Podcasts about our lord

July 20, 2025 Our Lord teaches us in the parable of the Good Samaritan what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. This parable answers the question, who is my neighbor! Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Entrust yourself to Our Lord. Morning Offering, July 20, 2025Family consecration: http://bit.ly/4kGy40l Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

In Matthew 22 verses 1-14 we have the parable of the wedding feast of the Kingdom, to which we all have been invited through the Gospel. Our Omnipotent King has provided the only garment needed for admission; the sin covering raiment of His ever glorious and pre-eminent Son. We put this garment on when we believe the gospel, repent and are baptised. The disciple must then live a life of faithfulness for our Father to graciously give us a place in His kingdom. A sobering note concludes this parable: "Many are called, but few are chosen". Then follow four questions, each one from each of the three main political parties in Israel and then unanswered question from the Lord to each of these groups. These answers provided incontrovertible proof from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. Verses 15-22 addresses the unpopular subject of taxation. The tax here was the Roman tax which was even more hated because it maintained Roman armies in Judah's land. The Land that had been given to them by the Almighty. Jesus was asked: "Should we pay this tax? Or, should we not pay it?" If our Lord said - yes - then he lost popularity with his people. If he said - no - then he could be accused of treason against Rome. His enemies were sure Jesus was trapped. However he completely turned the table on his adversaries. He masterfully not only answered the question but also used the occasion to direct all the hearers to their responsibilities to their God. Our Lord asked for a denarius. Whose image and superscription is on this coin? Caesar's they replied. Then give to Caesar what is his and to God what belongs to Him. We have been made in the image and likeness of God. So our lives, minds and actions belong to Him. Verses 23-33 say that the Sadducees came to Jesus with a trick question relating to resurrection. This sect accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament - called the Book of Moses. They mistakenly believed that resurrection was not supported by these Scriptures. However Jesus proves from Exodus 3 verses 15-17 that the raising of the dead is proven by Yahweh saying that He is the God of Abraham, and God is the God of the living, for all live unto Him - not He was - therefore Abraham has a future after his being restored to life in the future. Their failure, Jesus declared , was in not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God (verse 29). Verses 34-38 Jesus is asked by Pharisee lawyer which is the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses. This topic was hotly debated among the religious leaders. Our Lord's answer is that it is very clear: You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and mind and strength - Deuteronomy 6 verses 4-5. Jesus says that the second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself: Leviticus 19:18; 1 John 4:7-13. The chapter concludes proving Jesus himself to be the divine son of David (after the flesh), but God's Son of the Father's right hand, as attested. In verses 39-46 Jesus asks his critics whose son is Messiah, his Lord? Easy they thought! The Old Testament tells us that Messiah is the son of David. If so, says Jesus, why then does David in Psalm 110 call Messiah his Lord? This was an impossibility in Jewish reckoning for a son to be superior to his father. The only way for this to be true is for Jesus to be the Son of God as well as being the son of David: Psalm 110 verses -2; 2 Samuel 7 verses 2-16, 2 Samuel 23 verses 1-7; Micah 5 verses 2-5. His opponents were left dumbfounded.

In Matthew 21 Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem was accompanied by shouts of "Hosannas" (save now). Matthew tells us that this was in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah, in the 9th chapter. The prophecy of Zechariah contrasts Alexander the Great, bringing death and destruction; with Jesus the lowly bring salvation. The next citation in Matthew - "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD" ie Yahweh - comes from Psalm 118 verse 26 (but note Messiah's mindset from the context from the entire Psalm). The rulers were in indignation with the multitude and asked Jesus to rebuke them. Our Lord's response was to refer them to Psalm 8 the LXX version, which spoke of what was happening and the victory being accomplished. Next in the chapter came the curse of a fig tree, which like Israel, showed the false promise of apparent fruitfulness. It was cursed by Jesus. The next day the disciples witnessed that the tree had immediately withered. This was followed by Jesus demonstration that his authority was unquestionably from God. After this came the parable of the two sons - firstly the rulers said that they were doing the Father's will, but lord; in contrast the commoners knew they were sinning, but sincerely repeated. Lastly the chapter concludes with the parable of the unfaithful tenants. The rulers recognising themselves in the story fulfilled it to the letter by immediately taking counsel to destroy Jesus.

2 Samuel begins with David hearing of the death of Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa. The news was brought to David in Ziklag by a dirt-covered Amalekite. This man sought to ingratiate himself to David and was hoping to be generously rewarded for his news. Instead the man is shocked and terrified by David's angry response. Before David responded he asked the Amalekite to tell him the circumstances of the death of Saul and his sons. The account is given and David is told by the Amalekite the information we heard in 1 Samuel 31. However he provides extra information believing that David will reward him. The Amalekite says that he came upon Saul who was nearing death and at the request of king Saul he slew Saul. As proof that he had done what he claimed the man brought Saul's crown and arm band. David mourned till the evening and then rose in rage and tells the Amalekite that his actions had sealed his own death having slain Yahweh's anointed. That wicked man was instantly executed by one of David's young warriors. The second half of the chapter outlines David's ode of lament for Saul and Jonathan. The lament is called the Song of the Bow, since the bow was Jonathan's weapon of choice. Jonathan had given David his bow earlier when the two friends made a covenant between them. The words of the song are in verses 19-27. At David's command they were recorded in the book of Jasher and were to be taught to Judah, David's own tribe. David speaks of Saul and Jonathan as "the glory of Israel" and they were slain on the Mount - high places - defending the people of the LORD against their enemies. David is distressed that the Philistines will gloat over their victory. David says "tell it not in Gath" - the Hebrew is a poem: "Tell it not in Telltown". David asks God to withhold moisture from falling on Mount Gilboa. Verses 22-23 describe the valiant and courageous and undivided warriors that Saul and Jonathan were. Verse 24 outlines Saul's generosity towards the Jewish maidens he favoured. Saul showed generosity to many during his life. In the last three verses David concludes his lament by saying that he is greatly distressed by Jonathan's untimely death. That demise was the end of an extraordinarily deep friendship. No doubt that this friendship will again flourish in Messiah's kingdom. David is exemplary in his speaking well of Saul who constantly had sought to destroy him. Let us learn to speak always graciously with measured words: Ephesians 4 verses 29-32.    Jeremiah 7 is about the evil that prevailed in the land of Judah. Jeremiah is told to stand at the gate of the temple and tell everyone who entered the building that they were hypocrites. The people of Jerusalem believed themselves to be holy and in accord with God's values. They were convinced that for this reason no calamity could come to them. Yahweh's message to them is for them to change their ways if they want to remain in the Land. Otherwise disaster would befall them. Read verses 5-7 carefully and consider the implications for the way we must show mercy and justice to all people. By contrast verses 8-11 tell us the corrupt way that they were living. The prophet says that the Almighty detested and would punish them for their self delusion. The nation declared their belief that their Sovereign delighted in them. Verse 11 is quoted by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 21 verses 13 as he cleansed the temple. This shows that the leaders behaviour was just as perverse 600 years after the prophet's time - despite the LORD having disciplined them by overthrowing them and sending Judah into exile. The Almighty tells the leaders to learn from history by allowing the Tabernacle at Shiloh to be overthrown for a long period of time because of the nation's wickedness. In verses 16-17 Jeremiah is told not to pray, nor intercede, for the people as God will not listen. The nation's offensive worshipping of idols is described in verses 18-19. Their principal goddess is described as "the queen of heaven". Near to where I live is a massive Catholic Church which is named Regina Coeli, which translates from Latin to 'the queen of heaven' in English. Judah's Sovereign expresses His jealousy and anger at their insult to Him. In verses 20-26 Yahweh speaks of their continuing refusal to listen to Him and amend their doings. Judgment could not be delayed. So in the last three verses the prophet is told to tell the nation to commence their grieving now. Matthew's 18th chapter focuses on humility and forgiveness, both of which are crucial if a disciple is to enter the Kingdom. Forgiveness must be given to those who request it. Never in the Bible is forgiveness unconditional. Whether it is the forgiveness God offers us, or the forgiveness others ask of us it depends upon whether we contritely ask our Father's forgiveness and as we forgive others: see the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6 verses 12-14. Humility and absence of malice is the foundation for receiving an inheritance with our Father and His Son. The disciple must never become the cause of stumbling for another. Being conscious of the sources of sin in our lives will result in believers taking the extreme actions required to prevent us losing the Kingdom.  The parable of the lost sheep indicates the love of the Shepherd for his straying sheep and the extreme effort expended in its recovery; as well as the accompanying joy when the lost sheep is recovered. The parable of the stumbling disciple is based upon the same principles - the maximum exertion is to be made in order to restore a beloved disciple. Our Lord's words to Peter are of ongoing and limitless forgiveness as the number 490 represents. Our forgiveness is conditional on extending constant forgiveness to others (Matthew 6 verses 12-14). Jesus' instructions here stand in stark contrast to Lamech's vengeful attitude mentioned in Genesis 4 verses 23-24. Most pertinent to us is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Our God has forgiven us an immeasurable debt. Unless that moves us to see that, however great we might esteem any wrongs done to us, they need to be seen in perspective as inconsequential. We must be moved - like our Lord Jesus Christ and his Father - from within our heart to truly forgive others.

Todaywe're continuing in Luke 23:32-34. These three verses introduce us to Jesusbeing on the cross at Golgotha. This is one of the most special passages ofScripture in the Bible. All the Bible in the Old Testament points to this time,and all the time after this, points back to this time. This is the center andfocal point of eternity. This is where God Himself, who has taken on humanflesh, dies on a cross for all humanity. Jesus, God manifest in the flesh, camefor this very purpose and hour. Even while Jesus is suffering one of the mostcruel and painful deaths a human can experience, He is expressing compassionfor other Ithad been prophesied in Isaiah 53:12 that the Suffering Servant would be "numberedwith the transgressors". Jesus Himself mentioned this passage on Hisway to the cross in Luke 22:37. This is fulfilled by the fact that twocriminals were crucified with Jesus, men who were robbers according to Matthew27:38. The Greek word means "one who uses violence to rob openly," incontrast to the thief who secretly enters a house and steals. These two men mayhave been guilty of armed robbery involving murder. Lukepoints out in verse 33 that Jesus “was crucified in a place called Calvary”.The name Calvary comes from the Latin calvaria which means "askull." (The Greek is kranion, which gives us the English word cranium,and the Aramaic word is Golgotha.) The name is not explained in the NewTestament. The site may have resembled a skull, as does "Gordon'sCalvary" near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. Or perhaps the namesimply grew out of the ugly facts of execution. There are many who believe thatJesus was crucified and buried in a place in Old City Jerusalem that today is knownas the “Church of the Holy Sepulchre”, which is one of the most visited touristsites in all the world. At Gordon's Tomb, the guides always remind us that thewhether the place is there or at the church site, the main thing is that Jesuswas crucified. OurLord was crucified about 9 a.m. and remained on the cross until 3 p.m.; andfrom noon to 3 p.m., there was darkness over all the land (Mark 15:25, 33).Jesus spoke seven times during those six terrible hours: "Father,forgive them" (Luke 23:34). "Todayyou will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). "Woman,behold your son" (John 19:25-27).(Thenthe three hours of darkness when Jesus is silent) "MyGod, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46) "Ithirst" (John 19:28). "Itis finished!" (John 19:30) "Father,into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46).  Lukerecorded only three of these seven statements, the first, the second, and thelast. Our Lord's prayer for His enemies, and His ministry to a repentant thief,fit in well with Luke's purpose to show Jesus Christ as the sympathetic,compassionate Son of man who cared for the needy. Whilethey were nailing Him to the cross, He repeatedly prayed, "Father, forgivethem; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Not only was Hepracticing what He taught (Luke 6:27-28), but He was fulfilling prophecy andmaking "intercession for the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). Wemust not infer from His prayer that ignorance is a basis for forgiveness, orthat those who sinned against Jesus were automatically forgiven because Heprayed. Certainly, both the Jews and the Romans were ignorant of the enormityof their sin, but that could not absolve them. The Law provided a sacrifice forsins committed ignorantly, but there was no sacrifice for deliberatepresumptuous sin (Ex. 21:14; Num. 15:27-31; Ps. 51:16-17). It is possible thatit was our Lord's intercession that postponed God's judgment on the nation foralmost forty years, giving them additional opportunities to be saved (Acts3:17-19).  Christ'slove and compassion is still being expressed today giving us ample time torepent and be saved. Godbless!

Who is Jesus? When encounter Him, who is He? Our Lord? Our God? Or our very breath? May we come to know Jesus so closely that He be our very breath.  Come, follow us: Parish Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Spotify Music

Today's gospel reveals to us a certain frustration of Jesus. Capharnaum became His second residence, after Nazareth. He adopted the city as His HQ for His public phase of His stay on Earth. He performed many miracles there, but still its population resisted Jesus and His message. So, our Lord makes it plain that they would suffer more than what Sodom and Gomorrah underwent when God sent fire and brimstone from Heaven to destroy them. This episode should spur us to wake up our sense of responsibility to respond generously to Our Lord's invitation to conversion and more self-giving.

Perhaps there has been no greater or more beautiful exhortation written than Saint Isaac the Syrian's homily on temptation. This may seem to be a rather bold statement, but Isaac's words draw us into the very heart of a reality that even many men and women of faith do not see; that is, we are engaged in a spiritual warfare against the Evil One. Evil is not an abstraction or a story meant to instill fear as a means of control. Isaac speaks of it from the perspective of experience and like the other desert fathers, he stands before us as a living and breathing icon, encouraging us to run the course with courage and fidelity. In the spiritual battle, there is no Sabbath day rest; in other words, we must be ever vigilant in regards to temptation that comes to us in many forms. The only one that we must be concerned about is the temptation to which we freely give ourselves over through neglect or laziness or our attachment to particular sins. Rather, we are to take heart from and acquire zeal in our soul against the devil through the example and the histories of those who proved “allies of the divine laws and commandments of the Spirit in fearful places, and amid most grievous tribulation.”  The one in essential thing that this requires of us is that we have in our mind God‘s providence, and always to remember that he is ever faithful, and will not abandon those who trust him. This is our hope - that God is ever present to us in the spiritual battle, strengthening us, and surrounding us with a host of angels and Saints. We have a God who is set upon our salvation and who provides everything that is needed in order that we might be raised even above the ranks of angels. Our Lord has humbled himself, taken our poor humanity and its poverty, embraced it in all of its fullness and weakness in order to raise us up to share in the fullness of the life of God.  Deification is the fruit of the spiritual battle and the promise of our loving Lord! --- Text of chat during the group: 00:03:18 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 138 paragraph number 33 00:12:58 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 138, first full paragraph 00:14:35 Janine: Happy birthday Fr. Charbel…60 is nothing…just wait til 70! You are still very young! 00:15:18 Bob Čihák, AZ: ..or 84... 00:19:24 Catherine Opie: Happy Birthday Fr. May your next circle around the sun be full of Gods graces and blessings

Matthew 15 describes the lengths to which Jewish traditions could be taken to subvert Divine precepts and the Word of the LORD. The 5th commandment, described as the first with promise (Ephesians 6 verses 1-3), was bypassed by a legal ruse known as Corban. It allowed the wealthy to avoid all responsibility to their parents by declaring with an oath that an individual's entire wealth belonged to God. Whilst ,at the same time, ensuring that the wealthy enjoyed unfettered access to everything "promised" to the Temple. Just like the times of Jeremiah the chosen people gave mere lip service to their Creator and substituted this for this is what the truth demanded by our Sovereign demands from all disciples. The record tells of a discussion about the true source of defilement of people - that is their own fleshly minds - and not any external thing. These matters reveal Pharisaism as an example of the blind leadership of the blind. The faith of the Canaanite woman, whose daughter Jesus healed, was astonishing to our Lord. This incredible incident is like the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8. This woman's belief and accepting of the power of Jesus to heal and his authority caused our Lord Jesus to marvel. This faithful woman acknowledged that privileges rightly rested upon the covenant people of Israel. She also requested that Jesus graciously give her crumbs that fell from the chosen people's table by heading her daughter. The chapter tells us that Jesus performed many miracles for the Gentiles. This caused many of them to ascribe praise to the God of Israel. The chapter concludes by telling us that our Lord Jesus fed 4,000 gentiles. This was despite his own Apostles' reticence to show any compassion to those people who were after all Gentile dogs. Our Lord never shared such prejudices. Christ was always expansive in his love of all and freely distributed the gospel's bounties.

A lawyer asks a question in an attempt to trap Our Lord, but Jesus answers with a question and a story, and the response to both shows the Law of God is understandable, and our neighbor are those in need. It is for us to be neighbors. #Catholic #homily #Scripture #GospelOfTheDay #mercywithteeth Can I pray for you during my upcoming pilgrimage to the Holy Land September 16-26, 2025? Log your intentions at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3qYdWret4imDOxsZm_x5vmszSlx6BxJKcLv9ou-7vVfovSQ/viewform?usp=header Sign up to have podcasts and blog posts emailed to you: http://eepurl.com/ioCgy2 Give feedback at https://forms.gle/gGhujv39g43BUxmK6 Readings are found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071325.cfm I've been quietly working on something close to my heart, started five years ago, and today I want to share it with you. Coming Soon: "Mercy with Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing"

1 Samuel 28 is the lowest point in Saul's life. In chapter 10 we see a promising beginning for a humble young man who God caused to be surrounded by a band of spiritually talented men. From there he slid lower and lower in the failure of removing all of the Amalekites and then to the slaughter of the Gibeonites. Yahweh refused to answer Saul and so in his extremity with a massive Philistine army having invaded the land he turns to a witch, or a medium, as some translations say. Saul travelled at night accompanied by members of his army to Endor to hear of his fate from a woman whose life was in danger from her king who had removed from Israel "all those with familiar spirits". The first interchange of words between Saul and the woman illustrates how these types of people are able to delude others and gain their confidence. A very tall man in the company of other men comes to her home not far from the site of the coming battle. This man assures her, that even though the king has determined to destroy mediums, he can guarantee her safety. He then asks her to stir up the spirit of Samuel. The woman says "You have deceived me - you're Saul". Who else could it be? She delivers a disturbing message to the king. Did she summon Samuel from the dead? Certainly not! Why would God allow this when he had refused to answer Saul? Also there is no communication with the unconscious dead. Notice that Saul asks her what she has seen. And her answers are vague, and many in Israel would have described Samuel in this way. She also relates information that many in Israel knew very well. The woman tells Saul that he and his sons would die in battle tomorrow. Anyone could see that this was the most likely outcome for an unequal battle. Finally the woman implores Saul and his men to eat before departing for the battle. In Jeremiah 4 verse 1-2 the LORD asks Israel to return to Him and promises that if they do this the Gentiles will embrace their God: Isaiah 65:16-19. Verses 3-4 says that repentance is a matter of a heart that has been touched by God and has nothing to do with outward appearances. And without anyone truly seeking the Almighty our God will bring justice to every hypocrite. Verses 5-8 reveal that the day of settling for the nation would come in His bringing judgment from the Babylonians in the north. The Babylonians are depicted as a ravenous lion ready to sweep upon the prey - Judah. Verses 9-13 speak of how Judah's hearts will tremble from the king down to the commoner. Verses 14-18 tell the nation to change its ways, since their doings have caused this coming doom. Verses 19-31 give a word picture of the destruction that the Babylonians have brought upon guilty Judah. Jeremiah is anguished by his contemplation of this scene of devastation. The prophet likens the pain of Judah to a woman in hard  labour. Matthew 15 describes the lengths to which Jewish traditions could be taken to subvert Divine precepts and the Word of the LORD. The 5th commandment, described as the first with promise (Ephesians 6 verses 1-3), was bypassed by a legal ruse known as Corban. It allowed the wealthy to avoid all responsibility to their parents by declaring with an oath that an individual's entire wealth belonged to God. Whilst ,at the same time, ensuring that the wealthy enjoyed unfettered access to everything "promised" to the Temple. Just like the times of Jeremiah the chosen people gave mere lip service to their Creator and substituted this for this is what the truth demanded by our Sovereign demands from all disciples. The record tells of a discussion about the true source of defilement of people - that is their own fleshly minds  - and not any external thing. These matters reveal Pharisaism as an example of the blind leadership of the blind. The faith of the Canaanite woman, whose daughter Jesus healed, was astonishing to our Lord. This incredible incident is like the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8. This woman's belief and accepting of the power of Jesus to heal and his authority caused our Lord Jesus to marvel. This faithful woman acknowledged that privileges rightly rested upon the covenant people of Israel. She also requested that Jesus graciously give her crumbs that fell from the chosen people's table by heading her daughter. The chapter tells us that Jesus performed many miracles for the Gentiles. This caused many of them to ascribe praise to the God of Israel. The chapter concludes by telling us that our Lord Jesus fed 4,000 gentiles. This was despite his own Apostles' reticence to show any compassion to those people who were after all Gentile dogs. Our Lord never shared such prejudices. Christ was always expansive in his love of all and freely distributed the gospel's bounties.

In chapter 14 verses 1-12 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response seeks solitude to reflect. Verses 13-22 tell us that Jesus is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and his compassionate response to their need of a shepherd to teach them: compare Numbers 27 verse 17. Jesus feeds 5,000 of them and heals many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. Verses 24-33 speak of Jesus sending the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. After praying on the mountain our Lord saw the Apostles toiling in rowing on a storm tossed sea and failing to make any progress. The Lord came to them through the storm, walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. Though Peter's faith faltered he alone had the courage to walk on the Sea of Galilee at the request of his master. O that such trust in our master and such confidence was ours that Peter then displayed! Peter was rescued by his Master. Their port of destination was Capernaum - meaning the city of consolation. This speaks of our destination and finding comfort when our Lord, the Father's Son and our hope and consolation, has come. Verses 34-36 tell us that Jesus on reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

In the Gospel of St. Luke 15, the religious leaders of the day are accusatory of Jesus for receiving sinners to Himself and dining with them. Our Lord answers their charges by teaching the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son. In doing so, Jesus is revealing the very disposition and heart of God towards the lost; the very lost He took on our flesh to save. Today, we hope to see the revelation Jesus is giving of the heart of God towards sinners. In doing so, we pray that He shares His Nature with us; for the Great Commission will only be filled by a people that are being transformed in His likeness, sharing in His love, mercy, and compassion toward the lost.

In Matthew 12 we have two incidents, both deliberately performed on the Sabbath day, illustrating that Jesus was indeed the Lord of the Sabbath, in contrast to the Sabbath having authority over our Lord Jesus. The first of these confrontations between the Pharisees and Jesus' disciples was whether the disciples had the right to pluck and eat the ears of grain ( Jesus cites the precedent in David's eating of the shewbread, which our readings from two days ago highlighted). The second incident was the healing of the man with the withered hand. In all likelihood the Pharisees had planted this man at the front of the synagogue in Capernaum as a challenge to our Lord. Would he heal on the Sabbath day, or not? This healing proved that our Lord Jesus Christ was Yahweh's chosen Servant of Isaiah 42. These incidents are followed by grievous charges being leveled against Jesus of doing miracles by the power of Beelzebul - the lord of the dung heap - the prince of the demons. Jesus claims that this charge amounted to blasphemy against God's power which was being flagrantly denied despite incontestable evidence that Jesus was from God. Then follows the lesson of the fruits. Our Lord Jesus declares that the type of tree we are is shown by the fruits - ie actions of our lives - Jesus kindly words, actions and healings proved that he was the Son of God. And their hatred, words and enmity towards our Lord illustrates that they were acting from minds that were carnal in every respect. Our Lord would advance further incontestable proof of his Sonship with a prophecy of his resurrection from the dead as the sign of Jonah - the prophet from Galilee (see John 7:50-52). The chapter concludes with the parable of the unclean spirit seeking a lodging place. It leaves its abode and starts to look for another house. But finding no place it returned to its original home and found it to be swept clean. The spirit then found another 7 vile creatures to return and take possession of the original house. This spoke of John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus Christ purging the house of Israel. Only for the foul priests and Pharisees uniting to kill our Lord Jesus Christ: Matthew 23 verses :19-39. Lastly the chapter records that Jesus' own family sought to 'rescue' him from the trouble he had seemingly caused. His family were not impressed with his head on confrontations with the nation's religious leaders. Perhaps they believed he needed rest and time to reflect on a better course of action and not antagonise Israel's leaders. Jesus tells his family that he is doing the work of his God and that those who choose to listen to his Father's Word are his true family.

Superficiality is a perennial problem that we must struggle with. Even the Apostles had to confront it. We want to have a casual life that makes no demands upon us. Yet we know we are called to something deeper, a more demanding life. We are called to live for God and above all it is our highest calling, yet we are challenged by a world that tempts us to disregard Our Lord.

Matthew 9 verses1-8 speak of our Lord Jesus Christ healing a paralytic man. Note our Lord's love, compassion and authority all shown in this miracle. Jesus demonstrates the link between sin and sickness. Adam's sin brought suffering, sickness and death. Jesus' life and offering brought deliverance from these: Jesus Christ is the Lord of life. And his life caused men and women to glorify God. In verses 9-13 Jesus called Matthew, ie Levi, to follow him. Many murmured that Jesus would ask a tax collector to become one of his disciple. Our Lord responds by quoting the words of Hosea 6:6 to explain why he ministers to the needy and not the self righteous. In verses 14-17 Jesus responds to a question about fasting by saying that his disciples were not fasting while the bridegroom was with them. The disciples of our Lord were like supple wineskins who were able to grow with his teaching rather than being stifled by adherence to mere tradition. Verses 18-26 speak of Jesus' restoration to life of Jairus' daughter. Jairus was the ruler of the Capernaum synagogue. This miracle again proves that Jesus is "the Lord of life". Just prior to restoring life to Jairus' daughter Jesus heals the woman with the issue of blood. The unnamed woman could not be cured by any of Israel's doctors. Our Lord did what the Law and its rigid followers were incapable of doing. In verses 27-31 Jesus heals two blind men. What he requires of them is faith that he can heal: not only physical disease but more importantly sin. In verses 32-34 our Lord cures a deaf man. This is a reminder of Messiah's kingdom rule: Isaiah 35 verses 1-10. Read slowly aloud and pause and ponder. Verses 35-38 tell of our Lord's mission and motive. Why did he heal? Because God had anointed him to do so: Isaiah 61:1-4; and because he came to open the blind eyes: Isaiah 9:1-7. What moved him to so act - zeal for His God and compassion for God's children: Matthew 9 verses36; Numbers 27 verses17. The great volume of work moved our Lord Jesus to say Jesus: Pray for God to send more labourers into His plentiful harvest.

This blogcast explores “Saints Louis and Zelie: Helping Your Spouse Get to Heaven” written by Annie Harton and read by Fatima Monterrubio Cruess.In this blog post, Annie shares how one of marriage's goals is to get the other spouse to Heaven and how Louis and Zelie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, embodied that. Neither Zelie nor Louis felt called to marriage before they met. They both felt a strong pull to religious life. Louis wanted to become a monk and Zelie wanted to become a religious sister. Louis was turned away because he had trouble learning Latin and Zelie was turned away for respiratory problems. The two of them met and immediately fell in love. They married 3 months later, but still felt convicted to live a life of abstinence since God was their deepest love. After a few years of marriage, a spiritual director encouraged them to consummate their marriage and this led to giving birth to nine children. Four children died in infancy, the remaining five entered religious life and became Saints themselves. During the canonization Mass Pope Francis said, “The holy spouses Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin (Zelie) practiced Christian service in the family, creating day by day an environment of faith and love which nurtured the vocations of their daughters, among whom was Saint Therese of the Child Jesus.” There is so much to share about this faith-filled couple, so I encourage you to read more about them on your own time. They are the patron saints of illness, mental illness, marriage, parenting, and widowers. I hope that something in their story will give you hope and encouragement in your own life. The same wedding vows have been used in the Church since Medieval times so these nineteenth century lovebirds said the same words we hear at Catholic weddings today: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." In the marriage prep classes I teach, I often point out to the couples that compatible means “to suffer with.” Author Jason Evert adds, “If you are not willing to suffer with someone until death do you part, then you are not compatible.” Engagement is usually just focused on planning a wedding party rather than discerning a life together. Feasting only has meaning when it's accompanied with fasting. You can't have the Resurrection without the Passion. Our Lord loves love. He IS Love! The Bible begins with a marriage in Genesis and ends with a marriage in Revelation. Right in the middle of the Bible is Song of Songs. The Sacrament of Marriage is a representation of the love between Christ and His Beloved Bride – the Church. The Catechism of the Church explains the grace that is in the sacrament of Matrimony: “By reason of their state in life and of their order, [Christian spouses] have their own special gifts in the People of God.” This grace proper to the sacrament of Matrimony is intended to perfect the couple's love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity. By this grace they “help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in welcoming and educating their children.” CCC 1641 As we celebrate the feast of Sts. Zelie and Louis, let us remember how marriage sanctifies us while not defining us. In my book Single Truth: You are more than your relationship status, I write that “marriage is an assist and not the goal.” In the recent Gospel, Jesus challenged us to always put Him first and to love Him most (Matthew 10:37). If you're single, are you idolizing marriage and expecting it to make you happier than you are right now? If you're married, how are you helping your spouse get to heaven? St. Zelie and St. Louis, pray for us! Author:Annie Harton is a proud alumna of Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Her self-published book, Single Truth: You Are More than Your Relationship Status, inspired her to start a business called You Are More. She specializes in helping singles and couples explore how they're more than their diagnoses, their pasts, their jobs, and their relationship statuses while also reminding them that God is more than any problem they bring Him. You can find out more about Annie and inquire about working with her at youaremore.org and annieharton.com 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 and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

Today, we have one of the vocation stories in the Gospels. These are some of the most beautiful stories we read about in the Gospels, and we find them in all four Gospels.They all consist in three things: a meeting, an invitation, and a following.These stories are beautiful and powerful for us because they are a representation of our own life.Of course, they are particularly a representation of the life of a priest, a monk or a nun, those people who have given their lives for the service of Our Lord Jesus Christ.But they are also a representation of the lives of the Catholic faithful. All of the faithful are called by Our Lord to be holy, to follow Him, to love Him and serve Him in their lives.The vocation story in today's Gospel helps us understand what we need to do to answer the call of Our Lord. It is interesting that Our Lord was not content with preaching from the boats of these fishermen whom He was going to turn into fishers of men.He could have just stopped preaching and said, “Come, follow Me”. But, instead, He wanted to work a miracle before issuing the call. Why did He do this?Because great reverence is needed to follow the call of Our Lord. It is not enough that we see Him as a great preacher; we have to see Him as God.Our Lord works this miracle of a great catch of fish, so great that there are more fish than can be contained in one boat. Both boats were even sinking when they were filled with the fish. When St. Peter sees this, he has an immediate realization: this man is holy. I don't think St. Peter knew yet that Our Lord was God. But he knew that He was holy: only a holy man could work such a miracle.When St. Peter sees the miracle, a great reverence for Our Lord awakens in his heart. He casts himself on his knees, in an attitude of respect, submission, and petition. He realizes how sinful he is in comparison to Our Lord and tells Our Lord that he is not worthy to be in His presence.But, in fact, the truth is the contrary: the reverence of St. Peter for Our Lord is what is going to enable him to answer the call of Our Lord and fulfill his great vocation of being the first Pope.The same is true with answering the call to holiness. Our Lord calls all of us to a greater union with Him. It is reverence that will enable us to answer that call. Reverence will make us want to pray, will make us fervent in our prayer, will make us fear sin and keep a close watch over ourselves.Reverence is often what leads Catholics to traditional Catholicism. They start to realize the respect that is owed to God, that that respect is not given in the New Mass, and that the TLM treats God with the respect that He deserves.

In Matthew 8 verses 1-4 Jesus cures a leper. This chapter shows Jesus' authority in both word and deed. The leper knew Jesus had the power to heal. The only question was: "Would Jesus heal him?" Our Lord cured the leper and sent him to the priests to testify that Jesus could do what the Law couldn't do: Romans 8 verses1-6. Verses 5-13 speak of the faith of a Roman centurion. He asked the Lord Jesus Christ to heal his servant. The Roman asked Jesus to simply speak the word and the servant was to be healed. Verse 5 says that the centurion, being a man commanded by Rome, saw Jesus as the empowered servant of God - Jesus' Father through whom salvation comes - and with divine power and authority to heal. Our Lord Jesus said that this type of faith exceeds that of the nation who claimed to be God's children. Jesus declares in verses 10-13 that such faith showed that man to be a true son of Abraham. The Lord's words are reminiscent of the promise that God made to Abraham in Genesis 13 verses 14-16. By contrast the lack of faith of the chosen people would see them excluded from gaining the benefits of the Abrahamic promise. Verses 14-17 describe many miracles fulfilling the words of Isaiah 53 verses 3-4. Verses 18-22 tell disciples that the cost of following the Lord Jesus Christ is to forsake all other pursuits now and start that following of Jesus immediately. Verses 23-27 tell of Jesus' authority over the elements of nature in calming a storm. The cures he performs show him to be the Son of God who can save life. Verses 28-34 describe the curing of two demented men. We need to have our minds healed from the madness that is endemic in human nature and only our Lord and his Father can do that. We will be partially cured now as we heed the words of life and completely cured when by God's grace we are given an immortal body incapable of sinning.

Our Lord sends out disciples to prepare the way, and when they get excited about what they witnessed, He reminds them that it is more important to remember their identity as written in Heaven. We, too are called to me messengers, and our identity is more important than that noble calling. #Catholic #homily #Scripture #GospelOfTheDay #mercywithteeth Sign up to have podcasts and blog posts emailed to you: http://eepurl.com/ioCgy2 Give feedback at https://forms.gle/gGhujv39g43BUxmK6 Readings are found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfm I've been quietly working on something close to my heart, started five years ago, and today I want to share it with you. I'm Writing a Book! Mercy with Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing Releasing soon.

The judgment mentioned in Matthew 7 verses 1-5 refers to critical fault finding in others as opposed to the need to show discernment . We must judge righteous judgment: we are commanded to do so. Verse 6 tells disciples to not share the precious knowledge of God with mockers who will never change. Verses 7-11 tells us that the askers will receive; the seekers will find; and to the knockers doors will be opened. This is because our Heavenly Father is faithful to His promises and will only give good gifts to His children. In verse 12 our Lord highlights the golden rule - do to others what you would wish them to do for you. Verses 13-14 tell us to strive to please God. Diligence must characterise the disciple's life. Without diligence we will easily lose our way. Verses 15-20 teach us what type of tree we are; for the fruits of our lives will be seen in the fruits of our behaviour. Verses 21-23 are sobering thoughts which teach us that is not what we say that will save us - but rather how we live. Our Lord only knows those who understand him and love and live as he lived: There was a popular song many years ago called: "To know him (Jesus) is to love him". Our Lord Jesus knows those who love him and he reciprocates that love to them. Matthew 25 verses 34-36. Read aloud and pause and ponder. Verses 24-27 tell of two builders - one wise, the other foolish - each one chose a different foundation on which to build. The wise man undertook the long and laborious task of digging deep and founding his house on the rock: Matthew 16 verses 13-20; 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. The foolish builder lazily chose the quick and easy way of building on sand. When the waters and tempests and afflictions of trials tested the stability of the structures, the houses, house on the rock stood firm, but the house on the sand was swept away. The Lord Jesus Christ says that wisdom lies in listening to his words and acting on them. Only doers of the Word and not simply forgetful hearers are founded upon the rock: James 1:19-27. Verses 28-29 speak of Jesus' authority in his speech in contrast to the scribes who quoted each other rather than speak with a "Thus says the Word of God".

In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️‍

We know that St. Peter is the rock upon which Christ established His Church. He is one of the greatest saints, and we owe him our veneration. Yet we should also reflect on St. Peter's conversion, where he recognizes Our Lord along with his own sinfulness. Despite St. Peter's imperfections, Christ beckons him to follow. And so we see, throughout the Gospels, St. Peter not only following, but chasing after, Our Lord. We are called upon to do the same: recognize our sinfulness and never give up our pursuit of sanctification in Christ.

July 3, 2025 Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - FirstDaily Lectionary: Joshua 8:1-28; Acts 11:1-18Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command and combined with God's word. (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - First)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. If you were to look at the baptismal font without context, what would you see? An eight-sided font, perhaps, with a bowl and some water. It is nothing special and is pretty mundane when you think about it. Yet on that Sunday morning, there at the font, it is as if we were there, right back in the beginning.Because it's there, in the beginning, where such mundane, chaotically ordered things were made into good, very good, living things and people. In the beginning, you have the waters and the Spirit hovering over the waters. You have the Father ordering and crafting creation, and you have the Son, the Word itself, giving depth and shape by those words.At that font in the beginning, the Spirit hovers over the face of the waters, and that little one (or even a not-so-little one) approaches. It is there the pastor, the man who stands in Christ Jesus, the Word's stead, proclaims words that have given life since the beginning. “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” The water applied, the Words uttered, and the Father looked upon the one to whom His Word has been proclaimed and His Spirit has entered and says, “Very good.”There at that font, the chaos of sin and death in that little one has died with the Word made flesh who died for all. You and I, that little one, and all who have come to that font young and old shall die and rise daily. Rising to new life by the Spirit, shaped by the living Word who was raised up by the order and glory of His Father.There at the font, we see not just plain water but the Water included in God's command and combined with God's life-giving Word, just like in the beginning.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O hear and mark the message well, For God Himself has spoken. Let faith, not doubt, among us dwell And so receive this token. Our Lord here with His Word endows Pure water, freely flowing. God's Holy Spirit here avows, Our kinship while bestowing The Baptism of His blessing. (LSB 406:2) - Justin Chester is a seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus' farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ's promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

Friends of the Rosary,July is a month that falls within the season of Ordinary Time, represented by the liturgical color green, which symbolizes hope.It's also the month associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord, shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His risen, glorified, and living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven.The early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood.It's the Precious Blood made present in Mass by the words of Consecration. It washes our souls and sheds sanctifying grace, inaugurating the beginning of our eternal life.These are the principal feasts for July this year:1. Junípero Serra (USA), Opt. Mem.3. Thomas, Apostle, Feast4. Independence Day (USA), Opt. Mem.5. Anthony Mary Zaccaria; Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen (USA), Opt. Mem.6. FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday9. Augustine Zhao Rong & companions, Opt. Mem.11. Benedict, Memorial13. FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday14. Kateri Tekakwitha (USA), Memorial15. Bonaventure, Memorial16. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Opt. Mem.18. Camillus de Lellis (USA), Opt. Mem.20. SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday21. Lawrence of Brindisi, Opt. Mem.22. Mary Magdalene, Feast23. Bridget, Opt. Mem.24. Sharbel (Charbel) Makhloof, Opt. Mem.25. James, Apostle, Feast26. Joachim and Anne, Memorial27. SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday29. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Memorial30. Peter Chrysologus; Solanus Casey, Opt. Mem.31. Ignatius of Loyola, MemorialAve Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 2, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show: I was wondering if members of other apostolic churches like Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, etc. are allowed to receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. If so, what are the conditions that must be followed? Why do we use the term “Godfather” when there is only God the Father almighty? Do our souls have a gender? At the resurrection, since our bodies and souls will be reunified, will there be any need for us to eat? I know that things like witchcraft and sorcery or anything dealing with occult powers is dangerous and wrong, but my teenage son is fascinated by magic, meaning the kind of magic that involves the art of illusion. Is there any danger in this? How are we not cannibals if we eat the body of Our Lord? Regarding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, I've heard conflicting "reasons" given for that. Most say homosexuality, but I've seen people on YouTube make arguments for other causes. Which is correct? To join the FSSP these days, do you have to consciously reject the SSPX? In seminary, what's taught on the SSPX? When discerning, why choose FSSP? What happens to the laity if a church is declared schismatic? Houston heat and Tex-Mex cuisine! Is the name Yahweh specifically connected to God the Father or to all of the persons of the Trinity? Does playing board games with your family/children count as leisure and how can we talk to someone who desires too much leisure or recreation? I was at High Mass today for the Feast of the Precious Blood. Can you explain a little about the roles of deacon and subdeacon? Where is St. Joseph buried? Can you talk about what it means for women to wear veils, why the law was changed, and why you think it seems to be coming back? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Friends of the Rosary,Today, the faithful celebrate the Memorial of St. Junípero Serra (1713-1784), the first Hispanic saint of the U.S.A native of Majorca, Spanish Franciscan friar Junípero Serra spread the Church and the Gospel along the Pacific Coast of the United States, founding 21 missions and converting thousands of Native Americans in the eighteenth century.The first mission founded was San Diego (1769). Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luis Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after his death.Junípero vigorously protected the Native Americans against Spain's colonial and military interests.He brought them not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living, winning their love.And because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life, the friars were made their legal guardians.Fray Junípero Serra baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000.The “Apostle to California” died in Monterey at his favorite mission in 1784 and was canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015.July is traditionally associated with the Precious Blood of Our Lord.Today, it is customary in some places to celebrate the votive Mass of the Precious Blood.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 1, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Join Father Anthony and Sister Catherine as they explore the history of this feast and reflect on a meditation from the Franciscan Meditations. The prayer Sister read for us: Out of infinite love for us, O Divine Savior, You crucified Your Blood and Your Life. How could I resist such love! How can I dare to forfeit it! Keep me in Your love, O Jesus, source of my salvation and bliss.

St. Augustine said to Our Lord, “So Ancient, Yet So New, how late have I found Thee.” The words of St. Augustine to Our Lord might also be the words of those who have found a place with the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Prayer is the oxygen of the soul. It is the high point of our lives. Whether vocal or silent, it is our means to connect with God. Through prayer, we ask everything we need to save our souls. Through prayer, particularly the devotion of the Holy Rosary, we are invited to draw closer to God and to reflect on the fact that we know we are in the presence of Our Lord.

Today, we celebrate the feast day of the pillars of the Catholic Church, Sts. Peter and Paul. St. Peter was chosen by Our Lord to be the first Pope. He preached the Gospel to the Jewish people and established the headquarters of the Church in Rome, where he was eventually martyred.St. Peter was buried on the Vatican Hill in Rome and a church was built on the spot. This is the same place where the Vatican Basilica is today. The bones of St. Peter are in the crypt below the Vatican and so the central church of the Catholic Church is literally built on St. Peter.St. Paul, meanwhile, spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, starting communities of Catholics all throughout the Roman Empire. He also ended his life in Rome, where he was likewise martyred.The institution for which these two saints died is the only divine institution on this earth. By this, I mean that it is the only institution specifically founded by God. When Our Lord came on this earth, He founded one institution before leaving this earth, what we call the Catholic Church. His association with this institution is so close that we speak of the Church as the Bride of Christ. God is married to the Church He founded.What this means is that Our Lord chose to make the Catholic Church the one institution on this earth that would communicate the fruits of His Redemption to mankind. Our Lord takes all of the graces that He merited on the Cross and He has them pass through the Catholic Church to souls, especially through the administration of the sacraments by the priests of the Church.It is for this reason that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church. There is only one Savior, Jesus Christ. He has chosen to found only one divine institution on this earth, the Catholic Church, and He has only given to that Church the power to save souls, the power to communicate to men the graces that flow from the Cross for the salvation of souls.

Our Lord reveals His love to us using a parable about the good Shepherd. Love is often represented by a heart, and as we celebrate the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus we're reminded of His love. He gives us His Heart in a special way in the Eucharist. Listen to my homily to learn more!

Our Lord has such a love for sinners that he would...

Saint Isaac the Syrian asks the question that has been put forward for centuries - “how are we to pray?”  In fact, our Lord himself was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray as John the Baptizer taught his disciples. Within a few beautiful paragraphs Isaac opens up for us not only what we are to pray for but why. What Isaac would have us understand is that our prayer should be a reflection both of who God is and what he is revealed already in regard to his desires for us and a reflection of who we are and our understanding of our dignity and destiny in Christ. It is as if God says to us, “I became man in order that you might become God. If you did not desire to become God, you would do me wrong“. We are to refrain from asking for the things of this world not because it is wrong to do so in a moralistic or legalistic understanding of things. Rather, we are to ask for what is heavenly. At times our focus upon and anxiety about the things in this world makes our vision myopic. We lose sight of the presence of God and the life and the love that he has promised us. Isaac tells us that when our petitions to God are in accord with His glory then our honor is magnified before Him and He rejoices over us. Similarly, Isaac tells us, the angels and archangels are astonished and exalt whenever they behold one who has been made from the earth asking for what is heavenly – one who is been made from the dust asking for what endures to eternity. Therefore, Isaac, echoing the Scriptures tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all else will be given to us. We need only be humble and patient - trusting above all in the providence of God and not rush onwards to great measures before the appropriate time. “For anything”, Isaac tells us, “that is quickly obtained is also easily lost, whereas everything found with toil is also kept with careful watching.“ That which is precious comes only after striving to give our hearts to God and then we must hold onto it with great watchfulness.  What is most essential, however, is that we thirst for Jesus and that He would make us drunk with His love. Do not let your eyes focus on the delights of this world, but rather trust that God desires to give you his peace and the invincible joy of the kingdom. Simply put, “the man who desires the greatest things does not concern himself with a lesser“ --- Text of chat during the group: 00:05:47 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 135, first full paragraph on this page 00:14:39 Myles Davidson: Top of pg. 135 “Do not become foolish…” 00:26:38 Anthony: This reminds me of a quote by Henri Nouwen, that our biggest affliction is a feeling of self hatred. You shared this on Facebook. 00:30:00 Rick Visser: Is it fair to say that Therese L. was disposed to a love that went beyond the sensual-- the felt--and was disposed to a pure love that transcended the feelings? 00:32:28 Joshua Sander: Isaac's mention of us leaving "our dunghill" for the things of Heaven also reminds me of C. S. Lewis, who writes, "It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." 00:33:53 Anna: So the desert fathers and mothers didn't have psychological tools and neurological tools to overcome things like anger, anxiety, fear and so on... did they overcome such things through only ascetic life and prayer? 00:35:58 Gwen's iPhone: It was Leo XIII allowed her to enter Carmel at a young age. 00:46:28 Rick Visser: What are vain repetitions in prayer? 00:46:35 Anthony: When we pray, should we be very specific,  or say only, "Lord have mercy as you know how"? 01:02:05 Rick Visser: Does this mean I must give up my herb garden and pray, give up the lesser things for the greatest things? 01:02:13 Eleana: lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi 01:10:01 Anthony: A Man For All Seasons,  the counsel Thomas More gives to the scholar 01:10:25 Anna: My daughter is asking... Were the desert fathers living in the desert and if so how did they find their food? 01:14:12 Myles Davidson: Desert Christians by William Harmless is a great book about how they lived 01:14:25 Catherine Opie: There are places in the desert where springs come up and monasteries are built on those places 01:15:36 Maureen Cunningham: Thank You Blessing 01:15:39 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️ 01:15:47 Jeffrey Ott: Thank you!! 01:15:54 Catherine Opie: Thank you God bless 01:16:03 David: Thank you father and may God bless you and your mother

To follow Christ, St. Paul was called to imitate Our Lord in every facet of his apostolate. And while he may not have known the abundant fruits of his labor in this life, we know and revere the results of his efforts. Moreover, St. Paul reminds us that the task of winning souls for Christ is an arduous one, but also one that will be rewarded in due course through God's grace.

The law of God sets the standard for believers to grow in Christlikeness. It teaches us that God's holiness is supreme. The first commandment calls us to an exclusive relationship with God. The second commandment guides us in how to worship the true God. The third commandment instructs us on how to honor the Lord's name.It's easy to think that God's name is just a word or a label, but the Bible shows it means much more than merely some description. In Leviticus 24, we read about a young man who misused God's name and faced the severe penalty of death via stoning by the entire community. While this seems extreme today, the passage teaches that misusing God's name is like wounding God Himself because it diminishes His greatness, slanders His character, and mocks His holiness. God is not petty; His name is who He truly is. To misuse it is to show disrespect for God's very identity.Why don't we see such punishments for sin today? This is a rather extreme punishment, and we might wonder if the God of the Old Testament is harsh while the God of the New Testament is merciful. Ethically, we need to see ourselves as Israel in exile, as strangers awaiting the fullness of God's kingdom or a reconstitution of heaven on earth. We are pilgrims sojourning in our exile (James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1). When similar sins occur in the New Testament church, discipline takes a different form: the offender is removed from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:5), given space to repent before Christ returns. The community plays an important role, warning divisive people and ultimately avoiding false teachers and divisive people (Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17-18), but not with physical punishment. Jesus instructs that persistent offenders are to be treated as outsiders to the church family (Matthew 18:17). Our Lord tells us to put them outside the church as punishment to be as a gentile or a tax collector.This is why the Apostle Paul reminds us that the Mosaic order is the “pedagogue” (Galatians 3:24-25). The pedagogue was the slave commissioned to make sure that the children knew how to behave in public. They were normally cruel and harsh teachers who exercised harsh punishments. The Mosaic order teaches us the standard of holiness. When Israel lived in the Promised Land, the law's holiness was enforced strictly to reflect heaven's perfection on earth. However, Israel ended up in exile on more than one occasion, teaching us that we will not bring heaven on earth.Paul admits his own past as a blasphemer before receiving mercy (1 Timothy 1:13), reminding us how seriously God takes His name. Today, as God's people, we live as pilgrims in a foreign land, awaiting Christ's return. We honor God's name by living the gospel daily, walking in the Spirit's power, and living in hopeful anticipation of the coming kingdom.The only one who could establish the full and real glory is the promised messiah promised at the exit of Eden, covenanted to Abraham, and the one who establishes his kingdom now, spiritual. He is the new Joshua leading us through the wilderness to heaven's glory. This is why we revere the name of God today. We do so as redeemed people who represent the Lord's name. We do not want to be a people who always takes oaths for people to believe our words. We don't want to hastily take oaths, but only when it is necessary. We certainly want to use the Lord's name in a manner that honors him. Praise be to God who has secured us, grounded us, and redeemed us in Christ, ultimately vindicating his name by fulfilling his promise in Christ and making us alive in his Spirit.

When God decides to record his first metal album, he will be disappointed to remember that Obliveon already recorded its masterpiece, Nemesis, in the Year of Our Lord, 1993. On its latest episode, Radical Research conducts a much-belated investigation of the first two albums by Montreal's most underrated sons, Obliveon. In the early '90s, the band treated a small-but-fanatical audience to highly-advanced, cutting edge, cosmic death thrash in the forms of 1990's From This Day Forward and the aforementioned Nemesis. Still unsung after all these years, Radical Research is here to set the record straight and shed light on one of underground metal's true greats. Note I: The “pointless, ridiculous 7 inch" Hunter mentions in this episode is this one, a Coroner covers split between his band, Canvas Solaris, and our phurry phriends phrom Pharaoh: https://www.discogs.com/release/2586288-Pharaoh-6-Canvas-Solaris-Tribute-To-Coroner Note II: Speaking of covers: Jeff mentions Agoraphobic Nosebleed's cover of Voivod's “Forgotten in Space.” He says the cover if about 6 minutes long, but it's actually a shorter 3:48. Don't trust Jeff on ANYTHING he says about Voivod… Note III: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Note IV: All past Radical Research episodes can be found here, where you can also find Jeff's Peter Steele and Fates Warning books, Hunter's Deserts of Hex Volume 2…and more to come soon! Radicalresearch.org Music cited in order of appearance: “From this Day Forward” (From This Day Forward, 1990) “Fiction of Veracity” (From This Day Forward, 1990) “Access to the Acropolis” (From This Day Forward, 1990) “Chronocraze” (From This Day Forward, 1990) “Nemesis” (Nemesis, 1993) “Obscure Mindways” (Nemesis, 1993) “Factory of Delusions” (Nemesis, 1993) “Strays of the Soul” (Nemesis, 1993) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000.   In Today's Show: What was the first Marian apparition? I was wondering how you decided to become a Franciscan Friar rather than a diocesan priest or even joining another traditional order such as the FSSP or ICKSP. Also, how do your duties differ from those of other types of priests? I once attended a wedding on Saturday where it was stated that Mass attendance would count for the next day, even though the Mass was before 4. Is that correct? How morally responsible are we for the sins of others if we willingly decide not to speak up and correct them? ​​Is it ok to pray for something more than once or ask for the intercession of more than one saint for something? Are there any past sins that prevent you from becoming a monk/priest? Where does it say in the Bible that women cannot be priests, besides Matthew 16? Is it permissible to read the edifying works of modern Orthodox Saints without any desire to leave the Catholic Church? Generally speaking, do you think the Crusades were largely successful or unsuccessful? Do souls in purgatory know when we are praying for them? Why is it that Angels cannot receive Our Lord in Holy Communion? Do the Angelic choirs form part of the Mystical Body of Christ? If I think the death penalty is still a valid moral option in appropriate circumstances, and therefore disagree with the teaching of the modern Catechism of the Catholic Church on the death penalty, do I commit the grave sin of schism and risk damnation?   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

St. Peter had a great love for Our Lord, though we know from Scripture that he had an intemperate soul until Christ calmed it. His call for mutual charity or, to put it another way, supernatural friendship, is a reminder that we are called to look beyond our neighbors' faults to find the good in them. And at the same time, we hope they will see the same in us.

Take, Bless, Break, Give: Living the Pattern of the Eucharist as a Way of Life This Homily, on the Feast of Corpus Christi, begins by recounting a moving experience from a visit to war-torn Mozambique, . . . . . . where people witnessed the devastating effects of civil war and landmines on the people . . . many of whom were maimed and starving. The Homily continues by describing the compassionate work of a local priest who, embodying Christ's call to “give them some food yourselves,” shared leftovers with patients in a bombed-out hospital. This encounter becomes a powerful lens for understanding the Eucharist, not just as a sacramental ritual, but as a life pattern. Take, Bless, Break, Give Focusing on the Gospel and the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ), the Homily explains how the four Eucharistic verbs . . . Take, Bless, Break, Give . . . are both liturgical actions and a guide for Christian living. We must recognize our gifts, give thanks, allow ourselves to be changed (broken) so our love and talents become accessible to others, and ultimately give of ourselves for the good of others . . . especially those who suffer. The Eucharist is not an end, but a beginning: a pattern of love and self-offering that mirrors Christ's own sacrifice. Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to Take, Bless, Break, Give: Living the Pattern of the Eucharist as a Way of Life ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote From The Homily Take, Bless, Break, Give. These are the four verbs that describe Jesus' institution of the Eucharist. The four verbs we use every time we come to celebrate mass, and the four actions on which we should pattern our lives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christ the Savior with the Eucharist: Spanish Painter: Juan de Juanes:  1545 – 1550 This oil-based painting on wood is one of three parts. This part shows Our Lord holding the Eucharist and Chalice ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 9: 11-17 First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

Our Lord has loved us to the end, to the last drop of his blood and water, and he invites us to love him in return. In this meditation we use texts of Scripture, Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit nos, St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Josemaria Escriva to consider how:

The Feat of Corpus Christi highlights the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  What a great mystery of confidence, consolation and closeness.  Knowing that Jesus is truly present should change our way of thinking about him and of relating to him.  Above all in communion, the real presence brings us into vital contact with Our Lord. https://comeawaybyyourselves.com

Our Lord draws closest to us, spiritually and materially, in the Eucharist. How do we respond to this great gift, particularly after receiving Holy Communion? Do we continue to remember that Our Lord is within us, even after Mass, or do we get distracted immediately by worldly concerns? While Our Lord will always desire to be close to us, we must desire to be close to Him as well; we must return His love

In this episode of Fatima Today, Barb Ernster and Katie Moran introduce you to Bertha Petit, a Belgian mystic whose profound revelations about the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary—received between 1910 and 1942—anticipate and beautifully complement the Fatima message. Discover how Our Lord revealed to her the significance of Mary's sorrowful heart, the call for worldwide consecration, and how this devotion is central to Heaven's plan for peace. Through consecration—personal, national, and global—we take part in a divine mission. Draw near to Mary's Heart and join God's plan to renew the world through love and sacrifice.

"When Christ Shall Come" by Don Green You can get your copy today: https://ttwpress.com Our Lord will most certainly return one day, and when He does, it will be glory for all those in Christ. No wonder the Bible tells Christians, "Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13). But how can we fix our hope on something that has been muddled by influential, but careless, teaching? In this book that is both pastoral and academic, Don Green will lead you into the reassuring expectation that is the birthright of every true believer in Christ. 66-023 - https://www.truthcommunitychurch.orgClick the icon below to listen.            

Kimberly Hahn continues to theological beauty and significance of the third Joyful Mystery. Listen in as she goes enters an in depth discussion on why the shepherds who visit the Holy Family after Our Lord's birth are more important than you ever thought.

Romans 1:3-5 — Christians are forgiven of sin so that they may follow their Savior. Some today reject this notion that one must submit to Jesus as Lord. They argue salvation is by grace, and therefore obedience is not necessary. While salvation is completely by grace through faith, the Christian faith must not be separated from obedience to Jesus. Can one accept Jesus as Savior and not as Lord? In this sermon titled “Jesus Christ, Our Lord” from Romans 1:3–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers that question with a resounding no. The earliest Christians were persecuted over the word “Lord.” For them, Jesus was not only Savior, but he was also Lord. The very nature of believing the gospel becomes an issue of submission. Christians are commanded to believe, and thus obey the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that the only way one can accept Jesus is in this full sense: as both Savior and Lord. Faith is obedience to the word of God. If the word of God is rejected, then God is also rejected, making Him a liar. Receiving the gospel is, therefore, to obey Him and receive Jesus as Lord. The entire Christian faith depends on the recognition of this and this is what makes one a Christian. This is the work of God: that the Christian believes on Him who He has sent –– Jesus Christ, the Lord.'

Romans 1:3-5 — Christians are forgiven of sin so that they may follow their Savior. Some today reject this notion that one must submit to Jesus as Lord. They argue salvation is by grace, and therefore obedience is not necessary. While salvation is completely by grace through faith, the Christian faith must not be separated from obedience to Jesus. Can one accept Jesus as Savior and not as Lord? In this sermon titled “Jesus Christ, Our Lord” from Romans 1:3–5, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones answers that question with a resounding no. The earliest Christians were persecuted over the word “Lord.” For them, Jesus was not only Savior, but he was also Lord. The very nature of believing the gospel becomes an issue of submission. Christians are commanded to believe, and thus obey the gospel. Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that the only way one can accept Jesus is in this full sense: as both Savior and Lord. Faith is obedience to the word of God. If the word of God is rejected, then God is also rejected, making Him a liar. Receiving the gospel is, therefore, to obey Him and receive Jesus as Lord. The entire Christian faith depends on the recognition of this and this is what makes one a Christian. This is the work of God: that the Christian believes on Him who He has sent –– Jesus Christ, the Lord.' To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29