Podcasts about this gospel

Scripture References: Philippians 3:1-11; Acts 9:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18; John 17:3; Ephesians 2:13; Revelation 21:1-3Intro:Context: Philippians 3, Paul writing from prison.Focus on Paul's radical transformation: From Saul, the zealous persecutor who jailed/oversaw the killing of Christians, to Paul, the apostle jailed for Christ.What could cause such a complete reversal? (Think: converting core beliefs/loyalties). Paul had a direct encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9). His conversion wasn't just religious affiliation; it was a fundamental shift.Key Points:Conversion 1: From the Ladder of Legalism to the Cross of Christ (Phil 3:4-9)Paul lists his "blue-chip" credentials (circumcised, Israelite, Benjamin, Hebrew, Pharisee, zealous persecutor, legally righteous). He had maximum "confidence in the flesh."He counts all this previous "gain" as "loss" and "rubbish" compared to the value of knowing Christ.Contrast: The "Ladder" mentality (perform well = acceptance; fail = rejection - exemplified by the coach clip/ "American way") vs. The "Cross" reality (righteousness comes not from our works/law, but through faith in Christ's work for us).This Gospel truth needs constant repetition ("It's safe for you," v. 1) because we naturally revert to the ladder.Conversion 2: From Life FOR/FROM God to Life WITH God (Phil 3:8, 10-11)Paul's driving desire wasn't just duty for God or benefits from God, but intimacy with God: "that I may know him," "gain Christ," "be found in him."What the Gospel achieves (forgiveness, eternal life) are vital, but they are means to the ultimate end: knowing and being with God Himself.Forgiveness isn't just wiping a slate; it cleanses to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). Eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3).Analogy: Seeking spousal forgiveness – the true goal is restoring connection/relationship, not just easing guilt or getting perks.The ultimate question shifts from "Who wants benefits?" to "Who wants God?"God's Desire: Life WITH YouGod's primary goal isn't just making us morally better, but bringing us relationally closer (Eph 2:13). He desires communion.Consider God's attractiveness: Humble (Incarnation), Serving, Loving (sacrificially), Redemptive (meaning in suffering), Powerful (Resurrection).Does God want me, even knowing my failures? The Cross is the definitive YES. He takes us "as is," confident in His power to heal and restore. He sees, knows, loves, moves towards you.All history points toward God dwelling with His people (Rev 21:3).Conclusion:These conversions—rejecting legalism for grace, shifting from performance/benefits to relationship—aren't one-time decisions but ongoing processes.We continually need to recognize the "ladder" in our hearts and choose the Cross, choose life with Him.Call to Action:Acknowledge the need for these conversions again today.Consciously choose the Cross over the ladder.Seek life with God, not just for Him or from Him. Recognize His desire for you.Remain in His love (Jude 21) – that relational space is where you truly belong, wherever you go. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Friends of the Rosary,Today ends the official Lenten period. Tomorrow, we enter the Holy Triduum, the three great liturgical days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.Wednesday of Holy Week, traditionally known as Spy Wednesday, reminds us of Judas's treachery, who bargained with the high priest to betray Jesus for thirty silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6).Today's Gospel presents Matthew's description of Judas's secret arrangement to betray the Master and the Lord's Last Supper statement on the betrayer.This Gospel prepares us for the dramatic developments of the Thursday of Holy Week. The reading from the Prophet Isaiah is the third portrayal of the messianic Suffering Servant.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• April 16, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a powerful story of a son who was lost, a father who never stopped loving him, and a homecoming filled with joy. This Gospel preaching explores the parable of the Prodigal Son, revealing the heart of God towards sinners. The post Lost, Found, Rejoice appeared first on Preachers Corner.

Read OnlineHerod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Mark 6:20Ideally, when the Gospel is preached and received by another, the effect is that the receiver is filled with joy, consolation and a desire to change. The Gospel is transforming for those who truly listen and respond with generosity. But what about those who do not respond with generosity? What effect does the Gospel have upon them? Our Gospel today gives us that answer.The line above comes from the story of the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The bad actors in this story are Herod, Herod's illegitimate wife Herodias, and Herodias' daughter (traditionally named Salome). John had been imprisoned by Herod because John told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” But what's most interesting about this story is that, even in prison, Herod would listen to John preach. But instead of leading Herod to conversion, he was left “perplexed” by what John preached.Being “perplexed” was not the only reaction to John's preaching. Herodias' reaction was one of hatred. She appeared to be stung to the heart by John's condemnation of her “marriage” to Herod, and it was she who then orchestrated John's beheading.This Gospel, then, teaches us of two other common reactions to the Truth of the holy Gospel when it is preached. One is hatred and another is confusion (being perplexed). Obviously, hatred is far worse than simply being perplexed. But neither is the right reaction to the words of Truth.What is your reaction to the full Gospel when it is preached? Are there aspects of the Gospel that leave you uneasy? Are there teachings of our Lord that confuse you or lead you to anger? First look within your own heart to determine if you struggle with having a similar reaction as did Herod and Herodias. And then consider how the world reacts to the Truth of the Gospel. We should not be surprised at all that we find many Herods and Herodiases alive today. Reflect, today, upon any ways that you see the Gospel being rejected on one level or another. If you sense this within your own heart, then repent with all your might. If you see it elsewhere, do not allow the hostility to shake you or concern you. Keep your mind and heart upon the Truth and remain steadfast no matter the reaction you encounter.My Lord of all Truth, Your Word and Your Word alone brings grace and salvation. Please give me the grace I need to always listen to Your Word and to respond generously with all my heart. May I repent when I am convicted by Your Word and may I wholeheartedly return to You. Give me courage when others reject Your Truth and wisdom to know how to share that Word with love. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Pieter de Grebber, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Read OnlineThen he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. Mark 3:4–5Sin damages our relationship with God. But hardness of heart is even more damaging because it perpetuates the damage done by sin. And the harder one's heart, the more permanent the damage.In the passage above, Jesus was angry with the Pharisees. Oftentimes the passion of anger is sinful, resulting from impatience and a lack of charity. But at other times, the passion of anger can be good when it is motivated by love of others and hatred for their sin. In this case, Jesus was grieved by the hardness of heart of the Pharisees, and that grief motivated His holy anger. His “holy” anger did not cause irrational criticism; rather, it drove Jesus to cure this man in the presence of the Pharisees so that they would soften their hearts and believe in Jesus. Sadly, it didn't work. The very next line of the Gospel says, “The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death” (Mark 3:6).Hardness of heart should be greatly avoided. The problem is that those who are hard of heart are usually not open to the fact that they are hard of heart. They are obstinate and stubborn, and oftentimes self-righteous. Therefore, when people suffer from this spiritual ailment, it is difficult for them to change, especially when confronted.This Gospel passage offers you an important opportunity to look into your own heart with honesty. Only you and God need to be part of that interior introspection and conversation. Begin by reflecting upon the Pharisees and the poor example they set. From there, try to look at yourself with great honesty. Are you obstinate? Are you hardened in your convictions to the point that you are unwilling to even consider that you may be wrong at times? Are there people in your life with whom you have entered into a conflict that still remains? If any of this rings true, then you may indeed suffer from the spiritual ill of a hardened heart. Reflect, today, upon your own soul and your relationships with others with as much honesty as possible. Do not hesitate to let your guard down and be open to what God may want to say to you. And if you detect even the slightest tendency toward a hardened and stubborn heart, beg our Lord to enter in to soften it. Change like this is difficult, but the rewards of such a change are incalculable. Do not hesitate and do not wait. Change is worth it in the end. My loving Lord, this day I open myself to an examination of my own heart and pray that You will help me to always be open to change when necessary. Help me, especially, to see any hardness I may have within my heart. Help me to overcome any obstinacy, stubbornness and self-righteousness. Give me the gift of humility, dear Lord, so that my heart can become more like Yours. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Jesus Heals the Man with a Withered Hand, via Wikimedia Commons

“Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 NLT) Happy New Year! We’re going to begin 2025 with a monthlong journey through the Gospel of John. This Gospel was written by one of Jesus’ closest friends. In fact, John refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Like the other 11 disciples, John was a regular guy. He wasn’t a religious scholar. He wasn’t part of the Jewish elite in Israel. He was a fisherman, a blue-collar man. He was also a brash, ambitious hothead. He once rebuked a man for casting out demons in Jesus’ name because the man didn’t belong to John’s group of disciples (see Mark 9:38). He asked Jesus for a place of honor in His kingdom (see Mark 10:37). And when a Samaritan village refused to show hospitality to Jesus and the disciples, John asked Jesus if they could call down fire from Heaven to destroy the entire population (see Luke 9:54). It’s no wonder Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James the “sons of thunder.” Yet John was Jesus’ choice to be His disciple. That meant he had a front-row seat to three years that changed the world. He listened to Jesus’ teachings. He witnessed His miracles. He saw Jesus interact with devoted followers, scheming enemies, and everyone in between. John saw what very few others were privileged to see: Jesus, up close and personal, day in and day out. And based on everything he saw, John believed. He believed Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. And he wrote his Gospel so that we might see and believe too. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, John continued His ministry. He preached the Good News. He helped found the church in Jerusalem and ministered to its members. He faced threats, persecution, and imprisonment because of his faith. But he refused to be silenced. According to church tradition, John was the only disciple who wasn’t martyred. And when he wrote his Gospel, he was “the last man standing”—the only one of Jesus’ inner circle left to tell the story. He likely wrote it sometime around AD 90, some 60 years after the events occurred. But they were still fresh in his memory. John lived long enough to witness the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship (not to be confused with the church in Jerusalem). The destruction had a profound effect on Jewish people throughout the Roman Empire. With their place of worship gone, they had to make other arrangements for their sacrifices and festivals. In his Gospel, John presents Jesus as the answer to their spiritual vacuum. He shows how Jesus fulfilled everything the Jewish sacrifices and festivals were intended to accomplish. John minced no words in writing about the need to believe in Jesus. John 3:16 may be the best-known verse in the entire Bible. It’s also the core of Christian outreach: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (NLT) — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Gospel, John's aims, John's structure, Jesus' glory, Jesus' signs, are all graciously given to us that we may graciously believe in Jesus and graciously follow Him to the cross and from there all the way to eternal life in heaven.

Color: Blue Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1–11 Psalm: Psalm 85; antiphon: v. 9 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 Gospel: Matthew 11:2–11 Introit: Psalm 85:1–2, 6, 8; antiphon: Philippians 4:4–5 Gradual: Psalm 80:1–2 Verse: Psalm 80:2b John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord   The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah's coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus' works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord's hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ's overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God's people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Read Online“Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, ‘Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Matthew 21:25–27This is a perfect example of how not to live your life. But, sadly, this is too often an illustration of the way many in authority do live their lives. In this Gospel passage, we see the Pharisees acting as what we may term “religious politicians.” A religious politician is one whose religious convictions are decided in a backwards sort of way. Ideally, we will turn our eyes to Christ and all that He has revealed to us. This will produce the glorious gift of authentic faith, and from that rock foundation of faith, we act. But the Pharisees allowed their “convictions” to be based on what they perceived would produce the best outcome at the moment. They chose to say “We do not know” where John's baptism was from because they thought it was the answer that most safeguarded them from any criticism.As followers of Christ, we need to be ready and willing to suffer any and all ridicule that comes from living our convictions of faith in an open way. Faith will lead to charity, and charity will always be grounded in the truths of faith. But when we live and proclaim the truth, we will be criticized by some and will suffer as a result.This Gospel offers us all an invitation to reflect upon the difficult truths of our day and age and to decide whether or not we are willing to publicly profess the truth. Think, especially, about the many moral truths of our faith that seem to be continually under attack. Are you willing to speak your faith clearly, with charity and with conviction, even if it means criticism from the world? Reflect, today, upon the backwards approach taken by the Pharisees when they were confronted with a difficult question. Make the choice not to follow their example, choosing instead the unwavering convictions that you are called to embrace by your faith. What questions are being asked of you today? In which ways are you being tested by others? What is your approach to those tests? Do you speak more like a “religious politician?” Or do you speak with a clarity flowing from the rock foundation of your faith? My Lord of all truth, give me the grace I need to stand firm on all that You have revealed to me. Give me courage to remain firm in the convictions of faith that have been given to me by You. May I proclaim this faith to all whom I encounter so that I can be an instrument of Your love and mercy to the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Chief Priests Ask Jesus by What Right Does He Act in This Way By James Tissot, via Brooklyn Museum

Josh Davis leads us through a message by Charles Webber that originally aired over 60 years ago. This Gospel message focuses on the cross of Jesus. Golgotha's Three Crosses has recently been adapted for devotional study by Kim Webber and is available now from swrc.com Check out the full book here! https://www.swrc.com/product/golgothas-three-crosses/

John does not begin his Gospel account with the birth of Jesus but rather with the beginning of his ministry. This Gospel writer gives us a glimpse into who Jesus is before He is born in a manger in Bethlehem. To understand what arrived with Jesus, we must understand his identity. This week, we answer the question, who is Jesus? Speaker: Michael Bayne Text: John 1:1-18 ESV

This Gospel corresponds to the Thursday of the 34th week in Ordinary Time. Jesus said to his disciples:“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies,know that its desolation is at hand.Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.Let those within the city escape from it,and let those in the countryside not enter the city,for these days are the time of punishmentwhen all the Scriptures are fulfilled.Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days,for a terrible calamity will come upon the earthand a wrathful judgment upon this people.They will fall by the edge of the swordand be taken as captives to all the Gentiles;and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentilesuntil the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,and on earth nations will be in dismay,perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.People will die of frightin anticipation of what is coming upon the world,for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.And then they will see the Son of Mancoming in a cloud with power and great glory.But when these signs begin to happen,stand erect and raise your headsbecause your redemption is at hand.”

This Gospel corresponds to the celebration of Thanksgiving Day observed in the United States. As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”And when he saw them, he said,“Go show yourselves to the priests.”As they were going they were cleansed.And one of them, realizing he had been healed,returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.He was a Samaritan.Jesus said in reply,“Ten were cleansed, were they not?Where are the other nine?Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;your faith has saved you.”

In this message, we dive into the profound truth of the Gospel, a message that is both beautifully simple and deeply complex. The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand—Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Yet, it's complex in its transformative nature, like light entering a prism, refracting into new, vibrant directions.We explore how Jesus changes our lives, refracting into four key aspects:Justification – We are made right with God.New Creation – Our old self is gone; we are born anew.Redemption – Chains are broken; we are set free.Adoption – We are brought into God's family forever.Discover how these truths meet our deepest longings for acceptance, hope, approval, and belonging. This Gospel is the greatest news ever, and our response to it is simple: receive it.Need Prayer?

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26–27As we enter into the final weeks of the liturgical year, we begin to turn our attention to the final coming of Christ. In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the example of Noah and Lot. In both of their stories, people were eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting and building up, until the very day that the floods came to destroy the earth at the time of Noah and fire rained down from the sky at the time of Lot. Both Noah and Lot were saved, but many others alive at that time met with sudden and unexpected destruction.Jesus says that the “days of the Son of Man” will be similar to these previous two events. At an unexpected time, Jesus will return to earth, and the Final Judgment will ensue. So His message is clear: Be ready at all times.Though we are familiar with this teaching of our Lord, spoken many times and in various ways in the Gospels, many people do not heed the message. It is easy to believe that you always have tomorrow to change, and so you give into temptation today. And then tomorrow comes, and the temptation is once again embraced with the thought that you will work on it tomorrow, and henceforth. We can easily go about perpetuating our sins and embracing our temptations while we have the ongoing good intention of changing tomorrow. This is a mistake for two reasons.First of all, it always remains a possibility that our Lord will indeed come today and that today truly will be the end of the world. Or, it always remains a distinct possibility that your life will come to an end today, suddenly and unexpectedly. If that were to happen, would you be fully ready to stand before the judgment seat of Christ? Most people would not, at least not fully ready. Thus, this should be motivation enough to work tirelessly today to be ready now and every moment hereafter.But we should also see this prophecy of our Lord as applying to every present moment of every day. Jesus is always coming to us, suddenly and without warning, inviting us to serve Him by grace. This Gospel passage states that “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.” This applies to the end of our lives and to the end of the world, but it also applies to every present moment of every day. If we continually seek to lose our lives, meaning, to choose the Heavenly realities over the temporal earthly indulgences we are daily tempted with, then we will also daily experience the grace of salvation, here and now, in every present moment of our lives. Reflect, today, upon whether or not you regularly seek to lose your life for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Do you continually choose grace, mercy, Heaven, obedience, love, self-sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness and the like, every moment of every day of your life? If so, then our Lord will continually bestow the gift of His saving grace upon you here and now, preparing you for the ultimate moment of judgment. If not, then you will be more like the people of Noah's and Lot's time who met with sudden destruction when they least expected it. Live for God now, today, in this moment, and you will be eternally grateful you did.My ever-present Lord, You come to me always, suddenly and unexpectedly, and so often I do not hear You or perceive Your presence. Please help me to live continually for You and by Your grace, choosing Heavenly realities over temporary indulgences. May I live this way always, meeting You every moment of my life and anticipating that glorious final meeting with You at the time of judgment. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Noah and His Ark by Charles Willson Peale, via Wikimedia Commons

Read OnlineJesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Luke 17:17–19This reply from our Lord came in response to the one leper who returned to Jesus to thank Him. Ten lepers had come to Jesus, stood at a distance, cried out, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And with that, Jesus healed them all. But the heart of this healing is not as much the healing itself as it is the gratitude expressed by only one of the ten.This Gospel relates to us that this one leper did five things to profoundly express his gratitude. He returned, glorified God, did so in a loud voice, fell at the feet of Jesus, and thanked him. What a wonderful witness for us all!By analogy, children often take the loving care of their parents for granted. That's why many good parents regularly remind their children to say “thank you.” In our relationship with God, we can also easily take God's saving actions for granted. We can easily see all the grace we receive as something we deserve rather than as an infinitely merciful gift. When that happens, we become more like the other nine who failed to properly express their gratitude to Jesus.First of all, it must be noted that expressing gratitude to God is not done because God needs these accolades. He does not depend upon our gratitude to affirm His self-worth. This is obvious. God is God, and He does not need our praise in any way. However, giving profound praise and glory to God is essential. It is essential because we need this virtue of gratitude so as to daily be reminded that all we receive from God is an unmerited gift. We cannot earn His love and grace. We do not deserve it. But He chooses to bestow it anyway out of mercy. And the only appropriate response to mercy is gratitude. Profound gratitude.Gratitude is essential because it is the truth. We should always return to our Lord after He has graced us. We should glorify Him with much fervor, crying out to Him with passion. We should, literally and interiorly, fall on our face before Him, at His feet, and thank Him, over and over and over again. Doing so will always help us to remember the truth that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. An unmerited and undeserved gift of grace.Reflect, today, upon the depth of gratitude in your own heart. Do you often act more like a spoiled and selfish child, or do you regularly perceive the graciousness of God? If you lack in any way this fullness of gratitude, then ponder this one leper. His gratitude, expressed with the fullness of passion, is the most important part of this story. In the end, he was graced far more than the other nine because his healing produced faith; and it was that faith that saved not only his body but his soul. Seek to save your soul by imitating the faith of this one holy and healed leper.My gracious Lord, You bestow Your mercy upon me in superabundance. Without You, Jesus, I have nothing; but with You, I receive everything. May I always know and understand my need for Your grace. And as I am gifted with it, may I respond with the deepest gratitude, thus, saving my soul through faith. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Healing of the Leper by Niels Larsen Stevns, via Wikimedia Commons

Read OnlineWhen they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” Luke 12:11–12Jesus lived this Gospel passage in His own life to perfection. He was arrested, interrogated, falsely condemned and questioned by the Chief Priest, Herod and Pontius Pilate. During His interrogations, sometimes He spoke and at other times He remained silent. In preparation for these interrogations, Jesus did not study each ruler ahead of time, trying to figure out what He should say and not say. He did not prepare a defense but relied upon His perfect union with the Holy Spirit and with the Father to be led at every moment in His human nature.Though it may be unlikely that you will be arrested for your faith and put on trial for being Christian by the civil authorities, it is possible that you will experience various other forms of interrogation and condemnation at times during which you are challenged to respond. And more likely, if you are judged by another, you may be tempted to defend yourself in anger, attacking back.This Gospel passage, when clearly understood and lived, should have the effect of calming you and reassuring you during any and every experience of judgment. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor's thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way” (# 2478). And though you must always strive to do this yourself, there will most likely be times when others do not act in this careful and truthful way toward you. Thus, if you are judged by another, even if what they say has truth to it, it is important that you not react with defensiveness and anger, unless the Holy Spirit has unmistakably led you to do so. The key message Jesus gives is that you must trust that the Holy Spirit will always lead you as you humbly and continually seek to follow His every prompting. This is only possible if you have built a firm habit of attentiveness to the Voice of God within your conscience.Because the experience of rash judgment, detraction, calumny and the like are painful to encounter, you must prepare your defense ahead of time by learning to only rely upon the Holy Spirit in all things. Jesus exhorts us to do so! Therefore, if you daily and humbly seek to fulfill God's will, hear His voice, and respond with generosity, then you can be certain that when the time comes and you experience these forms of judgment, you will be ready. The Holy Spirit will speak to you, inspire you, console you and give you every grace you need to respond in accord with God's will. Do not doubt this. Have faith and confidence in these words and this promise of our Lord.Reflect, today, upon the ways that you have responded in the past to the judgment of another. Try to call to mind specific moments when this has happened. Did you respond with similar judgments? Were you filled with anger? Did you brood over injury? Did you lose your peace of heart? If you have fallen into these temptations, then commit yourself in faith to believe what Jesus says today. Trust Him. Trust that He will be with you in those difficult moments in the future and pray that you will be graced to respond only as the Holy Spirit directs you.My innocent Lord, You were put on trial, judged and falsely condemned. Yet in all of that, You were the Innocent Lamb Who always loved and spoke truth with perfection. When I experience judgment in my life, please fill me with peace of heart and trust in Your promise that the Holy Spirit will be with me, inspiring me and leading me in accord with Your perfect will. Holy Spirit, I abandon myself to You now and always. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: Christ in front of Pilate by Mihály Munkácsy, via Wikimedia Commons

Friends of the Rosary, Today, October 18, is the Feast of St. Luke Evangelist. He is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, which record the life of the early Christian communities. His name means "bringer of light" (= Luke). He was a native of Antioch in Syria and a practicing physician when St. Paul converted him. He accompanied him on most of his missionary journeys. He was still with St. Paul in Rome when he was in prison awaiting death. He was one of the early converts from paganism. Luke's Gospel is the Gospel of the Merciful Heart of Jesus. St. Jerome called it also "Paul's Gospel." It emphasizes that Christ is the salvation of all men, especially of the repentant sinner and the lowly. This Gospel includes precious details about our Lady and Christ's childhood. It also preserved some of the most moving of our Lord's parables, such as the lost sheep and the prodigal son. Legend says that Luke painted the Blessed Virgin's portrait. St. Luke did not personally know our Lord, and like St. Mark, the author of the second Gospel, he is not included among the apostles. For this reason, the Gospel chosen for their feast is the account of the sending forth of the seventy-two disciples. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. Luke, Pray for Us! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • ⁠October 18, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In Father Patrick Behm's homily from the 25th Sunday in Ordinary time (September 22nd), he poses the question: "Will I ever be enough?" He looks at Mark 9: 30-37 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092224.cfm): "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" This Gospel passage brings a beautiful reflection on: "Do successes and achievements somehow make us more lovable? Where is God in the mess?" Mass Readings: Found Here (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092224.cfm) Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell Special Guest: Father Patrick Behm.

This Gospel is all about how rich people can't get to Heaven...right?  Not really.  The Rich Young Man isn't ready to follow Jesus because his love is disoreded.  

Is there an ancient path that can transform lives when we find it together, giving hope and meaning? Alexander John Shaia returns to the podcast from his home in Spain to share his deep mining of the Gospel of John which he argues offer the most important, beautiful and dangerous words in Christianity. The story of Jesus in John proposed a radical joining of all- tribes, genders, slaves and free -  coming in a new human experiment to sit side by side around the table. Alexander John aligns the work of Joseph Campbell around the Hero's Journey with the four paths of the Gospels, with John being the path that shows the way to the question, "How do I receive new vision and know the greater joy of union?" This Gospel proclaims that union is the deepest truth and that we should not be discouraged that old divisions keep returning. There is always work to do in returning to that union which is our deepest reality, and this Gospel shows us the way to restore the beautiful blueprint of harmony in diversity. Drawing from his work as a Jungian psychologist and his devotion to mystical Christianity, in this conversation Alexander John shines new light on this ancient text that transcends traditional understanding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark 9:38-50John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone baptizing in your name and we tried to stop him because he wasn't following us.” Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever does a deed of power in my name will not soon after be able speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us, is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believes in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It would be better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and be thrown into hell with the unquenchable fire. Or if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It would be better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out. It would be better for you to enter the Kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies and their fire is never quenched.“For all will be salted with fire. And salt is good. But if salt has lost its flavor how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” This Gospel text has a handful of sermons in it to be honest, but we don't have time for all of that. So, I'm gonna keep it short and sweet and pick on the stuff in the middle. It's the stuff that actually gets a lot of attention, but that I'm not sure I've ever preached about all that much, except to dismiss the shock-value and fear-factor of it all.The shock and fear, I mean, of all that stuff about cutting off hands, lopping off feet, and tearing out eyes. This is an excellent example of why we talk about reading the Bible LITERATELY around here instead of reading the Bible LITERALLY, as too many pretend is possible.I hope we know Jesus well enough to trust that he would never seriously suggest we go about amputating body parts. He's just using hyperbole, familiar to the people of his day and age, to get their attention. I'm fairly certain, even his most faithful, wannabe followers, didn't go looking for an axe or a handsaw after this conversation with Jesus that day.Like Gandhi said once, referring to another bit of Scripture, “an eye for an eye would make the whole world blind,” we'd all be limping around unable to see or to tie our shoes if we obeyed Jesus' instructions, today, to remove our hands, our feet, and our eyes, like he does.So he must be up to something else. And I wonder if Jesus is inviting us to a spiritual kind of surgery, instead; something of a Marie Kondo kind of purge. Some of you remember Marie Kondo, right? She's that Japanese queen of organizing who had her 15 minutes of fame during the pandemic, I think. She's written books and hosted a Netflix series, teaching a method and a mentality for organizing your home based on whether the things and the stuff you own bring you joy – or are useful, or necessary, or not. She encourages the purging of anything that doesn't meet those criteria.Channeling Jesus, Marie Kondo might say, “if those books on the shelf – that you'll never read again – are just collecting dust, bury them in the backyard.” “If you have old clothes you haven't worn for more than a year, set them on fire.” “All those craft supplies, baseball cards, that pile of old records – toss them into the sea.”So what if Jesus did mean that we remove things from our lives that get in the way of our best intentions and our most faithful efforts – and of God's most loving desire for us in this world?Again, not body parts, of course, but other things maybe we could or should – and wish we would, more often – do without. … a vice perhaps, like drink, or drug, or food, or porn. Never mind our hands or feet, let's nip the excess of some of that kind of stuff in the bud.Or false Gods, perhaps – let's get rid of those. …the money we think we can't do without, and that consumes our time and energy and pretends to bring so much more value and security to our lives than is possible. Or how about our pride and our ego, maybe – what if we left that behind for a change. …whatever it is that convinces us to forget what we heard from Jesus just last week: that the first among us must be last of all and servant of all; that the last will be first and the first will be last; or that we – and our needs or our agenda or our opinion – are not – always or ever – the only way to experience the world around us. What if we could amputate the fear that keeps us from so much in this world? Fear of asking for help when we need it. Fear of admitting our faults and failures. Fear of saying what needs to be said. Fear of being who God created us to be. And fear of dying before any of the above can happen.And what about those people that suck more life and goodness from you than anybody should – cut them loose, too; tie a great millstone around their neck and toss those knuckleheads into the sea! I'm kidding, of course. Just delete them from your social media feed, and maybe your social circle, too.Because, see, the thing about getting rid of that stuff – of purging our lives of things like greed and pride, of ego and idols, of fear and the like – is that it makes room for the opposite. It makes room for the stuff of life and faith, of grace and peace, for us, for others, and for the world.And I hear loud and clear from Jesus today that none of us, as his followers, should ever be the reason another person stumbles and falls on their way to following him. So let's find ways to show the love of God separate from the fear that some might use by taking Jesus so literally all of the time. Let's encourage others to this life of faith, not by force or with fear, but by fascination in how it matters for us.What do people see in your daily life that looks like love and grace and mercy?How and where do you experience a peace that's worth sharing?What does grace – with no strings attached – look like at your house? In your neighborhood? Your school? Where you work? At this altar?Because it's all of this – the grace, mercy, love, and peace we know – that are the salt of our lives and that season the world around us in ways that grow the Kingdom, as God desires.Amen

The resurrection of Jesus transforms despair into joy. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women who followed Jesus, go to His tomb early in the morning and find it empty. They hear from angels that He is risen. Jesus then reveals Himself to disciples on the road to Emmaus and later to the apostles, proving His resurrection by showing His wounds and eating with them. He explains how the Scriptures foretold His death and resurrection, and then ascends to heaven, leaving His disciples rejoicing and praising God and waiting for his return.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 23:50-24:53.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

After Jesus is arrested, Peter follows behind and ultimately denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction. Jesus is then mocked and beaten as He faces the council. Jesus stands before Pilate and Herod, facing false accusations and mockery. Despite finding no guilt in Him, Pilate succumbs to the crowd's demands and sentences Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is led to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two criminals. As He endures the agony of the cross, Jesus asks forgiveness for His executioners and promises paradise to the repentant thief.  The Rev. Ben Dose, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, IA and St. John Lutheran Church in Burt, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 22:55-23:  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Pivotal events leading to Jesus' crucifixion unfold. Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Our Lord then institutes the Lord's Supper during the Passover meal. In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in agony before being arrested and betrayed by Judas.   The Rev. Dr. Burnell Eckardt, pastor emeritus and editor-in-chief of the Lutheran liturgy journal, Gottesdienst, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 22.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus delivers powerful teachings on generosity, end times, and vigilance. He praises a poor widow's humble offering, predicts the temple's destruction, and warns of future wars, disasters, and persecutions, urging steadfast faith. Foretelling Jerusalem's fall and cosmic signs of His return, Jesus emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and prayer to stand strong when the Son of Man comes in glory.  The Rev. Kelly Krieg, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 21.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

In the temple, Jesus skillfully counters the religious leaders' attempts to trap Him with questions about His authority, taxes, and the resurrection. Through the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Jesus critiques the leaders' rejection of God's messengers. He also addresses the Sadducees' question about resurrection, affirming the reality of life after death. Finally, Jesus warns His disciples about the hypocrisy of the scribes.  The Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 20.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus' journey to Jerusalem unfolds with powerful events and teachings. He encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, leading to Zacchaeus' repentance and salvation. Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Minas, emphasizing faithful stewardship. His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem fulfills prophecy, met with royal acclaim. Jesus weeps over the city's spiritual blindness and drives out merchants from the temple, declaring it a house of prayer.  The Rev. Matthew Tooman, pastor of the dual parish of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND and First English Lutheran Church in Fairmount, ND, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 18:35-19:48.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus teaches profound lessons on faith, humility, and discipleship. He shares the Parable of the Persistent Widow, urging tenacious prayer, and the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, highlighting humility. Jesus welcomes little children, stressing the need for childlike faith, and challenges a rich ruler to give up his wealth for eternal life. He also foretells His suffering and heals a blind beggar with unwavering faith.   The Rev. Ben Maton, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlottesville, VA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 18.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus teaches profound lessons on faith, forgiveness, and gratitude. He warns about causing others to sin, emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness, and illustrates the immense power of even a small amount of faith. Through the Parable of the Unworthy Servants, He reminds us that fulfilling God's commands is our duty. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to express gratitude, highlighting the importance of thankfulness. He concludes by explaining the Kingdom of God is already among us and warns of His sudden return.  The Rev. Dr. James Lee, an associate professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 17.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus imparts profound lessons on wealth, stewardship, and the afterlife, urging believers to use earthly resources wisely for eternal purposes. He warns against the seductive power of money, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus contrasts earthly luxury with heavenly reward, highlighting the eternal impact of our choices and the urgency of repentance.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 16.   The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus shares three powerful parables revealing God's immense joy over the repentance of sinners. First, the Parable of the Lost Sheep shows a shepherd leaving ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep, celebrating its return. Next, the Parable of the Lost Coin depicts a woman who rejoices after finding her lost coin. Finally, the Parable of the Prodigal Son tells of a father who lovingly welcomes back his wayward son, throwing a feast despite the son's past mistakes, while highlighting the older brother's struggle with forgiveness.  The Rev. Dr. William Knippa, an emeritus pastor in Austin, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 15.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus captivates with powerful lessons on humility, generosity, and the cost of discipleship. He heals a man with dropsy on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict rules. At a banquet, He advises choosing the lowest place and encourages inviting the poor and marginalized, promising heavenly rewards. Through the Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus shows how the rejected are welcomed in God's kingdom. He concludes with a compelling call for total commitment, urging followers to prioritize Him above all else.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 14.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus delivers powerful and urgent teachings on repentance, judgment, and the Kingdom of God. Using the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, He underscores the pressing need for genuine repentance. His miraculous healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath sparks controversy, yet it highlights the primacy of compassion. Through the images of a mustard seed and yeast, Jesus reveals the Kingdom's humble beginnings and unstoppable growth. Yet, Jesus reminds everyone listening that the door to Heaven is narrow.  The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 13.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus captivates the crowd with profound teachings, starting with a bold warning against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He urges His followers to fear God rather than people, reassuring them of God's attentive care. Through the Parable of the Rich Fool, He exposes the futility of hoarding wealth. Jesus then encourages His disciples to trust in God's provision, pointing to the birds and flowers as proof, and to seek God's kingdom. The chapter concludes with Jesus highlighting the inevitable division His message brings and urging discernment of the times.  The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Lutheran Church and School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 12.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus begins by teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, offering a powerful model for heartfelt communication with God. He underscores the importance of persistent prayer with the Parable of the Friend at Midnight and assures them of God's eagerness to bless those who ask. When Jesus casts out a demon, He's accused of using Beelzebul's power, but He cleverly dismantles this claim, illustrating the absurdity of a divided kingdom and affirming His divine authority. He then calls out the Pharisees and legal experts for their hypocrisy, stressing the need for genuine inner purity and living as a true light to others.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 11.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus begins by teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, offering a powerful model for heartfelt communication with God. He underscores the importance of persistent prayer with the Parable of the Friend at Midnight and assures them of God's eagerness to bless those who ask. When Jesus casts out a demon, He's accused of using Beelzebul's power, but He cleverly dismantles this claim, illustrating the absurdity of a divided kingdom and affirming His divine authority. He then calls out the Pharisees and legal experts for their hypocrisy, stressing the need for genuine inner purity and living as a true light to others.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 11.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus begins by teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, offering a powerful model for heartfelt communication with God. He underscores the importance of persistent prayer with the Parable of the Friend at Midnight and assures them of God's eagerness to bless those who ask. When Jesus casts out a demon, He's accused of using Beelzebul's power, but He cleverly dismantles this claim, illustrating the absurdity of a divided kingdom and affirming His divine authority. He then calls out the Pharisees and legal experts for their hypocrisy, stressing the need for genuine inner purity and living as a true light to others.  The Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 11.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. They return rejoicing in their newfound authority, but Jesus reminds them that their true joy should be in their heavenly reward. Jesus then shares the Parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the profound love and compassion required to be a true neighbor. The chapter concludes with the story of Martha and Mary, where Jesus gently teaches the importance of prioritizing time with Him over daily distractions.  The Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, Mission Executive for the South Wisconsin District—LCMS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 10.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus descends from the Transfiguration to a scene of chaos, where He heals a demon-possessed boy that His disciples couldn't cure, leaving the crowd in awe of His authority. As He predicts His impending betrayal, confusion and fear grip His disciples. An argument about greatness arises, and Jesus points to a child to teach the true nature of humility. Facing rejection from a Samaritan village, He then rebukes His disciples' desire for vengeance, emphasizing mercy over wrath. Along the journey, three individuals express a desire to follow Him, but Jesus starkly highlights the cost of discipleship.  The Rev. Derek Waffel, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Huntsville, AL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 9:37-62.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus sends out the Twelve with power and authority to drive out demons, cure diseases, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Upon their return, He feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, illustrating His miraculous provision. Later, Jesus asks His disciples about His identity, leading Peter to confess that He is the Messiah. The passage culminates with the Transfiguration, where Jesus is gloriously transformed before Peter, James, and John.  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 9:1-36.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

We see Jesus' astounding authority over nature, demons, illness, and death through three dramatic events. First, He calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, astonishing His disciples. Next, He frees a demon-possessed man in the Gerasenes, demonstrating His power over evil spirits. Finally, Jesus heals a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder and raises Jairus's daughter from the dead, showcasing His compassion and divine power.  The Rev. Scott MacDonald, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Meridian, CT, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 8:22-56.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus travels with His disciples and several devoted women, proclaiming the good news of God's Kingdom. Through the Parable of the Sower, Jesus illustrates how different responses to God's word yield varied results, teaching His disciples about the mysteries of the Kingdom. He emphasizes the importance of not just hearing but also living out God's word, using the metaphor of a lamp on a stand to reveal that hidden truths will come to light.  The Rev. Dennis McFadden, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 8:1-21.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

While dining at Simon's house, a woman known for her sinful life approaches Jesus, weeping. She anoints His feet with expensive perfume, washes them with her tears, and dries them with her hair. Simon is critical of Jesus allowing such a woman to touch Him, questioning His status as a prophet. Jesus responds with a parable about two debtors, illustrating that those who are forgiven much, love much. He points out the woman's acts of love compared to Simon's lack of hospitality, and declares her sins forgiven, emphasizing her faith. This passage highlights themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the profound grace of Jesus.  The Rev. Dr. Michael Moorehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 7:36-50.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

First, Jesus heals a centurion's servant, marveling at the centurion's great faith. Next, He raises a widow's son from the dead in Nain, prompting awe and glorification of God among the people. As news of these miracles spreads, John the Baptist, from prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one to come. Jesus responds by pointing to his His miracles and preaching as evidence of His messianic identity.  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 7:1-35.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus teaches about judgment, forgiveness, and living out His words. He instructs not to judge or condemn, but to forgive and be generous, noting that the same measure we use will be applied to us. He emphasizes self-awareness before correcting others and uses the analogy of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that actions reflect character. Jesus concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, stressing the importance of practicing His teachings. Those who do are like a house on a solid foundation, while those who don't are like a house on sand, destined to collapse.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 6:37-49. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, which upsets and challenges the Pharisees. He then selects his twelve apostles and delivers the Sermon on the Plain, blessing the poor and hungry while warning the rich and satisfied against self-reliance. Jesus then calls for radical love urging those who would follow him to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them, encapsulating the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." This passage highlights Jesus' revelational teachings on mercy, love, and what it means to be in the Kingdom of God.  The Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr., pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN, Trinity Lutheran Church in Jaspar, MN, and St. John Lutheran Church, Trosky, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 6:1-36.  The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus invites Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, prompting Levi to leave everything behind and host a great banquet in His honor. As tax collectors and sinners gather, the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus' association with them. Jesus responds with the profound declaration that He has come to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Through parables about new garments and wineskins, He illustrates the necessity of embracing the new life and teachings He brings.  The Rev. Timothy Sandeno, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 5:27-39.   The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus' concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God's salvation for all people. Luke's account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God's love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Colossians 1:2-11 — In this sermon on Colossians 1:2–11 titled “No Longer Slaves,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to convey the true gospel by asking the listener to test their faith by asking some basic questions. Has this gospel brought forth fruit? Hear how faith shows a person who they are and learn the freedom of living triumphantly in this present and evil world. Regeneration gives the ability to find joy in tribulation, not merely survive. This Gospel is not one of escapism, wishful thinking, stoicism, fatalism, or realism, but instead enables believers to face facts exactly as they are. Regeneration gives someone an entirely new relationship to this world. No longer are they “of the world.” Without this gospel, all are slaves in this world and bound by culture. This life is only vanity and evil, and at its very best, it is still only temporary. Christians are pilgrims in this world who must be concerned for their soul and what is beyond this world, rather than for mere worldly prospects. Christ will come to put this world right. Join Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in saying, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” Find peace with God and the peace of God; nothing can separate His children from His love.

Philippians 3:20-21 — Many people believe that through education and government the world will become progressively better. War will cease, and poverty will have ended according to these optimists. However, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues from Philippians 3:20-21 that this misplaced confidence in human goodness and progress is misguided and contradicted by God's Word. For in Scripture we see that men are perpetually sinful. This is because all men are in the flesh and under sin and the judgment of God. Sadly, many Christians have fallen into a similar error when they say that the goal of Christianity is to make the world a better place by moralism and social programs. They say that by working to make society a better place we will bring the Kingdom of God to earth. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that this is a distortion of the purpose of the church, for the church is not just another institution of social reform, but it has been entrusted to take the Gospel to all the nations. This Gospel is the only means of true transformations because it alone has the power to renew the hearts of men and give them new natures. It alone has the power to overcome sin, the flesh, and the devil.