Podcasts about third week

In this Third Week of Lent, I go over a reading from Theophilus focusing on God's love and his ability to heal us. There is truly no sin He cannot heal except those we do not bring to him.Send us a textSupport the show

Homily from the Mass offered on Monday, March 24th.To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Third Week of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Hosea 6: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Full Text of ReadingsSaturday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 242The Saint of the day is Saint Ludovico of CasoriaSaint Ludovico of Casoria's Story Born in Casoria, near Naples, Arcangelo Palmentieri was a cabinet-maker before entering the Friars Minor in 1832, taking the name Ludovico. After his ordination five years later, he taught chemistry, physics, and mathematics to younger members of his province for several years. In 1847, he had a mystical experience which he later described as a cleansing. After that, he dedicated his life to the poor and the infirm, establishing a dispensary for the poor, two schools for African children, an institute for the children of nobility, as well as an institution for orphans, the deaf, and the speechless, and other institutes for the blind, elderly, and for travelers. In addition to an infirmary for friars of his province, he began charitable institutes in Naples, Florence, and Assisi. He once said, “Christ's love has wounded my heart.” This love prompted him to great acts of charity. To help continue these works of mercy, in 1859 he established the Gray Brothers, a religious community composed of men who formerly belonged to the Secular Franciscan Order. Three years later, he founded the Gray Sisters of St. Elizabeth for the same purpose. Toward the beginning of his final, nine-year illness, Ludovico wrote a spiritual testament which described faith as “light in the darkness, help in sickness, blessing in tribulations, paradise in the crucifixion, and life amid death.” The local work for his beatification began within five months of Ludovico's death. He was beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2014. Reflection Saintly people are not protected from suffering, but with God's help they learn how to develop compassion from it. In the face of great suffering, we move either toward compassion or indifference. Saintly men and women show us the path toward compassion. Why I Became a Secular Franciscan Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Says the Lord, "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."In today's Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus tells us of the Pharisee and the tax collector—righteous and unrighteous—who enter the temple to pray.The teaching is clear: Those who are proud of themselves, convinced of their righteousness, and despise everyone else are not on the path of the Kingdom.Meanwhile, repentant sinners, those who are moved by God's grace and love, pray, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."By exhibiting the merciful love, the humble possess the “true knowledge of God,” and for this, they "will be exalted."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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 29, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Berthold; considered by many to be the Twelfth Century founder of the Carmelite order; born in Limoges, France, ordained a priest, and joined his brother Aymeric--the Latin patriarch of Antioch--in the Crusades; on Mount Carmel, found a group of hermits, joined them, and established a rule; Aymeric appointed Berthod the first Carmelite superior general; he headed the Carmelites for 45 years, and died in 1195 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/29/25 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

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 of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Hosea 6: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 95: 8 Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

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March 29, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 4 - Psalm 51:2-6; antiphon: Psalm 51:1Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:1-27; Mark 11:1-19For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me… Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:3, 5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Taking stock of yourself and how you talk about yourself are important. Counselors, internet celebrities, and self-care specialists will tell you that. However, Christians are not left to themselves for how they consider themselves or how they describe themselves. God tells us about ourselves in Scripture, including in Psalm 51. However, these words don't come with a lot of positivity. In fact, many people would say that it isn't helpful to focus on our transgressions, sins, and iniquities. Confessing that we have been sinful since our conception, even before our birth, doesn't line up with “the power of positive thinking.”The power of positive thinking, healthy self-talk, or self-awareness won't save you. The Lord confronts you with your sin, and denying the totality of your sin is simply living in denial. Don't deny your sin. Don't ignore it and pretend like it isn't that bad. Scripture is true, and this God-given confession addresses the reality of your sin. The invitation to stand before the Lord and confess your sin is a powerful one. 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God is faithful to you, and that's why recognizing and confessing your sinfulness isn't depressing.Your faithful and just God comes to you with forgiveness and cleansing. How you describe yourself isn't nearly as important as the transformation the Lord brings for you. After all, Scripture also teaches us to beg God to wash us from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. This is no empty prayer or optimistic hope. This is a faithful prayer that recognizes God's power to heal, save, and forgive. That's exactly what He does for you. Your sin is terrible, horrific, and pervasive— and the Lord Jesus has forgiven your sin by grace through faith. Rejoice in God, who hears your prayer and cleanses you from all your sin and sinfulness! Take comfort in the fact that the Lord your God has forgiven your sin and cleansed you from all unrighteousness!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though great our sins, yet greater still Is God's abundant favor; His hand of mercy never will Abandon us, nor waver. Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. (LSB 607:5)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read OnlineJesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.” Luke 18:9–10This Scripture passage introduces the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. They both go to the Temple to pray, but their prayers are very different from each other. The prayer of the Pharisee is very dishonest, whereas the prayer of the tax collector is exceptionally sincere and honest. Jesus concludes by saying that the tax collector went home justified but not the Pharisee. He states, “...for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”True humility is simply being honest. Too often in life we are not honest with ourselves and, therefore, are not honest with God. Thus, for our prayer to be true prayer, it must be honest and humble. And the humble truth for all of our lives is best expressed by the prayer of the tax collector who prayed, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”How easy is it for you to admit your sin? When we understand the mercy of God, this humility is much easier. God is not a God of harshness but is a God of the utmost mercy. When we understand that God's deepest desire is to forgive us and to reconcile us to Himself, then we will deeply desire honest humility before Him.Lent is an important time for us to deeply examine our conscience and make new resolutions for the future. Doing so will bring new freedom and grace into our lives. So do not be afraid to honestly examine your conscience so as to see your sin clearly in the way God sees it. Doing so will put you in a position to pray this prayer of the tax collector: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.”Reflect, today, upon your sin. What do you struggle with the most right now? Are there sins from your past that you have never confessed? Are there ongoing sins that you justify, ignore and are afraid to face? Take courage and know that honest humility is the road to freedom and the only way to experience justification before God.My merciful Lord, I thank You for loving me with a perfect love. I thank You for Your incredible depth of mercy. Help me to see all of my sin and to turn to You with honesty and humility so that I can be freed of these burdens and become justified in Your sight. Jesus, I trust in You.Barent Fabritius, 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 ReadingsFriday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 241The Saint of the day is Saint Catharine of BolognaSaint Catharine of Bologna's Story Some Franciscan saints led fairly public lives; Catharine represents the saints who served the Lord in obscurity. Born in Bologna, Catharine was related to the nobility in Ferrara, and was educated at court there. She received a liberal education at the court and developed some interest and talent in painting. In later years as a Poor Clare, Catharine sometimes did manuscript illumination and also painted miniatures. At the age of 17, she joined a group of religious women in Ferrara. Four years later, the whole group joined the Poor Clares in that city. Jobs as convent baker and portress preceded her selection as novice mistress. In 1456, she and 15 other sisters were sent to establish a Poor Clare monastery in Florence. As abbess, Catharine worked to preserve the peace of the new community. Her reputation for holiness drew many young women to the Poor Clare life. She was canonized in 1712. The liturgical feast of Saint Catharine of Bologna is celebrated on May 9. Reflection Appreciating Catharine's life in a Poor Clare monastery may be hard for us. “It seems like such a waste,” we may be tempted to say. Through prayer, penance, and charity to her sisters, Catharine drew close to God. Our goal is the same as hers, even if our paths are different. Saint Catharine of Bologna is a Patron Saint of: ArtArtists Click here to meet seven unknown saints! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

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Friends of the Rosary,In loving God, we love everything God sustains, including all humans.In today's Gospel, Jesus explains the first two commandments for accessing the Kingdom of Heaven. The whole law depends on these two commandments: loving God with everything you have and loving your neighbor as yourself.He said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul, with all your mind."You shall love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these."In other words, human existence is about loving God first and then loving everything else for the sake of God.March 21, 2025, marked the fifth year since we started praying the Holy Rosary of Mary daily within this community. We are grateful and rejoice in the Holy Virgin as we have found favor in her Rosary — a special grace given to us!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 27, 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 Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 Psalm: Psalm 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 Catholic Radio Network

Friday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. Tutilo; Ninth- and Tenth-Century monk and artist; member of the Benedictines of St. Gall, Switzerland, and noted for his abilities as a painter, sculptor, musician, poet, metalworker, and orator; taught at the abbey school, and was also noted for his adherence to obedience; died in 915 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/28/25 Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

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 of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday, Day of Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Love is a way of life!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 7: 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Luke 11: 14-23   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:29–30Why would you choose anything less than to love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, with ALL your soul, with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength? Why would you choose anything less? Of course, we do choose many other things to love in life, even though Jesus is clear with this commandment.The truth is that the only way to love others, and even to love ourselves, is to choose to love God with ALL we are. God must be the one and only focus of our love. But what's amazing is that the more we do this, the more we realize that the love we have in our lives is the kind of love that overflows and overflows in superabundance. And it is this overflowing love of God that then pours forth on others.On the other hand, if we try to divide our loves by our own effort, giving God only part of our heart, soul, mind and strength, then the love we have for God cannot grow and overflow in the way God wants. We limit our capacity for love, and we fall into selfishness. Love of God is a truly amazing gift when it is total and all-consuming.Each one of these parts of our lives are worth pondering and examining. Think about your heart and how you are called to love God with your heart. And how does this differ from loving God with your soul? Perhaps your heart is more focused on your feelings, emotions and compassion. Perhaps your soul is more spiritual in nature. Your mind loves God the more it probes the depth of His Truth, and your strength is your passion and drive in life. Regardless of how you understand the various parts of your being, the key is that every part must love God in fullness.Reflect, today, upon the beautiful commandment of our Lord. It's a command of love, and it is given to us not so much for God's sake but for ours. God wants to fill us to the point of overflowing love. Why would we ever choose anything less?My loving Lord, Your love for me is infinite and perfect in every way.  I pray that I will learn to love You with every fiber of my being, holding nothing back, and to daily grow deeper in my love of You. As I grow in that love, I thank You for the overflowing nature of that love, and I pray that this love of You will flow into the hearts of those around me. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Pixabay.Source 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 ReadingsThursday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 240The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory of NarekSaint Gregory of Narek’s Story Gregor was born in a village on the shores of Lake Van between 945 and 950. When his parents died, Gregor and his older brother were raised by a scholarly uncle who had them educated at the Narek monastery where he was a monk. The monastery was a prominent center of learning located in what is now Turkey. Gregor too entered the monastery and was ordained in 977. A professor of theology, Gregor wrote a mystical interpretation of the Song of Songs, and a long mystical poem called the Book of Prayer or the Book of Lamentations. He described his poem as “an encyclopedia of prayer for all nations.” This classic of Armenian literature has been translated into 30 languages. The Russian text of the Book of Lamentations was set to music in 1985. Little else is known about Gregor, other than he died in the early 11th century and was buried within the walls of the Narek monastery where he had spent his life. In 2015 as the world observed the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire, Pope Francis concelebrated a Mass at the Vatican with Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni and declared the monk, poet, and saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Church. His liturgical feast is celebrated on February 27. Reflection As opposed to the Armenian Catholic Church that began in the 17th century, the earlier Armenian Apostolic Church did not accept the Council of Chalcedon's 451 teaching that Christ was fully divine and fully human. In 1996, St. John Paul II and Apostolic Catholicos Karekin I signed a declaration confirming the common faith of their two Churches. Prayer often unites groups of people who have seen themselves as very distinct—even enemies. Who was Carlo Acutis? Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Today, the mid-point of Lent, we continue spiritually strengthening ourselves, following the invitation to be faithful to God and never fall away.In today's Gospel (Luke 11:14-23), we see Jesus driving out the demon of a possessed person. But then, our Lord is immediately accused of being in league with Satan.The Prince of Darkness is always one of scattering, pushing the tendency to divide.But Christ Jesus is the voice of communio, the Holy One bringing things back together.From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus was fighting against Satan; at the time of His passion, He entered the final combat until victory.The struggle against Satan goes on in our lives as baptized members of the Church. However, we gaze on the light of our Saviour, and strong in His grace, we begin in new ways, far from the darkness of sin.March 21, 2025, marked the fifth year since we started praying the Holy Rosary of Mary daily within this community. We are grateful and rejoice in the Holy Virgin as we have found favor in her Rosary — a special grace given to us!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 | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 27, 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 Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Gospel: Luke 11:14-23 Catholic Radio Network

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent Saint of the Day: St. John of Egypt; Fourth Century hermit. a noted prophet of his era; he became a hermit at the age of twenty, and was walled up in a hermitage near Assiut, with a single window opening onto the public;from there, he preached to crowds each weekend; he predicted two military victories for Emperor Theodosius I, and they were proven accurate in 388 and 392; John died in 394 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 3/27/25 Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

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 of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 7: 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Luke 11: 14-23   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

For 28 March 2025, Friday of the Third Week of Lent, based on Hosea 14:1-10

Fr. Dan Reehil discusses the Gospel reading for Thursday of the Third Week of LentRadio 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 

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

Read Online“But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Luke 11:20The Kingdom of God can come upon us in a variety of ways. The line from today's Gospel above comes in the middle of a story of Jesus casting out a demon from a man who was mute. Once the demon was cast out, the mute man began to speak, and all were amazed. And though some were amazed and grew in faith as a result, others turned their amazement into irrationality. The irrationality of some was that they saw what Jesus did, but they didn't want to accept that His power was divine. Therefore, some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” They couldn't deny that Jesus drove out a demon, since they saw it happen with their own eyes. But they were unwilling to accept Jesus' divinity, so they jumped to the irrational conclusion that Jesus' act was done by the power of “the prince of demons.”This irrational stance of some people is one of the most dangerous stances one can take. It's the stance of an obstinate heart. They were given the incredible witness of the power of God at work but refused to respond in faith to what they witnessed. For those who are obstinate, when the Kingdom of God comes upon them, as Jesus stated above, the effect is that they react in a violent, angry and irrational way. This form of reaction is exceptionally prevalent today in the secular world. Many in the secular media, for example, constantly react violently and irrationally to all that is part of the Kingdom of God. As a result, the evil one easily misleads many, causing confusion and chaos.For those who have eyes to see clearly, this violent and irrational rejection of the Kingdom of God is very clear. And for those with faith and an open heart, the pure message of the Gospel is like water to a dry and parched soul. They soak it up and find great refreshment. For them, when the Kingdom of God comes upon them, they are energized, inspired and driven with a holy passion to further God's Kingdom. Irrationality disappears, and God's pure Truth prevails.Reflect, today, upon your heart. Are you obstinate in any way? Are there teachings from Christ and His Church that you are tempted to reject? Is there some truth that you need to hear in your personal life to which you find it difficult to be open? Pray that the Kingdom of God come upon you today and every day and, as it does, that you will be a powerful instrument of its establishment in this world.My glorious King of all, You are all-powerful and have full authority over all things. Please come and exercise Your authority upon my life. Come and establish Your Kingdom. I pray that my heart be always open to You and to the direction you give. Jesus, I trust in You.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 ReadingsWednesday of the Third Week of Lent Lectionary: 239The Saint of the day is Saint Catherine of GenoaSaint Catherine of Genoa's Story Going to confession one day was the turning point of Catherine's life. When Catherine was born, many Italian nobles were supporting Renaissance artists and writers. The needs of the poor and the sick were often overshadowed by a hunger for luxury and self-indulgence. Catherine's parents were members of the nobility in Genoa. At 13, she attempted to become a nun but failed because of her age. At 16, she married Julian, a nobleman who turned out to be selfish and unfaithful. For a while she tried to numb her disappointment by a life of selfish pleasure. One day in confession she had a new sense of her own sins and how much God loved her. She reformed her life and gave good example to Julian, who soon turned from his self-centered life of distraction. Julian's spending, however, had ruined them financially. He and Catherine decided to live in the Pammatone, a large hospital in Genoa, and to dedicate themselves to works of charity there. After Julian's death in 1497, Catherine took over management of the hospital. She wrote about purgatory which, she said, begins on earth for souls open to God. Life with God in heaven is a continuation and perfection of the life with God begun on earth. Exhausted by her life of self-sacrifice, Catherine died September 15, 1510, and was canonized in 1737. The liturgical feast of Saint Catherine of Genoa is celebrated on September 15. Reflection Regular confession and frequent Communion can help us see the direction–or drift–of our life with God. People who have a realistic sense of their own sinfulness and of the greatness of God are often the ones who are most ready to meet the needs of their neighbors. Saint Catherine began her hospital work with enthusiasm and was faithful to it through difficult times because she was inspired by the love of God, a love which was renewed in her by the Scriptures and the sacraments. Sisterhood of Saints: 14 Women of God Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Friends of the Rosary,Our fidelity to the Lord is not measured in the number or grandeur of our deeds but in our conformity to his divine will.Mary, as the handmaid of the Lord, showed no limit in her affiliation.The “Word of God became flesh and made his dwelling” in Mary, who loved and lived that word.She offered herself so that Christ might offer himself. Through her maternity, we too have been consecrated, and made worthy to “see his glory” for all eternity.Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Please give us the grace to respond with joy!March 21, 2025, marked the fifth year since we started praying the Holy Rosary of Mary daily within this community. We are grateful and rejoice in the Holy Virgin as we have found favor in her Rosary — a special grace given to us!-Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 26, 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 Lent. Today's readings First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19 Catholic Radio Network

Read Online“I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.” Matthew 5:17–18The Old Law, the law from the Old Testament, prescribed various moral precepts, as well as ceremonial precepts for worship. Jesus makes it clear that He is not abolishing all that God taught through Moses and the Prophets. This is because the New Testament is the culmination and completion of the Old Testament. Thus, nothing of old was abolished; it was fulfilled and brought to completion.The moral precepts of the Old Testament were laws that flowed primarily from human reason. It made sense that one should not kill, steal, commit adultery, lie, etc. It also made sense that God should be honored and respected. The Ten Commandments and the other moral laws still hold today. But Jesus brings us much further. He not only called us to go much deeper in the keeping of these commandments, He also promised the gift of grace so that they could be fulfilled. Thus, “Thou shall not kill” is deepened to the requirement of complete and total forgiveness of those who persecute us. It's interesting to note that the new depth of the moral law Jesus gives actually goes beyond human reason. “Thou shall not kill” makes sense to almost everyone, but “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” is a new moral law that makes sense only by the help of grace. But without grace, the natural human mind alone cannot arrive at this new commandment.This is extremely helpful to understand, because oftentimes we go through life relying upon our human reason alone when it comes to making moral decisions. And though our human reason will always direct us away from the most obvious moral failures, it will be insufficient alone to guide us to the heights of moral perfection. Grace is necessary for this high calling to make sense. Only by grace can we understand and fulfill the call to take up our crosses and follow Christ. Reflect, today, upon your own calling to perfection. If it doesn't make sense to you how God can expect perfection of you, then pause and reflect upon the fact that you are right—it doesn't make sense to human reason alone! Pray that your human reason will be flooded with the light of grace so that you will be able to not only understand your high calling to perfection but that you will also be given the grace you need to achieve it. My most high Jesus, You have called us to a new height of holiness. You have called us to perfection. Enlighten my mind, dear Lord, so that I may understand this high calling and pour forth Your grace, so that I may embrace my moral duty to the fullest extent.  Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Aron de Chaves de Chavez. (Painter at Amsterdam in 1700.)The original uploader was F67HGBVN at Hebrew Wikipedia., 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.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 5: 1-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 42: 2, 3; 43: 3, 4 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 130: 5, 7 Gospel: Luke 4: 24-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com