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Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses all about Saint Monica and her years of prayer that helped in the conversion of her son, the great Saint Augustine
Today’s Topics: Joshua Charles joins Terry for Friday with the Fathers 1) Gospel – Matthew 25:1-13 – Jesus told His disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Saint Augustine, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day2, 3, 4) Terry and Joshua discuss Early Father of the Church: Saint Augustine. Though the great Saint has been claimed by many as a proto-protestant, nothing could be farther from the truth as Saint Augustine was entirely Catholic and a Bishop of the Church
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Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Lectionary: 429 The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of Hippo Saint Augustine of Hippo's Story A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned saint. But to get to really know the man is a rewarding experience. There quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path led away from or toward God. The tears of his mother, the instructions of Ambrose and, most of all, God himself speaking to him in the Scriptures, redirected Augustine of Hippo's love of life to a life of love. Having been so deeply immersed in creature-pride of life in his early days and having drunk deeply of its bitter dregs, it is not surprising that Augustine should have turned, with a holy fierceness, against the many demon-thrusts rampant in his day. His times were truly decadent: politically, socially, morally. He was both feared and loved, like the Master. The perennial criticism leveled against him: a fundamental rigorism. In his day, Augustine of Hippo providentially fulfilled the office of prophet. Like Jeremiah and other greats, he was hard-pressed but could not keep quiet. “I say to myself, I will not mention him/I will speak in his name no more/But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart/imprisoned in my bones/I grow weary holding it in/I cannot endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9). Reflection Augustine of Hippo is still acclaimed and condemned in our day. He is a prophet for today, trumpeting the need to scrap escapisms and stand face-to-face with personal responsibility and dignity.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 27, the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Monica (333-387), who, through prayer and tears, gave the great Augustine to the Church of God.We also celebrate today the feast of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Franciscan, and the feast of Mary, Health of the Sick.St. Monica prayed, endured, hoped, and trusted God for years, especially for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine, one of her three children, as well as for Navigius and Perpetua, who later became a nun.At about the age of sixteen, Augustine fell in with bad companions and took a concubine. Monica greatly desired that her son become a Christian, and for this she labored long—praying, pleading, weeping.To her joy, Augustine was baptized in Milan by Saint Ambrose at the age of thirty-two. She died in Ostia in 387. Augustine praised God for his mother: “Graciously you heard her, and you did not despise her tears when they flowed down from her eyes and watered the earth beneath, in whatsoever place she prayed.”St Monica was born in Tagaste, northern Africa, and died in Ostia, near Rome. Monica was a Christian, but her husband Patricius was a pagan and a man of loose morals. Monica's virtues and prayers, however, converted him, and he was baptized a year before his death. When her son, Augustine, joined the Manichean sect and went astray in faith and morals, Monica's tears and prayers for her son were incessant. She followed him to Milan, where Augustine went to teach, and there continued to storm heaven with her prayers for her son.In today's readings from the Gospel, Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians that God has enriched them with grace and will keep them firm to the end. In parallel, Jesus tells His disciples to stay awake and be ready, like faithful servants waiting for their master. Ultimately, God asks us to stay awake in love, keep doing what is right, and trust His timing.We ask Lord Jesus to give us the patient faith of Saint Monica, helping us to stay awake in prayer, faithful in our duties, and steady in hope while we wait for His grace to bear fruit.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play
Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Monica Lectionary: 428 The Saint of the day is Saint Monica Saint Monica's Story The circumstances of Saint Monica's life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica's prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his baptism. Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father's death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Saint Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy—”all flesh is evil”—and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on, she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted. When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Saint Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine's trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan. In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, Saint Ambrose, who also became Monica's spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her. Saint Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste. She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter 387, Saint Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Saint Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death. Almost all we know about Saint Monica is in the writings of Saint Augustine, especially his Confessions. Reflection Today, with Google searches, online shopping, text messages, tweets, and instant credit, we have little patience for things that take time. Likewise, we want instant answers to our prayers. Monica is a model of patience. Her long years of prayer, coupled with a strong, well-disciplined character, finally led to the conversion of her hot-tempered husband, her cantankerous mother-in-law and her brilliant but wayward son, Augustine.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Father Christopher Mahar earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Providence College in 2000 and subsequently completed his Bachelor's degree in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2003. He was ordained a deacon in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 2003 and a priest in the Diocese of Providence in 2004. He currently serves as Pastor at St. Augustine Church in Providence, Rhode Island. In Today's Show: I have heard that tolerance of evil is evil by its nature, because tolerance will eventually silence the good. Is that true? What exactly did Saint Augustine mean when he said: "Make me chaste but not yet"? How does Catholicism distinguish legitimate development of doctrine from simply preserving later traditions because they are old? What may change in the Church, and what may not? Someone at Mass received his host, and also a couple of other hosts and brought them to 2 other people in Mass. Is that okay? And more. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!
Fr. Mike shows us from our reading of Jeremiah that when we give our hearts and minds over to idols we become foolish. The way of man is not in himself, we need the Lord to guide and correct us. In Ezekiel, we read about the vision of the measuring of the temple and Fr. Mike shows us how the early Church Fathers would read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament. Today's readings are Jeremiah 10-11, Ezekiel 40, and Proverbs 15:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Our hearts are restless, says Saint Augustine, until they find their rest in God. The biological science and the spiritual metaphor are in agreement here. Over the course of billions of beats, our hearts never stop to rest. Your magnificent heart exchanges or pumps your entire blood volume, just over a gallon, every single minute. (Athlete hearts can pump up to 10 gallons per minute!) In this episode, Mark Labberton discusses matters of the heart with his close friend Dr. David Anderson, a cardiologist of four decades who trained at Johns Hopkins and helped launch one of the first interventional cardiology programs in San Francisco. Anderson reflects on the medical science of cardiology, the profound life-saving medical advances over the past forty years, heart disease versus coronary artery disease, how the brain and the heart communicate, and what happens during a heart attack. In the second half of their conversation, they move from physiology to spirituality of the heart: Pharaoh's hardened heart, "out of the heart the mouth speaks," and the human need to find somewhere to locate the self. Anderson closes with what a cardiologist would tell anyone worried about their own heart, and with a case for medicine as a noble profession. Episode Highlights "When I first began in cardiology, if your heart was damaged, imagining that the heart could actually improve its function was like imagining someone could grow back a new arm." "One of the distinctive things about the heart is unlike other muscles, it doesn't have a time to rest. When it gets insufficient blood supply, it can't just say, 'Whoa, I'm gonna stop here.' It asks you to slow down because it starts hurting." "I think that's part of the intrigue of the heart, that it is inside us … but in some ways it's apart from us. It's responding to environmental things that we're not really even aware of. … I think it's this sense of detachment of the heart from us—but yet its centrality—that has led people to posit the soul or the will or the passions or almost anything that you would think was the real you. "Atherosclerosis … I would describe as it's like having a pimple inside your artery." "First of all, know yourself. That is, it's not a time to be fatalistic because your father had a heart attack in his fifties or your brother just had a heart attack. It's a time to be proactive." About David Anderson David Anderson is a cardiologist who practiced for more than four decades before retiring. He studied at Stanford as an undergraduate and earned his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He stayed at Hopkins for residency, then trained in San Francisco at the dawn of interventional cardiology, helping to build an angioplasty program in the early 1980s. Helpful Links and Resources Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Sutter Health, the Oakland hospital Anderson thanks by name: https://www.sutterhealth.org/about-us/our-hospitals/alta-bates-summit-medical-center DeWood et al., "Prevalence of Total Coronary Occlusion during the Early Hours of Transmural Myocardial Infarction," the 1980 study that identified clot as the cause of heart attack: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198010163031601 Waagstein et al., "Effect of chronic beta-adrenergic receptor blockade in congestive cardiomyopathy," the Swedish beta-blocker work behind the recovery he describes: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1191416/ What Is Atherosclerosis, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis Warning Signs of a Heart Attack, American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack Angina (Chest Pain), American Heart Association, on the exertional pain he describes at the close: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain Show Notes The impact of family gene pool, lifelong heart awareness How David Anderson got into medicine, and cardiology in particular A Hopkins autopsy elective, a teenager dead in a parking lot, a mentor who followed From internists interested in the heart to interventionists inside it Catheters, pressures, and the arrival of echocardiography Seeing a beating heart inside a living body for the first time, as a senior resident A colleague's heart attack in 1979 The 1980 angiography study that identified clot as the trigger Spring 1983: an artery occludes, the cath lab opens it, pain gone in fifteen minutes Bypass surgery before that: elective, scheduled, never mid-attack Prevention running under the technology: blood pressure, smoking, the lipid theory Fixing one artery and never having to fix another Coronary artery disease versus disease of the muscle itself Plasticity, not regeneration Adrenaline as an emergency system built for days, not decades Moving from technological advances to molecular-based understanding of heart problems Understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and its prevention Beta blockers, ejection fraction, and hearts that came back The heart as a muscle with no rest The heart's own electrical center, and the backup pacemakers below it Your heart doesn't rely on you or your consciousness to beat Why the ancients may have located the self in the heart organ Jeremiah's pounding heart, Pharaoh's hardened one Pascal, the soul, and needing somewhere to put "the real you" Maintaining an appropriate degree of separation from the patient and their family in order to care properly and effectively The difficulty of delivering bad news to patients and their familes Digging for a shared history to call on in a crisis "Medicine is a noble profession." Heart care advice from a cardiologist: First, know yourself. Heart health checklist: cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, knowing your own history The pain that warrants a phone call #Conversing #MarkLabberton #Cardiology #Heart #MedicalScience #HeartHealth #Biology #ChristianHumanism Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.
Full Text of Readings We couldn't findthis page. The Saint of the day is Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Saint Jane Frances de Chantal's Story Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community. Her mother died when she was 18 months old, and her father, head of parliament at Dijon, France, became the main influence on her education. Jane developed into a woman of beauty and refinement, lively and cheerful in temperament. At 21, she married Baron de Chantal, by whom she had six children, three of whom died in infancy. At her castle, she restored the custom of daily Mass, and was seriously engaged in various charitable works. Jane Frances de Chantal's husband was killed after seven years of marriage, and she sank into deep dejection for four months at her family home. Her father-in-law threatened to disinherit her children if she did not return to his home. He was then 75, vain, fierce, and extravagant. Jane Frances de Chantal managed to remain cheerful in spite of him and his insolent housekeeper. When she was 32, Jane Frances de Chantal met Saint Francis de Sales who became her spiritual director, softening some of the severities imposed by her former director. She wanted to become a nun but he persuaded her to defer this decision. She took a vow to remain unmarried and to obey her director. After three years, Francis told Jane of his plan to found an institute of women that would be a haven for those whose health, age, or other considerations barred them from entering the already established communities. There would be no cloister, and they would be free to undertake spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They were primarily intended to exemplify the virtues of Mary at the Visitation—hence their name the Visitation nuns—humility and meekness. The usual opposition to women in active ministry arose and Francis de Sales was obliged to make it a cloistered community following the Rule of Saint Augustine. Francis wrote his famous Treatise on the Love of God for them. The congregation consisting of three women began when Jane Frances was 45. She underwent great sufferings: Francis de Sales died; her son was killed; a plague ravaged France; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law died. She encouraged the local authorities to make great efforts for the victims of the plague, and she put all her convent's resources at the disposal of the sick. During a part of her religious life, Jane Frances de Chantal had to undergo great trials of the spirit—interior anguish, darkness, and spiritual dryness. She died while on a visitation of convents of the community. Reflection It may strike some as unusual that a saint should be subject to spiritual dryness, darkness, interior anguish. We tend to think that such things are the usual condition of “ordinary” sinful people. Some of our lack of spiritual liveliness may indeed be our fault. But the life of faith is still one that is lived in trust, and sometimes the darkness is so great that trust is pressed to its limit.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Ephesians at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Jamie Smith is a Reformed philosopher — one of the first to put a Catholic mystic in the title of a book and then proceed to argue that it was the contemplative tradition that brought him back to a flourishing form of faith on the far side of a series of nerdy dead ends. Make Your Home in the Luminous Dark is his most personal and, I would argue, most beautiful book. It began the day, more than a decade ago, when Jamie was in the depths of a severe depression his analytical philosophical training could not think its way out of, and his wife came home from a garage sale with a battered used copy of The Dark Night of the Soul and told him he should read it. What that began — St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, Merton — is what this book bears witness to. It is a book about the mystics saving Jamie's faith. It is also a Reformed philosopher's argument that the cultural liturgies project he is best known for needs a prior undoing before its formative work can do anything at all. As I told Jamie in the hour, this is a book that made me feel uncomfortable about how much I enjoyed it. We covered the apophatic/cataphatic distinction with the twist Jamie puts on it, the way certainty is still Cartesian even when it calls itself pious, the trad-wife/manosphere as snorting modernity while claiming to have escaped it, Charles Taylor's Cosmic Connections as the real sequel to A Secular Age, and what to do when Distraction Inc. has fully occupied the inner room. The platform is the plantation. Come sit with this one and check out the book. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube About our guest Dr. James K.A. Smith is Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he holds the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview. He earned his PhD at Villanova University under John D. Caputo. He served as editor of Comment magazine (2013–2018) and as editor-in-chief of Imagejournal (2019–2024). His new book is Make Your Home in the Luminous Dark. His previous books include the Cultural Liturgies trilogy — Desiring the Kingdom, Imagining the Kingdom, and Awaiting the King — as well as You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit, How (Not) to Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor, On the Road with Saint Augustine, How to Inhabit Time, and his early philosophical work Speech and Theology. He writes at Quid Amo on Substack. JOIN OUR OPEN ONLINE CLASS: The Empire Christ Couldn't Keep Ever notice how Christian nationalism gets talked about like it's some bizarre new glitch in the faith? It isn't — it's a 2,000-year-old arrangement wearing new clothes, and once you see how the pattern works, you can also spot the Christ who keeps slipping free of it. Join theologian Joerg Rieger and Tripp Fuller for The Christ Empire Couldn't Keep, a free six-week online class tracing the holy alliances, imperial creeds, and stubborn resistance that have shaped Christianity from Paul to the present. You'll get six lectures from Joerg, six live Q&As, weekly readings from his book Christ and Empire, and a community of fellow troublemakers thinking it through together. It's free to join, every session is recorded, and it kicks off Thursday, August 27. Grab your spot at HomebrewedClasses.com. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this meditation, we reflect on the great saints celebrated in the August liturgy—including the Curé of Ars, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Monica, Saint Augustine, and Saint John the Baptist. We also celebrate the Assumption of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the greatest of all saints. Inspired by their lives, examples, and words, let us strive to grow in holiness and answer the call to become saints ourselves.A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Ephesians at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Most people treat life insurance like the "broccoli of estate planning"—something they know is good for them, but usually avoid until it’s too late. In this episode of Talk Law Radio, host Todd Marquardt sits down with independent financial planner Joseph Warren to flip the script and reveal how life insurance acts as a vital funding vehicle, estate equalizer, and legal peace treaty for families and business owners alike. Together, Todd and Joseph pull back the curtain on the financial industry. Joseph shares his early career experiences at large insurance firms, exposing how quota-driven models and limited planning tools often lead to conflicted advice. They break down the critical questions you must ask your advisor to ensure they are serving your best interests rather than just chasing high-commission products. Main Topics Covered Navigating Financial Industry Conflicts: Why fee-biased or commission-driven setups lead to "wolf in sheep’s clothing" advice and how independent, coordinated planning between attorneys, CPAs, and planners creates true harmony. Life Insurance for Business Owners: Using life insurance as a "peace treaty" to fund buy-sell agreements, insure key employees, and equalize inheritances between children who work in the family business and those who do not. Protecting Minor Children & Special Needs Loved Ones: The legal traps of naming a minor child directly as a beneficiary and how pairing life insurance with revocable or supplemental needs trusts protects government benefits and avoids costly probate court guardianships. Sinners and Saints: A sobering look at the Texas "Slayer Statute" (where a murderer loses beneficiary rights), paired with an unexpected archaeological discovery regarding Saint Augustine. Land Rich, Cash Poor & Estate Tax Solutions: How Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and "Crummey" letters allow high-net-worth families, farmers, and ranchers to pay heavy federal estate taxes without forcing a fire sale on family land. Key Takeaways The Buy-Sell "Peace Treaty": Life insurance gives remaining business partners the cash needed to buy out a deceased partner's shares, ensuring the family receives full financial value without having to manage a business they don't understand. Never Name a Minor as a Beneficiary: Insurance companies cannot pay policy proceeds directly to minors. Doing so forces the surviving parent into court to become a court-appointed guardian over their own child's money. Always route these funds through a properly drafted trust. Be Mindful of the Estate Tax Trap: Though life insurance payout is income-tax-free, the total death benefit is included in your gross estate for federal estate tax purposes unless structured through an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT). Buy Before You Need It: Life insurance must be purchased before tragedy strikes. Health changes can quickly disqualify you, making early, proactive planning the most affordable way to protect your family's future. Episode Breakdown [00:00] Intro: The Quiet Disasters of Unstructured Life Insurance [01:15] Conflicted Advice in the Financial Industry with Joseph Warren [06:30] The 5 Real-World Scenarios: Business Buy-Sells & Key Person Insurance [10:45] Naming Minor Children vs. Trust Planning [14:10] Sinners & Saints: The Slayer Statute Case & St. Augustine [19:25] Supplemental Needs Trusts for Special Needs Beneficiaries [21:50] Land Rich, Cash Poor: ILITs & Paying Estate Taxes [25:30] Legacy Spotlight: Why Proactive Planning Delivers True Peace of Mind -Sponsored by Marquardt Law Firm and Financial Planning HQ -Go to marquardtlawfirm.com and financialplanninghq.net If you found this episode valuable, please Subscribe and hit the Notification Bell on YouTube. Sharing this podcast with other parents, grandparents, and caregivers helps raise vital awareness to protect the children in our communitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses all about Saint Augustine (354–430 AD) including false claims that he was a “proto-Calvinist” and that he did not believe as the Church teaches
Pastor Brian Lee preaches from Ephesians at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Saint Augustine and St. Jerome corresponded for years and disagreed over various points of interpretation and translation. The older presbyter Jerome was annoyed by the younger bishop Augustine, who challenged Jerome's opinions in this remarkable and entertaining exchange.
Pastor Brian Lee preaches from Genesis at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Read OnlineTransformed by God's WordHe spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” Matthew 13:33Yeast is small—invisible once it is worked into the dough. And yet, its influence is pervasive and powerful. This simple image—yeast worked into three measures of flour, causing it to slowly rise—reveals that the Kingdom of Heaven is built quietly, almost imperceptibly, from within. Like leaven silently transforming dough from the inside, so too does God's grace operate—hidden yet active—in the heart, in the Church, and in the world.Patiently watching dough rise can be a small wonder, especially for children. In this brief parable, the yeast symbolizes the Word of God, and the wheat flour, the human soul. When God's Word is welcomed by faith, it possesses the power to transform the entire soul. Just as yeast elevates and expands flour into bread, so God's Word elevates human nature and conforms it to Himself. How awe-inspiring it is to behold the gradual transformation of a soul animated by divine grace! Saint Augustine offers several interpretations of the “three measures” of wheat flour. He suggests they can represent the threefold interior life of the human person: heart, soul, and mind (cf. Matthew 22:37); or the three degrees of fruitfulness described in the parable of the sower—“a hundredfold, sixtyfold, and thirtyfold” (cf. Matthew 13:23); or even the three righteous men mentioned in Ezekiel—Noah, Daniel, and Job (cf. Ezekiel 14:14), each representing a distinct path of fidelity under trial. Each of these interpretations reveals how God's transforming Word is at work not only in the individual soul, but within the Church and throughout all humanity.Though “three measures” might not sound like much, it was in fact a substantial amount. According to ancient Jewish and Roman measurements, three measures (or satons) could equal nearly fifty pounds of flour—enough to feed more than a hundred people. The parable, therefore, is about abundance—the superabundant fruitfulness of God's Word when it is thoroughly received—penetrating deeply into the individual soul, the Church, and society. Like leaven in dough, this transformation takes time. Though not immediate, it is steady, enduring, and complete.Consider your own life: Has the Word of God been thoroughly mixed into your whole being—into your heart, your soul, and your mind? Has it leavened your interior life so completely that even your smallest actions are touched by grace? Has divine love taken hold of you—not in part, but in whole?Furthermore, do you see your interconnectedness with the Church and rejoice in the many ways God is at work within Her and Her members? Do you gaze upon the world and, with wonder and awe, perceive God's hidden activity? It is easy to focus on the worldly chaos and to be drawn into the sensationalism of evil. But it takes a truly perceptive soul—like a child watching dough rise—to behold the quiet, steady work of God, who is ever bringing His Kingdom to life—quietly, steadily, and far and wide.Reflect today on the quiet ways God is at work within you, within the Church, and throughout the world. Though you might not always perceive the movement of grace, trust that it is active—like yeast in dough—gently transforming, sanctifying, and preparing hearts for the glory to come. Resist the temptation to measure your spiritual growth by visible signs or immediate results. Instead, remain faithful to prayer, attentive to the Word, and docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God's Kingdom unfolds in time, and its rising is certain. Even when the world seems overwhelmed by sin or division, remember that the leaven is at work. The final loaf is being prepared for the eternal banquet—and you are being made ready, one hidden grace at a time, until you are fully prepared to share in the joy of the eternal feast.Most Holy Word of God, speak to me, enter my heart, and transform me by Your grace. Send forth Your Word into Your Church on earth. Make Her holy, that She may reflect the beauty and strength of the Body of Christ. Use me and all the members of Your Body to witness to the world—especially to those who do not yet know You—so that they may be drawn into the wonder and awe of Your transforming power and come to partake in the superabundant Banquet to which we are all called. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Read OnlineGratitude For Divine Wisdom“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Matthew 11:25–27Jesus' praise of the Father, as recorded in today's Gospel, is highly significant. Being both human and divine, His praise originated in His divinity and was expressed through His human nature as a perfect act of divine gratitude. This is significant not only for Jesus, but also for us.As human beings, we are incapable of performing divine acts or attaining the perfection of divine gratitude unless God Himself acts in and through us. Since Jesus' divinity and humanity are perfectly united in the one Person of the Son of God, He not only offered the perfection of praise to the Father, He also elevated human nature itself, enabling us to do the same in Him.When we pray with Jesus as He says, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,” we join in His perfect praise of the Father for His divine wisdom and action in our lives. Our praise, in union with Christ's, is raised beyond mere emotional thanksgiving. It becomes an all-consuming adoration of the Father and a divinely inspired confession of Who He is and what He has accomplished in us. This praise glorifies God and transforms us. No prayer is more perfect or more consequential in our lives than to give praise to the Father in union with the Son.The cause for Jesus' praise is also significant. His thanksgiving is directed at the Father's wisdom in both hiding and revealing “these things.” In the Greek, the verbs for hiding and revealing are strong and deliberate, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between these two actions. From the “wise and learned,” the Father hides these mysteries. The wise and learned, in this context, are not necessarily those who possess education or intelligence, but those who are self-reliant, proud in their intellectual strength, and closed to divine mystery.To the “childlike,” however, the Father reveals these things. The word translated as “childlike” is literally “infants” or “babes” in Greek, referring to those who are humble, open, and trusting—those who recognize their absolute dependence on God. To be childlike is not to be unintelligent; in fact, it implies a higher wisdom. True intelligence is found in the comprehension of divine Wisdom, not merely in worldly knowledge or human learning.This divine wisdom stems from the gift of faith, which opens the soul to deeper understanding. Saint Augustine captures this beautifully when he says, “Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.” Humble, open, and trusting faith comes first. From there, the gifts of Wisdom and Understanding are granted.This, then, is what Jesus refers to as “these things”: the sacred mysteries of Divine Wisdom and Understanding. They are not accessible to the proud or the self-sufficient, but are freely given to those who approach the Father with the simplicity and trust of spiritual childhood. And when they are granted, this is the cause for Jesus to praise the Father and for us to join in that praise.Reflect today on your own disposition before God. Are you tempted to approach Him with self-reliance, pride in your accomplishments, or a desire to understand everything before believing? Or do you come as a child—humble, trusting, and open to receive the mysteries of grace? Seek the Wisdom and Understanding given to the childlike. When they are bestowed, unite your voice to Jesus' in offering perfect praise to the Father. In that united praise, you will not only glorify God but also be transformed by the very Wisdom you adore. Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, make me humble, simple, and open to all that You wish to reveal. With Jesus, Your Son, help me to recognize the bestowal of Your blessings—in my life and in the lives of others. United with the one voice of Your beloved Son, may I forever give You praise and thanksgiving. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Jesus Goes Up Alone onto a Mountain to Pray, by James TissotSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
7.10.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Florida STOP WOKE Act Struck Down. Ben Crump Speaks On Nolan Wells. Black Scholarship Saved_ For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (724) 264-8281 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/roland *Paid Partnership*_Download the Kalshi app and use code Soccer10 to get $10 when you trade $10. You can also sign up at kalshi.com/r/soccer10, which auto-applies the code at checkout. Kalshi. Trade What's Next_ A federal judge strikes down part of Florida's STOP WOKE Act. We'll talk with the Florida A&M law professor who sued the state to stop it. The Trump administration fires the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission -- the latest in the GOP attack on Black America. Nolan Wells' family spoke for the first time publicly today about their son's mysterious death.Attorney Ben Crump will join us... The University of North Carolina-Wilmington said a scholarship for Black students would have to be changed. The Black family, who gave the money, said NOPE, and now the $1 million endowment is probably headed to Howard. The alums of the South's oldest HBCU, North Carolina's Shaw University, believe the school administration is not making the best financial decisions. We'll talk to the founder of one alum group who fears they may end up like Saint Augustine's University. Also, more of our exclusive coverage of the VA Democrats Blue Commonwealth Gala -- we'll show you my one-on-one with Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones. Black Star Network Partner: ChapterChapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.____Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Ephesians at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Send us Fan MailA soldier is ordered to escort a condemned missionary to his death, and the prisoner's calm forgiveness does something the empire's power cannot: it changes a human heart. We follow that moment into the life of St. Augustine Zhao Rong, a man who moves from imperial guard to Catholic convert to priest, choosing the underground Church in China over safety and status. His path ends in martyrdom in 1815, but his witness keeps speaking because it is built on something stronger than fear. We also widen the lens to Chinese Catholic history, from early roots and missionary efforts to the crushing pressure of Qing dynasty edicts that demanded renunciation, destroyed sacred items, and punished believers who refused to betray one another. The story of the 120 Martyrs of China brings faces to that history: priests and laity, parents and catechists, and even children, united by one unwavering decision to remain faithful to Jesus. Their courage is not a museum piece; it is a test of our own priorities when truth becomes inconvenient or costly. Finally, we reflect on the Boxer Rebellion and its impact on the Church, when violence aimed to erase Christianity but instead revealed a deeper strength forming beneath the surface. If you're looking for stories of faith under persecution, Catholic martyrs, and practical inspiration for living as a witness today, this journey will meet you right where you are. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find these stories that strengthen the soul.Open by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us ...
Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 ·(My heart recoils within me.)1 John 5:1-5 ·(This is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.)
Saint Augustine lacked the theological and exegetical training of the Greek Fathers. Instead he created his own method, rules, and guidelines for Scripture interpretation, which unfortunately led to erroneous and novel conclusions that still impact Western Christian theology. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from 1 Timothy at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Read OnlineAs Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. Matthew 8:23–26While we should understand Jesus' teachings and actions in a literal sense, the Early Church Fathers also point to a deeper, symbolic meaning—what is known as the Spiritual Sense of Scripture. As the inspired Word of God, the Gospels contain limitless depth and wisdom. The message found in Jesus' words and actions can be applied to any part of our lives and answer any questions we struggle with.One such question is how we deal with the storms of life. Some storms come upon us externally, through illness, persecution, or unforeseen trials. When a storm sets in, we often react with fear and anxiety. When the storm is of our own making, such as from sin, the trial is often more severe. Though fear and anxiety are often the ill effects of life's storms, another more deadly fruit can also arise: the anger that leads to vengeance.In his preaching on this passage, Saint Augustine offers such an insight: “You have heard an insult—it is the wind; you feel anger—it is the wave. When the wind blows and the waves rise, the ship is in danger; so too, when insults stir your heart, your soul is tossed about and put at risk” (Sermon 63 on the New Testament, 2).Because we live and interact with sinful people every day, we will inevitably experience the “wind” of an insult which can lead to the “wave” of angry feelings. When that happens, the question is: What am I going to do with that angry feeling? Augustine warns that insults, which stir up anger, pose a real spiritual danger. He continues: “If, upon hearing an insult, you desire vengeance, the storm swells within you. And behold, if you take vengeance, you may think you have triumphed—but in rejoicing over another's harm, you have suffered shipwreck yourself.”At some point, we have all allowed a storm to swell within us by seeking vengeance, which inevitably leads to our downfall. When anger gives way to irrational arguments, judgment, condemnation, or passive aggression—such as the “silent treatment”—our “boat” begins to sink.Just as the wind and waves battered the Apostles, leading them to fear, so too does anger batter us, driving us toward vengeance and making things worse. In such moments, there is only one remedy: to cry out with the Apostles, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”What a perfect prayer in the midst of a trial that is turning into a storm! Had the Apostles ignored the presence of the Son of God—who was with them, asleep, awaiting their call—the storm would have continued, and they might have been shipwrecked. But they cried out, seeing that things were getting out of control.When Jesus woke up, He first gently rebuked them, saying, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Applying this to our analogy of anger and vengeance, we can hear our Lord asking, “Why did you allow anger to take hold of you and swell into a storm?” Though Jesus, in His mercy, can calm the storm caused by our sin, a deep and abiding faith helps us to forgive the initial insult before it takes root, preventing it from growing into anger and vengeance.Reflect today on any initial “wind” that tempts you toward anger. Choose to forgive and offer mercy in return. If a storm is already brewing in your heart, cry out to Jesus as the Apostles did. Though at times it might seem as if our Lord is asleep, He is always with you. Reject fear and anger the moment they begin to stir; but if they do arise, call upon Him in faith: “Lord, save me! I am perishing!” He will calm the storm. My sleeping Lord, I know that You are always with me, calling me to faith and obedience to Your Word. Strengthen me in moments of temptation, that I may remain faithful and choose mercy over vengeance. When storms arise from my sin, forgive me, Lord, and calm the tempest within, healing the wounds caused by my lack of faith. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Ernst Georg Bartsch, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Saint Augustine has a mixed reputation among the Orthodox, but undoubtedly he is one of the leading figures of Church history. We will take an unbiased look at his fascinating life and accomplishments, triumphs, and errors, and his method of biblical interpretation. Music attribution: "Galway" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Ephesians at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Storing Up Treasures in Heaven In this Homily, Jesus calls His disciples to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The Homily explains that during biblical times people commonly measured wealth through fine clothing, gold and silver, abundant harvests, honor, and power. Yet all these earthly treasures are temporary. Clothes wear out, food decays, wealth can be stolen, and worldly achievements eventually pass away. Through examples such as the rich man and Lazarus and the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reminds His followers that material possessions cannot provide lasting security or eternal life. The Homily emphasizes that the true treasure of heaven is Jesus Christ Himself. Quoting Saint Louis de Montfort . . . “To have Jesus is to have everything” . . . and Saint Augustine's teaching to love God above all things and love everything else for God's sake, the Homily invites us to examine our priorities. What Occupies Our First Thoughts What occupies our first thoughts in the morning and our final thoughts at night? God asks not only for our love, but for our supreme love. When God becomes the highest good in our lives, all other gifts . . . family, friendships, work, talents, and possessions . . . find their proper place. The challenge of Christian discipleship is to make God our greatest treasure so that our hearts remain fixed on Him. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Painting: Sermon on the Mount: Carl Bloch (1834 -1890) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23 First Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why this Image Was Selected: This painting portrays Christ teaching the very principles that form the foundation of the Homily. It captures Jesus instructing His followers about heavenly values, spiritual priorities, and the eternal kingdom.
What can a missionary from the eighth century teach us about faith, leadership, history, and using our talents well? Recorded on the feast of Saint Boniface—the patron saint and namesake of Father Boniface Hicks—this episode explores the life of the Benedictine monk known as the Apostle to the Germans and the lasting civilization that grew from his mission.Father Boniface explains how Saint Boniface left England to preach among the Germanic peoples, established monasteries and dioceses, strengthened connections with Rome, reformed parts of the Church, and worked wisely with political leaders who could protect the growing Christian communities. His monasteries became more than religious buildings: monks and nuns cultivated land, educated people, stabilized communities, and helped create the foundations from which towns and cities grew.Joe reflects on what this means today. Saint Boniface did not separate spiritual faithfulness from practical competence. He used language, organization, diplomacy, courage, Scripture, liturgy, and political awareness in service of God. His life demonstrates that Christians are not called to withdraw from the world or reject success. They are called to develop their gifts, use worldly knowledge wisely, and direct everything toward love, evangelization, and the good of others.Key IdeasReading the lives of the saints gives us a personal and often more reliable way to understand history.Saint Boniface combined missionary courage with organization, education, diplomacy, and practical leadership.Monasteries became centers of evangelization, agriculture, stability, learning, and the development of communities.Worldly skills are not opposed to holiness when they are placed in service of God and the good of others.Saint Boniface invested his talents rather than protecting them, ultimately giving his life while continuing his missionary work.Links & ReferencesNone explicitly referenced with a clear official/source link in this episode.CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com.TagsFather and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Saint Boniface, feast of Saint Boniface, Apostle to the Germans, Benedictine, Benedictine monk, missionary, evangelization, Christian history, Church history, eighth century, Germany, England, Rome, Pope Gregory, Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Charles Martel, Charlemagne, Holy Roman Empire, monasteries, monasticism, Church reform, Latin Church, Latin liturgy, Scripture, martyrdom, courage, talents, stewardship, leadership, diplomacy, political wisdom, civilization, agriculture, education, community building, Fulda, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Boniface Wimmer, Catholic history, relationship with God, relationship with others, relationship with self
Saint Augustine wrote, "To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” Pastor Ray shares another of his favorite messages titled, “When You've Got to Have a Word From God.” Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. Our sermons podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing our sermons with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@journeypodrbc?si=aIuVQ9Axv32Z-H_8- Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.com- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Heart Truth Devotions podcast: - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-truth-devotions/id1518661566- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/339RoxzO65vb8DX1P4E0YU?si=54f4735e6cc54fefFind us online - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothan- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothan- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1- Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org- WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church
Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Joshua at Petra Baptist Church located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
From the book Marriage and Virginity by St. Augustine.
Read Online“So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?' or ‘What are we to drink?' or ‘What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” Matthew 6:31–34In the fifth century, Saint Augustine wrote The City of God, one of the most important works in Catholic thought and Western philosophy. In it, he contrasted the Christian “City of God” with the pagan “City of Man,” responding to those who blamed Christianity for the decline of the Roman Empire. He writes: “Thus, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly city by a love of self to the point of contempt for God, and the heavenly city by a love of God to the point of contempt for self. The former glories in itself, while the latter glories in the Lord.” (XIV.28)At the time, the once-mighty Roman Empire was in steady decline, and many falsely attributed its downfall to the rise of Christianity. Augustine, however, defended the faith, offering a profound theological and philosophical exposition of history, divine providence, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. By contrasting these two fundamental orientations of civilization—the City of Man, built on self-love and earthly glory, and the City of God, founded on divine love and eternal truth—Augustine illuminated the true path to human flourishing and salvation.Augustine's words echo Christ's teaching in today's Gospel, offering clarity and encouragement to the faithful of his time who labored to build up the growing Catholic Church. Today, his insights remain just as relevant, guiding the Church amid a world increasingly consumed by materialism and secular values.Which “city” is more attractive to you? If we are to truly build the City of God—or the Kingdom of God, as Jesus calls it—we must remain vigilant against the many secular influences that pull us away from the Gospel and the work of building God's Kingdom.As Jesus teaches, the pagans seek and worry about the things of this world, often at the expense of what is eternal. Yet our Heavenly Father knows our needs, and so we must cultivate an interior disposition of trust in His providence. While we are called to act responsibly, providing diligently for ourselves and our families, we must ultimately recognize that it is God who sustains us when we cooperate with His will. We must do so without fear.Jesus does not condemn responsible stewardship of material goods; rather, He warns against worldly anxiety. As a fundamental disposition, we must always “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” When we do so, “all these things will be given you besides.” In other words, if our greatest love is to build God's Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our society, we can trust that He will provide for our needs, freeing us to focus entirely on His divine work.Jesus concludes today's Gospel with consoling words: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” This is not a license for imprudence or irresponsibility, as if we are called to live a carefree life without foresight. Rather, it is an invitation to trust in divine providence, living in confidence that when our primary concern is God and His will each day, He will provide for our needs in due measure.Reflect today on whether you truly “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The best way to discern this is to prayerfully examine the deepest desires of your heart. When your desire is for God's Kingdom, you will experience peace and interior order. When your heart clings to worldly concerns, you will be anxious and burdened by many things. Strive to order your desires properly, and God will lavish upon you all that is good and necessary for a joyful participation in the glorious and eternal City of God.Most glorious King, You came to establish Your Kingdom in our hearts, our families, and our world. Too often, I fail to recognize its glory and instead labor to build an earthly city of passing pleasure, wealth, and comfort. Draw me ever closer to You, Lord, and open my eyes of faith, that I may seek only Your will and become a true instrument of the Kingdom You desire to establish. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Jesus at the Sermon on the Mount, by August MüllerSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
What do prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance look like in the life of a believer? In this episode, we explore Saint Augustine's take on the four cardinal virtues. Discover whether Christians should intentionally pursue these traits and how to cultivate true, God-centered virtue in your daily spiritual walk.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.org | Instagram | FacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org
Send us Fan MailA privileged life can make you feel safe while your soul quietly starves. We tell the story of Saint Norbert, a gifted court insider who climbs the ladder of influence, enjoys the splendor of the imperial court, and performs religious duties without letting the Gospel become a living fire. Then a violent thunderstorm interrupts everything. A lightning strike near his horse throws him to the ground and, in that terrifying stillness, he finally sees the truth about himself and the mercy of God that refuses to let him stay comfortable.From there, we walk step by step through what Catholic conversion looks like when it's real: repentance that goes beyond emotion, a return to the sacraments, and a new hunger for confession and the Eucharist. Norbert's story is packed with timeless themes Catholic listeners search for today: God's mercy, surrender, spiritual renewal, Eucharistic devotion, and how to discern a call to deeper faith when your life looks “fine” on the outside.Norbert doesn't stop at self-repair. He embraces penance and poverty, then preaches across Europe with a message that confronts corruption without losing compassion. We also explore the founding of the Norbertine Order at Premontre, a community built on the Rule of Saint Augustine, Marian devotion, and a powerful balance of contemplative prayer with active ministry. If you've been craving renewal in your own walk with Christ or wondering what meaningful Church reform actually starts with, this story gives a clear, challenging answer.Subscribe for more saint stories that strengthen daily discipleship, and if this helped you, share it with a friend and leave a review so more listeners can find the journey.Become a Mission AngelOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings you Super Saints PodcastsChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Journeys of Faith is blessed to provide Catholic media, including podcasts and inspirational content, free of charge across multiple media platforms for viewers and listeners around the world. While access to this content remains free, there are significant and continually increasing costs associated with producing, hosting, and distributing these programs. Your support helps us continue sharing the beauty of the Catholic faith with souls everywhere. We want to reach more souls and you can help us do that by becoming a Mission Angel. Make a Donation Any AmountRefer a FriendYou can help us ...
Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel – Mark 10:32-45 – The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, He began to tell them what was going to happen to Him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death and hand Him over to the Gentiles who will mock Him, spit upon Him, scourge Him, and put Him to death, but after three days He will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” He replied, “What do you wish Me to do for you?” They answered Him, “Grant that in Your glory we may sit one at Your right and the other at Your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to Him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at My right or at My left is not Mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Priest Saint Augustine, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop. Today's readings First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8 Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10 Gospel: Matthew 9:35-38 Catholic Radio Network
Send us Fan MailEngland's conversion didn't begin with a throne room debate. It began with a monk stepping onto a foggy shoreline, carrying the Gospel, trusting the Eucharist, and refusing to meet fear with force. We tell the story of Saint Augustine of Canterbury as a true Catholic pilgrimage, one shaped by obedience, humility, and the kind of courage that looks quiet until it changes history. We start by sketching the world Augustine enters: late sixth century Anglo-Saxon kingdoms marked by pagan worship, local warlords, and a deep spiritual longing that doesn't yet know the name of Christ. From there, we follow Pope Gregory the Great and the moment that moves him to act, then the careful wisdom of his instructions: go patiently, teach gradually, and let witness carry the weight of the message. Along the way, we return again and again to core Catholic themes that made the mission possible, devotion to Mary, the rosary, and unwavering faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Then we arrive in Kent, where first encounters matter. We walk through Augustine's meeting with King Ethelbert, the first Mass celebrated on English soil, and the steady influence of Queen Bertha, whose prayerful fidelity helps prepare a kingdom for baptism. The takeaway is simple and demanding: evangelization grows through prayer, charity, and sacramental life, one household at a time. If you care about Catholic saints, Church history, or how to share the faith today without compromise, this story will stay with you. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who loves the saints, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. What's one “yes” you're being asked to make right now?Open by Steve Bailey Support the showChat with US 24/7 Ask us anything https://chatting.page/mjxs9aerrtgm3lmpndlcepmbyosntrjnDownload Journeys of Faith App for Iphone or Android FREE https://journeysoffaith.com/pages/download-our-appJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints PodcastsPlease consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith Help us Grow!Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site!New Mega Search Engine!Lowest Prices and Higher discounts up to 50%Free Shipping starts at $18 - Express Safe Checkout Click HereCannot find it let us find or create it - - Click HereRewards Program is active - click Here
Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 349 The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of Canterbury Saint Augustine of Canterbury's Story In the year 596, some 40 monks set out from Rome to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England. Leading the group was Augustine, the prior of their monastery. Hardly had he and his men reached Gaul when they heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons and of the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Augustine returned to Rome and to Gregory the Great—the pope who had sent them—only to be assured by him that their fears were groundless. Augustine of Canterbury set out again. This time the group crossed the English Channel and landed in the territory of Kent, ruled by King Ethelbert, a pagan married to a Christian, Bertha. Ethelbert received them kindly, set up a residence for them in Canterbury and within the year, on Pentecost Sunday 597, was himself baptized. After being consecrated a bishop in France, Augustine returned to Canterbury, where he founded his see. He constructed a church and monastery near where the present cathedral, begun in 1070, now stands. As the faith spread, additional sees were established at London and Rochester. Work was sometimes slow and Augustine of Canterbury did not always meet with success. Attempts to reconcile the Anglo-Saxon Christians with the original Briton Christians—who had been driven into western England by Anglo-Saxon invaders—ended in dismal failure. Augustine failed to convince the Britons to give up certain Celtic customs at variance with Rome and to forget their bitterness, helping him evangelize their Anglo-Saxon conquerors. Laboring patiently, Augustine of Canterbury wisely heeded the missionary principles—quite enlightened for the times—suggested by Pope Gregory: purify rather than destroy pagan temples and customs; let pagan rites and festivals be transformed into Christian feasts; retain local customs as far as possible. The limited success Augustine achieved in England before his death in 605, a short eight years after his arrival, would eventually bear fruit long after in the conversion of England. Augustine of Canterbury can truly be called the “Apostle of England.” Reflection Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to “fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem.” Augustine's perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today's apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Theology is the study of the nature of God. By that definition, a theologian doesn't have to take the shape of C.S. Lewis or Saint Augustine or Thomas Aquinas. Anyone can be theologian.That's the mindset that Phylicia Masonheimer had when she created her ministry, Every Woman a Theologian. “We at EWAT argue for a different kind of theologian: the theologian who drives to her corporate job every morning, who knows what it's like to be single at thirty, or who juggles babies while her husband travels for work,” she writes. “Yes, we believe every woman should be a theologian. Every woman should be a student of the heart of God.”Phylicia is such a gifted writer and thinker, it was a joy to welcome her on the podcast this week. I've followed her for a while, but we connected recently after I came across an essay of hers where she shared her experience with secondary infertility. That resonated deeply with me as Emily and I are in the midst of our own infertility journey.Much of our conversation centers around that topic — how to navigate it as well as how to care for those in your life that are experiencing infertility or miscarriage. Phylicia also shares her testimony and how an addiction to erotica is what propelled her into writing in the first place. Her vulnerability has continued to resonate with readers for over two decades, and I'm grateful she was willing to share her story on the podcast this week.She's the author of several books, including Every Woman a Theologian and Every Home a Foundation. She also has tons of free resources centered around theology on her website, phyliciamasonheimer.com.All episodes are now available in full on Substack and YouTube. On YouTube, Just search In No Hurry Podcast and subscribe to be notified when new episodes go live.If you enjoyed this, consider sharing it with a friend or someone in your life who might need to hear it. And if you want to stay connected, follow In No Hurry Podcast on Instagram and the new TikTok page for clips, updates, and more from these conversations.
Today’s Topics: Joshua Charles joins Terry for Friday with the Fathers 1) Gospel – John 21:15-19 – After Jesus had revealed Himself to His disciples and eaten breakfast with them, He said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was distressed that He had said to him a third time, “Do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Memorial of Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious Saint Rita, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) In Part 2, Terry and Joshua discuss miracle stories of Early Father of the Church, Saint Augustine
Love to hear from you; “Send us a Text Message”In a world that often feels disconnected from the divine, many of us grapple with profound questions about identity, purpose, and love. Saint Catherine of Siena once said that if you become who you truly are, you would light the world on fire. This echoes the sentiments of John Paul II and Saint Athanasius, who spoke of the deep yearning inscribed in each human heart—a longing for a divine connection that can transform our lives. In this Episode we delve into these themes, particularly through the lens of Saint Augustine's journey and the insights from the Claymore Battle Plan.To start, we must recognize that our hearts are filled with desires to love and be loved. Yet, they can also be confused and hurt, struggling to find coherence in our experiences. In *Act 26* from the Claymore Battle Plan Handbook, we explore how the gospel intersects with our lived experiences. This interaction leads us to our "aha moment," where we encounter Jesus Christ and begin to understand our true purpose. Visit Claymore Milites Christi to learn more about the Battle Plan and connection to other men! Support the show
There is a restlessness in the human heart that nothing in this world can satisfy. Saint Augustine called it the clue to our true nature — we were made for God, and until we find that, the searching never stops. Every object has its dharma, its purpose. The sages of the Bhakti yoga tradition say the dharma of the soul is divine love. It's what we're made for. In this episode Raghunath and Kaustubha explore that human restlessness alongside the Srimad Bhagavatam's Rāsa Līlā — where the gopīs of Vrindavan surrender to the calling of what they were made for. Let your FOMO be for the divine. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29.21-30 ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
There is a restlessness in the human heart that nothing in this world can satisfy. Saint Augustine called it the clue to our true nature — we were made for God, and until we find that, the searching never stops. Every object has its dharma, its purpose. The sages of the Bhakti yoga tradition say the dharma of the soul is divine love. It's what we're made for. In this episode Raghunath and Kaustubha explore that human restlessness alongside the Srimad Bhagavatam's Rāsa Līlā — where the gopīs of Vrindavan surrender to the calling of what they were made for. Let your FOMO be for the divine. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29.21-30 ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************
Let's relax in the wayback machine with more from the religious history of England. This time, Saint Bede recalls Saxon double-dealings, divine healings, the Pelagian heresy, and the somewhat cowardly companions of Saint Augustine, who get politely yelled at by the pope. Miraculous! Help us stay ad-free and 100% listener-supported! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boringbookspod Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/d5kcMsW Read "Ecclesiastical History of England" by The Venerable Bede at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/38326 Music: "Boring Books for Bedtime" by Lee Rosevere, licensed under CC BY, https://leerosevere.bandcamp.com If you'd like to suggest a copyright-free reading for soft-spoken relaxation to help you overcome insomnia, anxiety and other sleep issues, connect on our website, https://www.boringbookspod.com.
Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter Lectionary: 296 The Saint of the day is Saint Margaret of Cortona Saint Margaret of Cortona's Story Margaret was born of farming parents in Laviano, Tuscany. Her mother died when Margaret was seven; life with her stepmother was so difficult that Margaret moved out. For nine years she lived with Arsenio, though they were not married, and she bore him a son. In those years, she had doubts about her situation. Somewhat like Saint Augustine, she prayed for purity—but not just yet. One day she was waiting for Arsenio and was instead met by his dog. The animal led Margaret into the forest where she found Arsenio murdered. This crime shocked Margaret into a life of penance. She and her son returned to Laviano, where she was not well received by her stepmother. They then went to Cortona, where her son eventually became a friar. In 1277, three years after her conversion, Margaret became a Franciscan tertiary. Under the direction of her confessor, who sometimes had to order her to moderate her self-denial, she pursued a life of prayer and penance at Cortona. There she established a hospital and founded a congregation of tertiary sisters. The poor and humble Margaret was, like Francis, devoted to the Eucharist and to the passion of Jesus. These devotions fueled her great charity and drew sinners to her for advice and inspiration. She was canonized in 1728. St. Margaret of Cortona's liturgical feast is celebrated on February 22. Reflection Seeking forgiveness is sometimes difficult work. It is made easier by meeting people who, without trivializing our sins, assure us that God rejoices over our repentance. Being forgiven lifts a weight and prompts us to acts of charity.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
4.29.2026 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Voting Rights Siege. SCOTUS Guts Voting Act. VA Court Blocks Certification. DeSantis Map Approved We're facing a significant assault on our voting rights. The Supreme Court has weakened the core requirement of the Voting Rights Act that protected majority-minority districts. This decision will make it much more difficult to challenge discriminatory redistricting maps. I'll discuss this ruling with Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott, Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus; Quentin James, President of The Collective PAC; and Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. In Florida, the state House has passed Governor Ron DeSantis' proposed congressional map, which could enable Republicans to flip up to four seats. We'll show you how Representative Angie Dixon's disapproval of the vote. The Virginia Supreme Court has chosen not to overturn a lower court ruling that blocked the implementation of last week's redistricting election results. In South Carolina, the Lieutenant Governor has criticized students at HBCU South Carolina State University for protesting her speaking at this year's graduation. We'll talk to a former board member and alum about the resistance to her presence. And, in North Carolina, the interim president of Saint Augustine's University has resigned as the school files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ceases its fight for accreditation. Download the Black Star Network app at http://www.blackstarnetwork.com! We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV. The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.