Podcast appearances and mentions of saint augustine

Mother Miriam offers a passionate catechesis on the Holy Trinity, reading the full Athanasian Creed and explaining why belief in the Trinity is essential for salvation. Drawing on Saint Augustine and the Hebrew Scriptures, she reveals how God's triune nature is eternal and not a New Testament invention.She then answers listener questions about family estrangement, fallen-away children, and the painful work of forgiveness. She rejects feel-good relativism and reminds Catholics that real absolution demands repentance—and that loving the people closest to us sometimes means saying hard truths.U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenews John-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Today Father Kubicki expounds on the reality of the Trinity using some words from Saint Augustine who says that we can never fully understand the Trinity here on earth.

Brian Lee shares a message from the life of Noah on Father's Day at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Read OnlineIf your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. Matthew 5:29–30This imagery of tearing out your eye and cutting off your hand is clearly meant to get our attention. Though we can be certain that Jesus is not actually suggesting we mutilate our bodies, we should not hesitate to prayerfully ponder this imagery so as to understand the truths Jesus is speaking.Saint Augustine, in reflecting upon this passage, states: “By the eye we must understand our most cherished friend…” Augustine further points out that Jesus specifically mentions the “right eye” as a way of denoting those friendships that have a “higher degree of affection” (Serm. in Mont. i. 13.). Thus, although friendship—especially very close friendship—is a gift, sometimes those close to us can become a source of sin or an occasion of sin. In that case, they are not truly friends, and it might be better to limit or even end that relationship rather than to allow it to lead us into sin.Think about the people in your own life. Though we must love all people with the love of God, friendship is more than love. Friendship establishes a special bond with another and opens you up to their presence and influence in your life. When you establish a friendship, you allow another a certain influence in your life. When that influence is good, then the friendship produces much good fruit. But when that influence is evil, then that friendship becomes a danger to the good of your soul. In that case, it may need to be torn out or cut off so that you are not drawn into serious sin or even the occasion of sin.When a friend in your life becomes an occasion of sin to you, your love for them must remain, but it must also change. Love, in this case, may take on the form of a loving rebuke, a withdrawal of your own heart, or a limiting of your interactions. But this is love. By analogy, when a person sins against God, their relationship with God also changes. God withdraws His friendship. He is less present to the person, and their internal communion diminishes or even ends when the sin is serious. This is not a lack of love on God's part; it is simply the effect of sin. So also in our relations with another, when the grace of God is not mutually given and received between two people, then friendship in the truest sense is not possible. True friendship is always centered in God's grace and dependent upon it. Therefore, when God is excluded from a relationship, that relationship must change from a true friendship to a relationship that imitates God's love for a sinner. Mercy, compassion and forgiveness must continually be offered, but interior communion and unity will end. But this is love.Reflect, today, upon those in your life whom God has given you to love. First, reflect upon those relationships that do have God at the center. These relationships will become true friendships and will produce an abundance of good fruit in your life. Rejoice in these friendships and give thanks to God for them. Second, reflect upon any relationship that does not bear good fruit. As you do, prayerfully consider how you approach that relationship. Do you attempt to maintain a “friendship” even though God is not able to be the center of that relationship? If so, ponder how God is calling you to change that relationship so that it more fully reflects the love God has for you and for that other person in your life.My Lord and true Friend, I thank You for loving me with a perfect love. I pray that I will always be open to that love so that my unity with You will ever deepen. I also pray that I will be an instrument of Your love to others. Please give me the grace to love everyone in my life in the way that You love them, nothing less and nothing more. Jesus, I trust in You.Image:  El Salvador beneint by Lluís Ribes Mateu, license CC BY-NC 2.0Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

6.10.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Hegseth Grilled Over $134M Calif. Guard Deployment, FL Sheriff-AG Clash, TX Voting Law & Cologne Butter The military deployment to manage California's anti-ICE protests is expected to cost $134 million. We'll show you how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got grilled during today's hearing on Capitol Hill. There's a showdown between a Black Florida sheriff and the state attorney general over the issue of prioritizing the arrest of immigrants. A new study by the Brennan Center for Justice reveals that Texas' 2021 voting law is making it significantly harder for Black and Brown communities to vote by mail. We'll speak with an expert about the implications as we head into the next election cycle. In North Carolina, a judge granted a $20 million default judgment against Saint Augustine's University, and we are hearing that layoffs are imminent as a result. In tonight's Marketplace segment, we'll spotlight Cologne Butter, a skincare line that offers body butters infused with cologne and perfume. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. 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.

Daily Dose of Hope June 11, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 11:1-19   Today, we will start with the Holy Spirit prayer by Saint Augustine, who lived in the fourth century.  I find it incredibly powerful and I hope you do as well:   Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today is Recharge day. I hope we see you tonight in the Garage at New Hope, 6:30pm.  Recharge is a wonderful time of worship, prayer, fellowship, and small community.    For our Scripture today, we are starting Matthew 11.  The question that John the Baptist asks Jesus (from prison) at the beginning of this chapter is probably the most important question to be asked:  Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? According to Matthew, Jesus is the one and he gives all kinds of reasons why – the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed, the dead rise, and so forth.  Jesus is already doing the things that the Messiah will do and they are beginning to see signs of heaven on earth.    By saying that Jesus is the one, that means that John the Baptist is not the one.  Jesus points out that John is truly a great man and a great prophet.  He preached repentance of sin and is the one prophesied to pave the way for the Messiah.  Why did so many people go into the wilderness to be baptized by him?  They were yearning for something he had.  John was offering them something they desperately needed – forgiveness, cleansing. It seems that Matthew may be saying that John is the final Biblical prophet, the one who is the symbol of the transition from one age to the next.    What is the new age that has been ushered in?  Well, it's the Kingdom of God.  John preached gloom but Jesus preached that a new age was dawning, one in which we live under the reign of God.  With Jesus, the Kingdom is here. But some people might ask, “If Jesus is the one, where is evidence that a great transformation is truly underway? The world appears to be pretty much the same as it was before Jesus with respect to idolatry, injustice, powerlessness, exploitation, scarcity, and violence. Why should we think things will get better?”    I think those are fair but hard questions.  First, the Kingdom is here and we get glimpses of it all the time.  Jesus embodied the Kingdom in all he did.  We get glimpses of the Kingdom too - in the church, in how Jesus' people care for others, in the beauty of creation.  And part of our jobs as Christ-followers is to keep expanding the boundaries of the Kingdom.  But while the Kingdom is here, it isn't fully here and I think we need to be aware of that.  There will come a time when Jesus returns and the Kingdom will be here in all it's fullness.  And that is when all things will be made new.  All the brokenness will be mended.  There will be no more hunger, violence, or injustice.  All will be made right.  I can't wait.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

Friends, today is Trinity Sunday—one of my favorite feast days of the year because I can put my old theologian's cap on. Looking first at one of the greatest of the medieval theologians, Saint Bonaventure, and then at maybe the greatest figure in Western theology, Saint Augustine, I'd like to reflect with you on the dynamics of the Trinitarian life—the very matrix into which we're inserted through baptism.

This Sunday, Terrence continued in our series titled “Controversial Christianity”, addressing the topics of modesty and moderation within the Christian life. The message challenges believers to submit every area of life to Jesus, not out of legalism, but out of love, maturity, and commitment to holiness. Modesty and moderation are controversial, not necessarily in culture, but within the church due to a decline in discipleship and pursuit of holiness. The Christian call isn't to earn grace, but to abide in it through intentional, Spirit-led transformation. Terrence's message balances challenge with compassion, acknowledging past church wounds while calling for renewed pursuit of holiness through love, not legalism. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30 This short but powerful statement encapsulates the heartbeat of Christian discipleship. Whether we're talking about sexuality, personal behavior, finances, or lifestyle, the ultimate aim is for Christ to be magnified in every aspect of our lives, and for our self-centered impulses to surrender to His will. While the statement itself may not sound controversial, living it out certainly is—because it challenges our desire for self-elevation, comfort, and control. Discipleship isn't just about belief—it's about transformation, and that transformation requires wrestling with hard truths and inviting Jesus into every hidden corner of our lives. Scriptural Foundation: 2 Peter 1:1–10 This passage calls believers to supplement their faith with a list of virtues (goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, affection, and love). Peter urges Christians to confirm their calling by living fruitful, purposeful lives. These virtues aren't just moral checklists—they're evidence of a life rooted in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Peter's letter was written to help the church persevere—first against persecution, and later against false teaching and spiritual laziness. His words are a reminder: we already have everything we need to live godly lives. The Holy Spirit, God's Word, the community of faith—these are tools at our disposal. Now it's on us to build the house—to add rooms of character, virtue, and maturity onto the foundation of faith. Ask the Holy Spirit daily: “Where, God?” – Where are you calling me to grow? He closes with a prayer by Saint Augustine, asking the Holy Spirit to breathe into every area of life and draw us deeper into God's holy purposes. “Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, to love what is holy.”

Pastor Ted Owens preaches from I John at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Pastor Ted Owens preaches from the book of I John at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

All ministry is done “in the sight of God”. Love people with your eyes open- Saint Augustine put it this way, “Better it is to love even with the accompaniment of severity than  to mislead by excess of lenience.” Meaning, it's better to show love with a little bit of toughness, tough love, rather than mislead  someone by being too nice. Or the Book of Proverbs says- “better is open rebuke than hidden love; wounds from a friend can be trusted but an enemy multiplies kisses,” Proverbs 27, verses 5-6. Those truths encapsulate the challenge the Apostle Paul had in writing to the Corinthian Church! He loved them deeply, and yet they were his most challenging congregation. He speaks forcefully because he knows all of us live “in the sight of God.” There is a holy God given fear, that should be present in our minds and hearts when we gather.  Why? Because we are worshiping the Living God. This is not simply a social or cultural exercise. It is not simply singing songs or reading in unison or speaking. God is here! Christ is among us! … The post In the Sight of God appeared first on Trinity Community Church.

Have you ever been grabbed by a piece of Scripture in such a way that it transforms your life? That's what happened to St. Augustine when he turned randomly to a passage in Romans. To hear more about this great man and the verse that captured his heart, tune in to hear Dr. James Boice speak this week on The Bible Study Hour. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29

Pastor Ted Owens teaches from the book of Judges at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - John 16:5-11 - Jesus said to His disciples: "Now I am going to the One Who sent Me, and not one of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in Me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned." Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop, Saint Augustine, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) Antifa and transgender activists attack and shut down peaceful Christian gathering at Seattle Park - Democrat Mayor blames the attacked Christian victims https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/antifa-transgender-activists-attack-shut-down-peaceful-christian/ 3) Eight reasons why I like Pope Leo https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/eight-reasons-i-like-leo/ 4) Pope Leo XIV's greatest generation Dad served on D-Day tank landing ship https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264059/pope-leo-xivs-greatest-generation-dad-served-on-d-day-tank-landing-ship 14 inspiring photos of Holy Mass celebrated in war zones https://www.churchpop.com/inspiring-photos-of-mass-celebrated-in-war-zones/

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter Lectionary: 292The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of CanterburySaint 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 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 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 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 Augustine of Canterbury is the Patron Saint of: England Love the saints? Check out these six titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Today is the feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, a monk who was sent to England to evangelize the fierce Anglo-Saxon people of the area. After concurring his fear, they traveled across the channel and did great work for God

Pastor Ted Owens preaches from I John at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Discovering St. Augustine's Teachings: John 14:1-6 Explained | Catholic Girl on the RadioIn this episode of Catholic Girl on the Radio, your host Rita Colleen delves into John 14:1-6, interpreting the Gospel of St. John in modern-day English. She shares insightful reflections from St. Augustine on faith, the nature of God's kingdom, and the concept of divine preparation. Through prayer and Saint Augustine's wisdom, listeners are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Christ's teachings and discover how to embrace their spiritual journey. Tune in for a profound exploration of the early church writings and how they apply to our lives today.00:00 Welcome to Catholic Girl on the Radio00:05 Exploring John 14:1-601:04 A Prayer for Guidance01:33 Introduction to Saint Augustine01:57 Understanding Jesus' Comforting Words03:37 The Promise of Eternal Life05:29 The Role of Faith and Holiness07:26 The Concept of Many Mansions13:28 Predestination and Preparation16:46 The Kingdom of God and Our Role20:55 Inheriting the Kingdom21:10 Transforming Today for Miracles21:48 Faith and Receiving God's Grace23:39 Purification and Preparation24:40 Living by Faith, Not by Sight27:13 Daily Opportunities for Spiritual Growth30:05 Understanding Jesus' Teachings32:06 The Profound Nature of Faith37:42 Christ's Presence and the Eucharist41:23 Final Reflections and Farewell

Saint Augustine said, “You are the Body of Christ. In you and through you the work of incarnation must go forward. You are to be taken. You are to be blessed, broken, and distributed, that you may be the means of grace and vehicles of eternal love.” In other words, we come together to be blessed in order that we become blessings to others.

Tonight was the opening night of our 5th annual NTEB Camp Meeting here in Saint Augustine, and it got off to a rousing start with a message from our longtime 'companion in labour and fellowsoldier' Pastor Joel Tillis from Suncoast Baptist Church. Bro. Joel preached a fiery and convicting sermon on end times urgency that seems to be missing in most churches today. Please watch and share!

Pastor Ted Owens teaches from the book of Judges at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Leviticus 8:1-17, 9:22-24; From a treatise on John by Saint Augustine (3:08); Mark 10:32-45 (6:40); Homily by Very Rev. Samuel Morehead V.F. (9:27)   Support our seminary: archden.org/futurepriests

Read Online“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5The first amazing thing to recognize in this passage is the simple fact that God wants to produce good fruit in your life. He also wants to bring His grace and mercy into the world through you. The vine does not produce the fruit alone but does so through the instrumentality of the branches. So if we take this teaching at face value, God is saying that He has chosen to bring His grace and mercy into your life and into the world through you. To add greater clarity to this holy mission that we have all been given, Jesus makes a very profound statement. He says “without me you can do nothing.” When considering this line spoken by our Lord, it may be useful to reflect upon what the word “nothing” means. Saint Augustine points out that Jesus added “you can do nothing” to emphasize the fact that, by ourselves, by our own effort, we cannot even produce a “little” good fruit. For example, it would be like cutting off a twig from an apple tree and hoping that the twig will produce an apple.The fruit that God wants to produce also takes place within your soul, in the form of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These fruits consist of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (See Galatians 5:22–23). Each one of these gifts from God will have the effect of transforming you more fully into an image of God Himself in our world. Try to take a moment to consider each one of those Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Each one is very desirable. Growing in a desire for them will help you grow in a desire for the Holy Spirit in your life.When the Gospel passage quoted above is considered in its two parts, it is also clear that if we separate ourselves from God, then it is impossible to experience any one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Without a firm connection to our God, we will have no love, no joy, no patience, kindness, etc. None of that is possible unless our lives are firmly connected to the Vine, Who is Christ Himself. So fostering a positive desire for these good fruits, as well as a holy fear of losing them, is useful.Reflect, today, upon the beautiful and meaningful image given to us by Jesus of the vine and the branches. Think of a vine and then think of yourself firmly attached to that vine. Sit with that image prayerfully and let God speak to you. He wants to do great things in you and through you. If you will only cling to Him with all your heart, an abundance of good fruit will be produced.Jesus the Vine, You are the source of all goodness, and, without You, I can do nothing. Help me to always remember how deeply I need You in my life and help me to cling to You always. Please bring forth an abundance of good fruit in my life and, through me, into the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Pixabay.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Music is joy declares Daniel Chua. The renowned musicologist says music and joy have an ancient correlation, from Confucius to Saint Augustine and Beethoven to The Blues. Of course there is sad music, but Chua says, it's tragic because of joy. Chua delivered the 2025 Wiegand Lecture called Music, Joy and the Good Life.

5/19/25 - Turning Points examines how thirteen extraordinary men and women from apostolic times to the present—most of them canonized saints—came to see how God wanted them to organize their lives and, seeing that, set out to shape their lives accordingly. The book probes the stories of highly motivated individuals who in a variety of ways committed their lives to wholeheartedly following Christ, and it discusses a number of issues as timely for the Church now as they were then. It is engagingly written for all who are interested in serious religious ideas, as well as in the inspiring stories of thirteen outstanding people whose lives shed fresh light on living the faith in their times—and our own. Among those whose stories are told are Saint Paul the Apostle, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint Thomas More, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint John Henry Newman, Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Caryll Houselander, and Dorothy Day. Get the book at https://ignatius.com/turning-points-tpsp/?searchid=1998543

Pastor Ted Owens preaches from I John at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Gutierrez, David (1984). "The Augustinians in The Middle Ages 1256-1356". In "History of The Order of Saint Augustine. Volume 1 - Part 1.". Augustinian Historical Institute. Villanova University.McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We live in a day and age where Satan is walking about openly, seeking whom he may devour, looking to pick off the sheep of the Lord one at a time. The apostle Paul gives us some very easy to obtain, low-hanging fruit about our Christian walk that, when implemented, gives us a very good barrier of protection between us and Satan. Preached live this morning from Bethany Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida."Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8 (KJB)

Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 283The Saint of the day is Saint Margaret of CortonaSaint 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. Click here for more on Saint Margaret of Cortona! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Pastor Ted Owens teaches from Judges at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - John 10:1-10 - Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what He was trying to tell them. So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through Me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Who was Pope Leo XIII, the father of social doctrine? https://catholicreview.org/who-was-pope-leo-xiii-the-father-of-social-doctrine/ 4) What you should know about Saint Augustine and the new Augustinian Pope https://aleteia.org/2025/05/08/what-you-should-know-about-st-augustine-andthe-new-augustinian-pope

This lecture is entitled Aristotle's Great-Souled Man in Jane Austen, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Saint Augustine. It was presented by J. Warren Smith of Duke Divinity School on January 26, 2023, at the University of Chicago's Swift Hall.

Pastor Ted Owens preaches from Proverbs 31 on Mother's Day at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

It was an election that seems to have been faster than that of his predecessor, or at least as fast, since Francis had been elected in the sixth round on the second day. It once again took two days and five or six votes to elect the 267th Pope in history, and the first American Pope. At 6:08 p.m., white smoke rose above the roof of the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square that the Church had a new Pope. But it wasn't until 7:12 p.m. that Cardinal Dominique Mamberti appeared on the Loggia and proclaimed the expected formula: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam" (I announce to you a great joy, we have a (new) pope), Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV. The new Roman Pontiff then stepped forward to pronounce his first Urbi et Orbi blessing. He began with a short speech in which he expressed his desire to promote a synodal Church. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, he is 69 years old and an American citizen. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and made his perpetual profession in 1981. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982. He served as Prior General of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. He was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, in 2014, a position he would hold until 2023. Since January 30, 2023, he has been Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. On September 30, 2023, he was created Cardinal Deacon of Santa Monica, before being elevated to the title of Cardinal Bishop of Albano on February 6, 2025. The question that arises, for those who wish to move beyond the emotion of the moment, is, "What will be the future of the Church in the Pontificate that is just beginning?" In 2013, only a small number of clergymen and Vaticanists who knew Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina expressed any serious apprehension about his election. Thanks to the website "Cardinium Collegii recensio," it is possible to find out what each cardinal has said or written on sensitive issues such as the ordination of women to the diaconate, the blessing of same-sex couples, the option of priestly celibacy, the restriction of the traditional Mass, the agreement between China and the Vatican, and the promotion of a synodal Church. Regarding the new Pope, he declared that "the clericalization of women" would not solve the problems of the Catholic Church. He insisted, stating that "the apostolic tradition is something that has been very clearly stated, especially when we are talking about the issue of the ordination of women to the priesthood." However, he pointed out that Pope Francis recently appointed Sister Simona Brambilla Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. He commented: "I think it will continue to be recognized that women can contribute a great deal to the life of the Church at various levels." Regarding the blessing of same-sex couples, he presented somewhat ambiguous formulations. However, he appears to be a fervent supporter of the synodal Church. As reported above, he expressed his support for this idea from the loggia. The speed of the election suggests that it was a compromise election. There were so many divisions among the cardinals who entered the conclave that it may have been necessary to consider promoting a compromise cardinal. On the other hand, the choice of Leo XIV as a name may reflect a desire to move beyond the period that began with John XXIII. But ultimately, more about this new Pope will be discovered when he is at work, beginning with the appointments to head the various Roman dicasteries. Let us pray for the new Sovereign...

LEO XIV - a Deep State coadjutor? Have the Jesuits entrenched their web so deeply in the American system that they have revealed their geographic hand of power domestically? If so, it means that it is the same place they nursed and built the career of their political pawn, Barrack Obama, as Chicago now produces Rome's first American Pope. Historically known for its severe mafia roots, Chicago now becomes a spotlight of concern for US Constitutionalists' freedom of religion clause. Founded in 1244, Leo XIV is the first Pope to also represent the Order of Saint Augustine. Born, Robert Francis Prevost, this very politically liberal “conservative”, seems to be just the man Rome may use to formally usher the United States in to the New World Order. Is he merely under the control of the highly sophisticated Jesuit Order of which Pope Francis represented? Founded in 1540, the Jesuits are known as “God's Army”. They are a military arm of the Vatican ordered for conquest. Author Steven Drake comments. https://jesuitworldorder.org/about-the-book/

Pastor Ted Owens teaches from Proverbs at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Propaganda, CNN, the Trump tariffs, and how to spin a story. In this episode, I am walking the last stretch of the Saint Augustine Camino in the UK and reflecting upon the power of stories. I also discuss Edward Bernays and his book Propaganda. To support the podcast and get access to features about guitar playing and song writing visit https://www.patreon.com/vichyland and also news for all the creative music that we do at Bluescamp UK and France visit www.bluescampuk.co.uk For details of the Ikaro music charity visit www.ikaromusic.com Big thanks to Josh Ferrara for the music  I look at the intersection between CNN's stories about Trump, the story of Saint Augustine and the Church, and how we invent our own gospel and myth as a creative process.

Pastor Ted Owens preaches about overcoming anger from Proverbs 19 at Petra Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Read OnlineWhen it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. John 21:4–6Recall the first time there was a miraculous catch of fish in the Gospels. In Luke 5:1–7, Jesus was preaching to the people on the shore from where He sat in Peter's boat just a short distance away. After preaching, Jesus told Peter, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Peter did so and there was such a large catch of fish that the Apostles needed help to haul it in.In today's Gospel, some three years later after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples from the shore and instructed them to cast their nets “over the right side of the boat.” They did so and caught 153 large fish. In commenting on these two passages, Saint Augustine teaches that the first miraculous catch was a sign that the Gospel would be preached to all people, which is indicated by Jesus simply saying “lower your nets.” But after the Resurrection, Jesus specifically tells the disciples to cast their nets “over the right side” to indicate that grace is now given to those who stand on His right side and are separated from the condemned who are on His left. Thus, this second miraculous catch symbolizes the end of the age when the good and the bad are judged. Saint Augustine also notes that the 153 large fish, caught off the right side of the boat, are a symbolic representation of those who conform not only to the Ten Commandments but also receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit by grace. He explains that 10 + 7 = 17 and if you add all the numbers together between 1 and 17 you arrive at 153. Thus, these 153 fish represent everyone who receives His gift of grace and obtains salvation. The boat represents the Church, and the gift of salvation is offered by Christ through His Church.One clear message we must take from Saint Augustine's interpretation is that grace and mercy are offered to all, but not received by all. At the end of our lives and at the end of the world, judgment will take place. Those who responded to the offer of grace and mercy, repented of their sins and gave their lives to Christ will eternally share in the Resurrection. But those who refused to follow His Commandments and closed themselves to the transforming power of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will be separated from eternal joys.Facing the reality of hell is not pleasant, but it is a message that must not be ignored. It is a message that is real and, therefore, hell is a possibility for us all. Therefore, it is important to remind ourselves from time to time of this spiritual truth. Are you among those 153 large fish found on the right side of the boat? Do you allow the ministers of Christ within the Church, represented by the disciples in the boat, to draw you to Christ through preaching and the Sacraments? Though all of us might quickly answer “Yes” to that question, we should never fail to be attentive to the fact that salvation requires action on our part. It requires that we accept Christ Jesus by following His Commandments and live by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit as it is dispensed by the Church.Reflect, today, upon the symbolism found in this Resurrection account. Consider the fact that the Gospel has, indeed, been shared with you. Have you listened to the Word of God as it is preached by the Church? Do you immerse yourself in the grace given through the Sacraments? Do you follow the Ten Commandments faithfully? Do you continually open yourself to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit? Seek to be among that catch of fish caught on the “right side.” Never doubt that hell is real and possible. For that reason, never waver from your fidelity to Christ, so that you will remain firmly grounded in His grace and share one day in His Resurrection.My resurrected Lord, You have offered Your grace and mercy to all, but not all have responded. I pray that I will always be among those who continually respond to Your invitation. I repent of my sin, dear Lord. Please help me to stay faithful to Your commands of love and to be daily immersed in Your transforming Spirit. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read Online“Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.” John 6:12–13John's Gospel is filled with much symbolic meaning. The passage above concludes the story of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. After feeding the multitude of people with only five barley loaves and two fish, they were able to fill twelve wicker baskets with what remained. What was the reason for the extra?Saint Augustine, in commenting upon this passage, explains that Jesus provided more than the people could eat as a way of symbolically representing spiritual truths that were beyond what the vast crowds could comprehend. Thus, Jesus' teachings spiritually nourished the crowds to the point that they were fully satisfied. But even though the general crowds were satisfied with what Jesus taught them, there was still so much more that He had to teach. These deeper spiritual truths are represented by the extra twelve baskets.The twelve baskets represent the Twelve Disciples. They were the ones specially chosen by Jesus to receive so much more. Recall the times when Jesus taught the crowds in parables and then, later, would explain the meaning to the Twelve in private. He revealed to them certain truths that most people could not understand and accept.It is helpful to consider three different groups of people in this miracle and apply those groupings to us today. The first group of people are those who were not even present for the miracle. Those who did not make the journey to be with Jesus in the wilderness. This is the largest group of people within society who go about their daily lives without even seeking minimal nourishment from our Lord. The second grouping of people is this “large crowd” who followed Jesus to the remote side of the Sea of Galilee to be with Him. These represent those who diligently seek out our Lord every day. These are those who are faithful to the celebration of the Mass, the reading of Scripture, to daily prayer and study. To this grouping of people, our Lord teaches many things, and they are nourished by His holy Word and Sacraments.The third grouping of people, the Twelve Disciples who are represented by the Twelve wicker baskets left over, are those who are exceptionally faithful to our Lord and continue to be nourished by Him in a superabundant way. These are those who seek to understand and embrace the deepest spiritual truths so as to be nourished and transformed on the deepest level.Reflect, today, upon the fact that the spiritual food our Lord wishes to offer you is most often far more than you can immediately accept and consume. But understanding that fact is the first step to disposing yourself to receive even more. As you reflect upon this superabundance of spiritual food from our Lord, recommit yourself especially to seek out that remaining “twelve wicker baskets” of spiritual truths. If you do, you will discover that there is truly no end to the transforming depths of the gifts of grace our Lord wishes to bestow upon you.My most generous Lord, You not only give spiritual nourishment to Your people, You give it in superabundance. As I daily seek You out and am filled with Your mercy, help me to never tire of feasting upon the superabundant gift of Your grace. Please do nourish me, dear Lord, and help me to consume Your holy Word. Jesus, I trust in You.Ambrosius Francken I, 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.

Patrick answers some of life’s toughest questions; faith, truth, and the decisions each person faces. He explores how Catholic teaching connects to personal struggles, relationships, and doubts that can arise in families. Patrick shares why seeking truth matters, highlights the strength found in community, and talks about how to respond when loved ones move in different directions. For anyone handling challenging conversations about faith or looking for encouragement and clarity, Patrick’s insights offer practical wisdom and perspective. He encourages everyone to keep asking questions and let purpose guide their journey. Kevin (email) - When my sister passed from cancer, my nephew took it very hard and slapped into drugs. He thought running to Mexico would be a good option. He grew up 30 minutes from Saint Augustine, so I’m praying he will get directed to “Hope Reborn”. (00:39) Jose (12-years-old) – Was Jesus fully human? (02:17) Anthony - My son is falling away from the faith because of a girl. What should I do? (05:24) Alfredo - Why when the priests incense the alter do they take the lectionary book off the alter and then bring it back? (13:52) Vince - When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, what did it mean that sins could be retained? (20:33) Daniel - How does Patrick know that salvation exists only in the Catholic Church? (22:59) Sheila (email) - Can you expand on John 20:20, when a fallen away Catholic says that was for all people, not just the Apostles? (27:09) Amy (email) - A man called in about his father who has dementia, and you discussed confession options, the sacrament of anointing of the sick, and a 3rd option (if someone were to die alone, but had prayed during their lifetime, they would be saved). Does this 3rd option apply to Protestants? (30:12) Vince - Where are the words hell and purgatory in the Bible? (36:56) Danny - I don't agree with Patrick about Catholic salvation. (40:57) Mary - Are good works burnt up in heaven? If so, why bother writing an obituary? (49:51)

Read OnlineThere was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” John 3:1–2Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews, is mentioned three times in the Gospel of John. The passage above comes from the first time he's mentioned. The second time is when he reminds the Sanhedrin that Jesus should be heard by them before they condemn Him, and the third time is when Nicodemus assists with Jesus' burial after His death. John's Gospel is very symbolic. He especially uses the images of light and dark. For example, when Judas went out to betray Jesus, John's Gospel notes that “it was night.” In the passage above, John's Gospel notes that Nicodemus came to Jesus “at night.”Saint Augustine, in commenting upon this passage, says that Nicodemus came to Jesus “at night” because Nicodemus was not yet fully born again and, therefore, was not yet living fully in the light of faith. But the fact that Nicodemus does come to Jesus and questions Him at length shows that he had a spark of faith and that he wanted to deepen that faith. He clearly hoped that Jesus was the Messiah and professed that Jesus was “a teacher who has come from God.”From early times, prior to the formalization of canonization practices, Nicodemus has been given the title of “saint” within the Catholic Church as well as in the Orthodox Church. He is especially venerated because he stood up against the other religious leaders at the time to defend Jesus and show support for Him. This took courage. He was ridiculed and risked being shunned by the others. But Nicodemus knew there was something special about Jesus, and he persevered in following that inspiration.In many ways, Nicodemus is a great example for us today in our modern world. More and more, in most secular world cultures, being a follower of Jesus is looked down upon. This is especially true if you choose to live your faith openly and believe all that the Gospels teach. Many Christians find that living their faith openly, especially within the workplace, school environments, and other civic circles, is challenging. And like Nicodemus, many find it easier to come to Jesus “at night,” meaning, in a hidden way. And though Nicodemus started this way, he eventually spoke openly in defense of Jesus in the presence of his fellow Pharisees who, according to some traditions, persecuted him and drove him into exile. Reflect, today, upon Saint Nicodemus. He allowed the spark of faith within him to grow as He listened to Jesus, struggled with the pressure from his peers, but ultimately openly professed his faith in Christ. And though this hurt his worldly position of honor within the Sanhedrin and among the earthly rulers, it earned Nicodemus an eternal honor in Heaven. Reflect upon the courage he must have had to go against the pressure of his peers by allowing the faith he found in Christ to grow and fill his life with the light of Truth. Seek to imitate this good man and allow yourself to be inspired by his courage so that you, too, will receive the same eternal glory he now enjoys in Heaven. Lord of light and truth, You reveal Yourself to those who come to You with faith. Help me to follow the example of Nicodemus so that all confusion and darkness will be dispelled by the light of Your truth. Give me courage, dear Lord, to follow You and to set my heart on all that You reveal. Jesus, I trust in You.  Henry Ossawa Tanner, 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.

The wisest man that ever lived, King Solomon, has a lot to say about the true nature of life, and the inherent danger in having too many birthdays. Preached live this morning at Bethany Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

The question we ask you today is this, do YOU believe that a dead man raised Himself by His own power? If you answered 'yes' to that, hold on, because there's a whole lot more to the resurrection account than just that. Today we bring you the true life account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Preached live this morning at Bethany Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, Florida.

4.16.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Trump admin held in contempt, Bernie Sanders Repub warning, Musk AI plant pollutes Black community A federal judge found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt for violating a deportation order. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is in El Salvador to work on a plan to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to U.S. soil. However, the El Salvadorian Vice President claims the Trump administration is paying the country to detain the innocent man. Nearly 22 years ago, Senator Bernie Sanders warned America about the unfolding Republican agenda. We'll show you what he said in 2003. A Detroit pastor reports that Saint Augustine's University has not disclosed what happened to a $50,000 scholarship donation. Elon Musk's AI plant is reportedly using more gas turbines than permitted, leading to increased air pollution in Black communities in Memphis. Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson has criticized local officials for allowing the tech mogul to exploit loopholes. He'll be here to explain. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made some interesting comments regarding people living with autism. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox http://www.blackstarnetwork.com 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.

4.16.2025 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Trump admin held in contempt, Bernie Sanders Repub warning, Musk AI plant pollutes Black community A federal judge found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt for violating a deportation order. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen is in El Salvador to work on a plan to return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia to U.S. soil. However, the El Salvadorian Vice President claims the Trump administration is paying the country to detain the innocent man. Nearly 22 years ago, Senator Bernie Sanders warned America about the unfolding Republican agenda. We'll show you what he said in 2003. A Detroit pastor reports that Saint Augustine's University has not disclosed what happened to a $50,000 scholarship donation. Elon Musk's AI plant is reportedly using more gas turbines than permitted, leading to increased air pollution in Black communities in Memphis. Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson has criticized local officials for allowing the tech mogul to exploit loopholes. He'll be here to explain. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made some interesting comments regarding people living with autism. #BlackStarNetwork partner: Fanbasehttps://www.startengine.com/offering/fanbase This Reg A+ offering is made available through StartEngine Primary, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. This investment is speculative, illiquid, and involves a high degree of risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. You should read the Offering Circular (https://bit.ly/3VDPKjD) and Risks (https://bit.ly/3ZQzHl0) related to this offering before investing. Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox http://www.blackstarnetwork.com 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.

Throughout Lent, we've been releasing weekly episodes focused on spiritual practices.In the final episode of the series, this Holy Week we're considering the discipline of waiting: how we can prepare ourselves to receive good news. Our guide today is N.T. Wright, the Anglican Bishop and New Testament scholar. He describes how Jesus invited his hearers into a new way of understanding Israel's ancient story of waiting, the cosmic significance of its sudden fulfillment, and its meaning for us in this in-between time of preparation to receive good news: "The ultimate life after death is not a platonic disembodied immortality, but resurrection life in God‘s new creation. And that new world began when Jesus came out of the tomb on Easter morning. That's the good news. Something happened then as a result of which the world is a different place. And we are summoned, not just to enjoy its benefits, but to take up our own vocations as new creation people, as spirit-filled and spirit-led Jesus followers, bringing his kingdom into reality in our world."We hope that this conversation will help you as you wait and prepare to receive this good news.The podcast is drawn from an evening conversation we hosted back in 2016. You can find our shownotes and much more at ttf.org. Thank you for journeying with us through Lent. Learn more about N.T. Wright. Watch The Good News and the Good Life, with N.T. Wright and Richard Hayes. Authors and books mentioned in the conversation:Who is this Man? by John Ortberg Related Trinity Forum Readings:Devotions by John Donne and paraphrased by Philip YanceyThe Confessions of St. Augustine by Augustine of Hippo, Introduced by James K.A. SmithPilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie DillardPilgrim's Progress by John BunyanGod's Grandeur: The Poems of Gerard Manley HopkinsA Spiritual Pilgrimage by Malcolm Muggeridge Related Conversations:Liturgy of the Ordinary in Extraordinary Times with Tish Harrison WarrenCaring for Words in a Culture of Lies with Marilyn McEntyreInvitation to Solitude and Silence with Ruth Haley BartonOn the Road with Saint Augustine with James K.A. Smith and Elizabeth BruenigThe Habit Podcast, Episode 26: Tish Harrison Warren with Doug McKelveyThe Spiritual Practice of Remembering with Margaret Bendroth To listen to this or any of our episodes in full, visit ttf.org, and to join the Trinity Forum Society and help make content like this possible, visit ttf.org/join.

Read OnlineJesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. John 8:1–3What a painful and humiliating experience this must have been for this woman! Fortunately, the Savior of the World was there to care for her and to help her navigate this situation through His abundant mercy. Though she was a sinner, God's mercy offered a remedy for her sin and its consequences.Interestingly, this story is not included in some of the most ancient manuscripts of the Gospel of John. Saint Augustine believed that it was excluded by some of the early copyists of this Gospel because they were moral rigorists and were scandalized by the depths of Jesus' mercy. They feared that if this incredible act of mercy was conveyed to others, it would lead to a relaxation of moral rules.The scribes and Pharisees who brought this woman to Jesus also appeared to be scandalized by Jesus' mercy. Thus, the depths of mercy offered to this woman was one of many occasions in which Jesus was merciful to a point that was hard for the people to comprehend.How about you? How far are you willing to go when it comes to mercy? It is easy for us to resort to condemnation when we see the sins of others. We might feel justified in condemning them and even obliged to do so out of a desire to condemn sin itself. But Jesus' action shows that the sin must not be equated with the sinner. Sin must be condemned and was condemned by our Lord when He said to this woman, “Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” Though He condemned her sin, he did not condemn her: “Neither do I condemn you.”The mercy of God is incomprehensible. For example, recall that Jesus cried out from the Cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Imagine the surprise that the first hearers of those words would have had. How could this man ask that God forgive the people who were murdering Him? Perhaps the only person who truly understood this prayer of mercy from the Cross was Jesus' own mother as she stood there gazing at Him with love.An important lesson for us to learn from Jesus' depth of mercy is that, at first, it will most likely scandalize us also. Mercy to this extent is supernatural. It challenges our natural reason and calls us to a new way of thinking and relating to others. The only way to overcome the “scandal” we might feel in the face of God's mercy is to live it ourselves. Doing so will require that we put on new eyes to see sin, mercy and forgiveness through the eyes of God. If doing so shakes you to the core of your being, that might be a good sign. Are you allowing the apparent scandal of God's abundant mercy to transform you so that it is no longer a shock or scandal to you, but is experienced as good and holy and from the Heart of our God? Reflect, today, upon how deeply you understand God's mercy. Do you rejoice when mercy is offered to another? Or do you find yourself condemning? Our Lord said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” None of us are without sin; therefore, none of us has the right to cast a stone at another. Allow the apparent scandal of God's mercy to challenge you so that you come to not only understand God's infinite mercy but also to act as an instrument of that mercy to everyone. Most merciful Lord, You came to call the sinner to repentance and salvation. You offer mercy and forgiveness in superabundance. When faced with the sins of others, help me to imitate Your love for them and to show mercy and compassion to the greatest degree. I love You, Lord. Help me to love You and others with Your Heart of merciful love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineJesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. John 7:1–2; 10The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was one of three great feasts during which the people made a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem to commemorate God's saving action in their lives. This particular feast was to commemorate the 40 years that the Israelites traveled through the desert and dwelt in tents, or booths, as they wandered and were led by Moses. Therefore, the feast is also referred to as the “Feast of Booths.” During the seven days of this feast, people would set up tents (booths) around the Temple area and live in them to commemorate the journey of their ancestors.In the Gospel passage quoted above, we read that Jesus went up to the feast secretly. Saint Augustine explains that this means that though Jesus was present, the full revelation of His divine identity was hidden from many. He was physically there, but many did not know Who He was.That particular year, when the feast was half over, Jesus appeared in the Temple area and began to teach. Many were amazed at His words, and others thought He was possessed. After teaching the people, there was much disagreement among them about our Lord's identity. Jesus said to them, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” In that statement, Jesus essentially was saying that among those listening to Him, some had come to faith in Him and discovered His true identity as the Messiah, while others lacked the gift of faith and remained blind to Him. To them, His divine essence remained a secret.In a symbolic way, Jesus' presence at the Feast of Tabernacles reveals Him as the new Moses. It was Moses who led the people through the desert for 40 years toward the promised land while they dwelt in tents. Our Lord now took on that role of leading the people who were commemorating this 40-year journey by appearing in the Temple and pointing the people to Heaven, the true Promised Land.Today, our Lord continues to lead His people through the journey of life by coming to each of us to teach us and to reveal His divine presence. Some listen and believe and continue on the journey. To them, the secrets of our Lord are revealed. Others do not believe and, as a result of their lack of faith, fail to discover the hidden presence of our Lord all around them. Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus coming to you during your long journey through the desert of this life. He initially comes to you in secret, veiled in His true essence. As He teaches you, He desires to lift that veil and reveal to You His true glory. He desires that you dwell with Him through prayer and remain attentive to His Word. As you gaze upon our Lord, reflect upon the question of how clearly you hear Him speak each day. He is here, with you always. But are you with Him? Do you hear Him, believe in Him, follow Him and serve Him? Do you allow Him to lead you every day toward His promises of new life? Allow our Lord to pitch His tent next to yours so that You will daily be attentive to His teaching and be led by Him to the glories of Heaven. My hidden Lord, You came to reveal to all people Your burning love and invitation to eternal life. Please come and dwell with me during my journey through life, and open my mind and heart to all that You wish to reveal. May I know You fully and follow You to the Promised Land of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, 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.

Drawing upon the teachings of Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Father Mike and Father Jacob discuss the role of memory in the spiritual life, and also discuss some of the possible pitfalls of nostalgic escape.