Podcasts about ninth week

August 8, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 10 - Psalm 55:1, 4-5, 16; antiphon: Psalm 55:16a, 17b, 18a, 22aDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!” (Psalm 55:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lord desires that we call upon Him in the day of trouble. That is what we learn in the opening to the Lord's Prayer. We pray not to some big, scary God up there in the heavens who has not revealed Himself to us. If that were the case, we would not begin our prayer, “Our Father…”God is our Father, which means, of course, that we are His children. And as His children, He, as our heavenly Father, desires only what is good and beneficial to us. Sometimes what is good for us is chastisement and correction, which, while in the midst of it, never feels good, but in truth always is.Other times, what is for our good is protection and release from every form of evil that would do us temporal and eternal harm. This is what we pray for in the final Petition of the Lord's Prayer. It is pretty amazing that Jesus summarizes so succinctly what we find all over the place in the Psalms!Pray to your dear Father all that which troubles your conscience and your mind. Cast your burdens upon the stripped and beaten shoulders of Christ your Lord, who has already taken them all to the cross and bore them unto His death— knowing that in the hollowness of the empty tomb, He has the victory over all of these things and has placed them inside His own grave to be buried forever!The fallenness of this broken world will not cease to assail you. Your own sinful flesh will lead you down paths not helpful, but hurtful. Satan will fight tooth and nail to rob away the proclamation of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins that Christ has already won for you. … That is why your Lord has granted to you the Gift of prayer, that you might seek refuge under the shadow of His wing, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.God, your Heavenly Father, hears your pleas for mercy and redeems your soul in safety. The verdict has already been declared as Christ called out from the cross, “It is finished!” And so know for certain that in the midst of sin and strife and death and temptation, He will sustain you through the Gifts of the cross given you in His Church! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, forsake me not! Your gracious presence lend me; Lord, lead Your helpless child; Your Holy Spirit send me That I my course may run. O be my light, my lot, My staff, my rock, my shield– O God forsake me not! (LSB 731:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 7, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 21:1-9Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 21:1-9“So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of Presence…” (1 Samuel 21:6a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Holy things for unholy people. That's what happens in our text for today.If you remember, David is on the run. Saul doesn't like the man; he never has since that whole Goliath thing when the crowds gave David the king's welcome. He already tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, then seemed to come to his senses by giving one of his daughters in marriage to him, then went a little crazy again and tried to devise a plot for Jonathan and his servants to murder him.David evades the assassins (with the help of Saul's son and daughter) and heads for the hills. Which brings him eventually to Nob, where the tabernacle sits, and before the High Priest Ahimelech. There are a lot of moving pieces by now, and I'm not too sure Ahimelech was all that keen on helping David out, at least not initially. But by the end of it all, David receives five loaves of the Bread of Presence.This bread was only meant for the priests. Twelve loaves were made weekly and laid before the Lord in the tabernacle. On the Sabbath, the holy priests (made holy only by the designation of God) would consume the old bread and present the new. …David was no priest. He was not consecrated as holy, and yet Ahimelech superseded the Levitical Law for the sake of David's well-being.Fast forward 1,000+ years, and Jesus uses this very example to help show that man is not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath is made for man. Meaning, God desires to give His good Gifts to His people despite the fact that we are unworthy to receive them. And that's the whole thing about God: He is always the one at work, always the one making us worthy, always the one giving of Himself for our good.Receiving the Gifts of God is not about cleaning yourself up first in order to make yourself worthy to receive His Gifts. If that were the case, they wouldn't be Gifts, and they wouldn't be given; they would be wages earned. But we can never earn the things of God, can never make ourselves worthy enough or holy enough. But Christ has already done that for us, for you. He, through His holy, bitter suffering and precious death, has done it all, which is what makes you worthy to receive His good Gifts of life and salvation through Word and Sacrament.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My Lord, You here have led me To this most holy place And with Yourself have fed me The treasures of Your grace; For You have freely given What earth could never buy, The bread of life from heaven, That now I shall not die. (LSB 642:2)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 6, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - 4Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:1-23; Acts 28:16-31“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Baptism isn't a one-time thing. I mean, it is…. After all, we do confess in the Creed that we believe in one Baptism for the remission of sins. But what I mean is that Baptism, your Baptism, isn't just the physical event that happened however long ago. Grammatically speaking, then, we should speak about it in the Perfect tense instead of the Past tense. Past tense means that the event is done and over with no continual ramifications into the present or future. Perfect tense, instead, is an accomplished act in the past with continuous consequences into the future. … That is why it is also best to say, “I am baptized,” instead of, “I was baptized.”And, of course, we get all of this from Scripture. Paul, in Romans, is one of the prominent places. We continually, daily, go back to our Baptism. We do this for reassurance against the crafts and assaults of the devil. But we also do this so that Old Man Adam can be drowned again and again and again. For although Old Adam was drowned on the day that you were baptized and is still drowned each and every new day of your life, he is a terribly strong swimmer. He is going to pop his head above the waves constantly, and as the New Adam baptized into Christ, it is our duty to yank him down into the depths again, holding him there until he stops struggling for the service.But this “Perfect” tense is also why we can so confidently, in the face of struggles, strife, sin, Satan, and the cemetery, know for certain that our identity is not found in our sin or in the fact that we will die because of it one day. Our identity isn't in anything that Satan wishes us to identify with; it isn't found in the fallen world or the fallen flesh. No, our identity is found in Christ!Why? Because we were buried with Him through Baptism into His death. We have been made one with the One who has already paid the price for all of our sin and has prepared his final resting place to be the final resting place of our Old Adam. And then, so too, are we raised from the dead through the glory of the Father. New Adam, today and every day. New Adam for eternity.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I bind this day to me forever, By pow'r of faith, Christ's incarnation, His Baptism in the Jordan River, His cross of death for my salvation, His bursting from the spiced tomb, His riding up the heav'nly way, His coming at the day of doom, I bind unto myself today. (LSB 604:2)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 5, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 28:1-15Daily Lectionary: Acts 28:1-15“After we were brought safely through…” (Acts 28:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It had been three long years since Paul had been arrested by a Jewish mob in Jerusalem and thrown before the High Priest Ananias. The Jews had made a plot to kill him, but that plot had been foiled, and he was skirted away to Caesarea to be put under the authority of Felix, the governor. During the next 36 months, Paul would appeal to be heard by Caesar, speak in front of rulers and authorities, sail for Rome, be caught at sea by a storm, and be shipwrecked on the island of Malta.Luke begins our Reading for today with the words, “After we were brought safely through…” It was the providential will of God that Paul would not find his end at the hands of a Jewish mob in Jerusalem, but instead that he would go on proclaiming the Gospel all the way to the steps of Rome. Christ crucified would be made known throughout the world despite his imprisonment. (Dare I say even because of it?)Is it any wonder that Paul would be able to pen in Romans that, “God works all things for good for those who are called according to his purpose,” and, in 2 Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”The Christian gives thanks to the Lord above for the faithful witness of His apostles. It's no mere accident that these men suffered imprisonment, torture, persecution, and martyrdom; for as Christ said, “A servant is not above his master.” But these things took place so that you and I might know what Christ is and who He is for us 2000 years after the Apostle Paul met his blessed end.God had seen Paul through all of these hardships with you in mind, so that you might “have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18-19a)The doctrine handed down by the Apostles is the very doctrine that is preached and proclaimed in your congregations. It is the foolishness of the cross, the stumbling block of a crucified Savior risen from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins. We confess these truths in the Creeds, and we receive these truths in the Divine Service. We profess these promises to the lost and fallen world around us. And we live in the grace and mercy of the Gospel until Christ comes again in glory.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I trust, O Lord, Your holy name; O let me not be put to shame Nor let me be confounded. My faith, O Lord, Be in Your Word Forever firmly grounded. (LSB 734:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 4, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 18:10-30; Acts 27:27-44“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Paul is presenting a typology. Fancy word, I know, but it just means that one thing is a type of another, or one thing is an example. The Church at Corinth has fallen into the same trap as the Israelites of old who wandered in the desert. Each thought that because they were God's chosen people, they could go about and live however they desired, free from judgment or temporal punishment. That is why the five examples that Paul gives in our Reading for today are each specific sins that the Corinthians are struggling with.This is a very specific warning about viewing the Gospel as a license to sin as opposed to the grace to fight against temptation. Christ and His cross has accomplished everything of the Law, and He has done it for you, but that doesn't give you permission to indulge in the sinful things of the flesh like idolatry, sexual immorality, and covetousness. … In the most simple of ways: the cross grants you forgiveness, not permission.And so against any sort of haughtiness that is prevalent in our sinful flesh, Paul urges us not to be so pompous as to think we cannot sin (v. 11). Instead, he confronts us with the reality that the sinner within the Christian is just as susceptible to temptation if he relies on his own reason or strength as the unbeliever. What is worse, the Christian has been given the Law so that he knows what loving God and loving his neighbor actually looks like. The good works of the Law are necessary for the Christian; they are just not necessary for salvation.Luther tells us, when commenting on verse 13, “‘But God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength' … however different it appears to human reason and however much every temptation seems to be beyond measure and intolerable.” Call out to the Lord in the day of trouble, and He will answer you. Pray fervently to your Heavenly Father that He will stand firm in His promise to you and trust Him fully that He will do what He says.But most importantly, when you succumb to those temptations, do not despair as if you have no hope. Be forgiven for the sake of Christ and be raised to new life in your baptismal identity in Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.With prayer the Father we implore: O Father, glorious evermore, We plead with Thee for grace and pow'r To conquer in temptation's hour, Alleluia! On Christ, the true bread, let us feed; Let Him to us be drink indeed; And let us taste with joyfulness The Holy Spirit's plenteousness. Alleluia! ( LSB 874: 3, 5)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 3, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 22:26-34Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:48-18:9; Acts 27:9-26“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God–his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:29-31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.David isn't a very good man… We think quite fondly of him, and perhaps we should, but tell me, after reading through 2 Samuel, can you really come to the conclusion that David was the type of guy you would want your son to emulate? Sure, the first part of his life is pretty commendable. Humble shepherd boy who trusts in God even when all of Israel doesn't. Grappling with Goliath and with Saul alike, just in different ways. Never striving for the throne, even though it had been promised to him. Just trusting in God to protect, provide, and fulfill all that He had promised…And then that whole Bathsheba and Uriah thing happened when David was in his 40s, and the rest of his life was but double, double toil and trouble. It's amazing the dominoes that can tumble in the aftermath of adultery (and that is putting the best construction on 2 Samuel 11:1-5) and murder. David's sons go mad: they abuse their sister, kill each other, and try to commit regicide.For two long decades, David's life had been in turmoil, and yet the Lord had seen him through it for His sake alone. All that David did along the way was believe the promises of God (and even that he had trouble doing at times)... The Law would crush him, and the Gospel would revive him, and all along David would know that his salvation had nothing to do with him and everything to do with Yahweh.And so near the end of his life, only five more trips around the sun to go, David pens this song of deliverance. We find it in 2 Samuel, but it is also in Psalm 18. It is a song and a Psalm about the work of God, who He is, and who he is for David. It can and should be your song, too. For you and I are no different than that Israelite king of old: Simul Justus et Peccator, the whole lot of us. Christ is the lamp that lightens our dark world of sin, death, and the devil; our Rock and our fortress; our strong refuge, making us blameless for His sake alone!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high; O truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky: We praise You for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age. (LSB 523:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

Ninth Week after PentecostText: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52Access the Order of Worship hereAccess the Music Booklet here The Sermon, Matthew 13:31-33, 44—52 Sarah Lindsay

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Norbert, Bishop, Religious Founder First Reading: Second Timothy 4: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 3 Gospel: Mark 12: 38-44   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Friends of the Rosary,Today, the Feast day of St. Norbert, Bishop, Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, and the eve of the Solemnity of the Corpus Christi, we see in the Gospel (Mark 12:38-44), the contrast between the religious show and the hidden, total self-gift of the poor widow who gives everything by love.“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in morethan all the other contributors to the treasury.For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,her whole livelihood.”St. Ambrose said, "No one gives more than she who has left nothing for herself."St. John Chrysostom, "Almsgiving is that of the Widow who emptied out all her living."St. Bede, "God does not weigh the property but the conscience of those who offer."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• June 6, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Saturday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Norbert, Bishop, Religious Founder First Reading: Second Timothy 4: 1-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 3 Gospel: Mark 12: 38-44   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Boniface, Bishop, Martyr Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Timothy 3: 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 157, 160, 161, 165, 166, 168 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Mark 12: 35-37   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:43–44How generous are you? This is a challenging question, yet one worth considering. Does your generosity reflect God's boundless generosity? Do you struggle with selfishness and greed, failing to live out the Gospel call to poverty, detachment, and charity? Most people likely fall short of this ideal. Acknowledging this, though difficult, is an act of honesty and humility. Such humility disposes us to receive an outpouring of heavenly riches, which far surpass any earthly possessions or attachments we may cling to or desire.In today's Gospel, set just days before His Passion, Jesus warns the people about the scribes. In a previous discourse, He had highlighted their limited understanding of His divine identity and their overly legalistic approach to Scripture. Today, He condemns them for their excessive attachment to external displays of piety—such as “long robes” and public honors—as well as their greed, neglect of the poor, and hypocritical religiosity. He concludes His warning with a sobering statement: “They will receive a very severe condemnation” (cf. Mark 12:38–40).The scribes likely thought highly of themselves and sought to outdo one another in outward show. They fasted, meticulously followed the Law as they interpreted it, recited lengthy prayers in public, and cultivated a religious culture that held them in high esteem. Yet Jesus' harsh condemnation of them was spoken out of love. They, more than anyone in the Temple area, needed to hear His words and repent. Perhaps some were convicted by His rebuke, but for most, His words only hardened their hearts—ultimately leading to their plot to crucify Him.That same day, Jesus taught the people—and the scribes who were listening—that the Law's fulfillment is found in love, not in multiplying empty displays of piety. When asked by a scribe which commandment in the Law was the greatest, He proclaimed: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…. You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31).In today's discourse, Jesus provided the people and the scribes who were listening with a concrete, visual example of His teaching. He pointed to a poor widow who placed two small coins in the Temple treasury, declaring that she had “put in more” than all the others. The coins she gave were called lepta (sometimes referred to as “mites”), the smallest denomination in circulation at the time. A single lepton was worth approximately 1/128 of a denarius, the standard daily wage for a laborer. In modern terms, if a daily wage were $170 USD, her two coins would amount to roughly $2.66—a seemingly insignificant sum, yet one of immense spiritual value in God's eyes.When God looks at your generosity, He looks into your heart and judges according to what He sees. He is not impressed by wealth or poverty, nor does He measure generosity by the size of a gift. Rather, He looks at your willingness to put love into action—loving “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This love is first directed to God and then expressed through an unwavering love of neighbor. How much should we give to God and others? Like the poor widow, we must give our “whole livelihood,” meaning the totality of who you are and what you can do. That is what Jesus praised, and it is what He expects of us.Reflect today on the radical generosity to which we are all called. As finite beings, we cannot meet every need in the world—but that is not our duty. Our duty is to offer all that we are and have to God in service of His will. Though such generosity may feel difficult, the pain we experience does not come from giving but from the remnants of selfishness resisting detachment. Pray for the grace to be so generous that it purges all selfishness from your heart, soul, mind, and strength. When that happens, God will see your goodness and bless you abundantly.Most generous Lord, You have given me everything and invite me to offer all in return, out of love for You and my neighbor. Fill my heart with the grace of radical generosity, that I may give my time, energy, and resources without hesitation, offering my whole self in Your service. Help me to see the wisdom in such self-giving, trusting that Your goodness is never outdone in generosity. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The widow's mite By João Zeferino da CostaSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 358 The Saint of the day is Saint Norbert Saint Norbert's Story In the 12th century in the French region of Premontre, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or the Norbertines. His founding of the Order was a monumental tasks: combating rampant heresies—particularly regarding the Blessed Sacrament, revitalizing many of the faithful who had grown indifferent and dissolute, plus effecting peace and reconciliation among enemies. Saint Norbert entertained no pretensions about his own ability to accomplish this multiple task. Even with the aid of a goodly number of men who joined his Order, he realized that nothing could be effectively done without God's power. Finding this help especially in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he and his Norbertines praised God for success in converting heretics, reconciling numerous enemies, and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers. Many of them lived in central houses during the week and served in parishes on weekends. Reluctantly, Saint Norbert became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half pagan and half Christian. In this position he zealously and courageously continued his work for the Church until his death on June 6, 1134. Reflection A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Church's witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Saint Norbert, will continue immeasurably toward maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 6/5/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 6/4/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Boniface, 680-754; sent by Pope Gregory to consolidate the missions in Germany; he became a bishop, and later papal legate. at almost 80, he resigned his positions and retired to Frisia as a missionary, where he was martyred while reading a book Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/5/26 Gospel: Mark 12:35-37

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Timothy 2: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineAs Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.' David himself calls him ‘lord'; so how is he his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight. Mark 12:35–37Today's Gospel presents us with one of Jesus' many teachings in the Temple area just days before His Passion. Just prior to this Gospel, Jesus praised one of the scribes for his understanding of Scripture, saying to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). He then turned His attention to a large crowd and revealed the limited understanding that many of the scribes and teachers of the Law had about the Messiah.Though the scribes rightly understood from Scripture that the Messiah would be born of King David's lineage, their understanding of the Messiah was incomplete. Many believed that, as David's descendant, the Messiah would be a great king who would lead the Jewish nation militarily and free them from Roman oppression. What they failed to understand was that the Messiah was not only a “Son of David” but also divine.Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, one of the most frequently cited Old Testament passages in the New Testament: “The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand while I make your enemies your footstool.'” King David, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, refers to the Messiah as his lord or master, expressing that the Messiah would not only be his descendant but also greater than David. Furthermore, David reveals that the LORD—the Father in Heaven—would exalt the Messiah to a position of divine authority.To “sit at my right hand” was a favor granted only to one who was divine; not even David could sit at God's right hand. To “make your enemies your footstool” was a reference to the ancient practice by which a victorious king would have his enemies lay prostrate before him, placing his foot upon them as a symbol of absolute dominion. However, Jesus' kingship is not merely earthly but spiritual and eternal. The true enemies placed under His feet are sin, death, and the demons (1 Corinthians 15:25–26, Colossians 2:15).Though we understand Jesus' identity as the Son of David, the Messiah, and God Himself, it is important to humbly recognize that, like the scribes, we, too, struggle to fully grasp the mysteries of faith. In Heaven, when we see God face to face in the Beatific Vision, we will receive a full and immediate understanding of Him in His essence, far greater than anything we can comprehend today. Though this full revelation will be given to us at that time, we must continuously strive for greater clarity now.The first and most important foundational step toward that end is to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures. This is more than merely acquiring intellectual knowledge of Scripture, as the scribes did. Study is a human effort, and while valuable, the only way to arrive at true understanding of Scripture—and of God, Whom Scripture reveals—is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here and now, we must be open to illumination that comes only from God.Many of the scribes criticized Jesus because they relied solely on their own interpretation of Scripture. Most of them failed to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their study. Perhaps the one scribe who spoke to Jesus with understanding and was “not far from the kingdom of God” stirred Jesus' Sacred Heart with a longing that all scribes—and all of us—would approach His Word with the same openness.Reflect today on the scribes and see yourself in them. Pray for the gift of divine illumination as you spend time in God's Word, seeking to follow the example of the one scribe who understood. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding so that, like those listening to Jesus in the Temple, you, too, may understand His Word “with delight.”My revealing Lord, I pray that one day I may be blessed with the Beatific Vision, beholding You face to face and comprehending all mysteries in the fullness of Your divine gift. Until that day, open my mind to understand and my heart to respond to You. Reveal Yourself and Your Truth to me, that I may delight in You now and forevermore. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ the Universal King by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 4, 2026. The readings are from 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14, Mark 12:28-34 (Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time) Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on June 4, 2026. The readings are from 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14, Mark 12:28-34 (Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time) Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

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Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 Catholic Radio Network

This reflection was originally published in 2022. While the Redemptorist's title, location, and the specific days and dates mentioned may no longer align, the reading and reflection remain just as relevant today!

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Petroc; Sixth Century son of a Welsh king; he became a monk, and went with some friends to Ireland to study; they went to Cornwall, in England, and spent thirty years there; Petroc then made a pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem, at which time he is also reputed to have reached the Indian ocean where he lived for some time as a hermit on an island; he returned to Cornwall, established a community of his followers, and then became a hermit; he was known for his miracles, and died in 564 while visiting some of his disciples Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/4/26 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

ROSARY - LUMINOUS MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Thursday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Timothy 1: 1-3, 6-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 123: 1b-2ab, 2cdef Alleluia: John 11: 25a, 26 Gospel: Mark 12: 18-27   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineOne of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Mark 12:28We continue to read about Jesus' various interactions, teachings, and prophetic actions in the Temple area during Passover, just days before He would be arrested and killed. During the week, Jesus cleansed the Temple of moneychangers and merchants and was confronted with hostility by various religious and political factions.First, a group of chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged His authority to cleanse the Temple and then unsuccessfully conspired with some Pharisees and Herodians to trap Him in a legal dilemma. Next, some Sadducees confronted Him, but Jesus' answer exposed their misunderstanding of the Scriptures and the power of God. In today's Gospel, after witnessing that exchange, a scribe—impressed by Jesus' answer—came forward. Rather than trying to trap Him, he asks a sincere question: “Which is the first of all the commandments?”At that time, the scribe's question reflected a common rabbinical discussion about the hierarchy of the Law. Perhaps because of the widespread disagreements among the various religious factions—priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees—scholars often sought to determine a guiding principle for what had been identified in Jewish tradition as 613 commandments within the Torah. Some commandments, like the prohibition of idolatry, seemed weightier, while others, like dietary laws, were considered less important.Jesus' response does not simply rank the commandments; it reveals their true purpose by uniting them in a way that fulfills the entire Law. Instead of engaging in legalistic debates, He elevates the discussion by going directly to the heart of the Law with a twofold summary: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). By doing so, Jesus shows that love—of God first and of neighbor as an extension of that law—is the foundation and fulfillment of every commandment.The scribe's response—“Well said, teacher”—demonstrates both humility and wisdom, and Jesus affirms his understanding: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” This interaction contrasts with the previous confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders. Rather than trying to trap or discredit Jesus, the scribe listens attentively and responds with sincerity, and “No one dared to ask him any more questions” (Mark 12:32, 34).Many in the crowd had likely been following Jesus' encounters with the various religious and political factions throughout the week. At first, they may have been uneasy, seeing the repeated attempts to discredit Him. But as Jesus responded with authority and truth, they witnessed the growing contrast between those who sought to manipulate the Law for their own purposes and those who, like this scribe, genuinely desired to understand it.Our own lives are sometimes burdened with controversy and division. Whether in politics, religion, academics, or daily life, disagreements arise that can easily lead to contention. When unchecked, these conflicts can foster division, hostility, and even obsessions that steal our peace. Jesus' interaction with this scribe offers us a path forward: the way of humble inquiry, sincere dialogue, and the pursuit of Truth grounded in love. When we approach discussions with a heart open to God rather than with a desire to win an argument, we draw closer to His Kingdom. Reflect today on the witness of this scribe. Though Jesus' teaching on love of God and neighbor is of paramount importance, so is the example this scribe set in pursuit of the Truth. Consider your own approach to God's Truth by examining your daily interactions with others. Do you struggle with being combative, resort to trickery, or obsess over being right and getting your way? Or do you seek the Truth that brings understanding and unity? Seek to imitate this scribe in humility and sincerity, and you, too, will not be far from the Kingdom of God.Lord of Perfect Love, the fulfillment of Your Law is found in the pure and holy love of charity. Help me to love You above all things, and from that love, to see and treat others as You do. May my love for You transform me into an instrument of Your divine charity, that through me, Your love may bring healing, unity, and peace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus By James TissotSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 3, 2026. The readings are from 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12, Psalm 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef, Mark 12:18-27 (Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs) Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on June 3, 2026. The readings are from 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12, Psalm 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef, Mark 12:18-27 (Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs) Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 356 The Saint of the day is Blessed Angelina of Marsciano Blessed Angelina of Marsciano's Story Blessed Angelina of Marsciano founded the first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval. Angelina of Marsciano was born to the Duke of Marsciano near Orvieto. She was 12 when her mother died. Three years later, the young woman made a vow of perpetual chastity. That same year, however, she yielded to her father's decision that she marry the Duke of Civitella. Her husband agreed to respect her previous vow. When he died two years later, Angelina of Marsciano joined the Secular Franciscans and with several other women dedicated herself to caring for the sick, the poor, widows and orphans. When many other young women were attracted to Angelina's community, some people accused her of condemning the married vocation. Legend has it that when she came before the King of Naples to answer these charges, she had burning coals hidden in the folds of her cloak. When she proclaimed her innocence and showed the king that these coals had not harmed her, he dropped the case. Angelina of Marsciano and her companions later went to Foligno, where her community of Third Order sisters received papal approval in 1397. She soon established 15 similar communities of women in other Italian cities. Angelina of Marsciano died on July 14, 1435, and was beatified in 1825. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on July 13. Reflection Priests, sisters and brothers cannot be signs of God's love for the human family if they belittle the vocation of marriage. Angelina respected marriage, but felt called to another way of living out the gospel. Her choice was life-giving in its own way.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and companions; Charles was born in 1860, and he became a page in the royal court of Mwanga, the king of the Baganda in the south of what is now Uganda; the king was hostile to Christians, and when Joseph Mkasa, master of the pages and a Catholic, tried to protect the young pages, he was beheaded; Charles was appointed to succeed him; the king demanded that all remaining pages renounce their Christian faith, and when they refused, they were burned to death in 1886 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/3/26 Gospel: Mark 12:18-27

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday/ Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs First Reading: Second Peter 3: 12-15a, 17-18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16 Alleluia: Ephesians 1: 17-18 Gospel: Mark 12: 13-17   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineSome Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If someone's brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.' Now there were seven brothers…” Mark 12:18–20The Sadducees were a Jewish sect composed mainly of the Temple leaders, including many priests. They held theological and political views that differed significantly from those of the Pharisees. The Sadducees accepted only the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament) as authoritative, whereas the Pharisees recognized the entire Hebrew Scriptures, including the Prophets, historical books, and Wisdom literature, and upheld a highly developed oral tradition based on centuries of rabbinic interpretation. This led to tension and theological disagreements.The Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead, the immortality of the soul, and the existence of angels—all of which were central to Pharisaic belief—because they believed those truths were not found in the Torah. They believed that God's blessings were given for this life and that when one died, the soul perished with the body.Despite their theological disputes with the Pharisees, both groups found common ground in opposing Jesus. Today's Gospel illustrates the Sadducees' failed attempt to trap Jesus in a legalistic theological dilemma, using the law of Levirate marriage (cf. Deuteronomy 25:5–10) to challenge the doctrine of the resurrection.The Sadducees took their turn to trap Jesus not only to prove Jesus wrong but also to justify their beliefs before the Pharisees. They pose an extreme hypothetical scenario, in which seven brothers successively marry the same woman, each dying childless and ask: “At the resurrection when they arise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her” (Mark 12:23). Their intent is not to seek truth, but to mock the very idea of life after death.Jesus responds, not with complicated legal reasoning, but with divine wisdom that lifts their minds beyond earthly concerns. He begins by rebuking their limited understanding: “You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Mark 12:24). Then, He offers a twofold response (cf. Mark 12:24–27).First, Jesus addresses the question of marriage after the resurrection: “When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven.” After the resurrection of the dead, human existence will be radically transformed. Earthly institutions such as marriage—good and holy as they are—belong to this world, not the next. In the life to come, every soul will find its perfect fulfillment in the Beatific Vision. Second, Jesus refutes their denial of the resurrection of the dead using the Torah: “As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not God of the dead but of the living.”Though the Sadducees had built their entire theology on the Torah, they failed to recognize the implication of God's words to Moses. If God is “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” then these patriarchs must still be alive in His presence. God did not say, “I was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” but “I AM.” With this statement, Jesus shatters their disbelief and unveils the reality of eternal life. Perhaps even the Pharisees enjoyed His answer. Reflect today on the central truth Jesus revealed to the Sadducees: The soul is immortal, and those who die in God's grace will rise again to live eternally in His presence, in perfect communion with all the angels and saints. This truth must always be our focal point in life. Too often, we live as the Sadducees did—as if this life is an end in itself. By turning our eyes toward eternity, we not only better our lives here and now, but we also live in the hope of Heaven, knowing that all we do now must be for the sake of eternal treasure in the life to come.My eternal Lord, I believe in the promise of Heaven and the coming of the New Heavens and Earth, when all souls will rise and receive their eternal reward or judgment. As I journey through this life, keep my eyes fixed on eternity, and let my hope be firmly rooted in the resurrection to come. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Sermon on the Mount By Guillaume FouaceSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 6/2/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of Saints Marcellinus and Peter; martyrs under Diocletian's persecution in the early Fourth Century; holding to their faith, they converted the prison keeper, Artemius, and his wife and daughter to Christianity; they were martyred, and later honored by Constantine the Great, who built a basilica in their honor; they are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/2/26 Gospel: Mark 12:1-12

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Justin, Martyr Obligatory Memorial (Ninth Week in Ordinary Time) First Reading: Second Peter 1: 2-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 91: 1-2, 14-15b, 15c-16 Alleluia: Revelation 1: 5ab Gospel: Mark 12: 1-12   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineSome Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone's opinion. You do not regard a person's status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Mark 12:13–14Just prior to today's Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confronted Jesus in the Temple area while He taught, challenging His authority to drive out the moneychangers and merchants. Though they withdrew out of fear of opposition from the crowds, they sent the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Him (cf. Mark 11:27–33). The alliance of these five groups, who were often opposed to one another—especially the Pharisees and the Herodians—well illustrates the old adage: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to oral traditions derived from the Mosaic Law. They frequently clashed with the chief priests and elders, who focused on Temple worship and ceremonial rites.The Herodians were despised by both the Pharisees and the other leaders for their support of Herod and Roman occupation. Their allegiance to Rome enabled them to maintain political influence under Herod's rule. Despite their usual animosity, these groups united in their shared opposition to Jesus. His ongoing influence among the people, His teachings that exposed their hypocrisy, and His actions in the Temple all threatened their authority and control.Though all five of these groups are less than inspirational, we can learn from them. They depict fallen human tendencies—such as pride, fear, and self-interest—that we all struggle with. First, true unity only comes from aligning ourselves with God and His Truth, which fosters humility, charity, and a desire to seek God's will above our own interests. By contrast, the “unity” shared by this coalition of factions was grounded in malice. Hatred can so blind us that we turn from our core values and seek ways to fuel our resentment. This is precisely what these normally divided groups did: Their mutual hatred for Jesus and fear of losing influence over the community drove them to unite in a shared mission of opposition—something we, too, can fall into if we let malice guide us.In today's Gospel, we can also learn from the questioning of the Pharisees and Herodians. They begin with flattery, which is always deceptive and manipulative. Their insincere praise was not meant to honor Jesus but to disarm Him and lure Him into their trap. Perhaps they failed to recall the wisdom found in Proverbs: “Those who speak flattery to their neighbor cast a net at their feet” (29:5) or “Charm is deceptive…” (31:30). Flattery not only deceives others but often ensnares those who use it, leading them into sin, as seen in today's Gospel.Second, the question they ask is a carefully constructed trap. If Jesus said, “Yes, it is lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar,” the Pharisees could accuse Him of disregarding Jewish law and collaborating with Roman oppressors. If He said, “No,” the Herodians could report Him to Herod as a revolutionary opposing Roman authority. Their malice was cunning, but Jesus' wisdom transcends theirs, and He escapes their trap. His response not only avoids their deceit but also exposes their hypocrisy, turning their malicious scheme into an opportunity to teach eternal truths.Reflect today on these fallen human tendencies vividly illustrated by these five groups who were aligned in their opposition to our Lord. When you look at your own “alliances,” what is it that unites you? Shared hate and resentment? A common fear or opposition to something? Bonds formed over shared negativity or resentment are fleeting and destructive. True and lasting unity is found only in aligning ourselves with the Truth of the Word of God, striving together for holiness, and building relationships grounded in Christ. Reflect on whether your relationships draw you closer to Christ or distract you from Him, and seek to realign them with His Truth.Lord of all Wisdom, at times I form bonds, like the Pharisees and Herodians, that are grounded in sin and negative emotions rather than in Your charity and truth. Free me, I pray, from these oppressive sins, and make me honest, pure of heart, and a seeker of the unity found only in You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Tribute Money By Leopold LayerSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Father talks to us today about our gift from God to share in His Divine Nature.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 354 The Saint of the day is Saints Marcellinus and Peter Saints Marcellinus and Peter's Story Marcellinus and Peter were prominent enough in the memory of the Church to be included among the saints of the Roman Canon. Mention of their names is optional in our present Eucharistic Prayer I. Marcellinus was a priest and Peter was an exorcist, that is, someone authorized by the Church to deal with cases of demonic possession. They were beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Pope Damasus wrote an epitaph apparently based on the report of their executioner, and Constantine erected a basilica over the crypt in which they were buried in Rome. Numerous legends sprang from an early account of their death. Reflection Why are these men included in our Eucharistic prayer, and given their own feast day, in spite of the fact that almost nothing is known about them? Probably because the Church respects its collective memory. They once sent an impulse of encouragement through the whole Church. They made the ultimate step of faith.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Read OnlineJesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard.” Mark 12:10–12Today's Gospel takes place during the Passover at the Temple in Jerusalem, just days before Jesus' Passion and Death. The chief priests, scribes, and elders of the people were outraged and wanted to put Jesus to death, but they feared the people who were hanging on His every word.In today's parable, the “vineyard” is a biblical metaphor for Israel. The Prophet Isaiah chastised the people of Israel for being like a fruitless vineyard, and Jesus' parable would have been immediately understood by His audience as a reference to that prophecy (cf. Isaiah 5:1–7). Fearlessly yet mercifully, Jesus brings this metaphor to life, applying it directly to Israel and the religious leaders who were present and plotting His death.Jesus' parable teaches that God is the owner of the vineyard and has provided everything necessary for it to flourish: the hedge for protection, the wine press for fruitfulness, and the tower for vigilance. These symbolize God's providence, blessings, and the spiritual resources given to His chosen people to bear fruit. The tenant farmers, to whom the vineyard is leased, represent Israel's leaders, who were entrusted with shepherding God's people.The servants sent by the owner symbolize the Old Testament prophets, whom God sent to call the people of Israel to repentance and fidelity. These prophets were often rejected, mistreated, or killed by Israel's leaders—a sobering reminder of humanity's resistance to God's call throughout history, and our resistance to His grace today.The beloved son represents Jesus Himself, sent by the Father in a final appeal for repentance. However, the tenants of Israel—now referring to the chief priests, scribes, and elders before Him—plot to kill the son, mistakenly believing they can maintain their control over the Jewish people. Their envy and pride blind them to their God-given responsibilities within the community and their duty to accept Jesus as the Messiah.Though tensions were high and anger filled the hearts of the religious leaders, Jesus spoke boldly. While the people were amazed at His authority and teaching, they were likely uncertain and fearful of what might happen next.Most people in Jesus' position, risking their lives as our Lord was, would quickly become worried for their own safety. Jesus was not. He knew the Father's will and the eternal value that would come from His Passion and Death. For that reason, He quotes Psalm 118:22–23: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.”Jesus knew that He was about to be rejected: betrayed, falsely accused, arrested, tortured, and killed. Yet He also knew that He was the fulfillment of Psalm 118. He was the “stone” that, once rejected, would become the “cornerstone” of the Church and the New Covenant of grace. With this divine hope and mission in mind, Jesus didn't run and hide; He confronted rejection directly. He knew that His rejection would transform the worst—the murder of the Son of God—into the best—salvation for all who believe in Him and repent. Reflect today on Jesus' courage during that sermon as He foresaw all that would unfold that week. While we might expect such courage from the Son of God, He invites us to imitate Him. Every evil that befalls us has the potential, through grace, to become part of that cornerstone. As members of Christ's Body, the Church, we are called to courageously allow grace to transform our own rejections and sufferings in Christ. In doing so, the foundation of Christ's Church continues to be made manifest in our world today through us. My Lord, the Cornerstone of the Church, You willingly accepted and endured rejection, transforming it into the means of our eternal salvation. Grant me the courage to not only imitate You but to embrace and share in Your rejection. May my own experiences of rejection be transformed by grace into a foundation for faith in our world today. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jan Rombouts I, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.