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Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – Matthew 13:31-35 – Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.'” He 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.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Robert discuss Saint John of the Cross
Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 394 The Saint of the day is Saint Camillus de Lellis Saint Camillus de Lellis' Story Humanly speaking, Camillus was not a likely candidate for sainthood. His mother died when he was a child, his father neglected him, and he grew up with an excessive love for gambling. At 17, he was afflicted with a disease of his leg that remained with him for life. In Rome he entered the San Giacomo Hospital for Incurables as both patient and servant, but was dismissed for quarrelsomeness after nine months. He served in the Venetian army for three years. Then, in the winter of 1574, when he was 24, Camillus de Lellis gambled away everything he had—savings, weapons, literally down to his shirt. He accepted work at the Capuchin friary at Manfredonia, and was one day so moved by a sermon of the superior that he began a conversion that changed his life. He entered the Capuchin novitiate, but was dismissed because of the apparently incurable sore on his leg. After another stint of service at San Giacomo, he came back to the Capuchins, only to be dismissed again, for the same reason. Again, back at San Giacomo, his dedication was rewarded by his being made superintendent. Camillus de Lellis devoted the rest of his life to the care of the sick. Along with Saint John of God he has been named patron of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. With the advice of his friend Saint Philip Neri, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained at the age of 34. Contrary to the advice of his friend, Camillus left San Giacomo and founded a congregation of his own. As superior, he devoted much of his own time to the care of the sick. Charity was his first concern, but the physical aspects of the hospital also received his diligent attention. Camillus insisted on cleanliness and the technical competence of those who served the sick. The members of his community bound themselves to serve prisoners and persons infected by the plague as well as those dying in private homes. Some of his men were with troops fighting in Hungary and Croatia in 1595, forming the first recorded military field ambulance. In Naples, he and his men went onto the galleys that had plague and were not allowed to land. He discovered that there were people being buried alive, and ordered his brothers to continue the prayers for the dying 15 minutes after apparent death. Camillus de Lellis himself suffered the disease of his leg through his life. In his last illness, he left his own bed to see if other patients in the hospital needed help. Reflection Saints are created by God. Parents must indeed nurture the faith in their children; husbands and wives must cooperate to deepen their baptismal grace; friends must support each other. But all human effort is only the dispensing of divine power. We must all try as if everything depended on us. But only the power of God can fulfill the plan of God—to make us like himself.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
On the phone-in: We hear about the value of farmers' markets from the historic Saint John City Market, which is marking 150 years of operation in the city. Organizers, vendors, and callers share the value farmers markets add to their lives
Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 392 The Saint of the day is Our Lady of Mount Carmel The Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary's own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. Reflection The Carmelites were known from early on as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” The title suggests that they saw Mary not only as “mother,” but also as “sister.” The word sister is a reminder that Mary is very close to us. She is the daughter of God and therefore can help us be authentic daughters and sons of God. She also can help us grow in appreciation of being sisters and brothers to one another. She leads us to a new realization that all human beings belong to the family of God. When such a conviction grows, there is hope that the human race can find its way to peace.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
To Support The Show: Patreon.com/islandsofcoherence Subscribe, Like, Comment, and Hit the Bell for Notifications on YouTube Follow us on Instagram (@islands.of.coherence) and Tik Tok (@islandsofcoherence) Joining us this week for the show is member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota, Tiokasin Ghosthorse. In this conversation we explore the nature of language in how it shapes our ability to relate with ourselves and the world. From that foundation we take a look at solutions to the interlocking crises of the present day. Tiokasin Ghosthorse is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota, an educator, musician, and internationally recognized speaker on peace and Indigenous issues. He is the founder, host, and executive producer of First Voices Radio, a program he started in 1993 that is now syndicated to over 120 public, community, and commercial radio stations across the US and Canada. A survivor of Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding schools, he has spent decades speaking on Indigenous cosmology, language, and humanity's relationship with the Earth — work that led to a 2016 Nobel Peace Prize nomination from the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy. He's also a master musician who performs the traditional Lakota cedar flute worldwide, and has been featured at venues including the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations. Show Topics - How Humans Forgot Their Connection to the Planet - Lakota Language as a Living Language - English's Blind Spots - Is There a Greater Purpose for this Disconnection? - Decentering Humans - Recognizing Beauty and the Music of All Things - The Energetic Signature of Cities - Colonization Mindset - Reconnecting with Natural Languages - Grandmother's Songs - Intuition, Gratitude, and Ceremony
Gary Fasching, Head Coach at Saint John's University (MN), joins this week's episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm. Coach Fasching discusses what it means to lead his alma mater, the responsibility of following a legendary coach, and the values that have guided one of the nation's premier Division III football programs. He also shares leadership lessons, the importance of building meaningful relationships with players, and why coaching is about much more than wins and losses. Show Notes: Coaching at your alma mater Following a legendary coach Building a championship culture Developing players through relationships Leadership lessons for coaches What it truly means to be a football coach Follow Coach Fasching and Saint John's Football on X: @SJUGaryFasching @SJUFootball AFCA Membership is now open. Join thousands of football coaches for year-round education, professional development, and exclusive coaching resources. Learn more at AFCA.com. Follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe so you never miss a new episode. New episodes are released every Thursday.
This episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud's "Speaking of Faith" features reflection on the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) in San Antonio immersion program — "Hispanic Ministry in the 21st Century." Participants from both MACC (Adriana Gomez and Martin Martinez) and the Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary (Chris Conway and Kateri Mancini) explain MACC's history and the program's blend of lectures, prayer, reflection and group dialogue to explore cultural identity, diversity within Hispanic/Latino communities, pastoral ministry and social justice. The immersion component—especially visits to the border and local ministries—helps "enflesh" classroom learning by providing firsthand encounters with immigration realities, power dynamics and stories of hardship and courage. Participants share how their experience in the program deepened their faith practices, strengthened community and relational ministry, inspired devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and encouraged listeners to seek genuine encounters and understanding across differences.
What happens when real estate stops being about the transaction and becomes about truly listening to people? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes sits down with Debora McCarty. Debora is a Watson Realty real estate professional serving Jacksonville, Saint Johns County, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities after a career path that began in Brazil, continued through family life and teaching, and eventually led her into real estate. Her story shows how teaching, patience, community involvement, and deep preparation shaped the way she guides buyers and sellers through complicated decisions. In this conversation, Debora shares why education gives agents confidence, why consistency matters more than shortcuts, how relationships can become the foundation of a sustainable business, and why sellers must understand today's market as an adjustment rather than a collapse. Listen to the full episode to hear how Debora uses calm guidance, local knowledge, and genuine care to help clients navigate Northeast Florida real estate with confidence. HighlightsTop of FormBottom of Form 00:00 - 09:24 From Brazil To The Classroom To Real Estate Brazilian background and move to the United States Life as a homemaker and community volunteer Teaching certification after divorce Computer education at Fruit Cove Middle School Choosing real estate after years of interest 09:24 - 18:07 Why Education Creates Confident Agents Passing the real estate exam on the first try Learning through Watson and NEFAR classes Why agents should repeat important courses The risk of using outdated forms Researching success through coaching and online learning 18:07 - 29:39 Building A Business Through Relationships Consistency as the key for new agents Ninja Selling and relationship-based business Staying connected through notes and follow up Helping clients beyond a simple transaction Matching buyers and sellers by listening closely 29:39 - 44:08 Turning Client Care Into Referrals Creating client experiences worth talking about Helping a family before they were ready to sell Earning referrals through patience and trust Handling difficult transactions with office support Inspection issues and polybutylene piping challenges 44:08 - 53:02 Navigating Market Taxes And Location Choices Florida property tax relief conversation Homestead portability and long-term savings Tax shock with new construction purchases Jacksonville and Saint John's lifestyle questions Low interest rates and seller motivation 53:02 - 01:18:09 Motivation Technology And Lasting Success Understanding why a client really wants to move Guiding clients through rate concerns Using technology and AI as real estate tools Building trust through knowledge and communication Final advice on service education and consistency Quotes: "I love helping people." – Debora McCarty "If you know your work, you know your trade, you can provide that best service for your client." – Debora McCarty "You have to continue your education." – Debora McCarty "I want to become the best real estate agent I can possibly be for my clients." – Debora McCarty To contact Debora McCarty, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Connect with Debora McCarty! Website: https://www.deboramccarty.realtor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debora.mccarty.realtor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Debora.McCarty.REALTOR YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeboraMcCartyRealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d%C3%A9bora-mccarty-607aba40/ Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best. #RealEstateExcellence #TracyHayes #RealEstateExcellence #DeboraMcCarty #WatsonRealty #JacksonvilleRealEstate #SaintJohnsCounty #NortheastFloridaRealEstate #FloridaRealtor #RealEstateAgent #RealEstateEducation #ClientFirst #RelationshipMarketing #NinjaSelling #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstatePodcast #JacksonvilleHomes #SaintJohnsHomes #RealEstateTips #MarketKnowledge #RealtorLife
July 2, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)Daily Lectionary: Joshua 7:1-26; Acts 10:34-48“‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Saint Elizabeth was blessed. Her young relative from Nazareth had arrived at her home, and she was happy to see her. You can just see her in your mind, coming to the doorway, seeing Mary, and shrieking with excitement! The crazy thing is, the Blessed Virgin would not even be one month into pregnancy yet. She's not showing. But St. Elizabeth knows! And she knows Who is in the womb of her relative, since God has revealed that to her.Saint John the Baptizer was blessed. Today's world might dismiss him as merely a six-month-developed fetus. But that precious baby in his mother's womb was gifted by God also to know! St. John wasn't just kicking like babies normally do inside their mothers; he was leaping for joy at the presence of God! He was not able to use his voice yet to preach and point others to Christ, so he used movement to do the preaching. “Mom! Look! God is here!”The Virgin Mary is blessed. God, in His wisdom and grace, chose this girl to be the Mother of God-with-us. She was blessed to hear the Word of God through the Angel Gabriel, and through faith to believe it. Then she was blessed to actually carry God in her womb! Nine precious months with the Creator inside a creature, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all being nourished and sustained by His mother.All of these saints are blessed not from themselves, but from their connection to THE Blessed One. Take some time to go through the Psalms. Did you ever notice how many times it talks about the Blessed Man? It's not David bragging about how good he is. It's not even praising some prophet or other man. It's all about Jesus! Christ is THE Blessed One. And through His holy life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection, He gives that blessedness to you and all His Church.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. For He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. For behold from this day all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things to me, and holy is His name; and His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His seed forever. (LSB 248)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.
He walked out of a poker game... and was never seen again.In November 2002, 20-year-old Joshua Guimond vanished from the campus of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. A driven student, class president, aspiring lawyer, and someone everyone described as responsible, Josh simply disappeared after getting up from a card game, not saying goodbye to anyone.His keys, car, glasses, and belongings were all left behind in his dorm. Search dogs traced his scent to a bridge before it suddenly stopped. Massive searches turned up nothing. As the investigation unfolded, new questions emerged involving deleted computer files, conflicting witness statements, troubling allegations surrounding the campus Abbey, and theories that ranged from an accidental hit-and-run to the possibility that Josh met with someone in secret that night.More than two decades later, Joshua Guimond has never been found, and the mystery remains one of Minnesota's most haunting missing person cases.In this episode, join Sam and Briana as they break down the timeline, the investigation, the evidence, and the theories that continue to leave more questions than answers. Make sure to get ready by toking on some Dancing Gorilla, the economy friendly bud. If you have any information about Joshua Guimond's disappearance, contact the Stearns County Sheriff's Office or submit a tip here. This episode was recommended by a fellow bud, if you have a case suggestion submit it on our website here!#truecrime #joshuaguimond #missingperson #strainoftheday
Choosing Divine Love First: Ester Brooks on Marriage, Family, and FaithThis conversation with Ester Brooks was sparked by something I heard her say in a previous interview. That, in her marriage, she realized she needed to put God first and her husband, Arthur Brooks, second.I share my own reflections as someone married for 35 years, and we open up about the challenges and rewards of reprioritizing relationships.Ester Brooks gives a heartfelt account of her journey from youthful infatuation to the deeper, sometimes harder work of real, sacrificial love in marriage. She talks candidly about recognizing unhealthy expectations, letting go of perfectionism, and how practicing her faith helped her love more selflessly.We discuss the natural tendency to try to change others, especially in long-term relationships, and Ester Brooks shares insights on how genuine curiosity and getting to know her husband anew brought more connection and fulfillment.We also get into parenting, and both of us discuss the importance of not placing children at the center of the marriage but prioritizing the couple's bond. Ester Brooks shares wisdom about releasing children to find their own paths and the security children gain from witnessing strong parental love.Faith is a thread throughout, as Ester Brooks reflects on how audiences are often most interested in discussions of meaning and spiritual longing, even in secular settings. We touch on the challenge of loneliness in today's tech-driven world and the need to be present and nurture real-life connections.Throughout, love emerges as the ultimate purpose and goal, both in the everyday and the eternal. I hope you enjoy this thoughtful, warm discussion on what it means to truly love and be loved.Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone seeking more depth in their relationships and personal growth:Prioritize relationships intentionally: True love in marriage or partnership means loving selflessly, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and putting God (or your highest values) first to love others more fully.Stay present: We often lose sight of small, beautiful moments by focusing too much on the future or past. The real opportunity to love and connect happens in the present.Love goes beyond liking: We're called to love even when it's inconvenient or difficult, whether that's a spouse, a challenging colleague, or the stranger at the grocery store. Willing the good of others, even if you don't “like” them, creates space for growth and understanding.Ester Munt-Brooks is a Catholic educator dedicated to helping ordinary people deepen their faith and apply it to daily life. She speaks widely in parishes and at Catholic events around the United States for both English and Spanish-speaking audiences. She is currently pursuing her graduate education in Theology at the Augustine Institute. Ester also hosts a Spanish language radio show, “Mujer y Palabra,” Tuesdays at 9 am Pacific/12 pm Eastern on Guadalupe Radio Network. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Ester has three adult children, two daughters-in-law, and four grandsons. She lives in Reston, Virginia, with her husband, Arthur Brooks.Resources Mentioned1. Guadalupe RadioEster Brooks hosts a radio show on Guadalupe Radio, a Spanish-speaking station in Los Angeles.Website: https://www.guadaluperadio.com/2. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisEster Brooks references "The Screwtape Letters," a book by C.S. Lewis.More information: https://www.cslewis.com/us/books/paperback/the-screwtape-letters/9780060652937/3. St. AugustineQuoted in reference to, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.”Background: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Augustine4. St. John of the CrossReferenced for his teaching: “At the end of time, we will be judged by our love.”Background: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-of-the-Cross5. San Josemaría EscriváReferenced as a spiritual influence, specifically a quote about marriage and caring for one's spouse.Background: https://www.opusdei.org/en-us/article/saint-josemaria/6. Dawes ArboretumEric Pennington mentions this location as a personal inspiration and place of reflection.Website: https://dawesarb.org/In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com or visit their website, Spirit of EQ.You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.New episodes are available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month!Please review our podcast Music from Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeperLicense code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUEhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Spirit of EQMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listening to Spirit of EQThis podcast was created to be a tool to primarily help you to discover and grow your EQ. Science and our own lived experiences confirm that the better we are at managing our emotions, the better we're going to be at making decisions. Which leads to a better life. And that's something we all want. We're glad that you've taken the time today to listen. We hope that something you hear will lead to a breakthrough. We'd really appreciate a review on your podcast platform. Please leave some comments about what you heard today, as well as follow and subscribe to the podcast. That way, you won't miss a single episode as we continue this journey.
Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – Matthew 16:13-19 – When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Solemnity of of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us! 2, 3, 4) In Part Two, Terry and Father Robert continue discussing Saint John of the Cross, his Spirituality and what he teaches us
What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus? In this Revival Sunday message, Pastor Dick Brogden challenges us to see missions not just as something the church supports, but as a response to friendship with Jesus. Teaching from John 15, Pastor Dick reminds us that Jesus has called us His friends, trusted us with His mission, and invited us to participate in bringing the gospel to the nations. With billions of people still unreached and thousands of people groups with little or no access to the gospel, the call of God is still urgent. This message unpacks what it means to give friendship back to Jesus by encouraging Him, defending Him, standing with Him, sharing His heart, and stewarding the trust He has placed in us. Pastor Dick also reminds us that God does not need perfect people to accomplish His mission. He uses weak, willing, Spirit-filled people who spend time with Jesus, humble themselves in prayer, and say yes to His call. Whether you are called to go, give, pray, support, or take a first step toward missions, this message is a powerful reminder that Jesus is worthy of our whole lives. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded that God can use them to make Jesus known. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay up to date with weekly messages from Venture Church. Timestamps 0:00 – YouTube Welcome from Pastor Brandon 0:18 – Invitation to Revival Night 0:42 – Introducing Pastor Dick Brogden 1:28 – Live Dead and the Mission to the Unreached 1:55 – John 15:11–16 3:29 – Love, Missions, and the Great Commission 3:55 – Fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandments 4:20 – Understanding People Groups 5:14 – What Is an Unreached People Group? 5:40 – Frontier and Unengaged People Groups 6:32 – Trolling for Apostles 7:14 – Jesus Calls Us Friends 8:16 – Saint John in Exile 9:02 – Does God Need Our Friendship? 10:06 – The Wonder of Being a Friend of God 10:55 – Giving Friendship to Jesus 11:18 – Encouraging Our Friend Jesus 12:18 – Defending Our Friend Jesus 13:29 – Standing with Jesus 14:56 – The Cost of Standing with Jesus 16:07 – Offering Consolation to Jesus 16:25 – The Unreached World and the Heart of Jesus 17:24 – Friendship and Trust 18:13 – Jesus Has Trusted Us with His Mission 18:35 – The Mission Story of Scripture 19:45 – Trusted to Evangelize the World 20:13 – You Did Not Choose Me, But I Chose You 20:45 – God Uses the Weak and Foolish 21:43 – God's Spirit Lives in You 22:27 – The Power of the Holy Spirit Will Come Upon You 22:58 – How Can We Be Missionaries? 23:19 – Peter, John, and Being with Jesus 24:16 – God Uses Ordinary People 24:56 – The Assemblies of God and Missions 25:21 – Azusa Street and Humble Beginnings 26:34 – Humbling Ourselves in Prayer 27:24 – Power to Witness and Power for Holiness
Send us Fan MailSaint Irenaeus doesn't feel like a distant museum saint. He feels like the friend you want beside you when Christian truth gets blurry, when loud voices promise “hidden knowledge,” and when faith starts to look like a thousand competing interpretations. We tell his story as a bishop shaped by real relationships and real memory: Irenaeus learns the faith from Saint Polycarp, who learned from Saint John the Apostle, forming an unbroken chain that makes apostolic tradition more than a concept. It becomes a living inheritance you can actually belong to. From there, we step into the second-century crisis of Gnosticism and why it's more than an odd historical footnote. Irenaeus sees how secret teachings can cut believers off at the roots by denying the goodness of creation, twisting the gospel, and weakening the Church's unity. His response in Against Heresies is firm but not cruel: he points back to the “rule of faith,” the public teaching handed down from Jesus to the apostles and safeguarded through apostolic succession. If you've ever wondered how the early Church held together before every Christian owned a Bible, this conversation puts the pieces in place. We also dig into why Catholic tradition and sacred Scripture belong together, and why the Eucharist sits at the center of Irenaeus's argument. For him, the Real Presence isn't an add-on devotion; it's evidence of the Incarnation itself. And we end with his beautiful theme of recapitulation: Christ, the new Adam, gathers up the whole human story and makes it new. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Church history, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.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 ...
In this episode of the Get Deep Podcast, we sit down with Jesse Hicks, the new President and Chief Advancement Officer of Loyola Catholic School, for a conversation about leadership, faith, football, fundraising, and coming home.Jesse's story starts in the halls of Loyola, where he was once a student himself. He reflects on the people, values, and experiences that shaped him during those formative years — including his time on the football field, which eventually led him to play college football at Saint John's University under legendary coach John Gagliardi.From there, Jesse walks us through his professional life, including how he landed his first job in development at Loyola and the career that followed across education, healthcare, philanthropy, and institutional advancement. Along the way, he shares stories from each chapter — the lessons learned, the mentors who shaped him, and the moments that helped define his approach to leadership and service.We also dive into the bigger picture: what it means to return to Loyola at this stage of his career, how advancement work is really about relationships and trust, and what he believes the future of education — and Loyola specifically — can look like in the years ahead.
June 24 is St. John’s Day, one of the oldest and highest-ranking Christian feasts. It celebrates the miraculous birth of the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. This annual liturgical feast is also known as The Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, kept in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglicanism, and Protestant Lutheranism. This special day observes the story of the Jewish high priest Zechariah, his wife Elizabeth, and the birth of their son John the Baptist who proclaimed the coming Messiah. The sole biblical account of the birth of John the Baptist comes from the Gospel of Luke. Only three birthdays are celebrated on the traditional liturgical calendar: Jesus (Christmas), the Virgin Mary (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and John the Baptist. This type of feast is thus a rare observance & is symbolically timed and placed exactly six months before Christmas, aligning with the Gospel of Luke's account of the Annunciation. It is also tied to the summer solstice, reflecting Saint John’s humble words about Christ: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Zechariah's Vision in the Temple (Luke 1:5-25) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson (JesusWalk Bible Study Series; Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 Map & books by R.F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/4ifh1BH Discipleship Training in Luke's Gospel by R.F. Wilson at https://amzn.to/4h2XweC JesusWalk Bible Study by R.F. Wilson available at www.jesuswalk.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Read OnlineWhen they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Luke 1:59–63The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is one of only three birthdays the Church celebrates with a liturgical feast—the others being those of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This extraordinary honor reveals the singular role Saint John played in salvation history as the Forerunner who prepared the way for the Lord. Three profound mysteries surrounding John's birth invite our reflection.First, Elizabeth's pregnancy in her old age, after years of barrenness and beyond natural childbearing years, was a deliberate sign of divine intervention and a testimony to God's power and mercy. Recall that a similar miracle occurred when Sarah conceived Isaac in her old age. Spiritually, Elizabeth represents Israel—and all humanity—trapped in the barrenness of sin. By bringing forth life from her barren womb, God manifests His ability to bring forth new life where human effort fails.Second, the bestowal of John's name reveals the divine initiative governing his life and mission. In the biblical tradition, names are rich with meaning, often disclosing a person's identity and destiny. The name “John,” meaning “The Lord is gracious,” was not chosen by his parents, but was announced by the Archangel Gabriel before his conception (cf. Luke 1:13). When Elizabeth and Zechariah insist upon the name given by God, they demonstrate their obedience to divine revelation over human custom. Their relatives' confusion—“There is no one among your relatives who has this name”—highlights how this birth breaks from human expectations. John is not to carry on his father's name or legacy; he is set apart entirely for the mission of preparing the way for the Messiah. In this, we see a lesson for every Christian: Our true identity and mission are not rooted in earthly lineage or human tradition but are given to us by the free and gracious call of God.Finally, the restoration of Zechariah's speech after months of divinely imposed silence serves as a powerful sign of faith's triumph over doubt. Zechariah had been struck mute because of his initial disbelief at the angel's announcement (cf. Luke 1:20). During Elizabeth's pregnancy, he lived in silence—a silence that must have been filled with contemplation, repentance, and deeper trust. It was only when he confirmed God's command by writing, “John is his name,” that his tongue was loosed. His first act upon regaining his speech was to bless God, revealing that his heart had been purified and transformed. The loosening of Zechariah's tongue prefigures the prophetic voice of his son John, who would cry out in the wilderness, calling Israel to repentance. Spiritually, it also reminds us that true praise of God flows from hearts made humble and obedient to His will.As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, reflect today not only on John's unique role in salvation history but also on how God desires to work in our own lives. If you experience moments of barrenness or dryness in your faith, take hope from John's miraculous birth: God can bring forth new life even from what seems lifeless. As John's name revealed the graciousness of God, so too are you called to trust in His mercy at work within you. And as Zechariah learned obedience and deeper faith through his silent suffering, pray that you may embrace any hidden trials you endure, allowing them to purify your heart and prepare you to proclaim God's goodness with renewed joy.Lord of Wisdom and Love, Your plan for our salvation is perfect and far beyond our understanding. As Your Church celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, grant me a renewed appreciation for his life and mission. May he prepare my heart for You, as he did for Your coming, so that I, like his father Zechariah, may sing Your praises with a loosed tongue. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: His name is John, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.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.
The Nativity of John the Baptist is a Christian high-ranking liturgical feast day observed annually on 24 June by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. It is one of only two feast days marking a saint's earthly birth (the other being the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 September); all other saint’s days mark their deaths or some other important event. The sole biblical account of the birth of John the Baptist comes from the Gospel of Luke which states that John was born six months before Jesus; thus, the feast of John the Baptist’s birth was fixed in the 4th century A.D. on 24 June, six months before Christmas. In the Roman calendar, 24 June was the date of the summer solstice, and Saint John's Eve is closely associated with Midsummer festivities in Europe. Traditions in France & Quebec, include bonfires (Saint John's fires), feasting, processions, church services, and gathering wild plants. E122. Dan Snow's History Hit podcast at podcasthttps://amzn.to/4feSBb7 The Immerser: John the Baptist by Joan Taylor at https://amzn.to/3LEQrE4 John the Baptist books available at https://amzn.to/3LCfQy1 Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/3M6sTId Gospel of Matthew available at https://amzn.to/3LEeP8F ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVine Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Dan Snow's History Hit podcast 23jun2024 (Episode 1463: John the Baptist with Joan Taylor, professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College London). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus said to His disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Memorial of Saint John Fisher, Bishop, and Saint Thomas More, Martyrs Memorial of Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop Saints John, Thomas, and Paulinus, pray for us! 2, 3, 4) In Part One, Terry and Father Robert discuss Saint John of the Cross, his Spirituality and what he teaches us
Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses apparitions of the Holy Apostles, including the apparitions of Saint Peter to Roman Emperor Constantine, to Saint Francis of Assisi, and to Saint John Nolasco; Saints Peter and Paul to Saint Sylvester; Saint John to Saint Prochorus, then later at Knock, Ireland; Saint Andrew to the Monk Epiphanius and to Bishops; Saint Bartholomew to certain Armenian Faithful; and Saint Paul to Saint Anthony the Great
Send us Fan MailIf you've ever wondered how to live a missionary life without leaving your normal responsibilities behind, Saint John Francis Regis offers a surprisingly practical answer. We follow the story of this 17th-century Jesuit priest who chose the remote roads of southern France as his “foreign mission” and helped revive faith in places worn down by war, famine, and spiritual indifference. His legacy still speaks to modern Catholics who want a stronger Catholic identity and a real way to share Christ's love with a tired world. We talk through what made Regis so effective: a life anchored in the sacraments, long hours before the Blessed Sacrament, and a readiness to respond quickly to God's call. His evangelization wasn't flashy. It was personal, relational, and rooted in mercy, from preaching and catechism to reconciliation that could stretch to sixteen hours a day in the confessional. If you care about Catholic evangelization, you'll hear why patient listening and clear truth belong together. Just as powerful is his commitment to the marginalized. Regis organized shelters for orphans, protected the vulnerable, and poured special care into ministry to women in crisis by opening safe homes and creating paths to dignified work. We also explore the opposition he faced, the sacrifices that sustained him, and the stories of miracles and conversions that point beyond him to God's providence. Subscribe for more saint-driven Catholic inspiration, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with one way you want to live the mission this week.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 ...
Part 2 of Joe Stopulos's Uncommon Good interview with Dr. Bud Maher picks up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Joe is studying at Marquette University — attending daily Mass during Lent (sometimes before the bar closed), seeking out every Jesuit professor he could find, and slowly beginning to ask why the Church teaches what it teaches. Highlights include: College Faith in the Real World: Joe reflects on attending a 10 p.m. Sunday Mass while most of his friend group wasn't practicing. He describes going to daily Mass every day of Lent in college — including a legendary St. Patrick's Day that started at 5:50 a.m. outside a bar and still included 6:30 a.m. Mass. A perfect encapsulation of where he was spiritually. Meeting His First Protestant at 25: A friendship with a Methodist minister friend forced Joe to actually articulate why Catholics do what they do — confession, the sacraments, all of it. He couldn't answer from Scripture. That sent him to CatholicAnswers.com, and every answer he found only deepened his conviction. Father John Ricardo Changes Everything: Introduced to Iowa Catholic Radio through friend John Leonetti (whom Joe famously told "nobody listens to Catholic radio"), Joe started tuning in to Father Ricardo at 11 a.m. and never stopped. He began burning CDs of Ricardo's talks to hand out. Combined with Jeff Cavins' Bible Timeline study and Scott Hahn's The Lamb's Supper, this launched a roughly 24-month transformation that Joe describes as the turning point of his adult faith. The Origin of Man Up: Joe shares how his early on-air appearances during Iowa Catholic Radio fundraisers eventually led to a standing show — made possible, he says, by the theological confidence and credibility of his original co-host, Father Zach. Now approaching 10 years and 400+ episodes, Man Up remains one of the network's cornerstone programs. Life at the Basilica of Saint John: Joe talks about the thriving parish community at Saint John's Basilica in Des Moines, the pastoral transition from the beloved Father Quinn to Father Trevor Sequin, and why surrounding yourself with friends striving for virtue is one of the three most important decisions a man can make. Saint Thomas Classical Academy: Joe highlights this homeschool hybrid co-op as one of the great gifts of his family's life in Des Moines. A major event is coming up — Bishop Conley will be the keynote speaker on October 20th, focusing on his devotion to Saint John Henry Newman. Don't miss it. Hope for the Future of the Church: Joe closes with optimism — men are returning to the Church, communities are growing, and the Forge Conference is proof. As Joe puts it: if Joe Rogan's going to church, a lot of people are going to church. Next week on Man Up: Joe re-airs a two-part interview he recorded with his father during the Heroic Fatherhood series — a tribute to the man he calls the greatest of his life.
All Saints of North America and Antioch St. Matthew 4:18-23 On the Sunday of All Saints of North America and Antioch, Fr. Anthony reflects on how the same American instincts that often lead people to Orthodoxy can become obstacles to spiritual growth once they arrive. While habits of inquiry, comparison, and evaluation help many converts discover the Church, the Christian life requires a transition from constantly judging and analyzing to trusting the Church's proven path of formation. Drawing on examples from marriage, culture, and the lives of the saints, he argues that the Church has been making saints for two thousand years and invites us to relax into that process of transformation. --- In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! This is the Second Sunday after Pentecost, which means we celebrate the saints. Now, some of you are thinking, "Father, wasn't that last Sunday?" Yes—but this Sunday we celebrate the saints who are the fruit of the Christian faith in particular places. Here in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, we commemorate both the Saints of Antioch and the Saints of North America. Antioch is where the followers of Christ were first called Christians. North America is where that same faith has borne fruit in our own land. Today we celebrate what happens when the Holy Spirit takes root in a people and a place and brings forth holiness. The saints were not abstractions. They were not merely names in books or faces in icons. They had families, homes, occupations, and daily struggles. They lived in particular places and faced particular temptations, just as we do. Their lives remind us that holiness is not reserved for another age or another people. It is the calling of every Christian. I know some people who are jealous of Christians who lived in other times and places. I understand the temptation. We imagine what it must have been like to live in a culture where everyone was Christian, where theology, marriage, friendship, and worship were reinforced by the world around you. It can seem as though faith would come naturally in such a setting. But every culture has its own strengths and weaknesses. Every age has its temptations. Ours certainly does. This is one reason I often speak about the long, slow slog of salvation. It takes time for Christ to gain traction in our lives. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to draw us out of our sins, reorder our desires, and teach us to see the world according to the truth. As much as we may romanticize other places and times, the reality is that the whole world groans under the weight of sin. Consider the relationship between Church and state. Some Christians look with envy at times when governments openly supported the Church. One of my favorite examples is Saint Volodymyr of Kyiv. The church he built became known as the Church of the Tithes because he dedicated a tenth of his wealth to support it. That kind of patronage can be a tremendous blessing. It keeps the doors open. It provides a place where people can encounter Christ. But there is also a danger. If people do not intentionally offer themselves to the life of the Church, they can begin to take it for granted. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists have repeatedly observed that when the Church becomes too dependent on state support, participation often becomes passive. The buildings remain full, the clergy remain funded, but the active fellowship of the faithful can become hollowed out unless people are deeply intentional about their commitment. In modern language, we might say that people need some "skin in the game." Faith must become personal. It must become sacrificial. We cannot simply inherit it; we must offer ourselves to it. The same pattern appears elsewhere. My Greek friends often point out that Hellenistic culture provided many of the intellectual tools that helped people understand and articulate the Christian faith. Concepts such as the Logos and the philosophical vocabulary of the ancient world became powerful instruments in the service of theology. And yet those same intellectual strengths carried their own dangers. Some Christians were tempted toward Gnosticism. Others drifted into excessive rigorism. The very strengths of a culture can become weaknesses if they are not transformed by Christ. The same is true for us as Americans. There is much about our culture that I celebrate. We are approaching the 250th anniversary of our nation, and as a son of the American Revolution, I appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. The First Amendment protects our ability to seek the truth and worship God according to our conscience. Many of us found Orthodoxy precisely because we were free to look beyond the assumptions of our surrounding culture. But there is another characteristic of American life that deserves our attention: consumerism. Consumerism is not merely an economic system; it is a pattern of thought. It trains us to compare, evaluate, and choose. Every trip to the grocery store involves a series of cost-benefit analyses. We compare quality and price. We examine options. We decide which product best meets our needs. That habit of evaluation has actually helped many converts find Orthodoxy. Most of us arrived here because we became dissatisfied with something. We sensed that something was missing. We began asking questions. We read books, listened to lectures, watched videos, and compared alternatives. We weighed ideas the same way we weigh products. Eventually, we discovered Orthodoxy and recognized that it offered something we had not found elsewhere: a way of life capable of leading us into deeper communion with Christ. For many of us, that process was a blessing. Without it, we might never have escaped the assumptions we inherited from our surroundings. We might never have realized that another way was possible. Now here is the challenge. The same habits that helped many of us find Orthodoxy can become obstacles once we are inside the Church. Let me explain through an analogy. Think about the way Americans approach courtship today. We live in a culture of options. Dating apps, personality profiles, compatibility scores, and endless advice all encourage us to evaluate potential spouses through a kind of cost-benefit analysis. We compare possibilities and try to determine which person is the best match. Now, thank God, many people eventually find someone they love. They build a life together, get married, and begin a family. But what happens if they never leave behind that consumer mindset? What happens if they continue to evaluate their spouse the way they once evaluated potential spouses? Sooner or later they discover something unexpected. They find an imperfection they did not anticipate. They encounter a habit they dislike. They discover a weakness that was not apparent before. At that point the consumer instinct kicks in. Some begin looking around, wondering whether there might be something better. Others begin trying to "fix" their spouse, treating the relationship like a renovation project. After thirty-six years of marriage, I can tell you that my wife became much happier when she gave up trying to fix me. There are some things that simply cannot be fixed. More importantly, that is not how healthy relationships work. A good marriage is not built through constant evaluation. It is built through trust, commitment, patience, sacrifice, and love. At some point you stop analyzing the relationship from the outside and begin living it from the inside. You relax into it. You allow yourself to be formed by it. That does not mean you stop growing. It means growth happens through love rather than manipulation. The same principle applies to the Church. I celebrate the fact that many of us found Orthodoxy because we were willing to ask questions, compare alternatives, and search for the truth. Those habits served us well. But once we arrive, we must be careful. If you have ever been a catechumen with me, you have heard me say something that may sound strange: don't become a catechumen unless you are ready to trust. You do not have to know everything before becoming Orthodox. No one does. We make sure people understand the essentials. We address the major questions and objections. But eventually there comes a point where a person must decide whether this is a place where he can be formed. If we carry the spirit of consumerism into the Church, we begin treating everything the same way we treated products on a shelf. We evaluate constantly. We compare constantly. We judge constantly. Combined with the polarization that already infects our culture, this can become spiritually destructive. We begin dividing ourselves into camps. We become critics rather than disciples. Instead of allowing the Church to form us, we place ourselves above it as evaluators. Now, that does not mean we stop improving things. We are always working to improve parish life. We renovate buildings. We develop ministries. We solve problems. But there is a profound difference between building up and tearing down. One spirit seeks to serve. The other seeks to dominate. One spirit acts from love. The other acts from judgment. One spirit strengthens communion. The other undermines it. At some point we must surrender the very habit of analysis that helped bring us here, just as a husband and wife must eventually stop evaluating one another and begin living together in trust. Once you have given your life to Christ and entered His Church, relax. You are in the right place. This is not a pig in a poke. Most of my catechumens know that expression. For those who do not, a "poke" is an old word for a bag. If you were buying a pig at market, you always looked inside the bag before handing over your money. Otherwise you might discover later that someone had sold you something entirely different. Orthodoxy is not a pig in a poke. You have looked inside the bag. You have examined the evidence. You have read the books. You have asked the questions. You have seen what the Church is. Now trust it. The Church has been forming saints for two thousand years. It has done so in Syria and Lebanon, in Greece and Romania, in Kyiv and Moscow, in Alaska and North America. It has formed saints in every culture, every language, and every century. It can form saints here. It can form saints out of us. But only if we allow it to do its work. There are very few places left in modern life where we can lower our defenses, let go of constant evaluation, and simply receive. The Church should be one of those places. This is one reason our worship is so carefully ordered. The prayers have been tested by generations. The hymns have been handed down through centuries. The services have been shaped by the wisdom of the saints. The Church knows what she is doing. Now, I still tell my catechumens and students to keep a little filter active during the homily. The prayers have been vetted by the Church. The sermon comes from me, and I am still a work in progress. But the larger point remains. Let the Church form you. The Church has been creating saints for two thousand years. It is not a cookie-cutter process. Saint Nicholas, Saint Tikhon, and Saint John were very different men. Yet all were united in Christ. The Church knows how to confront our sins. It knows how to heal anger, lust, despondency, pride, and despair. It knows how to help us become more patient, more loving, more peaceful, and more faithful. You do not need a guru. You do not need another internet rabbit hole. You do not need endless searches for the next great spiritual secret. The saints have already shown us the way. Pray. Love sacrificially. Open yourself to God's grace in the sacraments. Love God. Love your neighbor. This is the calling of every human being. This is the vocation of the royal priesthood. This is the path walked by the saints of Antioch, the saints of North America, and the saints throughout the world. And it is the path set before us today. May God strengthen us as we walk it together. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In this episode I host Everett Baldwin of Providence College Men's Hockey. The Rhode Island native and lifelong Friar fan is off to PC after playing in the Quebec Major Junior League for Saint John last year. Everett is also a prospect for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Today, Mandy is excited to share her love of roller skating, and she's not alone - she's got a whole crew of friends who are also passionate about the sport. But it's not just about the skating - Mandy's also diving into the world of art and culture with a stunning visual light show called Celestia, which is happening at Saint John's Cathedral in Denver. And if that's not enough, she's also talking about the latest news and trends, including Elon Musk's historic achievement of becoming the world's first trillionaire. In this episode, Mandy chats with Fanny Curtat, the creative force behind Celestia, about the inspiration behind this breathtaking show. You'll learn about the collaboration between Fanny's team and the cathedral to create a truly immersive experience that combines art, music, and architecture. And if you're feeling inspired, Mandy shares her own love of roller skating, including a fun story about her childhood days on the rink. Mandy also tackles some serious topics, like the latest news on Elon Musk's trillionaire status and the implications of his success. You'll also hear Mandy's thoughts on the current state of politics and society, including her take on the Iran situation and the importance of ending the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The controversial American poet Allen Ginsberg arrives in New Brunswick for the only Canadian date on his legendary sold out 1967 tour reading his historic epic poem: Howl. The reaction to his Easter reading of that poem in a Saint John church was, shall we say ... mixed! backyardhistory.ca
In this episode of the Diocese of St. Cloud podcast Speaking of Faith, Mary Parks, a trauma-informed educator, healthcare chaplain and spiritual director, shares about human formation—developing emotional skills, virtues, maturity and freedom to live in alignment with God. Mary explains how Catholic teaching on human dignity and the four pillars of formation makes human formation foundational, especially for ministers who risk harming others if they ignore their own limitations. She discusses common obstacles like fear, denial and control, and introduces her small-group program "Created, Called and Sent" an accessible, CPE-inspired cohort meeting monthly (mostly virtually) with individual sessions, verbatims and topics like trauma and non-violent communication. Join the upcoming June 17 informational webinar Webinar registration for Human Formation – Fill out form. Visit Mary's website www.thememoryofgod.org Additional information about the Human Formation Cohort: Created, Called, Sent: A reflective human formation experience for ministerial leaders: Informational Webinar – 6:30 p.m. Webinar sign-up: Webinar registration for Human Formation – Fill out form Engage in life-changing inner work alongside supportive peers in a nurturing environment. This program is designed for Catholic ministers — both lay and ordained — committed to growth through self-exploration. It runs from September 2026 through May 2027 and includes seven group meetings as well as seven individual coaching sessions. This will be a hybrid format: three meetings take place at Saint John's School of Theology, and the remaining sessions will occur online. The application can be found at Created, Called, Sent Human Formation Cohort – Fill out form.
June 4, 2026 ~ Director of Golf Nick Becks joins live from Saint John's Resort to talk Cardinal course updates, play experience, and what's drawing golfers in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
June 4, 2026 ~ Schulte Hospitality's Dustin Dent talks operations, service, and what's fueling growth at Saint John's Resort. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
June 4, 2026 ~ Marketing Director Sarah Carr highlights new amenities, upcoming events, and why the resort is becoming a go-to destination. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
June 4, 2026 ~ Kevin Dietz broadcasts live from Saint John's Resort, covering a wide range of headlines and interviews—from a growing rift in GOP leadership and new tariff concerns to school safety after a metro Detroit prom is canceled over a gun threat. The show also dives into media shakeups, a federal investigation into George Santos, and highlights local stories including updates from Saint John's Resort and the Michigan Science Center's "Science of Safety." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – John 19:25-34 – Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple there whom He loved. He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to His Mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His Head, He handed over the Spirit. Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His Legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into His Side, and immediately Blood and water flowed out. Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church O Blessed Mother, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) In Part 2, Terry and Father Robert continue their discussion on Saint John of the Cross and his method of Discernment of Spirits
In this episode of Speaking of Faith, Dr. Daniella Zsupan-Jerome and Dr. Matthew Sherman of Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary discuss Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, released May 25, 2026. They explain what an encyclical is, why it carries high teaching authority and also outline the core message of the Magnifica Humanitas: Catholics and all people should use conscience, prayer and discernment to ensure artificial intellegence serves the common good while keeping human dignity and justice top of mind. They also discuss AI's potential to be used for harm, divide families and foster moral apathy, but emphasize hope through adopting a slower pace with relationships and the Gospel at its core. This AI-focused social encyclical was released on a Marian feast and the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. To read Magnifcat Humanitas, visit: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html To read Daniella Zsupan-Jerome's reflection from Pray Tell, visit: https://praytellblog.com/index.php/2026/05/25/made-from-our-words/
This week we are taking a break to spend some time with our kids and grandkids in Paris before they leave to return home to the US. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy one of our absolute favorite destinations that we will continue to visit over and over again. This is one of our earliest episodes, so audio quality may not be the same as we were learning to do a podcast. __________________________ This episode we continue our “recorded onsite” series as we discover St John in the US Virgin Islands. No need for a passport this week as St John is another US Territory. We will talk about where to stay on the Island, where to eat, and what to do along with conversations that we've had over the last few days. So pack a bag and come join us on St John. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Get our full 7 Day St John Itinerary Here! It is a customizable itinerary but we've filled in our favorite places to snorkel and the hidden beaches we love! This is a must have when planning your trip to Saint John, USVi. In the esisode did forget to mention how to get here. To get to St. John you'll need to fly to St. Thomas and take a ferry over to St. John. The ferry runs from Red Hook on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay. You can take a taxi from the airport on St. Thomas to Red Hook to take the ferry. Check here for the ferry schedule. If you are staying at the Westin there is a separate ferry that is available. Check into their desk in the baggage claim area and they provide a shuttle to Red Hook. It is more expensive to take their ferry but it takes you directly to the resort and you can go back and forth to St. Thomas as much as you would like during your stay. Check with the Westin St John for the most up to date ferry schedule. Where to stay: Westin St. John Resort & Villas (this is where we have stayed twice) Gallows Point Resort - right in Cruz Bay Other places to stay in Cruz Bay and in Coral Bay All on St John Eco lodge on St John - Concordia Eco Resort in Coral Bay What to do: Rent a car to drive to all the beaches on the island O'Connor Car Rental (this one has a location at the Westin as well) Courtesy Car Rental St. John Car Rental Snorkel - this is what we spent most of our time on this trip doing! Our Top 5 Snorkel Beaches from this Trip Hawksnest Watermelon Cay Truck Bay Cinnamon Bay Maho Bay - to see the turtles You Tube of Snorkeling Video Link If you are staying on St Thomas or are on a Cruise that ports in St Thomas here are some day trip options so you can see St. John Day trips to St John from St Thomas St John Island Sightseeing Tour from St Thomas St John Island and Trunk Bay Beach Tour from St Thomas Other tours to St John Where to Eat on St. John Mongoose Junction St. John Brewers Tap Room Our Market Smoothies - tell our friend Karen that Scott & Melissa sent you Tap & Still - burgers, wings, fries, beer Grocery options - we recommend packing lunches for the beach and picking up breakfast items Dolphin Market - has gluten free, keto etc. options Starfish Market Other Resources Get our full itinerary here St. John App St John Packing List is Here Full St John Blog Post Guide is Here Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here and here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest Music Credit Music by OYStudio from Pixabay
Full Text of Readings Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Lectionary: 572A The Saint of the day is Saint Bede the Venerable Saint Bede the Venerable's Story Bede the Venerable is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that even while he was still alive, a Church council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches. At an early age, Bede was entrusted to the care of the abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow. The happy combination of genius and the instruction of scholarly, saintly monks, produced a saint and an extraordinary scholar, perhaps the most outstanding one of his day. He was deeply versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, the philosophical principles of Aristotle, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, ecclesiastical history, the lives of the saints and especially, holy Scripture. From the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30—he had been ordained a deacon at 19—till his death, Bede the Venerable was ever occupied with learning, writing, and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible. His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede's death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening. Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede the Venerable managed to remain in his own monastery until his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.” Reflection Though his History is the greatest legacy Bede the Venerable has left us, his work in all the sciences, especially in Scripture, should not be overlooked. During his last Lent, Bede worked on a translation of the Gospel of Saint John into English, completing it the day he died. But of this work “to break the word to the poor and unlearned” nothing remains today.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
durée : 01:23:26 - Toute une vie - par : Bénédicte Niogret - Voici le portrait d'un poète diplomate dont l'oeuvre témoigne de la diversité du monde. Saint John Perse interroge la place de l'homme à travers son expérience de l'exil. Analyses et lectures par notamment Édouard Glissant et Michael Lonsdale, permettent de comprendre le poète, prix Nobel en 1960. - réalisation : Jean-Claude Loiseau - invités : Mireille Sacotte Écrivain et professeur à l'Université Sorbonne Nouvelle Paris III., Lucien Clergue Photographe, Olivier Germain-Thomas , Antoine Raybaud Poète, Joëlle Gardes-Tamine Linguiste et écrivaine française, Édouard Glissant Écrivain, poète et philosophe Vous aimez ce podcast ? Pour écouter tous les épisodes sans limite, rendez-vous sur Radio France
Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – John 16:29-33 – The disciples said to Jesus, “Now You are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that You know everything and that You do not need to have anyone question You. Because of this we believe that You came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do You believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave Me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Memorial of Saint John I. Pope and Martyr Saint John, pray for us!Bishop Sheen quote of the day2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Robert discuss Saint John of the Cross and his method of Discernment of Spirits
This Sunday, May 17, the Dean's Forum welcomes Director Brad Neary of The Saint John's Bible Heritage Program. The Cathedral of St. Philip was recently gifted a Heritage Edition of the Saint John's Bible, the first hand-written, hand-illuminated monumental Bible in 500 years. Learn more about the large, 7-volume Heritage Edition is encouraged to attend.
"I Once Was Blind": Humility and Spiritual Sight St. John 9:1-38 In this homily on the healing of the man born blind, Father Anthony reflects on how Christ not only gives sight, but gradually heals the whole person. Though baptism opens our eyes to the truth of God and His Kingdom, we still struggle to see clearly through the distortions of pride, fear, anger, and self-justification. The path to true spiritual sight is therefore not certainty or condemnation, but humility, repentance, patience, and trust in the One who already reigns over the world. Enjoy the show! --- Today's Gospel shows us two very important things about the Christ to whom we have given our lives: that He has compassion for human suffering, and that He has the power to heal it. The man in today's Gospel was not born partially blind. He was born completely blind. And Christ gives him sight so that we may trust not only His love for us, but His power to remake us and remake the world. Saint John tells us why these signs were given: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name." The miracles are not spectacles. They are revelations. They show us who Christ is, and they show us what He desires to do with us. There is also a symbolic meaning to this miracle, and here we should remember the words of the Lord from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light." Now, growing up in Georgia, every time I hear this Gospel, I hear that hymn: "I once was blind, but now I see." And that is true for us. That is why that hymn resonates so deeply within our souls. Through baptism and chrismation, through union with Christ, through life in His Church, we have been given new eyes. For the first time, glory to God, we begin to see reality as it truly is. We begin to see God not as an abstraction, but as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We begin to see that life has meaning, that even suffering can become holy, that love is stronger even than death, and that the Cross is not defeat but victory. But we also know something else. Even after receiving sight, glory to God for opening our eyes, we do not yet see clearly. As Saint Paul says, we still see "through a mirror dimly." And like the man healed in stages, sometimes we only "see men like trees walking." Why? Because salvation is not magic. The Lord does not simply wave away every wound, every distortion, every habit of pride and fear the moment we come to Him. Yes, baptism gives us eyes, but the healing of the whole person takes time. Our minds were created to resonate, to be in harmony with God, but sin twists the strings out of tune. And alas, we do not only suffer from our own sins; we inherit confusion from a world that itself has forgotten how to see clearly. And so we live in a very difficult place. We have received sight. We have seen the light. But we are still learning how to see. Worse than this, we are learning alongside other people whose vision is also wounded. The world tells us that confidence is clarity, that loudness is wisdom, that certainty is discernment. But often it is the opposite that is true. As Proverbs warns us: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The proud man thinks he sees everything so clearly, but the humble man knows that he still needs healing. And this is where today's Gospel becomes painfully relevant to us. When we recognize that our sight is imperfect, humility teaches us to move carefully. How quickly we assume we understand another person's motives. How quickly we justify our own anger. How quickly we become certain that we are right and others are blind. But the fathers warn us: the blind cannot heal blindness, and if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch. This is why humility is so important. Humility, unlike the world tries to tell us, is not weakness. Humility does not involve pretending that evil is good. Humility is not refusing to act when action is needed. Humility is the recognition that our own vision is still being healed. Humility acts as the pause that short-circuits the line between fallen instinct and sinful action: the pause between offense and judgment, the pause that protects us from self-justification and allows us time for repentance. Humility says: "I may not understand this completely." "My passions may be distorting what I see." "My fears may be speaking louder than wisdom." "My ego may be disguising itself as righteousness." Along with humility comes another necessary thing: trust. Because one of the hardest things for us is accepting that redemption does not depend upon our control. We are not the saviors of the world. Christ already reigns over the world. We feel pressure to judge every situation perfectly, to interpret every motive, to solve every conflict, to prove ourselves good and righteous. But God knows us. He does not require omniscience from us. What does He require? We hear it again and again in the Gospel of Saint John: He requires faithfulness. The Lord who opened the eyes of the blind man is still at work healing His people. How is this healing accomplished? He has given us the means of healing: prayer, scripture, confession, communion, acts of mercy, holy friendships, holy marriage, parish life shaped by patience, forbearance, and love. And over time, this healing gains traction. Little by little, the light grows clearer. Little by little, our vision is healed. Little by little, the knots of pride, fear, anger, and confusion are loosened. And as this healing takes place within us, the parish itself becomes a place of light: a place unlike the world, where people are not devoured by judgment; a place where people are not moved by manipulation; a place where weakness is met with patience; a place where vulnerability is met with gentleness; a place where repentance and true change are possible; a place where Christ is visible. The Lord has given us eyes. Once we were blind, but now we begin to see. What do we see? We see the Lord's mercy. We see the Lord's Cross. We see the Lord's love for mankind. We see, glory to God, the path of salvation. And now along that way, the work of healing continues: not through pride, not through condemnation, not through the illusion of our own righteousness, but through humility, patience, repentance, and trust in God. May the Lord who opened the eyes of the man born blind also heal the vision of our hearts, so that we may learn to see ourselves, one another, and the whole world in the light of His love. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – John 15:26—16:4a – Jesus said to His disciples: “When the Advocate comes Whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth Who proceeds from the Father, He will testify to Me. And you also testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or Me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Terry and Father Robert discuss the spirituality of Carmelite Priest, John of the Cross, Mystic and Saint
Full Text of Readings We couldn't findthis page. The Saint of the day is Saint John of Avila Saint John of Avila's Story Born in the Castile region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and theology before his ordination as a diocesan priest. After John's parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia. During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director, and a wise confessor. Dear St. Carlo Acutis… Because John of Avila was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people. John of Avila was friends with Saints Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. John's mystical writings have been translated into several languages. He was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012. St. John of Avila's liturgical feast is celebrated on May 10. Reflection Saint John of Avila knew that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ—for example thinking racism is OK—implicitly encouraging Christians to live their faith-halfheartedly, and causing obstacles to non-Christians who might accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain, those who advocated reforming the Church were often suspected of heresy. Saint John of Avila held his ground and was eventually recognized as a very reliable teacher of the Christian faith.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Read OnlineIncreasing Your Capacity to Love“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” John 15:13–15Is it possible to know everything that Jesus knows? Certainly not. Yet, Jesus says in today's Gospel, “I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” Jesus Himself is the full revelation of the Father. Therefore, in Him we have been given perfect access to the life of God. Even though God has revealed everything to us, we are limited in our ability to receive it because we are finite creatures. Nonetheless, our imperfect natures do not limit what Jesus has told us from the Father.By analogy, consider water. When we are thirsty, we drink a glass of water. If we are very thirsty, we might drink several glasses. However, we are limited in how much water we can consume in one sitting. All that Jesus has revealed to us from the Father is like an infinite ocean of grace. He doesn't offer us only one glass or even several. He offers us the ocean. Though He bestows it on us fully, we are limited in what we can receive by our finite nature and sin.The goal of the Christian life is not to take one “sip” or “glass” of grace. Our goal is to continuously increase our capacity for receptivity. The greatest of saints spent their lives doing so. The more grace they received, the greater their capacity, and the greater their capacity, the more they received. Saint Teresa of Ávila described this process as progressing through the “mansions” of the interior castle, with each step drawing the soul closer to union with God. Saint John of the Cross taught that detachment from worldly attachments and the purification of the soul increase our receptivity to God's grace. Saint Thomas Aquinas explained that the theological virtues, especially charity, expand the soul's capacity for divine love.The presence of grace in any soul ensures that the soul will attain Heaven upon death. However, the level of glory that each will experience for eternity is determined by how much the soul's capacity for grace expands in this life. This capacity is built through love. Jesus teaches, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.” The love of charity is the process by which we lay down our lives for others. Jesus is not only the source of such love, He is also the Model. His choice to die on the Cross in His human nature exemplifies the kind of sacrificial love we are called to embody.That form of sacrificial charity can be difficult to comprehend and live. Our fallen human nature tempts us toward selfishness. We can easily become deceived into thinking that taking is better than giving, being served is better than serving, and looking out for ourselves is better than putting others before us. The only way out of such deception is to enter into friendship with Jesus: “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”The freedom to love is found through obedience to God. Though we cannot arrive at such obedience instantaneously, we can grow into it through prayer, penance, and fidelity to His commands. What does He command us to do? “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” (John 15:12). Jesus loved us by laying down His life for us. In turn, we are called to lay down our lives for others. This means thinking of others before ourselves, anticipating their true needs, and working for their highest good—the salvation of their souls.Reflect today on how Christ's infinite ocean of grace flows into your life. What areas of selfishness or fear prevent you from receiving more of His love? Commit to growing in charity by laying down your life in concrete ways for those whom God has placed in your path. Seek to imitate Jesus who calls you His friend and shares everything with you that He has heard from the Father. Remember His command: “Love one another as I love you.” The more you love, the more your soul will expand, and the more you will share in His eternal glory.My infinite Lord, the depth of love within Your soul is incomprehensible, yet You have revealed that love to us and invited us to receive it. Please flood me with the gift of charity so that I will not only share more fully in Your eternal glory, but so that You will touch others through the charity You place within my heart. Grant me the grace to embrace sacrificial love, laying down my life for others as You laid down Your life for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Deus Caritas Est by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.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.
Full Text of Readings Fifth Sunday of Easter Lectionary: 52 The Saint of the day is Saints Philip and James Saints Philip and James' Story James, Son of Alphaeus: We know nothing of this man except his name, and, of course, the fact that Jesus chose him to be one of the 12 pillars of the New Israel, his Church. He is not the James of Acts, son of Clopas, “brother” of Jesus and later bishop of Jerusalem and the traditional author of the Letter of James. James, son of Alphaeus, is also known as James the Lesser to avoid confusing him with James the son of Zebedee, also an apostle and known as James the Greater. Philip: Philip came from the same town as Peter and Andrew, Bethsaida in Galilee. Jesus called him directly, whereupon he sought out Nathanael and told him of the “one about whom Moses wrote” (Jn 1:45). Like the other apostles, Philip took a long time coming to realize who Jesus was. On one occasion, when Jesus saw the great multitude following him and wanted to give them food, he asked Philip where they should buy bread for the people to eat. Saint John comments, “[Jesus] said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do” (Jn 6:6). Philip answered, “Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit]” (Jn 6:7). Saint Christopher: Fact or Fiction? John's story is not a put-down of Philip. It was simply necessary for these men who were to be the foundation stones of the Church to see the clear distinction between humanity's total helplessness apart from God and the human ability to be a bearer of divine power by God's gift. On another occasion, we can almost hear the exasperation in Jesus's voice. After Thomas had complained that they did not know where Jesus was going, Jesus said, “I am the way. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him” (Jn 14:6a, 7). Then Philip said, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us” (Jn 14:8). Enough! Jesus answered, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9a). Possibly because Philip bore a Greek name or because he was thought to be close to Jesus, some gentile proselytes came to him and asked him to introduce them to Jesus. Philip went to Andrew, and Andrew went to Jesus. Jesus's reply in John's Gospel is indirect; Jesus says that now his “hour” has come, that in a short time he will give his life for Jew and gentile alike. Reflection As in the case of the other apostles, we see in James and Philip human men who became foundation stones of the Church, and we are reminded again that holiness and its consequent apostolate are entirely the gift of God, not a matter of human achieving. All power is God's power, even the power of human freedom to accept his gifts. “You will be clothed with power from on high,” Jesus told Philip and the others. Their first commission had been to expel unclean spirits, heal diseases, announce the kingdom. They learned, gradually, that these externals were sacraments of an even greater miracle inside their persons—the divine power to love like God. Philip and James, like all of the apostles, show us how the Word of God can heal and unite if only we as a collective are brave enough to listen.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Read OnlineJesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.” John 10:11–13What is it that makes a shepherd “good?” A shepherd's duties require great sacrifice and time. Like a mother who is always attentive to her newborn, a shepherd devotes his time and energies to the care of his flock. In biblical times, shepherds often lived in caves on the outskirts of towns, where there were plenty of green pastures, space for the sheep to roam, and water sources. The caves provided a place of safety at night and shelter from the elements. During the day, the shepherd watched over the flock in an almost fatherly way, knowing that if he were to neglect his duties and become inattentive, a sheep could wander off or fall victim to a pack of wolves.Jesus expands this familiar image to convey an even greater reality of divine love and sacrifice. In today's Gospel, Jesus takes this image of a shepherd to a whole new level. He says: “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Though this might not have been part of the normal job description of a shepherd, perhaps those who were listening would have made a connection. Some might have understood what Jesus taught in a figurative way, calling to mind the time and commitment shepherds make. And though there is a figurative lesson to be learned, Jesus' teaching was more than that.Jesus first identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. He then defines what that means: He will lay down His life for His sheep. Though His listeners likely missed His meaning, Saint John, while writing his Gospel, fully understood Jesus' words to be not only figurative but also literal—Jesus would die on the Cross for the sins of His sheep.The metaphor continues with Jesus contrasting a hired worker with a true shepherd of his own sheep. In the face of danger, a hired worker flees for his own safety, while the shepherd stands and fights for his sheep, even to death. This clearly depicts what Jesus has done for us, but it also reveals our duty toward all of God's people, His flock.As members of Christ's Body, the Church, we are called to share in His shepherding mission. Our vocations will especially dictate to us ways in which we are called to do so. Parents, for example, must be so devoted to their children that they value their children's lives more than their own. Priests and religious are called to be shepherds who guide and protect their flocks spiritually. Each of us, however, must participate in Christ's shepherding mission in the ways we are called. While the way this is lived will vary, the degree to which it is lived must not. We are all called to lead lives that are sacrificial, selfless, and wholly self-giving. Courageously and completely, we must lay our lives down for others, imitating the Good Shepherd's commitment to His flock.In communion with the Good Shepherd, we are invited to show this courage in daily acts of charity, fidelity to our commitments, and steadfast love for those entrusted to our care. Through this radical love, we reveal Christ's presence to the world and share in His mission to gather all into one fold under the divine Shepherd. As we continue to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection, we remember that this joy was won through the courageous love of our Good Shepherd.Reflect today on Jesus' perfect fulfillment of His mission to be the Good Shepherd. As you ponder His courage, sacrifice, and selfless love, know that He not only acts as the Good Shepherd to you, but He also invites you to share in His shepherding. How courageous are you when given the opportunity to be selfless for the good of another? How willing are you to seek the others' salvation, even at great cost to yourself? Charity is at the heart of Jesus' mission, and that same charity must permeate everything we do as we relate to those whom we are called to love. Honor and thank the Good Shepherd by participating in His mission and laying down your life for God's flock. My Good Shepherd, You have laid down Your life for us, Your sheep, dying a painful death on the Cross. Your courage and sacrifice save us from sin and the evil one, opening the path to eternal life. I accept Your selfless sacrifice in my life and commit to share in that sacrifice by laying my life down for others, so that they will come to know You and share in eternal life. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: The Good Shepherd, via Adobe StockSource: 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 —
A review of Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. Staff writer Richard Simms cover major cruise industry news, including Carnival's $300,000 negligence verdict for over-serving alcohol, Norwegian Cruise Line's $2 million COVID-era settlement, and a tragic murder aboard Carnival Horizon. Updates include MSC Cruises raising gratuities and Holland America's $500 million fleet refurbishment featuring solo cabins. Guest Rob reviews Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas on a nine-night Canada and New England itinerary, highlighting excellent dining, impressive entertainment, and memorable port calls in Boston, Sydney, Halifax, and Saint John. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.
Read OnlineNow Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name. John 20:30–31Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through that belief you will inherit eternal life? Belief begins with an intellectual assent but must continuously deepen. The belief Saint John speaks of in today's Gospel is one that draws us deeper into the mystery of Christ's Paschal Mystery—His Life, Death, and Resurrection—so as to receive the gift of His abundant and transforming Mercy.Today is the eighth day of Easter. The Church, in Her wisdom, celebrates the most important days of the liturgical year for eight days. Historically, there were a number of feasts celebrated with octaves: Easter, Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Ascension, All Saints, and in some locales, the Sacred Heart and various Marian feasts. After Vatican II, the Church focused on two—Christmas and Easter—so as to give greater emphasis to the core of the Paschal Mystery.In the year 2000, the Octave of Easter took on a new focus when Saint Pope John Paul II instituted the Solemnity of Divine Mercy on the eighth day of Easter. This was done in response to Jesus' personal request, communicated to the Church through a humble cloistered Polish nun. Canonized in 2000, she is known as Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.Between 1931 and 1938, Sister Faustina received numerous mystical visions that she recorded in six notebooks, now referred to collectively as Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Almost two years before her death, Sister Faustina recorded the following entry in her diary:On one occasion, I heard these words: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flows are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy” (Diary #699).When we reflect on this beautiful private revelation in the light of today's Gospel, we are invited to consider that even though the Gospels present us with all we need to know in order to come to faith in Christ and share in the new life He bestows, the treasure of His Divine Mercy is inexhaustible. Just as “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book,” so also the depths of His ongoing work, His Divine Mercy, will only be seen in Heaven.Divine Mercy Sunday is a day on which we are to profess our belief in this Mercy. To do so, we must ponder these inexhaustible treasures, probe their depths with the aid of Saint Faustina's private revelations, and then allow our Lord to reveal them to us within the depths of our souls. Reflect today on the infinite and inexhaustible treasures found in the Person of Christ and His Divine Mercy. His Mercy draws us into countless unrecorded and glorious graces that we are called to receive and rejoice in. Believe in His Mercy. Be open to it. Call upon it today, and receive it more abundantly. Most Merciful Jesus, Your mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, I pray that You will pour out Your Mercy upon me and on the whole world. Fill us with the grace You won through Your Paschal Mystery so that all people will come to believe in You as their Lord and God. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Divine Mercy Jesus Christ Stained Glass Style Christian Vector Illustration with Red and White Rays by Eugeniusz Kazimirowski.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 OnlineMary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” John 20:11–12Mary Magdalene was one of the women who accompanied Jesus and the Twelve Apostles as they traveled from town to town during His public ministry. Luke 8:2 introduces her as “Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.” Being possessed by seven demons signifies complete possession, illustrating the depth of her suffering. Though demons cannot touch a person's soul, they can afflict the body, which was the case with Mary. While Scripture does not tell us how she became afflicted, we can imagine the profound gratitude she must have felt after her deliverance. This gratitude, joined with her newfound faith, made Mary one of Jesus' most faithful and devoted followers.Today's Gospel offers a glimpse into Mary's unshakable love for Jesus. The Synoptic Gospels mention that she was not alone when she went to the tomb to honor His body. However, John's Gospel focuses solely on Mary, likely to highlight her unique experience and encourage us to learn from the depth of her devotion.Mary's early morning visit to the tomb reveals her passionate love—she could not wait to honor Him, even if only by tending to His lifeless body. Finding the tomb empty, she immediately ran to inform the disciples. Peter and John hurried to see for themselves, with Mary following behind. After the two disciples saw the empty tomb and left, Mary remained, setting the stage for today's passage.Saint John seems to invite us to contemplate Mary's actions. Imagine Peter and John leaving, while Mary remains, seated at the entrance of the tomb, weeping. Though she did not yet understand that Jesus had risen, her love for Him held her there, anchored in the place where He had been laid. In times of distress, confusion, or uncertainty, we are called to imitate Mary's steadfast devotion. Our love for Jesus should draw us spiritually to His empty tomb, keeping us close even when understanding eludes us.As Mary wept outside the tomb, she did not know what would come next. She only knew she needed to be there. Her mind was clouded with grief, but her heart led her to stay. She remained not out of reason, but because her heart, filled with love, kept her there.In following her heart—consumed with love for Jesus—Mary was led to a life-changing encounter. When Jesus appeared, she initially mistook Him for the gardener and, in her passionate longing, begged Him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Again, she spoke from her heart rather than from understanding. But then Jesus called her by name: “Mary!” In that moment, her heart and mind were united, and she recognized Him. With this recognition, she saw and believed. Reflect today on Mary Magdalene weeping outside Jesus' empty tomb and then hearing Him say, “Mary!” That she is the first person in Scripture to see the risen Lord is deeply significant. Clearly, God desires that we learn from her and imitate her love. Though we might not have been delivered from seven demons, we have been delivered from sin. This should stir in us a gratitude so deep that we willingly abandon all to follow Him. And when life is confusing or uncertain, we, like Mary, must follow the holy desires God places in our hearts, so that our love for Christ will lead us through uncertainty into clarity, when, like Mary, we hear our Lord call us by name.My risen Lord, Your empty tomb is a symbol of the longing I must have for You when I encounter life's uncertainties. When I am confused and do not understand where to turn, please flood my heart with an unshakable desire for You so that my love will lead me to where You are and where You want me to be. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Appears to Mary MagdaleneSource: 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 OnlineSo when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher' and ‘master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” John 13:12–15The celebration of the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday is one of the most spiritually enriching liturgical celebrations of the year. The Mass begins with an empty tabernacle. After the readings and homily, the ritual of the washing of the disciples' feet takes place. The Mass culminates with the celebration of the Eucharist, which is then carried in procession to another altar for adoration by the faithful until midnight, during which time we are invited to spend an hour with our Lord, in communion with Him during His Agony in the Garden.The Gospel for the Mass, from Saint John, presents the beginning of Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples. Jesus performs the act of a servant by washing the disciples' feet. Though this surprises them, especially Peter, Jesus insists, saying, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me” (John 13:8). Our Lord says the same to us.Often people understand the washing of the feet only superficially. Perhaps that is why Jesus said to the disciples, “Do you realize what I have done for you?...” This begs the question: Do you understand the deep and transforming meaning of this most sacred act? This was not Jesus' way of simply telling us that we should be nice to one another and look for opportunities to do each other kind favors. The meaning is much richer. First, we need to be washed by Jesus. Second, we must participate in Jesus' washing of others.How are you washed by Jesus? By His Cross and Resurrection that destroyed sin and restored eternal life. We need to be washed by His blood, which was shed for us and first administered to His disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus was telling them that they need the cleansing He was giving them: the cleansing of sin. Today, this cleansing takes place first in Baptism and then in Reconciliation. If we wish to share in the Eucharist fruitfully, we must first be cleansed through Baptism. When we sin later in life, this cleansing takes place by confessing our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which prepares us to receive Him worthily in the Eucharist. When we receive those sacraments, we should hear our Lord say to us, “Do you realize what I have done for you?”After that question, Jesus says, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” Of course, we are not Jesus. We cannot forgive sins and give to others His Sacred Body and Blood, right? Remember that Jesus was talking to His Apostles, the first bishops, so, “Yes,” Jesus was commanding them, and all bishops and priests that followed, to perpetuate His ongoing gift through the faithful administration of the Sacraments He instituted.Though that is the central command, our Lord also calls all of us to participate in His self-gift. Though only He could offer us the cleansing and transformation we need—which is perpetuated throughout time in the Sacraments—He also commands each of us to imitate His sacrificial love in charity, the “model” He has given us to follow. Forgiven of our sins and strengthened by the Eucharist, we must turn our attention to others, choosing to do everything necessary to be Christ to them, laying our lives down, selflessly and without hesitation. This command applies not only to those we like, but to everyone, equally and unwaveringly. Note that Jesus even washed Judas' feet, despite knowing Judas would soon betray Him. In doing so, Jesus teaches us that charity extends even to those who wrong us, calling us to love as He loves—without conditions or limits.Reflect today upon Jesus' question to the Twelve: “Do you realize what I have done for you?” Ponder that question today, especially this evening. Do you understand the depth of His Sacrifice? Do you understand the Sacraments that perpetuate that Sacrifice throughout time? Do you understand the demands that your reception of His gift places on you? Be open to all that Jesus offers you and, in turn, give what you have been given to others.My sacrificial Teacher and Lord, You have poured out upon me Your Precious Blood to cleanse me from sin and restore me to life. Though I will never fully fathom this Gift, I pray for Understanding, so that I can comprehend more fully this great mystery. As You transform me, please use me as a gift, poured out for others, in charity and selfless service of divine love. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Benvenuto Tisi, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: 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.
On today's show, Pat, AJ Hawk, and the boys recap last night's Sweet Sixteen games that saw Iowa and Purdue advance in a couple of absolute thrillers, and Arizona and Illinois advancing to the Elite 8 in dominating fashion. They also preview tonight's Sweet 16 games, and cover everything else happening in the sports world. Joining the progrum is 4x D2 National Champion, countless Coach of the Year awards, Iowa Head Coach Ben McCollum to chat about Iowa reaching their first Elite 8 since 1987, continuing this unbelievable run in his first season at Iowa, the make up of the players on the team, and much more. Next, 5x National Champion, the GOAT, Coach K joins the show to give his takes on last night's games as well as look ahead to tonight's Sweet 16 games including Duke v. Saint John's, UCONN vs. Michigan State, and more. Next, NFL Network Draft Analyst, LA Chargers color commentator, and host of the Move the Sticks podcast, Daniel Jeremiah to chat about the draft. Next, All-Star, Gold Glove winner, Chicago Cubs Centerfielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong joins the show to chat about his new deal with the Cubs, the WBC, the chemistry in the clubhouse, dealing with failure, and much more. Lastly, ESPN NFL Draft analyst, Jordan Reid joins the show to give his three biggest takeaway's from the Pro Day's this week. Make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/thepatmcafeeshow or watch on ESPN (12-2 EDT), ESPN's Youtube (12-3 EDT), or ESPN+. We appreciate the hell out of all of you. We'll see you tomorrow, cheers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#chrisdistefano Chris is back with another chaotic episode — and this one has everything. We're going audio only (deal with it), calling fans for advice instead of giving it, and trying to figure out if Chris is even capable of owning a Siberian Husky. Things spiral fast when a “fox sighting” turns into a full sprint from… a squirrel. Chris calls dog trainer Justin Silver for real advice, but somehow ends up talking peptides, shock collars, and whether you can train a dog like a four-legged child. Then it's Knicks courtside stories — including Tracy Morgan demanding Vito “lock the f*** in,” plus an all-time awkward celebrity interaction. We also get into: Chris potentially coaching his daughter's T-ball team (terrifying) A secret bundt cake addiction Saint John's obsession reaching dangerous levels And whether Chris is about to abandon his family for March Madness PLUS — the debut of the Reverse Advice Hotline.