Podcasts about Sacrament

We're dipping back into the archives for this week's episode. Have you ever tried to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church but found it a little confusing or difficult to approach? Fear no more! This week Fr. Scott helps to explain what the CCC is all about on this week's episode.https://archive.org/download/LetsTalkCatholic/LTC-126RR-De-confused-Catechism.mp3

July 17, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - ThirdDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - Third)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever stopped to think about how intricately and delicately God created and sustains His creation and everything within it? Take water, for example. While I am not very smart in science, I remember that H2O means two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom. Any other combination is not water. It seems so simple, boring even. And yet, it is incredibly delicate and necessary that those two elements be present for something to be water. God has put unfathomable depth into the Gift of Baptism. Consider just the words quoted above; Baptism is water and God's Word. We just discussed what makes water water. And we know that it is God Who created water, including the element of water. In Baptism, God is using a tangible element that He created for His creation. And, the power of Baptism is the Word of God. Who is the Word of God? St. John tells us that Jesus is the Word of God. So, we learn that Baptism is the combination of His created element, water, with the 2nd person of the Trinity: Jesus. We have the Father and the Son present in this. And yet! The explanation continues— it is the faith that trusts that Jesus (this word of God) is in the water! How are we given faith to believe and receive? Through the power of the Holy Spirit! Do you see it? In this simple, boring Gift, God gives us Himself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You matter. You have great value. You belong. How do I know? In Baptism, God names you as His Own: He marks you with His Name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He sustains you in this identity. He continues to give you what you need for this body and life. In the Divine Service, you receive the words of Absolution: you are forgiven. In the Lord's Supper, you receive Jesus' Body and Blood for you. You have been redeemed, adopted, and covered with Christ. Water seems pretty boring. Baptism can look pretty boring. And yet, consider the intricacies and the intentionality with which God gives His Gifts— to you. He created and sustained the world— for you. He sent His perfect Son to die and rise again— for you. He gives you the Holy Spirit to create faith that clings to and rests in His hope. Take comfort in this promise for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)- 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.

We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Fr. Mike explores that interior conversion, or conversion of the heart, is a radical reorientation of our whole life. Conversion is so much more than just going through the motions or checking off the boxes. He emphasizes that interior conversion and repentance requires an active hatred for sin. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1427-1433. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Catechism has spent considerable time unpacking Holy Communion—the “sacrament of sacraments”—with us, and now she summarizes the most essential truths that we must internalize and move forward with. Fr. Mike takes this “nugget day” to tell us that God desires to feed us. He has given us his Son so that we might be filled with him and made whole again, in unity with him for all of eternity. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1406-1419. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Sunday service audio from July 13th, 2025

What if the Parable of the Good Samaritan is more than just a call to kindness? In this powerful LCMS sermon, Pastor David Balla unpacks Luke 10:25–37 to reveal the deeper Gospel truth: the Church is Christ's Inn, a healing place where wounded sinners are brought by the Savior Himself. This sermon proclaims the Law and Gospel, showing how Christ is the true Good Samaritan who rescues the spiritually dead and entrusts them to His Church for restoration through Word and Sacrament.Ideal for Lutheran Christians, pastors, Bible students, and seekers, this sermon connects the parable to the Lutheran Confessions, the Small Catechism, and the life of the Church today. Explore the beauty of Christ's mercy, the mission of the Church, and the comfort of the Gospel. Subscribe for Christ-centered preaching, Lutheran doctrine, and liturgical reflections every week.Perfect for Proper 10 (Year C), this is a must-watch for anyone preparing for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost or studying the role of the Church in the life of believers.#LutheranSermon #GoodSamaritan #LCMSPreaching #Luke10 #ChristCentered

 This week the Fathers Lawler share some details about their upcoming pilgrimage to Rome.https://archive.org/download/LetsTalkCatholic/LTC-164RR-Rome-Pilgrimage-Details.mp3

Father tells us that reconciliation is to turn an enemy into a friend. It is a miracle of God.

Fr. Paul Born currently serves as the Parochial Vicar at Mary, Queen of Martyrs Parish in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Please enjoy this special pre-recorded mailbag episode of "Ask A Priest Live" with guest host Greg Vanhorn. In today's show: Why doesn't God appear to me? Are the Jews still considered God's chosen people? If Purgatory is so important, why didn't Jesus speak directly about it? Can you help me convince my grandfather to receive the sacrament of the sick, and that it doesn't necessarily mean that he will die? Can I still get an annulment of my first marriage even after many years have passed? My husband never received the Sacrament of Confirmation as a youth.  How can I convince him it is still worth doing? You can get your question in for future shows with Fr. Born (or one of our other wonderful priests) by emailing us at priests@thestationofthecross.com, or by using our webform at https://thestationofthecross.com/askapriest

6:30 pm St. Monica Hall

In this episode of Personally Speaking Msgr. Jim Lisante is joined by Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Canada. Cardinal Ouellet was Prefect of the Congregation of Bishops. His latest book is titled, “Word, Sacrament, Charism” in which he elevates the often overlooked charismatic dimension of the Church, the Holy Spirit and the gifts He imparts.Support the show

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

Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time homily. This week, we are advised to be vigilant against the occult and reminded that God's mercy awaits us in the Sacrament of Confession.    You can follow along with Sunday's readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070625.cfm

Fr. Joseph Illo joins Patrick to Discuss Spiritual Reading Why is spiritual reading important? (7:01) How do we approach spiritual reading? (20:47) Leonard – Came from my vocations director a week ago. Book Save a thousand Souls. It's a real spiritually touching book. Social media - Is there a book you recommend that would be an intro to many saints that would help us find interest in one or two? David - This is my Body, This is my Blood. Highly recommend. It's a fantastic book. (23:37) Break 1 How do you pace books well? (28:44) the importance of reading with other people. Valerie - Recommend The Return of the Prodigal Son. Talks about all characters very personally. (35:05) Matthew - Recommend after having a troubled time in my life - This Tremendous Lover, it's about our Lord. It came to me at a time when I was at a very low point in my life. (38:43) Break 2 (44:04) Teresa - True Life in God by Vasula Ryden - series of messages from God - received my conversion 33 years ago. Also, He and I by Gabriel Bossis. What is the importance of creating personal library Resources: To save a thousand souls https://www.amazon.com/Save-Thousand-Souls-Discerning-Priesthood/dp/0615345514 Lives of the Saints: For Everyday in the Year https://tanbooks.com/products/books/lives-of-the-saints-for-everyday-in-the-year/?srsltid=AfmBOorbIJan52fb17wS90p-Blxx9rUo0dJCYaXu3i3ikLZNJTUYtGTY Magnificat monthly publication https://us.magnificat.net/ This is my boy this is my blood –Bob and Peggy Lord https://www.amazon.com/This-Blood-Miracles-Eucharist-Books/dp/1580025161 See how she loved us https://www.amazon.com/See-How-She-Loves-Apparitions/dp/0895557185 True Devotion to Mary with Preparation for Total Consecration https://tanbooks.com/products/books/true-devotion-to-mary-with-preparation-for-total-consecration/?srsltid=AfmBOopC6X4ZkjZKwcKrbiHyqBEf2cPB9JZO1xDEN5YVOJ00VD2V8nBG The Practice of the Presence of God https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/1614279683 Christ the Life of the Soul https://www.sistersofcarmel.com/christ-the-life-of-the-soul-columba-marmion.php?srsltid=AfmBOoq3k2-epGEReP03NqNPkke9gn-l3EZk47GcCE5bBUfJyBfzvB30 The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming https://www.amazon.com/Return-Prodigal-Son-Story-Homecoming/dp/0385473079 This Tremendous Lover https://sophiainstitute.com/product/this-tremendous-lover/?srsltid=AfmBOorgIgiqGMuU0Y6gWszF-mISvzXmFXertLiLAI8hZouMEK1k-mzV The Imitation Of Christ https://catholicbookpublishing.com/products/the-imitation-of-christ-burgundy-320-00?srsltid=AfmBOorP6aOaeJn-qClgUvLqOp22eDtFgPCmqaZUCU9kq0mc3-Zii55W The Confessions of Saint Augustine https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Saint-Augustine-Edward-Pusey/dp/B0007ECBO2 Story of a Soul https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/story-of-a-soul?srsltid=AfmBOoqqKwMt-BcXkeVynXp4AKnl8j_OkgD-DxeNwCpFrrNrMFoXhkkt St. Thomas Aquinas https://www.amazon.com/St-Thomas-Aquinas-G-Chesterton/dp/0486471454 Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Hope-Biography-Pope-John/dp/0060732032 The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Joy-Saint-Francis/dp/0898706661 Time for God https://www.amazon.com/Time-God-Jacques-Philippe/dp/1594170665 Searching For and Maintaining Peace https://sophiainstitute.com/product/searching-for-and-maintaining-peace/?srsltid=AfmBOor38jGYcePamYgouASbmGuzvrJ2jzJs_7bllgax_nyGO4eFtdBn The Way, Furrow, The Forge (One Volume) https://scepterpublishers.org/products/the-way-furrow-the-forge?srsltid=AfmBOooVI2HcGkpyEApvwbc5AeqqleA-qwl5108sHht4g6dd5Wjws4tQ Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics) https://ascensionpress.com/products/introduction-to-the-devout-life?srsltid=AfmBOopfQDIT2Tyb3arRKu-y2ucjndAD81GZz30Bxnuiy_gD4XXyr5ag Introduction to the Spiritual Life https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Spiritual-Life-Louis-Bouyer/dp/0870612816 The Sun Her Mantle https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Her-Mantle-John-Beevers/dp/B000U0TDDU True Life in God https://www.amazon.com/True-Life-God-Vassula-Ryden/dp/0954033884 He and I (Rev) https://www.amazon.com/He-I-Rev-Gabrielle-Bossis/dp/0819834386 The Sacrament of the Present Moment https://www.amazon.com/Sacrament-Present-Moment-Jean-Pierre-Caussade/dp/0060618116

The reading of this week's lesson.

What Brings You Joy? | Luke 10:1-20 On this Fourth of July weekend, we pause to reflect on a deeper kind of joy—one that cannot be shaken by trials or taken away by time. True joy isn't just a smile or fleeting emotion. It's a lasting peace, rooted in Jesus Christ and His finished work. In Luke 10, Jesus reminds us not to rejoice in worldly success or power, but in something far greater: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Sin distorts God's gifts and leaves us restless. But through the cross, Jesus won for us complete forgiveness—removing guilt, shame, and fear. Our eternal joy was purchased by His suffering and death, and it is renewed each time we receive His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. We give thanks for the earthly freedoms we enjoy—especially the freedom to worship and proclaim the Gospel. But even these are temporary compared to the unshakable joy of belonging to God's Kingdom, a joy sealed in Baptism and nourished in the Church. Rejoice! Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. ✝️ Key Takeaway: Our joy isn't found in success, safety, or earthly freedom, but in Jesus—crucified, risen, and present with us in Word and Sacrament.

Cardinal Ouellet explains what “synodality” is and what the risks and opportunities are for a synodal Church. Get Your Copy of His Book “Word, Sacrament, Charism” here: https://ignatius.com/word-sacrament-charism-wscp/?searchid=2543554&search_query=ouellet   Among Catholics, there has been a lot of talk about “synodality” and a “synodal Church” over the past few years. Pope Francis even called a synod on synodality. But what is synodality, and why is it important to the Church? Is it even relevant for Catholics in the pews? Does it undermine the Church's mission or past teachings? Today, Cardinal Ouellet joins Mark Brumley to explain what synodality is, why it is important, and what are its inherent risks and opportunities. We are grateful for the opportunity to speak with his Eminence because he was involved in the most recent synod on synodality as well as the four previous synods. He also worked with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis and served as the Prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops for ten years. Therefore, today's episode and his recently released book “Word, Sacrament, Charism: The Risks and Opportunities of a Synodal Church” provide valuable insight into synodality and into the mind of the Church as she chooses to promote greater synodality.   SUBSCRIBE to our channel and never miss an episode of the Ignatius Press Podcast. You can also listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Follow us on social media: Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/IgnatiusPress Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignatiuspress Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignatius_press/

What Brings You Joy? | Luke 10:1-20 On this Fourth of July weekend, we pause to reflect on a deeper kind of joy—one that cannot be shaken by trials or taken away by time. True joy isn't just a smile or fleeting emotion. It's a lasting peace, rooted in Jesus Christ and His finished work. In Luke 10, Jesus reminds us not to rejoice in worldly success or power, but in something far greater: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Sin distorts God's gifts and leaves us restless. But through the cross, Jesus won for us complete forgiveness—removing guilt, shame, and fear. Our eternal joy was purchased by His suffering and death, and it is renewed each time we receive His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. We give thanks for the earthly freedoms we enjoy—especially the freedom to worship and proclaim the Gospel. But even these are temporary compared to the unshakable joy of belonging to God's Kingdom, a joy sealed in Baptism and nourished in the Church. Rejoice! Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. ✝️ Key Takeaway: Our joy isn't found in success, safety, or earthly freedom, but in Jesus—crucified, risen, and present with us in Word and Sacrament.

In this episode of Chatechesis, Father Adrian Crowley reflects on the meaning and importance of the Holy Mass and how we can appreciate it as we should. We should realise that the Mass contains the Holy Trinity. L'articolo E42 | Chatechesis – Fr Adrian Crowley – The gift of the Holy Mass; Sacrament of the Love of Christ proviene da Radio Maria.

Which is the most important aspect of the Mass? Is it a Sacrifice? A Sacrament? Don't miss this 4th of July Mailbag of Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

This week we dip back into the archives to see how the Snowshoe Priest, Bishop Baraga, fared in northern Michigan summers.https://archive.org/download/LetsTalkCatholic/LTC-097RR-Baraga-in-July.mp3

In S6E7 I sit down with returning guest Professor Gregory Shaw to talk about his latest opus, an embodied spiritual practice, the perceptual filters of postmodernity and much more.Professor Shaw:https://angelicopress.com/pages/gregory-shawSUBSCRIBE to the ARCANVM Newsletter:⁠https://ikebaker.com/newsletter⁠For all things Ike be sure to visit/message him at: ⁠https://ikebaker.com⁠SUPPORT ARCANVM for $5/MONTH: ⁠https:patreon.com/arcanvm ⁠ FOLLOW on Facebook: ⁠https:facebook.com/arcanvvm ⁠ FOLLOW on Instagram: @a.r.c.a.n.v.m#theurgy #tantra #spirituality

This week on the Horrorcraft Podcast, we're turning down the camp and diving deep into one of the most disturbing intersections of horror and real-life tragedy: Ti West's The Sacrament.Join your hosts Cass & Kylee and special guest co-host @CreepyConfidential as we unpack this chilling found-footage film inspired by the real-life horrors of the Jonestown Massacre. Together, we explore how The Sacrament blurs the line between fiction and true crime — tackling themes of manipulation, faith, isolation, and the terrifying power of charisma gone wrong. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of cults, religious extremism, psychological abuse, mass suicide, and graphic violence. Listener discretion is strongly advised.The Sacrament is currently available for streaming on Tubi and other major VOD platforms — we highly recommend watching before tuning in. While we are a horror podcast that finds fun in fear, the real events that inspired this film involved unimaginable suffering and the loss of over 900 lives. We approach this episode with the utmost respect for the victims and their families.If you or someone you love is struggling with religious trauma, abuse, or suicidal ideation, please seek support: RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotlinehttps://www.rainn.org 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988https://988lifeline.org The Horrorcraft Podcast is a proudly women-led, LGBTQIA+ safe space — where horror meets heart.Find Creepy Confidential at: https://linktr.ee/creepyconfidential https://www.instagram.com/creepyconfidentialA HUGE shoutout to Tiki for our intro magic as always.Stay spooky, stay safe Both Creepy Confidential and The Horrorcraft podcast are proud to be featured in the Talkin Tapes Summer Screams special, go check it out now:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzVRb1Np7KASources:1. “Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple” (2006 Documentary)Directed by Stanley Nelson and produced for PBS's American Experience, this documentary offers a powerful overview of the Peoples Temple and the tragedy in Guyana. Featuring survivor interviews and rare archival footage, it's widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive visual accounts of Jonestown.Watch on: Amazon Prime Video, PBS.orgWritten by journalist Tim Reiterman, who survived the attack on Congressman Leo Ryan, Raven is considered the definitive biography of Jim Jones. It provides an investigative deep dive into Jones's rise to power, the workings of the Temple, and the events that led to the mass deaths in 1978.Available on: Amazon (print, Kindle, audiobook), libraries via OverDrive/LibbyHosted by San Diego State University, the Jonestown Institute provides a vast archive of primary documents, photographs, survivor accounts, and FBI files. It's a key resource for researchers, educators, and anyone seeking detailed historical and psychological insight into the Peoples Temple.Access at: jonestown.sdsu.edu2. “Raven: The Untold Story of the Rev. Jim Jones and His People” (Book)Written by journalist Tim Reiterman, who survived the attack on Congressman Leo Ryan, Raven is considered the definitive biography of Jim Jones. It provides an investigative deep dive into Jones's rise to power, the workings of the Temple, and the events that led to the mass deaths in 1978.Available on: Amazon (print, Kindle, audiobook), libraries via OverDrive/Libby3. The Jonestown Institute (Academic Archive)Hosted by San Diego State University, the Jonestown Institute provides a vast archive of primary documents, photographs, survivor accounts, and FBI files. It's a key resource for researchers, educators, and anyone seeking detailed historical and psychological insight into the Peoples Temple.Access at: jonestown.sdsu.eduAnd go check out the book, The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Road-to-Jonestown/Jeff-Guinn/9781476763835

Which is the most important aspect of the Mass? Is it a Sacrifice? A Sacrament? Don't miss this 4th of July Mailbag of Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

This weekend we will be considering the importance of exercise in our worship service. Not physical exercise, but spiritual exercise. As we consider HOW we exercise spiritually, we will reflect on the "gym equipment" that the LORD has given us to remain spiritually fit and healthy. This weekend we will be singing Hymn 292 in our worship. It was written by a reformer who struggled with confessional purity during a very dark and trying time in Church history. Yet the Lord preserved His church and promises to do the same today. He defends, protects, sustains and builds up His Church and people through His Word and Sacrament. This hymn highlights both the power of God's Word, which is our "shield and sword" as well as the dangers that surround us in this evil world, from both the world and the devil. For "falsehood's spirit wide has spread, and error boldly rears its head." May the Lord enable us to stand firm against error and false teaching and strengthen us through His Word of truth, preparing us for eternity.  Join us this weekend as we are reminded of God's spiritual blessings in His Word and Sacrament, and as we reflect on how we can exercise our faith in both heart and body!

What Brings You Joy? | Luke 10:1-20 On this Fourth of July weekend, we pause to reflect on a deeper kind of joy—one that cannot be shaken by trials or taken away by time. True joy isn't just a smile or fleeting emotion. It's a lasting peace, rooted in Jesus Christ and His finished work. In Luke 10, Jesus reminds us not to rejoice in worldly success or power, but in something far greater: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Sin distorts God's gifts and leaves us restless. But through the cross, Jesus won for us complete forgiveness—removing guilt, shame, and fear. Our eternal joy was purchased by His suffering and death, and it is renewed each time we receive His Body and Blood in Holy Communion. We give thanks for the earthly freedoms we enjoy—especially the freedom to worship and proclaim the Gospel. But even these are temporary compared to the unshakable joy of belonging to God's Kingdom, a joy sealed in Baptism and nourished in the Church. Rejoice! Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. ✝️ Key Takeaway: Our joy isn't found in success, safety, or earthly freedom, but in Jesus—crucified, risen, and present with us in Word and Sacrament.

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

Ever felt like your Sunday worship experience has nothing to do with your Monday morning reality? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Jim Marriott, we dive deep into the profound yet often misunderstood connection between liturgy, discipleship, and mission in the Christian life.Dr. Jim Marriott explores how liturgical practices can bridge the gap between Sunday worship and everyday discipleship, providing a framework for living the Christian life in all contexts. He challenges us to move beyond compartmentalized faith to an integrated understanding of how liturgy shapes our identity and mission.• Liturgy forms Christians to live the Christian life in the world, connecting Sunday worship to Monday living• The divine service is not just about one hour of worship but about shaping believers for their mission throughout the week• Two axes of discipleship: passive righteousness (what God does for us) and active righteousness (how we live toward others)• Three tiers of liturgical understanding: story, Word and Sacrament, and rites/ceremonies• The Kyrie ("Lord have mercy") is not just penitential but an act of advocacy for those in need• Christian worship should equip people for hospitality, generosity, and blessing others daily• Every home can be a liturgical space where faith is formed and practiced• Unity in liturgy doesn't require uniformity in practicesSupport the showWatch Us On Youtube!

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask thoughtful and wide-ranging questions on Catholic doctrine and spirituality. Topics include whether a cantor's lifestyle affects the Mass, how to discern mystical experiences from coincidences, and the potential impact of Ecumenical Councils on doctrine and liturgy. Other questions touch on miracles in non-Catholic churches, the meaning of Matthew 11:27, the history of the Sacrament of Confession, and how to address disruptive chatter before Mass. The show also delves into more unusual inquiries, such as whether the Church has any stance on fairies, and how to understand the eternal consequences of dying in mortal sin. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:27 – Does a cantor living a homosexual lifestyle diminish the value of the Mass? 09:59 – Will there be more Catholic-Orthodox apologetics content in the future? 18:00 – How can one discern whether an experience is mystical or merely coincidence? 23:21 – Can an Ecumenical Council change doctrine in a way that leads to liturgical abuse, or is this an application of Matthew 18? 28:44 – Why do miracles occur in Orthodox and Protestant churches if they are outside the Catholic Church? 34:44 – What is the proper understanding of Matthew 11:27? 40:00 – What is the historical development of the Sacrament of Confession? 47:32 – How should pre-Mass chatter in church be addressed? 50:52 – Does the Church have any official teaching or view on fairies? 53:22 – If someone dies in mortal sin, why isn't it appropriate to conclude they are in Hell?

Pastor Mattie Montgomery explores the profound reality of how covenant friendship draws the heart of God and becomes the channel for His grace. Church isn't the goal; it's the catalyst. True fellowship is where we belong, grow, and become the people God blesses with His glory.Support the show

Bob Sundquist takes us on a captivating journey through the turbulent founding story of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod—a tale far more complex and human than most church histories acknowledge. Moving beyond simplified narratives of heroes and villains, Sundquist reveals how the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS, Martin Stephan, led 700 Saxon immigrants to America in 1838 only to face accusations and eventual exile across the Mississippi River.This conversation reveals how historical understanding helps us navigate present church tensions between pastoral and congregational authority.• History is fundamentally about storytelling and understanding people, not just memorizing dates• Martin Stephan was the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS whose leadership eventually created a crisis• The accusations against Stephan of sexual impropriety likely had no concrete evidence but were used to remove him• C.F.W. Walther developed Lutheran understanding of church authority through the trauma of Stephan's removal• Pastors should focus primarily on Word and Sacrament ministry rather than business management• The LCMS has historically had a hyper-fixation on the Office of Ministry as a result of early traumas• Walther's "Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod" (1879) offers wisdom for contemporary church conflicts• The Missouri Synod repeats the same resolutions without taking action, indicating unresolved tensionsSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

The sacrament of the Eucharist has many different names, and "each name evokes certain aspects of it." Fr. Mike explains the meaning behind this sacrament's various titles, including; thanksgiving to God, the Lord's Supper, Breaking of Bread, the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, and others. All the names of this sacrament ultimately remind us that the Eucharist is both a noun and a verb. It is the Son's great sacrifice to the Father and Jesus Christ himself. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1328-1332. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Roman Catechism of Trent (RCT) p. 210-224. The Sacraments, ep. 13. www.padreperegrino.org Barring big news, I will greatly reduce social-media this summer except for occasional updates on Telegram.  It's a free app you can add to your phone or computer.  My channel is "Padre Peregrino."

In this episode, I reflect on the life and faith of Carris, a beloved member of our church who recently joined that great multitude in heaven. Though his earthly life ended, Carris was prepared—clothed in Christ from baptism, praising God with his voice and life until the very end. What comfort and confidence we have knowing that, just as Jesus kept every promise to Carris, He will keep them for us too. Carris didn't just believe in a Savior—he believed in the Savior who conquered death through the cross. Even as his body weakened, his faith grew strong, nourished by Jesus' Word and Sacrament. We grieve, but we rejoice too—because for Carris, to die was gain. And in Jesus, the same promise of life is ours.

Read OnlineJesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. Matthew 8:14–15How do we properly respond to the action of God in our lives? In the passage above, we are given the witness of Peter's mother-in-law to answer that question. It should be noted that Jesus was on a continual mission of healing. In fact, before arriving at the house of Peter, Jesus had just healed a centurion's servant. When the centurion came to Jesus stating that he was not even worthy to have Him enter his house, Jesus saw the centurion's faith and healed his servant from a distance. After arriving at the house of Peter, we are told that many people brought to Jesus those who were possessed by demons, and Jesus healed them all. But between the healing of the servant and the healings of the many, another healing occurred. The response to this healing sets for us a wonderful example.Peter's mother-in-law was ill and in bed with a fever. It's unclear just how ill she was, but the fact remains that she was ill to the point of being in bed. Notice, first, that Jesus was not even asked to heal her. Rather, He “saw” her ill and in bed, approached her of His own choosing, “touched her hand,” and she was healed.Within the same sentence describing Jesus' healing, we are told that “she rose and waited on him.” First of all, “she rose.” This should be seen as a symbolic depiction of what we must do when we are touched by grace. The grace of God, when it is given to us, must have the effect of causing us to rise. We rise from sin when we confess that sin and receive forgiveness, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We rise up every time God enters our lives to give us direction, clarity and hope. To rise is to be strengthened to dispel the burden that sin and confusion causes. We rise in strength, renewed and determined to go about the will of God.After this woman rose, she “waited” on Jesus. This is the reason we rise up when touched by grace. We are not given God's grace so that we can go back to our sin, or pursue our own ventures, or do our own will. We rise so that we can serve our Lord and His holy will. In a sense, Jesus' actions in our lives impose upon us a holy burden. But it is a burden that is light. It's an obligation to serve and give ourselves to our Lord to attend to Him, His holy will, and to all that He calls us to do.Reflect, today, upon this threefold action of the Gospel. See Jesus approaching you and touching you in your prayer. Know that He comes to you not only because you pray to Him but out of His own initiative when He sees you will respond. Then consider your response. Rise from that which keeps you down. Let God's grace free you from the burdens you carry. And as He grants you this grace, determine to wait on Him and to serve His will alone. The service of our Lord is what we are made for, and doing so will enable us to continually receive His grace through His touch of love.My merciful Jesus, You continually come to me, approaching me to reach out and touch me with Your grace. You desire my healing and strengthening every day. Help me to be open to all that You wish to bestow and please free me from all that keeps me down. May I rise up in service of You and Your holy will so that Your Kingdom may be built up more fully through me. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This week we feature two homilies given by Fr. Scott recently. The first on the great feast of pentecost, the Birthday of the Church. The second on Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.https://archive.org/download/LetsTalkCatholic/LTC-163RR-Pentecost-Corpus.mp3

Read OnlineBut when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. John 19:33–34John's Gospel is filled with deep spiritual imagery and symbolism. It is clear that this imagery and symbolism was divinely inspired so as to give us spiritual food for reflection and meditation. One such image is given to us today as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.As Jesus and the two criminals on either side of Him hung upon their crosses, the soldiers came to hasten their deaths by breaking their legs to cause them to more quickly suffocate. But when they came to Jesus, He had already died. So one of the soldiers, traditionally known as Longinus, thrust his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water flowed forth. Some traditions identify Longinus with the centurion who cried out after Jesus' death, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.) Other traditions state that he converted at that moment, making him the first convert to Christianity. And still other traditions state that Longinus could not see well, and the blood and water from Jesus' side poured upon his eyes, healing him. Regardless of whether these traditions are true, we know that Jesus' side was pierced and blood and water flowed forth.The symbolism of this act was more than a mere human symbol. It was an instrument of the profound spiritual reality that was taking place at that moment. As Jesus' Sacred Heart was pierced, the blood and water that poured forth was the new sacramental life of the Church. The Blood was the Most Holy Eucharist and the Water was the gift of Baptism. And when Jesus had previously “breathed His last” and “handed over His Spirit,” the Sacrament of Confirmation was bestowed.When we celebrate those Sacraments today, it is easy to see them as mere symbols of what we partake in. But in our Christian Tradition, the Sacraments are so much more. The symbol is also the reality. It is the instrument of what it symbolizes. Therefore, every time we witness a Baptism or partake in the Holy Eucharist, we are mystically present with Longinus, receiving the grace and mercy of our redemption, pouring forth from Jesus' wounded side, so as to heal us and make us whole.The human heart is, physically speaking, a bodily organ responsible for pumping blood throughout. But from a spiritual perspective, given that we are both body and soul, the human heart is also the source of our life. Without it, we physically and spiritually die. So it is with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was not only a physical heart that was physically pierced by the lance long ago. It is now also the source of our ongoing spiritual life, and, without Jesus' Sacred Heart of Mercy, we will die in our sins.Reflect, today, upon the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. See His Heart as the ongoing source of your new life in grace. Understand that His Heart is more than a symbol of His grace and mercy, it is the spiritual source and the font of that mercy. Prayerfully place yourself before His Cross, this day, and allow the blood and water, flowing from His wounded side, to cover you so that you, too, may believe. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, You poured out upon the world the love and mercy of Your transforming grace through the instrument of the blood and water pouring forth from Your wounded side. Help me to gaze upon this font of mercy and to be covered with it through the gift of the Sacraments. May I always be open to all that You wish to bestow upon me by these precious and transforming instruments of Your love. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Behold the Pierced One! by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Text of chat during the group: 00:15:43 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/7dc24fb1-6e46-0667-4ec1-01790064a60b/Thirst_for_God_Zacharou.pdf 00:16:31 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/7dc24fb1-6e46-0667-4ec1-01790064a60b/Thirst_for_God_Zacharou.pdf 00:16:48 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://mcusercontent.com/c38acab568d650f7ef65f39df/files/506f6085-0052-3e6d-7e04-806ca4478091/Thirst_for_God_handout_of_quotes.pdf 00:17:35 Lou Judd: Thank you so much for offering this talk, Father. Gd bless you! 01:19:17 Suzanne Romano: Does not this thirst presuppose a willingness to suffer? 01:21:45 Michael Rosteet: A Willingness to Sacrifice in order to satisfy thirst 01:21:50 Mark Kelly: Reacted to "A Willingness to Sac..." with

The Rabbit Room presents this session from Hutchmoot 2024: Feasting on Friendship: The Table as Art and Sacrament (by Jennifer Trafton & Lanier Ivester) A discussion of sacramental living, particularly as it pertains to the table: its significance as a place where relationships are nourished as well as bodies, and as a lesser, daily sacrament that shepherds us weekly towards the Lord’s Table. Exploring the hospitality can be born out of a shared sense of pilgrimage, we will reflect on how both our art and our friendship have flourished around tables of our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this summary of the Church's teachings on Baptism, the Catechism relays the heart of the sacrament. If you needed to quickly explain Baptism to someone on the street—Fr. Mike says—this would be your guide. Fr. Mike hones in on the fact that Baptism is “a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit.” Today's readings are paragraphs 1275-1284. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

On today's reair episode, Johnnette Williams reflects on the power and importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation. She encourages listeners to stir up the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in confirmation and discusses the value of living as witnesses of the faith. She takes listener calls about personal struggles, spiritual healing, and the significance of choosing a confirmation name.

On today's reair episode, Johnnette Williams reflects on the power and importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation. She encourages listeners to stir up the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in confirmation and discusses the value of living as witnesses of the faith.

Read Onlinehile they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Mark 14:22–24 (Year B Gospel)At the holy Mass, as soon as the priest pronounces the words of the consecration, transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord, he genuflects, rises, and then says, “The mystery of faith.” What is “the mystery of faith?” Oftentimes, when we say that something is a mystery, we mean that the conclusion is hidden but that there are certain clues to help solve the mystery. And once the mystery is solved, everything is clear and it is no longer a mystery.“The mystery of faith” is much different. Those words are spoken at Mass immediately after the consecration as a way of drawing the faithful into a holy awe and amazement of what just took place. But this mystery can only produce wonder and awe if the reality of what just took place is understood through the gift of faith. Faith is knowing and believing without perceiving the reality before us with our five senses or through logical deduction. In other words, faith produces true knowledge of a spiritual reality that can only be known, understood and believed through spiritual insight. Therefore, if we attend the Mass and have been gifted with the knowledge of faith, then as soon as the consecration of the bread and wine takes place, we will cry out interiorly, “My Lord and my God!” We will know that God the Son is present before us in a veiled way. Our eyes do not perceive, nor do any of our senses reveal to us the great reality before us. We cannot rationally deduce what just took place. Instead, we come to know and believe that the Son of God, the Savior of the World, is now present before us in His fullness, under the veil of mere bread and wine.In addition to the divine presence of our Lord and our God, the entire Mystery of our Redemption is made present. Saint Pope John Paul II tells us that in this moment there is a “oneness in time” that links the Paschal Mystery, that is, the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, to every moment that the Eucharist is celebrated and made present through the words of consecration. And that unity between each Mass and the Paschal Mystery “leads us to profound amazement and gratitude” (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #5). Do you sense and experience this profound amazement and gratitude each time you attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Do you realize as you attend the Mass and as the words of consecration are spoken that the entire Mystery of your redemption is made present before you, hidden from your eyes but visible to your soul by faith? Do you understand that it is God the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity Who descends to us to dwell with us in that moment of time in this glorious Sacrament?Reflect, today, upon the hidden but real Mystery of Faith. Allow yourself to be drawn into a wonder and awe at what you are privileged to attend. Let your faith in the Most Holy Eucharist grow by being open to a deepening of this gift of faith through spiritual insight and belief. Behold this great Gift of the Eucharist with the eyes of faith and you will be drawn into the wonder and awe that God wants to bestow upon you. My ever-glorious Eucharistic Lord, I do believe that You are here, made present in our world under the form of bread and wine, every time the Holy Mass is celebrated. Fill me with a deeper faith in this Holy Gift, dear Lord, so that I may be drawn into wonder and awe every time I witness this holy Consecration. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Philippe de Champaigne, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Baptism, specifically how we celebrate the sacrament and the different elements that must always be present in Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while infant Baptism has become the “form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated,” post-baptismal formation and instruction is necessary in order for the full flowering of the graces received in the Sacrament of Baptism. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1229-1233. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.