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Fr. Mike discusses God's instruction to the people of Israel not to marry women from foreign lands. He explains why God would provide this instruction and how Ezra reacted when he discovered that many prominent Israelites had not obeyed it. He also identifies the prophecies of Palm Sunday and the thirty pieces of silver found in Zechariah. Today's readings are Ezra 9-10, Zechariah 9-11, and Proverbs 20:16-19. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Help me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comPodcast Episode Notes: "The True Power of Prayer (Mark 11:12-26)"Introduction:Welcome to another episode of our series on the Gospel of Mark. In today's episode, titled "The True Power of Prayer," we will explore a passage often overlooked, nestled within the Easter story narrative. This passage emphasizes the importance of praying not just regularly but appropriately. Context:Our story begins the day after Palm Sunday, as Jesus and his disciples leave Bethany. Jesus, hungry, approaches a fig tree in the distance, hoping to find fruit, even though it's not the season. Finding only leaves, Jesus curses the tree, which initially seems puzzling.The Cleansing of the Temple:Next, Jesus enters the temple area in Jerusalem, known as the "court of the gentiles," meant for prayer and meditation. However, it had become a place of commerce and exploitation. Jesus overturns the tables of moneychangers, declaring, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." The religious authorities react predictably.Back to the Fig Tree:The narrative takes a surprising turn as Jesus heads back to the fig tree the next morning. Astonishingly, they find it withered from the roots. Peter, perplexed, mentions this to Jesus. This moment sets the stage for a profound teaching on prayer.The Power of Believing Prayer:Jesus responds by emphasizing the crucial phrase, "When you pray." He underscores the significance of prayer and the way it's done. Prayer is not just about the act itself; it's about believing. It's about trusting God's ability to answer our prayers. This belief is based on knowing God's character, His will, and His Word.Faith in God's Word:Faith in prayer is not blind; it's grounded in God's promises. Jesus explains that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. So, our prayers should align with God's Word and His revealed will. Praying without this knowledge is merely faith in faith, not faith in God.The Requirement of Forgiveness:Jesus concludes with a crucial warning. He says that when we stand praying, we must forgive others. If we hold grudges, our heavenly Father won't forgive us. This seems contradictory to eternal forgiveness, but it addresses the need for ongoing fellowship with God.Summary:In the midst of the temple cleansing, this passage highlights the importance of prayer. TheCast Yourself InCast Yourself In tells the amazing stories of Jesus' extraordinary work in the Muslim...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFurther Discipleship Training Courses Free at;linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mccandless-68353b16Podcast Archive also athttps://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyRMcCandlessThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project | FacebookMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Help me to continue to make and share great FREE Biblical content everyday by supporting my ministry at | Patreonhttps://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.comEpisode 29: The Peace of God (Mark 11:1-11)Welcome to another episode of "The Gospel of Mark" podcast, today we'll be delving into a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, from the unique perspective of Mark's Gospel.The Triumphal EntryOne of the most iconic images of Jesus is that of Him riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, surrounded by a cheering crowd. This event has come to be known as the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday, but today, we want to focus on the deeper significance of Jesus choosing to enter Jerusalem in this way.Mark's Unique PerspectiveWhile it's common to associate Jesus riding a donkey with humility and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, Mark's Gospel takes a somewhat different approach. Unlike other Gospel accounts, Mark doesn't emphasize the Messianic aspects or reference Old Testament scriptures in this context. The Symbolism of the DonkeyIn the ancient world, when a king entered a city riding a horse, it signalled war and conquest. However, if the king entered on a donkey, it symbolized peace. Jesus, in His first coming, rides a donkey, signifying His mission of bringing peace.The Reaction of the CrowdAs Jesus enters Jerusalem, people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road before Him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" They anticipate a political savior who will free them from Roman rule. However, their perception of salvation differs from the spiritual peace that Jesus offers.Peace with GodWe explore two aspects of peace in the New Testament: peace with God and the peace of God. Through faith in Jesus, we gain peace with God, reconciling us to Him.The Peace of GodThe peace of God goes beyond understanding and guards our hearts and minds. It is acquired by prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, aligning our desires with God's will.Letting Peace RuleWe should let the peace of God rule in our hearts and relationships with others. God values peace so much that He allows for certain exceptions, like divorce in cases of unfaithfulness, to protect our peace.A Transformative MessageIn conclusion, God wants us to experience both peace with Him and the peace of God. Peace isn't the absence of conflict Cast Yourself InCast Yourself In tells the amazing stories of Jesus' extraordinary work in the Muslim...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFurther Discipleship Training Courses Free at;linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mccandless-68353b16Podcast Archive also athttps://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyRMcCandlessThe LIFE Podcast - The Bible Project | FacebookMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com
Homily for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Fr. Doug Spina.
Homily for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Fr. Doug Spina.
Homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Dcn. Bob Evans.
Homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Dcn. Jeff Strom.
Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Our Lady of Sorrows Lectionary: 441/639The Saint of the day is Our Lady of SorrowsThe Story of Our Lady of Sorrows For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September. The principal biblical references to Mary's sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeon's prediction about a sword piercing Mary's soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus' words from the cross to Mary and to the beloved disciple. Many early Church writers interpret the sword as Mary's sorrows, especially as she saw Jesus die on the cross. Thus, the two passages are brought together as prediction and fulfillment. Saint Ambrose in particular sees Mary as a sorrowful yet powerful figure at the cross. Mary stood fearlessly at the cross while others fled. Mary looked on her Son's wounds with pity, but saw in them the salvation of the world. As Jesus hung on the cross, Mary did not fear to be killed, but offered herself to her persecutors. Reflection John's account of Jesus' death is highly symbolic. When Jesus gives the beloved disciple to Mary, we are invited to appreciate Mary's role in the Church: She symbolizes the Church; the beloved disciple represents all believers. As Mary mothered Jesus, she is now mother to all his followers. Furthermore, as Jesus died, he handed over his Spirit. Mary and the Spirit cooperate in begetting new children of God—almost an echo of Luke's account of Jesus' conception. Christians can trust that they will continue to experience the caring presence of Mary and Jesus' Spirit throughout their lives and throughout history. Learn more about the sorrows of Mary. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Was Jesus political? As we journey through the story of Christ entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, our expectations of Jesus may be surprised. Join us as we consider what Jesus might actually be doing and how we can partner with him in his mission.
Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Fr. Williams Abba.
Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary TIme delivered by Dcn. Bill Schneider.
Homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time delivered by Dcn. Bob Evans..
Homily for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary TIme delivered by Fr. Kilian McCaffrey.