Podcasts about our lord

In this second episode on the Sorrowful Mysteries, Kimberly Hahn will unpack the biblical background of the first Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging of Our Lord at The Pillar. Guiding us through the trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod Antipas, and ultimately to Jesus's being scourged, Kimberly reveals why the fruit of this mystery is modesty. In this episode you'll discover how Jesus reveals Himself to be the true “King of the Jews,” What the Shroud of Turin reveals about Jesus's scourging, and how John was permitted into the courtyard of the high priest. Rich with Old Testament background, this episode will deepen your meditations on the Second Sorrowful Mystery and help you better grasp the biblical texts of Jesus's trials and scourging.

The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.For this week's Great Rosary Campaign, as the war in the Middle East remains unresolved and the global energy and economic outlook perilous, pray the Rosary for the leaders of the main countries involved (the United States, Iran, and the State of Israel), and that the war would be brought to a peaceful conclusion.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have. The Rosary is foremost among them. Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

Two men went up to the Temple to pray. One prayed well and the other did not. One prayed with many words, while another prayed with a few words said over and over. One stood with his eyes lifted up, while the other had his eyes cast down and kept striking his breast. One man went home justified, while the other did not.The parable of the Pharisee and the publican is one of the most beautiful of all of Our Lord's parable. It is clear that the purpose of the parable is to encourage us to practice the virtue of humility and to fight against pride.But the parable also teaches us something else that is very important: it tells us how we ought to pray. When you think about all of the things that you do each day of your life, you must be convinced that praying is probably the most important thing that you do.The reason for this is that prayer is the way in which we communicate with our Father in Heaven, the way that we spend time with Him, the way that we maintain our relationship with Him.And if prayer is the most important of the things that we do each day, we must try to get better at prayer as time goes on. We must learn from Our Lord and the saints how we ought to pray, and try to imitate them in the time that we dedicate to prayer.I particularly want to emphasize that word “dedicate” when talking about prayer today. One of the most important characteristics of good prayer is dedication. Another word for this is “devotion”. A prayer that is devout is one where we are devoted to what we are doing.What do I mean by this? I mean that, while we are praying, we are focused on God rather than on ourselves. I mean that we actually use the time of prayer to pay attention to God and, even more than that, we try to focus our entire being on Him, as far as possible.Have you ever tried doing this? Have you ever tried kneeling down, closing your eyes, and focusing yourself as much as you can on God and praying to Him with your whole heart? It is so important that you not just try this, but that you do it every day of your life.One of the big differences between the prayer of the Pharisee and that of the publican is the question of devotion. The publican seems to be focused on God in his prayer because he is begging God for mercy. His prayer is clearly devout because his eyes are lowered, avoiding distraction; he is striking his breast over and over; and he is repeating the same thing over and over. There is a great focus and intensity to his prayer.Whereas the Pharisee is not even asking God for anything. He is just talking to God about Himself and just saying whatever comes to his mind.

In this second episode on the Sorrowful Mysteries, Kimberly Hahn will unpack the biblical background of the first Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging of Our Lord at The Pillar. Guiding us through the trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod Antipas, and ultimately to Jesus's being scourged, Kimberly reveals why the fruit of this mystery is modesty. In this episode you'll discover how Jesus reveals Himself to be the true “King of the Jews,” What the Shroud of Turin reveals about Jesus's scourging, and how John was permitted into the courtyard of the high priest. Rich with Old Testament background, this episode will deepen your meditations on the Second Sorrowful Mystery and help you better grasp the biblical texts of Jesus's trials and scourging.

Our Lord wants to bless us abundantly. Listen to my homily to learn more!

Sometimes life seems so cold. But don't give up on God; for in the case of the righteous, better days are coming. God is the all seeing eye, and is everywhere all the time; knowing everything all the time; and has the power to do anything; all the time. When Noami thought that she had lost it all she never waivered in her character causing her daughter in law Ruth to decree that she would never leave her, because she too, being of a different nationality, believed in her mother in law's God; our God. God allowed Ruth to marry into the lineage and give birth in the lineage to Obed the father of David in which Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the natural, was born. How amazing, God did not ignore Naomi's loyalty and faithfulness to Him.

Mother continues to read from The Catholic Mother and The Catholic Father, and answers questions from: Anonymous, who struggles with scrupulosity and asks if all temptations are sins;  Grace, who wonders why Our Lord seemed to rebuke His Mother;  Hannah, who wants to know the difference between a nun and a sister;  Jeanie, who has trouble with her Protestant relatives regarding conversion of the Jews;  Richard, who asks whether God answers non-Catholics' prayers;  And Kristen, who wants to encourage her husband to lead family prayers more often.

July 29th, 2026:  St Martha - Dragon Slayer & Loved by Our Lord;  Interior Life is Needed;  Always Welcome Jesus;  Bl Peter of Mogliano;  St Martha - Ora et Labora

What is a virtue? It is a good habit. On the flip side, there are vices. To have an authentic virtue that is pleasing in the eyes of God means that have to be in a state of grace. In this day and age, we have become accustomed to our worldly comforts. Moreover, when it comes to the virtue of meekness, we are tempted to throw it off under the false desire to not look week. We wish to be militant. But often that does not come from a desire to serve Our Lord, but rather from our own pridefulness and the desire to appear strong.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We all are born into the world looking for someone looking for us, and…we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives.”~Curt Thompson, psychiatrist and author “Instructions for living a life.Pay attention.Be astonished.Tell about it.”~Mary Oliver (1935-2019), Pulitzer Prize-winning poet “What you pay attention to shapes what you care about. And what you care about shapes what you become.”~Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and professor at New York University “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” ~Augustine (354-430), North African theologian “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”~C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) in “The Weight of Glory” “There is no duty we so much underrated as the duty of being happy.”~Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), Scottish writer “…if we doubt or do not believe that God is gracious to us and is pleased with us, or if we presumptuously expect to please Him only through and after our works, then it is all pure deception, outwardly honoring God, but inwardly setting up self as a false god…. [God] has promised His grace freely, and wills that we begin by trusting that grace, and in it perform all works, whatever they may be.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546) in his “Treatise on Good Works” “God wants so much to be trusted.”~David Wilkerson (1931-2011), Christian leader and founder of Teen Challenge SERMON PASSAGEPsalm 67 (NASB95)1 God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us—   Selah.2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with uprightness And guide the nations on the earth.          Selah.5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.7 God blesses us, That all the ends of the earth may fear Him. Numbers 6 (NASB95)22 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;25 The Lord make His face shine on you,And be gracious to you;26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,And give you peace.'27 So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” 

The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.For this week's Great Rosary Campaign, let us pray for world-famous podcaster and former Navy Seal, Shawn Ryan, who was raised in the Catholic Church, and recently announced on Tucker Carlson he seems to be returning to the Catholic Church. Let us pray for Shawn to fully come Home, and grow in faith, hope, and love once he is back!The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have. The Rosary is foremost among them. Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

Our Lord speaks three parables that suggest that the Kingdom of Heaven must be 'worked' for to achieve, after it is revealed to us, and that we need an undivided heart. #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/072626.cfm True Mercy Has Teeth: A Catholic Journey to Forgiveness and Healing is now available on Amazon and other places as listed at www.mercywithteeth.com

We see where we have become bond-servants or slaves of righteousness when we enter into the covenant with Our Lord. It is being set at liberty from bondage to sin, to the liberty in Christ Jesus. we freely began mortifying our members not to yield our selves unto unrighteousness, for we are slaves to whom we yield our members to obey.

Once more, Our Lord teaches us about our life in Christ or the Kingdom of God. To be in Christ and His kingdom is a great treasure and “the pearl of great price”. But being there demands much of us as well as being on the way towards the end times, when the great dragnet of history will be emptied and the sorting begins. In all things, says St Paul, God cooperates with those who love Him.Image: “The Pearl of Great Price” by John Everett Millais If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions  or to ask questions you can do this via email:frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.auAlso if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation. Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

When it feels like God's judgment is unfolding around us, leaning into prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses seeking the Lord through prayer in the midst of turmoil and His discipline. We will all face challenges and suffering, but we don't need to fear—we need to draw closer to God. Pastor Allen shares insight from Scripture about how to have a healthy fear of the Lord, what His judgment looks like, and why obedience, prayer, and fasting are the best courses of action we can take. Our Lord is merciful, so even when our circumstances are troubling, we can trust Him when He tells us He loves us.

In Luke 9:43-58, Luke takes us from Jesus' announcement of His coming death, to Jesus' dealing with an argument between the disciples as to who was the greatest, to John's sectarian attitude concerning some who were doing things in Jesus' name while not being a part of their group. Then James joins his brother John to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans who did want Jesus there. Our Lord dealt with his disciples whom He had chosen on each of these matters. But then someone comes to Jesus and says he would follow Jesus where ever He went. But as Dr. Mitchell points out, the Lord did not give this man any prospect of having a comfortable lifestyle if he was going to follow Christ. Let's follow Jesus! on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, with Dr. Mitchell, Luke 9:43.

In the parable of the unjust steward, we are often confused by this parable because of the injustice embedded in the story. However, Our Lord calls us to look beyond the injustice and instead focus on being wise stewards of our earthly goods. When it comes to those things that transcend this earthly realm, specifically our final reward in heaven, we must be exponentially more clever and wise to attain it. And with this, we must not become overly attached to worldly goods, but use them prudently to help us and others toward our final end.

Life is full of mountains and valleys. One day we’re standing on the mountaintop, taking in the view and thanking God for how good life feels. The next, we’re walking through a valley we never saw coming, wondering how we got here and how we’ll ever make it through. That’s life. No one gets a permanent address on the mountaintop, and no one stays in the valley forever. We all experience seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow, seasons of abundance and seasons of struggle. There are moments when we feel strong, confident, and full of faith, and there are moments when we’re tired, discouraged, and simply trying to take the next step. The mountains and the valleys are both part of the journey. Does this mean we hate the valleys and only live for the mountaintops? If so, we’re wasting much of our lives. It’s like the person who chooses misery all week long and only lives for the weekend. Or the person who is continually chasing greener grass, only to get there and find it’s always greener somewhere else. They’re waiting for life to begin when life has been happening all along. Sometimes I wonder if we’re guilty of doing the same thing spiritually. We endure the valleys and merely survive them while we wait for God to get us back to the mountain. We decide the mountaintop is where God is blessing us and the valley is where he’s forgotten us. We assume one is good and one is bad. But what if we’re wrong? What if God never intended for us to love one and despise the other? What if he designed both? God is in control of all things, so why does he allow these low valleys in life? Why doesn’t he take us to the mountaintop experiences and let us stay there? Why not total bliss all the time? Why can’t everything just be good and stay good? My husband and I have often joked over the years of raising three kids that when the rare moment comes along when all three are doing great at the same time—with no problems—we hold our breath. Experience has taught us it doesn’t last long. It’s our mountaintop. It’s bliss. It’s rare. We know we’re here, but we also know we probably don’t get to stay here. Before long, back down into the valley we’ll go with at least one of them. Have you ever noticed that’s the way life seems to work? We just can’t keep things at their very best for very long. The job is good, then the job is hard. The marriage is happy, then the marriage is struggling. Our bodies are healthy, then suddenly they aren’t. The bank account is full, then an unexpected expense arrives. We finally catch our breath, and then life takes it away again. The mountains are beautiful, but they’re temporary. The valleys are difficult, but they’re temporary too. And that’s not a flaw in God’s design. It’s part of it. If mountaintops became permanent, we would begin to worship the view instead of the God who brought us there. If valleys never came, we would never learn surrender and trust. The mountain gives us perspective, but the valley gives us depth. God has never promised us a life of uninterrupted mountaintops. What he has promised is something far better—His uninterrupted presence. He’s God on the mountain, and he’s God in the valley. He isn’t waiting for you at the top. He’s walking with you wherever you are. And perhaps that’s the invitation—not to spend our lives trying to escape the valleys or cling to the mountains, but to learn to look for God in both. 1 Kings 20:28, “The LORD says, ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” If you just pluck this one scripture out, it won’t make sense. So, let’s study the context and see what God is telling us. Israel are God’s people who seek him and trust him. They have enemies constantly trying to defeat them. One of those enemies is the kingdom of Aram who’s King is Ben-Hadad. The Arameans greatly outnumbered the Israelites, yet the Israelites had just defeated them in battle. As the Aramenas were trying to understand their battle and how they could have lost to an army so beneath them, they came to the conclusion it was because of the Israelites’ God. Verse 23, they said “Their gods are gods of the mountains. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them in the valleys, surely we will be stronger than them.” With that in mind, the Arameans planned their next attack on God’s people in a valley. A valley, a low spot, where the Israelites’ mountaintop God would have no reign and no power. They didn’t doubt God’s existence, they doubted his authority over both the mountain and the valley. BUT THEY WERE WRONG! Our LORD isn’t just a mountaintop God. He’s not limited by good experiences and positive outcomes. He’s not just in the highs – he’s in the lows. His jurisdiction is not limited by location or circumstance. And this is why the LORD said in verse 28, “Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” Essentially God is saying, “You’ve seen me work on the mountain, NOW WATCH ME WORK IN THE LOW VALLEYS TOO!” This is a lesson not only for the enemy, but for God’s people. “Stop thinking I will only give you victory up here, I can work in the lows too!” This was more than God winning a battle, this was God revealing himself. What? You think God has boundaries? You think there’s somewhere he doesn’t rule? Somewhere out of his reach? Somewhere his power isn’t effective? Something too hard or too big and beyond his dominion? You think there’s a place God can’t give victory. GIRL, JUST WATCH HIM. Today, we often live exactly as the Aramean’s who thought God was only the God of the mountain. We believe: God is with me when my marriage is good! God is with me when my body is healthy! God is with me when the money is there! God is with me when all the kids are doing well! God is with me when my prayers are answered! Yes, he’s with me … I can see him … look at all this goodness in my life! I’m on the mountaintop! But life doesn’t stay there, and soon we’re in a low valley and we begin asking: Where is God? Why isn’t he helping me? Has he left me? Did I do something wrong? Is he punishing me with this deep dark valley of hardship and struggle? And really what we’re wondering is if God stayed on the mountain and he’s not with us in the valley. But I want to give you one memorable fact that will stay with you forever. NOTHING GROWS ON THE MOUNTAINTOP. Have you ever climbed a really tall mountain – I’m talking a legit mountain. Have you noticed the higher you go, the thinner the air gets. And as you continue the climb, it just becomes rocky. No trees. No fruit. No grass. No flowers. The view is remarkable and it feels great to stand on top of the mountain, but NOTHING GROWS UP THERE. That, my friends, is life. You don’t grow in your moutaintop moments. When everything is so perfectly good, you’re not growing. And that’s why God doesn’t leave you up there. He lovingly brings you back down to the valley because in the valley is where YOU GROW! Trees grow in the valley. Fruit is produced in the valley. Flowers are in abundance in the valley. It’s the low places where we grow. I find it interesting that God could have simply prevented the second battle altogether. Instead, He allowed Israel to go right back into another fight. Why? Because there was something about Himself He wanted revealed that could only be revealed in the valley. God isn’t better on the mountain. He’s simply different there. The mountain may reveal His majesty, but the valley reveals His faithfulness. What God is showing us is regardless of the place we are in life, regardless of the highs and lows, he is the LORD over every place. Just as the mountain doesn’t make him God, neither do the valleys of life diminish him. He is just as present, just as powerful, and just as soverign in the lowest and hardest of valleys in your life as he is on the highest and most victorious mountain. I have a beautiful friend currently battling a relentless and ugly cancer. This cancer has dragged her through one heck of a dark valley. But here in this valley, she has discovered God’s presence unlike ever before. She has learned He is her only hope. She has learned peace that doesn’t make sense. She has learned full surrender and unwavering faith. That’s what valleys do to us, and I have to believe that’s one of the reasons God allows them. He reveals Himself in such personal and powerful ways. Perhaps her mountaintop moments will come and she will stand whole, healthy, and healed with a long, beautiful life ahead of her. Oh, how I pray she experiences that. But here’s what I know—she won’t grow up there. She’s growing down here. And maybe that’s why God doesn’t allow us to permanently live on the mountaintops. We would enjoy him there, but we wouldn’t NEED him there. We would celebrate him there, but we wouldn’t CLING to him there. It is in the valley where we discover he really is enough. It’s in the valley where we learn he wasn’t kidding when he said he would never leave us or forsake us. It’s in the valley where we find his strength made perfect in our weakness. It’s in the valley where we discover his peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances and his goodness isn’t diminished by our suffering. Mountaintops are where we often celebrate God. Valleys are where we come to know him. So perhaps we’ve had it wrong all along. Perhaps the goal isn’t to spend our lives desperately trying to escape the valleys and cling to the mountains. Perhaps the goal is to stop asking, “How do I get out of here?” long enough to ask, “Lord, what are You revealing here?” Because He’s still the LORD here. The valley has never been outside of his jurisdiction. It has never been beyond his reach. It has never been beneath his attention. And just as He told the Arameans thousands of years ago, I believe he is still saying to his people today, “You think you’ve seen me work before? Just watch me work here too.” So, if you find yourself standing on a mountaintop today, breathe it in. Thank him for the view. Celebrate the joy. Receive it as a gift. And if you find yourself in a valley today, don’t despise it. Don’t assume you’ve been abandoned there. Don’t waste this season merely trying to survive it. Look for him there. Because he isn’t just waiting for you on the next mountaintop. He’s already standing beside you in the valley. He is the LORD of both. Don’t spend your life trying to escape the valleys or trying to cling to the mountains, but learn to look for God in both. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Send us Fan MailThe 12-Year Prayers of St. Bridget have inspired countless Catholics for centuries—but what are they, where do they come from, and what should we make of the extraordinary promises associated with them?In this episode, Ken and Janelle discuss St. Bridget of Sweden, her profound devotion to the Passion of Christ, and Janelle's personal experience praying both the one-year and 12-year St. Bridget prayers. They also explore the Church's understanding of private revelation, the remarkable promises connected to these prayers, and why meditating daily on Our Lord's Passion can transform the spiritual life.Whether you're already devoted to St. Bridget or hearing about these prayers for the first time, this conversation will encourage you to deepen your love for Jesus Christ and His saving Passion.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Soil can turn good or bad, based on the care it is given, and so it is with our hearts. A good beginning does not necessarily means a good outcome. We can turn bad soil into a richly producing one with good care, time and God's blessing. But that is only a start. There are other soils - hearts that are producing, and in the end, God's plan is for the multitudes as we can see in nature. In our endeavour to cultivate ourselves we're going to face enemies, and the chief ones are condemnation, and our own flesh. Our Lord dealt with one, and we are to deal with the other.

Luke now informs his friend, Theophilus and us, of Jesus' praying alone. Then Jesus questions His disciples. "Who do people say I am?"They told him what they heard the people said. The Lord then asks them," But, you, who do YOU say that I am?" Peter is the one who answered for them all, saying, "The Christ of God".This same scene is found in Matt.16:13-20. Here you will find Matthew's extended account of our Lord and His determination to build His church on the solid rock of the revelation from His Father concerning who Jesus is, the Christ, the Son of the living God.Our Lord then gives His disciples the first declaration of His approaching death, burial and resurrection. The Lord Jesus called them to follow Him.Let's follow Christ here in Luke 9:18-26 with Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

In this second episode on the Sorrowful Mysteries, Kimberly Hahn will unpack the biblical background of the first Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging of Our Lord at The Pillar. Guiding us through the trials before the Jewish Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, and Herod Antipas, and ultimately to Jesus's being scourged, Kimberly reveals why the fruit of this mystery is modesty. In this episode you'll discover how Jesus reveals Himself to be the true “King of the Jews,” What the Shroud of Turin reveals about Jesus's scourging, and how John was permitted into the courtyard of the high priest. Rich with Old Testament background, this episode will deepen your meditations on the Second Sorrowful Mystery and help you better grasp the biblical texts of Jesus's trials and scourging.

Father Michael Sopoćko (1888-1975), now beatified by the Church, was the priest-confessor to St. Faustina and, as such, an incredible man of mercy. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he introduces this great theologian, the principal instrument that Our Lord used to fashion the soul of St. Faustina, and learn how he commissioned the very first Image of Divine Mercy. Become a Marian Helper!Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.For this week's Great Rosary Campaign, let us pray for comedian Bill Maher a fallen-away Catholic and avowed atheist.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have. The Rosary is foremost among them. Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

In this life, we find ourselves at a midway point between earth and Heaven. We are some years away from the first moment of our existence and we are likewise some years away from our eternal home.As Catholics, we know that, while we are on the journey of this life, we must live it, in some way, like the life to come. Our life on earth now must resemble what our life in Heaven will be for us to be able to enter into Heaven when we die. “As the tree casts its shadow, so does it fall”The essence of what Heaven will be is that we will delight in God. We will be filled with immense joy and happiness by being in the presence of God.Thus, it would seem to mean that we are meant to possess a certain joy and happiness, through God, on this earth. We know that this is one of the characteristics of the lives of the saints. Though they suffered much, they yet possessed in their souls a continual joy.In the Hail Holy Queen, we call this earth a “valley of tears”. We call ourselves “banished children of Eve”. We say that we come to Our Lady “sinful and sorrowful”. We say that we send up our sighs to her “mourning and weeping”.The trials of this life are very real. But they must be also be accompanied by a real joy.I want to consider what I believe is the main problem we face in striving to have supernatural joy, as well as the resources that we have, as Catholics, to maintain that joy, so that our joy on earth may be a preparation for our joy in Heaven.St. Thomas says that joy is caused by love: either by us being in the presence of the thing that we love or because the thing that we love is in good shape.This shows us that any joy in our life has to come from us loving the things that we have. Do we have blessings in our lives that are able to provide us a constant joy? Yes, we do. If we are not joyful, it is because we do not love them sufficiently.Just to take some examples. We believe that, when we receive Holy Communion, we receive Our Lord Himself into our souls. This is an incredible gift and blessing. Some souls are comforted and strengthened when receiving Our Lord; they delight in dwelling with Him. This is what the Communion verse of today's Mass tells us: “Taste and see how good the Lord is; happy the man who takes refuge in Him.” Others receive Our Lord and it has little or no impact on them.Or think about the fact that we have a Father in Heaven who dwells in happiness and loves us and bestows all manner of goodness upon us. We know this gives great joy to the Church because she expresses it in the Mass, especially at the Gloria: “We praise Thee. We bless Thee. We adore Thee. We glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory.” What sort of joy does the existence of God give us on a regular basis?Sometimes, traditional Catholics allow the situation in the Church to put a damper on their joy. This is especially true when we are receiving these terrible condemnations from Rome.But there have always been crises in the Church and we must not let the current crisis be an obstacle from us drawing joy from our faith. When I talk to people who are new traditional Catholics, I always tell them: “make sure you do not become obsessed with the crisis. Rather, profit from the traditional Mass and the traditional devotions that you have found. Make them the center of your life, not these Church controversies”.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Faith Lutheran, Okemos July 19, 2026 Isaiah 44:6-8, Psalm 86:11-17, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43   [Hear Matthew 13:24-30:  the parable of the darnel and vss. 36-43: the parable explained…                                                                                                                                  from The Jerusalem Bible ] Grace to you and peace…   Last Sunday afternoon I walked the sidewalks on Artisan St. and Provincial House Drive in south Lansing, urging folks to vote for one of the congressional candidates, a friend and longtime ardent advocate addressing the growing climate crisis.  My first visit was with a devout Christian who wasn't sure she'd vote at all.  She was done with so much corruption and broken promises she experienced in politicians of all stripes.  She believed we are in the "end times," and longed for the soon return of her Lord, her only hope.   Though not her words, I'm sure she could relate to words of this parable of Jesus, the wheat and the weeds.  In some translations these weeds are called "tares" or "darnel", poisonous plants that until fully matured look very much like wheat.  If inadvertently mixed in with wheat flour to make bread, these seeds can cause dizziness, trembling, and vomiting and in extreme cases unconsciousness or death…   At another home on my walk that afternoon, I met a young couple.  One told me he had chosen to remain neutral, chosen not to get involved in politics.  But his partner said she'd already voted and was passionately involved in trying to make things better, more just, more caring, more honest: "I want to do everything I can to help."   Both visits were very moving for me, a microcosm of the landscape where many of us may find ourselves, especially as the primaries and mid-terms draw near, and especially as the climate crisis deepens, most notably for us on Thursday and Friday with the pervasive and hazardous smoke caused by increasingly frequent and rampant wildfires, this time more than 800 in Canada and Minnesota.    These visits last Sunday spoke to me of resignation, withdrawal, maybe indifference, and yes, hope; hope, for the person in my first visit, that will only be realized when Jesus (in our text, the Son of Man) returns, she fervently hopes soon in both judgment and glory.  And in another "I want to do everything I can" person an implicit hope that Jesus is already here, inviting us, through and with the Holy Spirit, to commit our lives to work and struggle and suffer with others to make things better for the most fragile and vulnerable of all our kin, people, animals, and, yes, plants.   The wheat and the weeds.  In our Bible Study on Tuesday, we talked about the reality of the "wheat and weeds." Both are in every community, perhaps in every congregation, and more broadly these days in every political party.  Weeds are people we don't trust, people who "bother" us, people we find very hard to love. We may wish we could "uproot" them, and in our darkest moments, just dispose of them. And yes, perhaps at times they are the noxious weeds in our own souls.   But alas, Jesus says "no."   God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, revealed in all of our texts today, the God of mercy and steadfast love, including for sure the God Incarnate, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, says "no!"  No, because until we die, the Holy Spirit continues to work in ways only she can do in all people "good" and "bad", both life-giving and loving folks and death-dealing, oppressive, and hateful souls.  Do not move with haste, says Jesus, to uproot and cast away anyone, both the "righteous" and the "unrighteous," all for whom Jesus died and rose again.   As we confess in the Apostles' Creed, Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead.  In the bolder and more severe words of our text today, Jesus, the Son of Man, will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom, all causes of sin and all evil doers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire… Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.   It is so important to remember, to take seriously this parable and its meaning, as disturbing and as reassuring as it can be.  But we also need to remember it in context, what can we do while we wait for Jesus to come in glory.  In Matthew 18:15-18 Jesus gives us a step-by-step process whereby chronically unrepentant, very needy, self-centered trouble-makers can be excluded from the fellowship of the church.  But nowhere are we to condemn these controlling, hate-filled trouble-makers to hell.  Our Lord alone is their judge.    It may be that given the very essence of God, the mercy and love of Christ Jesus, of the Holy Trinity, we may well imagine that after a time in the furnace of fire, all the dross, all the unrepented, arrogant, narcissistic sin will be burned away and the newly cleansed persons will be welcomed into the gracious embrace of God, seated with all the saints at God's table of love.    And, while this a bit of a leap, in our life as citizens of our 250-year-old country, in our government, both state and federal, with due process, we too have the right to exclude from leadership those whose behaviors are abhorrent, hateful, and unjust.  That is why it is so important that we, whether young adult and old, take seriously our responsibility to vote.  Still, even if in rare situations like for my new friend on Artisan St., our faith in people is so deeply shattered, leading some like her to not vote at all, we all must pray for our leaders, knowing that God steadfastly loves even the worst and most toxic of our sisters and brothers.   Please listen now to these words from The Message, a contemporary rendering of a portion of Romans 8: But if God has taken residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him.  (Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about.  But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells – even though you still experience all the limitations of sin – you yourself experience life on God's terms.  It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself?)  When God lives and breaths in you, you are delivered from that dead life.  With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's!   So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent.  The best thing to do is to give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.  God's Spirit beckons.  There are things to do and places to go!  This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"  God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.  We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.  And, we know we are going to get what's coming to us – an unbelievable inheritance!  We go through exactly what Christ goes through.  If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!   That's why I [Paul] don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times.  The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next.  Everything in creation is being more or less held back.  God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead…      All around us we observe a pregnant creation.  The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs.  But it's not only around us; it's within us.  The Spirit of God is arousing us within.  We're feeling the birth pangs…  That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother.  We are enlarged in the waiting.  We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us.  But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.   Let us pray. Lord Jesus, dwelling in our hearts and minds and hands and feet, help us to wait.  Help us to wait patiently even as we ourselves, with you and with all of creation, groan and suffer so deeply.  Help us to wait expectantly for that glorious day when all will be made new, when peace and honesty and compassion will reign.  God, our Papa, dwelling in our pregnant souls, lift us up when we are down, when so much is getting too hard to bear.  Indwelling Holy Spirit, empower us to overflow with love for each other, and perhaps especially, dear Lord, for those so hard to love, those "weeds" whom we perceive so wrong-headed, some so full of evil.    Holy Trinity, we praise you, we bless you, we thank you for your abiding and steadfast love.    Amen.                                                                                                                     JDS 

July 19, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 8:1-9Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41“I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.” (Mark 8:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sometimes it's hard to reconcile Jesus' compassion in wanting to feed the 4,000 with the three days it took Him to actually do it. For every one of the voiceless 4k with hunger pains and every family gathered around a hospital bed praying for healing while machines beep and nurses give sad smiles, for everyone looking around trying to find the supposed compassion and coming up short, let me go ahead and speak the collective “why?” we're all afraid to give voice to. Why do we have to wait? Why do we have to suffer? Why, if You can fix this, God, do we have to wait for you to get around to doing it? It's not a new question. I used to have the audacity to ask my mom why she didn't start dinner 15 minutes earlier so we could be eating now. It was shortsighted then. It's shortsighted now. It's just hard to see past sin and the pain it brings. This is what sin does. It finds excuses not to look to God for every good thing. To not fear, love, and trust Him above all things. The veil it casts over us brings that other kind of fear, the one that really struggles with love and trust. The one who loses sleep and trembles when compassion feels far off. The truth is that God does work in mystery, in His own ways and His own time, and yet always for good. It is always compassion that drives Him. Ultimately, it drove Him to the cross for the 4,000, and for all who hurt and suffer under sin. And again, they waited three days in fear and trembling, even after it was finished, before the angels proclaimed His resurrection. But Christ is still risen. So to everyone waiting with fear and trembling, who feels the same despair of the grave, remember. It is already finished. Even during those three days, it was finished. All of the blindness of sin could not prevent the resurrection. All our whys won't stop Him from working for your good in His own way and own time now. Take heart. Our Lord sees you and has compassion. He IS working, even now. To bring you out of darkness and sin and despair, and into the same resurrection. Take heart. Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks, He broke it, and He gives it to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put away from us all hurtful things and to give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

Fr. Robert McTeigue launches a new series, "Novel Prophecies," with G.K. Chesterton's The Napoleon of Notting Hill. What can a novel written more than a century ago teach us about the cultural and spiritual challenges we face today? Father finishes with Weekend Readiness to help prepare you for Sunday Mass.   Show Notes The Napoleon of Notting Hill The Dystopian Novel No One Remembers The Year of Our Lord 1943: Christian Humanism in an Age of Crisis Return of the Strong Gods: Nationalism, Populism, and the Future of the West The Cube and the Cathedral: Europe, America, and Politics Without God The Death Of Christian Culture Restoration Of Christian Culture Daily Readings - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Friends of the Rosary,Our Lord desires mercy, not sacrifice, as He reveals in the Gospel today (Matthew 12:1–8). The Pharisees criticized His hungry disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. He didn't dismiss the Law; He revealed its heart, full of mercy.The divine mercy is poured out without reservation upon us. It can't be earned, and we don't deserve his mercy. But God simply loves us, regardless of whether we are worthy or not, and pours His mercy unconditionally.True holiness does not become harsh toward human weakness.That was shown in the first reading, too, when Hezekiah turned to the Lord in tears when death was near, and God heard him. First and second readings point to the same truth: God is not distant from our hunger, fear, sickness, or weakness. He wants prayer that is honest and worship that becomes mercy.Challenge for today: choose mercy in one concrete moment, especially where you are tempted to judge.Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, make my heart merciful. Teach me to honor You not only with rules and words, but with compassion, prayer, and trust. St. Marcellina, on your saint's day, pray for us!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google PlayAve Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• June 17, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Luke tells us, the Lord was urgently asked by Jairus, the ruler of the local synagogue, to come to his house because his 12 year old daughter was on the verge of death. On the way, the Lord was interrupted when He sensed that power had been drawn out of Him. The disciples were astonished when Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” because the crowd had thronged about Him.It could have been anyone, but a woman came forward and confessed that she had touched Jesus and had been healed.Jesus told her that her faith made this possible.Our Lord also tells Jairus to just believe and not to fear, and He proceeds to raise his sleeping daughter. The word “sleep” refers to a believer is dead in body, but is alive in spirit, because of faith in Christ.Let's join Dr. Mitchell in Luke 8:42 on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.

What can Protestants learn from the Catholic tradition? Host Curtis Chang and The Atlantic writer and former White House staffer Pete Wehner explore how Catholic social teaching—from subsidiarity and solidarity to the preferential option for the poor—offers a rich framework for Christian public life. They consider the limits of sola scriptura, unpack the importance of intellectual rigor, and define Christian humanism. Curtis and Pete also contrast the public faith of Pope Leo XIV and Vice President JD Vance, asking why faithful Christian witness should shape how believers respond to artificial intelligence and other challenges of our time. 02:31 - Does Catholic Theology Meet a Protestant Need? 04:41 - Tradition Is Powerful 08:43 - Does Sola Scriptura Have Limits? 10:19 - Protestant Traditions and Discernment 13:54 - Catholicism's Robust Frameworks  17:08 - Reclaiming Tradition for Protestants 21:36 - Embracing the Life of the Mind 27:22 - Christian Humanism fand 21st Century Questions 30:08 - A Protestant-Catholic Convergence 37:42 - Comparing Visions: JD Vance and Pope Leo 41:16 - The Power of a Faithful Witness   Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List   Referenced in the Episode: Pete Wehner's article American Christians Face a Choice Learn about the seven themes of Catholic social teaching Carl F. H. Henry's The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism Alan Jacobs's The Year of Our Lord 1943: Christian Humanism in an Age of Crisis Christian Wiman's My Bright Abyss John F. Kennedy's 1960 address to Protestant ministers in Houston (video) Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on artificial intelligence, Magnifica Humanitas Pope Leo XIII's encyclical on capital and labor, Rerum Novarum Daniel K. Williams on J.D. Vances' Communion What Type of Christian is J. D. Vance? Miroslav Volf on Forgiveness, Justice, and Reconciliation (video) Miroslav Volf & Christian Wiman's Glimmerings   Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 127:3–5 (ESV) Acts 2:42–47 (ESV) Luke 4:1–13 (ESV)   More from Pete Wehner: Pete Wehner's articles at The Atlantic Pete Wehner's opinion pieces at The New York Times   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.

There is something deeply unsettling about temptation, not because it shouts, but because it borrows the language of Christ. Our Lord says, "Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Sin whispers nearly the same invitation: Come to me. I will quiet your loneliness. I will ease your pain. I will satisfy your hunger. Every addiction makes the same promise, and the devil himself has become a master ventriloquist, mimicking the voice of the Good Shepherd while leading souls toward a precipice. Yet there is one infallible difference. Christ always delivers what He promises, and more; sin never does. It offers rest but leaves exhaustion, freedom but forges chains, pleasure but plants regret. Only Jesus can lay down burdens without laying waste to the soul, for He alone carries the Cross that carries us home. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

The Gospel is replete with Our Lord's sayings and these sayings are drawn from the everyday experiences and lives of His listeners. These expressions, albeit simple on the surface, have now become integral to the manner in which we express ourselves even today. One of the most well known is Jesus's statement, "By their fruits you shall know them." It is very important that we deeply understand the wisdom of this and all of Our Lord's expressions lest we apply them superficially. "By their fruits..." reinforces a timeless truth that from the effects of certain persons or actions, we can come to know the nature of the source.

Jesus didn't lower God's standards—He raised them.Our Lord teaches that anger toward neighbor is murder, lust is adultery, and true righteousness goes far deeper than outward behavior. If that's true, and it is, then none of us can stand before God on our own merits.That's exactly the point.This sermon explores why Jesus intensifies the Law, how His words expose every human heart, and why the Gospel is infinitely sweeter because of it. Romans 6 reveals the answer: Christ fulfilled the Law perfectly in your place, died under its condemnation, and joined you to His victory through Holy Baptism.The Law condemns. Christ saves. His righteousness is now yours.

In The Year of Our Lord 1984, Richard Wright of Pink Floyd resurfaces with Dave "Dee" Harris of Fashion to unleash a synthpop album called "Identity" under the name of Zee.Join Nik and Duncan to see if you should spin it or bin nit.

Various July 5, 2026 PM.To prepare our hearts to partake of the Lord's Table, Pastor Matt reviewed the texts of Scripture that talk about the plant called Hyssop. Hyssop (related to our modern oregano) was used in the ceremony of cleansing a leper or someone who had touched a dead body by the sprinkling of blood or holy water. Hyssop appears in the ceremony of the first Passover, as well as at the cross when it was used to raise sour wine to our Lord's lips. Sin creates a similar kind of uncleanness as the ceremonial impurities of ancient Israel, and hyssop is an appropriate symbol of the sprinkling blood and clean water upon a person as a symbol of God's cleansing. Our Lord's self-sacrifice cleanses the Christian from guilt, as if using hyssop to sprinkle the blood of Christ upon the sinner.

Friends of the Rosary,As we read today (Matthew 11:25-30), Christ declares, "All things have been handed over to me by my Father."Things of heaven are "revealed to little ones," while hiding them from the wise and the learnedWhy is that? Because they are the ones who refuse to rely on themselves and are disposed to receive all that God is eager to give.In addition, Our Lord invites us to rest on Him, bringing to Him all of our concerns and anxieties:"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.For this Great Rosary Campaign, let us pray for the husband of Tulsi Gabbard, the former Director of National Intelligence (DNI). His name is Abraham Williams, and he was recently diagnosed with cancer. Let us pray for his physical healing, as well as his conversion to the fullness of truth in the Catholic Faith.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have. The Rosary is foremost among them. Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at:➡️ www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

Weekly Sunday sermons from Pastor Mike Powers and other members of our Pastoral Body. Richland Creek Community Church gathers to glorify God in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go on mission with the gospel. For more, visit richlandcreek.com.Main idea: Our Lord strengthens those who long for his arrival.1. The problem: Contagious hopelessness2. The solution: Seeing our God3. The complication: We still feel weak

Bo made it back from Europe, and we are diving into the second volume of the Reconsidered Leader. Part 1 is about how Mercy and Justice must come together for a Catholic leader, and we look to the life our Our Lord (with hints toward Divine Mercy Sunday) to help us reflect on this important topic! Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's Take 2 with Jerry & Debbie our topic is: It Happened in Adoration. Listeners share their experiences at Adoration with Our Lord.

Read OnlineWhen Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Matthew 8:28–29After delivering His Sermon on the Mount and performing many miracles among His own people, Jesus intentionally journeys across the Sea of Galilee into Gentile territory—the region of the Gadarenes, near Gadara, a town within the pagan Decapolis. His choice underscores His mission to extend salvation beyond Israel.The location where Jesus and His disciples arrived was no accident. It was a desolate area filled with tombs, symbols of death, impurity, and spiritual desolation. According to Jewish law, contact with graves rendered one ritually unclean (cf. Numbers 19:16). Spiritually, these tombs vividly illustrate the isolation, emptiness, and lifelessness that sin imposes upon the human soul.The note that the demoniacs “were so savage that no one could travel by that road” further reveals the effects of grave sin. Evil seeks dominance and destruction; it isolates, destroys relationships, and makes peaceful coexistence impossible. This passage reflects the devastating consequences of allowing evil to reign unchecked within one's soul: It becomes uncontrollable, violent, and destructive. Evil never leads to peace, but rather to chaos, isolation, and fear.By entering into this territory, our Lord reveals His willingness to enter the isolation and desolation we all experience due to sin and every evil attack. He comes to us precisely when we are at our worst, most vulnerable, to set us free from the grip of the evil one and from all of his destructive works.When these two men see Jesus, the demons possessing them immediately recognize Him as the Son of God and acknowledge His authority over them. Their recognition raises an important spiritual question for each of us: Do I also recognize Christ's presence in my life? Am I aware of His divine authority over sin and evil, and do I trust in His desire and power to set me free? When the demons ask Jesus, “Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”, they reveal their full knowledge of their ultimate fate: eternal damnation. They understood this clearly because, even after their fall, demons retain their natural angelic powers. Among these powers is their exceptional intelligence and their capacity to tempt humans by subtly suggesting deceptive thoughts, drawing us persistently away from God's truth.Because demons know their eternal fate with clarity, they seek to use their intellect and suggestive powers to lead us into the very despair they themselves experience. They have no hope of eternal life. Out of their hatred for God and humanity, they attempt to conform us to their hopelessness, convincing us that we cannot escape sin, that hope is lost, and that we are doomed to misery.Only our Lord can shatter these demonic lies. Only Christ can break the chains of despair, isolation, and sin. By setting these two demoniacs free, Jesus illustrates His deep longing to do the same for us. By demonstrating His authority over the most severe effects of evil, Jesus reveals His absolute authority over every evil we encounter: every sin, temptation, oppressive thought, confusion, and especially despair.Reflect today on Jesus' choice to cross the Sea of Galilee for the sole purpose of setting these two demoniacs free from their oppression. Our Lord journeys to you with the same resolve. What is it that oppresses you? What thoughts tempt you to fear or despair? What sins do you habitually struggle with? Jesus wants to enter into every form of isolation and desolation you experience. Look for Him, recognize Him when He comes, profess your faith in His authority, and let Him fulfill His deepest desire by setting you free.Most powerful Lord, You have all authority over evil. In my weakness, I cry out to You and plead for Your mercy. Please set me free, O Lord, and protect me from the evil one. Forgive my sins and restore me to deeper communion with You and all Your children. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Healing of the Gadarene Demoniac, 14th-century fresco, Visoki Dečani Monastery.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.

Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”Gen Z men are walking back into church, and it isn't because they found a new self-help Podcast. They're waking up to the cost of the culture's false promises and they're hungry for something real: truth, mission, meaning and purpose and a Faith that restores the heart. From there, the spiritual backdrop that sets the present stage we find ourselves in, when Pope Leo XIII overhead the chilling dialogue between Satan and Our Lord coming forth from the tabernacle. To get an understanding of why the last century felt like a pressure cooker of war, corruption, and the breakdown of marriage and family...and why I believe grace is loosening the enemy's grip in our moment.Then we get practical with the Claymore Battle Plan: a three-step blueprint that begins in the human heart, restores human dignity, clarifies the meaning of sexuality through the beauty of marriage and family, and sends us out to rebuild culture and nation. John Paul II's voice runs through it all, especially his “be not afraid,” his Theology of the Body, and his insistence that the future of humanity passes through the family. We anchor the fight in Ephesians 6, because this is not against flesh and blood and we need the full armor of God.You'll also hear exactly how to use the Claymore handbook, the free six-page outline, and this podcast as a three-legged formation rhythm, plus the daily habit that makes it real: the 10 minute morning ritual, knees before the phone. Join the movement: https://claymoremiliteschristi.com/Check Out John Krueger's Book "Dwelt Among Us" and the "Claymore Battle Plan Handbook" on AmazonIf this gives you hope or helps you take a first step, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more men can find the path to Truth.Support the show

Every time we read Revelation, especially chapters 16 to 20,  a multitude of thoughts threaten to overwhelm us.  We focus our attention most of all on the ‘picture' they give of the climax of human history at the return of Christ: this is totally dramatic and sudden.  We perceive that this is the latter day counterpart to ancient Babylon – and we recall the head of gold of Nebuchadnezzar's image and the dramatic end of his Empire.  We are also mindful of the fact that ‘Babylon' is the way the Greeks translate the Hebrew word ‘Babel' into their language causing us to think of what God did to Babel generations after the flood to demonstrate to ungodly men that he is in control in the earth. Therefore Revelation is giving us a picture in symbolic language, of the final “hour” of human kingdoms. We read, “Alas! Alas! … you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” [18 v.10]  The spiritual element in Babylon today is “clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet” [18 v.16]; these are the dominant colours in Papal garments – but “in a single hour she has been laid waste.  Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints … for God has given judgement for you against her”  [18 v.19,20]A puzzling factor is the great wealth of this latter day Babylon that Revelation highlights. Can we see significance in the fact that the European Common Market was established by the ‘Treaty of Rome' in 1957 and the countries that belong (and it seems significant that the U.K. did not sign), and that just about all of them are Roman Catholic.  The major reason for their unity is financial and for 50 years the E.U. has been very prosperous. But now the scene has changed and could become a disaster, so note the words, “for in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste” [18 v.17]Our Lord made a simple statement, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money.” [Matt. 6 v.24]  What is it to “serve money”?  Money, and the things it can buy, dominate the thinking of just about every one! We see this all around us; it must not dominate our thinking.. Let us heed the voice which says, “Praise God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great … Let us rejoice … and give him glory”  [19 v.5].  True believers are “his bride (who has) made herself ready” – make sure you are among them. 

When we remember that God is watching over us, we can live with confidence instead of fear. His protection is not limited by what we can see—He is always present, guarding, guiding, and holding His children securely in His hands. Highlights: God’s protection reminds us that we are valuable and deeply cared for by Him Nothing happens outside of God’s awareness, even when circumstances feel uncertain Jesus promises that no one can take His children out of His hands Trusting God’s sovereignty brings peace when we face fear, injustice, or uncertainty We can find security knowing God watches over us and works for our good Join the Conversation Have you experienced a moment when God reminded you that you were safe in His care? How does knowing that God is always watching over and protecting you change the way you respond to fear or difficult circumstances? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: We Are Safe with God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10 NIV Have you ever felt unsafe but not worried because you knew there were people and systems in place to protect you? Did knowing this help you feel safe? When I worked in retail for a major department store, part of my orientation day was an introduction to the asset protection team, who operated inside a hidden room in that store. They had TV monitors mounted on a long wall, as well as other technology they used daily to watch all the customers to make sure nobody would steal anything that belonged to the store and get away with it. According to a Google search aided by AI, “Asset Protection (AP) teams in department stores protect assets, employees, and customers by preventing theft, fraud, and inventory loss (shrink) through surveillance, investigations, and safety training. They work in uniforms or plain clothes (store detectives), monitoring CCTV, patrolling floors, and collaborating with law enforcement to maintain a safe environment.” My exposure to how stores protect their products didn’t end there. A few years after working in retail, I noticed that another popular store started putting their facial cleanser products beyond glass cases that cannot be unlocked without assistance from a sales associate. When I asked why, they said people had started stealing these products, so they put them under lock and key to prevent theft. As I thought about these two experiences recently, I realized that this is similar to how God protects us. We are His most valuable assets on Earth, and He has gone to great lengths to protect us. God sends His Angels from Heaven to protect us from the devil, whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy us. But we have hope and security in God. The Bible says in John 10:28 (NIRV), “I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of my hand.” We are safe in His hands. This reminds me of a popular Christian faith-based song with lyrics that remind us how the Creator of the Universe holds the whole world in His Hands. We serve a big and mighty God who is sovereign and always in control. He’s very protective of us as His treasured possessions, and nobody—devil, demon, forces of evil, and people who want to hurt us—can remove God’s hand of protection over us. Our Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ) cannot be defeated, and He promises to cover us all the days of our lives (Matthew 28:20). Nothing that happens on Earth goes unnoticed by God. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3 (NIRV), “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.” Just like that department store had a hidden place within the store to keep watch silently without any customer being aware they are under surveillance, the Lord Himself and His Angels are keeping watch over all humankind. They stay hidden from us in most cases, but they are very present in our world. And sometimes, they reveal their presence when necessary (Hebrews 13:2). So next time you feel like someone who hurt you is getting away with it or a crime is going unpunished, remember that God will work everything together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and vengeance is His (Romans 12:17-19). Also, remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 4:13-15 (NIV), “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” When we remember Biblical truth and apply it to our lives, this can help us have a peace that passes all understanding because we know God is in control, we are safe with Him, and nobody can snatch us out of His hand that covers us every moment of our lives on Earth. So, when you are afraid, run to Jesus. And if you are tempted to sin, remember God is watching you too. Make Him proud and do the right thing. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to the following songs: Song of Reflection #1: “Mercy Said No” by Cece Winans. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Safe” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Every Moment” by ForeverJones. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that you are safe with God? Further Reading:Deuteronomy 32:35Psalm 46:1-11Psalm 91:1-16Psalm 121:1-82 Thessalonians 3:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.For this Great Rosary Campaign, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America this week, let us pray for the USA: for its people, its leaders, its institutions, and offer our gratitude to God for all our blessings as Americans, despite our obvious challenges.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. May the American people turn in faith, hope, and love to Christ and His Catholic Church.In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have. The Rosary is foremost among them. Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

Our Lord Jesus Christ took on the punishments for our sins. He gave Himself over to great suffering so that we may be saved. Through the model He established, numerous saints throughout history embraced His path and became victims for the sins of mankind. These great acts of compassion, in unity with Our Lord, helps ensure our salvation.

Friends of the Rosary,Three key messages from Our Lord in today's main reading of the Gospel (Matthew 7:6, 12-14) are still related to the Sermon on the Mount:"Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine.""Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.""Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction."The metaphor of the narrow gate means choosing a life of faith, humility, and obedience to God rather than following the easy, self-indulgent paths of the world.Two paths, two distinct ways to live. One leads to life and the other to spiritual destruction.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠June 23, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a devotion to Our Lord's immeasurable love. Although the Sacred Heart devotion had been around since the Middle Ages, its prominence came at a crucial point in ecclesiastical history, namely during the spread of Jansenism in France during the 17th century. Contrary to the belief in God's mercy, Jansenism taught that we can never be pleasing to God. As fallen and fallible humans who are often consumed by our own desires, we find it difficult to return love to Our Lord despite His great love for us. However, His love, and the unfathomable patience that comes with that love, never abates.

A brave little dog who faced down strangers and cornering praying mantises without flinching — brought to trembling terror by the sound of thunder. Sophia Bricker uses that tender image as a doorway into one of Scripture's most overwhelming encounters: the prophet Ezekiel falling facedown before the radiant, jewel-bright, fire-filled glory of God. It is a response that makes complete sense. God's power and holiness are not safe, manageable, or containable — and a heart that truly grasps even a glimpse of His majesty should be undone. But the story doesn't end with Ezekiel on the ground. The same God whose glory flattened the prophet reached down, sent His Spirit, and set Ezekiel on his own two feet — then gave him a mission. That pattern repeats throughout Scripture: the same Lord who causes us to fall in reverence is the same Lord who lifts us back up. As C.S. Lewis' Mr. Beaver so memorably put it about Aslan — "Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good." God is a consuming fire and a tender Father. He is the Sovereign of the universe whose scarred hands reach out to comfort those who tremble before Him. Both things are gloriously, beautifully true. Today's Bible Verse "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." — Ezekiel 1:28, NIV Ponder Today Reverence and awe are the right responses to God's glory. Ezekiel fell facedown. John was overwhelmed. A proper understanding of God's holiness and majesty should produce genuine humility and wonder in us — not casual familiarity. God does not leave us cowering on the ground. After Ezekiel fell, God sent His Spirit to lift him up and give him a purpose. Our Lord's glory does not crush those who belong to Him — it commissions them. God is not safe — but He is good. Treating Him like a distant force of nature to be feared misses the fullness of who He is. The same consuming fire is the same God who entered human flesh and died to save you (Romans 5:8). The scars on His hands are the proof of His love. We stand before an infinitely holy God — but we stand covered by the blood of Christ. That is not a small thing. It is the miracle that makes our access to God possible at all. Awe and intimacy are not opposites in God's presence. We can bow in reverence before the Sovereign of the universe and simultaneously receive the gentle hand He extends to us. Both belong together in a full and healthy faith. A Prayer for You Today Great God who stands in radiant glory as Sovereign of the universe, I am in awe of You. No jewel or created beauty can compare to Your magnificence. There are times I feel like Ezekiel — overwhelmed by the knowledge of Your holiness, wondering who I am to stand before You. In my worship and awe of You, help me also remember that You are good. The scars on Your hands, feet, and side testify to Your love. I am a sinner in the presence of a holy Lord, but I am covered by the blood of Christ. May I bow in reverence at the feet of the One who died for me — and receive the hand He lovingly extends. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer left you both humbled and deeply comforted, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to deepen your awe and your intimacy with God every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.