Podcasts about lord january

Pastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates #KCMITV

Peter is told in a vision to eat unclean animals and he responds saying, “No, Lord!” Is is possible to call Jesus Lord and still say, “no” to him? Let's find out together as we read Acts 10:1-16 and Number 15:11-16.#BibleReading #ChristianEducation #LearnTheBible #BibleTeaching #ChristianContent #FaithJourney #HardQuestions #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianCommunity #InstaChurch

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef calls us to rejoice: God is faithful to His promises. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Counting Stars in an Empty Sky, Part 9:LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef explores the miracle of Isaac's birth and its similarity to the new believer's birth. If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Counting Stars in an Empty Sky, Part 9:LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

This morning our family pastor, Sarah Fetz, stories Jesus' Baptism in Matthew 3.

This morning our family pastor, Sarah Fetz, stories Jesus' Baptism from Matthew 3.

Send us a Text Message and let us know how you like this podcast.Thank you for listening to this worship service from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Dublin, Ohio! For more information about Prince of Peace, please visit our website at princeofpeacedublin.org.Connect with us on facebook and instagram.Email us at office@princeofpeacedublin.org.

Given at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Matthew 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.”

Matthew 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.”

Matthew 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.”

Father John Eckert and Father Jonathan Torres' homilies on Sunday The Baptism of the Lord January 11, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 8am and 1030am Mass Readings https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011126.cfm Check out our YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@salisburycatholic?si=-B7quK1dXXc0tUK1

The Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026 - Pastor Mark Tiefel

Homily for the Baptism of the Lord (January 11, 2026) Time: 17m18s

On the Baptism of the Lord (January 11th, 2026), Father Joshua invites us to reflect on the moments when we feel unworthy and unqualified for the task before us. These moments can be moments of profound encounter.  Just as Jesus asked John to trust in Him and baptize Him, He invites us to trust in Him, and to respond in faith.

In today's devotional, Dr. Michael A. Youssef reveals the key to God's blessing.This devotional is adapted from MY Journal, Leading The Way's monthly devotional magazine. Sign up now for a free six-month subscription to MY Journal—Dr. Youssef's gift to you.If you would like more insight into today's devotional topic, watch Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Embracing Your Mission for the Future: WATCH NOW

Homily given at St. Thomas à Becket on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 11, 2026).

Introducing "Come Home Sunday", an initiative to reach out to the lost sheep of our parish. 

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of the Missionaries of Charity, Bronx, NY Baptism of the Lord, Year A January 11, 2026 Is 42:1-4.6-7, Ps 29, Acts 10:34-38, Mt 3:13-17   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/1.11.26_Homily_1.mp3   The following text guided today’s homily:  All four of the Gospel […] The post Baptism and Mission, Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, January 11, 2026 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

Year A – Baptism of our Lord – January 11, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd Matthew 3:13-17 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, the beloved, whose light and love we follow. Amen. *** I knew this boy many years ago… he was kind of a goofball, and no one took him very seriously. He struggled in school, and he blamed his low grades on not being very smart. I don't think his family, his teachers, or even he himself… expected much from his life. He was entering his teenage years when I first met him, and he was already getting into trouble… apparently, no one was surprised. His family had a lot going on… health problems, which caused money problems, and so it goes on down the line. There was a lot of instability… and I think this boy was just falling through the cracks. He was living into the story he was told about himself… that he was a screw-up and not much more… so why expect more? We have several educators in this congregation, and so I suspect that many of you are familiar with both the Pygmalion and the Golem Effects. These opposite effects describe how either positive or negative expectations and words affect our self-image… our confidence… and the standards we hold ourselves to. As much as we would like to believe we build our self-image independently, the truth is… how we see ourselves is a story that is written in collaboration with others. That's just human… And so, I think it matters greatly that Jesus begins his ministry on earth with an act of solidarity with humanity… by entering into our human need for repentance and renewal by entering into John's baptism… and that we then hear God's voice from the heavens… "This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." He is called… the beloved. That's a powerful word. Jesus came alongside us… alongside humanity… in his choice to share in our baptism. I think we all agree that, as the son of God… Word of God incarnate… he didn't need to experience a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of personal sins. And yet, Jesus insists… he must do this… this was not an action he needed for his own forgiveness, but rather, to be in solidarity with us, who do need it. And to acknowledge that our sins are not only personal, but also communal. John the Baptist was calling Israel to repentance… to repent of the sins of the community… that we are all, either directly or indirectly, complicit. Jesus entered the waters of baptism to be what he is… God with us… and to show us that, motivated by grace and mercy, God chooses us. And so, we also enter the waters of baptism to receive this beautiful gift of renewal and adoption into God's family… a gift freely given by God. This is a gift given without qualifications, conditions, or demands… It's not a reward for our actions… it is not given because we are good… but it is given only because God is good. And it is a gift given in love… because God is love. We are always on the receiving end of God's mercy and promise… and that through water and the words of God's promise… we, too, are called beloved… and we, too, are claimed as God's children. Through the water and God's holy words of our baptism, we enter into life with Christ…  and in Christ… we are made new through grace. Jesus is a teacher who leads by example… Jesus shows us the way of love, humility, and solidarity… and then invites us to accompany him on that way. People become… we become… what we are called. God called us into existence with God's words… God spoke and breathed life… and so we became living, breathing humans… And now… through water… and God's word… we are washed clean, and claimed as children of the most high… and we are called… beloved. God calls you… beloved… so you are… beloved. This is an important and beautiful description of who you are… it's why I remind you every week… to become aware of God's gaze of love upon you. And yet, even as we know this word… defines us… we understand that it also invites us to live up to… and live into our belovedness. It sets love as the standard by which we live. We know that being claimed and loved by God, and holding that in the forefront of our minds… always… helps us to live, and act, and love our neighbors in a way that is befitting of one who is themselves… beloved. The words of God's promise… the words of God's love… go to work on us… these words and this promise give us the strength and courage to confess and repent of that which holds us apart from God… they help us to change our hearts and minds daily and to turn back toward Jesus… and toward love. Jesus' powerful act of solidarity with us… his choice to enter into our baptism as one of us… calls us to live as beloved members of the full body of Christ… and it means we can rise to the expectations of one who lives their life for Christ… and in Christ. To live into our belovedness means that each day, we work to live lives, not of presumption or arrogance, but of humility… and solidarity… and companionship… lives of unassuming generosity, not looking down on others, but seeing them as Jesus would see them… as siblings in Christ… who are also beloved. That boy I knew all those years ago… I was fortunate to watch him connect with an incredible mentor who refused to let the story he had heard before be the only story that boy ever heard. This mentor made certain that a better, more positive, and loving story became louder than the old one, and I saw this boy start to believe in himself. I saw him start living like one who was loved… like one who belonged, who was valuable, and who was worthy of love… and I saw how it shaped his interactions with others. I saw his kindness and humor shine through, his patience while helping others, and his compassion for those who were suffering. His life was reset and renewed… he was reminded that he was a child of God… and that he was beloved. God calls us all beloved… and so… we become beloved. It's a powerful word. My hope and prayer for you today is that you remember your baptism… as often as you can… remember the words of love and promise that God spoke to you… The promise that you are a beloved child of God. And if you aren't baptized, then know that God's invitation is always open… God's arms are always open wide, longing to receive you in love. Because our baptism… is not a transaction with God… it is an acknowledgment of what God is already doing in and through you. Remember that through the water and word of God's promise, you are part of the full body of Christ, and that you will never look upon another whom God does not love. Remember that you are so loved… and let that go to work in you this day and all days… let it be what you live into each day, for yourself and those around you. Author Maria Popova wrote, "…love… is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other's light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another." Remember that you washed clean in the waters of baptism, and that you are beloved… and that to be one who is beloved… means to reflect love into the world. So let it be that we all might shine with this love. Amen. _______________________ Maria Popova, The Marginalian, https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/01/31/james-baldwin-nothing-personal-love/

Baptism of Our Lord January 11 2026Support the show

Baptism of Our Lord | January 11, 2026 Identity Revealed: Jesus Is the Christ Scripture Readings:...

Word & Sermon Weekly –The Baptism of Our Lord – January 11, 2026 Isaiah 42:1–9 Romans 6:1–11 Matthew 3:13–17 Learn more about Zion Lutheran Church and the Christian faith, by subscribing to this podcast, and joining us next Sunday by visiting www.zionhiawatha.org

Delivered by Dwi Setyo, Celine, Michelle and Stella from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Isaiah 42: 1-4.6-7; Rs psalm 29: 1a.2.3ac-4.3b.9b-10; Acts of the Apostles 10: 34-38; Matthew 3: 13-17.CHRISTMAS HAS PASSEDAND A NEW LIFE HAS BEGUN The title for ourmeditation on this Sunday, the Baptism of the Lord is: Christmas has Passed anda New Life has Begun. We should say one more time "Merry Christmas"to each other with a joyful celebration in our faces and hearts. We wish togive a special sign for the last day of this Christmas season. The first sign isobviously the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which we celebrate every year toconclude a happy and joyful Christmas season. The baptism of Jesusby John the Baptist as proclaimed in the Gospel of Matthew, marks the nextstage in Jesus' life on earth, namely entering public life. He himself askedJohn that He had to be baptized in order to fulfill what God willed of Him.Jesus Christ was soon to come and unite himself with the world and the lives ofall people, as he salts and saves all. Jesus' experience ofbaptism is the starting point for the baptism of all His followers. Thedifference between John the Baptist's baptism of the Jews and of Jesus Christis very clear. The Jews, as sinners and have not yet received the Messiah, mustbe converted through the baptism of John, so that they could receive the LordJesus Christ. Whereas in Jesus Christ is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At themoment of baptism in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus Christ. We take part in thebaptism of Jesus Christ, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Everyfollower of Christ receives the Holy Spirit who sanctifies and fills him or herwhen he or she receives baptism. From the time of baptism he or she begins anew life. He or she is born the second time, namely the birth in faith and inthe Holy Spirit. While baptism for repentance by John the Baptist still servesus in the strengthening our faith, namely through the ministry ofreconciliation and repentance in the Church that we frequently do. Just like everyChristian baptism that opens the way for a new life as followers of Christ, wewho end the Christmas season and celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, will begin arenewed life outside the Christmas season or ordinary moments of life. Whatkind of a renewed life after Christmas and the feast of the baptism of theLord? According to the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, we need to reaffirmour commitment as a sign of God's covenant for the salvation of the world. Wemust be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and salvation for others. We need to be morecredible ourselves as witnesses of Christ by going around doing good whereverand whenever we are. This is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself that wemust continue. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Almighty God, we pray that this Sunday celebration may renew us in the waywe live out our Christian faith. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name ofthe Father ...

Delivered by Charlene Mahadi from the Parish of Maria Kusumah Karmel in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 John 5: 14-21; Rs psalm 149: 1-2.3-4.5.6a.9b; John 3: 22-30.MY JOY MADECOMPLETE           The title for ourmeditation today is: My Joy Made Complete. Many people do not easily understandthis expression from the holy Gospel, "Fullness of joy" or our joy“made complete”. But at least it is very well understood by a fisherman namedMatthew. Every morning he and many of his colleagues sell fish and othercatches on one of the sides of the coast of his native city. Many Christianswho do morning exercise or jogging in the beach know that Matthew is thefollower of Christ, because there is a Rosary hanging on his neck. After morningexercise and jogging they buy all the fish and kinds of seafood sold by Matthewand his friends. Matthew is well awarethat his encounter with God occurs through the aquaintance and interaction withfellow Christians every morning in the beach. Like John the Baptist who metJesus and experienced fullness of joy, Matthew actually experiences the samething. Matthew meets with others not in the church and in other spiritualactivities, but the meeting takes place in the sharing of gifts, blessings andjoy. People have fresh fish for their families, while Matthew is fortunate tohave money to bring home and to continue his work as fisherman. The fisherman's joycomes from love, acted out of love and shared in love. God is love, theevangelist John says. His work is for the welfare of his own family and thegood that is shared with others. If all people in this world do and experiencesuch kind of love, joy comes to reality. God knows, guides, and blesses all. Sothis experience of the fisherman opens our common awareness that each personhas responsibility in this life to create that joy. Just like John theBaptist and the fisherman Matthew, we shouldn't be making it so difficult and delicateway of work to search or find out where the Lord Jesus Christ is. God isalready in us, in our neighbor, and in the presence of the environment aroundus. We just need to increase awareness, be grateful for life every day, andcarry out our tasks every day in the name of love. From there flows and growsof the gift of joy. Don't forget this onething: in every action and situation of our duties, ask the Lord Jesus toaccompany and grant us blessings, so that those who are with us or those whomwe serve, know that through our actions, they meet the Lord. There will alwaysbe joyful experiences that help us to grow better in our faith.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus, bless us today so we can be a source of joy for others andthe environtment around us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit ... In the name of the Father ...

The Candy Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #candychristmas #ifnoonehastoldyoutoday #letmebethefirst #regenerationnashville #marvelouswoman #Psalm139:14 #KCMITV

Delivered by Evelyn from the Parish of Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore, Indonesia. 1 John 5: 5-13; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.14-15.19-20; Luke 5: 12-16.OVERCOMING THE WORLD The title for ourmeditation today is: Overcoming the World. There was a grade 3 elementaryschool boy proudly said to his mother: "Mommy, I can now climb mangoe treeand pick up ripe fruits." Usually the child only looked with envy at thebig and old people who climb and pick up the fruits. He really wanted to do thesame, but still felt scared. He felt very happy when climbing the tree andpicking up the fruits himself. Once when he was not seen by anyone, he climbedand made it to the top. He became so happy with that experience. The child's simpleexperience is an example of the ability to overcome the world. In this worldthere are various kinds of difficulties such as ignorance, laziness, boredom,crime, sickness, pain, lies and so forth. The elementary school child has takenat least one step forward, which is to win against fear and lack of confidence.That little experience opens us up to a horizon of opportunity and experienceto make progress in overcoming difficulties, so that our lives can passchallenges and obstacles, and finally achieving the expected goals. God actually has aplan to defeat the world, that is, since humanity fell into sin for the firsttime. The consequence of which is that the entire world, including humanpersons, is exposed to the virus of sin. God's plan is called the plan ofsalvation. The realization of the plan is evident, namely the incarnationmarked by the great event of the birth of Jesus Christ, which we have justcelebrated His anniversary. This basic and great background has always been theguideline for our every effort or work in overcoming the world. Each of us orour families and communities have received the power of mission from JesusChrist to overcome the world. Jesus convinces us to be able to overcome theworld as He constantly does. It is said clearly bythe first letter of St. John of today's first reading, that "The one whoconquers the world is he who believes in Jesus as the Son of God". JesusHimself has proven it in His every word and deed, for example He did by terminatingleprosy, and so the sick persson became clean. When a school principal managedto discipline some of his teachers who broke the rules, he defeated the worldof cheating at school by certain indiscilinary teachers. A journalist defeatsthe flow of lies that blow strongly done by some members of the society, byrevealing the truth of an event to be published and made people able to see thefact. Each of us is able toovercome the world through our works and professions, and what is really neededis our will and its implementation. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O most loving God, may we increasingly be honest and sincere in our wordsand actions to do your will. Our Father who art in heaven... In the name of theFather ...

Matthew 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.

Matthew 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.

Matthew 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.

Pastor Kent Christmas Podcast www.regenerationnashville.org #kentandcandychristmas #KCMInternational #KentChristmasMinistries #PreachPrayProphesy #birthingamovement #regenerationnashville #shaketheearth #GodPortal #GodGates #KCMITV

Delivered by Christine Gunawan from the Parish of Saint Joseph Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia. 1 John 4: 19 - 5: 4; Rs psalm 72: 1-2.14.15bc.17; Luke 4: 14-22a.LOVING GOD IS LOVINGNEIGHBORS Our meditation today isentitled: Loving God Is Loving Neighbors. On April 15, 2018, Pope Francisvisited a church in the city of Rome and he had a dialogue with the children.Emanuelle, an 8-year-old boy, walked forward and asked the Holy Father aquestion. "A few days agomy father passed away. My father was an atheist. But he is a very kind father.We four children were so loved by him. He took us all to church to be baptizedinto Catholicism. And so, is my father now in heaven?" Emanuelle asked thequestion in heavy words because he was crying. Pope Francis gave asatisfying answer and strengthened the heart of Emanuelle with his threebrothers and mother. The Pope said that God brings a good person with kindheart to heaven. Anyone in this world who does goodness to others is verypleasing to God. He or she is certainly so loved by God. He or she must be inheaven and not anywhere else. The problem is thatEmanuelle's father is not a believer. He is an atheist. In other words, ingeneral understanding, he does not love God. But in the reality of his life heis a kind and loving person. He even did a very great act of love, which was tobring all his children to the Church, to Jesus, and to God. This means he knowsthere is God. He entrusted his family to God. He was actuallyloving a God he is not believing. We must call this a hidden faith, an implicitfaith, or faith known only to God and his own deepest heart. Even he himselfdid not realize that in his subconscious and deepest heart there iscommunication with God. Therefore this father could not help but already havelove for God, so with sincerity and love he offered his children to God. Saint John in thefirst reading today confirms that whoever loves God, he must also love hisfellow brothers and sisters. The love he gives or shares to others is the samelove that he receives from God, because God first loves him. The experience of anatheist father for his four children is enough to give us awareness andunderstanding that we as believers surely love God and we also love ourbrothers, sisters and neighbors. These are all the fulfillment of thescriptures as expressed by the Gospel reading of today. When love is expressedand shared, the scriptures come true and fulfilled. Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Jesus, make us diligent and faithful with Your Word, then we areencouraged to fulfill Your mission on earth. Hail Mary, full of grace ... Inthe name of the Father...

Homily for the Epiphany of the Lord - January 4, 2026

Delivered by Lukitananda and Svara Nirmala from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indoenesia. 1 John 4: 11-18; Rs psalm 72: 1-2.10-11.12-13; Mark 6: 45-52.SEEING THE LORD The title for ourmeditation today is: Seeing the Lord. For people who live in the same time orage as Jesus Christ, seeing God is a very visible reality. Whereas the timeafter Jesus rose and ascended to heaven, it is no longer a vision of Godthrough physical eyes, but with spiritual eyes and faith. For such a strikingdifference, Jesus left us His teachings to strengthen our eyes of faith andspirit, so that when believers experience an encounter and able to see God,they do not use their eyes but their hearts and minds. Meeting God with faithis our experience every day as true believers. The way to see Godusing non-sensory abilities is like the experience of three small children whocelebrated Christmas and New Year in their parents' village, when they were sodelighted being with their grandparents. From the city, the family brought somegifts such as food, coffee, sugar, milk, syrup and many others. Each childoffered a gift to the grandfather and grandmother. The act of offering giftswas truly a happy moment for the whole family. The family from cityexperienced a great joy in a family celebration took place in the villageduring the holidays. They were welcomed so warmly. Families in the village alsoexperienced the same warm atmosphere. Grandparents were so happy to find theirchildren and grandchildren full of joy and cheerfulness. God really blessesthem with all kindness and love. All of them really experienced what we valueas the love of God that works. The events in thisfamily really illustrate that God is love, Deuscaritas est, as mentioned in the first letter of Saint John. The scripturesand the teachings of the Church place great emphasis on love as the wisdom andway of life of every follower of Christ. The Ten Commandments contain only onelaw, which is love for others where God is also loved through others. SaintJohn advises that it is enough to seek and see God by doing love. The way to do love isto be a peacemaker and a promoter of happiness. Jesus who walked on the sea andwas present in the midst of His apostles is a person who gives sense ofcomfort, calm, and peace. He convinces His followers not to be afraid. Our loveshould not cause worry, suspicion or fear. Instead our acts of love must bringjoy, peace and happiness.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O God, fill us with strong faith, so that we are able to carry out yourwill with joy and hope. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the HolySpirit ... In the name of the Father ...

Send us a textFr Joe Krupp homily on The Epiphany of the Lord | January 4, 2026Check out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Homily given at St. Thomas à Becket on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (January 4, 2026).

The Epiphany of Our Lord - January 4, 2026 - Pastor Mark Tiefel

Christmas welcomes the coming of Jesus Christ into the world at his birth in Bethlehem. This Christmas season reminds us of Jesus as the Light of the World and how we are called to bring Jesus to others. This blogcast explores “Beyond a Twinkle" from the Ad Infinitum blog, written by Don McCrabb, D. Min. and read by Meghan Abando.There is just something about Advent with its joyful anticipation of Christmas, the rush of preparation - decorating, gifting, and writing Christmas cards - and holy waiting. We ponder, like Mary, the birthing of the Messiah in history, in our lives, and our future. We can see the Christmas spirit in “the twinkle of an eye,” a person fully alive with the joyful anticipation of Christmas. When my family would gather for the holidays, there would be a lot of storytelling among the adults. Mom would say to me, from time to time, “this happened before you were even a twinkle in your father's eye.” At the time, I was not sure what she meant, but I knew that twinkle - in my Dad's eye over a job well done, carving the Christmas turkey, or preparing to host a party. I also noticed it in the Santa's I saw, Fr. Jim preparing for Mass, or Sister Prudence teaching us our catechism. It was a sign that a person was fully alive, joyful, and expectant. The Church celebrates the Feast of Saint John the Apostle on December 27th, just two days after Christmas. Saint John, and his older brother Saint James, are the sons of Zebedee, a fisherman. He was one of the youngest of the apostles and he was the last apostle to die. Tradition credits him with the fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. ​ I must confess, I have struggled with reading the Gospel of Saint John. At times, it is mysterious, tender, and baffling. Yet, it has always been a grace - deepening my faith and expanding my heart. As we celebrate Christmas - and we must remember it is a season that begins on Christmas Day and ends with the Baptism of the Lord (January 12th) - I want to take the time to pray and ponder the Prologue to the Gospel of John. It is just 18 verses but it is saturated with meaning that elevates the Birth of Jesus beyond the horizon of our awareness, even beyond the boundaries of our imagination. The story of Jesus born of Mary in a stable is found in the Gospel of Luke. Saint Matthew's account stresses Saint Joseph, his dreams, the three “kings,” and the flight into Egypt. Saint Mark, like Saint John, begins with John the Baptist. Saint John, however, weaves a beautiful poem about who Jesus really is to introduce the testimony of the Baptist. Jesus is the Word of God and, from the very beginning, he was both with God and was God and through him “all things came to be.” Every thing, every one of us, was created by God through Jesus, the Word of God. (John 1: 1-3) Jesus is the light “of the human race,” enlightenment is found in him, and we who accept Jesus, believe in his name, are now children of God. (John 1: 4-5) In Jesus, the Word of God became flesh, dwells among us. In him and through him we see the face of God. (John 1:14-18) When Saint John ends his Gospel, he proclaims both the truth of what he has written, but also its limitation since, “there are also many other things that Jesus did … I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25). Hopefully, we will receive many wonderful and meaningful gifts this Christmas. The discipline of Christmas is to receive the gift. To recognize the gift given, the giver, and the completeness of the gift. In so many ways, I am still unwrapping the gift of my smartphone years after my wife, Barbara, gave it to me. As I unwrap the prologue to the Gospel of Saint John, I am struck by three amazing truths. First, all of us were created through the Word of God. Jesus himself participated in our creation. Our being begins in him and flows through him. Second, if we accept the gift of Jesus, and unwrap all of the gift, as we are able, we are no longer creatures. We are now children of God. Third, we have a light, a twinkle if you will, shining within us, “and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) The Gospel of John is a gift given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that takes time to unwrap. It is so much better than Christmas cookies because its goodness, its sweetness, does not go away. Indeed, the more we feast on its truth and beauty, the more enriched we are. We leave both satisfied and hungry for more. Author:Don McCrabb, D. Min., a pastoral theologian, is the former Executive Director of the United States Catholic Mission Association. Resources:Listen to On Mission: ChristmasRead and learn about Advent and ChristmasRead the Ad Infinitum blog Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Baptism of Our Lord (January 11, 2026), diving deep into what makes this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry more than just a baptismal event.The hosts examine why this Sunday marks the beginning of Epiphany rather than simply a theology of baptism. Jesus undergoes John's baptism of repentance—not Christian baptism—which troubled the early church and explains why John's Gospel omits Jesus' baptism entirely. Matt Skinner suggests John the Baptist served as a teacher to Jesus, with repentance signaling Jesus' readiness to embrace God's calling rather than washing away sins.The conversation emphasizes the Holy Spirit's central role: the Spirit's arrival empowers Jesus for ministry and leads him into the wilderness. This is Matthew's first instance of God speaking directly, publicly affirming "This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased." The hosts connect this voice to Psalm 2's coronation language and explore whether God's voice thundered like Psalm 29 describes or arrived as a quiet whisper. Isaiah 42's servant songs provide crucial context for understanding Matthew's gentle yet justice-oriented Jesus. The hosts preview how this passage becomes essential for navigating Matthew's gospel, which balances Jesus' easy yoke with uncompromising demands. The discussion touches on how the early church searched scriptures post-resurrection to understand Jesus' identity.Acts 10:34-43 offers Peter's thumbnail sketch of Jesus' ministry, emphasizing God's anointing with the Holy Spirit and power. The hosts note this Sunday functions as a "mini-Pentecost" in Jesus' life, examining how baptism sets a particular way of life in motion—both for Jesus and for contemporary Christians reflecting on their own baptismal calling.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the profound themes of divine guidance, resistance, and illumination in the story of the Magi for the Day of Epiphany, January 6th. This episode unpacks how the Magi's journey represents not just a physical pilgrimage but a theological model for following God's leading—even when it requires non-compliance with earthly powers and going "by another road."The conversation examines how Matthew's Gospel presents multiple pathways to knowing Jesus: through celestial signs, scriptural interpretation, and the accumulated wisdom of seekers from beyond Israel's borders. The hosts discuss the Magi's act of resistance when they refuse to return to Herod, highlighting how Christmas and Epiphany demand non-cooperation with tyrannical agendas. Dreams and divine warnings play crucial roles as God redirects the Magi and the Holy Family, demonstrating how God persistently seeks to guide us through various means.Drawing on Warren Carter's commentary, the discussion emphasizes how "the other way" the Magi take thwarts the tyrant's will and refuses cooperation with empire. The episode also explores the rich intertextuality between Matthew's narrative and the Old Testament readings, particularly Isaiah 61's themes of illumination and wealth, and Psalm 72's vision of an ideal Davidic king fulfilled in Jesus—a very different type of lordship than political dominance.The hosts wrestle with the nature of the Magi's act of prostration (proskuneo), discussing whether it represents worship, homage, respect, or political acknowledgment, and how this ambiguity enriches our understanding of who Jesus is. They also reflect on what it means to follow God when competing voices and apparent certainties pull us in different directions, acknowledging the human tendency to stop listening or refuse God's direction.

Homily given at St. Thomas à Becket on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (January 12, 2025)

Homily for the Baptism of the Lord (January 12, 2025) Total Time: 13m27s

Everything you've ever wanted to know about the Sacrament of Baptism. 

Thank you for listening to my podcast this week.  I truly appreciate the time you make for this week's reflection on the Gospel.God bless.Fr. Kennedy

The Epiphany is a story about the Magi's search for Christ, but on a deeper level, it's about man's search for meaning. 

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the Baptism of Our Lord through the Gospel of Luke.  Tune in as they delve into the Holy Spirit's role, connections to Isaiah 43, and the inclusion of Samaritans in Acts 8. This engaging discussion highlights baptism's transformative power, the significance of identity, and the enduring impact of God's voice. Resources Mentioned: Terry Fretheim's Enter the Bible video on Isaiah 43: https://enterthebible.org/video/god-says-i-love-you-isaiah-43. Follow along with the commentaries for the Baptism of Our Lord at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/baptism-of-our-lord-3/commentary-on-luke-315-17-21-22-6. Bautismo de Nuestro Señor: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/baptism-of-our-lord-3/comentario-del-san-lucas-315-17-21-22-5. *  *  *   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EQCaz0rEkF8.