Podcasts about Ordinary Time

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 24: 2, 9-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Mark 6: 1-6   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent

Before Lent officially begins, the Church gently invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts. In this Weekly Visit, Jenna and Steph will introduce the often-overlooked season of Septuagesima: a sacred threshold that helps us transition from Ordinary Time into deeper repentance and renewal.Together, we'll talk about why preparation matters, how small interior shifts can make a big difference, and how God meets us before we ever “get it right.” If you've ever felt rushed into Lent or unsure how to begin well, this conversation is for you.Reflection Questions:Where do I sense the Lord inviting me to slow down and prepare - not strive - as Lent approaches?What habits, distractions, or expectations might God be gently asking me to loosen my grip on before the season begins?How can I make space this week to listen for God's voice rather than rushing ahead to “do Lent well”?Join us LIVE every Tuesdays at 1pm ET for The Weekly Visit in the BIS Member Community!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday/ Blase, Bishop, Martyr/ Ansgar, Bishop, Missionary First Reading: Second Samuel 18: 9-10, 14, 24-25a, 30 – 19: 3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 86: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineJesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:4–6It's an old expression that “familiarity breeds contempt.” It is often easier to harbor contempt for those closest to us than to offer admiration. This dynamic frequently manifests itself among relatives, neighbors, and friends. The “contempt” might remain subtle, without clear outward expression. Yet, when those close to us are honored, it is often easier to call to mind their faults than to join in their praise. These feelings, if left unchecked, not only harm human relationships but also blinds us to the workings of grace in those closest to us.Today's Gospel tells the story of Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth after beginning His public ministry. Soon after He was baptized and emerged from the desert, Jesus began gathering disciples, preaching authoritatively, and performing miracles. Though His ministry began in Capernaum, about twenty miles northeast of Nazareth, word spread quickly about Him, leaving the people of Nazareth uncertain about what to think.When Jesus returned to Nazareth for the first time, He entered the Synagogue and read from the Prophet Isaiah, declaring that the “Spirit of the Lord” was upon Him (cf. Luke 4:18). Mark's version of the event, which we read today, tells us that “many who heard him were astonished.” They asked one another, “‘Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary…?' And they took offense at him” (Mark 6:2–3).Their refusal to believe stemmed not from Jesus but from their inability to reconcile the Jesus they thought they knew—a carpenter, a local boy—with the Jesus who now spoke with divine wisdom and authority. The reaction of the people of Nazareth reveals the danger of clinging to preconceived notions about others, which blinds us to God's presence in the ordinary.When you consider the people with whom you are familiar, do you exhibit a similar tendency? Do you struggle to recognize Christ at work in family members, friends, or even within yourself? Familiarity can make us dismissive, but it also invites us to look more deeply for the divine, even in what appears humble and mundane. We must approach everyone we know with eyes of faith, searching for the presence of Christ, despite their weaknesses and sins. As Jesus reminds us, “Seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7). This exhortation extends to seeking Christ in the people around us, especially those closest to us.This can be difficult. We are often tempted to focus on faults rather than goodness in others. The tendency is well illustrated in social media. Sensational and shocking posts draw our attention far more than uplifting and inspiring ones. This reveals the fallen human inclination, much like the people of Nazareth, to reject goodness and the deeper truth we are called to see. We often want others to fail as a way of feeling better about ourselves. Among the people of Nazareth, despite Jesus' perfection, those who knew Him allowed their preconceived judgments to blind them, leading to their rejection of Him as the Messiah. This reaction challenges us to examine our own hearts. How often do we fail to recognize Christ's presence in those closest to us? Reflect today on those closest to you and ponder how easily you seek and find Christ in them. Everyone you know—including yourself—is a sinner. It's easy to find fault and dwell on it, even sometimes when there is no fault to be found—such as with Jesus at Nazareth. Prayerfully reject that fallen human tendency and embrace the mission of seeking Christ in others, for “the one who seeks, finds.” Seek Jesus everywhere and celebrate the Good News of His ongoing presence in our world, especially in the lives of those with whom you are most familiar. My omnipresent Lord, You reveal Yourself to me in countless ways—through the Sacraments, Your holy Word, and the lives of those around me, especially those closest to me. Grant me the grace to seek You each day with faith and love, that I may find You in the hearts and actions of those You have placed in my life. Transform my vision, Lord, so that I may see Your presence even in the ordinary and humbly respond with gratitude and trust. Jesus, I trust in You.He Taught them with Authority 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.

Gospel  Mark  5:21-43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, "My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live." He went off with him and a large crowd followed him. There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured." Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?" But his disciples said to him, "You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?" And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction." While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said, "Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, "Do not be afraid; just have faith." He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, "Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep." And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child's father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!" The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat. Reflection In this gospel, we have almost a simultaneous healing of two figures one a woman, one a young girl. And what we see so clearly is Jesus' power to take away that which robs us of life, be it a disease that debilitates and takes away our energy, or whether it's death itself. And what it seems so clear to me that if you truly believe that, then one of the things that should disappear from our way of seeing the world is fear. Fear is the great enemy, because it tends to tell God that we are frightened and something will be taken from us that we need essentially, and he has promised us he will take care of everything we need. So be aware of fear. And when you feel it, turn that fear into trust, into a God who can do what he promises. But he demands, and asks for faith. Closing Prayer Father, we worry. We have anxieties. We have doubts. And yet we know that this is part of our human nature. But each time we experience these negative feelings, we need to respond to them. Not with a sense of shame, with a sense of having an opportunity to exercise what you ask us to do, to turn away from fear and replace it with trust in God. And we ask this In Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Bible study on Matthew 5:13-16, the Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A.

"Get up and walk!"

Read OnlineThere was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. Mark 5:25–29According to Jewish law, the condition from which this woman suffered rendered her ritually unclean, which excluded her from both religious and social life, causing her to endure not only physical suffering but also psychological and emotional isolation (cf. Leviticus 15:25–27). This isolation, while difficult, reflected the Mosaic Law's intent to teach Israel about the holiness of God and the need for purification to approach Him.Her condition symbolically reflects the spiritual affliction of sin—an incurable state that separates humanity from God and others. By permitting her suffering, God prepared the way for His glory to be revealed through her healing. Her humble yet bold act of faith—reaching out to touch the cloak of Christ—teaches us to trust in God's power and mercy. Her suffering was permitted, not as punishment, but as an opportunity for God to manifest His saving power. Through her faith, she not only received physical healing, but also restoration to her community and a share in God's glory.This Gospel invites us to see ourselves in this woman. Spiritually speaking, her condition mirrors our state when burdened by sin, which causes an interior isolation and separates us from God's family. Sin ultimately leaves us dissatisfied and alienated. Like the woman's healing, our restoration requires a humble act of faith, reaching out to Christ in the sacraments, where His grace heals and restores us.Beyond sin, we all face various afflictions—physical, emotional, or relational—that can weigh us down. In these moments, it is natural to seek immediate relief. Yet this Gospel reminds us that God's plan for our lives often includes permitting suffering for a time to bring about a greater good. The woman's twelve years of affliction were not in vain; they became the means through which God revealed His glory and brought her into deeper communion with Him. Similarly, our sufferings—whether caused by sin, physical ailments, or rejection—are opportunities for God to manifest His saving power, if we approach Him with trust and humility.Believing these truths can indeed be difficult, especially when we are in the midst of suffering. In such moments, we must rely on the gift of supernatural hope, which is borne of grace and sustains us when human strength falters. Hope is rooted in the certitude of faith, and faith opens our hearts to truths that transcend the limitations of human reason (cf. Hebrews 11:1). This humble woman exemplifies both faith and hope in the face of suffering. Her unwavering belief in Jesus' power to heal not only inspired her to hope but also moved her to act. Her hope compelled her to reach out and touch His garment, trusting that even the slightest connection to Christ could bring her healing. By this simple yet profound act of faith, she received far more than physical healing—she encountered the transformative power of God's mercy and love, which restored her fully and brought her into deeper communion with Him. Reflect today on the example of this holy and humble woman. Her act of faith inspires us to approach Christ with humble confidence, especially in moments of suffering and need. Like her, we are called to humble ourselves, reach out to Jesus in prayer, and trust in His power to spiritually heal and restore. In the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation and the Eucharist, we touch the hem of Christ's garment and encounter the transformative power of His mercy. Pray for the grace to trust in God's providence, knowing that He lovingly permits even our trials to lead us to deeper communion with Him and to reveal His glory in our lives. My merciful Lord, You allow me to endure the effects of sin and the frailty of my fallen human nature, not as punishment, but as an invitation to deepen my faith and hope in You. In moments of affliction, grant me the grace to turn to You with trust, believing in Your power to transform all things into good and to reveal Your eternal glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource: 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 teaches us that because Jesus became man we all have a great dignity.

February 1, 2026. Fr. Tyler's homily for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Enjoy!   Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Fr. John Ehrich, STL Frjohnteaches.com Fr. John's Music

Original Airdate: January 29, 2023 Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 | 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 | Matthew 5:1-12a Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with our mind and love everyone in truth of heart.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The new attitude of Beatitude

Fr. Hezekias and Annie discuss what is the "remnant" prophesied by the prophet Zephaniah, and then head to the Mount of Beatitudes to learn what Jesus actually meant when he said "blessed."

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. John Bosco, Priest, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Samuel 12: 1-7a, 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17 Alleluia: John 3: 16 Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineWhen Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:1–3The Beatitudes call us to the heights of morality and holiness. Those who live according to these divine precepts are blessed beyond measure. The promises to those who live this high calling are great: They become children of God and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Furthermore, they receive comfort, satisfaction, mercy, purity, and peace. Though the rewards are great, so are the requirements: spiritual poverty, holy sorrow, meekness, longing for righteousness, a merciful heart, purity, peacemaking, and patient endurance during persecution.The Beatitudes reveal the culmination of God's moral teaching and the highest revelation of the Christian life. To fully appreciate their significance, it is helpful to understand the history of moral revelation. Doing so is more than a history lesson on God's deepening revelation, it also reveals the path for our spiritual journey toward perfection.Morality begins with the Natural Law—the innate understanding of right and wrong written on the human heart. This Law is from God and is often described as living in accord with right reason or common sense. All people have access to this moral law within their own consciences, enabling them to recognize God as the Creator, honor Him, respect human dignity and the common good, and refrain from acts such as murder, theft, and deception. Though universally present in all people, sin and our fallen human nature cloud our ability to clearly see and follow that law.In the Old Testament, God slowly revealed Himself and called His people to greater holiness and moral living by adding to the Natural Law through revelation. From Abraham and his descendants, God raised up Moses through whom He revealed the Ten Commandments—a concise moral code rooted in Natural Law but explicitly revealed by God that called His chosen people to right worship, justice, and love for one's neighbor.Through the prophets—such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel—God called Israel to move beyond mere external observance of the law to an interior conversion of heart. Isaiah emphasized the virtues of justice and mercy, Jeremiah prophesied a new covenant in which God's law would be written on the hearts of His people, and Ezekiel promised that God would give His people a new heart and a new spirit, enabling them to follow His statutes.The wisdom literature—Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom, Sirach—deepened the understanding of moral life by revealing moral gifts, such as the Fear of the Lord, the blessedness of righteousness, and the call to trust in God's providence and live a virtuous life.The Beatitudes elevate all laws of the Old Covenant. Jesus not only calls us to profound holiness, He also provides the means to achieve it through His Sacrifice, transmitted through the grace of the Sacraments. To live the Beatitudes is to live in imitation of Christ, who perfectly embodied all virtues in His life, Passion, and Resurrection. Hence, the Beatitudes are not only a moral code we must follow, they are a participation in and union with the Son of God, Who lived the Beatitudes to perfection.As we ponder the Beatitudes, reflect today on their high and glorious calling, as well as their rewards. Sometimes, reading the Beatitudes can leave us discouraged, as we are aware of how far we are away from perfecting them. Dispel discouragement and know that these new divine precepts are attainable by grace. Set your eyes on the heights of perfection and open yourself to the abundant grace offered. Doing so will not only result in glorious spiritual rewards in this life, it will also result in the greatest eternal rewards in Heaven.Lord of perfection, You lived the Beatitudes to the fullest during Your life on earth and continue to manifest those perfections from Heaven. Please open my heart to Your grace and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so that I may answer the call to the new and glorious moral state to which I am called. Empower me to live fully immersed in and guided by Your Sacrificial Love. Help me to inspire others to embrace this path of holiness, so that we may journey together toward the eternal joy of Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You!  Image: Église Saint-Martin de Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Gospel Mark 4:35-41 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: "Let us cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Reflection What is fascinating about the life of the disciples is that they really didn't understand fully who Jesus was until He died and rose and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. So throughout their life with Jesus, you see them at times being absolutely astonished or afraid. They were either overwhelmed by what he could do or afraid that he wouldn't do what he promised to do. They're so human. And that is the journey. The journey is not that we accept God and then all of a sudden we become perfectly attuned with him or that we understand fully who he is or who he is invited us to be. Keep his patience in this growth process. It is what the kingdom is made up of. People growing, not people having achieved everything, but people growing into who they are meant to be. Closing Prayer Father, you have power. More power than we could ever imagine, yet at times we seem timid in asking your power to be used through us to accomplish what we ask. We ask with a fear that you will not listen or that you can't do this or you're too busy to do this. Give us confidence in your power. You want to share it with us. Let us invite it into our lives 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 Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. John Bosco, Priest, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Samuel 12: 1-7a, 10-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17 Alleluia: John 3: 16 Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 11: 1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read Online“Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. Mark 4:35–38Our Lord's words were prophetic, but so were His actions. Today's Gospel begins after a long day of Jesus teaching parables to the people by the Sea of Galilee. One might think that, after a long day, Jesus and His disciples would have remained in Capernaum for the night, getting a good night's sleep. Instead, Jesus invites His disciples to join Him for a long night on a boat, crossing to the other side of the sea to the territory of the Gerasenes.The Gerasenes were a predominantly Gentile population living in a region that formed part of the Decapolis—a group of ten cities heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture and pagan practices. The area was culturally distinct from the Jewish territories around the Sea of Galilee, characterized by its Hellenistic architecture, customs, and beliefs. Jesus' invitation to cross the sea was not only an invitation to a long night, but also an invitation to spend the next day within a culturally distinct and perhaps an uneasy setting different from their Jewish hometown.This dual invitation should be seen as a prophetic action by which Jesus invited His disciples—and us—to leave our comfort zone and travel into the challenging and unfamiliar. This lesson has numerous practical implications for our lives. There are many things we do not feel like doing and many ways God calls us out of our comfort zone into the unfamiliar. Fear must never deter us from answering the call, even when we are tired and prefer to rest. When God calls, we must respond.The journey across the Sea of Galilee is also packed with prophetic lessons. The journey by boat from Capernaum to the territory of the Gerasenes was about five to six miles. Under calm conditions, the journey might have taken one to two hours. However, the storm likely extended this time, possibly making the trip several hours long, especially if the disciples had to work against the wind and waves.One important aspect of the journey is that Jesus is asleep during the storm. Because it would have been difficult for anyone to sleep while “waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up,” we should see our Lord's sleep as intentional, to reveal a spiritual lesson. Though God might seem distant at times, or asleep during our time of need, He is there, waiting for us to turn to Him, wake Him, and call on Him.Though these were experienced fishermen and boatmen, they were terrified. Jesus permitted them to experience this terror to reveal their need for faith and trust in Him. His calm presence, even as He slept, was a reminder that no storm—whether physical or spiritual—can overpower the One who created the seas. His rebuke of the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” not only restored peace to the sea but also revealed His divine authority, revealing Himself as God: “LORD, God of hosts, who is like you? Mighty LORD, your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging sea; you still its swelling waves” (Psalm 89:9–10).Reflect today on Jesus' invitation to the disciples to make the journey across the sea after a tiring day. Similarly, God sometimes calls us to enter the chaos of this world to bring His grace where it is not found. Though rest is important, sometimes we must deny ourselves and enter into the sea toward the unfamiliar—reaching out to neighbors or others with whom we feel hesitant, volunteering in ministries, or embracing new challenges that call us out of our comfort zone. As you ponder this scene, let the words of Christ echo in your heart, bringing peace to your soul: “Quiet! Be still!” Do not fear. Have faith. Trust that His command will calm every storm, and hold on to the knowledge that He is always with you, guiding you safely to the other side.All-powerful God, in Your human nature, You faced every difficulty and conquered them so that You could provide me the grace to do the same. When You call me out of my comfort zone into the unfamiliar, give me courage to respond generously, knowing that You are always nearby, waiting to be awakened through a prayer and act of faith. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Bible picsSource: 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.

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Gospel Mark 4:26-34 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. Reflection Jesus often uses in parables the idea of a seed that is entered into us and the seed itself, when it is there, begins to break apart and then bursts into life and something grows that becomes rich and bountiful. It's a beautiful image of the Yes that he asks us to say to him when we grow and understand what it is that he's offering us. The new life, the new way of seeing ourselves in the world. It's not that we say yes to something we fully understand. We say yes to a promise, and when that promise is held within our hearts, trusted in and believed in patiently waiting for the fruitfulness to show. Then we've truly entered the Kingdom of God. Closing Prayer Father, give us patience. Understanding. That when we say yes to you we are believing in a process that takes time. That seems to go forward. Seems to go backwards. Seems that we get better then we get worse. All of that is part of what it takes to be in the Kingdom of God. It's we who say yes, it's God who does the work. And we ask this In Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't stay home when you should be working

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 Catholic Radio Network

The unexpected power of initial graces - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.How were the beginnings of your faith journey? Where did you find refuge and encouragement? Do you verify in yourself this disproportion between the beginnings and the outcome? What are the stages the Lord led you through in your growth?

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 11: 1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, January 29th-1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 - Gospel Reading: Mark 4:21-25 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. James Merrick. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 7: 18-19, 24-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 132: 1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 105 Gospel: Mark 4: 21-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineWith many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. Mark 4:33–34Today's Gospel begins with two parables about the Kingdom of God, using the familiar image of seeds. Both of these parables point to the Kingdom of God as something that grows mysteriously and abundantly, often beyond human understanding or control.The first parable points to the mysterious growth of the seed that the sower scatters on his fields: “and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mark 4:27). This emphasizes the hidden and gradual work of God's grace. Like the seed that grows in the soil without the sower fully comprehending how, the Kingdom of God grows quietly and powerfully, primarily through divine initiative.The second parable is about the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which, when planted, “springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade” (Mark 4:32). This parable reveals the transformative power of the Kingdom, which begins from the humblest beginnings but grows into something expansive and life-giving. God often works through what appears insignificant to accomplish great things.Though these parables are important and provide us with spiritual nourishment through prayerful reflection, what the Gospel writer says next, as is quoted above, is just as important. Parables were meant to draw the listener into divine mysteries. We have to ponder the message prayerfully and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal God's Word to us. Because Jesus spoke only in parables to the crowds, we must see ourselves among their number. However, we must also work to be counted among Jesus' own disciples: “to his own disciples he explained everything in private.”God's Word is alive. The Scriptures are not only like an ancient philosophy book that requires study and interpretation, which certainly play a proper role in understanding the Word of God. However, because God's Word is a Living Word, it is more than an intellectual exercise. When we read it or hear it proclaimed, God is present. It is God Himself Who speaks to minds and hearts that are open and attentive. When we approach God's Word in this way, God will “explain everything in private.”“Private,” in this case, means “personal.” Engaging God's Word draws us into a personal conversation with Him. It enables God to speak to us directly, revealing Himself in His Word, filling us with the spiritual gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, and Counsel. These Gifts of the Spirit are essential to our spiritual growth and are the primary way to grow in faith, hope, and charity.Do you see the Word of God as the Living Word, inviting you into a personal dialogue with God? Consider the depth of the invitation extended to you in this Gospel passage. Jesus desires to speak to you “in private,” unveiling the mysteries of His Kingdom in a way that is deeply personal and uniquely suited to your personal journey.Reflect today on how you approach the Word of God in your daily life. Take time to prayerfully ponder the parables and their meaning in your life. Consider setting aside a specific moment each day to read and meditate on a short passage from Scripture. Allow God to sow the seed of His Word in your heart and, like the farmer, marvel in wonder and awe as the Kingdom takes root and grows in your life. Trust that even the smallest acts of faith, like the mustard seed, can grow into something extraordinary when authentic and nurtured by God's grace. Open your heart to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, asking for Wisdom to discern God's voice, Knowledge to understand His will, Understanding to grasp the depths of His truth, and Counsel to act upon His Word. My Lord and intimate God, You desire to speak to me day and night, revealing the mysteries of Your Kingdom and communicating to me Your Living Word. Open my mind and heart to all You wish to reveal, so that, through Your Word, Your Kingdom may take root in my heart and bear abundant fruit. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: See page for author, Public domain, 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.

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Gospel Mark 4:21-25 Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,  and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given;  from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Reflection Many people wonder why God allows evil in the world, but what it is is an opportunity for us to face the illusion of what evil promises. To expose evil as corrupt and destructive. But the way it exists is usually below the surface, it's not noticed, and it has tremendous power when it's not seen for what it is. And so the Kingdom of God is about exposing evil for exactly what it is. And that's the light of the Holy Spirit comes in and gives us wisdom, understanding, a way of seeing the world where evil makes no sense. That's the reason it's there, because it needs to come into the light and be named for what it is. Closing Prayer Father, give us the courage to look at things that are often hidden. Help us to reflect and see who we are and what we're doing, and ask the spirit to awaken us to what is true and what is false, what is helpful and what is harmful. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let the glory of Christ shine through

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Psalm: Psalm 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 Gospel: Mark 4:21-25 Catholic Radio Network

For the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. reflects on living the Beatitudes. Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources. Listen to Fr. Frank's more of weekly reflections and recent blogcasts.

Opening: #724 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Readings: #1098 Psalm: #27 The Lord is my light and my Salvation (Guimont) Presentation: #590 Christ, Be Our Light Closing: #766 City of God All music reproduced and streamed with permission from ONE LICENSE, license #A-723939. Organist: Sarah SinkMars Celebrant: Father Joe Kenan, Deacon Bob McMullen and Deacon Frank Szemanski Today's readings (via USCCB): bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading For more information, visit our parish website at MaryQueenofPeacePGH.org

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Samuel 7: 4-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 4-5, 27-28, 29-30 Gospel: Mark 4: 1-20   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” Mark 4:21–23What guides your life? What influences your decisions? Many are motivated by worldly desires, such as wealth or status. Others seek fulfillment in fleeting pleasures. Some take their inspiration from cultural icons or those deemed successful by society. But as Christians, we are called to draw our inspiration and motivation from one source: the Light of God's Truth.In today's Gospel, the lamp symbolizes Christ Himself, Who illuminates our minds and guides our decisions, just as a lamp lights up a dark room. A lamp cannot fulfill its purpose if it is hidden under a bushel basket or bed. Similarly, Christ must enlighten every aspect of our lives and shine forth in our words, deeds, and witness to others.If the lamp symbolizes Christ, Who is divine Truth, then the lampstand represents the means by which we elevate and share that Truth. Though God, His grace, and the Truth of the Gospel are the light, that light comes to us in various ways. Our first goal as Christians is to make sure that God's Light is the center of our lives. This means that when questions arise in our lives, we turn first to the Light as the one and only Source of Truth and guidance. We do this by turning to the Scriptures, the Catechism, the lives of the saints, and the inspiration of other holy people.Just as a lampstand supports and elevates a lamp, it also provides a firm foundation, ensuring the light remains steady and visible even amid the winds of life's challenges. Similarly, prayer, sacraments, and good works help stabilize the Light of Truth in our lives, enabling it to shine brightly and consistently.Once our lives are enlightened and we clearly see the path God has chosen for us, we naturally begin to radiate that light to others. This is the essence of evangelization. By our daily prayer, sacramental life, acts of charity, and courage in witnessing to the Gospel, we become the lampstand that lifts high the Light of Christ. As others encounter that light through our example, they too are invited to draw closer to its Source, allowing the Truth of the Gospel to illuminate their lives.Sometimes we can struggle in our efforts to evangelize. When we encounter others who express no interest in the Gospel, it is tempting to remain silent and cover up the Light of Christ. But that leaves others in darkness. The evil one often deceives us into thinking that we shouldn't act as a lampstand for the Light of Christ if others prefer the darkness. We might fear offending them or sounding “holier than thou!” This is a dangerous trap.Charity demands evangelization. All people need Christ in their lives, even if they do not know it or are hostile to Christ's light. If you struggle being a lampstand for Christ, reflect on Jesus' next words: “For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” In other words, we all will stand one day before the judgment seat of Christ when every hidden thought and action will come to light, visible to us and all who stand before Christ at the Final Judgment. On that day, will we regret having done everything possible to be a lampstand for Christ's light to others? Certainly not. Instead, we will rejoice in every effort we made, even if our words and actions seemed futile. The light we shine might not immediately brighten someone else's path. Yet, like seeds planted in the soil, it has the potential to grow and bear fruit in God's perfect timing. Reflect today on whether you have allowed fear, complacency, or self-doubt to hide the light of Christ in your life. Consider the people God has placed in your path who need His light but have not yet encountered it through you. Resolve to be a lampstand for Christ, courageously and lovingly lifting His truth high for all to see. Jesus, Light of the World, You came to reveal Yourself as the Truth that sets all people free and the Light Who dispels all darkness. Please shine brightly in my life and be my guide always so that I, in turn, may act as an instrument upon which You rest and shine forth in the lives of others. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, 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.

It's Beatitude Week! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including a reading from Zephaniah about the day of the Lord and the beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:50Reading 1 - Zephaniah 2: 3; 3:12-13Psalm 146: 6-10Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31Gospel - Matthew 5: 1-12a 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