Podcasts about Ordinary Time

Father teaches us about apostolic succession and what it means for us today.

Father and Annie, in light of all the readings this weekend, stress the importance of hospitality in the life of a Christian, who is baptized into Christ.  By loving one another, we 'worship' God who is present in our brothers and sisters.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 25: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 1-4   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

Original Post Date: June 28, 2024 === Gospel Matthew. 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it.  Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” Reflection This story makes clear that if we see Jesus as who he says he is, if we believe that he can do what he promises to do, we will receive that gift. That's the promise. Closing Prayer Father, it's hard for us to believe in your love for us, especially in our sinfulness and our disease. But give us that faith that this leper had, that knows that your desire is not to ever condemn us, but only to heal and free us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 24: 8-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 7: 21-29   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

Read OnlineWhen Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Matthew 8:1–3After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, God gave Moses not only the Ten Commandments but also laws governing daily life, including regulations on ritual purity. Among these were strict laws regarding leprosy, a contagious and incurable disease at the time. Lepers were forbidden to touch anyone, were isolated from the community, barred from worship, and required to cry out “Unclean, unclean” when approaching others. Beyond preventing disease, these laws had a deeper spiritual meaning: leprosy became a symbol of sin, which defiles the soul and separates us from the holiness of God, necessitating divine purification.In today's Gospel, Jesus fulfills and transcends the requirements of the Mosaic Law by touching and healing a leper. Under the Law, contact with a leper rendered a person unclean, yet Christ's divine power reverses this order. The leper's touch does not defile Jesus; instead, it purifies the leper. In this miraculous act, Jesus reveals a deeper spiritual reality: it is only through His touch of divine grace that sinners are truly cleansed and restored to communion with God. No longer does impurity separate man from holiness; rather, in Christ, holiness overcomes impurity, offering reconciliation and healing to all who seek Him in faith.The scene unfolds immediately after Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount and descends from the mountain. This imagery echoes Moses descending from Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments. Yet, while Moses brought down a law written on stone, Jesus, the new and greater Moses, descends not merely as a lawgiver but as the very embodiment of the New Covenant. In Him, the Law is not only taught but fulfilled and perfected. Whereas the Mosaic Law prescribed ritual separation from impurity, Christ now draws near to the unclean, extending the Divine Mercy that alone can fully restore and sanctify.The leper perfectly models how we ought to approach Jesus and the New Law of grace. He does not demand healing, nor even explicitly ask for it; rather, he simply professes faith in who Jesus is and what He can do: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” In addressing Jesus as “Lord,” the leper acknowledges His divine authority, recognizing Him not merely as a miracle-worker, but as the One who has dominion over sickness, impurity, and all creation. Furthermore, the leper displays not only trust in Jesus' power but also surrender to His divine will. He does not presume to dictate the outcome but submits himself entirely to the Lord's mercy.Too often, we approach God with a kind of spiritual wish list, treating prayer as a means of securing our desires rather than aligning ourselves with His will. Like the leper, we must transform our prayer from self-centered petitions to acts of faith and trust. First, we acknowledge God's sovereignty—that He alone is the all-powerful Lord, capable of healing every wound and forgiving every sin. Second, we surrender completely to His will, trusting that He knows and desires what is best for us. How beautiful it is to pray, “Lord, if You wish…” or “Lord, as You will…”—a prayer that reflects a petition Jesus had just taught on the mountain: “Thy will be done.”Reflect today on this humble leper and the example he sets for perfect prayer. We do not need to convince God to help us; He desires it far more than we do. Call to mind those areas of your life that, like leprosy of old, separate you from God and His Church, leaving you in need of His healing grace. Entrust your wounds to the Lord with humility and trust, laying them before His mercy. Seek Him in prayer and especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and like the leper, you too will hear Him say, “I will do it. Be made clean.”Lord of perfect mercy, You desire my cleansing far more than I do, and You alone can accomplish it. Like the leper, I profess my faith in You as the New Moses, the Perfect Lawgiver, and the Divine Healer. All that You say and do is holy, restoring my soul and leading me to life. I surrender myself entirely to You—my wounds, my sins, my weaknesses. Let Your will alone be done in me, O Lord, for through Your touch, I find my healing and peace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Georg Pencz, 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.

Send us Fan MailCheck out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/To submit comments or questions, please email: joeinblackministries@gmail.comPlease use the following link if you would like to financially support  Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Original Post Date: June 27, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 7:21-29 Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.' “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Reflection Jesus knew the background of his disciples, and they were prone to, as the temple seemed to be filled with images of human beings that were doing what was right, but not becoming who God wanted them to be. They lacked authenticity. And what Jesus is trying to say to his disciples is, when I ask you to do something, I'm really not just saying do it. I'm saying, let me enter into you and do it through you. That's our authenticity. That's our strength. God being the source of the power that we have to heal and change people's lives. Closing Prayer Father, over and over again, you show us signs of your desire to share your power, your wisdom, your strength with us. It is not that we can learn what you know, as much as we can be who you are through your indwelling presence. Bless us with the confidence that comes not from ourselves, but from you. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

In this episode, we will explore ideas such as:   1.      Serving God with a pure heart. 2.      Finding your role. 3.      God rewards all who are obedient.   The readings can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062826.cfm   Unpacking the Mass is a production of Down to Earth Ministry which exists to provide encouragement and resources to those considering, converting, and growing in Catholicism.   Join me at the Defending the Faith Conference:   https://cvent.me/gqgxwV?utm_source=affiliate&utm_campaign=dfc_influencers_2026&utm_medium=social&utm_term=keithnester_2026&RefId=KEITHNESTER26   Discount Code: KEITH25  

"Lord, Lord" is not enough!

“The way to greatness is found through being little.” The world says make yourself great. The Christ Child says become small enough to enter the narrow gate.

Greetings to all.I trust your first week of summer is going well.  Thank you for making time to listen to my Gospel reflection.  I hope you find it helpful.  God bless.Fr. Kennedy

Read Online“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'” Matthew 7:21–23Jesus' words are shocking because they challenge the assumption that prophesying, casting out demons, and performing mighty works in His name guarantee entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. However, mighty works without obedience and love are insufficient. The passage warns against a distorted discipleship that promotes our own will rather than relying on the interior conversion required to do the will of the Father.Saint Paul echoes this truth: “And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts—prophecy, knowledge, and faith to move mountains—are worthless unless they are animated by the infused virtue of charity, the love that comes from God and enables us to act according to His will.Jesus' warning is particularly relevant to those who bear responsibility for preaching, teaching, or guiding others in the faith. Those who work in God's name can sometimes act according to their own will rather than His. At times, even devout Christians fail to be authentic instruments of God's pure and perfect will, mistaking their own judgments or desires for His divine guidance.It is essential that everyone who claims to follow Christ regularly reflect on Jesus' words. He did not teach this lesson as a mere theoretical warning but because He knew that many of His followers would need it. This passage is not meant to encourage us to judge others within the Church, presuming to identify those who fit His description. Rather, it is a personal exhortation meant for each of us. Jesus preaches these words so that we might examine our own hearts, asking whether we truly seek to do the Father's will or merely profess faith in name alone.As a source of self-reflection, consider the words “Lord, Lord.” If you use those words—if you pray and call on God as the Lord of your life—that is a good start; but it is only a start. Many people struggle even to reach that personal level of prayer and attentiveness to God.Presuming you do pray, how do you pray? Do you list for God the many things you do for Him, expecting Him to be impressed? Do you prophesy in God's name, meaning you speak about Him to others? Do you cast out demons in God's name, meaning you combat satan and all evil? Do you do mighty deeds in God's name, meaning you engage in works that reflect Christian discipleship?If so, that is good—but based on today's Gospel, it is not enough. According to our Lord, some who answer “Yes” to those questions will hear at the time of their judgment: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.”Reflect today on Jesus' challenging call to listen clearly to His voice alone and then act in accord with His will. Doing so requires us to set aside our own agenda and preconceived notions of what God wants. Serving Christ is not a matter of doing Him favors for which He will be grateful. It's a matter of unwavering obedience by which we do God's will alone—nothing less, nothing more, and nothing other. Heed Jesus' challenge and reexamine how you serve Him. Listen first, then act on what you hear. Doing so will guarantee that your life is built on a solid rock foundation of the faith that leads to the divine gift of charity.My demanding and just Lord, flood my mind with Your Word, that I may know Your ways. As I listen to Your voice, grant me the courage to act on all You say, never seeking my own will but Yours alone. Use me as You will for Your glory and make me obedient to Your Word, that my life may be built upon the solid foundation of faith and love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus teaches, by JaroslavSource: 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.

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14   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

Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including Elisha's promise to a benefactor and Jesus' first mention of the cross in the Gospel of Matthew.This episode is sponsored by the 2026 Amazing Parish Leadership Summit.This August, join leaders like you from across the Church for three days of inspiration, encouragement and equipping.Learn more at amazingparish.org/pillarAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:30.Reading 1 - 2 Kings 4: 8-11, 14-16aPsalm 89: 2-3, 16-17, 18-19Reading 2 - Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11Gospel - Matthew 10: 37-42 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 23, 2026. The readings are from 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36, Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11, Matthew 7:6, 12-14 (Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Original Post Date: June 25, 2024 === Gospel  Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” Reflection These remarks are made to Jesus disciples when they're going out and trying to call people into the teaching of Jesus. And so he tells them not to waste your time with people with closed minds. And then he goes on and says, you know, you are changing the way people understand my father, my God. The law and the prophets have always asked people to do what they're told and to earn salvation. But the teaching of Jesus is radically different. He goes on to say and teach very clearly that the only way that you can be saved is to allow God to save you, to free you of your sins, to enter into you and change your life. It's not something earned. It's a gift that has to be received. Closing Prayer Father, keep us from working too hard to fix ourselves or fix other people. Help us to simply trust that we are in a process of transformation, guided by not only your grace within us, your presence, but also with things that are not always what we expect. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

A Bible study on Matthew 10:37-42, the Gospel reading for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A.

A sermon for Ordinary Time from C4SO Bishop Jeff Bailey, reflecting on a reading from John.

Pigs, dogs, and pearls, oh my!

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Psalm: Psalm 48:2-3Ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14 Catholic Radio Network

Hear us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.

1. Tim talked about Abraham's story as the first draft of the Bible's favorite story: the story of “a God who longs to lift up the brokenhearted.”What surfaces as you think of this as God‘s favorite story? Where else do you see this story in the Bible? Where do you see this story beyond the confines of the scriptural canon? In history? In your family stories? In your own life?2. Tim talked about the “peasant revolt model” of reading the stories of conquest in the book of Joshua, drawing attention to the sharp contrast this reading presents to the vision of divinely-sanctioned genocide which many of us grew up with. What do you think about the ideas of these different readings? What kind of exposure have you had to other ways of understanding this section of the Bible's narrative? What surfaced for you as you listened, or surfaces for you now as you consider these various readings? How has the reading you have known up to this point impacted your faith? Would a new lens for these stories (if this is a new lens) make an impact? How so? How important does that feel?3. Tim served up a question that he suggested we come back to throughout this summer‘s study of the Old Testament: what does it mean to serve the Lord? Share about your answer to that question at this present moment, and tell a bit about how it may have evolved over time.

The Revd Catherine Williams leads a service of Evening Prayer for Tuesday during Ordinary Time. With music from St Martin's Voices. Find the service and join in via the free Daily Prayer app or online via the Church of England website: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-in-daily-prayer/evening-prayer-contemporary-tuesday-23-june-2026

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Tuesday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Paulinus of Nola, Bishop/ John Fisher, Bishop, Martyr, and Thomas More, Married Man, Martyr First Reading: Second Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 60: 3, 4-5, 12-13 Alleluia: Hebrews 4: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5   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 OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6Today's Gospel contains one of Christ's more difficult teachings. At first glance, His words seem harsh. Yet they reveal a profound truth: the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven require a heart properly disposed to receive them. Divine truths are not to be offered indiscriminately, especially to those who would treat them with scorn or hostility. Faith is essential to receive and understand the deeper mysteries of God. Jesus expressed a similar principle at the Last Supper when He told the Twelve: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 16:12–13).Though Jesus, as the eternal Word of God, possessed perfect and complete knowledge of divine truth, He did not reveal everything to His disciples all at once. Had He done so, they might have been overwhelmed. Even His closest followers often struggled to grasp His teachings, misunderstanding His words and resisting difficult truths. Yet Christ unveils the mysteries of His Kingdom gradually, according to each person's ability to receive them.The divine mysteries are so deep, vast, and profound that we will only fully comprehend them when we behold God face to face in the Beatific Vision. Until then, His deeper truths remain veiled. This does not mean we should cease seeking them; rather, as we grow in faith and knowledge of God, He lifts the veil little by little, drawing us closer to Himself. As we progress in holiness, He perfects within us the spiritual Gift of Wisdom, which ultimately deepens our love for Him.The pearls Jesus refers to symbolize these divine mysteries—treasures of divine Wisdom that must be sought, cherished, and received with reverence. This principle of gradual revelation is also seen in the ministry of Saint Paul. After his dramatic conversion, Paul received extraordinary spiritual insights, yet he recognized that his listeners were not always ready for the fullness of divine teaching. To the Corinthians, he wrote: “Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it” (1 Corinthians 3:1–2).Like Saint Paul, when God grants us glimpses of His divine Wisdom, we must treasure these revelations, ponder them in faith, and allow Him to deepen His communication with us. At the same time, as we share our faith with others, we must be mindful of their openness and capacity to receive what is holy—the pearls of divine truth. Though the saving message of the Gospel must be preached to all, the deepest mysteries are attained only through prayer and an interior receptivity to grace.When Jesus warns, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine…”, He is not discouraging evangelization. Rather, He is teaching us that not everyone is immediately receptive to the hidden mysteries of the Gospel. Some might reject it outright, treat it with indifference, or even respond with hostility. Thus, just as Saint Paul recognized the need to nourish spiritual infants with milk, not solid food, we too must exercise prudence in sharing the deepest divine truths, ensuring that they are offered in a way that hearts are prepared to receive. Reflect today on your own openness to God's eternal truth. Are you like an infant in need of spiritual milk? If so, drink that milk eagerly, allowing it to nourish your soul. As you mature in faith, devote more time to prayerful contemplation of God's Word, seeking His wisdom with a receptive heart. If God entrusts you with the role of feeding others, do so with love and gentleness, discerning the pearls God wants you to share. Only by first being receptive ourselves will we be prepared to be the instruments and evangelists that God calls us to be. Lord of Eternal Wisdom, the mysteries of faith are vast and beyond my comprehension without Your grace. Draw me ever closer to You, unveiling Your hidden presence and the precious pearls of Your Truth. Deepen my understanding, that I may ponder Your mysteries with a receptive heart. As I grow in faith, use me as You will to nourish others according to their need, leading them ever deeper into Your divine Wisdom. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Our Eucharistic Lord, by Lawrence OP, 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 22, 2026. The readings are from 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18, Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13, Matthew 7:1-5 (Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Father speaks today about Idol Worship.

Original Post Date: June 26, 2023 === Gospel Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus said to his disciples: "Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Reflection What Jesus is doing, is making a very simple truth evident. When we judge others, it's often because they are in some way representing something in us that we haven't really faced. Why would we not face things when we think about our relationship with God? He is mercy. He is forgiveness. So we need to examine very carefully whenever we're caught in that spirit of judgment to question it. And to know that there's another way, a way of love, a way of forgiveness, a way of understanding. Closing Prayer Father, you are forgiveness.Yet so often we hide our weaknesses from those that we feel want us to be more than we are. We're not as honest as we should be. Give us the honesty to face our weaknesses and know your love and your forgiveness so we can offer that gift to others. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Larry speaks directly to Bill about today's Gospel but pretends its not about Bill

Do I have the freedom from fear to be faithful to Jesus first? The saints didn't win arguments—they simply loved the truth and lived it.

Where your treasure is, there also your heart will be. What do you treasure most—and what is your heart becoming?

“Prayer is not something that we do. It is something that we receive.” Do you know about the Father's love—or do you rest in it?

Read Online“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:3–5It is easy to judge another. A certain satisfaction comes from it; otherwise, one would not engage in such an action. In fact, every sin we commit brings with it a certain degree of satisfaction. Of course, the satisfaction is purely emotional, passing, disordered, and ultimately very destructive to our souls. A judgmental heart presumes the worst about another's words or actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against rash judgment as an offense against truth (CCC 2477). We commit this sin when we assume, without sufficient evidence, the moral fault of another. This often manifests as gossip, detraction, or slander. While gossip may sometimes involve truth, it becomes sinful when it harms another's reputation without a just cause. Detraction needlessly exposes another's real faults, while slander distorts the truth and spreads falsehood. Each of these acts flows from a heart that finds disordered satisfaction in condemning rather than in mercy.Every time we judge another unfairly—whether through interior criticism or public condemnation—we fall into this sin. To remedy this, we must examine our motivations. Sin is deceptive, especially to the one who commits it. The sin of judging another is particularly insidious because it often feels justified, even appearing as a moral obligation. This was the sin of the scribes and Pharisees. They judged others, interpreting the Law of Moses through their rigid traditions rather than true righteousness. Their self-righteousness convinced them they were acting in God's name. But they were blinded by pride, which not only harmed others but also endangered their souls. A judgmental heart is difficult to overcome. Doing so requires shedding disordered feelings and hurts and turning to the light of God's Wisdom. This will hurt because we must admit our sin. When another's words or actions offend us, it is even harder to face our own sin first. Jesus makes it clear, however, that unless we first remove the “wooden beam” in our own eye, we cannot remove the “splinter” in another's. The only way to remove the wooden beam in our own eye is to grow in the virtue of mercy. We must love every sinner—especially those who have harmed us—to such a degree that every passion of our soul is transformed by mercy. With our minds, we must perceive and embrace God's truth about mercy, and with our wills, we must choose it. Only when we do so over and over again—forming a habit, or virtue—will our passions align with mercy. The good news—for us and for those we tend to judge—is that when the virtue of mercy permeates not only our minds and wills but also our feelings and passions, we begin to discover freedom from the disordered satisfaction that trapped us in our judgmental hearts. From there, enlightened by God's wisdom and grace, we will be able to lovingly, compassionately, and sincerely help others see the error of their ways—not by judging and condemning them, but by loving them and guiding them toward the same freedom in Christ. Reflect today on any sinful habits you struggle with, especially a judgmental heart. Do you ever feel justified in your judgment of others? Is there a degree of disordered satisfaction you gain from that sin? Humble yourself before God's mercy if these questions challenge you, and don't be afraid to acknowledge the wooden beam in your eye. Beg for freedom from a judgmental spirit and embrace the far greater gift of mercy. Though challenging, such an exercise is ultimately freeing and will enable you to assist those who need God's mercy the most. Most merciful God, I come before You and humbly acknowledge my struggle with a judgmental heart. When I am hurt or offended, I am tempted to lash out, condemn, and presume the worst of others. But You, O Lord, see all things with perfect wisdom and mercy. Please free me from this sin, purify my heart, and transform me into an instrument of Your love and compassion. May I judge no one apart from Your Truth and Justice, and may I always extend the mercy that I myself long to receive. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Sermon On the Mount, by Carl Heinrich BlochSource: 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.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 21, 2026. The readings are from Jeremiah 20:10-13, Psalm 69:8-10, 14 and 17, 33-35, Romans 5:12-15, Matthew 10:26-33 (Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Send us Fan Mail1367. Fr Joe Sunday homily: Fr Joe Sunday homily: Fight Sin and Win | June 21, 2026Fr Joe Krupp homily on the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Fr Joe  defines sin, why we like it and how to fight it.Check out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/To submit comments or questions, please email: joeinblackministries@gmail.comPlease use the following link if you would like to financially support  Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Homily from the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We will need Humility and Hope. The moment will come when we will all stand before the Good and Holy God in judgment. This truth can fill us with fear, but there are two virtues we need more powerful than fear: humility and hope. Mass Readings from June 21, 2026: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35Romans 5:12-15 Matthew 10:26-33