Podcasts about third week

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent. Father Dave reflects on how we may feel that evangelizing is futile. He quotes Kent M. Keith's paradoxical commandments, which say to “do it anyway” and see how God can still bear fruit. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 3-27-25

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday/ Damien Joseph De Veuster of Moloka'i, Priest, John of Avila, Priest, Doctor First Reading: Acts 9: 31-42 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17 Alleluia: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: John 6: 60-69   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 278The Saint of the day is Saint Damien de Veuster of MolokaiSaint Damien de Veuster of Moloka'i's Story When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had any firsthand knowledge of leprosy, Hansen's disease. By the time he died at the age of 49, people all over the world knew about this disease because of him. They knew that human compassion could soften the ravages of this disease. Forced to quit school at age 13 to work on the family farm, Joseph entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary six years later, taking the name of a fourth-century physician and martyr. When his brother Pamphile, a priest in the same congregation, fell ill and was unable to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, Damien quickly volunteered in his place. In May 1864, two months after arriving in his new mission, Damien was ordained a priest in Honolulu and assigned to the island of Hawaii. In 1873, he went to the Hawaiian government's leper colony on the island of Moloka'i, set up seven years earlier. Part of a team of four chaplains taking that assignment for three months each year, Damien soon volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people's physical, medical, and spiritual needs. In time, he became their most effective advocate to obtain promised government support. Soon the settlement had new houses and a new church, school and orphanage. Morale improved considerably. A few years later, he succeeded in getting the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by Mother Marianne Cope, to help staff this colony in Kalaupapa. Damien contracted Hansen's disease and died of its complications. As requested, he was buried in Kalaupapa, but in 1936 the Belgian government succeeded in having his body moved to Belgium. Part of Damien's body was returned to his beloved Hawaiian brothers and sisters after his beatification in 1995. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, it selected Damien as one of its two representatives in the Statuary Hall at the US Capitol. Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009. Reflection Some people thought Damien was a hero for going to Moloka'i and others thought he was crazy. When a Protestant clergyman wrote that Damien was guilty of immoral behavior, Robert Louis Stevenson vigorously defended him in an “Open Letter to Dr. Hyde.” Love the saints? Check out these six titles on Catholic saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Evening lessons: Psalms 23, 24; Job 38; 2 Peter 2.  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter Optional Memorial of St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai, 1840-1889; joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and was assigned to the Hawaiian Islands; in 1873, he went to the government's leper colony on Molokai, and volunteered to remain permanently, caring for the people’s physical, medical, and spiritual needs; Damien contracted Hansen's disease--i.e., leprosy--himself, and died of its complications Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/10/25 Gospel: John 6:60-69

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week of Easter by Mr. Clement Harrold. Easter Weekday/ Damien Joseph De Veuster of Moloka'i, Priest, John of Avila, Priest, Doctor First Reading: Acts 9: 31-42 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17 Alleluia: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: John 6: 60-69   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 9: 1-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117: 1, 2 Alleluia: John 6: 56 Gospel: John 6: 52-59   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineAs a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” John 6:66–67Today's Gospel concludes the beautiful and profound sermon on the Bread of Life (see John 6:22–71). When you read this sermon from beginning to end, it is noticeable that Jesus moves from more general statements about the Bread of Life that are easier to accept to more specific statements that are challenging. He concludes His teaching just prior to today's Gospel by saying very directly, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” After Jesus said this, many who had been listening to Him left Him and no longer followed Him.There are generally three common attitudes people have toward the Most Holy Eucharist. One attitude is that of profound faith. Another is that of indifference. And a third is what we find in today's Gospel: disbelief. Those who walked away from Jesus in today's Gospel did so because they said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” What a great statement and question to ponder.It is true, in a certain way, that the teaching of Jesus on the Most Holy Eucharist is a hard saying. “Hard,” however, is not bad. It's hard in the sense that belief in the Eucharist is only possible through a faith that comes from a deep interior revelation from God. In the case of those who walked away from Jesus, they heard His teaching, but their hearts were closed to the gift of faith. They remained stuck on a purely intellectual level, and, thus, the idea of eating the Flesh and Blood of the Son of God was more than they could comprehend. So who could accept such a statement? Only those who listen to our Lord as He speaks to them interiorly. It is only that interior conviction that comes from God that can be proof of the truthfulness of the Holy Eucharist.Do you believe that when you consume that which appears to be only “bread and wine,” you are actually consuming Christ Himself? Do you understand this teaching of our Lord on the Bread of Life? It is a hard saying and a difficult teaching, which is why it must be taken very seriously. For those who do not flat out reject this teaching, there is also the temptation to be somewhat indifferent to the teaching. It can easily be misunderstood to be just symbolism in the way our Lord talks. But the symbolism is much more than just symbolism. It's a profound, challenging, and life-changing teaching of how we share in the divine and eternal life our Lord wishes to bestow upon us. Reflect, today, upon how deeply you believe this hard saying of Jesus. The fact that it is a “hard” saying should make you seriously examine your own faith or lack thereof. What Jesus teaches is life-changing. It's life-giving. And when clearly understood, you will be challenged to either believe with your whole heart or turn away in disbelief. Allow yourself to believe in the Most Holy Eucharist with your whole heart and you will find that you are believing one of the most profound Mysteries of Faith. My glorious Lord, Your teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is beyond human comprehension. It is a mystery so deep that we will never fully understand this precious gift. Open my eyes, dear Lord, and speak to my mind so that I may listen to Your words and respond with the deepest faith. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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Full Text of ReadingsFriday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 277The Saint of the day is Saint John of AvilaSaint John of Avila's Story Born in the Castile region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca to study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and theology before his ordination as a diocesan priest. After John's parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia. During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director, and a wise confessor. Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people. He was friends with Saints Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John of Avila worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. John's mystical writings have been translated into several languages. He was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012. St. John of Avila’s liturgical feast is celebrated on May 10. Reflection Saint John of Avila knew that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ—for example thinking racism is OK—implicitly encouraging Christians to live their faith-halfheartedly, and causing obstacles to non-Christians who might accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain, those who advocated reforming the Church were often suspected of heresy. Saint John of Avila held his ground and was eventually recognized as a very reliable teacher of the Christian faith. John of Avila is the Patron Saint of: Andalusia, Spain Click here for more on Saint John of Avila! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Friday of the Third Week of Easter. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 9:1-20 Psalm: Psalm 117:1bc, 2 Gospel: John 6:52-59 Catholic Radio Network

St. Francis of Assisi was fond of saying that, “I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.” How true. There was a Redemptorist missionary stationed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston who used to wear a gold watch on a key chain. He would hold the watch up to the crowds in church and say, “If anyone has a sin that I have not heard before, I will give you this gold watch.” You can imagine how long the lines were outside his confessional, but the point he made was clear. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. These thoughts come to mind in light of first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. By all measurements, Saul of Tarsus was an evil man. As he was was traveling to Damascus to continue persecuting those following the Way of Jesus, he was “breathing murderous threats.” Even Ananias, who received a vision from the Lord and eventually laid healing hands on Saul, said that Saul had done “evil things” to the holy ones in Jerusalem. Misguided as he was, Saul was on fire. Now, empowered with the Holy Spirit, he would preach before “Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel,” and, in the process, learn how to suffer for the name of Christ. The question we need to ask is, how do we keep our conversion going? The answer is in today's Gospel reading: “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.” We remain in Christ by receiving him in Holy Communion, knowing that the fullness of God's presence is available only when we leave our old selves behind and take up our new lives in Christ. St. Francis and Saul of Tarsus experienced this truth daily. The Holy Spirit sinks deeply into hearts that are receptive to change. “The past is history,” a beloved Redemptorist used to say to all of his penitents, “the future is mystery. Today is God's gift to us. That's way we call it the present.” 

Evening lessons: Psalms 20, 21; Job 37; 2 Peter 1.  May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble, the Name of the God of Jacob defend you.

Morning lessons: Psalm 22; Deuteronomy 11; Luke 6:39-7:10.  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, and are so far from my cry; and from the words of my complaint?

Friday of the Third Week of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Beatus of Lungern; monk and hermit, the apostle of Switzerland; baptized in England by St. Barnabas, ordained by St. Peter, he went to Switzerland; he lived and died on Mount Beatenburg above Lake Thun Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/9/25 Gospel: John 6:52-59

ROSARY - SORROWFUL MYSTERIES today in the Month of Mary (and for our new Pope Leo XIV.).  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 9: 1-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 117: 1, 2 Alleluia: John 6: 56 Gospel: John 6: 52-59   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week of Easter by Ms. Joan Watson. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 8: 26-40 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 66: 8-9, 16-17, 20 Alleluia: John 6: 51 Gospel: John 6: 44-51   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink.” John 6:53–55On a philosophical level, it's useful to consider various things that appear to be “competing forces.” Good appears to be the opposite of evil. Light the opposite of dark. Heat the opposite of cold. And life the opposite of death. But are they truly opposites in the sense of being competing forces? When considered carefully, it is clear that good and evil, light and dark, heat and cold, and life and death are not actually “competing forces;” rather, evil is simply the absence of good, darkness the absence of light, cold the absence of heat, and death the loss of life. And though this philosophical distinction may not seem that interesting to some, and confusing to others, it is a helpful truth to ponder in light of today's Gospel.Today's Gospel tells us that failure to “eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood” results in death. Death is the loss of life, and the Eucharist is the source of life. Jesus says that if you fail to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood, “you do not have life within you.”This bold teaching of Jesus should cause us to stop and examine our approach to the Most Holy Eucharist. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that going to Mass and receiving Communion is something we do as a “favor” to our Lord. But in truth, it's God's most profound favor to us, because the Eucharist is the gateway to eternal life. And without it, we have no life within us. Our spirits die because we lose the presence of God.Looking at the negative effect of not receiving the Most Holy Eucharist can be very useful. Sometimes we need to consider the consequences of our actions as a way of motivating us to greater fidelity. For that reason, considering the fact that failure to eat the Flesh of the Son of God results in death should be very motivating. It should fill us with a holy fear of the loss of the life-giving presence of God within us. This “holy fear” is a true gift from God and is, in fact, one of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.Reflect, today, upon your interior attitude toward the Most Holy Eucharist. Do you see your participation in the Holy Mass more as a favor you offer to our Lord? Or do you see it as it is: the life-giving source of eternal life? Reflect upon how important this precious gift truly is and recommit yourself to a faithful and devout participation in this most holy Gift.My Eucharistic Lord, Your Flesh and Blood are truly the source of eternal life for all who receive You in faith. I thank You, dear Lord, for this most precious Gift of the Most Holy Eucharist, and I pray that I will be filled with a deep hunger and thirst for You always. Jesus, I trust in You.Fra Angelico (Guido di Pietro) 1400-1455. Florence. Le sermon sur la montagne by jean louis mazieres, license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 276The Saint of the day is Saint Peter of TarentaiseSaint Peter of Tarentaise's Story There are two men named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one century apart. The man we honor today is the elder Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th century. The other man with the same name became Pope Innocent the Fifth. The Peter we're focusing on today became a Cistercian monk and eventually served as abbot. In 1142, he was named archbishop of Tarentaise, replacing a bishop who had been deposed because of corruption. Peter tackled his new assignment with vigor. He brought reform into his diocese, replaced lax clergy, and reached out to the poor. He visited all parts of his mountainous diocese on a regular basis. After about a decade as bishop, Peter “disappeared” for a year and lived quietly as a lay brother at an abbey in Switzerland. When he was found out, the reluctant bishop was persuaded to return to his post. He again focused many of his energies on the poor. Peter died in 1174 on his way home from an unsuccessful papal assignment to reconcile the kings of France and England. His liturgical feast is celebrated on September 14. Reflection We probably know a lot of people who would welcome the chance to receive some honor or honorary position. They relish the thought of the glamour and glory. But saints like Peter of Tarentaise remind us that humility and the avoidance of glory is the way of the Gospel. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,American Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen as the new pope today. On the second day of the conclave at the Vatican, the cardinal electors chose Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new pope, Leo XIV.Christ Jesus declares in today's Gospel (John 6:44-51), “I'm the bread of life.”“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;whoever eats this bread will live forever;and the bread that I will giveis my Flesh for the life of the world.”With the living bread of Christ — the heavenly food of the Eucharist — we become alive in a way that we were not before. And since it comes down from heaven, we might see a glimpse of heaven.“Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God;he has seen the Father.”We need “the bread that comes down from heaven” to be alive on earth and prepared for eternity.Heaven is the realm of God, and this is a realm of love. This is what God has prepared for those who love him.In the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Christ is made present. And the Eucharist is the participation in love between the Father and the Son.[The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the central mystery and cornerstone of the Catholic faith. It's a sacred meal at which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ.]Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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• May 8, 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 Easter. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Psalm: Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20 Gospel: John 6:44-51 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalm 19; Deuteronomy 10; Luke 6:20-38.  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork.

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter Saint of the Day: St. Desideratus; brother of Desiderius and Deodatus; as courtier in the court of King Clotaire, he fought heresy and simony; in 541, he became bishop of Bourges; he attended several councils that condemned Nestorianism and Eutychianism; Desideratus was reputed to have performed miracles and was known for his peace making abilities; he died in 550 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/8/25 Gospel: John 6:44-51

ROSARY - LUMINOUS MYSTERIES today in the Month of Mary.  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Thursday.  

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter by Dr. John Bergsma. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 8: 1b-8 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 66: 1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a Alleluia: John 6: 40 Gospel: John 6: 35-40   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineI am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” John 6:51Jesus was starting to stir up the emotions of some within the crowd. They began to ridicule Him because He had said that He was the “bread that had come down from heaven.” Thus, many of those who had sought Jesus out in hopes of another miraculous free meal began to murmur among themselves and ridicule Him. As a result, Jesus began to speak even more clearly and shockingly. He then went even further and said that He is not only the “living bread that came down from heaven” but that those who want to “live forever” must also eat His “Flesh.”How would you have reacted to such a statement if you were among those within the crowd? Consider the fact that you would have recently seen, with your own eyes, the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Therefore, you would have realized that Jesus was someone special, to say the least. But how would you have reacted to this statement of Jesus, “and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world,” if you had heard it spoken at that time? Most likely, your reaction would have been the same reaction that you have right now to the teaching of the Most Holy Eucharist.Many who heard Jesus speak this way may have thought it was a bit of an unusual thing to say. Some would have reacted strongly, while others would have reacted with indifference. But some would have had an entirely different reaction. Some would have heard Jesus speak these new and shocking words, would have realized that they did not fully understand what He meant, but would have believed deeply on account of the gift of faith. Somehow they would have known, in the depths of their consciences, that they did indeed need to eat the Flesh of Him Who came down from Heaven since He was indeed the Bread of Life.Believing in the Eucharist, in the fact that these tangible and visible gifts of the Sacred Host and the Precious Blood are, in fact, the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Eternal Son of God, can only happen through the interior and transforming gift of faith. How else can you believe such a teaching? How else could you believe that these words in today's Gospel have come true? And that the reception of the Most Holy Eucharist is the pathway to eternal life? The gift of faith in the Most Holy Eucharist is the one and only way to understand, accept and deeply believe what our Lord has spoken in this Holy Gospel. Reflect, today, upon Jesus speaking these most holy words for the first time: “...the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” As you prayerfully reflect upon these words, ponder how deeply you believe them. How deep is your faith in the Most Holy Eucharist? The Eucharist is the fulfillment of this passage, and our divine Lord invites you to not only believe in His holy words but to allow this truth to transform you in ways beyond what you could ever imagine. My Eucharistic Lord, You are truly the Bread of Life, and all those who eat Your Flesh and drink Your Blood will inherit eternal life. I do believe this, dear Lord. I believe that the Most Holy Eucharist is You, Your Soul and Divinity, given to me so that I can share in Your holy life. Give me the grace I need to deepen my faith in the Most Holy Eucharist so that I will be drawn more fully into the joys of Your Eternal Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Preaching By Rembrandt, public domain via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 275The Saint of the day is Saint Rose VeneriniSaint Rose Venerini's Story Rose was born at Viterbo in Italy, the daughter of a doctor. Following the death of her fiancé she entered a convent, but soon returned home to care for her newly widowed mother. Meanwhile, Rose invited the women of the neighborhood to recite the rosary in her home, forming a sort of sodality with them. As she looked to her future under the spiritual guidance of a Jesuit priest, Rose became convinced that she was called to become a teacher in the world rather than a contemplative nun in a convent. Clearly, she made the right choice: She was a born teacher, and the free school for girls she opened in 1685 was well received. Soon the cardinal invited her to oversee the training of teachers and the administration of schools in his diocese of Montefiascone. As Rose's reputation grew, she was called upon to organize schools in many parts of Italy, including Rome. Her disposition was right for the task as well, for Rose often met considerable opposition but was never deterred. She died in Rome in 1728, where a number of miracles were attributed to her. She was beatified in 1952 and canonized in 2006. The sodality, or group of women she had invited to prayer, was ultimately given the rank of a religious congregation. Today, the so-called Venerini Sisters can be found in the United States and elsewhere, working among Italian immigrants. Reflection Whatever state of life God calls us to, we bring with us an assortment of experiences, interests and gifts—however small they seem to us. Rose's life stands as a reminder that all we are is meant to be put to service wherever we find ourselves. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Today, as the conclave has started in Rome, we pray for those gathered in Rome, especially the cardinal electors, who will soon elect St. Peter's newest successor, the 267th Pope.They will elect the man who will become our next Pope, the successor of Pope Francis, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.As they enter the Sistine Chapel, they will sing the “Veni Creator Spiritus” (“Come Holy Spirit, Creator Blest”).The proceedings will take place in absolute secrecy, with the 133 cardinal electors sequestered mainly from the outside world until a new supreme pontiff is chosen.The Sistine Chapel [in the picture above], located in the heart of the Vatican, is surrounded by the beauty of frescoes by Michelangelo, Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, and Domenico Ghirlandaio. It has witnessed every papal election since 1492.Also, today in the Gospel (John 6:35-40), the Lord says, Everyone who believes in the Son will have eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day.“I am the bread of life;Whoever comes to me will never hunger,and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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• ⁠May 7, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Friends of the Rosary,At that time, as we read today (John 6:30-35), the crowd asked Christ Jesus to give them the bread of life from Heaven. And the Lord said to them:“I am the bread of life;Whoever comes to me will never hunger,and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”Also today, the Chruch commemorates St. Peter Nolasco (1182-1258), a French saint who, after participating in the Crusades against the Albigensians, used his inheritance to free Christian prisoners held by the Moors.One night, while Peter Nolasco was praying, the Blessed Virgin appeared and told him to establish a religious order to deliver Christians held in bondage. Together with St. Raymond of Penafort and James I, King of Aragon, he founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians) for the ransoming of Christians. A total of 890 Christians would regain their liberty.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!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• May 6, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter. Today's readings First Reading: Acts 8:1b-8 Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a Gospel: John 6:35-40 Catholic Radio Network

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter by Ms. Joan Watson. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 7: 51-60 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 31: 3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab Alleluia: John 6: 35ab Gospel: John 6: 30-35   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” John 6:40Do you believe in Jesus? Unquestionably the answer is “Yes.” However, to believe in our Lord is something that must deepen with every passing day. Therefore, if you do have faith in Jesus, you can also admit that you do not have faith enough. In this Gospel passage in which the “Bread of Life Discourse” is continued, Jesus calls us to do two things. First, we must see Him. Second, we must believe. Let's start with the first.When Jesus first spoke these words to the crowd, they did see His physical presence. But many of them did not see beyond the surface. They saw His miracles, heard His teaching, but very few saw the deeper reality of Jesus as the Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the World.If you are to believe in our Lord and all that He is, then you must first see Him. One of the best ways to foster this “holy sight” of our Lord is to gaze at Him in the Most Holy Eucharist. When you attend Mass or spend time in adoration and  look upon the Most Holy Eucharist, what do you see? Do you see the Eternal Son? Do you see His holy divinity? Do you see your God and the Lord of all?As we stand or kneel before our Lord, present in the Most Holy Eucharist, it's easy to become distracted. It's easy to allow our minds to wander to the many other aspects of our daily lives and to fail to see the eternal Son of God as He is present to us. Reflect, today, upon the way you look at our Lord. If you want to deepen your faith, your belief, then start with your sight. Start by considering how you look at Jesus, present in the Most Holy Eucharist. If you are blessed to be with Him this day at the Holy Mass or in adoration, examine the way to see Him. Gaze at Him. Make an intentional act of faith in His divine presence. Acknowledge His Godhead, His glory, His holiness and His sacred presence. If you can look beyond the surface and lift the veil that covers His glory, then this holy gift of sight will give way, also, to the gift of profound faith. My ever-present Lord, I thank You profoundly for the way You come to me in the Most Holy Eucharist. I thank You for Your divine presence and glory. Help me to see beyond the veil of the appearance of bread and wine so that I can see more clearly Your divinity. As I see Your divine presence, dear Lord, help me to profess my belief in You with greater certitude and faith. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Rembrandt, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 274The Saint of the day is Saints Marian and JamesSaints Marian and James's Story Saint Marian, an ordained lector, and Saint James, a deacon, were martyred during the persecution of Valerian around the year 259. Few other facts are known about them. It seems that while they were in prison, each had a vision regarding his martyrdom. They drew courage from these apparitions and were able to courageously face death. They were joined in their deaths by other Christians. Reflection The old saying that the more things change the more they stay the same may apply to today's celebration. Two faithful people facing the hardships of life during persecution in the third century may have a lot in common with those facing persecution for their faith today. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Third Week of Easter by Dr. Scott Hahn. Easter Weekday First Reading: Acts 6: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30 Alleluia: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: John 6: 22-29   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineSo they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John 6:34–35Imagine if you were to never grow hungry or never thirst again. On a natural level, this would be an interesting reality.Of course, if you never had physical hunger or thirst, then you may never enjoy the delight of good food and drink. So why would anyone want to lose out on such delights? Of course, Jesus was not speaking of natural food and drink, He was speaking of supernatural hunger and thirst. And He was not saying that the spiritual food and drink He came to give us would eliminate our ability to delight in spiritual fulfillment. On the contrary, Jesus was saying that the spiritual food and drink He was to provide would result in never-ending fulfillment and satisfaction.Chapter 6 of John's Gospel will continue to be read throughout this week, the Third Week of Easter. This chapter presents us with what is traditionally called the “Bread of Life Discourse.” It's John's deep, mystical and profound teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist.First of all, it's useful to look at this Gospel within its context. Recall that on the previous day, Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and a crowd of people who had been fed by Him were now seeking more food. Jesus uses their desire for more food to begin to teach them about the Most Holy Eucharist, and He wants to do the same for you.Put yourself into this scene. What is it that you hunger and thirst for the most? Perhaps you have plenty of physical food, but perhaps you don't. If you do, what else do you crave? What do you desire? When you have identified your deepest desires right now, use these desires to allow our Lord to teach you about the Bread of Life. It might be useful to say to our Lord, “Here are my current desires in life…” And then, allow yourself to hear Jesus say to you, “I want to give you so much more. I am what you truly long for. If you come to Me, you will have all your desires fulfilled and more.” This is essentially the conversation Jesus had with this crowd throughout John Chapter 6.Do you believe that the Most Holy Eucharist is capable of fulfilling you on the deepest level? Too often we approach that Sacrament in a lazy and distracted way. As a result, we often fail to truly receive our Lord on a level that provides this deepest delight and satisfaction.Reflect, today and throughout this week, upon your approach to Holy Communion. The Eucharist is Christ Himself. It's a gift that has the potential to not only sustain us in every way but also to draw us into the greatest Heavenly delights. Believe Jesus' words in this holy chapter of John's Gospel. For if you deepen your belief in all that Jesus has said, you will begin to realize that all you crave in life will begin to be fulfilled by this precious gift in ways beyond your imagination.My Eucharistic Lord, You are the Bread of Life. You are all that I desire in life. Give me the grace of understanding, dear Lord, so that I can come to believe all that You have revealed about the Most Holy Eucharist. I do believe, my God. Help my unbelief. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ the Saviour Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International, via Wikemedia Commons Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Father explains what our attitude should be toward our employers and co-workers in order to work for eternity.

Full Text of ReadingsMonday of the Third Week of Easter Lectionary: 273The Saint of the day is Saint Hilary of ArlesSaint Hilary of Arles' Story It's been said that youth is wasted on the young. In some ways, that was true for today's saint. Born in France in the early fifth century, Hilary came from an aristocratic family. In the course of his education he encountered his relative, Honoratus, who encouraged the young man to join him in the monastic life. Hilary did so. He continued to follow in the footsteps of Honoratus as bishop. Hilary was only 29 when he was chosen bishop of Arles. The new, youthful bishop undertook the role with confidence. He did manual labor to earn money for the poor. He sold sacred vessels to ransom captives. He became a magnificent orator. He traveled everywhere on foot, always wearing simple clothing. That was the bright side. Hilary encountered difficulty in his relationships with other bishops over whom he had some jurisdiction. He unilaterally deposed one bishop. He selected another bishop to replace one who was very ill–but, to complicate matters, did not die! Pope Saint Leo the Great kept Hilary a bishop but stripped him of some of his powers. Hilary died at 49. He was a man of talent and piety who in due time, had learned how to be a bishop. Reflection Saint Hilary teaches us to respect authority even if found in a young person. Age is not the issue: prudence and wisdom are. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Read Online“Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” John 6:25–27What do you work for in life? That which ultimately perishes? Or that which is eternal? This is an important question to sincerely answer. Too often we spend most of our lives putting most of our time and energy into those things that have little value for eternity.The day before the above quoted conversation, Jesus had multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed five thousand households. The people were so impressed that the next day, when they were hungry again, they came looking for Jesus and found Him on the other side of the lake. Jesus, of course, immediately understands the situation. He realizes that the crowd of people who found Him were more interested in another meal than they were in the spiritual food that is eternal. So Jesus gently uses the opportunity to give them this short lesson about what is most important. The “food that endures for eternal life” is ultimately faith in Jesus.Imagine if you were one of those people who witnessed, first hand, the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. What sort of an impact would that have had on you? Would it have drawn you into a deep faith in Jesus, the Son of God? Or would you have been more impressed with the free and miraculous food? What's interesting is that Jesus feeds the five thousand when they are not expecting it and not desiring it. But when they do come expecting it and desiring it the next day, He refuses. Jesus refuses another miracle because He wants the people to look deeper to the eternal reality. In our own lives, living primarily for the deeper and eternal reality is often hard to do. It's easy to keep our eyes on the superficial and less important aspects of life. How do I make more money? Or buy a new car? Or have a fancier meal? How can I better entertain myself? What new piece of clothing should I buy? And the list goes on. Of course none of these things are evil, but they are all passing and will not have an effect upon our eternal soul. And, in fact, if we give too much attention to the superficial and least important aspects of life, they will have the effect of distracting us from that which is most important.Reflect, today, upon this challenge from Jesus. Do not work for that which perishes; work for that which is eternal. Look at your priorities in life. Where is your focus? What concerns you the most every day? Hopefully your greatest concern is to grow deeper in faith in the Son of God. Hopefully it is to live the charity that is eternal. If you honestly look at your life and the goals you have and see yourself overly concerned with the things of this world, then allow these words of our Lord to speak to you directly so that you are storing up riches for eternal life.My most glorious Lord, You are the Food that is eternal. You are the Food for everlasting life. Give me the wisdom I need, dear Lord, to turn my eyes from the passing and least important things of this world and to turn, instead, to that which is eternal. May I keep my eyes upon You and be nourished by my faith in You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Cosimo Rosselli, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.