Podcasts about third week

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday (O Clavis David) First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Friends of the Rosary,In today's main reading (Luke 1:26-38), St. Luke narrates the magnificent event of the Annunciation, the encounter between the Angel Gabriel and Mary, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph of the house of David.Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and establishing the eternal kingdom.Greeting her as “full of grace,” the angel announces that she will conceive in her womb and bear a son. “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.”Mary, initially troubled but humble, responded with faith, saying, “I am the Lord's servant; may your word to me be fulfilled,” accepting her role in God's plan.This way, the whole meaning of God's promise was revealed.Ave MariaCome, 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• December 20, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 12/20/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Evening lessons: Psalms 119:153-176; Isaiah 63; Luke 19:29-48.  O consider my adversity and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Dominic of Silos, 1000-1073; born in Navarre, Spain; when, as Benedictine abbot, he refused to surrender lands to the crown, he was exiled; he went to King Ferdinand I of Castile and Leon, who made him abbot of St. Sebastian Abbey at Silos, now called St. Dominic’s; one of the most beloved saints in Spain, Dominic also rescued Christian slaves from the Moors; the mother of St. Dominic of Guzman--founder of the Order of Preachers--visited Dominic's shrine, begging for a child; he was also noted for miracles of healing Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/20/25 Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday (O Clavis David) First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24: 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Homily from the Mass offered on Tuesday, December 16th -1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32- To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, December 18th -1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered on Friday, December 19th -1st Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a - Gospel Reading: Luke 1:5-25 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Say YES and let God guide you!

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December 20, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The heavens declare. The sky proclaims. The glory of God is spoken. The handiwork of God is revealed. Creation itself shows us who God is. Not fully; we have the Scriptures to tell us in detail who God is and of His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. However, Almighty God, as creator and sustainer of life, is not unknowable apart from His Word. God's creation reveals Him as Creator. The complex systems that are in place for sustaining our basic needs are all designed. And we can know whether or not we have sinned, because we do have a conscience within us. These are all the natural order of things. So all are without excuse when they stand before the Lord on the Last Day.That God is revealed in the natural order of things should drive us all the more to the place where He speaks about Himself. Yes, we can see God through His creation, but we know what He thinks of us by listening to His Word itself. We can see just how much our sin hurts ourselves and those around us when we listen to Him. And we can see just how much He cares for us by becoming a human being just like us. Standing in our place to take what we have earned by our sins. The heavens declare God's glory. But as amazing as the heavens are, it is the glory of Christ on His cross that gives us hope. God sacrificed Himself to save His creation, to save you and me. To make His advent here two thousand or so years ago. Be born, taking on our humanity to stand in our place and receive what we had earned. Then giving us His place, His righteousness, His life. And by that Gift, He gives us all others as well, including the beauty we see in His creation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Savior rend the heavens wide; Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down; Unbar the way to heaven's crown. (LSB 355:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. Shane Owens. Advent Weekday (O Radix Jesse) First Reading: Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 Gospel: Luke 1: 5-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Friends of the Rosary,We read today in John 15:4:“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”Ave MariaCome, 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• December 19, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Friday of the Third Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a Psalm: Psalm 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 Gospel: Luke 1:5-25 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalms 119:129-152; Wisdom 5; Revelation 12.  Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore does my soul keep them.

Friday of the Third Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Nemesius; martyred in Alexandria under the persecution of Decius; Nemesius was arrested, scourged, and burned alive; like Christ, he was killed between two criminals Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/19/25 Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. Shane Owens. Advent Weekday (O Radix Jesse) First Reading: Judges 13: 2-7, 24-25a Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 Gospel: Luke 1: 5-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

"God has done this for me!"

Give us grace, Lord, to put on the armor of light.Friday • 12/19/2025 •Friday of the Third Week of Advent, Year Two  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 40; Psalm 54; Zechariah 7:8–8:17 (includes Saturday's reading); Revelation 5:6–14; Matthew 25:14–30 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 10 (“The Second Song of Isaiah,” Isaiah 55:6–11; BCP, p. 86); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week in Advent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Advent Weekday (O Adonai) First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Friends of the Rosary,Today is Day Three of the Christmas Novena. It's also the Second of the O Antiphons, O Adonai (O Almighty God/O Lord and Ruler).As Moses approached the burning bush ("Put off the shoes from thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground . . . I am who am."). So we approach the divine Savior in the form of the consecrated host, falling to adore Him.We say, "Come and redeem us with outstretched arm." Ave MariaCome, 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• ⁠December 18, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Third Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalms 119:89-104; Wisdom 4; Revelation 11.  O Lord, your word endures forever, it stands fast in heaven.  

Evening lessons: Psalms 119:105-128; Isaiah 62; Luke 19:11-28.  Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Auxentius; soldier in the Roman army, but refused to take part in sacrifices to pagan gods, and was persecuted for the faith; after his release from military service, he was ordained a priest and became the bishop of Mopsuestia, in Cilicia; he died in 321 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/18/25 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week in Advent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Advent Weekday (O Adonai) First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

No words just trust.

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday (O Sapientia) First Reading: Genesis 49: 2, 8-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-17   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at:  https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show

Friends of the Rosary,Today's main reading (Matthew 1:1–17) features the genealogy of Jesus, showing that Christ didn't appear out of the blue. He emerged from a dense history of a long line of great and not-so-great characters. Like most families and ancestors, a mixed bag: saints, sinners, cheats, prostitutes, murderers, poets, kings, insiders, and outsiders.God became one of us, in all of our grace and embarrassment, in all of our beauty and ugliness. And this is good news because it means that God can bring Christ to birth even in people like us.St. Irenaeus tells us that the incarnation had been taking place over a long period, with God gradually accustoming himself to the human race.Ave MariaCome, 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• December 17, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. Shane Owens. Advent Weekday First Reading: Zephaniah 3: 1-2, 9-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23 Gospel: Matthew 21: 28-32   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Friends of the Rosary,On Dec. 12, Pope Leo XIV, over his first Mass on the solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter's Basilica, recalled that Mary brings “that joy wherever human joy is insufficient, wherever the wine has run out.” “At Tepeyac, the Virgin Mary “awakened in the inhabitants of America the joy of knowing God loves them.” Thus, amidst ceaseless conflicts, injustices, and sorrows that seek relief,” Mary of Guadalupe proclaims the core of her message: 'Am I not here, I who am your mother?”“It is the voice,” the pope continued, “that echoes the promise of divine fidelity, the presence that sustains us when life becomes unbearable.”The pope then focused his message on Our Lady of Guadalupe's motherhood. Before her image, he expressed his desire that the faithful might feel like “true children of yours,” and he asked for her guidance to maintain their faith “when strength fails and shadows grow.”He also prayed to the Virgin for young people, “that they may obtain from Christ the strength to choose what is good and the courage to remain steadfast in the faith, even when the world pushes them in another direction.” Ave MariaCome, 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• ⁠December 16, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Third Week in Advent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Advent Weekday First Reading: Numbers 24: 2-7, 15-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 25: 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8 Gospel: Matthew 21: 23-27   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Read Online“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' The son said in reply, ‘I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?” Matthew 21:28–31Jesus addressed this question to the chief priests and elders of the people. As the passage continues, Jesus humbles them by saying, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.” He explains that the chief priests and elders of the people were like the second son. They gave lip service to God's commands but failed to humbly repent and obey.The fact that “tax collectors and prostitutes” were entering the Kingdom of God should give us great hope. No one is beyond God's mercy if they humbly listen to Him, repent, and begin to obey. Though neither son's response is ideal, hopefully we are more like the first son.When we hear God's Word and understand His continuously deepening call to holiness, we will find it challenging. Often, our first reaction to a deeper revelation of the Gospel is “No!” Our sinful habits are hard to break, and our fallen human nature is difficult to align with God's will. Don't be surprised if you find God's will initially challenging.As God's voice and His will become clearer, our first response must always be repentance. This should not surprise us. We must learn to build a habit of repentance if we want to grow closer to God and live His will. Initially, we often react to repentance in a negative way, but we shouldn't. Though we might be like the first son and say “no” when God calls us to obedience, if we build a habit of repentance, then we will eventually find great joy in that act. Over time, we will find that our response becomes “Yes, I will go,” and then we go, having discovered the value in obedience.Reflect today on whether you often pay lip service to God, pretending to do His will, or if you regularly experience God's call to repentance on a deepening level. Identify yourself with the repentant tax collectors and prostitutes, and imitate their humility when they were confronted with their sins. Know that repentance is the beginning of freedom and is the first step toward greater unity with God. My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love. Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Andrei Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineWhen Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:25–27The chief priests and the elders of the people were supposed to shepherd the people into eternal salvation. They were supposed to be instruments of God's divine will, prophetic voices, and priests who offered holy sacrifices for the atonement of sin. In practice, they were none of those things.As this Gospel passage progresses, we see more clearly why Jesus rebuked them so firmly. “Jesus said to them in reply, ‘I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?'” (Matthew 21:24–25). The religious leaders refused to answer the question because neither answer suited their agenda. If they said John's baptism was of heavenly origin, they feared that Jesus would ask them why they didn't believe John. If they said of earthly origin, they feared the crowd who believed John to be a prophet. So they took the easy way out and said, “We do not know.” As a result, Jesus did not answer their question.Jesus' response to these religious leaders gives us insight into how to respond to those in our lives who directly challenge our faith. At times, we might encounter criticism that is irrational. We might be tempted to get angry and engage that irrational criticism. This often leads to an unproductive conversation.Our Lord's approach to irrationality in this passage was quite different. Though Jesus judged these religious leaders as God, His human interaction with them was not judgmental or defensive. Instead, He asked a question that forced them to face their irrationality, bringing it into the light. When they refused to admit their irrationality, Jesus remained silent.One thing this tells us is that it is rarely beneficial to engage a person on the level of their irrationality. Silently forgiving their judgment does not mean we need to engage them in it. If someone confronts us with humility and sincerity, this opens the door to a healthy conversation. If their questioning of our actions is irrational, it's often best ignored. This approach is loving because it imitates our Lord and diffuses the irrational criticism, opening the door to a more healthy conversation later.Reflect today on whether Jesus' experience with the irrational religious leaders of His time is something you experience with those in your life. Though some people are blessed to be surrounded by very supportive and faith-filled family and friends, others are not. Ponder the ways God wants you to live your faith openly, even if it draws criticism. When it does, try to imitate the humility and wisdom Jesus manifested so that you are not drawn into unhealthy and irrational conversations.Lord of true Wisdom, You always knew how to interact with people with perfect charity and truth. To those who needed Your compassion, You were compassionate. To those who were irrational, You humbly revealed their irrationality. Please give me the gift of wisdom so that I will always relate to those in my life in accord with Your holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.