Podcasts about mass readings

Here are some of the main themes in the Mass Readings for the 23rd Sunday of the Year. (Lectionary #127) August 31, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 431 The Saint of the day is Saints Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus Saints Joseph of Arimathea's and Nicodemus' Story The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight into the charismatic power of Jesus and his teachings—and the risks that could be involved in following him. Joseph was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of Jesus. Following the death of Jesus, Joseph obtained Jesus' body from Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen and buried it. For these reasons, Joseph is considered the patron saint of funeral directors and pallbearers. More important is the courage Joseph showed in asking Pilate for Jesus' body. Jesus was a condemned criminal who had been publicly executed. According to some legends, Joseph was punished and imprisoned for such a bold act. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and, like Joseph, an important first-century Jew. We know from John's Gospel that Nicodemus went to Jesus at night—secretly—to better understand his teachings about the kingdom. Later, he spoke up for Jesus at the time of his arrest and assisted in Jesus' burial. We know little else about Nicodemus. Reflection Celebrating these two contemporaries of Jesus who played significant roles in Jesus' life, reminds us of the humanity of Jesus and how he related to his fellow men and women. His gentleness to these two and his acceptance of their help remind us that he treats us in the same gentle way.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. You cannot become the person you were meant to be without the Cross. No one likes to lose. But there is a difference between getting beaten and forfeiting. Because Jesus has won, the only way we can lose our souls is if we forfeit. Mass Readings from August 30, 2026: Jeremiah 20:7-9 Psalm 63:2-9Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16:21-27

Full Text of Readings Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 124 The Saint of the day is Saint Jeanne Jugan Saint Jeanne Jugan's Story Born in northern France during the French Revolution—a time when congregations of women and men religious were being suppressed by the national government, Jeanne would eventually be highly praised in the French academy for her community's compassionate care of elderly poor people. When Jeanne Jugan was three and a half years old, her father, a fisherman, was lost at sea. Her widowed mother was hard pressed to raise her eight children alone; four died young. At the age of 15 or 16, Jeanne became a kitchen maid for a family that not only cared for its own members, but also served poor, elderly people nearby. Ten years later, Jeanne became a nurse at the hospital in Le Rosais. Soon thereafter, she joined a third order group founded by Saint John Eudes. After six years she became a servant and friend of a woman she met through the third order. They prayed, visited the poor, and taught catechism to children. After her friend's death, Jeanne and two other women continued a similar life in the city of Saint-Sevran. In 1839, they brought in their first permanent guest. They began an association, received more members, and more guests. Mère Marie of the Cross, as Jeanne Jugan was now known, founded six more houses for the elderly by the end of 1849, all staffed by members of her association—the Little Sisters of the Poor. By 1853, the association numbered 500 and had houses as far away as England. Abbé Le Pailleur, a chaplain, had prevented Jeanne Jugan's reelection as superior in 1843; nine years later, he had her assigned to duties within the congregation, but would not allow her to be recognized as its founder. In 1890, the Holy See removed him from office. By the time Pope Leo XIII gave her final approval to the community's constitutions in 1879, there were 2,400 Little Sisters of the Poor. Jeanne died later that same year, on August 30. Her cause was introduced in Rome in 1970. She was beatified in 1982, and canonized in 2009. Reflection Jeanne Jugan saw Christ in what Saint Teresa of Calcutta would describe as his “distressing disguises.” With great confidence in God's providence and the intercession of Saint Joseph, she begged willingly for the many homes that she opened, relying on the good example of the Sisters and the generosity of benefactors who knew the good that the Sisters were doing. They now work in 30 countries. “With the eye of faith, we must see Jesus in our old people—for they are God's mouthpiece,” Jeanne once said. No matter what the difficulties, she was always able to praise God and move ahead.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist The Story of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist The drunken oath of a king with a shallow sense of honor, a seductive dance and the hateful heart of a queen combined to bring about the martyrdom of John the Baptist. The greatest of prophets suffered the fate of so many Old Testament prophets before him: rejection and martyrdom. The “voice crying in the desert” did not hesitate to accuse the guilty, did not hesitate to speak the truth. But why? What possesses a man that he would give up his very life? This great religious reformer was sent by God to prepare the people for the Messiah. His vocation was one of selfless giving. The only power that he claimed was the Spirit of Yahweh. “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). Scripture tells us that many people followed Saint John the Baptist looking to him for hope, perhaps in anticipation of some great messianic power. John never allowed himself the false honor of receiving these people for his own glory. He knew his calling was one of preparation. When the time came, he led his disciples to Jesus: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.' The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37). It is John the Baptist who has pointed the way to Christ. John's life and death were a giving over of self for God and other people. His simple style of life was one of complete detachment from earthly possessions. His heart was centered on God and the call that he heard from the Spirit of God speaking to his heart. Confident of God's grace, he had the courage to speak words of condemnation, repentance, and salvation. Reflection Each of us has a calling to which we must listen. No one will ever repeat the mission of Saint John the Baptist, and yet all of us are called to that very mission. It is the role of the Christian to witness to Jesus. Whatever our position in this world, we are called to be disciples of Christ. By our words and deeds, others should realize that we live in the joy of knowing that Jesus is Lord. We do not have to depend upon our own limited resources, but can draw strength from the vastness of Christ's saving grace.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 429 The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of Hippo Saint Augustine of Hippo's Story A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned saint. But to get to really know the man is a rewarding experience. There quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path led away from or toward God. The tears of his mother, the instructions of Ambrose and, most of all, God himself speaking to him in the Scriptures, redirected Augustine of Hippo's love of life to a life of love. Having been so deeply immersed in creature-pride of life in his early days and having drunk deeply of its bitter dregs, it is not surprising that Augustine should have turned, with a holy fierceness, against the many demon-thrusts rampant in his day. His times were truly decadent: politically, socially, morally. He was both feared and loved, like the Master. The perennial criticism leveled against him: a fundamental rigorism. In his day, Augustine of Hippo providentially fulfilled the office of prophet. Like Jeremiah and other greats, he was hard-pressed but could not keep quiet. “I say to myself, I will not mention him/I will speak in his name no more/But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart/imprisoned in my bones/I grow weary holding it in/I cannot endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9). Reflection Augustine of Hippo is still acclaimed and condemned in our day. He is a prophet for today, trumpeting the need to scrap escapisms and stand face-to-face with personal responsibility and dignity.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Monica Lectionary: 428 The Saint of the day is Saint Monica Saint Monica's Story The circumstances of Saint Monica's life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica's prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his baptism. Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father's death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Saint Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy—”all flesh is evil”—and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on, she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted. When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Saint Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine's trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan. In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, Saint Ambrose, who also became Monica's spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her. Saint Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste. She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter 387, Saint Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Saint Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death. Almost all we know about Saint Monica is in the writings of Saint Augustine, especially his Confessions. Reflection Today, with Google searches, online shopping, text messages, tweets, and instant credit, we have little patience for things that take time. Likewise, we want instant answers to our prayers. Monica is a model of patience. Her long years of prayer, coupled with a strong, well-disciplined character, finally led to the conversion of her hot-tempered husband, her cantankerous mother-in-law and her brilliant but wayward son, Augustine.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 427 The Saint of the day is Saint Joseph Calasanz Saint Joseph Calasanz' Story From Aragon where he was born in 1556, to Rome where he died 92 years later, fortune alternately smiled and frowned on the work of Joseph Calasanz. A priest with university training in canon law and theology, respected for his wisdom and administrative expertise, he put aside his career because he was deeply concerned with the need for education of poor children. When he was unable to get other institutes to undertake this apostolate at Rome, Joseph and several companions personally provided a free school for deprived children. So overwhelming was the response that there was a constant need for larger facilities to house their effort. Soon, Pope Clement VIII gave support to the school, and this aid continued under Pope Paul V. Other schools were opened; other men were attracted to the work, and in 1621 the community—for so the teachers lived—was recognized as a religious community, the Clerks Regular of Religious Schools—Piarists or Scolopi. Not long after, Joseph was appointed superior for life. A combination of various prejudices and political ambition and maneuvering caused the institute much turmoil. Some did not favor educating the poor, for education would leave the poor dissatisfied with their lowly tasks for society! Others were shocked that some of the Piarists were sent for instruction to Galileo—a friend of Joseph Calasanz—as superior, thus dividing the members into opposite camps. Repeatedly investigated by papal commissions, Joseph Calasanz was demoted; when the struggle within the institute persisted, the Piarists were suppressed. Only after Joseph's death were they formally recognized as a religious community. His liturgical feast is celebrated on August 25. Reflection No one knew better than Joseph Calasanz the need for the work he was doing; no one knew better than he how baseless were the charges brought against him. Yet if he were to work within the Church, he realized that he must submit to its authority, that he must accept a setback if he was unable to convince authorized investigators. While the prejudice, the scheming and the ignorance of men often keep the truth from emerging for a long period of time, Joseph Calasanz was convinced, even under suppression, that his institute would again be recognized and authorized. With this trust he joined exceptional patience and a genuine spirit of forgiveness.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 426 The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of France Saint Louis of France's Story At his coronation as king of France, Louis IX bound himself by oath to behave as God's anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of Peace. Other kings had done the same, of course. Louis was different in that he actually interpreted his kingly duties in the light of faith. After the violence of two previous reigns, he brought peace and justice. Saint Louis of France “took the cross” for a Crusade when he was 30. His army seized Damietta in Egypt but not long after, weakened by dysentery and without support, they were surrounded and captured. Louis obtained the release of the army by giving up the city of Damietta in addition to paying a ransom. He stayed in Syria four years. Louis deserves credit for extending justice in civil administration. His regulations for royal officials became the first of a series of reform laws. He replaced trial by battle with a form of examination of witnesses and encouraged the use of written records in court. Saint Louis of France was always respectful of the papacy, but defended royal interests against the popes, and refused to acknowledge Innocent IV's sentence against Emperor Frederick II. Saint Louis of France was devoted to his people, founding hospitals, visiting the sick, and like his patron Saint Francis, caring even for people with leprosy. He is one of the patrons of the Secular Franciscan Order. Louis united France—lords and townsfolk, peasants and priests and knights—by the force of his personality and holiness. For many years the nation was at peace. Every day, Louis had 13 special guests from among the poor to eat with him, and a large number of poor were served meals near his palace. During Advent and Lent, all who presented themselves were given a meal, and Louis often served them in person. He kept lists of needy people, whom he regularly relieved, in every province of his dominion. Disturbed by new Muslim advances, Louis led another crusade to North Africa in 1270. Within a month of their landing at Carthage, the army camp was decimated by disease. Louis himself died there at the age of 56. He was canonized 27 years later. Reflection Saint Louis of France was strong-willed, strong-minded. His word was trusted utterly, and his courage in action was remarkable. What is most remarkable was his sense of respect for anyone with whom he dealt, especially the “humble folk of the Lord.” To care for his people he built cathedrals, churches, libraries, hospitals and orphanages. He dealt with princes honestly and equitably. He hoped to be treated the same way by the King of Kings, to whom he gave his life, his family and his country.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle Lectionary: 629 The Saint of the day is Saint Bartholomew Saint Bartholomew's Story In the New Testament, Saint Bartholomew is mentioned only in the lists of the apostles. Some scholars identify him with Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b). When Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, Jesus said, “I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48b). Whatever amazing revelation this involved, it brought Nathanael to exclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49b). But Jesus countered with, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this” (John 1:50b). Nathanael did see greater things. He was one of those to whom Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias after his resurrection (see John 21:1-14). They had been fishing all night without success. In the morning, they saw someone standing on the shore though no one knew it was Jesus. He told them to cast their net again, and they made so great a catch that they could not haul the net in. Then John cried out to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When they brought the boat to shore, they found a fire burning, with some fish laid on it and some bread. Jesus asked them to bring some of the fish they had caught, and invited them to come and eat their meal. John relates that although they knew it was Jesus, none of the apostles presumed to inquire who he was. This, John notes, was the third time Jesus appeared to the apostles. Reflection Saint Bartholomew or Nathanael? We are confronted again with the fact that we know almost nothing about most of the apostles. Yet the unknown ones were also foundation stones, the 12 pillars of the new Israel whose 12 tribes now encompass the whole earth. Their personalities were secondary—without thereby being demeaned—to their great office of bearing tradition from their firsthand experience, speaking in the name of Jesus, putting the Word Made Flesh into human words for the enlightenment of the world. Their holiness was not an introverted contemplation of their status before God. It was a gift that they had to share with others. The Good News was that all are called to the holiness of being Christ's members, by the gracious gift of God. The simple fact is that humanity is totally meaningless unless God is its total concern. Then humanity, made holy with God's own holiness, becomes the most precious creation of God.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Mass Readings for Sunday August 23, 2026 Reading 1, Isaiah 22:15, 19-23 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 Gospel, Matthew 16:13-20 Reading 2, Romans 11:33-36

Homily from the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time He gets to reveal Himself to me long before I get to have an opinion of Him. Every one of us will have our own Caesarea Philippi, our place where we must answer the question, "Who do you say that Jesus is?" Who will we say? Will we point to a Jesus who is merely our own particular version of Christ? Or will we actually know the true Jesus? Mass Readings from August 23, 2026:Isaiah 22:19-23 Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20

Full Text of Readings Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 121 The Saint of the day is Saint Rose of Lima Saint Rose of Lima's Story The first canonized saint of the New World has one characteristic of all saints—the suffering of opposition—and another characteristic which is more for admiration than for imitation—excessive practice of mortification. Rose of Lima was born to parents of Spanish descent in Lima, Peru, at a time when South America was in its first century of evangelization. She seems to have taken Catherine of Siena as a model, in spite of the objections and ridicule of parents and friends. The saints have so great a love of God that what seems bizarre to us, and is indeed sometimes imprudent, is simply a logical carrying out of a conviction that anything that might endanger a loving relationship with God must be rooted out. So, because her beauty was so often admired, Rose used to rub her face with pepper to produce disfiguring blotches. Later, she wore a thick circlet of silver on her head, studded on the inside, like a crown of thorns. When Rose of Lima's parents fell into financial trouble, she worked in the garden all day and sewed at night. Ten years of struggle against her parents began when they tried to make Rose marry. They refused to let her enter a convent, and out of obedience she continued her life of penance and solitude at home as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. So deep was her desire to live the life of Christ that she spent most of her time at home in solitude. During the last few years of her life, Rose of Lima set up a room in the house where she cared for homeless children, the elderly, and the sick. This was a beginning of social services in Peru. Though secluded in life and activity, she was brought to the attention of Inquisition interrogators, who could only say that she was influenced by grace. What might have been a merely eccentric life was transfigured from the inside. If we remember some unusual penances, we should also remember the greatest thing about Rose of Lima: a love of God so ardent that it withstood ridicule from without, violent temptation, and lengthy periods of sickness. When she died at 31, the city turned out for her funeral. Prominent men took turns carrying her coffin. Reflection It is easy to dismiss excessive penances of the saints as the expression of a certain culture or temperament. But a woman wearing a crown of thorns may at least prod our consciences. We enjoy the most comfort-oriented life in human history. We eat too much, drink too much, use a million gadgets, fill our eyes and ears with everything imaginable. Commerce thrives on creating useless needs on which to spend our money. It seems that when we have become most like slaves, there is the greatest talk of “freedom.” Are we willing to discipline ourselves in such an atmosphere?Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Final episode. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all so much for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 43: 1-7; Matthew 23: 1-12; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Final episode. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all so much for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Sirach 24: 23-31; John 19: 25-27; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 424 The Saint of the day is Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Story of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But the Blessed Virgin Mary's queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary's Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary's life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus' kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court. In the fourth century Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Later Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. Hymns of the 11th to 13th centuries address Mary as queen: “Hail, Holy Queen,” “Hail, Queen of Heaven,” “Queen of Heaven.” The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown as well as numerous invocations in Mary's litany celebrate her queenship. The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption, and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954 encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus' redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power. Reflection As Saint Paul suggests in Romans 8:28–30, God has predestined human beings from all eternity to share the image of his Son. All the more was Mary predestined to be the mother of Jesus. As Jesus was to be king of all creation, Mary, in dependence on Jesus, was to be queen. All other titles to queenship derive from this eternal intention of God. As Jesus exercised his kingship on earth by serving his Father and his fellow human beings, so did Mary exercise her queenship. As the glorified Jesus remains with us as our king till the end of time (Matthew 28:20), so does Mary, who was assumed into heaven and crowned queen of heaven and earth.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will stop airing within the next few days. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Proverbs 31: 10-31; Matthew 13: 44-52; Haydock Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will stop airing within the next few days. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Matthew 22: 34-40; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope Lectionary: 423 The Saint of the day is Saint Pius X Saint Pius X's Story Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children. The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at age 68. He was one of the 20th century's greatest popes. Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.” Interested in politics, Pope Pius encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections—a practice that reduced the freedom of the 1903 conclave which had elected him. In 1905, when France renounced its agreement with the Holy See and threatened confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, Pius X courageously rejected the demand. While Saint Pius X did not author a famous social encyclical as his predecessor had done, he denounced the ill treatment of indigenous peoples on the plantations of Peru, sent a relief commission to Messina after an earthquake, and sheltered refugees at his own expense. On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was plunged into World War I. Saint Pius X had foreseen it, but it killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the war began, and was canonized in 1954. Reflection His humble background was no obstacle in relating to a personal God and to people whom he loved genuinely. Saint Pius X gained his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts, the Spirit of Jesus. In contrast, we often feel embarrassed by our backgrounds. Shame makes us prefer to remain aloof from people whom we perceive as superior. If we are in a superior position, on the other hand, we often ignore simpler people. Yet we, too, have to help “restore all things in Christ,” especially the wounded people of God.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will stop airing within the next few days. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 36: 23-28; Matthew 22: 1-14; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will stop airing within the next few days. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Sirach 39: 6-14; Matthew 5: 13-19; Haydock and Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 422 The Saint of the day is Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Saint Bernard of Clairvaux's Story Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But Western Europe's “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, had to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith, healer of a schism, reformer of a monastic Order, Scripture scholar, theologian, and eloquent preacher: any one of these titles would distinguish an ordinary man. Yet Bernard was all of these—and he still retained a burning desire to return to the hidden monastic life of his younger days. In the year 1111, at the age of 20, Bernard left his home to join the monastic community of Citeaux. His five brothers, two uncles, and some 30 young friends followed him into the monastery. Within four years, a dying community had recovered enough vitality to establish a new house in the nearby valley of Wormwoods, with Bernard as abbot. The zealous young man was quite demanding, though more on himself than others. A slight breakdown of health taught him to be more patient and understanding. The valley was soon renamed Clairvaux, the valley of light. His ability as arbitrator and counselor became widely known. More and more he was lured away from the monastery to settle long-standing disputes. On several of these occasions, he apparently stepped on some sensitive toes in Rome. Bernard was completely dedicated to the primacy of the Roman See. But to a letter of warning from Rome, he replied that the good fathers in Rome had enough to do to keep the Church in one piece. If any matters arose that warranted their interest, he would be the first to let them know. Shortly thereafter it was Bernard of Clairvaux who intervened in a full-blown schism and settled it in favor of the Roman pontiff against the antipope. The Holy See prevailed on Bernard of Clairvaux to preach the Second Crusade throughout Europe. His eloquence was so overwhelming that a great army was assembled and the success of the crusade seemed assured. The ideals of the men and their leaders, however, were not those of Abbot Bernard, and the project ended as a complete military and moral disaster. Bernard of Clairvaux felt responsible in some way for the degenerative effects of the crusade. This heavy burden possibly hastened his death, which came August 20, 1153. Reflection Bernard's life in the Church was more active than we can imagine possible today. His efforts produced far-reaching results. But he knew that they would have availed little without the many hours of prayer and contemplation that brought him strength and heavenly direction. His life was characterized by a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. His sermons and books about Mary are still the standard of Marian theology.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 34: 1-11; Matthew 20: 1-16; Haydock and Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Sirach 31: 8-11; Luke 12: 35-40; Haydock Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 421 The Saint of the day is Saint John Eudes Saint John Eudes' Story How little we know where God's grace will lead. Born on a farm in northern France, John died at 78 in the next “county” or department. In that time, he was a religious, a parish missionary, founder of two religious communities, and a great promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. John joined the religious community of the Oratorians and was ordained a priest at 24. During severe plagues in 1627 and 1631, he volunteered to care for the stricken in his own diocese. Lest he infect his fellow religious, during the plague he lived in a huge cask in the middle of a field. At age 32, John became a parish missionary. His gifts as a preacher and confessor won him great popularity. He preached over 100 parish missions, some lasting from several weeks to several months. In his concern with the spiritual improvement of the clergy, John realized that the greatest need was for seminaries. He had permission from his general superior, the bishop, and even Cardinal Richelieu to begin this work, but the succeeding general superior disapproved. After prayer and counsel, John decided it was best to leave the religious community. That same year John founded a new community, ultimately called the Eudists—the Congregation of Jesus and Mary–devoted to the formation of the clergy by conducting diocesan seminaries. The new venture, while approved by individual bishops, met with immediate opposition, especially from Jansenists and some of his former associates. John founded several seminaries in Normandy, but was unable to get approval from Rome—partly, it was said, because he did not use the most tactful approach. In his parish mission work, John was disturbed by the sad condition of prostitutes who sought to escape their miserable life. Temporary shelters were found, but arrangements were not satisfactory. A certain Madeleine Lamy, who had cared for several of the women, one day said to him, “Where are you off to now? To some church, I suppose, where you'll gaze at the images and think yourself pious. And all the time what is really wanted of you is a decent house for these poor creatures.” The words, and the laughter of those present, struck deeply within him. The result was another new religious community, called the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge. John Eudes is probably best known for the central theme of his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life. His devotion to the Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart led Pope Pius XI to declare him the father of the liturgical cult of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Reflection Holiness is the wholehearted openness to the love of God. It is visibly expressed in many ways, but the variety of expression has one common quality: concern for the needs of others. In John's case, those who were in need were plague-stricken people, ordinary parishioners, those preparing for the priesthood, prostitutes, and all Christians called to imitate the love of Jesus and his mother.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 28: 1-10; Matthew 19: 23-30; Haydock and Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Proverbs 31: 10-31; Matthew 13: 44-52; Haydock Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 420 The Saint of the day is Saint Louis of Toulouse Saint Louis of Toulouse's Story When he died at the age of 23, Louis was already a Franciscan, a bishop, and a saint! Louis's parents were Charles II of Naples and Sicily, and Mary, daughter of the King of Hungary. Louis was related to Saint Louis IX on his father's side and to Elizabeth of Hungary on his mother's side. Louis of Toulouse of Toulouse showed early signs of attachment to prayer and to the corporal works of mercy. As a child he used to take food from the castle to feed the poor. When he was 14, Louis and two of his brothers were taken as hostages to the king of Aragon's court as part of a political deal involving Louis's father. At the court, Louis was tutored by Franciscan friars under whom he made great progress both in his studies and in the spiritual life. Like Saint Francis he developed a special love for those afflicted with leprosy. While he was still a hostage, Louis decided to renounce his royal title and become a priest. When he was 20, he was allowed to leave the king of Aragon's court. He renounced his title in favor of his brother Robert and was ordained the next year. Very shortly after, he was appointed bishop of Toulouse, but the pope agreed to Louis's request to become a Franciscan first. The Franciscan spirit pervaded Louis. “Jesus Christ is all my riches; he alone is sufficient for me,” Louis kept repeating. Even as a bishop he wore the Franciscan habit and sometimes begged. He assigned a friar to offer him correction—in public if necessary—and the friar did his job. Louis of Toulouse's service to the Diocese of Toulouse was richly blessed. In no time he was considered a saint. Louis set aside 75 percent of his income as bishop to feed the poor and maintain churches. Each day he fed 25 poor people at his table. Louis of Toulouse was canonized in 1317 by Pope John XXII, one of his former teachers. His liturgical feast is celebrated on August 19. Reflection When Cardinal Hugolino, the future Pope Gregory IX, suggested to Francis that some of the friars would make fine bishops, Francis protested that they might lose some of their humility and simplicity if appointed to those positions. Those two virtues are needed everywhere in the Church, and Louis shows us how they can be lived out by bishops.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 24: 15-23; Matthew 19: 16-22; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will stop airing next week. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Sirach 31: 8-11; Luke 12: 35-40; Haydock Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 419 The Saint of the day is Saint Joan of the Cross Saint Joan of the Cross' Story An encounter with a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted Joan of the Cross to dedicate her life to the poor. For Joan, who had a reputation as a businesswoman intent on monetary success, this was a significant conversion. Born in 1666, in Anjou, France, Joan of the Cross worked in the family business—a small shop near a religious shrine—from an early age. After her parents' death she took over the shop. She quickly became known for her greediness and insensitivity to the beggars who often came seeking help. That was until she was touched by the strange woman who claimed she was on intimate terms with the deity. Joan of the Cross, who had always been devout, even scrupulous, became a new person. She began caring for needy children. Then the poor, elderly, and sick came to her. Over time, she closed the family business so she could devote herself fully to good works and penance. She went on to found what came to be known as the Congregation of Saint Anne of Providence. It was then she took the religious name of Joan of the Cross. By the time of her death in 1736 she had founded 12 religious houses, hospices, and schools. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1982. Reflection The downtown areas of most major cities hold a population of “street people.” Well-dressed folks usually avoid making eye contact, probably for fear of being asked for a handout. That was Joan of the Cross' attitude until the day one of them touched her heart. Most people thought the old woman was crazy, but she put Joan on the road to sainthood. Who knows what the next beggar we meet might do for us?Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Mass Readings for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - August 16, 2026 Reading 1, Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Reading 2, Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 Gospel, Matthew 15:21-28

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7; Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15: 21-28; Haydock and Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  2 Corinthians 3: 4-9; Luke 10: 23-37; Haydock and Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Homily from the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Can God can say no and we still stay? When we come before God and ask for anything, we are making ourselves vulnerable. We are implicitly stating that God has our permission to give us His actual answer. We do not, and we cannot, force God into anything. He might say yes, He might say wait, and He might say no. The question is not, merely, what might God say. The question is, what will we do if the answer is no? Mass Readings from August 16, 2026: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28

Full Text of Readings Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 118 The Saint of the day is Saint Stephen of Hungary Saint Stephen of Hungary's Story The Church is universal, but its expression is always affected—for good or ill—by local culture. There are no “generic” Christians; there are Mexican Christians, Polish Christians, Filipino Christians. This fact is evident in the life of Stephen, national hero and spiritual patron of Hungary. Born a pagan, he was baptized around the age of 10, together with his father, chief of the Magyars, a group who migrated to the Danube area in the ninth century. At 20, he married Gisela, sister to the future emperor, Saint Henry. When he succeeded his father, Stephen of Hungary adopted a policy of Christianization of the country for both political and religious reasons. He suppressed a series of revolts by pagan nobles and welded the Magyars into a strong national group. He asked the pope to provide for the Church's organization in Hungary—and also requested that the pope confer the title of king upon him. He was crowned on Christmas day in 1001. Stephen of Hungary established a system of tithes to support churches and pastors and to relieve the poor. Out of every 10 towns one had to build a church and support a priest. He abolished pagan customs with a certain amount of violence, and commanded all to marry, except clergy and religious. He was easily accessible to all, especially the poor. In 1031, his son Emeric died, and the rest of Stephen of Hungary's days were embittered by controversy over his successor. His nephews attempted to kill him. He died in 1038 and was canonized, along with his son, in 1083. Reflection God's gift of holiness is a Christlike love of God and humanity. Love must sometimes bear a stern countenance for the sake of ultimate good. Christ attacked hypocrites among the Pharisees, but died forgiving them. Paul excommunicated the incestuous man at Corinth “that his spirit may be saved.” Some Christians fought the Crusades with noble zeal, in spite of the unworthy motives of others. Today, after senseless wars, and with a deeper understanding of the complex nature of human motives, we shrink from any use of violence—physical or “silent.” This wholesome development continues as people debate whether it is possible for a Christian to be an absolute pacifist or whether evil must sometimes be repelled by force.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Judith 13: 22-25; 15: 10; Luke 1: 41-50; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Revelation 11: 19; 12: 1-6, 10; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27; Luke 1: 39-56; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Lectionary: 621, 622 The Saint of the day is Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Story of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.” The pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church. We find homilies on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity. Scripture does not give an account of Mary's assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God's people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman's victory. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ's resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus' life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary's share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven. Reflection In the light of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God's holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 16: 59-63; Matthew 19: 3-12; Haydock Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr Lectionary: 417 The Saint of the day is Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe's Story “I don't know what's going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe's reaction was, “I prayed very hard to Our Lady to tell me what would happen to me. She appeared, holding in her hands two crowns, one white, one red. She asked if I would like to have them—one was for purity, the other for martyrdom. I said, ‘I choose both.' She smiled and disappeared.” After that he was not the same. He entered the minor seminary of the Conventual Franciscans in Lvív–then Poland, now Ukraine—near his birthplace, and at 16 became a novice. Though Maximilian later achieved doctorates in philosophy and theology, he was deeply interested in science, even drawing plans for rocket ships. Ordained at 24, Maximilian Mary Kolbe saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of the day. His mission was to combat it. He had already founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with the witness of the good life, prayer, work, and suffering. He dreamed of and then founded Knight of the Immaculata, a religious magazine under Mary's protection to preach the Good News to all nations. For the work of publication he established a “City of the Immaculata”—Niepokalanow—which housed 700 of his Franciscan brothers. He later founded another one in Nagasaki, Japan. Both the Militia and the magazine ultimately reached the one-million mark in members and subscribers. His love of God was daily filtered through devotion to Mary. In 1939, the Nazi panzers overran Poland with deadly speed. Niepokalanow was severely bombed. Kolbe and his friars were arrested, then released in less than three months, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. In 1941, Maximilian Mary Kolbe was arrested again. The Nazis' purpose was to liquidate the select ones, the leaders. The end came quickly, three months later in Auschwitz, after terrible beatings and humiliations. A prisoner had escaped. The commandant announced that 10 men would die. He relished walking along the ranks. “This one. That one.” As they were being marched away to the starvation bunkers, Number 16670 dared to step from the line. “I would like to take that man's place. He has a wife and children.”“Who are you?”“A priest.” No name, no mention of fame. Silence. The commandant, dumbfounded, perhaps with a fleeting thought of history, kicked Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek out of line and ordered Fr. Kolbe to go with the nine. In the “block of death” they were ordered to strip naked, and their slow starvation began in darkness. But there was no screaming—the prisoners sang. By the eve of the Assumption, four were left alive. The jailer came to finish Kolbe off as he sat in a corner praying. He lifted his fleshless arm to receive the bite of the hypodermic needle. It was filled with carbolic acid. They burned his body with all the others. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was beatified in 1971 and canonized in 1982. Reflection Maximilian Mary Kolbe's death was not a sudden, last-minute act of heroism. His whole life had been a preparation. His holiness was a limitless, passionate desire to convert the whole world to God. And his beloved Immaculata was his inspiration. May we mirror his bravery and his unblemished love for God as we navigate our own faith journeys.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Ezekiel 12: 1-12; Matthew 18: 21 - 19: 1; Lapide Commentary Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem.  Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 416 The Saint of the day is Blessed Michael J. McGivney Blessed Michael McGivney's Story The eldest son of an immigrant Irish family in Connecticut, young Michael left school at 13 to work in a brass factory making spoons. At 16 Michael J. McGivney began studies for the priesthood in Quebec, but was obliged to leave to help support the family when his father died. Michael completed his education in Baltimore, Maryland, and was ordained for the diocese of Hartford in 1877. Assigned to St. Mary's Parish in New Haven, Michael J. McGivney was very active in parish and civic affairs, serving as director of public plays and fairs. He volunteered to become the guardian of Alfred Downes, a minor whose father had died leaving a large family in poverty. This situation as well as his own family's circumstances and that of other immigrants impressed on Fr. McGivney the need for lay Catholic men to establish a mutual aid society to provide financial assistance for their families if the primary wage earner died. Protestant fraternal groups already provided this type of life insurance protection for their members. In 1882, Michael J. McGivney formed the Knights of Columbus among a small group of St. Mary's parishioners to promote charity, unity, and fraternity, assisting widows and orphans. Because of the Knights' emphasis on serving Church, community and family, the organization grew and did not remain strictly parish-based. Patriotism was added as a founding principle in 1900. Michael J. McGivney died from pneumonia in 1890 and was buried in Waterbury, Connecticut. Later his body was moved back to St. Mary's in New Haven where it remains today. He was beatified in 2020. Reflection Michael Joseph McGivney was a genuine pastor who, in the words of Pope Francis, was unafraid to share “the smell of his sheep.” He promoted families whose members were strong in their faith expressed through generous following of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. In a decree read at the beatification Mass, Pope Francis praised Fr. McGivney's “zeal and the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for his brothers and sisters.” These “made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem. Ezekiel 9: 1-7; 10: 18-22; Matthew 18: 15-20; Lapide Commentary  Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

This podcast will cease airing within the next two weeks. Please see the links below to continue to get good Catholic content for catechesis and prayer. Thank you all for listening! Oremus pro invicem. 2 Corinthians 10: 17-18; 11: 1-2; Matthew 25: 1-13; Lapide Commentary  Check out my books and consider buying or gifting one, or just spreading the word!  "Penance Primer: A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01IAVb81⁠⁠"Panis Angelicus: The Mass Explained by St. Thomas Aquinas" : ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/03RrGELa⁠⁠"Ancient Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary" is available on my page in PDF (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eJFr37j⁠⁠"Praying the Psalms with the Saints: Select Psalms with Brief Meditations and Commentary from the Saints" is available on my page (see below) and on Amazon::⁠⁠https://a.co/d/040Am2FI⁠⁠“The Fathers Explain the Sunday Gospels: Ordinary Time, Year A”, available as a PDF on my page (see below) and on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0avKNVZC⁠⁠  And a volume for Advent: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0eFm6sMd⁠⁠“Soldiers of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Handbook for Young Men” is available as a PDF on my page (see below) as well as on Amazon in paperback form: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0iuT0LPG⁠⁠"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available as a PDF on my page (see below) and in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc⁠⁠"Commentary on the Traditional Latin Mass Readings For Every Sunday of the Year" Volumes I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/01qdaN4a⁠⁠IV ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/02IgWoJn⁠⁠ and Appendix I ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/09rddkCA⁠⁠ are also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback, and on my donation page as PDFs (see below)You can purchase the PDF versions of these books on my donation page; just click the link”Shop” tab.⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybrief⁠⁠Please consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Full Text of Readings We couldn't findthis page. The Saint of the day is Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Saint Jane Frances de Chantal's Story Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community. Her mother died when she was 18 months old, and her father, head of parliament at Dijon, France, became the main influence on her education. Jane developed into a woman of beauty and refinement, lively and cheerful in temperament. At 21, she married Baron de Chantal, by whom she had six children, three of whom died in infancy. At her castle, she restored the custom of daily Mass, and was seriously engaged in various charitable works. Jane Frances de Chantal's husband was killed after seven years of marriage, and she sank into deep dejection for four months at her family home. Her father-in-law threatened to disinherit her children if she did not return to his home. He was then 75, vain, fierce, and extravagant. Jane Frances de Chantal managed to remain cheerful in spite of him and his insolent housekeeper. When she was 32, Jane Frances de Chantal met Saint Francis de Sales who became her spiritual director, softening some of the severities imposed by her former director. She wanted to become a nun but he persuaded her to defer this decision. She took a vow to remain unmarried and to obey her director. After three years, Francis told Jane of his plan to found an institute of women that would be a haven for those whose health, age, or other considerations barred them from entering the already established communities. There would be no cloister, and they would be free to undertake spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They were primarily intended to exemplify the virtues of Mary at the Visitation—hence their name the Visitation nuns—humility and meekness. The usual opposition to women in active ministry arose and Francis de Sales was obliged to make it a cloistered community following the Rule of Saint Augustine. Francis wrote his famous Treatise on the Love of God for them. The congregation consisting of three women began when Jane Frances was 45. She underwent great sufferings: Francis de Sales died; her son was killed; a plague ravaged France; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law died. She encouraged the local authorities to make great efforts for the victims of the plague, and she put all her convent's resources at the disposal of the sick. During a part of her religious life, Jane Frances de Chantal had to undergo great trials of the spirit—interior anguish, darkness, and spiritual dryness. She died while on a visitation of convents of the community. Reflection It may strike some as unusual that a saint should be subject to spiritual dryness, darkness, interior anguish. We tend to think that such things are the usual condition of “ordinary” sinful people. Some of our lack of spiritual liveliness may indeed be our fault. But the life of faith is still one that is lived in trust, and sometimes the darkness is so great that trust is pressed to its limit.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin Lectionary: 414 The Saint of the day is Saint Clare of Assisi Saint Clare of Assisi's Story One of the more sugary movies made about Francis of Assisi pictures Clare as a golden-haired beauty floating through sun-drenched fields, a sort of one-woman counterpart to the new Franciscan Order. The beginning of her religious life was indeed movie material. Having refused to marry at 15, Clare of Assisi was moved by the dynamic preaching of Francis. He became her lifelong friend and spiritual guide. At 18, Clare of Assisi escaped from her father's home one night, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots in it, and sacrificed her long tresses to Francis' scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent, which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. Clare clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair, and remained adamant. Sixteen days later her sister Agnes joined her. Others came. They lived a simple life of great poverty, austerity, and complete seclusion from the world, according to a Rule which Francis gave them as a Second Order. At age 21, Francis obliged Clare under obedience to accept the office of abbess, one she exercised until her death. The Poor Ladies went barefoot, slept on the ground, ate no meat, and observed almost complete silence. Later Clare, like Francis, persuaded her sisters to moderate this rigor: “Our bodies are not made of brass.” The greatest emphasis, of course, was on gospel poverty. They possessed no property, even in common, subsisting on daily contributions. When even the pope tried to persuade Clare to mitigate this practice, she showed her characteristic firmness: “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.” Contemporary accounts glow with admiration of Saint Clare of Assisi's life in the convent of San Damiano in Assisi. She served the sick and washed the feet of the begging nuns. She came from prayer, it was said, with her face so shining it dazzled those about her. She suffered serious illness for the last 27 years of her life. Her influence was such that popes, cardinals, and bishops often came to consult her—Clare herself never left the walls of San Damiano. Francis always remained her great friend and inspiration. Saint Clare of Assisi was always obedient to his will and to the great ideal of gospel life which he was making real. A well-known story concerns her prayer and trust. Saint Clare of Assisi had the Blessed Sacrament placed on the walls of the convent when it faced attack by invading Saracens. “Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don't be afraid. Trust in Jesus.” The Saracens fled. Reflection The 41 years of Clare's religious life are scenarios of sanctity: an indomitable resolve to lead the simple, literal gospel life as Francis taught her; courageous resistance to the ever-present pressure to dilute the ideal; a passion for poverty and humility; an ardent life of prayer; and a generous concern for her sisters.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Homily from the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. God still speaks in storms. God's children can still step in storms. Life is filled with storms. From massive tragedies to normal, everyday battles, every person will regularly find ourselves in the midst of storms. We can often forget that God still speaks in the midst of storms. And God's children are not orphan in the midst of storms. We can still act in the midst of the storm....and discover that saints are made in storms. Mass Readings from August 9, 2026: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13 Psalm 85:9, 10-14Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:22-33

Homily from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Can money buy happiness? People will wisely claim that money cannot buy happiness. But what if the answer is actually "it depends"? It depends what you spend it on...and HOW you give. Mass Readings from August 2, 2026:Isaiah 55:1-3Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18Romans 8:35, 37-39 Matthew 14:13-21