Podcasts about seventeenth

To be “born with a veil” (or caul) was once regarded as far more than an unusual circumstance of birth. Being born with a caul—a portion of the amniotic membrane adhering to a newborn's head or face—is exceedingly rare, but across centuries of European folklore it has been interpreted as a visible mark of destiny. Those born with one might be exceptionally lucky, possess healing powers or second sight, or enjoy supernatural protection. In darker traditions, however, the same sign could mark a future witch, vampire, or uncanny wanderer between worlds. We  begin with a quoted passage from Stephen King’s The Shining, in which it’s revealed that the psychically gifted boy, Danny, is born with a veil and then go on to explore the colorful vocabulary once used to describe the caul. Across Europe, the membrane was imagined as a cap, hood, helmet, veil, cloak, or even a “shirt.” Such expressions as the Scottish “sely hoo,” or blessed hood, and various European equivalents of “lucky cap” and “victor's cloak” reveal how closely the caul became associated with good fortune. Next, we explore the earliest written references to caul superstition. A fourth-century biography of the short-lived Roman emperor Diadumenian claims that he was born with a strange membrane resembling a diadem. The same source remarks that midwives sold preserved cauls to lawyers who believed they would bring success in court. Medieval clerical writings likewise condemn officials who carried cauls as charms to silence their opponents. From there, the episode turns to the long practice of preserving cauls as family treasures. Surviving examples include a fragment enclosed in a locket made for John Monson in 1597 and the caul of King Frederik III, kept in a silver casket in the Danish royal collections. Seventeenth-century wills describe cauls mounted in jeweled gold settings and passed down as heirlooms believed to ensure a family's continuing prosperity. We then address the caul's most famous power: protection from drowning. By the eighteenth century, cauls were carefully dried on paper and sold to sailors. Newspaper advertisements addressed “gentlemen of the Navy” and offered them as proven safeguards for long voyages. Dickens satirized the trade in the opening of David Copperfield, whose caul attracts only one bidder—an attorney offering cash and sherry, but refusing to pay enough to guarantee himself against drowning. Caul kept as sailor’s charm displayed at Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. Mrs. Karswell then shares some amusing 19th-century anecdotes found in the long-running Oxford University publication, Notes and Queries. One report has a caul-bearing child who hild floated like a cork whenever his mother tried to bathe him. Another describes a prognosticating caul that physically transformed in sympathy to events unfolding in the life of the person consulting it. We then travel to Iceland, where fetal membranes were associated with the fylgja, a guardian spirit or external portion of the soul. The afterbirth could not safely be discarded, exposed to animals, or burned, lest the child lose this spiritual companion. Yet the caul's magical potential also made it dangerous: witches were said to use it in love potions, and a seventeenth-century French royal midwife warned her colleagues never to preserve one because sorcerers might obtain it. The episode then moves eastward, where caul folklore grows considerably darker. In Romania and Poland, those born beneath the membrane might be destined to become strigoi or other vampiric beings after death. In Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, however, caul-born men could become supernatural defenders known as Krsniki or Zduhaći. Their spirits left their bodies at night to battle dragons, witches, night-hags, and rival spirit warriors threatening the community's health, weather, and harvest. Next, we encounter their Italian counterparts, the Friulian Benandanti, or “good walkers.” Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century inquisitorial records describe men and women who claimed that everyone born with a caul was summoned in adulthood to fight witches during nocturnal spirit journeys. Their preserved “little shirts” were worn around the neck, blessed with prayers and Masses, and believed to protect soldiers or help lawyers win cases. Finally, we return to the sea with the curious modern discovery of a preserved caul purportedly belonging to a survivor of the the sinking of the Titanic. Its provenance may be uncertain, but the topic at least provides an excuse to close out with a snippet of the uniquely grim yet lighthearted folk song, “When the Great Ship Went Down.”

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, Religious Founder, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Jeremiah 26: 11-16, 24 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 15-16, 30-31, 33-34 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 14: 1-12   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, Religious Founder, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Jeremiah 26: 11-16, 24 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 15-16, 30-31, 33-34 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 14: 1-12   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Jeremiah 26: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 5, 8-10, 14 Alleluia: First Peter 1: 25 Gospel: Matthew 13: 54-58   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineCharity Unto DeathNow Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. Matthew 14:3–5Saint John the Baptist was unwaveringly bold in his preaching, humble in his disposition toward God, and faithful to the truth he proclaimed. These holy virtues, however, did not spare him from the clutches of Herod—a man morally weak, politically fearful, and unrepentant. In the end, Herod not only imprisoned John but, through the manipulation of his unlawful wife and her daughter, had him killed.Who, then, was victorious? From a worldly perspective, it seemed Herod was. John was not only persecuted but martyred. Yet the true victory belonged to John. His triumph was not in escaping suffering but in remaining faithful—faithful to the truth, to charity toward Herod, and to the salvation of Herod's soul. This sacrificial charity moved John to speak boldly, even at the cost of his life.At John's death, Jesus grieved deeply. The loss was real and sorrowful, but not despairing. John's followers also mourned out of love. He had changed many lives and prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. Of him, Jesus said, “No one born of woman is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11).Today, separated by 2,000 years, it can be difficult to feel the sorrow of John's loved ones. Yet the sting of that loss was profound because John loved profoundly. Those who are arrogant and self-centered often fade quickly from memory. But when a life radiates holiness, inspires through simplicity, and transforms hearts through truth, that loss is deeply and rightly mourned.The greatest human sorrow ever known was the mutual suffering of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whose love was perfect. Their hearts were pierced not only by personal grief, but by the weight of humanity's sin.John's death was not tragic; it was meaningful. He died for the truth, for charity, for the Messiah. He died as a man deeply loved, whose life touched many. He died not in bitterness or confusion, but in courage, compassion, and purpose. His ministry was powerful, but the witness of his grace-filled martyrdom was even more so.Each of us is called to imitate Saint John the Baptist in our own way—with boldness, humility, and fidelity. We are called to love with a charity that becomes sacrificial, even costly. John's life is a model of that sanctity. Can we see ourselves in him?When you examine your life, do you live boldly and confidently in the truth? Or do you give in to fear, which often leads to confusion and apathy? Is your charity strong enough to endure suffering, even unjust persecution, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls—including your own? Reflect today on the strength of your charity. We are all called to a love so deep that it requires supernatural courage and understanding. Consider your life through the powerful lens of Saint John the Baptist's witness. Sacrifice is painful. It was for John, for his followers, and even for Jesus. Are you willing to endure such suffering in fidelity to God's will? Seek the Baptist's intercession today and follow his example, that your charity may touch many lives and leave a lasting impression. Most loving Lord Jesus, Your human heart grieved the suffering and death of John the Baptist, whose mission was to prepare the way for Your public ministry. Yet Your sorrow did not flow from despair, but from love and gratitude for John's life and his selfless witness, born of true charity. Grant me, I pray, that same courage and love that flowed from John's heart, so that my life, like his, may leave a lasting impression on others, give You glory, and sanctify my own soul. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Martyrdom of St John the Baptist, 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 St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Jeremiah 26: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 69: 5, 8-10, 14 Alleluia: First Peter 1: 25 Gospel: Matthew 13: 54-58   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Jeremiah 18: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 146: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Matthew 13: 47-53   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineOur Native PlacesJesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. Matthew 13:54–57Though this passage recounts the sorrowful rejection Jesus experienced in His hometown, it also reveals something deeper: the mystery of the Incarnation and the subtle spiritual danger that can arise from overfamiliarity. It invites us to see ourselves in the people of Nazareth—in our own “native place.”The Greek word translated as “native place” (patris) signifies more than geography. It denotes one's homeland and the cultural identity that shapes a person. Both meanings are important. Geographically, Nazareth was where Jesus lived, worked, and was intimately known. The people recognized His mother, Mary, and His extended family—referred to here as His “brothers” and “sisters,” a term which refers to His cousins and relatives. They had watched Him labor as a carpenter, gather with family and friends, and attend synagogue with them.Just as important was their cultural closeness. In small towns like Nazareth, people shared customs, values, religious traditions, and family histories. They were molded by the same feasts, the same teachers, and the same unspoken rules. This collective memory formed a lens through which everything—and everyone—was interpreted.When Jesus returned after beginning His public ministry, He no longer appeared to them as the humble craftsman they had always known. He stood before them as a man of divine authority, a miracle worker, and the long-awaited Messiah. To many, this was not merely surprising—it was unsettling. His new identity seemed incompatible with their memories of the boy they had watched grow up. Their vision of Him was too small to contain the mystery He now revealed. Thus, what should have been a moment of grace became instead a moment of resistance.Spiritually, our “native place” can be understood as all that is familiar to us—our upbringing, relationships, habits, expectations, and experiences. While these can often be good and formative, they can also become obstacles when God calls us beyond them. Like the people of Nazareth, we may cling to the familiar and resist the radical transformation Christ desires to accomplish in us. When He invites us to deeper faith, greater sacrifice, or unexpected mission, we may respond with doubt and hesitation.God's call always requires us to step beyond the boundaries of what we know. He draws us out of our comfort zones, out of our “native place,” into a new life in which we are called to carry Christ within us in a wholly new and astonishing way.At first, this can be shocking. Like the people of Nazareth, we may be tempted to reject the unfamiliar work God is doing in us, preferring the comfort of what is known to the challenge of what is holy. But grace does not always come in expected ways. Grace often enters quietly, veiled in the ordinary, requiring faith to see and courage to embrace.Reflect today on what can be, at times, an unsettling truth: God is calling you out of the ordinary and familiar into the extraordinary and new. Holiness always demands change—conversion of heart, transformation of mind, and renewal of life. Embrace that change. Resolve to welcome the unexpected. Be ready for the newness of the Gospel by allowing grace to cleanse every obstacle, every doubt, and every attachment that holds you back. In this way, Christ will gradually reveal the new person He is calling you to become—formed not by the limits of your “native place,” but by the boundless promise of His love and almighty power.My transformative Lord, I know that You are calling me out of my comfort zone, out of the familiar, and into the realm of the unknown. Please give me courage and trust so that nothing keeps me from doubting Your grace and plan for my life. Use me as You will and make me into a vessel of Your presence in this world. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, 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.

Listen to Fr. Steve's Homily from July 30, 2026

ROSARY - LUMINOUS MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Thursday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Peter Chrysologus, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Jeremiah 18: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 146: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Matthew 13: 47-53   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

The Church is not a museum of saints. It is a fishing net. It gathers sinners, saints, doubters, seekers, the holy, and those still struggling.

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 13:47-53Jesus said to the disciples:“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,which collects fish of every kind.When it is full they haul it ashoreand sit down to put what is good into buckets.What is bad they throw away.Thus it will be at the end of the age.The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteousand throw them into the fiery furnace,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeIn you, my God, my body will rest in hope.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 57Canticle: Jeremiah 31Psalm 48Reading: Isaiah 66Intercessions: Lord, bless us and bring us close to you.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 30Psalm 32Canticle: Revelation 11Reading: 1 Peter 1Intercessions: Look kindly on your children, LordSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Read OnlineLiving in the KingdomJesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.” Matthew 13:47–48Today's Gospel concludes a series of parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and offers a profound meditation on the final judgment, the call to discipleship, and the harmonious use of the Old and New Testaments in coming to know Divine Truth. After concluding these parables, Jesus turns to His listeners and asks a pivotal question: “Do you understand all these things?” They answer, “Yes.”This same question is posed to each of us: “Do you understand all these things?” Do we truly grasp the meaning of Jesus' parables? Do we comprehend the glorious truths of the Kingdom of Heaven? More importantly, do we allow those truths to shape how we live each day?In the life of grace, understanding is not limited to intellectual comprehension. It signifies an interior light—given by the Holy Spirit—that penetrates the soul and enables it to embrace and live the truths that God reveals. It is not merely a matter of learning something from a book or classroom, but of being changed by what is known.The spiritual Gift of Understanding, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, enables the soul to perceive the deeper meaning of divine truths. It is a grace by which God Himself becomes our Teacher, unveiling mysteries hidden from the wise of this world and revealing them to the humble of heart. This gift is given not for self-elevation, but for sanctification—so that what we understand inwardly may be lived outwardly, transforming our thoughts, actions, and desires in conformity with the will of God.Having drawn out this deeper understanding, Jesus concludes: “Every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old” (cf. Matthew 13:51–52). In other words, those truly formed in the mysteries of the Kingdom—who understand not only with the mind but with a heart conformed to Divine Truth—become stewards of God's Word and citizens of His Kingdom. They are able to draw forth treasures both old and new: the ancient wisdom of the Law and Prophets (the Old Testament), and the new life of grace revealed in Christ (the New Testament). For the Christian disciple, this means interpreting the Old in the light of the New, seeing how the promises of old are fulfilled in Jesus, and applying both to daily life in a way that nourishes others. Such a disciple becomes like the master of a house, entrusted with spiritual riches to share—living proof that true understanding always bears the fruit of faithful action.If this seems complicated, it is—but only if we rely on our own effort. That path leads to frustration. But when we humble ourselves and open our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit, the mysteries of God not only begin to make sense—they become the source of joy, strength, and purpose. We are inspired to deepen our discovery and participation in God's Kingdom. Reflect today on Jesus' simple yet profound question: “Do you understand all these things?” Does life make sense in the light of faith? Do questions or doubts arise? Do trials and burdens weigh heavily on your soul? Or have you allowed God to speak to you—revealing the meaning of your life, strengthening you for your journey, and drawing you into the glorious mystery of His Kingdom? Know that God will give you all you need to sincerely and humbly say to Him, “Yes, Lord—I understand, I believe, and I choose to live as You call me to live!” Nothing in life is greater than this. King of Heaven and Earth, Your wisdom is far above my own, and Your ways are mysterious yet perfect. Come to me, Lord—speak to my heart, and reveal Your Truth to my soul. Grant that I may not only understand and believe, but also live all that You reveal, that my citizenship in Your Kingdom may be firm and everlasting. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The parable of the Net, by Clayton & BellSource: 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.

Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, July 28th - 1st Reading: Jeremiah 14:17-22 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:36-43 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 18Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 11Reading 2: From a catechetical instruction by St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 14: 17-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 8, 9, 11 and 13 Gospel: Matthew 13: 36-43   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Listen to Fr. Steve's Homily from July 28, 2026

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Tuesday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 14: 17-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 8, 9, 11 and 13 Gospel: Matthew 13: 36-43   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Homily from the Mass offered Monday, July 27th - 1st Reading: Jeremiah 13:1-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:31-35 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 13:36-43"The weeds are the children of the Evil One,and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire,so will it be at the end of the age."

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeDo not hide your face from me; in you I put my trust.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 20Psalm 21Canticle: Revelation 4Reading: 1 John 3Intercessions: Lord, hear our prayer.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 24Canticle: Tobit 13Psalm 33Reading: Romans 13Intercessions: Lord, our God and our SaviorSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 13: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32: 18-19, 20, 21 Alleluia: James 1: 18 Gospel: Matthew 13: 31-35   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineEntering and Becoming the House of GodJesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Matthew 13:36Today's Gospel begins with a subtle yet significant detail: “Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.” This transition from the public to the private reflects a recurring pattern in the Gospels: Our Lord teaches the crowds in parables, veiling the mysteries of the Kingdom, while reserving their fuller explanation for the disciples in the quiet intimacy of the house. In this context, the house becomes a symbol of the Church—the inner sanctuary where Christ reveals His secrets to those who follow Him not only outwardly, but with humble faith and spiritual hunger.Though the disciples—likely the Twelve Apostles—were uniquely privileged to share this moment with Jesus, in which He explained the Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat in precise detail, this sacred setting is not closed to us. Each of us is invited into this “house” through the life of the Church. Though the Apostles were weak and sinful like all of us, they were nevertheless chosen to be the first bishops—visible shepherds who would continue Christ's mission after His Ascension. Through their fidelity, the Word of God went forth to the ends of the earth, a proclamation that continues today through their successors.While each of the baptized is called to proclaim the Gospel in accord with his or her vocation and mission, the bishops—and their co-workers, the priests—uniquely form the spiritual household through which Christ continues to speak with clarity. Through their preaching, governance, and sacramental ministry, the hidden mysteries of Christ's teaching are continually made known. This is not due to their personal merit, but because of the sacred office entrusted to them by Christ through Apostolic Succession. They became the foundation of the Church—the spiritual House of God—in which Jesus continues to minister.Place yourself in this Gospel scene. You, too, are called to draw near to Christ, to enter the house with Him, and to seek understanding with the heart of a disciple. In the Church—this household of faith—the Master still teaches, still explains, still reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who desire to listen.As you prayerfully see yourself in this scene, unite it with your experience of your parish church and other sacred places where God has spoken to you, nourished you, and transformed you. When the Gospel changes us, the Sacraments nourish us, and the Church guides us, it is always Christ who is teaching, feeding, and leading. We must, therefore, learn to see beyond the minister or the building, recognizing Christ's presence, speaking to us and sanctifying us through His Church.Though the Church—the visible presence of the Kingdom of God on earth—is the privileged place where we encounter Christ, each of us, in our own unique way, is also called to be this “house” for others. Because God dwells within us, His Kingdom is present within our souls. Thus, this Gospel scene is not only about entering the house—it is also an invitation to become that house: a dwelling place where others may encounter Christ, hear His Word, receive His mercy, and be drawn into His love through the witness of our charity.Reflect today on this house. First, see the Church as the house in which Christ speaks to you most clearly. Give thanks for the many ways our Lord has spoken to you and fed you in this sacred House of God. Reflect also on your own soul as a dwelling place of God. Believe that Christ desires to use you to bring others into His presence, dwelling within your soul. Give thanks for this gift, and pray that you may be both a faithful disciple within the house and a radiant house of grace for others to enter and meet Christ our Lord.Most intimate Lord, You desire to reveal to me—and to all Your children—the deep and profound mysteries of Your Kingdom of grace. Draw me to Yourself, to Your House of Grace and Mercy, which resides within Your holy Church. Teach me, sanctify me, and form me according to Your holy will. As You make Your dwelling within me, make my soul a place where others may encounter You, hear Your Word, and receive Your grace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles, by Duccio di BuoninsegnaSource: 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.

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The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 13: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32: 18-19, 20, 21 Alleluia: James 1: 18 Gospel: Matthew 13: 31-35   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

From that tiny beginning grows a large shrub, strong enough that the birds of the air come and make their nests in its branches.

Monday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 13:31-35 Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seedthat 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.'”

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in OrdinaryTimeO Lord, our God, unwearied is your love for us.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in OrdinaryTimePsalm 5Canticle: 1 Chronicles 29Psalm 29Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3Intercessions: Give us your Spirit, LordSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in OrdinaryTimePsalm 11Psalm 15Canticle: Ephesians 1Reading: Colossians 1Intercessions: Lord, bless your people.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 10Psalm 12Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 9Reading 2: From a sermon on charity by St. Basil the Great, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Read OnlineFrom Humble BeginningsJesus 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.” Matthew 13:31–32Today's Gospel presents two brief yet profoundly rich parables—the mustard seed and the leaven—each revealing distinct dimensions of the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. Together, they draw our attention to the Kingdom's humble beginnings and hidden power, which unfold silently yet irresistibly in the world and within the human soul.Each parable possesses layers of meaning, and the Church Fathers deeply explored these levels. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed, the seed is frequently interpreted as Christ Himself. As “the smallest of all the seeds,” the mustard seed illustrates the hiddenness and apparent insignificance of Christ's earthly life, from a worldly point of view. He entered the world in obscurity, born in a cave in Bethlehem, fleeing into exile in Egypt, and growing up in the humble village of Nazareth. His divinity—the Eternal Word through whom all things were made—was veiled beneath the lowliness of His humanity.Even as He hung upon the Cross, His divine majesty was hidden from the eyes of the world. Yet from this seed of self-emptying love—this total descent into poverty and death—sprang forth the triumph of the Resurrection, shattering the bonds of sin and death. In His risen glory, Christ has become the “largest of plants,” and, as the parable says, “the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” This image is often understood as a symbol of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, in which the peoples of the earth find shelter, nourishment, and eternal hope.The mustard seed also represents Christ planted within each soul. When He is sown in the fertile ground of our hearts—through faith, prayer, and the Sacraments—He takes root and grows, transforming our lives from within. Though His presence may begin in us imperceptibly, it has the power to expand beyond all measure, bearing fruit not only in our lives but in the lives of all those we encounter. Ultimately, this growth finds its consummation in the New Heavens and the New Earth, where the Kingdom of God will be fully revealed.The second parable—the leaven—expresses a similar truth in another form. The leaven is often interpreted as Christ or His grace, working silently and effectively. Mixed into three measures of flour, it gradually transforms the entire batch—symbolizing the hidden work of grace within the soul. Here, Christ is not only among us, but within us, sanctifying every part of our being from the inside out.Today's Gospel concludes with a beautiful citation from “the prophet,” taken from Psalm 78:2: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:35). On the surface, the parables appear simple, but they conceal divine truths from those who approach with indifference or pride. Yet for those who receive them in faith and prayerfully ponder them, the Holy Spirit opens the inner meaning. What was hidden from the beginning of creation is now disclosed—not to the wise and learned of this world, but to the humble of heart. In this way, the parables serve as a school of divine wisdom, inviting the soul to move beyond mere appearances into the depths of God's eternal plan.Reflect today on the hidden ways in which Christ is at work in your life. Are you attentive to His quiet growth within you? Do you nourish the seed of His presence through prayer and the Sacraments? Trust that, even in small beginnings, God is building His Kingdom—in you, through you, and for His greater glory.Most glorious King, You desire that Your Kingdom be born within our lives through the grace poured out by Your Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Come to me, Lord, and plant the seed of grace deep within my soul. Let it take root and grow, transforming me according to Your perfect will. Through me, expand Your Kingdom on earth, until the day we behold the fullness of Your eternal Kingdom in glory. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Parable of the Mustard Seed, 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.

Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Monday of the Seventeenth Week in OrdinaryTimePsalm 6Psalm 9AReading 1: 2 Corinthians 8Reading 2: From a sermon by St. Caesarius of Arles, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Sunday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimeNight holds no terrors for me sleeping under God's wings.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Sunday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 110Psalm 114Canticle: Revelation 19Reading: 2 Corinthians 1Intercessions: Lord, may your kingdom come.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Sunday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary TimePsalm 63Canticle: Daniel 3Psalm 149Reading: Revelation 7Intercessions: Lord, you are our life and our salvation.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975