Podcasts about Solemnity

Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood

Welcome to the Intense Youth Conference! Celebrated on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Jonathan Meyer opens Intense with a powerful invitation to encounter the living Christ. Sharing the story of his own conversion, Fr. Meyer reminds us that Jesus doesn't simply want us to know about Him—He wants a personal relationship with each one of us. At every Mass, Jesus gives us everything: His Body, His Blood, and His Sacred Heart. The question is simple: Will you give Him your heart in return? Whether you're attending Intense for the first time or have been here for years, this homily is an invitation to surrender your life to Jesus Christ and discover the love that changes everything. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. #IntenseYouthConference #FrJonathanMeyer #SacredHeart #Catholic #CatholicYouth #HolyMass #Eucharist #JesusChrist #EncounterJesus #CatholicHomily #CatholicFaith #Adoration #YouthConference #BeASaint

Join Father Cyril, C.Ss.R., as he explores the Solemnity of Pentecost, reflecting on Mother Mary's profound connection to the Holy Spirit and how we, too, can conceive Jesus.

 13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.[18] "Thou art Peter": As St. Peter, by divine revelation, here made a solemn profession of his faith of the divinity of Christ; so in recompense of this faith and profession, our Lord here declares to him the dignity to which he is pleased to raise him: viz., that he to whom he had already given the name of Peter, signifying a rock, St. John 1. 42, should be a rock indeed, of invincible strength, for the support of the building of the church; in which building he should be, next to Christ himself, the chief foundation stone, in quality of chief pastor, ruler, and governor; and should have accordingly all fulness of ecclesiastical power, signified by the keys of the kingdom of heaven.[18] "Upon this rock": The words of Christ to Peter, spoken in the vulgar language of the Jews which our Lord made use of, were the same as if he had said in English, Thou art a Rock, and upon this rock I will build my church. So that, by the plain course of the words, Peter is here declared to be the rock, upon which the church was to be built: Christ himself being both the principal foundation and founder of the same. Where also note, that Christ, by building his house, that is, his church, upon a rock, has thereby secured it against all storms and floods, like the wise builder, [Matt 7:24-25].[18] "The gates of hell": That is, the powers of darkness, and whatever Satan can do, either by himself, or his agents. For as the church is here likened to a house, or fortress, built on a rock; so the adverse powers are likened to a contrary house or fortress, the gates of which, that is, the whole strength, and all the efforts it can make, will never be able to prevail over the city or church of Christ. By this promise we are fully assured, that neither idolatry, heresy, nor any pernicious error whatsoever shall at any time prevail over the church of Christ.[19] "Loose upon earth": The loosing the bands of temporal punishments due to sins, is called an indulgence; the power of which is here granted.

Welcome to Concert Friday on the Solemnity of St. Thomas the Apostle"Doubting Thomas" by Nickel CreekWhat will be left when I've drawn my last breathBesides the folks I've met and the folks who know me?Will I discover a soul-saving loveOr just the dirt above and below me?I'm a doubting ThomasI took a promiseBut I do not feel safeOh me of little faithSometimes I pray for a slap in the faceThen I beg to be spared 'cause I'm a cowardIf there's a master of death, I bet he's holding his breathAs I show the blind and tell the deaf about his powerI'm a doubting ThomasI can't keep my promises'Cause I don't know what's safeOh me of little faithCan I be used to help others find truthWhen I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie?Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbsTo prove I'm not ready to die?Please give me time to decipher the signsPlease forgive me for time that I've wastedI'm a doubting ThomasI'll take your promiseThough I know nothing's safeOh me of little faithOh me of little faith"Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All" by The Vigil Project (feat. John Finch)Jesus, my Lord, my God, my allHow can I love Thee as I ought?And, how revere this wondrous giftSo far surpassing hope or thought?Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreHad I but Mary's sinless heartTo love Thee with, my dearest KingO with what bursts of fervent praiseThy goodness, Jesus, would I singSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSound, sound His praises higher still,And come, ye angels, to our aid,'Tis God, 'tis God, the very GodWhose power both man and angels madeSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and moreSweet Sacrament, we Thee adoreO, make us love Thee more and moreO, make us love Thee more and more

"Jesus built his church on top of a weak man." Stop hiding your weakness—it's the very place where Christ desires to build something that will last.

The Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated annually on July 1st, a date fixed by Pope St. Pius X. The entire month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood, focusing on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, his resurrection, and the Eucharist. Origin: Instituted for the universal Church in 1849 by Blessed Pope Pius IX to mark his return from exile, later elevated in rank by Pope Pius XI in 1933. Significance: It honors the blood shed by Jesus for humanity's redemption, specifically focusing on the blood shed during the Passion and the blood/water that flowed from his side, as described in the Gospel. Liturgical Focus: It highlights the blood of the New Testament, the "fountain of salvation" that cleanses souls and is present on the altar during the Mass. Traditional Calendar: While not in the current Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) calendar, it remains a major feast in the Traditional Latin Mass calendar on July 1st. Related Devotions: The month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood, encouraging prayers like the Chaplet of the Precious Blood and the Litany of the Most Precious Blood. While the specific July 1st feast is focused on the Precious Blood itself, it is closely related to the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which occurs on a different date based on the Easter cycle. Books by Bishop Robert Barron available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN The Theology of Robert Barron at https://amzn.to/4mTIkUf Feast of the Most Precious Blood books at https://amzn.to/4wc8V3N ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons, The New Temple (Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, 10 June 2012). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 29th - 1st Reading: Acts 12:1-11 - 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-1 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

As we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are mindful of the sacrifices that they made, but also the strength and joy and love that they experienced in their relationship with the Lord motivating them to share Him with others. Consider also the question that Jesus asked in the gospel passage. Who do you say that I am? Listen to my homily to learn more!

There's a new Niles in the world. Joshua Benedict Rex was born this week, and Dave wants you to know how stressful it all was. For the dad, that is. The pressure. The anxiety. All those things. None of which come to mind right now. Joke's on Dave, though, because Lady Pamela got to the birth center, the midwife offered to break her water, and Joshua arrived eleven minutes later. That's boy number three, bringing the count to three boys and four girls. Adam got the "we're going in" text at the hospital, stopped to pray, and barely beat the birth. The baby's a content little guy. A stereotypical Niles baby, the spitting image of baby Davy. Baptism's in a couple weeks with Uncle Father Sean, godparents are Sarah and Drew, and somewhere in there is a real theology question the guys throw to the priests who listen: can you name godparents after the fact for a baby baptized in a rush? Asking for a Mary.That birth set the whole table. Every time a baby comes into this circle of friends, the men pull their money, buy one nicer bottle of whiskey, sign it with the kid's name, and drink it together. They call it the "baby bottles" tradition. It blends friends into family. And it's exactly the kind of gift that makes you grateful, which is what this whole episode is about.They're recording on a Friday, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the same day the bishops of America consecrated the entire country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The pour is Glendalough, a pot still Irish whiskey the guys actually visited on pilgrimage. Triple distilled by law, smooth, no burn, and oddly cheap. The bottle shows St. Kevin in cruciform, a bird nesting in his open hand. The pious legend says he held that prayer posture so long the eggs hatched. Jim's scale (Irish edition): 3.96 out of 6.Then the meat: gratitude. Not the bumper-sticker kind. Gratitude is a virtue, a sub-virtue of justice, because it renders to another what's due, first to God who gave us everything. Aquinas lays out three degrees: recognition, expression, repayment. Most of us fail at the first one. We take the morning, the clothes, the breath for granted. St. Bernard calls ingratitude a scorching wind that dries up the streams of grace. God pours, the man doesn't return thanks, the flow stops.The hardest, most masculine turn in the episode is receiving. Men hate it. I don't need your charity. I can carry this cross. But refusing a gift graciously offered isn't humility. It's a wall. Adam's lived on the receiving end through Mary's time in the NICU, and he's learned the Christian paradox: the more graciously indebted you are, the richer your life, because the score is never even. That's not a debt to clear. That's a brotherhood.And the punchline ties it all together. Eucharist means thanksgiving. A man of gratitude is a Eucharistic man. You can't repay God for creating you, so He came down, became one of us, and offered Himself on your behalf. All you have to do is show up. Protect, provide, establish, and give thanks. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDJoshua Benedict Rex Niles is born, baby boy number three, bringing the Niles count to three boys and four girlsDave's tongue-in-cheek case that the dad has it hardest in childbirthLady Pamela's eleven-minute birth at the birth center after the midwife broke her waterThe "kingship" theme running through the Niles boys' names: David, Joseph, and now Joshua Benedict RexWhy every Niles baby is a "cookie cutter" content baby, and Joshua looking just like baby DavyThe wonder that a child somehow looks like both mom and dad, "only God could make a baby look like both"Baptism plans with Uncle Father Sean and godparents Sarah and DrewThe open question for the priests who listen: can you name godparents after the fact for a baby baptized in a rush?The "baby bottles" tradition, the men pooling money for a signed bottle of whiskey to honor each new babyWhy this kind of tradition blends friends into familyRecording on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and the U.S. bishops consecrating the country to the Sacred Heart of JesusWhiskey of the week: Glendalough pot still Irish whiskey, triple distilled and smoothThe legend of St. Kevin of Glendalough, the bird's nest in his hand and his love of all God's creaturesWhy Irish whiskey is the most approachable place to start, and surprisingly cheapJim's scale (Irish edition): 3.96 out of 6"Better than I deserve, I'm sure," Adam's go-to answer to "how are you?"The man at the pharmacy who'd just lost his wife, and never knowing what people are carryingGratitude as a virtue, and specifically a sub-virtue of justiceThe book of Job as the model of gratitude to the core: "the Lord has given and the Lord has taken away"Why a member of the Body of Christ is doing well no matter what else is going wrongAquinas's three degrees of gratitude: recognition, expression, repaymentWhy recognition is the weak spot for most people, the habit of taking things for grantedThe internal act of the will toward the benefactor as the heart of repaymentThe humility it takes to receive a gift, and why most men refuse charityHow receiving a gift graciously multiplies joy and binds a community togetherThe Christian paradox of being "graciously indebted," and why the score is never evenSt. Bernard of Clairvaux on ingratitude as a burning wind that dries up the streams of graceDeacon Garlick's prayer of thanks as a model for opening prayerMeditating on the magnitude of the Incarnation, the worm-and-the-man analogyWhy real men don't complain or "vent," and complaining as carrying the cross while griping about its weightDying for your family is easy; living for your family is hard, the little deathsAre you willing to get up, eat right, moderate your drinking, and put the phone down for your family?The Malcolm Gladwell mentorship lesson and the hidden cost of remote work, tribal knowledge not getting passed downWhy none of our best fatherhood or business "hacks" are original, and the duty to pass them onSt. John Chrysostom and St. Thérèse of Lisieux: gratitude as the superpower of the soulWhy you won't become holy without the habit of gratitude"People need to be reminded more than they need to be instructed"Keeping the right perspective so you don't live in a false reality the devil wants for youEucharist means thanksgiving, a man of gratitude is a Eucharistic manREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:The Book of Job (the model of gratitude through suffering)The Summa Theologiae by St. Thomas Aquinas, Second Part of the Second Part (the three degrees of gratitude; ingratitude as sin)Malcolm Gladwell's work on mentorship and learning a craft (referenced by Adam)Saints & Church Fathers:St. Thomas Aquinas (the three degrees of gratitude; gratitude as a sub-virtue of justice)St. Bernard of Clairvaux (the "leaky vessel"; ingratitude as a burning wind that dries up the streams of grace)St. Kevin of Glendalough (the bird's-nest legend; love of God's creatures)St. John Chrysostom ("gratitude is the superpower of the soul")St. Thérèse of Lisieux (gratitude and the spiritual life)Simon of Cyrene (carrying the cross with Christ)People:Adam Minihan (host; founder of M6 Marketing; writes The Grounded Builder on Substack)Jim (in studio, keeper of the yummy scale)Lady Pamela Niles (delivered baby number seven)Joshua Benedict Rex Niles (newborn), David Jr., and Joseph Niles (the "kingship" names)Baby Mary Minihan (still in the NICU, the gifts and prayers received)Uncle Father Sean (baptizing Joshua); Sarah and Drew (godparents)Deacon Garlick (his prayer of thanks)Programs & Institutions:The Catholic Man Show pilgrimage (where the guys visited Glendalough)Glendalough Distillery, IrelandSPONSOR BLOCKSponsor: Select International Tours: selectinternationaltours.comWhen Adam and Dave decided to lead their first pilgrimage, one name kept coming up: Select International Tours. They're the best. Having used them, the guys can vouch for it. No matter where in the world you want to go, Select has a tour ready for you. Whether you want to lead a pilgrimage or attend one, head to selectinternationaltours.com and take a look at everything they offer. You won't regret it.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul by Ms. Joan Watson. Peter and Paul, Apostles Solemnity – Day First Reading: Acts 12: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Second Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18 Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18 Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-19   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  

Today’s Topics: Father Robert Elias joins Terry 1) Gospel – Matthew 16:13-19 – When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Solemnity of  of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us! 2, 3, 4) In Part Two, Terry and Father Robert continue discussing Saint John of the Cross, his Spirituality and what he teaches us

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 29, 2026. The readings are from Acts 12:1-11, Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19 (Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

Original Post Date: June 29, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 16:13-19 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Reflection Jesus is making clear that he's given authority to his church. The church must be founded on truth so that the Kingdom of God can take place one day here on this earth.  Closing Prayer Father, help us to acknowledge the authority in the truths that we find in our religion. All religions. We pray that churches will proclaim consistently your wisdom, your truth. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of the Rosary,Today, June 29th, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, apostles. They are the solid rock, the principal pillars, on which the Church is built. Both apostles were martyred under the reign of Emperor Nero, in Rome, then the capital of the Empire, around the year 64.Peter was crucified upside down, while Paul, a Roman citizen, was beheaded.St. Peter was buried on the hill of the Vatican on the very site of today's Basilica of St. Peter's. St. Paul was beheaded in the Via Ostia on the spot where now stands the basilica bearing his name.Among the Twelve Apostles, Peter became the spokesman, declaring: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” At Pentecost, he delivered the first fiery sermon of the infant Church.Although not one of the Twelve, Paul is also called an apostle (the thirteenth apostle, the apostle to the Gentiles) after encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus while persecuting Christians.Early church fathers, like St. Augustine, noted that even if they died on different days, they are celebrated together because of their intertwined legacies.In the Catholic Church, it is a holy day of obligation in some regions and is marked by the Pope with a Grand Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.In many predominantly Catholic cities (especially in Rome, as well as in Latin America and Europe), the day is marked with local processions, traditional seafood feasts, and outdoor festivals.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• ⁠June 29, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Greek matters!

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 12:1-11 Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19 Catholic Radio Network

Acts 12: 1-11;Matthew 16: 13-19;Haydock Commentary"5 Minute Theology: A Primer on Apologetics and Catholic Doctrine" is available in Kindle and paperback versions on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0cF4XpHc If you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider making a donation at buymeacoffee.com/catholicdailybriefPlease consider giving a five star rating and sharing the podcast with your friends and family.

Daily Scripture Readings and Reflection: On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we reflect on Peter's unique role in preserving the unity of the Church. Frank Pavone examines the importance of proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Son of God and remaining faithful to the truth entrusted to the Church.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul Monday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/29/26 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

ROSARY - JOYFUL MYSTERIES today.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Monday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul by Ms. Joan Watson. Peter and Paul, Apostles Solemnity – Day First Reading: Acts 12: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 Second Reading: Second Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18 Alleluia: Matthew 16: 18 Gospel: Matthew 16: 13-19   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  

Peter and Paul are like two pillars holding up one Church: one representing unity of faith and leadership, the other representing mission to all peoples.

Celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul on The Morning Blend. Brenda and Brian talk about these two great saints and why they share a feast day. Plus, get caught up on all the latest news on today's show.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

Fr. Dan Reehil and his mom, Gladys, discuss an number of topics on Mondays. Today the look at our Lady's new message from Medjugorje and talk about the Solemnity of St. Peter and PaulRadio Maria is a 100% listener supported radio station. If this broadcast has touched your life, please consider donating at https://rmusa.civi-go.net/donateStream live episodes of Battle Ready with Fr. Dan Reehil at https://radiomaria.us/ at 9:00 am cst or tune in on radio in Louisiana (580 AM Alexandria, 1360 AM New Iberia, 89.7 FM Natchitoches, 91.1 FM Lake Charles) in Ohio (1600 AM Springfield, 88.7 FM Anna, 103.3 Enon/Dayton) in Mississippi (88.1 FM D'Iberville/Biloxi) in Florida (91.9 Hammocks/Miami) in Pennsylvania (88.1 FM Hollidaysburg/Altoona) in Texas (1250 AM Port Arthur) in Wisconsin (91.3 FM Peshtigo), 1280 AM Columbia, TN (98.9 FM Columbia, TN)Download the Radio Maria Play app to any smart device:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radiomaria.v3&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/radio-maria-play/id848153139 

June 29 is the annual Feast of the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Let's enjoy the Gospel of Luke 5:1-26 which relates the story of Jesus' first encounter with Simon (Peter) by Lake Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee). Breathe Bible Audio CD available at https://amzn.to/3CPRa4x Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/3M6sTId Historical Jesus books available at https://amzn.to/43rnYbq ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Breathe Bible podcast (LifeAudio Podcast Network, Salem Web Network). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew's Gospel, recounts the story of the call of the first disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew. When they encounter Jesus, the Capernaum fishermen drop everything and follow him. June 29 is the annual Feast of the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! Bishop Robert Barron books available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN Gospel of Matthew available at https://amzn.to/3LEeP8F ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons-Go to Joseph, Episode #360, 27dec2023 (Word on Fire Catholic Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The compelling story of Saul (Paul) of Tarsus & Simon (Peter) of Capernaum offers an opportunity to historically examine their fascinating lives and determine how they worked through their imperfections in order to do extraordinary things. June 29 is the annual Feast of the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Traditional Catholic Daily Devotional podcast at https://amzn.to/4xP3oSi Catholic Inspiration podcast at https://amzn.to/43Y3Y2L Books about Saint Peter at https://amzn.to/4c7U0RG Books about Saint Paul at https://amzn.to/4xSYoML ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVine Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Saint of the Day podcasts—29jun2025 Peter & Paul, 11apr2024 Martyrs Processus and Martinian Appian Way, 16jan2024 Chains relics of Peter, Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-praised Twelve Apostles (Greek Orthodox Deacon Jerome Atherholt and Ancient Faith Radio); The Saint of the Day podcast (29jun2024 s2e364 Peter & Paul) Good Catholic and The Catholic Company; Traditional Catholic Daily Devotional (SSPX US District, Angelus Press) Ss. Peter & Paul June 29, 2025; Saint Of The Day podcast with Mike Roberts by Covenant Network (ourcatholicradio.org) 29jun2024 e54 Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; Catholic Inspiration with Fr. Andrew Ricci—St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29, 2024) Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI. studyprayserve.com. Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read Online“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:17–19Though the Church will suffer in many ways, She will ultimately overcome all things. As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded of this truth by pondering their lives as two of the greatest pillars of the Church. Neither imprisonments, persecutions, nor apparent defeats kept them from fulfilling the mission God gave them. Likewise, the Church will never be overcome, for She remains under the guardianship of divine providence.The Church shall prevail for one simple reason: Jesus said so. He founded the Church upon the Twelve Apostles, giving unique and supreme authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Though Peter's given name was Simon, Jesus changed it to Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic. Both terms can be used as a man's name but also mean “rock.” Hence, Peter, and the Apostles in union with him, become the rock and immovable foundation upon which the Church is built.By giving Peter “the keys to the Kingdom of heaven,” Jesus granted him singular authority to teach, govern, and sanctify with divine authority. This authority did not end with Peter; it is passed on to his successors through the office of bishop. Since Peter died in Rome, Rome remains the see of the Church's divinely established governance.Though Peter offers the Church the stability and clarity necessary as the immovable rock foundation, Paul reflects the Church's missionary role to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This is seen especially in today's second reading, where Paul, facing the end of his earthly life, proclaims that he has “competed well,” “finished the race,” and “kept the faith.” His life was poured out as a libation for Christ, tirelessly laboring to make the Gospel known to all nations. While Peter ensures the Church's unity and fidelity to divine truth, Paul embodies her zeal to spread that truth to every corner of the world, calling all people into communion with Christ and His Church.Peter and Paul remain spiritually alive and active today through the unbroken tradition God established through them. Often at World Youth Day, when the Holy Father is present, young people chant, “You are Peter!” It is a beautiful expression of their faith in this foundational truth Christ established. Though every pope is a sinner like the rest of humanity, faith leads us to look beyond human weakness to see the successor of Saint Peter, the solid rock to whom Christ entrusted the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, Peter's mission remains alive today, not only in the person of the Holy Father, but also in our faith in his divinely given authority.Saint Paul remains alive today through the ongoing fulfillment of the mission God gave him. His burning zeal to proclaim the Gospel lives on in every missionary endeavor, every act of evangelization, and every effort to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth. His spirit is especially present in those who courageously preach the Word, catechize the young, defend the faith, and labor tirelessly for the salvation of souls. Just as Peter ensures unity and fidelity, Paul inspires action and outreach, so that the Church may extend Christ's Kingdom to every land and heart.Reflect today on these pillars of the Church and acknowledge the living witness they gave and continue to give. Renew your faith in Peter, alive in the Holy Father, professing him as the rock foundation. See Paul at work by recognizing the missionary activity of the Church, carried out by countless souls with zeal and courage. Allow their witness to inspire within you a deeper love for the Church, and commit yourself anew to the mission entrusted to you: to remain firmly rooted in the truth and to bring that truth to the world with boldness and charity.Saints Peter and Paul, God called you in powerful and unique ways, making you pillars of the Church. Please pray for us, and for the entire Church, that we may continue the mission Christ entrusted to you. I especially entrust myself to that mission and pray that I may remain faithful to it in imitation of your example. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Saint Peter & Saint Paul 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 complementary charisms of Peter and Paul - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.Why do you think Jesus decided to endow the Church with these different charisms and promises? In what ways has the Church illumined and sustained you in your faith journey?

Starting the morning off with God is the key to strength and success in your day!Join me in praying the Catholic morning offering, as well as hear meditations, learn about the saint of the day,  and hear today's Scripture readings from Holy Mass.To sign up to receive a daily email of the Morning Offering through The Catholic Company, go to https://www.morningoffering.com/Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.The Morning Glory Consecration Prayer is excerpted from "33 Days to Morning Glory:  A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration" by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, © 2011 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M., p. 137.If you have any comments, please email me at Deanna.pierre25@gmail.com.Support the show

57 Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son.Elisabeth autem impletum est tempus pariendi, et peperit filium. 58 And her neighbours and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her.Et audierunt vicini et cognati ejus quia magnificavit Dominus misericordiam suam cum illa, et congratulabantur ei. 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father's name Zachary.Et factum est in die octavo, venerunt circumcidere puerum, et vocabant eum nomine patris sui Zachariam. 60 And his mother answering, said: Not so; but he shall be called John.Et respondens mater ejus, dixit : Nequaquam, sed vocabitur Joannes. 61 And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.Et dixerunt ad illam : Quia nemo est in cognatione tua, qui vocetur hoc nomine. 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.Innuebant autem patri ejus, quem vellet vocari eum. 63 And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered.Et postulans pugillarem scripsit, dicens : Joannes est nomen ejus. Et mirati sunt universi. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.Apertum est autem illico os ejus, et lingua ejus, et loquebatur benedicens Deum. 65 And fear came upon all their neighbours; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.Et factus est timor super omnes vicinos eorum : et super omnia montana Judaeae divulgabantur omnia verba haec : 66 And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.et posuerunt omnes qui audierant in corde suo, dicentes : Quis, putas, puer iste erit? etenim manus Domini erat cum illo. 67 And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying:Et Zacharias pater ejus repletus est Spiritu Sancto : et prophetavit, dicens : 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people:Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, quia visitavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae :

“Daughter, your faith has saved you.” She touched His cloak and was healed. What would happen if you stopped hiding…and reached for Him?Fear keeps us hidden. Faith falls at His feet.

After Pope Leo's historic trip to Spain, art historian Elizabeth Lev joins to discuss the towering La Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and Antoni Gaudi, the venerable architect who worked indefatigably on the project. Lev also discusses the impact St. Peter's Basilica had on her own faith life, and why cathedrals are built to turn our gaze toward Heaven. Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman joins to share her new children's book about St. Joseph co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, and the incredible work behind 'The Story of All Stories,' the Catholic children's Bible that includes typology. Msgr. Roger Landry also helps us prepare for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul early next week. Catch the show every Saturday at 7amET/5pmET on EWTN radio!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist by Dr. Scott Hahn. Nativity of John the Baptist Solemnity – Day First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 139: 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 Second Reading: Acts 13: 22-26 Alleluia: Luke 1: 76 Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66, 80 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  

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on June 24, 2026. The readings are from Isaiah 49:1-6, Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80 (The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/

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Original Post Date: June 24, 2025 === Gospel Luke 1:57-66, 80 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. Reflection We see in this story a very, very important teaching. The Old Testament and the New Testament are not the same. The Old Testament, based on the law and performance. The New Testament based on God's presence within us. It's a radical shift. And it's so fascinating that in the plan of God, the greatest of the Old Testament prophets is the one that looks at Jesus and says, there that's the one. That's what we've been talking about. That's the direction you need to now take. Listen to him. I spoke God's words, but he is God incarnate. Closing Prayer Father, it's always been difficult for us to make the shift between the Old and the New Testament. The Old Testament is so much more attuned to our minds and our wills. And yet, the New Testament demands that we open our heart and let God dwell there. So help us in this transition. It's what we all go through in our own spiritual journey. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friends of the Rosary,Today, June 24, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, called the Precursor or Forerunner of the Lord in the three synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in the Book of John.Like Mary, who already in the first moment of her existence, was free from original sin, John was cleansed of original sin in the womb of his mother.Therefore, for John, the day of his birth is likewise sacred. He preceded the Redeemer, representing the Old Covenant and the Law and heralding a new dispensation of grace.The nativity of John is observed six months earlier than the birth of Christ, at the time of the summer solstice. The popular custom, centered on "St. John's Fire," symbolizes Christ the Light. John was a lamp that burned and shone.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• ⁠June 24, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

One of only two saints in which we celebrate their birthday and not the day they died

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm: Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26 Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80 Catholic Radio Network

Read OnlineWhen they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Luke 1:59–63The Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist is one of only three birthdays the Church celebrates with a liturgical feast—the others being those of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This extraordinary honor reveals the singular role Saint John played in salvation history as the Forerunner who prepared the way for the Lord. Three profound mysteries surrounding John's birth invite our reflection.First, Elizabeth's pregnancy in her old age, after years of barrenness and beyond natural childbearing years, was a deliberate sign of divine intervention and a testimony to God's power and mercy. Recall that a similar miracle occurred when Sarah conceived Isaac in her old age. Spiritually, Elizabeth represents Israel—and all humanity—trapped in the barrenness of sin. By bringing forth life from her barren womb, God manifests His ability to bring forth new life where human effort fails.Second, the bestowal of John's name reveals the divine initiative governing his life and mission. In the biblical tradition, names are rich with meaning, often disclosing a person's identity and destiny. The name “John,” meaning “The Lord is gracious,” was not chosen by his parents, but was announced by the Archangel Gabriel before his conception (cf. Luke 1:13). When Elizabeth and Zechariah insist upon the name given by God, they demonstrate their obedience to divine revelation over human custom. Their relatives' confusion—“There is no one among your relatives who has this name”—highlights how this birth breaks from human expectations. John is not to carry on his father's name or legacy; he is set apart entirely for the mission of preparing the way for the Messiah. In this, we see a lesson for every Christian: Our true identity and mission are not rooted in earthly lineage or human tradition but are given to us by the free and gracious call of God.Finally, the restoration of Zechariah's speech after months of divinely imposed silence serves as a powerful sign of faith's triumph over doubt. Zechariah had been struck mute because of his initial disbelief at the angel's announcement (cf. Luke 1:20). During Elizabeth's pregnancy, he lived in silence—a silence that must have been filled with contemplation, repentance, and deeper trust. It was only when he confirmed God's command by writing, “John is his name,” that his tongue was loosed. His first act upon regaining his speech was to bless God, revealing that his heart had been purified and transformed. The loosening of Zechariah's tongue prefigures the prophetic voice of his son John, who would cry out in the wilderness, calling Israel to repentance. Spiritually, it also reminds us that true praise of God flows from hearts made humble and obedient to His will.As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, reflect today not only on John's unique role in salvation history but also on how God desires to work in our own lives. If you experience moments of barrenness or dryness in your faith, take hope from John's miraculous birth: God can bring forth new life even from what seems lifeless. As John's name revealed the graciousness of God, so too are you called to trust in His mercy at work within you. And as Zechariah learned obedience and deeper faith through his silent suffering, pray that you may embrace any hidden trials you endure, allowing them to purify your heart and prepare you to proclaim God's goodness with renewed joy.Lord of Wisdom and Love, Your plan for our salvation is perfect and far beyond our understanding. As Your Church celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist, grant me a renewed appreciation for his life and mission. May he prepare my heart for You, as he did for Your coming, so that I, like his father Zechariah, may sing Your praises with a loosed tongue. Saint John the Baptist, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: His name is John, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Full Text of Readings Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Lectionary: 586, 587 The Saint of the day is Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Story of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John….” But John would have agreed completely with what Jesus added: “[Y]et the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28). John spent his time in the desert, an ascetic. He began to announce the coming of the Kingdom, and to call everyone to a fundamental reformation of life. His purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. His baptism, he said, was for repentance. But one would come who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. John was not worthy even to untie his sandals. His attitude toward Jesus was: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). John was humbled to find among the crowd of sinners who came to be baptized the one whom he already knew to be the Messiah. “I need to be baptized by you” (Matthew 3:14b). But Jesus insisted, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15b). Jesus, true and humble human as well as eternal God, was eager to do what was required of any good Jew. Jesus thus publicly entered the community of those awaiting the Messiah. But making himself part of that community, he made it truly messianic. The greatness of John, his pivotal place in the history of salvation, is seen in the great emphasis Luke gives to the announcement of his birth and the event itself—both made prominently parallel to the same occurrences in the life of Jesus. John attracted countless people to the banks of the Jordan, and it occurred to some people that he might be the Messiah. But he constantly deferred to Jesus, even to sending away some of his followers to become the first disciples of Jesus. Perhaps John's idea of the coming of the Kingdom of God was not being perfectly fulfilled in the public ministry of Jesus. For whatever reason, when he was in prison he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah. Jesus' answer showed that the Messiah was to be a figure like that of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. John himself would share in the pattern of messianic suffering, losing his life to the revenge of Herodias. Reflection John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God. The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist shows us the way to purity and graceSaint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Adam's on the front porch watching one of those Oklahoma sunsets that make you forgive the state for everything else. Dave pulls up. Walks toward the house, chest out, confident, ready to record. Adam asks the only question that matters: did you bring the equipment? He did not. New baby syndrome. Joshua got his first bath that night, Lady Pamela's still on the mend and bending over a tub isn't on the menu yet, and somewhere between bathing the kids and getting out the door, the recording gear stayed home. So Dave logged a solid hour of windshield time driving back and forth across town to fetch it. The baby's worth it. Six days old and already back to birth weight, sleeping three hours at a stretch, an almost unfairly easy kid for a man who's had colicky ones before.The pour is a curveball: Saltire, a 14-year independent bottling distilled at Tomar, a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask. It's a Speyside, but nobody at the table would've guessed it. It drinks salty, like saltwater taffy, like it grew up near the ocean. The notes promise polished leather, dried cherries, tobacco, and, if you add water, burnt sugar, hazelnut, and "speckled chocolate milk," a phrase that derailed the conversation for a solid minute because nobody could agree what speckled chocolate milk is supposed to be. Cheers to Jesus. We're on the winning side.Then Adam reaches past the planned backbiting episode, grabs Francis Weiser's Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs off the shelf, and lands on something better: the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, June 24th.Here's the hook that got him. The Church only celebrates three birthdays. Jesus. Our Lady. And John the Baptist. Everybody else gets honored on the day they die, because for a saint that's the real birthday, the day they enter eternal life. So why John? The tradition says all three were born free from original sin. John wasn't conceived without it like Jesus and Mary, but he was sanctified in the womb when he leapt at the sound of Our Lady's voice at the Visitation. Born clean. St. Augustine treats it as a settled tradition, and if the Fathers are in, the guys are in.The logic of the date is the part that'll stick with you. June 24th rides the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and from there the light starts to wane all the way down to Christmas and the winter solstice, when it turns and climbs again. John said it himself: I must decrease, so that He must increase. That's not just a calendar coincidence. It's a map of the soul. The more room you take up in your own heart, the less there is for Christ. If you want Him to be king there, you've got to get out of the way.Then the fun: how to actually live it. Put it on the calendar and get to Mass. Pray the Benedictus as a family and light a candle. Build a bonfire on the eve, John the Baptist is one of the three fires on the Catholic year. Feed the kids honey sticks and, if you're brave, dried crickets, locusts and wild honey, desert food. Make it the anchor of your summer. This is the Establish pillar in the flesh, the small traditions that hand your kids an identity they'll carry for life. Catholic spice. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDDave forgets the recording equipment thanks to "new baby syndrome," and logs an hour of windshield time driving back for itJoshua Niles at six days old, back to birth weight and sleeping three hours at a stretch, an unfairly easy babyLady Pamela still recovering, and a dad bathing the kids to take the load offThe aside on Irish twins, baby formula, and why breastfeeding affects fertilityElizabeth Niles getting blessed by Pope Leo, and which popes "bless with their kisses"Whiskey of the week: Saltire 14-year, an independent bottling distilled at Tomar, first-fill Oloroso sherry caskA Speyside that drinks salty, like saltwater taffy, and the mystery of "speckled chocolate milk"Dave's wheat experiment, tripling the planting and cutting it by hand with a scythe, and the open call for a small-scale wheat-farming expert to email the showThe broody-hen saga, abandoned eggs, four surprise chicks, and Adam's "apartment" trick for relocating broody hens at nightWhy the episode pivoted from a planned backbiting topic to living liturgicallyFrancis Weiser's Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs as a source for feast-day livingThe Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24thWhy the Church celebrates only three birthdays: Jesus, Mary, and John the BaptistThe tradition that all three were born free from original sin, and John sanctified in the womb at the VisitationWho John was: son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Zechariah struck mute, "no one greater born of women"The small-t tradition that John's parents died young and he was raised in the desert by angelsJohn as the forerunner and the "best man" escorting the bride to Christ the BridegroomFifteen churches dedicated to John the Baptist in ancient Constantinople aloneJohn as patron of tailors, shepherds, and masons, and why each one fitsWhy June 24th: the summer solstice and "I must decrease so that He must increase" as a map of the soulThe real reason it's the 24th and not the 25th: the Roman calendar counting backward from the kalendsWeiser's pushback on the idea that the feast was a baptized pagan partyJust how high this feast ranked in the early Church: three Masses, abstaining from servile work, and a 14-day fast prescribed by a German synod in 1022The other two feasts of John: the Decollation (Aug 29) and the East's celebration of his conception (Sep 23)St. John Paul II on Christ as door, vine, mother hen, and actual BridegroomTier-one celebration: put feast days on your calendar and get to Holy MassJoseph Pieper on a true feast requiring the divine and abundanceFamily traditions like pierogies, and how they hand kids a Catholic and ethnic identityPraying the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) as a family and lighting a candleTier-two celebration: a bonfire on the eve, the three fires of the Catholic year, and feeding the kids crickets and honey sticksTier-three celebration: making the feast the anchor of your family's summer vacationREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs by Francis X. Weiser, S.J. (out of print; the episode's primary source)Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre (the best man / bridegroom imagery)Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary by Brant Pitre (recommended alongside it)The Gospel of Luke, chapter 1 (Zechariah and Elizabeth; the Benedictus, vv. 68-79; Gabriel telling Mary that Elizabeth is in her sixth month)Saints & Church Fathers:St. John the Baptist (the Nativity, June 24; the Decollation, Aug 29; the conception, Sep 23 in the East)St. Augustine (the tradition that John was sanctified in the womb)St. Joseph (referenced for his multiple feasts, including St. Joseph the Worker)St. Faustina and Divine Mercy Sunday (an example of a feast the Church raised up for the times)St. Louis de Montfort, True Devotion to Mary and the confraternity (the first-Saturday plenary indulgence)People:Adam Minihan (host; founder of M6 Marketing; writes The Grounded Builder on Substack)Dave Niles (host; Porter Prairie homestead)Lady Pamela Niles (recovering after the birth of baby Joshua)Joshua Niles (six days old) and the Niles children, including Joseph and ElizabethPope Leo (who blessed Elizabeth Niles) and Pope FrancisJoseph Pieper (Adam's private devotion; on the nature of a feast)St. John Paul II (Christ as Bridegroom)Programs & Institutions:Select International Tours (sponsor; the guys' pilgrimage company)SPONSOR BLOCKSponsor: Select International Tours: selectinternationaltours.comWhen Adam and Dave decided to lead their first pilgrimage, they asked around for who to work with, and one name came back over and over: Select International Tours. The best. Having used them now, the guys can attest to it. No matter where in the world you want to go, Select has a tour ready for you. Whether you want to lead a pilgrimage or attend one, do yourself a favor and head to selectinternationaltours.com to see everything they offer. You won't regret it.Amen App by the Augustine InstituteThe Amen app is the free Catholic prayer app that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. Please enjoy this latest offering from the Augustine Institute.

Homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). To have the Real Presence in the Eucharist, one needs the Apostolic priesthood. Corpus Christi is an important feast for an important Reality. We know that Jesus was clear when He taught about His Body and Blood in the Eucharist...yet this true Presence requires the true ministerial priesthood that Jesus established with His Apostles. Christ's followers are divided, but He continues to desire our unity. Mass Readings from June 7, 2026: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 Psalm 147:12-15, 19-201 Corinthians 10:16-17 John 6:51-58