Podcasts about reading colossians

November 23, 2025: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard.  Amen. For some, this is a day called Christ the King Sunday, but as I say every year, that is not a title he would have ever claimed.  As we heard in the Gospel, it was a title given to him by the oppressors who crucified him.  No, Jesus would not be happy with this King business I believe, Jesus is Lord is enough, and was for centuries for his followers, as Christ the King wasn't even a thing until 1925.  So, not Christ the King…but it is Advent. And we have practiced the original seven week Advent here at Christ Church since 2016, and as then, it seems so appropriate now, because Advent is about a people walking in darkness, but not a people without hope. The people are in crisis.  Many live in fear.  The country is divided against itself.  People don't know which way to turn, how to take the next step, what to do, because the leaders have failed them.  Certainly, this sounds like it is a time of darkness, and even very familiar – but I am not talking about the events in this country, at least not yet. I am talking about the passage in Jeremiah we heard this morning.  If you were in doubt about whether Advent, from a lectionary point of view, is seven weeks long, just look again at our reading today from Jeremiah and the Canticle. Jeremiah begins with a stern warning from God for those in power that because they have abused their people, because they have not care for their flock, they will meet with God's wrath.  Jeremiah had been speaking about the failure of leaders in the time of the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 587 bce.  And the passage ends with a very Advent-y verse “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch…” God clearly was not happy with the shepherds who failed their sheep. One of the things that our faith, our scriptures, make abundantly clear, is the importance of shepherds.  And being a shepherd is about never forgetting that the focus of your work must always be on the welfare of the sheep. This is true, not only for those who watch over flocks, but for all kinds of leadership positions – from President to parent, from CEOs to church leaders.  We don't have to have lived in the Ancient Near East to understand what can happen when shepherds fail in their work.   We have borne witness to this in our lifetimes. Today, we can certainly understand what it must have felt like back in the days of Jeremiah to be a people divided, scattered, fearful of our leaders, and not sure what tomorrow will bring.  Our own nation's leaders have not only failed to be good shepherds, it is far worse than that.  They have actually turned on the sheep.  Our country – once a beacon of freedom and democracy to the world – has entered into the dark shadows of oligarchy and systemic oppression. The President has put masked troops in the street shooting tear gas and pepper balls into crowds of citizens, and callously throwing people, including clergy, onto the pavement – arresting them for the crime of free speech.  He is responsible for the execution of over 80 people without due process of law through drone strikes on boats in international waters.  He has had thousands detained, including zip tying children (let that sink in), again without due process of law, and even deported many of them to foreign prisons notorious for their human rights abuses.  He has dismissed the concern of over a thousand female victims of a child sex predator to protect his own hide, calling their abuse a hoax.  And his government has stolen affordable access to healthcare for the poor to give money in tax breaks to the rich and powerful. And while some may feel this is less important – it goes to his misogyny and eroding of the freedom of the press – the silencing of those who courageously try to protect the flock from predators.  He told one woman reporter who dared ask him a question, “Quiet Piggy!”  Then he held a meeting at the White House with Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, known for his brutality, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a US citizen, by having him chopped up while still alive.  When the President was asked about meeting with him by another reporter (also a woman) he called her “insubordinate.”  Insubordinate – as though he is a king who cannot be questioned.  And to another who asked directly about the murder of Khashoggi, he said “A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen.”  Things happen?  Sure, a guy walks into a bathroom and things like a bone saw just kinda happen to him. Seriously.  You can't make this stuff up.  These are dark days we find ourselves walking in, to be sure. And it could make anyone feel like just pulling the covers over their heads and praying that things will change.  That perhaps new leaders will emerge and make everything better in some distant future.  But, that would be like reading only parts of this passage from Jeremiah – the beginning condemnation of the current leaders in the first two verses, and the promise of a new leader in the final verses, when what we need most to pay attention to today is everything in between. Because if we focus only on the current predicament, and the hope of new leadership, we miss what God intends for us, and it is something so very needed now. After condemning the current leaders, God then says “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock, and…I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing.”  God declares “I will raise up shepherds…”  Well, guess where God gets those new shepherds?  From right within the flock!  God intends to call from among the sheep new shepherds. As one commentator noted, “While [Jeremiah] opens with judgment and closes with a promise of a future leader who will save and protect the people, the larger book of Jeremiah does not let us — the people — off the hook as we wait.” So, both sheep and shepherds have responsibilities to the full flock.  Everyone has a role to play, especially when we talk about our lives in Christ.  Some are called to a dedicated shepherd role.  Bishops are the shepherds for a diocese and Deacons assist in that work.  Priests are the shepherds for a parish or other type of faith community.  But what about the laity, the sheep?  Well, that's what we hear about in the Song of Zachariah, the canticle, or for Latin nerds, the Benedictus, chanted so beautifully this morning by our choir.  Zachariah, after the miraculous birth of his son John by his wife Elizabeth, had a lot to say.  Now, you can understand why when we remember what the angel Gabriel did to him before this.  See, back about nine months earlier, Zach was a priest, and it was his turn to serve in the temple.  This was not an every week thing.  There were a lot of them, and so maybe this was his one shot a year.  So, he's back there doing his priestly work, burning some incense, as you do, when the angel Gabe pops in to tell him “Hey Zach!  You and Liz are gonna have a baby!  You will call him John, and he will be a great prophet, who will proclaim the coming of the Lord.” Now, Zach was a bit skeptical, after all, he and Liz were getting on in years.  So, he says “Seriously?  How is that gonna happen?  My wife and I are already on Medicare for crying out loud.”  Gabe was not pleased.  “I am Gabriel – the best messenger God has!  I came all this way to give you this awesome news and you doubt me?”  Knowing priests love to talk, he made Zach mute until the baby was born.  Which tells you that if an angel appears, even in flames like the movie Dogma, keep your doubts to yourself. So, as we know now, Liz did get pregnant.  Her cousin Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to visit her, etc.  Fast forward to today's passage, and that baby was just born.  Zach's mouth was opened, and he wasn't holding back.  He told all that had gathered to celebrate this birth what this miracle child would do.  He told them that salvation was coming for all of them, and that John would be called a prophet, and prepare the way for the coming of Christ.  That's a lot right there for this newborn.  But there's more.  John's prophetic witness would shine light “…on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” This prophet John, through his witness in the world, would give light where there is darkness, and guide others toward peace.  John would be a great prophet of God in a time of deep darkness.  He was also an example to us all, most especially now. John, a sheep of God's flock, was made for such a time as he lived.  And you know what? So are you.  So is every single one of you. It is in times such as when John was born, such as what we are experiencing now, that light is needed most within the shadows of despair, longing, fear, and hate.  And that is when God raises up prophets to carry the light of hope and love into a world of darkness and discord.  While it is true that some will do this in particular calls to ordained life – all of us are called to be John – to be the prophets that guide others to the way of peace.  And if you think about it, there is a shepherding quality to prophet work, right? If you are guiding others, you are a shepherd.  And in the church, as all are part of the priesthood of all believers, so each of you is called to be both sheep and shepherd.  That is our life as a part of the flock of God, most especially when the flock – the people of God, and the creation in which we dwell – are in danger, are being hurt, are living in fear.  Folks, is it clear that we are in Advent – both in the church and in the world.  And God is looking for prophets, for shepherds, to listen, to lead, and to love.  Forget looking to someone else to do it – look in the mirror instead. Because God is calling you – here, now. In Advent most of all, we know that in the darkest of times, the light will always come.  But it is up to each of us, following where the Holy Spirit leads, to be that light too – to be Christ's light shining in the world.  And one way we do that is by what we will do here today.  Later in this service, each of you will bring forward food for the those in need and your pledge cards – a commitment to stewardship of this place, out of which we bring the gospel message of hope to a world in need, and in which we are given restoration for our souls as we do this prophetic work of being shepherds in the world.  The food, for both humans and animals, is our commitment to caring for the folk of God. The pledges are a commitment to be the prophet our Creator needs today, and proclaim from the highest hills, and the lowest valleys, that God loves everyone – no exceptions.  They are a pledge to be the shepherd of a people who are lost, alone, or living in fear. They are a step in the longer journey of our life, and in the long history of shepherds and prophets of God. Long ago, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, lamented those called to be shepherds who failed their flock, who failed in God's mission and call for them, and declared that other shepherds would be raised up instead.  And they were to the hope of all creation. Long ago, John was born with a call to prepare the way for the One who would bring light into the world.  Today, we are the ones that God has raised up – born in baptism – not to prepare the way, but to be the way – to guide others, by the light of Christ shining in us and through us, into the path of peace. To be both the sheep of God's pasture, and the shepherd of others.  These are dark and dangerous times, and this will not be easy work.  And, so I want to leave you with these words of a 13th century woman who heard her own call to be a shepherd.  She cast aside all she knew and left the wealthy life of her noble birth to follow Christ.  She was Clare of Assisi, who started the monastic order known as the Poor Clares.  On her deathbed, St. Clare offered this blessing – words that still ring out through the centuries, serving as a reminder that we never do this work alone.  Christ is always our partner in our call.  And so I offer them now to you to take into your heart as you leave here today to be the shepherds, the prophets, who light the way and guide others into the path of peace, the ones God calls for the sake of the world: “Live without fear: your Creator has made you whole, always walks with you, and loves you as a mother. So, follow the good road in peace, and may God's blessing remain with you always.” Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Rec-001-Sermon-November_23_2025.m4a   The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox             Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge November 23, 2025 Advent 2 (7 Week Advent) – Year C Texts 1st Reading – Jeremiah 23:1-6 Canticle 16 2nd Reading – Colossians 1:11-20 Gospel – Luke 23:33-43   The post “Live Without Fear” appeared first on Christ Episcopal Church.

November 25, 2025Today's Reading: Colossians 1:13-20Daily Lectionary: Daniel 5:1-30; Daniel 7:1-8:27; Revelation 21:9-27“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This is what God looks like. Jesus. And you'll only see it here. On account of the “image of the invisible God” part. We rush to creation to find evidence of God, but can't see anything, even if we know that even there Christ was working. Psalm 19 is right. Creation shows there is a God. It doesn't reveal Him fully. You can argue about how complex a bird's wing is. There is plenty out there to support the notion of intelligent design. But even then, what intelligence? It's why everyone can look at the same bird, the same mountain range at sunset, and come up with different ideas about how we got here. Here's the thing, though. The chief work of God isn't creating. It's saving. This is the place you see God clearest. It looks like this. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). The cross He bore to redeem creation. Which is grander, making what can be broken, or redeeming something in a way that it can't be lost? It isn't just intelligence that shaped creation, but love. Mercy grand enough to see the depths to which we've fallen in sin, the darkness we get lost in, the pain we feel, and assume it unto Himself. God was made man that He would take upon Himself the fullness of our sin and bring it to nothing upon the cross. He did this for you. And it's finished. Now. You live in the kingdom of the Son. On the Last Day, that kingdom will look like the resurrection. A new creation, free from darkness and sin and pain and death. But Colossians tells us that He has already transferred us. Already delivered us. And again, you'll only see it here. On the cross. Not in creation. Because that part still looks pretty dark. So we look to the light of the world, Jesus, who darkness cannot overcome, who has borne death and left it broken and defeated. Even if you still live in the land of darkness, you live in the kingdom of the Son, who cannot die again. That means the darkness can assault you, but never own you. The creation can fall apart, but you'll just rise again. And if that ever gets hard to see, look to the cross, and know it stands. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise be to Christ in whom we see The image of the Father shown, The firstborn Son revealed and known, The truth and grace of deity; Through whom creation came to birth, Whose fingers set the stars in place, The unseen pow'rs, and this small earth, The furthest bounds of time and space. (LSB 538:1)Author: Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, November 23rd -1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 - 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:12-20 - Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35-43 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If then you were raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God - Colossians 3:1

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. - Colossians 2:8

Made For Someone Greater Preacher: Ben Harris Date: 09⧸11⧸2025 Reading: Colossians 1:15-23 What if the universe wasn't an accident but a gift? Guest preacher Ben Harris explores Colossians 1:15-23, where we discover that all things were made by Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus. This message unpacks how Christ holds creation together and what it means that we were designed with purpose—to know and love the One who made us.

Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, September 11th. 1st Reading: Colossians 3:12–17 Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27–38 To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, September 9th. 1st Reading: Colossians 2:6-15Gospel Reading: Luke 6:12-19To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving

Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 The post MBC Under Construction: Cement Together first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

August 5, 2025 Today's Reading: Colossians 3:1-11Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 19:1-24; Acts 28:1-15“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Springtime rolls around on the calendar, and you take a handful of pumpkin seeds, dig a hole in the garden, drop the seeds in the earth, and bury them. It's a funeral of sorts. The seed dies in the earth, but there's life hidden in the seed as well. Before long, the seed sprouts, vines grow, leaves burst out, and that first orange pumpkin appears.This annual gardening pattern is a picture of what Paul teaches us in Colossians. Being the Master Gardener that he is, God likes to hide things as well, burying them in the ordinary things of life. On Sunday morning your pastor—and fellow sinner/saint—stands before the congregation uses ordinary human words, sentences, and grammar, and yet hidden in those words is a gracious declaration of Good News: “In the stead and by the command of my Lord I forgive you all your sin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Later on in the Divine Service, you approach the altar, kneel, open your mouth, and reach out your hand to receive a plain, ordinary wafer of bread, and you drink from a cup full of wine. And yet, hidden in these earthly things is more than meets the eye: Jesus' Body and Blood and his promise of forgiveness. The same is true in Holy Baptism. The pastor takes good old H2O from a faucet, pours it in a bowl, splashes and empties it over your head. And hidden in and with the water is God's promise, pardon, and peace. Through these gifts of words, water, bread, and wine, God is hiding his goodness and grace for you in the ordinary gifts of creation, and in turn, he ensures that your life is like that pumpkin seed you plant in the garden. Your life is hidden with Christ. In Holy Baptism, he buries you with Christ and raises you to new life in Christ, so that one day, when the Gardener returns on the Last Day, he'll do for you what he did in his own resurrection on the third day. Like the seed that is tossed in the earth and later gives life, when Christ our Lord returns, he who is the firstfruits and the firstborn from the dead will return to bring you new life and bring you into the new creation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Death has lost its old dominion, Let the world rejoice and shout! Christ, the firstborn of the living, Gives us life and leads us out. Let us thank our God, who causes Hope to spring up from the ground; Christ is risen, Christ is giving Life eternal, life profound. (LSB 479:3)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Reading through the New Living Translation of Colossians. Such a great letter to the church of Colossae and Laodicea from Paul and Timothy. It's really good for us to occasionally read or listen to a full New Testament letter. They were written to be read aloud in full - that way you can really understand the main point the writer was getting across.

July 29, 2025 Today's Reading: Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 14:47-15:9; Acts 24:1-23“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As you approach the first drop-off on one of my favorite Disneyland rides, Pirates of the Caribbean, the animated skull and crossbones overhead roar out those famous, ominous words: “Dead men tell no tales.” According to St. Paul, there's something else dead men don't do - in fact, cannot do, and are unable and incapable of doing - and that's saving themselves. This is the reality of sin and our sinful flesh. Apart from Jesus, we're all the walking dead. We don't lie on the ground yelling out, “I'm not quite dead yet!” Not at all, says St. Paul. Apart from Jesus, we are dead in our trespasses. But did you notice what verb tense Paul uses to talk about our sin and death? Listen to it again. You who were dead. Past tense. It's true. Apart from Jesus, we were all dead men walking. But that's not the whole story. Something else happened in the past that changed our past, present, and future. It just so happens that God loves taking things that are lifeless and bringing them back to new, filling them with new life, and making them alive again. Remember the darkness and void of creation? God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light. Remember Sarah and Hannah's barren wombs? God gave them both life where there was no life, and Isaac and Samuel were born. Remember Lazarus, dead in the tomb for four days? Jesus spoke the words: “Lazarus, arise!” And he walked out of his tomb. He was made alive again. So it is for us in our Baptism. We were all dead as a doornail in our trespasses and sin. But God made us alive together in Jesus. Want to guess how he did that? That's right, by going into death on the cross and entering the lifeless place of the tomb, and then, by rising again in resurrected new life on the third day. And in your Baptism, you are buried with Christ and raised with Christ. Apart from Jesus, we're dead, and we tell no tales. But in Jesus, we are made alive, and we sing for joy in Jesus, crucified and risen.After all, he's the one dead man - and risen from the dead man - who does tell tales. And the tale he tells is true. He is crucified and risen for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We thank You Christ; new life is ours, New light, new hope, new strength, new pow'rs. This grace our ev'ry way attend Until we reach our journey's end. (LSB 562:6)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen.  Reading: Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19].  Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

July 23, 2025Today's Reading: Colossians 1:21-29Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 6:19-7:17; Acts 19:23-21:14; Acts 19:1-22“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” (Colossians 1:21-23) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Being reconciled to God in Christ's death is not a metaphor. His body of flesh was nailed solidly to the rough wood. His broken body bled to death. In this, you were reconciled to God. Like the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, by your sin, you were hostile in mind and doing evil deeds, alienated from your eternal Father. Sin is what broke the relationship (“Sin breaks stuff!” -Rev. Harrison Goodman), and sin is what kept it broken. You could not repair your relationship with God any more than the Prodigal Son could have restored his relationship to his father (the best he could hope for of his own accord was slavery to his father's household). The best you could do of your own accord is slavery to sin, and you were already there. But, like the Prodigal Son, your eternal father has restored you to Himself, making you an heir to His household, restoring you by His mercy. More than the fattened calf's broken body merely signifying the reconciliation of the prodigal to His father, Christ's broken body of flesh is your reconciliation to your heavenly Father! “Not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,” (SC, 2nd Art) you, dear sinner, are presented, “holy and blameless and above reproach before (God).” (Col 1:22)Begun (and continuing) in your Baptism, and by Christ's work through His Church, you are kept stable and steadfast in this Gospel which you have heard and continue to hear. This is why you can, with Paul, rejoice in the sufferings inherent in the Christian life. The devil plants seeds of ungodly desire into your hearts and minds, making idols for you of the cares and goods of this fallen world. He tempts you to believe that suffering from any lack of earthly pleasure or treasure is cause for lament. In fact, while God's created gifts do serve you in this life, the only lamentable suffering would be a life lived apart from Christ. But you have the riches of “Christ in you;” the “hope of glory” (Col 1:27) and a mystery made clear in the light of God's Revelation in Christ.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What is the world to me, with all its vaunted pleasure When You, and You alone, Lord Jesus, are my treasure! You only, dearest Lord, my soul's delight shall be; You are my peace, my rest. What is the world to me! (LSB 730:1)Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 15, 2025Today's Reading: Colossians 1:1-14Daily Lectionary: Judges 15:1-16:3; Galatians 3:23-4:11“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “The domain of darkness.” What a chilling description. To be where there is no light. To be where there is no hope. To be where there is no life. What a horrible place to find oneself. The depth of evil and depravity would have no end. On our own, that is our only place to be. In the darkness is where sin, the devil, and death abide. As sinners, infected with the depraved Old Adam, we do not have or even want anything but darkness. And yet, there is great joy, hope, relief, and comfort in the rest of these verses: we have been transferred out! We have been snatched out of this hopeless, dark place and brought to the place with The Light! Before we get too proud about ‘transferring ourselves out,' we remember that we were rescued from the darkness. We did not work for, assist with, or participate in being moved. This is a Gift. This new life, this ‘change of address,' this forgiveness of sins came to us in water and The Word. It comes to us in the announced Absolution— our sins are forgiven. It comes to us in the Body and Blood of His Beloved Son. We rest and are covered by Jesus. We were transferred out of the darkness and into the Light by the only hope there is: Jesus, the Son of God, the Incarnate Word, the Savior of the World. God had a plan even before the foundation of the world to rescue and redeem you. He did not spare His Only Son, but sent Him into the darkness to bring you out of it. You now abide in the kingdom of God. You now live in The Light. You have been rescued, redeemed, named, and kept in Jesus. You, dear Baptized Child of God, are loved, forgiven, and given mercy. There will be moments of darkness in your life. For you still live in this sinful, broken world. You still daily battle the Old Adam even as the New Man, given to you in Baptism, desires the Light. And yet, even in these moments, you do not belong, nor do you live in the domain of darkness. You belong to the Light; you have been purchased and won by the Son of God. Even in moments of trial, cling to that hope. You are safe and redeemed in God's kingdom. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As true as God's own Word is true, Not earth nor hell's satanic crew Against us shall prevail. Their might? A joke, A mere facade! God is with us and we with God Our vict'ry cannot fail. (LSB 666:3)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 Speaker: Tommy Pratt The post Mothering Sunday 2025 first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128        2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

January 3, 2025 Today's Reading: Colossians 3:12-17Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 63:1-14; Luke 2:21-40“…my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Simeon is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. He was not a political ruler or official of the temple. He was not a man of wealth or social standing. As far as we know, Simeon held no worldly power or influence, and yet Luke tells us that Simeon was a “righteous and devout” man of God who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” This means that Simeon was waiting and watching in faith. He was a man who had lived his life on the lookout, and – through the Spirit – he had been given a special revelation that he would not die until he had seen the promised Christ.There must have been days when Simeon questioned and maybe even doubted the Holy Spirit's promise. “Is my mind playing tricks on me? Is my age finally catching up? What about my sins? How can God reveal the Messiah to a scoundrel like me?” And there, amid this storm of expectation and doubt, of anticipation and disbelief, of hope and despair, the Spirit acted again. Luke writes that “(Simeon) came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God” (Luke 2:27-28).In a knowledge that could only have been divinely revealed, Simeon recognized the Christ. His eyes were opened, his forgiveness was assured, and his hope was confirmed. In unimaginable joy, he took this baby boy out of his mother's arms, and there, in the temple courts, Simeon shared the Good News that he had waited his whole life to experience: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples” (Luke 2:29-31). These famous words of praise, called the “Nunc Dimittis,” illustrate with poetic and prophetic clarity the Good News that the Scriptures were written to proclaim: that in this baby boy, “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).Without God's action, we are left like Simeon to wait and wonder while life slips away. Without God's action, we are left to fend for ourselves in a world where the strong survive and the weak are trampled. Without God's action, we continue to walk blindly in the way of our sin, and it is a way that can only end in death. But through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, God acts and our eyes are opened, our sins are forgiven, and life begins.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, thank you for revealing salvation in Jesus to our eyes by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.-Rev. Thomas Eggold, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

How many songs do you know about love? Do they even all agree on the definition? We invite you to continue looking at the meaning of this word with us as we look at rightly ordered and disordered love. Reading: Colossians 3:1-3 and 1 John 2:15-17.

We explore three central themes that are beginning to develop in the Bible narrative. First, we delve into the sovereignty of God and how He has the right to do what He wants over what He rules. We also discuss mankind's identity crisis and how humans often confuse their source of identity and purpose, seeking to create their own identities apart from God. Lastly, we examine the significance of sacrifices and blood in the Christian faith, highlighting how sacrifice is a central aspect of the Christian life. Reading: Colossians 1:1-23Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App!Support the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgThis episode primarily uses the ESV Bible translation, but may also use CSB, NASB, and NKJV.Search Tags: bible, beginner, bible verse, god, verse of the day, prayer, jesus, bible study, scripture, learn, bible introduction, introduction, intro to the bible, introduction to the bible, beginner bible, bible overview, how to read the bible, what is the bible about, bible story, bible stories, what is the bible, ...

Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord 1st Reading: Acts 10:34, 37-43 Responsorial: Psalm 118 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 Gospel: John 20:1-9

Easter Sunday The Resurrection of the Lord 1st Reading: Acts 10:34, 37-43 Responsorial: Psalm 118 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 Gospel: John 20:1-9

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1st Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Responsorial: Psalm 128 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Dive deep into the essence of Christianity with our latest sermon - 'Jesus is the Truth' from John 14:6. Discover the profound impact of Jesus on our lives, His symbolism as the light of the world, the true bread, and the true vine. Reflect on the journey of faith, maturing in God's love, and the challenges of living a life rooted in Jesus. An enlightening and inspiring exploration awaits you. Join us and enrich your understanding of your faith. #Jesus #Christianity #Faith #Sermon Here is a 5-day devotional based on this week's lesson: Day 1: Reading: John 14:6 Devotional: Today, let's reflect on Jesus' proclamation of being the way, the truth, and the life. The sermon shed light on how the truth in Christianity is embodied by Jesus Christ. As you read this verse, consider how you understand and embody the truth of Jesus in your own life. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? Day 2: Reading: John 8:12 Devotional: The sermon delved into the image of Jesus as the light of the world. Reflect on what it means to follow the light of Jesus and to be free from the darkness of sin. In your life, where do you see the light of Jesus guiding you? How can you better align your path to follow this divine light? Day 3: Reading: John 6:32-35 Devotional: The sermon explained Jesus as the true bread from heaven, which nourishes our spiritual hunger. Consider the voids in your life that only Jesus can fill. How can you deepen your spiritual nourishment by seeking Jesus, the true bread of life? Day 4: Reading: John 15:1-5 Devotional: Today's reading focuses on Jesus as the true vine. Reflect on the sermon's discussion of our need to bear fruit for God and our dependence on Jesus as the true vine. What fruit are you bearing in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on Jesus to grow and bear more fruit? Day 5: Reading: Colossians 1:15, 1 John 5:20 Devotional: The sermon ended with the powerful assertion of Jesus as the true God, the image of the invisible God. As you read these verses, contemplate the implications of this truth. How does knowing Jesus as the image of the invisible God affect your understanding of God and your faith journey? How can you align your life more closely with this ultimate truth?

Dive deep into the essence of Christianity with our latest sermon - 'Jesus is the Truth' from John 14:6. Discover the profound impact of Jesus on our lives, His symbolism as the light of the world, the true bread, and the true vine. Reflect on the journey of faith, maturing in God's love, and the challenges of living a life rooted in Jesus. An enlightening and inspiring exploration awaits you. Join us and enrich your understanding of your faith. #Jesus #Christianity #Faith #Sermon Here is a 5-day devotional based on this week's lesson: Day 1: Reading: John 14:6 Devotional: Today, let's reflect on Jesus' proclamation of being the way, the truth, and the life. The sermon shed light on how the truth in Christianity is embodied by Jesus Christ. As you read this verse, consider how you understand and embody the truth of Jesus in your own life. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? Day 2: Reading: John 8:12 Devotional: The sermon delved into the image of Jesus as the light of the world. Reflect on what it means to follow the light of Jesus and to be free from the darkness of sin. In your life, where do you see the light of Jesus guiding you? How can you better align your path to follow this divine light? Day 3: Reading: John 6:32-35 Devotional: The sermon explained Jesus as the true bread from heaven, which nourishes our spiritual hunger. Consider the voids in your life that only Jesus can fill. How can you deepen your spiritual nourishment by seeking Jesus, the true bread of life? Day 4: Reading: John 15:1-5 Devotional: Today's reading focuses on Jesus as the true vine. Reflect on the sermon's discussion of our need to bear fruit for God and our dependence on Jesus as the true vine. What fruit are you bearing in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on Jesus to grow and bear more fruit? Day 5: Reading: Colossians 1:15, 1 John 5:20 Devotional: The sermon ended with the powerful assertion of Jesus as the true God, the image of the invisible God. As you read these verses, contemplate the implications of this truth. How does knowing Jesus as the image of the invisible God affect your understanding of God and your faith journey? How can you align your life more closely with this ultimate truth?

S10 Kick-Off 1 // In this episode, Pastor Joshua Ortega kicks off our Fall semester by encouraging us to be men and women of God. Follow along in Colossians 1:15-20 as Joshua challenges us to place our faith into Jesus Christ, who has already victory and saved us in His sacrificial death and redemptive resurrection. We typically read through one chapter each week and then come together on Sundays in house churches to discuss what we read. Once a month, all our house churches gather together as one body for a sermon-centered service, where we record the teaching and upload it as our podcast. This school year, we'll start studying Paul's letter to the Romans. If you're in the Wright State University area and want to get involved with H2O Church Wright State, please fill out a connection form at h2owrightstate.com/next-steps/life-groups, and we'd love to meet you! -- Timestamps -- (00:00) Introduction (06:37) Keep This In Mind (10:05) Young Shane (15:48) Reading Colossians 1:15-20 (16:37) Six Points (40:34) There's Good News Today

The Resurrection of the Lord 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43 Responsorial: Psalm 118 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Gospel: John 20:1-9

The Resurrection of the Lord 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37-43 Responsorial: Psalm 118 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8 Gospel: John 20:1-9

1st Reading 1st Reading – Acts 10:34A, 37-43 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 2nd Reading Colossians 3:1-4 Alleluia 1 Corinthians 5:7B-8A Gospel John 20:1-9

A new MP3 sermon from First Baptist Church of Roxana is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Reading - Colossians 1-4 Subtitle: Bible in a Year Speaker: Pastor Tim Miller Broadcaster: First Baptist Church of Roxana Event: Devotional Date: 4/9/2023 Bible: Colossians 1-4 Length: 12 min.

Reading Colossians chapter 1

Vespers II, Evening Prayer for Monday of the 4th week in Lent, Solemnity of the St. Joseph! Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. St. Joseph Pray for us! Follow us on Twitter @singthehours Please support this work directly through any of our funding platforms:Venmo: @singthehoursPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=UT522UGV68ANSPatreon: patreon.com/singthehoursBy Mail: St. Paul’s Parish, attn: Paul Rose, 29 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138Check out our website at singthehours.org Deus in Adjutorium – "O God, come to my assistance" (Solemn tone, Liber Hymnarius) Hymn: "Te, Ioseph, celebrent agmina cælitum," English, translation by Edward Caswall Psalm 15 (tone VII) Psalm 112 (tone IV) Canticle: Revelation 15v3-4 (tonus peregrinus) Reading: Colossians 3v23-24 Responsory: The just man shall blossom like the lily. (StH arrangement) Canticle of Mary: Luke 1v46-55 (Latin, tone VII, see chant text below) Intercessions: Our Father in heaven, hear our prayer. (Meinrad tone[?]) The Lord's Prayer (ICEL, 2011) Concluding Prayers Dominus Nos Benedicat – "May the Lord bless us" Magníficat* ánima mea Dóminum,et exsultávit spíritus meus* in Deo salvatóre meo,quia respéxit humilitátem ancíllæ suæ.* Ecce enim ex hoc beátam me dicent omnes generatiónes,quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est,* et sanctum nomen eius,et misericórdia eius in progénies et progénies* timéntibus eum.Fecit poténtiam in bráchio suo,* dispérsit supérbos mente cordis sui;depósuit poténtes de sede* et exaltávit húmiles;esuriéntes implévit bonis* et dívites dimísit inánes.Suscépit Israel púerum suum,* recordátus misericórdiæ,sicut locútus est ad patres nostros,* Abraham et sémini eius in sǽcula.Glória Patri, et Fílio,*et Spirítui Sancto.Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc et semper,*et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen. The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/ Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  The Parsons Pad Website: https://parsonspad.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastRumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1006557?date=this-year Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  Calvary Chapel Franklin meets at: Sunday mornings: 1724 General George Patton Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 Wednesday evenings: 7113 Peach Court, Brentwood TN 37027Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  If you would like to support this outreach, please consider donating via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QCC42G4JT8U76

Vespers, Evening Prayer for the 4th Tuesday in Ordinary Time, January 31, 2023. Memorial of St. John Bosco.Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter @SingtheHours. I need your support! This project is in great need of support from our faithful listeners. Thank you to our 400+ patrons who have already pledged. To get involved, please visit www.patreon.com/singthehours, or for direct support Venmo @SingtheHours. Deus in Adjutorium – "O God come to my assistance" Hymn: "Sator princepsque temporum," (Latin, English) 7th-8th century Gregorian Chant, translation © John Rose and Sing the Hours 2021. Psalm 137v1-6 Psalm 138 Canticle: Revelation 4v11; 5v9, 10, 12 Reading: Colossians 3v16 Responsory: I shall know the fullness of joy, when I see your face, O Lord. Magnificat (Luke 1v46-55) Intercessions: Hear us, O Lord, and we shall praise you for ever. The Lord's Prayer (Latin) Concluding Prayer Alma Redemptoris Mater The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.

Homily for the The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Readings for November 20, 2022 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:12-20 Gospel: Luke 23:35-43

Lauds, Morning Prayer for Thursday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time, September 15th, 2022, Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. All antiphons and responsories in this office are compositions of Sing the Hours ©2022. Please consider supporting this labor of love today: https://www.patreon.com/singthehours. Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. Deus in Adjutorium – "O God come to my assistance" Domine Labia Mea Aperies – "Lord, open my lips" Invitatory Psalm 95 Ant. Let us adore Christ, the Savior of the world, who called his mother to share in his passion. (Gregorian tone 1, straight through) Hymn: From "Stabat Mater," pg.436 in the Liber Hymnarius (mode 2) Psalm 63v2-9 (Gregorian mode 6, StH adaptations) Canticle: Daniel 3v57-88, 56 (Gregorian mode 8, polyphonic, StH composition) Psalm 149 (Gregorian tone 2) Reading: Colossians 1v24-25 Responsory:Through you we drink from the wellsprings of salvation, O Blessed Virgin Mary. Benedictus – Luke 1:68-79 (English, Gregorian tone 8) Intercessions: "May your mother intercede for us, Lord." The Lord's Prayer Concluding Prayers The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C..

Homily for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time The spiritual journey any of us is on is about enriching oneself before God, laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth. Life does not consist of possessions but in sharing what we possess with others. The goods of the earth have been given to everyone. Readings for July 31, 2022 1st Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Homily for the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time In the midst of our persistent prayer we realize that what we ask for might seem best for us in the moment, but there may be a higher good that God desires to give us. This greater good is the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is given to us to dwell within us, to reveal the love of God to us, to lead us to the truth, to be our advocate, to sanctify us and to empower us as witnesses of Jesus Christ. Readings for July 24, 2022 1st Reading: Genesis 18:20-32 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8 2nd Reading: Colossians 2:12-14 Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

Homily for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (10:30) The posture of a disciple, the posture of Mary is always the primary position for every one of us as a Christian... to sit at the foot of the master and to reflect his love and his life out. Our life should revolve around doing what needs to be done at the moment, but also on spending time and focusing on the Lord and his teachings. For in the end what will be the most important aspect of heaven? Gazing on the face of God as well as enjoying the bliss of eternity. Readings for July 17, 2022 1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 15:2-3, 3-4, 5 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Homily for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (9pm) Surrender your heartache and buried hurt to God. The posture of your heart says a lot about the way you feel about God. Your heart should be in a posture of complete surrender, humility, adoration, and faith. A surrendered and humble heart tells God that you are releasing control to Him. A heart of adoration acknowledges who God was, is, and will be. A faithful heart lets God know that you trust Him to keep you. When we are not functioning from a Godly heart posture, we are not functioning in direct alignment with God. Ask yourself, “are you out of alignment with God?” Readings for July 17, 2022 1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 15:2-3, 3-4, 5 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:24-28 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Homily for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (7PM) “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 The story of the Good Samaritan is one that should wake us up to some not-so-pleasant truths about love of neighbor, or the lack thereof. The conclusion shows us that we should be like the Good Samaritan who showed mercy to the man in need. On an intellectual level, it is easy to conclude this fact. However, in practice, it is not always the case. Readings for July 10, 2022 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Homily for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (10:30) Why is it hard to love people well? Just as in our love for those who hate us, we cannot properly love those with whom we disagree if we are not already loving God rightly. Readings for July 10, 2022 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Homily for The Mass of Easter Day, The Resurrection of the Lord He has risen indeed... The preaching of Jesus, His teachings, the life examples of His healing others, treating all with dignity and respect, welcoming sinners and disciples alike and His selfless giving on the Cross help us learn that His actions brings renewal to all things, restore all things, brings to life all things. He did this not just through His Person but through what He did and said as gift – through the events of His life. During this Easter Season, let us embrace our Risen Lord. To be His follower, His friend, we must act in the friendship of Christ. We must act from true love – not just for common benefit or affection, but as learned from the Father through the Son – the offering of self so we can help others receive from us what Jesus bestowed as the gift of making all things new –renewed in relationships, reborn in caring for the most vulnerable and revitalized in faith to share. Readings for April 17, 2022 1st Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 Sequence: Victimae paschali laudes Gospel: John 20:1-9

Join Fr Rob, Alyssa Agius & Justine Cumbo in this episode of the Catholic Influencers Podcast as they break open this week's upcoming 2nd reading. In the second half of this podcast, Justine speaks with Gerard Trolove from Real Talk Australia on the topic of relationships and God's plan for sex.Easter Sunday 2nd Reading: Colossians 3:1-4For a shorter, more reflective explanation of the Gospels, be sure to check out our sister podcast Catholic Influencers Fr Rob Galea Homilies.Connect with Real Talk Australia at the following links:Web: www.realtalkaustralia.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/realtalkausFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtalkaustraliaTwitter: https://twitter.com/realtalkausYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/realtalkaustraliaSupport the show (https://frgministry.com/donate)