy. 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60 but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.” 62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66 Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord's hand was with him. Zechariah's Song 67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 69 He has raised up a horn> of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— 72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, 73     the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of...

In the book of Acts, author Luke set out to give us the history of the spread of Christianity from the earliest days in Judea through the provinces of the known world and onto Rome itself. It covered the ministries of Peter, Stephen and Paul and it is a most unique and remarkable book. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he completes his study of Acts To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

17 And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon,Et descendens cum illis, stetit in loco campestri, et turba discipulorum ejus, et multitudo copiosa plebis ab omni Judaea, et Jerusalem, et maritima, et Tyri, et Sidonis, 18 Who were come to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits, were cured.qui venerant ut audirent eum, et sanarentur a languoribus suis. Et qui vexabantur a spiritibus immundis, curabantur. 19 And all the multitude sought to touch him, for virtue went out from him, and healed all.Et omnis turba quaerebat eum tangere : quia virtus de illo exibat, et sanabat omnes. 20 And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Et ipse elevatis oculis in discipulis suis, dicebat : Beati pauperes, quia vestrum est regnum Dei. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh.Beati qui nunc esuritis, quia saturabimini. Beati qui nunc fletis, quia ridebitis. 22 Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.Beati eritis cum vos oderint homines, et cum separaverint vos, et exprobraverint, et ejicerint nomen vestrum tamquam malum propter Filium hominis. 23 Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets.Gaudete in illa die, et exsultate : ecce enim merces vestra multa est in caelo : secundum haec enim faciebant prophetis patres eorum.St Fabian, Supreme Pontiff, suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Decius, A.D. 250.St Sebastian, an officer of the imperial cohort, was pierced with arrows in the persecution of Diocletian; but he recovered, and the emperor condemned him to be flogged to death A.D. 284.

The Massacre of the Innocents is a story recounted in the Nativity narrative of the Gospel of Matthew (2:16–18) in which Herod the Great, king of Judea, orders the execution of all male infants who are two years old and under in the vicinity of Bethlehem. Some Christians venerate the Holy Innocents as the first Christian martyrs, but most modern scholarship finds no evidence that it happened outside the passages in Matthew and thus consider it a Myth. Ee88. Paulogia podcast available at https://amzn.to/3Tg2Eno Herod the Great books available at https://amzn.to/3T5iKyw ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Why Christianity Framed Herod as a Baby Killer? (Paulogia podcast with Dr. Jodi Magness). All audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Herod the Great of Judea died in 4 B.C. in Jericho, succumbing to a gruesome, mysterious illness. An enormous funeral procession carried his body on a golden bier to the edge of the Judaean desert, where an elaborate resting place in his beloved Herodium awaited him. Ee89. Paulogia podcast available at https://amzn.to/3Tg2Eno Herod the Great books available at https://amzn.to/3T5iKyw ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Why Christianity Framed Herod as a Baby Killer? (Paulogia podcast with Dr. Jodi Magness). All audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A RABBINIC PLOT to desupernaturalize the Hebrew scriptures has given us the English Old Testament we have today. Why did the rabbis do it? How do we know what's been changed? Does this mean we can't trust the Bible? It's an important and touch subject. To discuss it is our panel, Doug Van Dorn (DouglasVanDorn.com), author of this month's topic, the forthcoming book Battle for the Bible's Truth: Genesis, Jesus, and the Second Century Plot to Deny the Messiah; Brian Godawa (Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and two new novels based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea; and Dr. Judd Burton (BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant. In a nutshell, influential rabbis in the second century tried to keep Jews from finding evidence in their scriptures for the Christian Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. This followed the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 AD) in which Christians, who had previously been part of the Jewish community, refused to fight for Simon Bar Kokhba, who Rabbi Akiba had declared was the Messiah.  Roman punishment for Jewish rebels was harsh. Judaea was depopulated, with Jews being sold into slavery en masse, and the province was renamed Palestine. It was the only time Rome tried to erase a population from history. The hard feelings between Jews and Christians led to a final split between the faiths with rabbis trying to eliminate evidence for a “second power in heaven”—Yahweh in the flesh, namely Jesus—and Christians blaming Jews for the unrest and rebellion that stirred up so much trouble for the Roman Empire. That animosity continues to this day. We discuss the implications of the rabbis' plot, how it affected our modern Old Testament translations, and where we can go to find what's been changed—beginning with Genesis 6:1–4, the infamous verses about the creation of the Nephilim. And no, this does not mean we can no longer trust our Bibles. What was changed is subtle, and the prophecies of the coming Messiah, and his return, are still there. 

A new Jewish settlement was established today in the Gush Etzion bloc of Judea called Yatziv. Nadia Matar, one of the pioneers behind the new community spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about the journey. (photo: Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the most dramatic changes in our lives happen while we sleep, and we wake up to find everything has shifted. This was Joseph's reality in Egypt, where he had been living as a refugee with Mary and baby Jesus for about a year. They had fled to escape Herod's murderous decree, leaving behind everything familiar to protect the Christ child. But God wasn't finished with their story. Matthew records Herod's death with striking simplicity, showing how even the most powerful oppressors eventually fall while God's purposes continue. When the angel commanded Joseph to return to Israel, he obeyed immediately without hesitation, demonstrating the pattern of complete obedience that marked his life. However, learning that the brutal Archelaus now ruled Judea brought new fears. Rather than being paralyzed by this threat, Joseph sought divine guidance and received direction to settle in Nazareth. God's choice of Nazareth reveals His kingdom's nature - it comes not through power and prestige, but through humility and unexpected places. This insignificant village, so small it's never mentioned in Old Testament writings, became home to the King of Kings. The pattern shows us that oppressors fall but God's purposes endure, opposition continues but so does divine guidance, and God's deliverance often comes from the most unlikely sources. Whatever challenges we face have expiration dates, but God's plan for our lives never expires.

Large crowds gathered from across Galilee, Judea, and beyond to follow Jesus. Even His enemies couldn't ignore Him—they plotted against Him because His influence was undeniable."If Jesus is Lord, then make Him the center of your life, not a footnote."The question isn't whether Jesus existed or whether He was remarkable. History confirms both. The question is: Who do we believe He is? Lord, lunatic, liar, or legend?The evidence points to one conclusion: Jesus is Lord. Now we must decide what that means for how we live today.

A RABBINIC PLOT to desupernaturalize the Hebrew scriptures has given us the English Old Testament we have today. Why did the rabbis do it? How do we know what's been changed? Does this mean we can't trust the Bible? It's an important and touch subject. To discuss it is our panel, Doug Van Dorn (DouglasVanDorn.com), author of this month's topic, the forthcoming book Battle for the Bible's Truth: Genesis, Jesus, and the Second Century Plot to Deny the Messiah; Brian Godawa (Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and two new novels based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea; and Dr. Judd Burton (BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant. In a nutshell, influential rabbis in the second century tried to keep Jews from finding evidence in their scriptures for the Christian Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. This followed the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 AD) in which Christians, who had previously been part of the Jewish community, refused to fight for Simon Bar Kokhba, who Rabbi Akiba had declared was the Messiah.  Roman punishment for Jewish rebels was harsh. Judaea was depopulated, with Jews being sold into slavery en masse, and the province was renamed Palestine. It was the only time Rome tried to erase a population from history. The hard feelings between Jews and Christians led to a final split between the faiths with rabbis trying to eliminate evidence for a “second power in heaven”—Yahweh in the flesh, namely Jesus—and Christians blaming Jews for the unrest and rebellion that stirred up so much trouble for the Roman Empire. That animosity continues to this day. We discuss the implications of the rabbis' plot, how it affected our modern Old Testament translations, and where we can go to find what's been changed—beginning with Genesis 6:1–4, the infamous verses about the creation of the Nephilim. And no, this does not mean we can no longer trust our Bibles. What was changed is subtle, and the prophecies of the coming Messiah, and his return, are still there. 

John's Baptism “Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!'” Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan;and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance; and do not assume that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you that God is able, from these stones, to raise up children for Abraham. And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire. “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:1-12 NASB Jesus' Baptism “Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him.But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 NASB Why Did Jesus Get Baptized? He was reliving Israel's history 2. He was repenting for us 3. He was consecrating Himself for ministry Believers' Baptism “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NASB Believers' baptism is sacred 2. Believers' baptism is symbolic 3. Believers' baptism is singular

King Herod (born 72; died 4 or 1 BC) was an infamous tyrant, but he was also known for his colossal construction projects throughout Judea. Among these works are the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the expansion of its base—the Western Wall being part of it. Ee86. Dan Snow's History Hit podcast available at https://amzn.to/48HlmtH Books by Seth Schwartz available at https://amzn.to/49US5vJ ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Dan Snow's History Hit podcast (Episode 1337: King Herod with Seth Schwartz, professor of Classical Jewish Civilization at New York City’s Columbia University). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herod The Great was called ‘King of the Jews,’ and ruled Judea during the tail-end of the first century BC. Ee84. Bishop Robert Barron books available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Catholicism with Bishop Barron, Episodes: Herod and Joseph & Herod and the Magi (Word on Fire Catholic Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Appointed by the Romans as king of Judaea and thanks to his feature in the Gospel of Matthew, King Herod ‘the Great’ is one of the infamous figures from the whole of Ancient history. So what do we know about this ancient near eastern ruler, who in his lifetime had contacts with a series of ‘Goliath’ figures from the ancient Mediterranean World: from Caesar to Cleopatra and from Marc Antony to Augustus. Ee85. Dan Snow's History Hit podcast available at https://amzn.to/48HlmtH Books by Seth Schwartz available at https://amzn.to/49US5vJ ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Dan Snow's History Hit podcast (Episode 1337: King Herod with Seth Schwartz, professor of Classical Jewish Civilization at New York City’s Columbia University). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Day 2774 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2774– The Day Mary Met Gabriel - Luke 1:26-56 Putnam Church Message – 12/07/2025 Luke's Account of the Good News - “The Day Mary Met Gabriel”   Last week, we continued our year-long study of Luke's Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “A Baby at our Age? Get Serious!” This week is the second Sunday of Advent, which is Peace, as we continue to build anticipation of the coming Messiah. Today's passage is the story of: “The Day Mary Met Gabriel.” – Peace in the Unexpected. Our Core verses for this week will be Luke 1:26-56, found on page 1588 of your Pew Bibles.  The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord's servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Mary's Song 46...

Israel police aided by Border Police and the IDF quickly nabbed an armed gang of Bedouin who posed at IDF troops and robbed a Palestinian jewelry store in Judea. Israel Police spokesman St. Sgt. Dean Elsdoun spoke with reporter Arieh O’Sullivan about the unusual event. (photo: Israel Police) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movements rarely grow the way we plan them. In Acts 11, we watch grace move ahead of structure as scattered believers carry the message of Jesus into Antioch, a bustling hub where cultural lines blur and new possibilities open. What happens next is not a victory lap but a blueprint for long-term faithfulness: leaders who refuse to grasp at control, a community that chooses slow formation over quick acclaim, and generosity that binds people once divided by history and habit.We walk through the turning points. Barnabas arrives not with a clipboard but with discernment, looking for “evidence of grace.” Instead of capturing the movement, he encourages it, then travels to Tarsus to bring Saul back to teach alongside him for a year. Their shared leadership reframes authority as service, collaboration, and trust. It's leadership without anxiety—confident enough to multiply itself and humble enough to celebrate what God has already begun through ordinary people. Along the way, we talk about how to organize around grace, not manage it, and why that shift matters for churches, teams, and any community trying to follow the Spirit's lead.When a prophet warns of famine, Antioch acts—no delay, no theatrics, just clear-eyed generosity. Each gives as they are able to support believers in Judea, a stunning reversal of social boundaries that once kept these groups apart. This is where transformation becomes visible: resources stop being private possessions and start functioning as tools for shared survival and mutual care. We offer a simple practice to carry forward this posture—meet one real need this week without being asked or praised—and reflect on how communion forms us into a people who belong to Christ and therefore to one another.If this conversation helps you rethink leadership, generosity, or the shape of community, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so others can find it too.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

Reading IIsaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Thus says the LORD:Here is my servant whom I uphold,my chosen one with whom I am pleased,upon whom I have put my spirit;he shall bring forth justice to the nations,not crying out, not shouting,not making his voice heard in the street.a bruised reed he shall not break,and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,until he establishes justice on the earth;the coastlands will wait for his teaching.I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,I have grasped you by the hand;I formed you, and set youas a covenant of the people,a light for the nations,to open the eyes of the blind,to bring out prisoners from confinement,and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.Reading IIActs 10:34-38Peter proceeded to speak to those gatheredin the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightlyis acceptable to him.You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptismthat John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazarethwith the Holy Spirit and power.He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”GospelMatthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordanto be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for usto fulfill all righteousness.”Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized,he came up from the water and behold,the heavens were opened for him,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a doveand coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The story of Jesus starts under a monarch named Herod. He was called ‘King of the Jews,’ and ruled Judea from 40 to the year 4 BC. His reputation for paranoia and ruthlessness was well deserved, having executed three of his own sons, and slaughtered all the baby boys in Bethlehem following the birth of Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew. Ee83. Herod the Great books available at https://amzn.to/4acK8l4 ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Source: From Jesus to Christianity by L. Michael White.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew 3:1-12In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'”5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.11 “I baptize you with[b] water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Paul authored Romans in the winter of AD 57-58 during a three month stay in Corinth (Acts 20:3) near the end of his third missionary journey. At the time of writing, Paul had collected an offering from Gentile churches to help the Jewish Christians in Judea. His plan was to take this offering to Jerusalem as soon as the weather was suitable, then to travel from there to Rome.  Paul expressed his desire to go to Rome as early as Acts 19:21 (AD 57), and expressed it emphatically in Romans 1:8-15 during his stay in Corinth (AD 57-58), but he would not reach Rome for about three more years, as a prisoner (Acts 28:14). These three years contained numerous difficulties, including a beating and plot against his life by his own people, a two-year imprisonment in Caesarea, a shipwreck, and being bitten by a deadly snake on Malta. Paul's arrival in Rome took place in AD 60-61, and tradition holds that he was martyred there not long after, between AD 64-67. Paul's longing as he awaited a face-to-face encounter with the Roman Christians contains tremendous lessons for our own journey with Christ.  Take-Home Message: Paul's longing contains lessons for my journey with Christ. Three Lessons From Paul's Longing to Go to Rome -       God's will transcends my plan. (8-10) -       Our faith should mutually encourage each other. (11-12) -       We are under obligation to preach the gospel to everyone. (13-15)

Because God has made Jesus known as a light for the nations, we must point all people to his light so that they may come and worship him. Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV): 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.' ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Sunday, 11 January 2026   Then His disciples said to Him, “Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?” Matthew 15:33   “And the disciples, they say to Him, ‘Whence to us in solitude – loaves so many as to gorge a crowd so vast?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that He had compassion on the crowd, knowing they had not eaten for three days. He noted that He didn't want them to depart hungry lest they might collapse on the way. Matthew now records, “And the disciples, they say to Him, ‘Whence to us in solitude – loaves.'”   A new word is seen, erémia, solitude. It is derived from erémos, lonesome. Both give the sense of a wilderness or waste area, including a desert. The disciples are concerned about presenting bread to the people, as there was no place near enough to obtain it.   This attitude perplexes scholars who immediately assume they would have remembered the feeding of the five thousand and taken it for granted that this would be expected again. Such an attitude is shallow, and it dismisses the reality of life with Jesus.   They traveled to places, had to feed themselves, such as when walking through the grainfields picking the heads, they ate at people's houses, etc. At these times, Jesus didn't just pop food in front of them. Luke specifically records this thought in his gospel –   “Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” Luke 5:17   The words seem to presuppose that there were times when the power to heal wasn't openly manifest. They may have gone to many towns where He taught, and yet no healings took place. We weren't there and cannot know.   This is true with the disciples and apostles as well. There were times when they could heal and times when they did not. This continued through the apostolic age. Paul specifically mentions a number of people with physical troubles whom he did not heal. There are times when Peter and Paul restored the dead to life. But these were unique, non-repeatable events.   This attitude also dismisses the record of Israel where there were great miracles, such as the crossing of the Red Sea, the bitter water made sweet, manna and quail being provided, etc., and within no time, Moses was saying –   “The people whom I am among are six hundred thousand men on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month.' 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to provide enough for them?” Numbers 11: 21, 22   There is no reason for the disciples to have been confounded by Jesus' words. One miracle does not presuppose that it can be or will be repeated. Throughout the times in the wilderness, Israel faced hardship and deprivation as a means of testing the people. Jesus is now testing His disciples, who continue with the words concerning their need for bread, saying, “so many as to gorge a crowd so vast?”   The multitude was expansive, and the location was barren. Just like Israel in the wilderness being led by Moses, the answer to their dilemma was and is –   “Has the Lord's arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.” Numbers 11:23   Life application: It is easy for us to look back on the narrative in Scripture and say, “Why are they so dull?” John Calvin reflects this superior attitude, “nimis brutum produnt stuporem: They reveal too much brute stupor.” But we can be certain that Calvin's faith ebbed like the tides in the Bay of Fundy at times.   We look at the Bible as events occurring in seconds and without any discomfort or temporal confusion for us as we sit reading and turning page by page. But those with Jesus, as well as the apostles later in their ministries, faced daily life, trials, attacks by foes, splinters, and thorns as they walked, heat in the day, and cold at night.   The disciples' understanding that Jesus is the Messiah is not the same as understanding that Jesus is God. It took until after the resurrection to figure that out. In the meantime, they thought they were dealing with a guy selected by God to do what God instructed Him. When power was available, they saw it and were amazed. When it wasn't, they had to struggle through daily life.   Elijah, through faith, conquered the challenge of the four-hundred prophets of Baal. The next day, he ran away as scared as a kitten at the threat of one woman.   We have the full counsel of God with the knowledge available to us that Jesus is God and He prevailed over death for us, and yet our faith wanes at times. Who is in the weaker position? To avoid such times of consternation, we should ensure we read the word daily, stay in tune with the Lord at all times, and hold fast to our faith without easing up. Life is difficult, messy, and each moment is uncertain. Eyes on Jesus! That will carry us through the rough patches of this earthly walk.   Lord God, help us to remember You as we enter into times of uncertainty, trouble, loss, grief, and so forth. We know You are there, and yet our minds are so easily distracted. May we have the wisdom to keep You and Your promises at the forefront of our minds to help carry us through the days of difficulty. Amen.

X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Congressman Randy Fine, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Since coming to Washington, DC in April 2025, Congressman Randy Fine has risen to become one of the most highly effective communicators on Capitol Hill, clearly articulating the importance of implementing principled reforms and boldly addressing challenges and opportunities we face in America today. His messages remind us of President Ronald Reagan's smart responses, explaining in a simple language what we are facing as Americans, and presenting the unvarnished truth. Key topics: The U.S. economy, reforms, housing costs and illegal immigration. Venezuela | Maduro captured and the future of Latin America. Iran protests and the Tehran regime's brutal response. According to recent published reports as of January 12, 2026, over 500 protesters have been killed and more than 10,000 protesters have been arrested. NYC Mayor Mamdani IHRA revocation - scraps the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism and lifts restrictions on boycotting Israel. Rabbis express serious concerns regarding the safety of Jews in NYC. Developments in the Gaza Strip, Judea and Samaria also known as the West Bank, and the peace in the Middle East. Congressman Fine proposed a bill in December 2025, “No Welfare for Noncitizens” Act, which would prohibit all non-citizens from receiving federal public benefits. The federal government is projected to spend $177 billion dollars on welfare for noncitizens between 2024 and 2034, while current debt is $38 trillion dollars. Bio: Randy Fine was elected to represent Florida's 6th Congressional District in April of 2025 and serves on the House Foreign Affairs and the Education and Workforce Committee. A third-generation Floridian, Randy built a career as a successful entrepreneur, founding and running businesses in retail, technology, and hospitality. Randy's retirement didn't last long. In 2016, he was elected to the Florida House, where he served the maximum eight years before moving on to the Florida Senate and then Congress. During his time in Tallahassee, he chaired five committees, passed more than forty bills, and became known as a strong advocate for school choice, tough immigration enforcement, and protecting children from harmful ideologies. As the only Jewish Republican in the Florida Legislature, Randy led the fight to make Florida the safest state in America for Jewish families and people of faith. His colleagues and national Jewish organizations honored him with the nickname “The Hebrew Hammer” for his work opposing terrorism and combatting antisemitism. The son of two public school teachers, Randy graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in government and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated with high distinction as one of the youngest Baker Scholars in decades. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @RepFine @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

His dedication in the Temple “And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young doves.” Luke 2:21-24 NASB His escape from Herod “Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod; this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:13-15 NASB His growth as a human being “And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. Now the Child continued to grow and to become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:39-40 NASB “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” Luke 2:52 NASB Jesus grew… Mentally (In Wisdom) Physically (In Stature) Spiritually (In Favor with God) Socially (Favor with people) His rejection by His brothers “After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him. Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. So His brothers said to Him, “Move on from here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself is striving to be known publicly. If You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” For not even His brothers believed in Him.” John 7:1-5 NASB “Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?” And they took offense at Him.” Mark 6:3 NASB “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” James 1:1 NASB “But I did not see another one of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother.” Galatians 1:19 NASB “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,” Jude 1:1 NASB

Gospel John 3:22-30 Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing.  John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned.  Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings.  So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.  You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him.  The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice.  So this joy of mine has been made complete.  He must increase; I must decrease.” Reflection Can you imagine what it was like for John the Baptist to see his cousin Jesus fulfilling what John knew he was there to get people ready for? Can you imagine the joy he must have felt in seeing it unfold while he was still alive? And what's interesting in this passage is that John was baptized with water. Jesus was nearby, but Jesus wasn't baptizing anyone. It was the message of the kingdom of God that drew people to him. John was living that message. How do we accept the fact that all the promises of the Kingdom of God, the ability we have to participate in transforming the world from darkness to light? How do we believe that's ours without it becoming something we claim we can do? We must decrease. The kingdom must increase. Closing Prayer Father, the power, the beauty, the awesomeness of your promise is still beyond our imagining for so many of us. We live in a world that is not at all connected to this power that is ours by inheritance. Bless us with the capacity to believe that we too, like Christ, have come to the world to heal and to transform. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reading IIsaiah 60:1-6Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,the glory of the Lord shines upon you.See, darkness covers the earth,and thick clouds cover the peoples;but upon you the LORD shines,and over you appears his glory.Nations shall walk by your light,and kings by your shining radiance.Raise your eyes and look about;they all gather and come to you:your sons come from afar,and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.Then you shall be radiant at what you see,your heart shall throb and overflow,for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.Caravans of camels shall fill you,dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;all from Sheba shall comebearing gold and frankincense,and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.Reading IIEphesians 3:2-3a, 5-6Brothers and sisters:You have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealedto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.GospelMatthew 2:1-12When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.”When King Herod heard this,he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;since from you shall come a ruler,who is to shepherd my people Israel.”Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance.He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child.When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”After their audience with the king they set out.And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the housethey saw the child with Mary his mother.They prostrated themselves and did him homage.Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Chaplain Don Moldstad was preacher for this service. Matthew 2:1-12: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.' ” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Sign up for the Heartland Experience trip: https://serveisrael.com/volunteer/heartland-experience/   Purchase the I Am Israel photo book: https://theisraelguys.store/products/israel-photo-book   Tensions across the Middle East are escalating fast as Iran appears to be losing control at home and global powers quietly reposition. Reports indicate Russia is evacuating their embassy's staff from Israel, while massive protests erupt across Iran with chants of "Death to Khamenei," statues toppled, and entire cities reportedly slipping from regime control for the first time in nearly five decades. As Israel signals it may act preemptively against Iranian threats, U.S. leaders warn that continued repression could trigger dramatic consequences for Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranians themselves are sending shockwaves through the region—chanting "death to Palestine", renaming streets after Trump, and openly defying the regime in the streets.   We cover rising antisemitic incidents abroad, security developments inside Israel, escalating tensions in Judea and Samaria, and major policy shifts from the White House as President Trump withdraws the U.S. from dozens of international bodies and prepares the next phase of his Gaza peace plan.    Follow The Israel Guys on Telegram: https://t.me/theisraelguys  Follow Us On X: https://x.com/theisraelguys  Follow Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theisraelguys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theisraelguys

Reading Acts 1:6-11 where Jesus commissions His disciples to go into Jerusalem, all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth preaching the gospel of Christ. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 – When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to Him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and He cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed Him. Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop Saint John, pray for us!Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry discusses Pope Leo’s 10 New Year Resolutions for 2026

Meditación del Evangelio según San Mateo 4, 12-17.23-25 por el biblista P. Norberto Padilla, misionero claretiano.Miércoles 7/ene/2026, Está cerca el reino de los cielos.Canción: El Nombre de Jesús (2020), de Verónica Sanfilippo----------Lectura del santo evangelio según san Mateo 4, 12-17.23-25En aquel tiempo, al enterarse Jesús de que habían arrestado a Juan, se retiró a Galilea. Dejando Nazaret, se estableció en Cafarnaún, junto al lago, en el territorio de Zabulón y Neftalí. Así se cumplió lo que había dicho el profeta Isaías: "País de Zabulón y país de Neftalí, camino del mar, al otro lado del Jordán, Galilea de los gentiles. El pueblo que habitaba en tinieblas vio una luz grande; a los que habitaban en tierra y sombras de muerte, una luz les brilló." Entonces comenzó Jesús a predicar diciendo: "Conviértanse, porque está cerca el reino de los cielos." Recorría toda Galilea, enseñando en las sinagogas y proclamando el Evangelio del reino, curando las enfermedades y dolencias del pueblo. Su fama se extendió por toda Siria y le traían todos los enfermos aquejados de toda clase de enfermedades y dolores, endemoniados, lunáticos y paralíticos. Y él los curaba. Y le seguían multitudes venidas de Galilea, Decápolis, Jerusalén, Judea y Trasjordania.Palabra del Señor... Gloria a ti, Señor Jesús#SoyClaretiano #Evangelio #MisionerosClaretianos #CMFAntillasIntro: Lámpara Es Tu Palabra, de Ain Karem

Welcome to Day 2769 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2769– A Baby at Our Age - Get Serious! Luke 1:5-25 Putnam Church Message – 11/30/2025 Luke's Account of the Good News “A Baby at our Age? Get Serious!” – First Sunday of Advent   Last week, we began a year-long study of Luke's Narrative of the Good News in a message titled: “Only the Best -A Gospel of Excellence: Thanksgiving for the Truth.” This week is the first Sunday of Advent as we build anticipation of the coming Messiah. Today's passage is the beginning of a story titled: “A Baby at our Age? Get Serious!” “HOPE IN THE SILENCE — GOD STILL SPEAKS” Our Core verses for this week will be Luke 1:5-25, found on page 1587 of your Pew Bibles. The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but...

Friends of the Rosary,Today, January 5th, Day Twelve of Christmas, is in the U.S. the feast day of St. John Neumann, bishop (1811-1860) and the patron saint of Catholic Education [in the picture]. Born in Bohemia (current Czech Republic), after coming to the United States, he worked in establishing parishes and parish schools. In 1852, he was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia and introduced the Forty Hours devotion.In today's Gospel (Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25), we see Christ Jesus in Capernaum and all of Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel, and curing disease and illness among the people.“His fame spread to all of Syria,and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseasesand racked with pain,those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics,and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea,and from beyond the Jordan followed him.”And Our Lord only asked one thing: repentance from sins.“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Related to this divine invitation, in the first reading, St. John tells us (John 3:22–4:6)“Beloved:We receive from him whatever we ask,because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.And his commandment is this:we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ,and love one another just as he commanded us.Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them,and the way we know that he remains in usis from the Spirit whom he gave us.”Ave MariaCome, 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• ⁠January 5, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Feast of the Epiphany 2026 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,  "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,  and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,  He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,  for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly  and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,  "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word,  that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,  until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star,  and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures  and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,  they departed for their country by another way.

Gospel Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.  He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet  might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.  His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.  And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Reflection This entire week is focused on the coming of Jesus, the major transformation that's happening. John the Baptist is setting himself out of the picture, and into the picture comes this incredible figure of Jesus. And it's interesting that he goes to a Gentile town, not to Jerusalem. And there he starts his ministry, which is so impossible to believe that everyone he encountered, he would heal them. And it was just this beautiful image of a great light comes into the world so bright that it destroys pain and suffering and darkness and evil. It was almost too much for people to grasp, and that's exactly what happened. The beginning of his ministry was difficult because people had no idea what the kingdom of God was really about. Closing Prayer When Jesus came to initiate the kingdom of God, he changed everything. And the most important thing for us, and we pray for it always, is that we'll grasp fully what this new light and life really means. It's not just that we become the receiver of healing, but we also become the partner with God in the work of healing. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read Online[Jesus] went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:23–24Once Jesus began healing the sick, expelling demons, curing paralytics, and performing other miracles, news about Him spread rapidly, reaching far beyond the boundaries of modern-day Israel. Galilee comprised northern Israel, while the Decapolis referred to a group of ten major cities in what are modern-day Jordan, Israel, and Syria. Jerusalem, the religious and cultural heart of Judaism, was the most important Jewish city, and Judea encompassed the territory surrounding Jerusalem in southern Israel. Ancient Syria covered a broader area than modern-day Syria, including parts of what are now Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. Jesus' fame spread throughout this vast and diverse region, which included Jews, Greeks, Romans, and other ethnic groups.Today, it's not uncommon for news stories or social media posts to go viral, given the immediacy and vast outreach of the Internet. “Going viral” in Jesus' time was much different. Word-of-mouth passed from person to person, town to town, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Jews, Greeks, Romans, and others began to hear about the astonishing things happening through Jesus of Nazareth, prompting many to believe.It's true that miracles naturally draw attention, especially from those in need of one. Many likely came to see Jesus out of curiosity or fascination. Could the stories be true? Could He really heal the sick, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and even raise the dead?Sadly, much of what goes viral today is shocking or scandalous. Such news often spreads quickly but fades just as fast. That was not the case with our Lord. Though some were drawn to Him only because of His miracles, countless others were completely transformed by Him, so much so that the Good News of Jesus continues to be one of the most talked about and impactful events in human history.The Bible is the most widely read and published book in history and has been translated into more languages than any other book. Despite this, billions of people today still do not know Jesus as their Savior. Instead, they are bombarded with shock and scandal, extreme drama, pornography, and every other form of instant sensationalism. In an era when communication is so easy, far-reaching, and instantaneous, we, as members of Christ's Body, the Church, must do all we can to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.Reflect today upon the billions of people around the world who do not know that Jesus Christ is the one and only Lord and Messiah. Imagine what could happen if the entire world turned to Him, surrendered their lives to Him, and sought His holy will with all their hearts. As you ponder this spiritual challenge, prayerfully place yourself at the service of Christ and His Gospel. Sometimes our mission is to focus on close family and friends. At other times, we might be called to a much broader mission, even in a “viral” way. Strive to become as holy as you can so that our Lord can use you however He chooses.My saving Lord, though many in our world know of You, many do not know You in a personal and faith-filled way. Please save souls, dear Lord, by sending Your saving message to all. I pray for the conversion of the entire world and offer myself to You to use me as You will. 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.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflectionMatthew 2: 1-12The Magi Visit the Messiah2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.'[b]”7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Read OnlineWhen Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1–3Why did God use a star to reveal the birth of the King of Kings to foreigners from the East? To Mary, Joseph, and even the shepherds, God sent an angel to announce the Good News. But to the Magi, He chose to use a medium they understood—a star.The Magi, originally a priestly caste from Persia, were skilled in astrology, astronomy, dream interpretation, and other forms of wisdom and divination. The three Magi mentioned in Matthew's Gospel were clearly experts in astrology, carefully studying the night sky. On the night of Christ's birth, they made an extraordinary discovery: a new star had appeared in the sky. They knew it was a sign of great significance. According to their beliefs, the appearance of a new star heralded the birth of a new king.This star was not just a celestial phenomenon; it symbolized the light of Christ breaking into the world, guiding all nations—Jew and Gentile alike—toward the Savior. Just as God drew humble Jewish shepherds to the newborn King, He also drew representatives of the Gentiles to adore Him, for Jesus came to save all of humanity.The divine initiative to include the Gentiles was not a new concept but a fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will find blessing in you” (Genesis 12:3). The prophets and Psalms echo this theme, emphasizing that all nations will come to the Lord (see Isaiah 2:2-4; Psalm 67). In Jesus' public ministry, we see His outreach to the Gentiles, a mission that continued in the early Church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. At the time of Jesus' birth, however, the Jewish emphasis was primarily on being the chosen people. The story of the Epiphany reveals God's universal call to holiness from the very beginning of Jesus' life, establishing that His mission was for all people, not just for Israel.Because of this universal call to holiness, we who believe in Christ and live our Catholic faith must avoid becoming isolated or insular, creating a small, self-contained world. Instead, we are called to live our faith in a way that is welcoming to all and engaged with the broader world, reflecting the universal mission of the Church. Being Catholic is not merely a cultural heritage; it is the spiritual means of eternal salvation that everyone needs. The word “epiphany” means “manifestation,” and Christ must be made manifest to all, becoming the King of every soul.As we celebrate the Epiphany, be open to the ways God might want to use you to share the light of faith with those who are not yet faithful Catholics. We must be like the star of Bethlehem, drawing others to Christ in ways they can understand and accept. This is best accomplished when we place ourselves at God's service, ready to be used as instruments of His grace. God alone knows how to draw all people to Himself, and when we offer ourselves to His service, He will inspire us and use us to be that shining light, guiding others out of darkness and into His marvelous light. My Lord and Light of the World, You desire to shine brightly for all to see, so that all may be drawn to You, the one and only Savior of all. Please use me as You will, to be like that star over Bethlehem. Give me wisdom, love, and courage to shine brightly, radiating Your light for all to see. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Sailko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John 1:29–31Though John grew up in the hill country of Judea near Jerusalem and Jesus grew up in Nazareth, it is very likely that their families visited each other regularly, allowing John and Jesus to spend time together as cousins. Despite this, when John first saw His cousin coming to him in the wilderness, he said, “I did not know him.” John did not fully understand who Jesus was—that He was the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—until John began his public ministry and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon his Lord, his cousin.What an awe-inspiring and joyous moment that must have been for John. He had discerned that his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, to be the Messiah's immediate precursor, preparing the way for Him. He embraced that mission and fulfilled it by preaching and offering a baptism of repentance to those who believed. He lived in the wilderness, fasting, praying, and anticipating the day the Messiah would arrive. Imagine his surprise and delight at that moment when he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin.Though the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in a singularly unique way, since He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, John's experience offers us an invitation to remain vigilant as we await Jesus' ongoing coming among us. Though our Lord came and walked the Earth 2,000 years ago, He continues to do so today through His Body, the Church. Like John, we must be on the lookout, and when we see Him, we must cry out in faith, “Behold the Lamb of God!”The most important way our Lord comes to us is within the Mass. The priest repeats John the Baptist's familiar words as he holds up our Lord, hidden within the Sacred Host, for all to see. Additionally, our Lord comes to us as the Holy Spirit descends and makes Him known. This happens in sermons, reflections, Church teachings, within the charity of others' actions, through personal prayer, and in numerous other ways. We must see the Lamb of God every time He comes to us, ideally with the same wonder and awe that filled John's mind and heart during those first encounters. Reflect today on those sacred words with which we are very familiar: “Behold the Lamb of God…” As you do, ponder how often you personally “behold” Him. Are you filled with wonder and awe at Mass? Within your daily prayer? In the life of the Church and in the lives of faithful Christians you encounter? As we continue our Christmas season, which focuses on the Incarnation, make the words of the Baptist your own as you discover the ongoing presence of our Lord made possible through the Incarnation.My awe-inspiring Lord, because of Your Incarnation, You continue to be present in this world, coming to us and drawing us to Yourself. When Your cousin, John the Baptist, first saw the Holy Spirit descend upon You in the desert, he cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Please give me the eyes of faith I need to echo that cry as I encounter Your divine presence in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Annibale Carracci, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.