Podcasts about Ordinary Time

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 2: 1, 6-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 20, 21, 24 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18   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: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” Matthew 6:7–9Many pagans of Jesus' time believed they could manipulate divine action by sheer persistence, lengthy incantations, or empty repetition. Jesus contrasts this with true prayer, which is about trust in the Father's providence, not coercion. Christian prayer is not about forcing God's hand but about uniting our hearts to His will.Saint Thomas Aquinas offers profound insight into the Lord's Prayer: “Since prayer is the expression of our desires before God, we should only ask for what we ought to desire. The Lord's Prayer not only contains everything we should desire, but it presents them in the proper order—thus shaping not only our petitions but also our hearts” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, 83.9).According to Saint Thomas, prayer begins with truth entering the mind. Before we can choose and desire what is good, we must first recognize what is truly good in the eyes of God. For that reason, the first three petitions of the Lord's Prayer focus on God's glory—the highest good—rather than our needs:“Hallowed be Thy name” expresses the desire that God's holiness be recognized, honored, and made known both within us and through our witness in the world.“Thy Kingdom come” is a plea for God's reign to be established in our hearts and ultimately in the fulfillment of His Kingdom at the end of time.“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a petition that our wills be conformed only to God's divine will, seeking to obey Him as the saints and angels do in Heaven.Once truth enters the mind, the will must choose it by grace. At first, we often pray these petitions out of duty, but as grace strengthens the will, we begin to love them. From there, the will's repeated choice to say “Yes” to God's truth allows our desires to be reordered, forming habits—virtues—within us. After seeking God's glory first, we turn to our own needs, acknowledging our total dependence on Him in the light of Eternal Wisdom:“Give us this day our daily bread” expresses our desire for material sustenance and spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist. As our hearts are transformed, we come to hunger not only for earthly provision but for the Bread of Life, Christ Himself.“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” is a plea for God's mercy, teaching us that we must extend forgiveness to everyone if we hope to receive it. Over time, grace enables us to desire mercy more than vengeance, forming our hearts in charity.“Lead us not into temptation” asks for God's help in avoiding situations that might lead us to sin. The more we grow in grace, the more we come to despise sin rather than desire it.“Deliver us from evil” is the final and most complete petition—a plea for liberation from ALL evil: sin, satan, and all that separates us from God. Here, desire reaches its highest purification in which the soul longs for final union with God, free from all evil, and attains it through purified desire.Reflect today on this perfect prayer. Meditate on each petition, allowing each word to shape your mind, will, and desire. Pray it slowly and attentively, letting grace enlighten your mind, strengthen your will, and transform your affections. If you pray these words without fully feeling them at first, persevere and allow grace to work within you, leading you to the point that you truly love what you pray so that you desire rightly, trust fully, and love completely.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Life of Jesus by William Hole By William Brassey HoleSource: 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.

Original Post Date: June 19, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” Reflection We tend to judge ourselves and others by our actions, and certainly the temple was a place that had many, many rules and regulations demanded people do them. And when people did, then they witnessed their conviction, their faith in God. But the thing that is lacking in that is any kind of real intimacy with God. It's not our actions that he's worried about. It's about whether we know him and whether he's able to reveal who he really is to us. And I think that's said so beautifully in this passage, when more important than the money you give away or more important than the fasting you do, what really you need to do is go into your heart, your inner room, where God lives and dwells, and there pray. And we forget that prayer is as much listening as it is talking. Closing Prayer Father, it's clear the more you read the scriptures, the more you understand that you are always looking for intimacy. Not our actions, but our heart, not our will in our mind, but our heart. What is it that you ask us most especially to do? It's to love. But what God is trying to say is, unless you know the love I have for you, you cannot be the lover the gospel calls you to be. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ordinary Time is not filler.In this episode, we explore the mysticism of Ordinary Time and why this long green season of the Church year teaches us how to live the mysteries of Christ in everyday life. After Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, Ordinary Time asks: now what does it mean to follow Jesus?We'll look at Matthew 9:36, the moved Heart of Christ, discipleship, the hidden Kingdom of God, the mission of mercy, and how Catholic mysticism is found not only in ecstasies and visions, but in ordinary life, daily prayer, mercy, work, fatigue, and small acts of love.Ordinary Time is where the mystery becomes livable.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 21: 17-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 5: 43-48   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: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” Matthew 6:1Authenticity draws others in. A person who lives with genuine humility and virtue naturally inspires trust. In contrast, hypocrisy—an outward display of righteousness without interior virtue, done for human approval rather than for God—breeds distrust and repels others. In today's Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples not to seek human recognition, but the quiet approval of the Father. True holiness is not performed for others to see but lived in the hidden presence of God, who sees and rewards what is done in secret.In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights three essential religious practices—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—to contrast authentic righteousness with hypocrisy. The “hypocrites” He addresses—the scribes, Pharisees, and other religious leaders—had transformed these sacred acts into performances, prioritizing human recognition over devotion to God.When the hypocrites gave alms, they would “blow a trumpet” before them, symbolically announcing their generosity. While it is unlikely that the Pharisees literally sounded a trumpet when giving alms, Jesus uses this metaphor to expose their interior disposition—one focused on self-glorification rather than genuine charity. Just as a herald's trumpet blast announces an important decree, these leaders ensured their charitable acts drew maximum attention.In contrast, Jesus teaches the proper way to give alms: “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:3–4). Jesus employs exaggerated language to drive home His point. The phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right is doing” is a striking metaphor for absolute humility in charity. Almsgiving should be done with such purity of heart that it seeks neither public recognition nor bolsters personal pride, but is done solely for the glory of God.Similarly, when the hypocrites prayed, they loved to position themselves “in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them.” Their concern was not communion with God but public recognition. Such a display is more an act of self-exhibition than true prayer. In contrast, Jesus teaches that authentic prayer takes place in “your inner room” where one prays to the Father in secret. This metaphor underscores the true purpose of prayer: not to be seen by others but to enter into genuine, intimate communion with God (cf. Matthew 6:5–6).Finally, Jesus points out that when hypocrites fast, they deliberately “look gloomy” and “neglect their appearance” to ensure that others take notice. Their fasting is not a sacrifice to God but a display for human admiration. In contrast, true fasting should be hidden, undertaken in a spirit of self-denial—not to impress others, but to curb disordered appetites and offer a humble sacrifice to the Father.Jesus emphasizes that the hypocrites' approach to these three practices produces only fleeting rewards: “Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Their “reward” is hollow and passing—the admiration of others impressed by their outward display—and bears no merit before God. Only humble and authentic almsgiving, prayer, and fasting bear eternal fruit, drawing us deeper into God's grace and securing a reward that endures in His Kingdom.Reflect today on the authenticity of your spiritual practices. Are you content with God alone seeing your good deeds? While we ought not hide our devotion out of fear or embarrassment, we must ensure our motives remain pure—seeking only God's glory and others' good. Strive to be humble, authentic, and sincere in all you do, and your Father will see your goodness and bless you with His eternal rewards. Most glorious Lord, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. I am but Your humble servant, blessed to share in Your life and mission. Purify my intentions and grant me the grace to act always with sincerity and pure devotion. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Sermon on the Mount By Ivan MakarovSource: 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.

Join Dr. Scott Powell and JD Flynn as they look ahead to the readings for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including Jeremiah's lament in the face of persecution, a psalm of lament from David, and Jesus' sending of the Apostles in the Gospel of Matthew. This episode is brought to you 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 7:25.Reading 1 - Jeremiah 20: 10-13Psalm 69: 8-10, 14, 17, 33-35Reading 2 - Romans 5: 12-15Gospel - Matthew 10: 26-33 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 16, 2026. The readings are from 1 Kings 21:17-29, Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16, Matthew 5:43-48 (Tuesday of the Eleventh 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 16, 2026. The readings are from 1 Kings 21:17-29, Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16, Matthew 5:43-48 (Tuesday of the Eleventh 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 18, 2024 === Gospel  Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Reflection Anyone that seeks to be perfect is up against something that's too much, too hard, too difficult. But Jesus isn't telling his disciples that they have to do this, but they have to allow God to do this through them. When you are loved as God loves you, when you are treated with great generosity by God, when you see him giving you every single thing you need. It's easy then to understand that that's what human beings need. That's what they long for. To be cared for, to be loved, to be seen as important. Closing Prayer When we face our human nature and it shows us reasons why we should not be as loving as God calls us to be. It's exactly then, when we don't look at ourselves and judge ourselves as unable to do it, but we look to God who is able to do it and invite him to dwell within us. It's only then that we can achieve the perfection of a community of love, and we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

A Bible study on Matthew 10:26-33, the Gospel reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A.

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

Do you see Jesus hidden in your enemy's soul?

Get all set for Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time with Father McCarthySummaryJoin us as we explore the significance of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, the importance of internal conversion, and the role of relationships in priestly formation. This episode offers insights into biblical themes, pastoral experiences, and personal stories from priests.TakeawaysJeremiah emphasized internal conversion over external rituals.Priesthood formation involves mentorship and diverse parish experiences.Understanding biblical prophets enriches faith and personal growth.Relationships with mentors are crucial in priestly development.Biblical themes like lamentation and prophecy are relevant today.Chapters03:13 Scripture Readings and Themes08:17 Exploring the Prophet Jeremiah13:10 Pastoral Assignments and Mentorship18:35 Experiences in Ministry and Community25:25 Upcoming Events and Personal Insights

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29 Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48 Catholic Radio Network

Remember your people, Lord.

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-16-june-2026

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 21: 17-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 Alleluia: John 13: 34 Gospel: Matthew 5: 43-48   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 Revd Catherine Williams leads a short service of Night Prayer for Tuesday during Ordinary Time. With music from St Martin's Voices. Find the service and join in via the free Time to Pray app or online via the Church of England website: www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-in-daily-prayer/night-prayer-contemporary-tuesday-16-june-2026

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

16 June 2026

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Deacon Chris Morash

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: First Kings 21: 1-16 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 5: 2-3ab, 4b-6, 7 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 105 Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-42   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father… So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43–45, 48The Law of Moses, contained in the first five books of the Old Testament, taught the importance of loving one's neighbor: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). “Neighbor” in this context primarily referred to fellow Israelites, reinforcing the bonds of charity and unity among God's chosen people. However, the Law also commanded kindness toward foreigners: “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress him. He shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33–34). God's command to love was never meant to be limited to Israel alone.As centuries passed, some teachers of the Law began to distort its meaning. Jesus identifies one such misinterpretation in today's Gospel: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'” While the command to love one's neighbor was indeed found in the Torah, the phrase “hate your enemy” was not. Rather, it was a human distortion that had taken root in certain circles. Some Jewish sects, like the Essenes, promoted separation from outsiders, even calling them “sons of darkness” (1QS 1:10). While the Pharisees weren't as extreme, they often limited love to their own religious and ethnic communities.Jesus corrects this error by revealing the fullness of divine love: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Perfect charity is a high calling. It is not selective but reflects the boundless love of God, who “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Christ calls His followers to move beyond natural human affection to a supernatural charity that embraces even those who persecute us. This love is not merely a feeling but an act of the will, a participation in the very perfection of God: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”It's important, however, to distinguish between the charity that we offer everyone unconditionally and the bonds of unity forged by love that is reciprocal. When charity is offered to those who persecute us, it might feel uncomfortable at first. This form of love, though painful and challenging, has great transformative power. It extends an invitation to the persecutor to turn away from cruelty, repent, and offer love in return.Love of neighbor takes on a deeper dimension when our neighbor also loves God and reciprocates that love to us. This mutual love is not only naturally consoling but also supernaturally unifying, strengthening both individuals as they grow in holiness together.Jesus Himself demonstrated the radical nature of the love He commanded on the Cross when He prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). To love as God loves is to transcend worldly divisions and become true children of the Father, offering love to everyone, no matter how they treat us. Though this perfection is difficult to attain, we must never tire of striving for that ideal in our daily lives. Reflect today on those whom you love. Begin by savoring the consolation and strength you receive from relationships that are mutually reflective of God's perfect love. Then turn to those who are difficult to love. Resolve to love them and pray for them. Ask God to purify your heart of any hurt or resentment, and strive to reflect the Father's love. Let His compassion flow through you, like the rain that falls on both the just and the unjust, making you a true child of your Father in Heaven. God of all perfection, Your love knows no bounds; it is freely offered to all, both the good and the bad alike. Those who receive and reciprocate Your divine love are drawn into communion with You, sharing in Your very life, while those who reject it remain trapped in the darkness of sin. Please free me from all bitterness and resentment, purify my heart, and teach me to love as You love, so that I may truly be Your beloved child. Jesus, I trust in You.  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 15, 2026. The readings are from 1 Kings 21:1-16, Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7, Matthew 5:38-42 (Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Father teaches us the importance of land during a Jubilee year.

Original Post Date: June 17, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” Reflection The transition between the Old and New Testament is very clear here. In the Old Testament, because of the condition of human beings, the most that they were asked to do was to be fair. If someone hurt you, you could hurt them back. If someone took something from you, you could take something back from them. But here Jesus begins to reveal the new kingdom, the kingdom of God. It is based not in justice, but in service. In love. And what he's simply asking you to do is consider first the needs of someone else before you consider your own. Closing Prayer Father, when we seek to be more generous, we need to realize how you have promised your spirit dwelling within us. We cannot be who God wants us to be without God living within us, loving through us, those that are in need. Bless us with this conviction and this understanding of the Kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

A sermon for Ordinary Time from rector Jon Odom, reflecting on Matthew 9:35-38.

Go beyond what you've been asked to do

Fr. Sebastian's homily on the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Stephan's homily on the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

"There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek the salvation of others."--St. John Chrysostom. 

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time. Today's readings First Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 Psalm: Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7 Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42 Catholic Radio Network

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on June 14, 2026.   

June 14, 2026. 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how God considers us His precious treasure. He lays down His life for us and invites us to go on mission to help draw in other people.

May we give glory to your name, Lord.