Podcasts about meeting christ

A new VIDEO from Coleraine Free Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Responses to Meeting Christ Speaker: Mr. Noel Shields Broadcaster: Coleraine Free Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday - PM Date: 9/22/2024 Bible: Mark 5:40 Length: 33 min.

Many people are interested in finding Christ in the Old Testament, but often we miss the most important element of this approach to Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows how Jesus Himself related to the Old Testament. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/meeting-christ-in-the-old-testament A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Prophetic figures are usually violently resisted.  This happened to Christ on the Cross.  Sometimes they are simply overlooked or ignored.   This happened to Christ in Nazareth, with those who knew him well.   Unless we are careful, our own familiarity with Christ could weaken his impact in our life.  We should pray about ways to have new and powerful encounters with Jesus. https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Darren Carlson | Revelation 1:9-20 | Series: Revelation

Readings here

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,'” as Isaiah the prophet said.” John 1:23In the passage above, Saint John the Baptist quotes Isaiah 40:3: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” This was a prophecy of Isaiah who was speaking about the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Normally, people would travel along the well-watered routes from Mesopotamia to Israel. Those routes were safer than the desert and provided the necessary food and water for the journey. But Isaiah prophesied that the Jewish exiles would travel the shortest route—straight across the desert—and that God would provide for their needs during that journey. Such a journey required much trust in the providence of God.John the Baptist, in quoting Isaiah, applies this prophecy to himself. He was called to cry out in the desert and point people directly to the Messiah. It was in the desert that they would discover their Savior.First of all, John cries out in the “desert.” His message is for those who experience dryness, destitution, need and loss in life due to sin. His message of repentance is first for those who are without the spiritual nourishment God wants to bestow upon them through grace. The message of John is pointed to those who humbly see the difficult situation they are facing in life and acknowledge their need for the Living Water of the Savior of the World.Second, this new “straight” way implies that many are not walking the direct path to Christ. Instead, they are taking unnecessary detours in life. John's message is one that calls everyone to the straight and direct way of repenting of their sins so that they can come to faith in Christ Jesus.Third, walking through the desert to find Christ requires trust in God's providence. It takes courage to make such a journey. Trust in the ongoing providence of God, Who promises to meet all of our needs, is key. One would not walk straight through the desert if they did not trust their guide.Advent is a time to reexamine the road you are on. Are you trying to find your own way to happiness? Are you trusting in your own abilities, your own intelligence and your own plan for the future? If so, then listen to the “voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” Listen to Saint John speak to you, calling you to the simplicity of the desert, to a greater detachment from all things, to an abandonment of all that is not of God, and to a more willing trust in the providence of God to lead you.Reflect, today, upon this calling from the desert and listen to the message God is speaking to you, personally. Abandon all worldly concerns, repent of sin, trust in Him and go out to meet Him so that you can more quickly and more easily come to a deeper faith in our Lord during this Advent season.My loving Lord, You are there, waiting for me in the darkness and dryness of my sin. You are waiting for me to lead me and guide me through the many challenges I face in life. Please give me the courage and wisdom I need to trust in You enough to follow You wherever You lead. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2023 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

While Isaiah taught many precious truths about the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ, his teachings were anything but plain and simple. But what approaches can we take to engage with complex passages of scripture? In “‘Except Some Man Should Guide Me': Studying Isaiah with Nephi and Jacob,” Ryan Sharp, professor of ancient scripture, outlines the divine role the Book of Mormon prophets play in understanding Isaiah. Nephi wrote, “For I will liken [Isaiah's] words unto my people” (2 Nephi 11:2). In this episode, Dr. Sharp outlines Nephi and Jacob's pedagogy, naming their three-step approach as the setup, the passages, and the follow-up. In addition, he explains how to apply the method in our own scripture study. In following this model, our souls may also delight in the words of Isaiah. Publications: ·      “Helping Students Rely on the Redeemer” (Religious Educator, 13.1, 2012) ·      Meeting Christ in the Book of Mormon (Amazon.com) ·      “Gentiles in the Book of Mormon” (Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, 33, 2019) ·      “Alma, Ambiguity, and the Development of Doctrinal Understanding” (in Give Ear to My Words, Religious Studies Center, 2019)   Click here to learn more about professor Ryan H. Sharp    

Many people are interested in finding Christ in the Old Testament, but often we miss the most important element of this approach to Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows how Jesus Himself related to the Old Testament. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/meeting-christ-in-the-old-testament

Aslan was a powerful lion that created Narnia and ruled over the land. And it’s no mistake that this character in CS Lewis’ story sounds a lot like Jesus.

Lectionary Readings: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 Psalm 116: 1–3, 10–17 1 Peter 1: 17–23 Luke 24: 13–35 Cover art is Meeting Christ on the Way by Phil Dyer

Welcome to Morning With Caroline.Dr. Caroline shares a story of a lady's experience during a past life session. Its a wonderful story for all of us.Through organic farming and sowing vital seeds free of 'foreign-to-our-bodies' chemicals, Standard Process offers a living supplement with years of integrity in farming. Over 100 years of whole food supplementation for your health. Very impressive!  https://www.carolinewalrad.standard process.com/productsStandard Process Whole Food Supplements, Organically Grown in the United States. "Changing lives since 1929"Order directly from Standard Process here:carolinewalrad.standardprocess.com/products

Prof. Marshall's handout can be found here: tinyurl.com/ye2yupz7 This talk was given on January 14, 2023, at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., as part of the intellectual retreat entitled, "The Mystery of the Liturgy." For more information, please visit thomisticinstitute.org. About the speaker: Prof. Bruce Marshall is the Lehman Professor of Christian Doctrine at Southern Methodist University. He holds a masters from Yale Divinity School and a doctorate from Yale University. His teaching interests include medieval and reformation theology and systematic theology. His research interests include doctrine of the Trinity, christology, philosophical issues in theology, sacramental theology, and Judaism and Christian theology.

A new MP3 sermon from DTBM, International is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: WOLFL-03 - Meeting Christ's Expectations For His Last Days Church Subtitle: WOLFL Speaker: Dr. John Barnett Broadcaster: DTBM, International Event: Sunday Service Date: 1/16/2023 Length: 49 min.

A new MP3 sermon from Tamiami Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Leaders Meeting: Christ in OT, Process in Counseling Subtitle: Bible Study (English) Speaker: Pastor David Menendez Broadcaster: Tamiami Baptist Church Event: Bible Study Date: 12/14/2022 Length: 56 min.

by Rebecca Lankford

by Rebecca Lankford

Jesus told the woman at the well in Samaria, "If you only knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'give me to drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." Let us say to Jesus, "Lord, increase my faith," so that we recognize the gift of God, Jesus who has come into this world to save us, Jesus who comes to bring us eternal life. A meditation by Father Thomas Bohlin.

Christ died for us; what have we done for Christ? Let us return love for love, meeting him in the Eucharist. Let us ask Mary to help us rediscover Christ, making him our most dear friend. May this friendship guard my heart and guide my life. A meditation by Monsignor Thomas Bohlin.

Both Galatians 1 and Luke 8 contain stories of men converting to Christ. Fr. Pat examines these two accounts.

Meeting Christ on the Road and In-Between 2022 0505 Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Meeting Christ at the Beach at Dawn is the Anzac Day 2022 message to The Rock Christian Church on Sunday 24th April 2022 by Mark Patch.

The book of Romans was written by Paul who was a man that was drastically changed by his meeting with Christ. In the introduction to this book, Paul lays out some of the changes that occur in a person's life when they come to saving faith in Jesus.

An experience in Haiti and a painting of Peter and John provide the backdrop as Fr. Mike invites us to meet Christ in person.

To Kenrick seminarians, by Fr Dylan James. Friday Week 1, Ordinary Time. January 2022

While he's best known for his role in the movies Fireproof and Courageous, Ken Bevel's story goes far beyond these films. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Ken's family did not have a lot of money, but they were happy. This all began to change when Ken's dad started to drink. Alcohol led to drugs and things began to spiral downward in his home. By age 17, Ken found his life heading toward disaster as he sought love and affirmation in all the wrong places. After a failed attempt to improve his life by changing locations, he finally came to the “end of his rope” and cried out to God. This desperate plea began a journey of learning to surrender and say “yes” to God no matter the circumstance. Join host Gabe Cleator and guest Ken Bevel as they walk through Ken's story and what God has done in his life.Ken Bevel is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology and a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Business Administration degree in Logistics Management. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ken retired to serve in the ministry. Associate Pastor of Assimilation and Events" at Sherwood Baptist Church. Ken and Lauana have been happily married for 16 years and two children, Kyra and Kaleb.

A meditation by Father John Agnew.

Hear from Rev. Christian Collins Winn with Rev. Sara Wilhelm Garbers as Christian shares more about our invitation to turn to the table this Lent. Listen to the podcast and then join us on Sunday morning for Christian's class: "Meeting Christ at the Table: How An Ancient Practice Changes the Way We See God, Each Other, and Everything Else." Sundays at 11am on Zoom (ID: 541-870-2251)

“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Luke 4:24Do you ever feel that it’s easier to talk about Jesus with a stranger than with those closest to you? Why is that? Sometimes it is hard to share your faith with those closest to you, and it can be even harder to let yourself be inspired by the faith of someone close to you.Jesus makes this statement above after He had just read from the Prophet Isaiah in the presence of His kinfolk. They listened to Him, were somewhat impressed at first, but quickly came to the conclusion that He was nothing special. In the end, they were filled with fury at Jesus, drove Him out of the town and almost killed Him right then and there. But it wasn’t His time.If the Son of God had a hard time being accepted as a prophet by His own kin, so also will we have a hard time sharing the Gospel with those close to us. But what is far more important for us to consider is the way we do or do not see Christ in those closest to us. Are we among those who refuse to see Christ present in our family and those we are close to? Do we tend, instead, to be critical and judgmental to those around us?The truth is that it’s much easier for us to see the faults of those closest to us than their virtue. It’s much easier to see their sins than the presence of God in their lives. But it is not our job to focus in on their sin. It’s our job to see God in them.Each and every person we are close to will, no doubt, have goodness in them. They will reflect the presence of God if we are willing to see that. Our goal must be to not only see it, but to seek it out. And the closer we are to them the more we must focus in on the presence of God in their lives.Reflect, today, upon whether or not YOU are willing to accept the prophetic voice of Christ in the people all around you. Are you willing to see Him, acknowledge Him and love Him in them? If not, you are guilty of Jesus’ words above.Lord, may I see You in all those with whom I relate each and every day. May I constantly seek You out in their lives. And as I discover You, may I love You in them. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Reflecting on this weekend’s Gospel (Mt 14:13-21), Fr. Eric shows how the great miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fish helps us to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ. Topics include how the true nature of Christian charity, Old Testament anticipations of the multiplication of the loaves and the fish, the Lord’s concern with the totality of the human person, Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.   Fr. Eric also reflects on the modern decline in reverence and belief in the Holy Eucharist, and how we might seek to turn things around on a local level through our sense of personal witness.   Subscribe to Catholic Latte on YouTube.  An audio version is also available on iTunes, Spotify and Podbean. #CatholicLattePodcast

Bo and Bud talk to author Derek Rotty about his book A Life of Conversion: Meeting Christ in the Gospels. 

On the road to Emmaus two disciples - disappointed and downcast - are leaving Jerusalem. Their encounter with Christ through the Scriptures and the Eucharist transforms their hearts and renews their faith. April 26, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

In this episode Lawson interviews Tom Edwards to explain how the secular progressive myth has failed our world in light of the COVID19 crisis, showing that our unmet desires can only be satisfied by Jesus Christ. 

Reverend Clay Warden | Assistant Pastor | Trinity Presbyterian Church | Norfolk, VA

Ken talks with Derek Rotty “A Life of Conversion: Meeting Christ in the Gospels” (Our Sunday Visitor) and Father Timothy Gallagher “Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement: The Wisdom and Power of Venerable Bruno Lanteri” (EWTN Publishing/Sophia Institute Press).  Derek’s book is available at: https://www.orderosv.com/product/a-life-of-conversion-meeting-christ-in-the-gospels   Father Gallagher’s book is available at: https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/overcoming-spiritual-discouragement  Follow Derek at: www.derekrotty.com  To request […]

September 22 2019 - Fall Gospel Meeting Day 3 - Sunday PM Sermon   Duration 33:42

Pete continues our sermon series, The Unfolding Mystery, in Genesis 28.

Are all the accounts of miraculous conversions among Muslim refugees true? What is unique about Athens, Greece amidst the ongoing people displacements in the Middle East? And what can U.S. churches learn from the hospitality and evangelistic zeal of Greek Christians? In this episode, Scott and Alex invited Darren Carlson to weigh in and take us on a journey through the planning and creation of his new documentary, Jesus in Athens. Darren is President of Training Leaders International (TLI), a theological education ministry launched from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota to equip and resource the 85 percent of pastors worldwide who have no formal biblical training. He's also the brains behind the new documentary which chronicles the harrowing ordeal of Muslim refugees flooding into Athens from countries like Syria, Libya, and Iraq, only to encounter the love of Christ in the form of bold witness and radical mercy ministry among Greece's tiny yet unignorable number of evangelical believers. Darren founded TLI 2009, and now serves with a staff of over 50 people serving around the world, providing theological training in underserved and undertrained areas. Darren holds two masters from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Ph.D. from the London School of Theology. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Want to ask a question for a future episode? Email alex@missionspodcast.com. Powered by ABWE International.

In this episode of Rivers of Living Water, Mary Schwarz continues her interview with Ronda Chervin concerning her book Avoiding Bitterness and Suffering: How Our Heroes in Faith Found Peace Amid Sorrow. The subject of this interview is "Meeting Christ in Interior Trials," such as depression, despair, aridity, and scruples. Recorded on June 27, 2017, and Aired on June 29, 2017.

Meeting Christ: The Conversion of SaulActs 9:1-22October 21, 2018Pastor Tony Felich----more---- Acts 9:1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [3] Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. [4] And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” [5] And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [6] But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. [8] Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. [10] Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” [11] And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, [12] and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” [13] But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. [14] And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” [15] But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” [17] So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; [19] and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. [20] And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” [21] And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” [22] But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. When a person truly meets Christ, they are never the same. Before Christ (1-2) Meeting Christ (3-9) Knowing Christ (10-19a) Life in Christ (19b-22)

Both Galatians 1 and Luke 8 contain stories of men converting to Christ. Fr. Pat examines these two accounts.

We took time at our 2017 annual All-Church Retreat to study the Word by learning about magnifying Christ through the Scriptures, meeting Christ in the Scriptures, and making disciples of Christ with the Scriptures.

How marvellous that God should ever choose to intersect our earth, our history, our own personal lives! But He has! By the giving of His Son, God has provided a way for me and you to be brought back into a personal relationship with Him. But this, of course, meant that He had to come from eternity into our time and to leave heaven to enter our world. Why? So that our upcoming appointment with eternity will bring us joy together with Him instead of the separation that comes from never knowing Him as Saviour.

Popular programs love to explore the ancestry of famous celebrities. Meeting Christ's ancestors reveals many shocks and lots of life-changing suprises

Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr Mark O'Connell Today's guest(s): Fr John Sassani, Pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Newton Today's topics: Priest Profile: Fr John Sassani; the importance of a healthy prayer life, this Sunday's Mass readings Summary of today's show: Fr John discusses his vocation story and past assignments with Scot Fr Mark, as well as the new high school forming next year in Newtown. The group also discusses the readings for this Sunday, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 1st segment: Scot welcomed Father Mark to the show, and said it felt like they had been together all day. They discussed that the Cardinal's Cabinet had met today, as is the custom on the first Friday of every month. Scot said they covered many important topics, especially a discussion of how to follow up on the Catholics Come Home campaign and continue to increase Mass attendance. Fr Mark added that with the wide variety of people that make up the cabinet, it adds a great wealth of opinion to the discussions. Scot mentioned that the Cardinal could not be present at the meeting but will get a full report - Cardinal Sean was at the funeral Mass for Msgr Stanlislaus Sypek this morning. Fr Mark pointed out that Msgr Sypek was still a pastor at 96 years of age - showing his legendary dedication. Scot said that people of the Archdiocese may remember Msgr Sypek from his work at St Adalbert parish and as a professor at Emmanuel College and Boston College. 2nd segment: Fr John Sassani joined Fr Mark and Scot on the show. Scot asked Fr John to describe how he heard the calling to the priesthood. Fr John explained that when he was in the 2nd grade, Fr Dick Little came to Swampscott as a new priest, and caught Fr John's attention and had great influence on his life. Fr John also said that the Sisters of St Joseph, who taught at his school, gave him a sense of what was important in their lives and how their vocations affected it. He attended St John's Prep in Danvers, and entered St John Seminary College Division when he was done with high school. He would speak with his dad, who had been a seminarian for several years in New York, and supported him greatly through his seminary years. Scot asked Fr John what things his parents did to create a culture of vocation and openness to a priestly vocation. Fr John said that his parents were people of great faith - even if they didn't say prayers before dinner every night, their faith came into play every day of their lives. Scot asked Fr John to speak about his early priestly assignments, the first of which was at Sacred Heart in Roslindale. Fr John said that while he had requested a parish north of Boston, as a second or third priest and without a school, he was sent south of Boston to Roslindale as the sixth priest and a large, thriving school. He said that being in Roslindale gave him a wide variety of experiences with different people over the three years he was there, until he was asked to do graduate studies in liturgy in Rome. Fr John said that he spent a year there, but it wasn't a good match, so he came home and served at St John's in Winthrop. Fr John continued that St John's was a great place to be and had a solid history and active parishioners. After Winthrop, Fr John was assigned to the Office of Spiritual Development along with Msgr Dennis Sheehan. They also managed St Jean's, a small parish in Newton. Fr John explained that the Office of Spiritual Development was founded by Bishop D'Arcy to help parishes renew themselves in a spiritual way. He worked during the academic year, and spent his summers at Creighton University studying spirituality. It was at this time that he and Maryann McLaughlin created the "Meeting Christ in Prayer" program, which eventually was published by Loyola Press. Scot asked Fr John what was involved with spiritual renewal at the parishes. Fr John said all of it was rooted in prayer - the sessions were about helping people experience personal prayer in a communal setting. Small group and large group sessions would follow in the parishes. Fr John explained that Meeting Christ in Prayer was an opportunity provided by the Cardinal to encourage small-group spiritual renewal leading into the year 2000. Fr John said that the goal of the program was to deepen the faith in the parish, but to instill the desire to continue growth in prayer and faith lives instead of a momentary renewal. Sometimes, Fr John said, we think other people pray better than we do, but are still willing to learn to pray better. Prayer should come to be second nature to us - we are made for God, so having a connection with Him is something everyone can do, not just monks and nuns. Fr Mark said he was struck by the thought that people think other people pray better - he said we need to remember that we are all called to our own personal relationship with God. Fr John agreed that the personal relationship is a major theme in Christian spiritual life. We are invited to work with God's grace to become the person he wants us to be through prayer, moral decisions, and our everyday relationships. Mostly though, Fr John continued, it's through knowing that God desires a relationship for us and knows who He wants us to be. Scot asked Fr John for a few thoughts about how people can pray better. Fr John said people don't take enough time to be relaxed in order to pray - most of us are used to prayers that we learned or memorized. Those are fine, Fr John said, but we need to take a few silent seconds to prepare for them. Scot and Fr John discussed that a good second step is to say what you want to say to God, and then listen for God's response. Sometimes, Fr John said, it may be a deliberate thought that comes into his head that wasn't there a moment before, other times it is being challenged by someone or something in our lives. Fr John also said that we need to develop confidence in our faith lives about our tangible experiences with God. Fr John said the last thing was to stay for a specific period of time every day in prayer, even if you think you're finished - whether it be an hour or just five minutes, having time set aside for God is important. 3rd segment: Scot asked Fr John about his transition from one of the smaller parishes of the Archdiocese (St Theresa's in Sherburn) to one of the larger parishes, Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton where he is the parish. Fr John said it was a big difference, but the neighborhood nature of the parish, active outreach, and great location made the transition great. Fr Mark noted that the parish was also beautifully renovated - Fr John agreed, and said that the open sanctuary and the Baptismal pool make it a very hospitable and welcoming environment. Scot said that Our Lady's has one of the most involved parish communities in the Archdiocese. Fr John said that one of the things the ministries offer is not just service to the larger community, but an opportunity for people to feel connected to the parish community as well. He explained that new parishioners are encouraged to find a ministry that they want to contribute to and become excited by, because it will not only be ministry being done by more people, but people in the parish getting to know one another in a deeper way. Fr John described the Bereavement Ministry that met just last night - a group of 40 people who volunteer to help families of deceased parish members plan funeral liturgies and provide support in prayer. Scot mentioned that the parish roster holds over 20 zip codes at Our Lady's, a real testament to how connected the parishioners feel they are. Some parishes seem to be very good at building a community, Scot noted, and asked Fr John what things Our Lady's does to promote this feeling. Fr John said the core of the parish being a neighborhood parish and the family nature and closeness of fellow parishioners has carried through to a hospitable community. He also said that the location of the Church and Fr Walter's reputation for welcoming people helped as well. Fr Mark noted that some people are shocked by the community - he said that at times it seems some Catholics want to go to Mass but not be talked to! Fr John said that while the welcome is appropriate and heartfelt, it's never coercive. Scot said that last week there was an announcement that Mount Saint Joseph Academy and Trinity High School will be merging, a significant moment for Our Lady's and the Catholic Community in Newton. Fr John said it was a pastoral challenge to help people along with the transition, but ultimately will allow both schools to continue providing a financially stable and academically rigorous education to the communities. Fr John said that when the announcement was made to the students, some of the young people started asking for a retreat with the students from the other school so they could start the process of integration and get to know people. Fr John said that he felt it was a clear sign that the new enterprise, while not pain-free, is full of hope and desire in the new purpose. 4th segment: Scot read the first reading from Isaiah, and Fr. Mark read the Gospel, from Matthew. Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain. Second Reading: Philipians 4:12-14, 19-20 Brothers and sisters: I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen. Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, "Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast."' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen." Scot noted that Jesus often described Heaven as a banquet in parables, as in this Gospel reading. We all get an invite to Heaven, but we don't always receive it, and sometimes might even put to death the people sent to invite us. Fr John agreed, saying that Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the goal of Salvation History with this parable - there is the eternal feast in Heaven, but also many feasts on Earth that we are invited to as well. Fr John also noted that the king in the parable invites people a second time - very much like how we are inviting our brothers and sisters to come back to the faith. Fr Mark pointed out that there are people, like the man who wore the wrong garment, that are present at the feast but not totally into it. There are people who think they are going to Heaven, Fr Mark said, because they are walking a certain line, but there are parts of their life that are completely inconsistent. God is constantly inviting us in this life, he continued, to come back to Him. Scot said the end of the Gospel might be misunderstood as fashion advice - it may point to the lesson that we cannot just show up at the Heavenly banquet unprepared and have God accept us anyways. One of the ways we can prepare, Scot concluded, is to take part in the sacraments and receive those graces.

Meeting Christ in Creation: Who is that Shining Through Nature?((#3) :: Ken Wilson :: August 24, 2008

Meeting Christ in Creation:Jesus in the Outdoor Cathedral of Prayer (#2) :: Ken Wilson :: August 17, 2008

Meeting Christ in Creation:How God restores the Soul Through Nature(#!1) :: Ken Wilson :: August 10,2008 :: Genesis One, is the Field Guide to Nature

Psalm 110 gives prophetic vision to three powerful images of Christ as king, priest, and warrior. In this message, Rich expands what each of these roles of Jesus means through a Psalm written long before Christ came to earth.