Podcasts about second week

June 20, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 3 - Psalm 25:1-2a, 5b, 15, 20; antiphon: Psalm 25:16, 18Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 22:22-23:12; John 18:15-40“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” (Psalm 25:16, 18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Loneliness hurts. Suffering hurts. Having troubles hurts. Knowing I've sinned hurts. Being sinned against hurts. There is a lot of hurt in this broken world. Life can often hurt. It is such a gift, then, to realize that God gives us the psalms to pray, sing, and meditate upon. In today's verses, we have the words we need to cry out to God. We get to admit that we are alone and bothered. We get to be honest about what is hurting us and causing us pain. We can share all that burdens us; we can call out when we feel troubled and are in need of forgiveness. We can say that we need help. It is amazing to realize that just as God gives us these words to pray and use, He also promises to hear us when we talk to Him. In fact, He longs to hear our hurts and cares. He loves us and desires for us to bring all that we carry to Him. In fact, He would not have us carry our sins and our burdens at all. He gives them to His Son, our Savior Jesus. And Jesus willingly carries them all to the cross, where He pays for them with His life. He defeats all that is broken by defeating death. He pays the price for our sin and reconciles us to the Father. We died and rose with Jesus and are now mercied, loved, and forgiven. We pray with confidence and hope. We are not alone. Every day, we live under the weight of sin. Luther's Small Catechism teaches us that our Old Adam must DAILY be drowned and die; we continue to struggle with sin and sadness. And yet, the grace that we have from our loving and merciful Heavenly Father is new every morning. We remember our Baptism and cling to the promises that we have in Jesus. We have an attentive, loving, and compassionate God. He hears our prayers and fulfills His promises. We go to the Divine Service and our hope is renewed; we hear our sins forgiven, we hear of the promises and works of God, we eat Jesus' Body and Blood. We are given good Gifts from our loving, Heavenly Father, who hears our prayers and promises to never leave us nor forsake us.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sing praise to God, the highest good, The author of creation, The God of love who understood Our need for His salvation. With healing balm our souls He fills And ev're faithful murmur stills: To God all praise and glory! (LSB 819:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 19, 2026Today's Reading: John 18:1-14Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 22:1-21; John 18:1-14“So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?'” (John 18:11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Whenever Peter is involved, I usually end up cringing, feeling embarrassed on his behalf, or trying to justify his choices (because I see myself in them). Here's the thing. Peter always seems to try. He walks out of the boat and onto the water to Jesus…only to look down and start to panic. He declares that Jesus is the Christ…and then suggests that Jesus shouldn't go to the cross. He's so sure that he is going to boldly claim his connection to Jesus…only to deny Jesus three times (just like Jesus foretold). And here, in this moment in the garden, he ‘tries again.' He cuts off the ear. Of a servant. Yikes, Peter. And here is where I would love to try and justify Peter's actions - all of them. ‘At least he's trying.' Or ‘he did his best.' Or ‘he didn't get things all the way wrong…all the time.' Yeah, I don't believe these excuses either. And here's the thing - the reality is, sinners trying…usually results in failure. We sure do try our best (well, some of the time), and yet nothing works out perfectly. Life is still usually messy. And hard. And awkward. And not quite right. Yeah, now we are starting to get it... Look at the rest of the statement that Jesus says to Peter: Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Here's the thing. God had a plan for salvation, and it doesn't involve us trying. There is no ‘cooperation' or ‘partnership.' God's plan. God's work. For us. When we ‘try,' specifically in our salvation, we are always going to be wrong. In fact, the idea that we even could try is wrong. God's Word clearly teaches us that we were dead in our trespasses - dead things can't try. So, what does this mean? Are we just stuck being a bunch of awkward Peters - trying and (usually) failing? Rest, dear redeemed one. Your salvation is perfectly complete in Jesus. God the Father poured out His wrath on Jesus, and Jesus took it. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus lives. For you. There is no trying or needing to try as you look in faith to Jesus. You have been reconciled. It is a gift. It is yours in your Baptism. It is yours in Jesus' Body and Blood. So now, you do get to try - but it's for your neighbor and it isn't to earn anything. Out of the love and mercy that you receive from God, through Jesus, you try, and you love those around you. It won't be perfect on this side of glory, but it will be redeemed. Thanks be to God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Be of good cheer, for God's own Son Forgives all sins which you have done; And justified by Jesus' blood, Your Baptism grants the highest good. (LSB 571:4)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 18, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 5th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Proverbs 20:5-25; Proverbs 21:1-31; John 17:1-26And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (The Fifth Petition, The Lord's Prayer) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus taught us to pray boldly. We are coming to the Father with these words ‘‘forgive us our trespasses.' We aren't bartering. We aren't conjoling. We aren't suggesting that ‘we'll get the tab next time.' Nope. We are begging that our sins be forgiven. We are stating it plainly: I have sins. A lot of sins. Forgive me. It is only from the mercy of God that we can continue to live and breathe and enjoy what He has given us. Without it, we would easily succumb to the weight of shame, despair, guilt, or even arrogance that our sins would demand. When we pray this Petition, we are rightly acknowledging that we have sinned and we need something outside of ourselves to get rid of our mess. It is such a gift, then, to know that Jesus taught us to pray this way because He knows God will hear us and answer our prayer! Jesus is our rescuer! He is the payment for our sins. He is the only one who can tell the Father: yep, that person is covered. I paid for her sins. He is one of mine, so he is one of yours. In Baptism, your Old Adam was drowned and died; a New Man was created. You, dear saint, belong to Christ and are therefore holy before God the Father. You get to come to Him in your darkest hour and trust in Jesus' Death and Resurrection for you. You get to pray with confidence; in Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and your prayers are heard. It is from that overflowing well - that unending grace and mercy - that we then turn to our neighbor and forgive them, too. We trust, we believe, and, in faith, we cling to the truth that our Father hears this prayer and does indeed forgive our sins. We then turn to those who have hurt us and share it with them, too. We know the power of sin, shame, and guilt - and we declare to those who are under it: there is forgiveness. Jesus paid for that sin. You are mercied. You are loved. You are forgiven - just like I am. Pray this Petition with boldness and humility; cling to the promises that are yours in Jesus, remembering that it is through Him that you get to approach the Father and know that His Gifts are for you. And then? Share that Good News with those around you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I, a sinner, come to Thee With a penitent confession. Savior, mercy show to me; Grant for all my sins remission. Let these words my soul relieve: Jesus sinners doth receive. (LSB 609:4) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 17, 2026Today's Reading: John 16:17-33Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 17:1-28; Proverbs 18:1-20:4; John 16:17-33“For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” (John 16:27-28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How amazing are these words!?! Jesus is vouching FOR US! He is claiming us before our Heavenly Father. The Creator of the world. The Holy and Perfect God. The Author of Life. This is an amazing gift. God the Father loves YOU. YOU belong to Jesus. In your Baptism, you are covered with Jesus - holy, blameless, and perfect. When God the Father sees you, He sees His Son, our Savior Jesus, and loves. In Communion, you are given Jesus' Body and Blood for your salvation. You are a guest at God's Table and get to feast on His gifts! Jesus was at the creation of the world; Jesus is the Word. Jesus knew what the cost would be once sin entered into the world. Jesus knew He would have to leave His Father, take on flesh, live a blameless life, die a terrible death, and rise again. He knew this was the plan to save sinners from eternal death. And in these verses, as He talks with His disciples before His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus is declaring that it is going to happen. He is declaring that you are loved. As we live in this sin-broken world, it can be hard to remember that we are loved. It seems as though all around us, everything is coming apart. We sin daily. We are daily sinned against. Something always hurts. Something always seems to go wrong. Our feelings lie to us. The world would have us focus on just today and wallow in despair. The devil would have us believe the lies that we aren't enough. But the Truth is not found in our feelings, the world, or in the lies of the devil. We are not without hope. In your moments of brokenness, remember your Baptism. Remember that you are not alone. You are covered by Christ and are seen by God the Father. You have the Holy Spirit, and in faith, you pray and cry out to a listening and faithful God. You are loved. Cling to the Truth, even if (and when) your feelings would want to declare something else. Be in God's Word; rejoice in the gift that is God's Law and Gospel for you. Remember that you have been claimed by Jesus, and God the Father rejoices that you are His. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father's house on high, Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest: Lead us to Your heav'nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 16, 2026Today's Reading: Ephesians 2:13-22 or 1 John 3:13-18Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 16:1-24; John 16:1-16“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever been excluded? Perhaps you were picked last for a game or event. Maybe your interests aren't ones that are seen as ‘cool.' Or maybe the issue is bigger than that. Your parents are divorced, and you always seem to be back and forth - not really able to settle into one place. Or, you have had to move away from your friends, your school, and your familiar community. Separation is hard. If you aren't ‘in,' then you are ‘out,' and that is difficult. Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus. And these words—these bold statements of inclusion—are pretty shocking. Paul is declaring that the Gospel is for Gentiles, too. He is saying that Jesus' Blood covers all people; God's love ties together that which was broken or segmented. He is reminding the Jews and the Gentiles that their focus needs to be on the promises of God, which are for all people. The Gentiles had always been ‘out,' but the Jews had had their seasons of exile and separation, too. And yet now, all is united. Now, the promises have been fulfilled, Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world, and there is no need for separation anymore. It would seem that everyone then and now would rejoice at these words. God has brought all to Himself, and there is no need to distinguish or separate. And yet, we sinners like putting each other in boxes. Whether it's by interests, looks, heritage, or some other artificial measurement that we've constructed, we like to compare and contrast. We want to be accepted - even if that means excluding someone else. Repent, dear chosen ones! For God has more forgiveness than you have sin. Jesus' Blood does indeed cover all. He has brought you to Himself - and there is room for more. Rest in your Baptism; Jesus has covered you and claimed you as His. Invite and include those around you - for God's desire is for all to be saved. You get to look at your neighbors, even in their differences, with joy and love. God has destroyed all that would separate or keep others ‘far off.' Share the Good News that Jesus is for all sinners - for those far off, and for you too. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ Our shame is fully covered With all that He once sacrificed And freely for us suffered, For here the flood of His own blood Now makes us holy, right, and good Before our heav'nly Father. (LSB 596:4) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 15, 2026Today's Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10Daily Lectionary:Proverbs 15:1-29;  John 15:12-27“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever had a conversation with a toddler? They are sure of everything. They know how to put on their shoes. They know how to get dressed. They know what they want to eat. They KNOW! And yet, would you eat a meal that was prepared by a toddler? Would you feel safe with a doctor who was a toddler? You see what I mean, right? Being two or three years old does not make you an expert in, well, anything. Here's the truth, though. You aren't an expert either. You may be older than two, but are you still a sinner? (Martin Luther, in the Small Catechism, invites us to consider our lives according to the Ten Commandments…how's that going for you?) You make mistakes. You still hurt yourself and your neighbors. Age doesn't mean maturity or expertise. So how do we become wise? How can we know what is true? Those are great questions. And our reading today teaches us: start with God and His Word. When we start with God, we realize that we are dependent, humble, begging creatures who, without merit or worthiness, implore their Creator for mercy. In fact, Romans 5 teaches us that we were enemies of God - we were dead - when He chose us, redeemed us, and saved us. Indeed, when we start with God, we realize that we are nothing on our own. We have no knowledge. We have no skills. We have no wisdom. God's Word teaches us who He is and who we are. Start there. Be reminded that God is just, compassionate, and merciful. Be reminded that He made you and sustains your body and life. Be reminded that in Baptism, you are covered by Jesus' Blood and have been given the Holy Spirit. When you start there, you are then equipped to serve your neighbors. Rejoice as a student! Celebrate the roles you have in your family. Recognize the gifts you have to be on a team, in a class, or at a job. Rest in the knowledge that God is God and you are not; receive what He gives and use those gifts to love those around you (whom He has also given). Wisdom is indeed fearing and trusting God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yea, Lord, ‘twas Thy rich bounty gave My body, soul, and all I have In this poor life of labor. Lord, grant that I in ev'ry place May glorify Thy lavish grace And help and serve my neighbor. Let no false doctrine me beguile; Let Satan not my soul defile. Give strength and patience unto me To bear my cross and follow Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord, In death Thy comfort still afford. (LSB 708:2) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

Second Week after PentecostText: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26Access the Order of Worship hereAccess the Music Booklet here The Welcome Jesus Extends Sarah Lindsay

As the official Toronto police Level 1 search for missing Toronto teen Esther (“Esti”) entered its second week, hundreds of community members ignored rainy weekend weather to help a Jewish safety patrol group spread updated posters across the city. The growing grassroots response behind the search effort now includes Jewish and non-Jewish volunteers who are spending hours canvassing bus stops, subway stations, shopping malls and downtown office towers. Many say they are deeply disturbed by evidence that some of the original posters have been torn down, as it reminds them of Oct. 7, and how anti-Israel protesters defaced and ripped posters of kidnapped Israeli hostages. The search effort has broadened beyond North York, where the family lives, including displaying Esther's image at major public events, starting with a series of concerts by pop star Bruno Mars this week, as volunteers insist on keeping her face visible across the city. On this episode of The CJN's North Star podcast, host Ellin Bessner visits the Shomrim Toronto volunteer command post and retraces some of the key spots where search has been underway for more than a week. Related stories and links See the Toronto Police new website Find Esther , for the latest information and to submit tips, video or photos. Tipline: 647 355-4148 Read why community members came out on a rainy Sunday to help put up new posters of the missing teenager, after many of the posters have either been torn down on purpose, or damaged by rain, in The CJN.  Parents of missing teen pleaded for the public's help to check back yards and security cameras, in The CJN on May 19 Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner ) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Izzie Helenchilde (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer), Alicia Richler (editorial director) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here ) Watch our podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCJN Help others find this podcast by leaving us a review for “North Star” on Apple Podcasts via your iPhone or iPad device, or with your Android. (Spotify allows only starred ratings but you can do that, too!)

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on May 1, 2026. The readings are from Acts 5:34-42, Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 and John 6:1-15 (Friday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on April 18, 2026. The readings are from Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 and John 6:16-21 (Saturday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave reflects on how the stories in the Acts of the Apostles can be both inspiring and intimidating. He focuses on the words of the psalm to highlight the simple power of praising God together. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-15-26

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 6: 1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19 Gospel: John 6: 16-21   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter 

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!In the Gospel of John today (John 6:16-21), we see Jesus walking on the sea, demonstrating his dominion over nature. As he approached the disciples, he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”Throughout the Scriptures, water is a symbol of danger and chaos, darkness and disorder, and God has lordship over all of that.At the beginning of time, the Spirit of the Lord hovered over the surface of the waters.Later, through Moses' prayer, the Israelites, escaping from Egypt, confronted the waters of the Red Sea and walked through the midst of the waves.In the New Testament, the boat with Peter and the other disciples is a symbol of the Church, which moves through the waters as we move through time.Bishop Barron writes, “All types of storms—chaos, corruption, stupidity, danger, persecution—will inevitably arise. But Jesus comes walking on the sea. This is meant to affirm his divinity.”Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 18, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Monday of the Second Week of Easter. Father Dave begins by noting how God calls us to speak up for what is right both in biblical times and today. Jesus calls us to be reborn of the spirit so that we can have a "heavenly passport" to enter the kingdom of God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 04-13-26

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Second Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 5: 34-42 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 4, 13-14 Alleluia: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: John 6: 1-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter 

Read OnlineWhen they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” John 6:19–20One of the most consoling things we can hear is our Lord saying to us, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Every time we encounter His divine presence in our lives, we should hear those words. Though we do not always perceive Him, He is there, and when we reach out to Him in faith, He responds, dispelling the fear that cripples us, replacing it with confidence in His presence.What causes you to fear? Though some forms of fear are good—such as fear of falling off a cliff while hiking on a narrow ledge—other forms of fear that we struggle with every day are not good. Fear of what people think about us, fear of failure, or fear of being mistreated are all fears that stem from our own weakness and lack of surrender to God's grace. In today's Gospel, Jesus' miraculous act of walking on the water, coming toward the disciples in their boat at night during the storm, teaches us a lesson about unhealthy fear.Fear ultimately stems from a lack of humility. It's the fruit of pride, which is rooted in an excessive reliance on oneself rather than on God. Pride seeks control and resists vulnerability, whereas humility acknowledges one's dependence on God and His providence. This misplaced trust in one's own abilities or judgments leads to fear when faced with uncertainties or challenges that exceed personal power. This is beautifully presented in the difficult-to-pray Litany of Humility: “From the fear of being humiliated… despised… suffering rebukes… calumniated… being forgotten… being ridiculed… being wronged… being suspected—deliver me, Jesus!”In today's Gospel, after Jesus had performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, He sent His disciples ahead of Him. It was evening when they entered their boat and began rowing across the sea. After they “had rowed about three or four miles” and “it had already grown dark,” a fearful situation arose: “the sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.”Many Church Fathers look at this passage as a literal story that is filled with symbolism, presenting us with deeper spiritual lessons. John frequently uses the images of light and darkness in his Gospel. Darkness symbolizes the absence of Christ, the Light of the World. The Apostles in the boat at night in the darkness, rowing against the wind and waves, symbolize our journey in life. The sea is the world and the boat is the Church, which enables us to traverse the difficulties we face in the world. Though Jesus is not in the boat during the waves and wind, He is not far away. He is attentive to them from a distance but allows them to endure the storm.Each of us encounters storms. Though they sometimes lead to confusion, God permits them to help us overcome fear. Humility is the virtue that especially dispels fear because humility enables us to trust in God, rather than in ourselves. By ourselves, we cannot traverse the seas of the world. Not only will we be tossed about, making progress difficult or impossible, we sometimes lose our way and remain in one storm after another. Reflect today on anything that causes fear or anxiety in your life. What weighs you down and sets you off course toward the freedom and joy God wants to grant you? What is it that is more than you can handle on your own? Whatever it is, humbly admit to yourself and to God that you need Him, because you are incapable of handling it on your own. As you do, listen for His gentle promptings of grace. Hear Him say to you, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Allow Him to enter your life, calm the waves, and guide you safely to the destination He desires for you. Your humble reliance on our Lord will enable you to traverse any darkness in which you find yourself. My ever-present Lord, at times I rely on myself more than You. This is especially true when I find myself vulnerable and susceptible to temptation. Please humble me, Lord, so that I will see Your presence in my life as the only answer, the only way to overcome every fear and anxiety I experience as I traverse the waves and darkness of this world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Walking on the Sea by Amédée VarinSource: 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.

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on April 17, 2026. The readings are from Acts 5:34-42, Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 and John 6:1-15 (Friday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 272 The Saint of the day is Blessed James Oldo Blessed James Oldo's Story You've heard rags-to-riches stories. Today, we celebrate the reverse. Blessed James of Oldo was born into a well-to-do family near Milan in 1364. He married a woman who like him, appreciated the comforts that came with wealth. But an outbreak of the plague drove James, his wife, and their three children out of their home and into the countryside. Despite those precautions, two of his daughters died from the plague. James determined to use whatever time he had left to build up treasures in heaven and to build God's realm on earth. He and his wife became Secular Franciscans. Blessed James Oldo gave up his old lifestyle and did penance for his sins. He cared for a sick priest, who taught him Latin. Upon the death of his wife, James himself became a priest. His house was transformed into a chapel where small groups of people, many of them fellow Secular Franciscans, came for prayer and support. James focused on caring for the sick and for prisoners of war. He died in 1404 after contracting a disease from one of his patients. James Oldo was beatified in 1933. Reflection The death of those we love brings a troubling awareness of our own mortality. Blessed James Oldo had that experience when he gazed into a friend's grave, and it brought him to his senses. He determined to use whatever time he had left to build up treasures in heaven and to build God's realm on earth. Our time is limited, too. We can use it well or foolishly: The choice is ours.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!Today, Friday of the Second Week of Easter, we see in the Gospel Jesus (John 6:1-15) in the Sea of Galilee, followed by a large crowd because they saw him healing the sick and later feeding five thousand with an abundance of loaves and fish."When the people saw the sign he had done, they said,"This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world." Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him offto make him king, He withdrew again to the mountain alone."St. Augustine wrote: "The miracles performed by our Lord Jesus Christ are divine works that incite the human mind to rise to the apprehension of God from visible things. Yet His miracles in governing the whole world are so constant that almost no one considers the wonderful works of God exhibited in every grain of seed.""He has reserved to Himself certain works beyond the usual course of nature, that those who lightly esteem His daily works might be struck with astonishment at beholding not greater, but uncommon works."The Holy One made the earth, so it's not about marveling at his miracles but seeking to know its depth and understand its spiritual meaning.For example, the five loaves are the five books of Moses. The two fish signify the priest and the ruler, who were anointed to sanctify and govern the people in the Old Testament. Christ came sustaining in His one person both characters. There were twelve baskets by the apostles.However, as Jesus said, "Blessed are they who see not, and yet believe." Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 17, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 4/17/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Second Week of Easter by Ms. Joan Watson. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 5: 27-33 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20 Alleluia: John 20: 29 Gospel: John 3: 31-36   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter

Read OnlineJesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” John 6:3–5Have you ever faced a situation in which you felt desperate? Some people endure severe poverty, unsure of where their next meal will come from. Others struggle with family disunity, leading to deep fear and anxiety. Some battle addiction, uncertain how they will ever break free. Still others face obstacles that seem insurmountable. Today's Gospel reminds us that nothing is impossible for God.The story of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes begins with an intriguing exchange between Jesus and two of His disciples. Jesus asked Philip where they could buy food for the crowd, even though He knew they did not have enough money nor a place to buy food. This question was more of a statement, showing us that we must always rely on divine providence, especially when faced with the impossible.From a human perspective, feeding such a vast crowd on a mountaintop was impossible. Similarly, we all encounter situations in life that, by human means, present insurmountable challenges. If the crowd had numbered only about twenty people, one of the disciples might have managed to meet the need with a practical solution, such as purchasing food from a nearby village. Thus, when a challenge in life has a reasonable solution within our capacity, we should pursue it. When human effort alone is not enough, we must turn to divine providence.Philip's response reveals his purely rational perspective: “Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” In contrast, Andrew shows a glimmer of faith and hope when he points out, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” The role of the boy is often overlooked. Although the Gospel says little about him, it is clear that he entrusted everything he had to Jesus. Perhaps it was this small act of trust that allowed Jesus to perform the miracle.After Jesus had the vast crowd of 5,000 men—not counting women and children—recline in the grass, He did the unimaginable. He transformed the five barley loaves and two fish into more than the crowd could eat. The twelve baskets of food left over symbolize God's superabundant providence, given to those who are members of His Kingdom—the new Twelve Tribes of Israel, His Church.We must read this miracle from both a literal and a spiritual point of view. First, Jesus literally fed this vast crowd with a few loaves and fish. In our lives, He promises the same when we entrust all we have to Him. Though we must act responsibly to provide for ourselves and our families, in the end, we must believe that Jesus will provide all we need. His concern extends to our material needs, relieving us of worry and anxiety when we trust in Him.Spiritually speaking, God's providence assures us that every desperate situation in which we find ourselves can be transformed by grace if we trust Him. Family disunity, addictions, poverty, and every other human struggle can and will be transformed by His grace if we fully surrender to Him. For example, even if a family relationship is beyond reconciliation, by fully surrendering that relationship to Him, His grace will either heal it or use the suffering as a source of grace in ways we could never imagine. Nothing is beyond the power of God. Reflect today on this vast crowd coming to Jesus on the mountain. See yourself in that crowd. See yourself as hungry and even desperate, journeying toward Him Who is the answer to every problem. See yourself as that boy who gives all he has to Jesus. Don't hold anything back. Trust in Him and know that His divine providence will transform anything you bring to Him in superabundance. My providential Lord, I bring to You today all that I have and entrust it to You. I believe that You love me and care about every aspect of my life. Please take the little I offer You—everything I have—and transform it superabundantly by Your grace. Your providence never fails, dear Lord. Help me to believe that with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Feeding the Multitude  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.

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on April 15, 2026. The readings are from Acts 5:17-26, Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 and John 3:16-21 (Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on April 16, 2026. The readings are from Acts 5:27-33, Psalm 34:2 & 9, 17-18, 19-20 and John 3:31-36 (Thursday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

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Send us Fan MailCheck out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/To submit comments or questions, please email: joeinblackministries@gmail.comPlease use the following link if you would like to financially support  Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Full Text of Readings Friday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 271 The Saint of the day is Saint Benedict Joseph Labre Saint Benedict Joseph Labre's Story Benedict Joseph Labre was truly eccentric, one of God's special little ones. Born in France and the eldest of 18 children, he studied under his uncle, a parish priest. Because of poor health and a lack of suitable academic preparation he was unsuccessful in his attempts to enter the religious life. Then, at age 16, a profound change took place. Benedict lost his desire to study and gave up all thoughts of the priesthood, much to the consternation of his relatives. He became a pilgrim, traveling from one great shrine to another, living off alms. He wore the rags of a beggar and shared his food with the poor. Filled with the love of God and neighbor, Benedict had special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Blessed Sacrament. In Rome, where he lived in the Colosseum for a time, he was called “the poor man of the Forty Hours devotion” and “the beggar of Rome.” The people accepted his ragged appearance better than he did. His excuse to himself was that “our comfort is not in this world.” On April 16, 1783, the last day of his life, Benedict dragged himself to a church in Rome and prayed there for two hours before he collapsed, dying peacefully in a nearby house. Immediately after his death, the people proclaimed him a saint. Benedict Joseph Labre was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1881. His liturgical feast is celebrated on April 16. Saint Benedict Joseph Labre: Pray for us! Reflection In a modern inner city, one local character kneels for hours on the sidewalk and prays. Swathed in his entire wardrobe winter and summer, he greets passersby with a blessing. Where he sleeps no one knows, but he is surely a direct spiritual descendant of Benedict, the ragged man who slept in the ruins of Rome's Colosseum. These days we ascribe such behavior to mental illness; Benedict's contemporaries called him holy. Holiness is always a bit mad by earthly standards.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!Throughout John's Gospel, the conflict between Jesus and those who challenge His words appears.Today, in the Gospel, we see John the Evangelist himself speaking heavenly words through grace and supernatural illumination.He explains that Christ comes from above and is above all, while those of the earth speak earthly things.And whoever receives Christ's testimony certifies that God is true.(John 3:31-36)"The one who comes from above is above all.The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.But the one who comes from heaven is above all.He testifies to what he has seen and heard,but no one accepts his testimony.Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,but the wrath of God remains upon him."Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 16, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 5: 17-26 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Alleluia: John 3: 16 Gospel: John 3: 16-21   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter   

Read Online“The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” John 3:35–36A holy fear, one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, begins with a fear of punishment. We should foster within our minds and hearts a healthy fear of experiencing the “wrath of God.” God's holy wrath is not an emotional reaction to those who reject Him but rather the necessary consequence of disobeying Him and refusing to receive and foster the transforming gift of faith. God's wrath is His pure justice. He respects our freedom and will not impose Himself upon us. God will not force the gift of eternal life upon those who reject it by rejecting the means of obtaining it.What is the means of obtaining eternal life? Believing in the Son. In biblical terms, believing is much more than intellectual assent. Even the demons believe in God intellectually. Their belief, however, lacks the spiritual gift of faith, which is what today's Gospel addresses.Faith in God involves listening to Him, understanding His Word, and responding positively in our daily actions. It means we choose to allow ourselves to be changed by God's Word. True faith cannot be separated from hope and charity. Once our minds perceive God and the Truth that He imparts, the divine gift of hope compels us to act on and in accordance with the truth we understand. Faith and hope together produce charity, which perfects faith and leads to a love of God and others, inspiring us to act according to God's will.For these reasons, it is clear that being a Christian is far more than believing a philosophical thesis. Sadly, it seems that there are many who profess to be Christian but do so only in an intellectual way. If that is you sometimes, then prayerfully ponder the phrase “the wrath of God remains upon him.”Though the gift of Fear of the Lord begins with the fear of losing out on eternal life, it culminates in a burning desire to do all we can to further God's Kingdom and implement His will in our lives. This higher form of fear drives us away from anything that keeps us from offending God, even slightly, or failing to serve Him with all the powers of our souls. This is the fear of a son or daughter who strives to please God in all things.As we continue our Easter Season, we are invited to consider all that Jesus revealed in His public ministry through the lens of His final victory over death and restoration of eternal life, promised by the Resurrection. Today, we are especially challenged to examine what we believe and whether that intellectual assent has mixed with the grace of hope to compel us to act.Reflect today on whether your belief in the Son of God drives your will to action. As you listen to the Word of God, do you allow it to change you? Do you make conscious decisions to move in a new direction because you have listened to and acted upon all that Jesus has revealed? Are you closer to God today than you were last year or in the years before that? Choose to believe in the Son of God today in the way Jesus wants you to believe, and you will be one step closer to the incalculable riches of eternal life.Most generous God, You desire my pure and holy faith. When I fail to believe and follow Your will, I experience an absence of You, a judgment I impose upon myself. Please give me the courage I need to choose You always, in every action, driven by a holy fear of losing You in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Holy TrinitySource: 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 Thursday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 270 The Saint of the day is Saint Bernadette Soubirous Saint Bernadette Soubirous' Story Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844, the first child of an extremely poor miller in the town of Lourdes in southern France. The family was living in the basement of a dilapidated building when on February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette in a cave above the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. Bernadette, 14 years old, was known as a virtuous girl though a dull student who had not even made her first Holy Communion. In poor health, she had suffered from asthma from an early age. There were 18 appearances in all, the final one occurring on the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16. Although Bernadette's initial reports provoked skepticism, her daily visions of “the Lady” brought great crowds of the curious. The Lady, Bernadette explained, had instructed her to have a chapel built on the spot of the visions. There, the people were to come to wash in and drink of the water of the spring that had welled up from the very spot where Bernadette had been instructed to dig. According to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the Lady of her visions was a girl of 16 or 17 who wore a white robe with a blue sash. Yellow roses covered her feet, a large rosary was on her right arm. In the vision on March 25 she told Bernadette, “I am the Immaculate Conception.” It was only when the words were explained to her that Bernadette came to realize who the Lady was. Few visions have ever undergone the scrutiny that these appearances of the Immaculate Virgin were subject to. Lourdes became one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world, attracting millions of visitors. Miracles were reported at the shrine and in the waters of the spring. After thorough investigation, Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions in 1862. During her life, Saint Bernadette Soubirous suffered much. She was hounded by the public as well as by civic officials until at last she was protected in a convent of nuns. Five years later, she petitioned to enter the Sisters of Notre Dame of Nevers. After a period of illness she was able to make the journey from Lourdes and enter the novitiate. But within four months of her arrival she was given the last rites of the Church and allowed to profess her vows. She recovered enough to become infirmarian and then sacristan, but chronic health problems persisted. She died on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35. Bernadette Soubirous was canonized in 1933. Reflection Millions of people have come to the spring Bernadette uncovered for healing of body and spirit, but she found no relief from ill health there. Saint Bernadette Soubirous moved through life, guided only by blind faith in things she did not understand—as we all must do from time to time.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!In today's Gospel (John 3:16-21), we find an explanation of God's merciful and forgiving love. To our wickedness and sins — reflected in the wounds of the risen Jesus shown to his disciples in Easter — the Eternal Father responds with divine mercy.God held back Abraham's arm when he was on the point of sacrificing his only son, but He did not hold back the arm of any of those who were nailing His Only-Begotten Son to the Cross.We read today:"God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.""The light came into the world,but people preferred darkness to light,because their works were evil.For everyone who does wicked things hates the lightand does not come toward the light,so that his works might not be exposed.But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God."The Passion and Death of Jesus Christ is the supreme manifestation of God's love for humanity. God took the initiative in love, surrendering for us Him whom He loves most: His own Son. Our faith is a revelation of His goodness, of the mercy, of the love of God for us.God is Love, and man was created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, the heart of man is made for love, and the more he loves, the more he becomes identified with God. Only when he loves can he be happy, and God wishes us to be happy here on earth, too.Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter by Dr. Shane Owens. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 4: 32-37 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 93: 1ab, 1cd-2, 5 Alleluia: John 3: 14-15 Gospel: John 3: 7b-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter 

Read Online“And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. John 3:19–21The contrast of light and darkness is a beautiful concept to ponder in prayer. They are not two opposing forces. Darkness is simply the absence of light. In the visual spectrum, darkness does not exist. It is nothingness—no light, no color—making it impossible for our eyes to see. Similarly, within the spiritual realm, the absence of God leaves us spiritually blind. Darkness does not remove our capacity for seeing; rather, our sight is rendered useless without the light that reveals truth and guides our way. In this spiritual darkness, we stumble, unable to discern good from evil or to find the path to holiness. Yet, when we invite the divine light of Christ into our souls, the darkness dissipates and we begin to see clearly, walking confidently in God's grace and truth.If you've ever been in complete darkness, perhaps at home on a cloudy night when the power goes out, you know that even one small candle is enough to find your way around. So it is with the Light of Christ. Even the faintest presence of grace in our souls enables us to begin to find our way back to God.Today's Gospel begins with that familiar passage from John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” This line comes toward the end of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to Jesus at night to converse with Him. Nicodemus was searching.Perhaps after he heard some of Jesus' teachings and witnessed His miracles, Nicodemus discovered a small flickering flame of faith within his soul. That flame enabled him to find his way to Jesus that night in search of greater light. At the beginning of their conversation, Jesus gently but firmly challenged Nicodemus to move beyond what his human reason alone could comprehend and to walk with the light of faith.As Nicodemus listened and conversed, it seems that his mind and heart were opened, which enabled Jesus to teach him and us the beautiful truth found in today's Gospel. Perhaps as a way of softening His initial challenge, which was meant to help Nicodemus open himself further to the gift of faith, Jesus continued, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Though God is a perfectly just Judge, Jesus' earthly mission was to save us from condemnation, to set us free, to flood our souls with the light of truth, and to enable us to see God through faith in this life and face-to-face in the next. As with Nicodemus, Jesus is able to see any flickering flame of faith within our souls. When He sees it, He will engage us, challenge us, and seek to shine His light more fully within us. He wants not only a flickering flame of light but a radiant light. The more clearly we see, the more firmly our feet are on the path to holiness and the quicker we are able to journey to the source of all light—Jesus Himself.Reflect today on the contrast of light and darkness within your soul. How clearly is your spiritual mind able to perceive all that God wants to reveal to you? If you find yourself lost at times or confused about life, turn to Jesus and beg for light. We must not be among those who prefer “darkness to light.” If the light of the Gospel reveals your sin, do not turn away. Believe that Jesus does not want to condemn you; He wants to free you. He wants you to believe in Him, so that you “might not perish but might have eternal life.” Allow the light to shine brightly within you so that you will find your way to all the treasures God wants to bestow on you.Lord of pure Light, I want to see all that You want to reveal to me. I want to know You, find my way to You, and follow You with clear spiritual sight. Please dispel all darkness within me so that I will understand You and Your will and serve You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus Christ and Nicodemus by Matthias StomSource: 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.

Fr. Ryan preached this homily on April 14, 2026. The readings are from Acts 4:32-37, Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5 and John 3:7b-15 (Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 269 The Saint of the day is Saint Caesar de Bus Saint Caesar de Bus' Story Like so many of us, Saint Caesar de Bus struggled with the decision about what to do with his life. After completing his Jesuit education he had difficulty settling between a military and a literary career. He wrote some plays but ultimately settled for life in the army and at court. For a time, life was going rather smoothly for the engaging, well-to-do young Frenchman. He was confident he had made the right choice. That was until he saw firsthand the realities of battle, including the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacres of French Protestants in 1572. Saint Caesar de Bus fell seriously ill and found himself reviewing his priorities, including his spiritual life. By the time he had recovered, Caesar had resolved to become a priest. Following his ordination in 1582, he undertook special pastoral work: teaching the catechism to ordinary people living in neglected, rural, out-of-the-way places. His efforts were badly needed and well received. Working with his cousin, Caesar developed a program of family catechesis. The goal—to ward off heresy among the people—met the approval of local bishops. Out of these efforts grew a new religious congregation: the Fathers of Christian Doctrine. One of Saint Caesar de Bus' works, Instructions for the Family on the Four Parts of the Roman Catechism, was published 60 years after his death. He was beatified in 1975 and canonized in 2022. Reflection “Family catechesis” is a familiar term in parish life today. Grounded in the certainty that children learn their faith first from their parents, programs that deepen parental involvement in religious education multiply everywhere. There were no such programs in Caesar's day until he saw a need and created them. Other needs abound in our parishes, and it's up to us to respond by finding ways to fill them or by joining in already established efforts.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!On this Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter, we continue to see Jesus interacting with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee who believed in Christ (John 3:7b-15), highlighting themes of spiritual rebirth, faith, and salvation in their dialogue.Jesus said to Nicodemus:"No one has gone up to heavenexcept the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,so must the Son of Man be lifted up,so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."In this passage, Christ the Lord declares that He, too, must be "lifted up"—a prophecy of His crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent and lived, we look to Christ crucified and receive eternal life. The cross becomes the instrument of our salvation.This is the ultimate paradox: the instrument of death becomes the source of life."Everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Belief is trusting in the Lord and surrendering.It's looking to the crucified Christ and finding there our healing and our hope.When we look at the cross, do we see mere suffering, or do we see our salvation lifted high?Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• April 14, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Second Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday/ Martin I, Pope, Martyr First Reading: Acts 4: 23-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2: 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 Alleluia: Colossians 3: 1 Gospel: John 3: 1-8   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com During the 50 days of Easter, join the St. Paul Center for a new Easter Challenge.  Through weekly online videos and practical challenges, you'll discover the deeply biblical roots of accompaniment. With Dr. Jeff Morrow, you'll learn how, through the covenants, God accompanied humanity back to Himself and to a deeper communion with one another in Christ.  With Fr. Boniface Hicks, you'll reflect on how Jesus patiently formed His disciples as He accompanied them on the road to Emmaus, and how He accompanies us today on our own Emmaus journeys.  And with the Mercedarian Sisters, you'll discover how, through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, you can enter into Jesus' life-giving work, accompanying others on their journey to Him.  Learn to accompany authentically, faithfully, and confidently. Join the St. Paul Center's Easter Challenge by visiting www.stpaulcenter.com/easter

Read Online“You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” John 3:10–12Today's Gospel continues Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee who came to Jesus at night. Nicodemus began by professing a small amount of faith in Jesus: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him” (John 3:2). Perhaps he expected Jesus to be pleased by this acknowledgment, but Jesus, desiring the complete conversion of Nicodemus' soul, went deeper.Their conversation focused on Jesus' statement, “You must be born from above.” This theme recurs throughout their dialogue, forming the backdrop of today's Gospel. Jesus gently encouraged Nicodemus to move beyond amazement toward a faith made possible only by openness to the Holy Spirit.Like Nicodemus, many of us approach God in prayer with an initial or superficial faith. We acknowledge Jesus' divinity, but this is only the starting point. Once we make that first step, Jesus invites us further, challenging us to delve into divine mysteries with hearts open to grace.Jesus' question, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?” signals both a challenge and an invitation. Unlike the harsh rebukes He gave to those who approached with skepticism and disdain, His tone with Nicodemus was firm yet compassionate. Without condemning Nicodemus, Jesus exposed his limited understanding and called him to greater openness to the truth of Jesus' identity and His divine mission.This call to deeper understanding must resonate with us. Jesus invites us to look beyond the surface, beyond what our eyes can see, to the divine mysteries He reveals. He alludes to His crucifixion and His messianic identity when He says, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15). This revelation, veiled and profound, speaks of the mystery of salvation—Jesus, both God and man, being lifted up on the Cross, shedding His blood so that all who believe in Him may attain eternal life.Why does Jesus speak in mysteries? Because the truths He shares can only be fully grasped when we listen to the Holy Spirit within us, guiding and enlightening our souls. Just as the invisible wind can be felt, so too does the Holy Spirit move in our lives, unseen, yet powerful and transformative.Reflect today on how you might be like Nicodemus. The good news is that this Pharisee, once hesitant and questioning, ultimately grew in faith and is commemorated as a saint in the Roman Martyrology on August 31. Like him, we are called to move beyond the surface and deepen our openness to the Holy Spirit. Where in your life can you seek deeper understanding and greater surrender to God's mysterious work? Resolve to listen more intently and to be guided by the Spirit so that you might comprehend the divine mysteries and believe with greater conviction. Lord of all Mysteries, I profess my faith in You. You are my God and my Savior. Only through You—through Your Life, Death, and Resurrection—can I be saved. I profess that I must be born from above by the Spirit so as to share in eternal life. Please strengthen my faith so that I will more fully comprehend and believe all You desire to reveal to me. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus and NicodemusSource: 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 Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 268 The Saint of the day is Blessed Peter Gonzalez Blessed Peter Gonzalez's Story Saint Paul had a conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Many years later, the same proved true for Peter Gonzalez, who triumphantly rode his horse into the Spanish city of Astorga in the 13th century to take up an important post at the cathedral. The animal stumbled and fell, leaving Peter in the mud and onlookers amused. Humbled, Blessed Peter Gonzalez reevaluated his motivations—his bishop-uncle had secured the cathedral post for him—and started down a new path. He became a Dominican priest and proved to be a most effective preacher. He spent much of his time as court chaplain, and attempted to exert positive influence on the behavior of members of the court. After King Ferdinand III and his troops defeated the Moors at Cordoba, Peter was successful in restraining the soldiers from pillaging, and persuaded the king to treat the defeated Moors with compassion. After retiring from the court, Peter devoted the remainder of his life to preaching in northwest Spain. Having developed a special mission to Spanish and Portuguese seamen, he is considered their patron. Blessed Peter Gonzalez died in 1246 and was beatified in 1741. Reflection How often we have heard stories about some misfortune or disaster only to hear later on that it was now seen as a good thing. Not every “disaster” is truly bad in its consequences for the Lord can bring good out of what appears to be a misfortune. Such was the case for Blessed Peter. His being dumped in the mud by a falling horse turned out to be a good thing in his life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Monday of the Second Week of Easter

Friends of the Rosary,Alleluia! Christ is Risen!Christ the Lord, in conversation with a faithful Pharisee who acknowledged Jesus was the Son of God and was seeking the truth, explained that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we have to be born of the Spirit.Today, Monday of the Second Week of Easter, on the memorial day of the seventh-century Pope and Martyr St. Martin I, a courageous defender of the faith against heresy, the Gospel of John (John 3:1-8) presents us with this passage. In it, Christ said:“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh, and what is born of spirit is spirit.”Spiritual rebirth means ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. It goes beyond baptism. It's faithfulness to the teachings of Christ and His Church, resulting in a personal, living relationship with Jesus.Spiritual rebirth is not just intellectual assent. We cannot manufacture it on our own. The work of the Spirit is mysterious, powerful, and beyond our control. It's God's gift.So the question remains: Are we living as born-again people? Or are we lukewarm Catholics who practice faith only when convenient?Have we truly been born again in our hearts, or only in the baptismal register? That's the living question for Easter.Happy Easter!Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

Read Online“Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:6–8Today's Gospel offers us an opportunity to ponder the relationship between faith and reason. Is it good to live our lives according to human reason? Certainly! The natural virtue of prudence is the ability to use our human reason to discern the right course of action in any given situation, choosing what is most reasonable to achieve good and avoid harm. Unfortunately, we often make choices based not on prudence but on unruly passions and disordered desires. Prudence helps us cut through the confusion so we can choose the most reasonable course of action.Natural prudence, however, is not enough if we want to choose God's will in all circumstances. God's will is not contrary to reason and natural prudence; it is above what our natural minds alone can discern. This was the struggle Nicodemus had in today's Gospel.Nicodemus, a well-respected Pharisee, “came to Jesus at night” to converse with Him. Jesus warmly welcomed him and their conversation ensued. Some Church Fathers have interpreted the detail that it was at night as a symbol of Nicodemus' faith: it had not yet been enlightened by divinely revealed truth. He was clearly open and curious, knowing there was something special about Jesus, which is evidenced by his initial greeting: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him” (John 3:2). Nicodemus, familiar with Jesus' miracles, understood that only God could empower one to do such things. This opened the door to his curiosity, which led him to seek Jesus out for a conversation.What a beautiful starting point for faith! Like Nicodemus, when we encounter God's almighty power in some way—such as during prayer, the holy virtues of another, or through our reading of the Scriptures—we will experience a certain tug on our hearts. We might not fully understand such an experience, but we must act on it. If we do not, we silence the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.Nicodemus sought understanding, and Jesus' response to him was exactly what he needed. Jesus did not address Nicodemus' compliment; instead, He addressed Nicodemus as a person and said what he needed to hear: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3).Nicodemus responded in a way we are all tempted to do when we face a divine mystery—he tried to figure it out through the use of his natural reason alone: “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?” (John 3:4). This is a common tendency. We want to figure things out so they make sense. However, the only way to make sense of life is to allow our human reason to be informed and elevated by the grace of the Holy Spirit. For that reason, Jesus continued to insist on speaking mysteriously, to draw Nicodemus beyond natural prudential judgments into supernatural understanding.Reflect today on the mysterious ways the Holy Spirit communicates to you. Like the wind, the Holy Spirit moves through our lives, unseen yet transformative, refreshing our souls with His gentle guidance. We cannot direct His movements, but we can recognize His presence in the stirrings of grace and the fruits of goodness in our lives. When we allow ourselves to be carried by the Spirit, we find ourselves led in directions we might never have chosen on our own but that always lead us closer to God's will and His Kingdom.Lord of true Wisdom, Your thoughts are far above our thoughts and Your ways are far above our ways. Please bestow upon me, and upon all Your children, Your Holy Spirit so that we can always discern and choose Your holy will. I pray that Your grace will enlighten my natural reason so that I may know and love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.    Image: Visit of Nicodemus to Christ by John La FargeSource: 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 Monday of the Second Week of Easter Lectionary: 267 The Saint of the day is Saint Martin I Saint Martin I's Story When Saint Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of Constantinople was the most influential Church leader in the eastern Christian world. The struggles that existed within the Church at that time were magnified by the close cooperation of emperor and patriarch. A teaching, strongly supported in the East, held that Jesus Christ had no human will. Twice, emperors had officially favored this position: Heraclius by publishing a formula of faith, and Constans II by silencing the issue of one oro wills in Christ. Shortly after assuming the office of the papacy—which he did without first being confirmed by the emperor—Saint Martin I held a council at the Lateran in which the imperial documents were censured, and in which the patriarch of Constantinople and two of his predecessors were condemned. In response, Constans II first tried to turn bishops and people against the pope. Failing in this and in an attempt to kill the pope, the emperor sent troops to Rome to seize Saint Martin I and to bring him back to Constantinople. Already in poor health, Martin offered no resistance, returned with Calliopas, the exarch of Constantinople, and was then submitted to various imprisonments, tortures, and hardships. Although condemned to death and with some of the imposed torture already carried out, Martin was saved from execution by the pleas of a repentant Paul, patriarch of Constantinople, who was himself gravely ill. Tortures and cruel treatment having taken their toll, Saint Martin I died shortly thereafter. He is the last of the early popes to be venerated as a martyr. Reflection The real significance of the word martyr comes not from the dying but from the witnessing, which the word means in its derivation. People who are willing to give up everything, their most precious possessions, their very lives, put a supreme value on the cause or belief for which they sacrifice. Martyrdom, dying for the faith, is an incidental extreme to which some have had to go to manifest their belief in Christ. A living faith, a life that exemplifies Christ's teaching throughout, and that in spite of difficulties, is required of all Christians. Martin refused to cut corners as a way of easing his lot, to make some accommodations with the civil rulers.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media