Podcasts about Twelfth

Another step in the right directionThe decision by Micheál Martin last week to oppose Sinn Féin's “Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026” was no real surprise. His opposition to any meaningful planning for Irish Unity has been transparently obvious for many years. Despite Fine Gael spokespersons declaring that Fine Gael would not oppose the Sinn Féin Bill they then chose to support An Taoiseach. No surprise there. Simon Harris is Tánaiste to Micheál Martin's Taoiseach. For Fine Gael to step away from a united government approach would have likely had serious repercussions for the coalition government.I spent the day in Leinster House on the day of the debate and it was clear from my conversations with some Fianna Fail TDs and the Sinn Féin team, who had spent significant time speaking to TDs from other parties and none, that there is a significant number of them deeply unhappy with ‘The Republican Party' turning its face against a common sense Bill that would have advanced the discussion about the future.Irish Republicanism & ‘The Gays' ExhibitionNext Wednesday, 22 July, an important exhibition will open in Áras Uí Chonghaile in Belfast. It examines the relationship between Irish Republicanism and ‘The Gays'. For those of a certain age who remember in particular the hunger strikes of 1980 and 1981, the support of members of the gay community in Ireland in solidarity with the men on the Blanket Protest in the H-Blocks and the women in Armagh Prison, was evident at many of the demonstrations that took place. Their banners were always front and centre and were well received by the crowds in attendance.The exhibition records the fact that it was a gay republican prisoner writing in the H-Blocks in 1991 who pointed out that “gay men and lesbian women have been involved in the struggle for national liberation and independence as long as any other section of our people.” He was right.Moore St. should be bought by the GovernmentLast week it was announced that the London developer Hammerson had sold the Carlton site on O'Connell Street to Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Hammerson is the company that owns part of the 1916 Moore St. Battlefield site and the Carlton site connects it to O'Connell St.Responding to the news James Connolly Heron of the Moore St. Preservation Trust pointed out that under the Hammerson plan the former Carlton site was to be the gateway to a shopping mall extending into Moore Lane and Moore Street. This was to include the demolition of part of the terrace, the last headquarters of the leaders of The 1916 Rising. We were told that this was essential for retail ‘footfall'.James Connolly Heron pointed out that: “The sale of the Carlton site rendersThe Glorious Twelfth. Now that the Twelfth has come and gone it is long past the time for opinion makers within unionism to chart out a course to regulate the building of Twelfth bonfires so that they are safer, legal and community friendly. The Orange Parade in Rossnowlagh in Donegal should be an example to the ‘Loyal‘ Orders of what is possible.  Is anyone out there within the Orange or Unionist leaders up for that challenge?  

Long associated with the Orange Order, marching bands and bonfires – the Twelfth goes back a long way. But what is the origin of the celebrations, of the order itself and does the organisation have a future? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Dr David Hume.This episode of The BelTel was originally released in July 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1st Reading: 2 Kings 24:8-17 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:21-29 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered Friday, June 26th - 1st Reading: 2 Kings 25:1-12 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:1-4 - 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 Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Lamentations 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 74: 1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 5-17   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Lamentations 2: 2, 10-14, 18-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 74: 1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 5-17   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

ONLY SAY THE WORD!

Have mercy, Lord, and hear my prayer. In the silent hours of night, bless the Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 25: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 1-4   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

Read OnlineWhen Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:5–8From the beginning of time, God continually reached out to humanity, calling them to Himself. After the Great Flood, God established a covenant with Abram—later named Abraham—who responded in faith and obedience. God promised him that his descendants would become a great nation and that “All the families of the earth will find blessing” in him (Genesis 12:3). In today's Gospel, we see a sign of this promise being fulfilled in the faith of the Roman centurion, a Gentile who recognizes the divine authority of Jesus. His trust in Christ foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in the blessing promised through Abraham.At the time of Jesus, kindness between Jews and a Roman centurion was virtually unheard of. The Romans had conquered Israel, imposing their rule and extracting heavy taxes from the people. Though the Jews were allowed to continue Temple worship and practice their faith in the synagogues, many harbored deep resentment toward their Roman occupiers, longing for the day when the Messiah would come to liberate them.When the Messiah did come, however, many of the Jewish people did not recognize Him—perhaps because their expectations were fixed on a powerful military leader who would restore Israel's national sovereignty. Instead, Jesus came not as a warrior, but as the Lamb of God, bringing a far greater liberation: freedom from sin and death. He understood the deep-seated bitterness toward the Romans but saw beyond earthly conflicts, viewing all people through the lens of divine Wisdom.Jesus bore no animosity toward the Romans, nor did He seek their political overthrow. Instead, He desired their conversion. While many of the Jews—including the scribes and Pharisees—viewed the Romans as enemies, Jesus extended His compassion even to them, knowing that the promise made to Abraham was not merely for one nation but for all peoples. The centurion's faith is a sign of this unfolding fulfillment: A Gentile, once an outsider to the covenant, now stands as an example of trust and humility before the Messiah.One of the qualities that could have enabled this Roman centurion to manifest such remarkable faith was his experience of duty and authority as a military officer. Having spent his life exercising command over others, he understood the nature of authority firsthand. He applied this natural understanding to the supernatural authority Jesus possessed. Unlike the Jewish people, the centurion likely had little or no knowledge of the Torah, salvation history, or the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yet, when he witnessed Jesus' miraculous power, he recognized in Him an authority far greater than that of earthly rulers. Drawing from his own experience of command—where a word spoken in authority is immediately obeyed—he concluded that Jesus, possessing divine authority, could heal his servant from a distance, merely by speaking the word.Reflect today on the faith of the Roman centurion, whom Jesus praised above all in Israel, saying, “In no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10). His trust was not based on knowledge of the Law but on a firm belief in Christ's divine authority. Like him, we must approach Jesus with humility, acknowledging our unworthiness while having absolute confidence in His power to heal and restore our souls. While the centurion's servant was physically healed, God wills for us whatever draws us closest to Him—whether physical healing or the deeper healing of the soul. Imitate the centurion's unwavering faith, entrusting yourself to Christ, and He will say to you, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you” (Matthew 8:13). All-powerful Lord, You can do all things and always will what is best for us. Grant me the faith of the centurion, that I may trust in Your power—not only to heal the body but to restore the soul. May I seek Your will above all else and desire the good of others more than any earthly hope. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, by Carl Geyling's ErbenSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Jeffrey Morrow. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 25: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Matthew 8: 1-4   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”

Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 8:1-4When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said,“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,“I will do it.  Be made clean.”

Psalm 92Canticle: Ezekiel 36Psalm 8Reading: 2 Peter 3Intercessions: Lord, hear us.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Psalm 50Reading 1: 1 Samuel 26Reading 2: From a homily by St. Gregory of Nyssa, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Day and night I cry to you, my God.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Psalm 145Canticle: Revelation 15Reading: Romans 8Intercessions: Lord, have mercy.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 24: 8-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 7: 21-29   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

Read OnlineWhen Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Matthew 8:1–3After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, God gave Moses not only the Ten Commandments but also laws governing daily life, including regulations on ritual purity. Among these were strict laws regarding leprosy, a contagious and incurable disease at the time. Lepers were forbidden to touch anyone, were isolated from the community, barred from worship, and required to cry out “Unclean, unclean” when approaching others. Beyond preventing disease, these laws had a deeper spiritual meaning: leprosy became a symbol of sin, which defiles the soul and separates us from the holiness of God, necessitating divine purification.In today's Gospel, Jesus fulfills and transcends the requirements of the Mosaic Law by touching and healing a leper. Under the Law, contact with a leper rendered a person unclean, yet Christ's divine power reverses this order. The leper's touch does not defile Jesus; instead, it purifies the leper. In this miraculous act, Jesus reveals a deeper spiritual reality: it is only through His touch of divine grace that sinners are truly cleansed and restored to communion with God. No longer does impurity separate man from holiness; rather, in Christ, holiness overcomes impurity, offering reconciliation and healing to all who seek Him in faith.The scene unfolds immediately after Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount and descends from the mountain. This imagery echoes Moses descending from Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments. Yet, while Moses brought down a law written on stone, Jesus, the new and greater Moses, descends not merely as a lawgiver but as the very embodiment of the New Covenant. In Him, the Law is not only taught but fulfilled and perfected. Whereas the Mosaic Law prescribed ritual separation from impurity, Christ now draws near to the unclean, extending the Divine Mercy that alone can fully restore and sanctify.The leper perfectly models how we ought to approach Jesus and the New Law of grace. He does not demand healing, nor even explicitly ask for it; rather, he simply professes faith in who Jesus is and what He can do: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” In addressing Jesus as “Lord,” the leper acknowledges His divine authority, recognizing Him not merely as a miracle-worker, but as the One who has dominion over sickness, impurity, and all creation. Furthermore, the leper displays not only trust in Jesus' power but also surrender to His divine will. He does not presume to dictate the outcome but submits himself entirely to the Lord's mercy.Too often, we approach God with a kind of spiritual wish list, treating prayer as a means of securing our desires rather than aligning ourselves with His will. Like the leper, we must transform our prayer from self-centered petitions to acts of faith and trust. First, we acknowledge God's sovereignty—that He alone is the all-powerful Lord, capable of healing every wound and forgiving every sin. Second, we surrender completely to His will, trusting that He knows and desires what is best for us. How beautiful it is to pray, “Lord, if You wish…” or “Lord, as You will…”—a prayer that reflects a petition Jesus had just taught on the mountain: “Thy will be done.”Reflect today on this humble leper and the example he sets for perfect prayer. We do not need to convince God to help us; He desires it far more than we do. Call to mind those areas of your life that, like leprosy of old, separate you from God and His Church, leaving you in need of His healing grace. Entrust your wounds to the Lord with humility and trust, laying them before His mercy. Seek Him in prayer and especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and like the leper, you too will hear Him say, “I will do it. Be made clean.”Lord of perfect mercy, You desire my cleansing far more than I do, and You alone can accomplish it. Like the leper, I profess my faith in You as the New Moses, the Perfect Lawgiver, and the Divine Healer. All that You say and do is holy, restoring my soul and leading me to life. I surrender myself entirely to You—my wounds, my sins, my weaknesses. Let Your will alone be done in me, O Lord, for through Your touch, I find my healing and peace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Georg Pencz, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Ms. Joan Watson. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 24: 8-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 79: 1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 Alleluia: John 14: 23 Gospel: Matthew 7: 21-29   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships  

There is a difference between knowing about Jesus and actually following Him.

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 7:21-29“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on themwill be like a wise man who built his house on rock.The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.And everyone who listens to these words of minebut does not act on themwill be like a fool who built his house on sand.The rain fell, the floods came,and the winds blew and buffeted the house.And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

Psalm 51Canticle: Tobit 13Psalm 147Reading: Galatians 2Intercessions: Fulfill the good work you have begun in us, Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Psalm 55Reading 1: 1 Samuel 25Reading 2: From a homily by St. Gregory of Nyssa, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Read Online“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'” Matthew 7:21–23Jesus' words are shocking because they challenge the assumption that prophesying, casting out demons, and performing mighty works in His name guarantee entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. However, mighty works without obedience and love are insufficient. The passage warns against a distorted discipleship that promotes our own will rather than relying on the interior conversion required to do the will of the Father.Saint Paul echoes this truth: “And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts—prophecy, knowledge, and faith to move mountains—are worthless unless they are animated by the infused virtue of charity, the love that comes from God and enables us to act according to His will.Jesus' warning is particularly relevant to those who bear responsibility for preaching, teaching, or guiding others in the faith. Those who work in God's name can sometimes act according to their own will rather than His. At times, even devout Christians fail to be authentic instruments of God's pure and perfect will, mistaking their own judgments or desires for His divine guidance.It is essential that everyone who claims to follow Christ regularly reflect on Jesus' words. He did not teach this lesson as a mere theoretical warning but because He knew that many of His followers would need it. This passage is not meant to encourage us to judge others within the Church, presuming to identify those who fit His description. Rather, it is a personal exhortation meant for each of us. Jesus preaches these words so that we might examine our own hearts, asking whether we truly seek to do the Father's will or merely profess faith in name alone.As a source of self-reflection, consider the words “Lord, Lord.” If you use those words—if you pray and call on God as the Lord of your life—that is a good start; but it is only a start. Many people struggle even to reach that personal level of prayer and attentiveness to God.Presuming you do pray, how do you pray? Do you list for God the many things you do for Him, expecting Him to be impressed? Do you prophesy in God's name, meaning you speak about Him to others? Do you cast out demons in God's name, meaning you combat satan and all evil? Do you do mighty deeds in God's name, meaning you engage in works that reflect Christian discipleship?If so, that is good—but based on today's Gospel, it is not enough. According to our Lord, some who answer “Yes” to those questions will hear at the time of their judgment: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.”Reflect today on Jesus' challenging call to listen clearly to His voice alone and then act in accord with His will. Doing so requires us to set aside our own agenda and preconceived notions of what God wants. Serving Christ is not a matter of doing Him favors for which He will be grateful. It's a matter of unwavering obedience by which we do God's will alone—nothing less, nothing more, and nothing other. Heed Jesus' challenge and reexamine how you serve Him. Listen first, then act on what you hear. Doing so will guarantee that your life is built on a solid rock foundation of the faith that leads to the divine gift of charity.My demanding and just Lord, flood my mind with Your Word, that I may know Your ways. As I listen to Your voice, grant me the courage to act on all You say, never seeking my own will but Yours alone. Use me as You will for Your glory and make me obedient to Your Word, that my life may be built upon the solid foundation of faith and love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus teaches, by JaroslavSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, June 23rd - 1st Reading: 2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:6, 12-14 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Kings 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 48: 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11 Alleluia: John 8: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 6, 12-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 7:6, 12-14Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you."

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Paulinus of Nola, Bishop/ John Fisher, Bishop, Martyr, and Thomas More, Married Man, Martyr First Reading: Second Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 60: 3, 4-5, 12-13 Alleluia: Hebrews 4: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6Today's Gospel contains one of Christ's more difficult teachings. At first glance, His words seem harsh. Yet they reveal a profound truth: the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven require a heart properly disposed to receive them. Divine truths are not to be offered indiscriminately, especially to those who would treat them with scorn or hostility. Faith is essential to receive and understand the deeper mysteries of God. Jesus expressed a similar principle at the Last Supper when He told the Twelve: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 16:12–13).Though Jesus, as the eternal Word of God, possessed perfect and complete knowledge of divine truth, He did not reveal everything to His disciples all at once. Had He done so, they might have been overwhelmed. Even His closest followers often struggled to grasp His teachings, misunderstanding His words and resisting difficult truths. Yet Christ unveils the mysteries of His Kingdom gradually, according to each person's ability to receive them.The divine mysteries are so deep, vast, and profound that we will only fully comprehend them when we behold God face to face in the Beatific Vision. Until then, His deeper truths remain veiled. This does not mean we should cease seeking them; rather, as we grow in faith and knowledge of God, He lifts the veil little by little, drawing us closer to Himself. As we progress in holiness, He perfects within us the spiritual Gift of Wisdom, which ultimately deepens our love for Him.The pearls Jesus refers to symbolize these divine mysteries—treasures of divine Wisdom that must be sought, cherished, and received with reverence. This principle of gradual revelation is also seen in the ministry of Saint Paul. After his dramatic conversion, Paul received extraordinary spiritual insights, yet he recognized that his listeners were not always ready for the fullness of divine teaching. To the Corinthians, he wrote: “Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it” (1 Corinthians 3:1–2).Like Saint Paul, when God grants us glimpses of His divine Wisdom, we must treasure these revelations, ponder them in faith, and allow Him to deepen His communication with us. At the same time, as we share our faith with others, we must be mindful of their openness and capacity to receive what is holy—the pearls of divine truth. Though the saving message of the Gospel must be preached to all, the deepest mysteries are attained only through prayer and an interior receptivity to grace.When Jesus warns, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine…”, He is not discouraging evangelization. Rather, He is teaching us that not everyone is immediately receptive to the hidden mysteries of the Gospel. Some might reject it outright, treat it with indifference, or even respond with hostility. Thus, just as Saint Paul recognized the need to nourish spiritual infants with milk, not solid food, we too must exercise prudence in sharing the deepest divine truths, ensuring that they are offered in a way that hearts are prepared to receive. Reflect today on your own openness to God's eternal truth. Are you like an infant in need of spiritual milk? If so, drink that milk eagerly, allowing it to nourish your soul. As you mature in faith, devote more time to prayerful contemplation of God's Word, seeking His wisdom with a receptive heart. If God entrusts you with the role of feeding others, do so with love and gentleness, discerning the pearls God wants you to share. Only by first being receptive ourselves will we be prepared to be the instruments and evangelists that God calls us to be. Lord of Eternal Wisdom, the mysteries of faith are vast and beyond my comprehension without Your grace. Draw me ever closer to You, unveiling Your hidden presence and the precious pearls of Your Truth. Deepen my understanding, that I may ponder Your mysteries with a receptive heart. As I grow in faith, use me as You will to nourish others according to their need, leading them ever deeper into Your divine Wisdom. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Our Eucharistic Lord, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Paulinus of Nola, Bishop/ John Fisher, Bishop, Martyr, and Thomas More, Married Man, Martyr First Reading: Second Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15a, 18 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 60: 3, 4-5, 12-13 Alleluia: Hebrews 4: 12 Gospel: Matthew 7: 1-5   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at www.stpaulcenter.com/memberships

One of the dangers of judgment is that it places us in a position that belongs to God alone.

Read Online“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:3–5It is easy to judge another. A certain satisfaction comes from it; otherwise, one would not engage in such an action. In fact, every sin we commit brings with it a certain degree of satisfaction. Of course, the satisfaction is purely emotional, passing, disordered, and ultimately very destructive to our souls. A judgmental heart presumes the worst about another's words or actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against rash judgment as an offense against truth (CCC 2477). We commit this sin when we assume, without sufficient evidence, the moral fault of another. This often manifests as gossip, detraction, or slander. While gossip may sometimes involve truth, it becomes sinful when it harms another's reputation without a just cause. Detraction needlessly exposes another's real faults, while slander distorts the truth and spreads falsehood. Each of these acts flows from a heart that finds disordered satisfaction in condemning rather than in mercy.Every time we judge another unfairly—whether through interior criticism or public condemnation—we fall into this sin. To remedy this, we must examine our motivations. Sin is deceptive, especially to the one who commits it. The sin of judging another is particularly insidious because it often feels justified, even appearing as a moral obligation. This was the sin of the scribes and Pharisees. They judged others, interpreting the Law of Moses through their rigid traditions rather than true righteousness. Their self-righteousness convinced them they were acting in God's name. But they were blinded by pride, which not only harmed others but also endangered their souls. A judgmental heart is difficult to overcome. Doing so requires shedding disordered feelings and hurts and turning to the light of God's Wisdom. This will hurt because we must admit our sin. When another's words or actions offend us, it is even harder to face our own sin first. Jesus makes it clear, however, that unless we first remove the “wooden beam” in our own eye, we cannot remove the “splinter” in another's. The only way to remove the wooden beam in our own eye is to grow in the virtue of mercy. We must love every sinner—especially those who have harmed us—to such a degree that every passion of our soul is transformed by mercy. With our minds, we must perceive and embrace God's truth about mercy, and with our wills, we must choose it. Only when we do so over and over again—forming a habit, or virtue—will our passions align with mercy. The good news—for us and for those we tend to judge—is that when the virtue of mercy permeates not only our minds and wills but also our feelings and passions, we begin to discover freedom from the disordered satisfaction that trapped us in our judgmental hearts. From there, enlightened by God's wisdom and grace, we will be able to lovingly, compassionately, and sincerely help others see the error of their ways—not by judging and condemning them, but by loving them and guiding them toward the same freedom in Christ. Reflect today on any sinful habits you struggle with, especially a judgmental heart. Do you ever feel justified in your judgment of others? Is there a degree of disordered satisfaction you gain from that sin? Humble yourself before God's mercy if these questions challenge you, and don't be afraid to acknowledge the wooden beam in your eye. Beg for freedom from a judgmental spirit and embrace the far greater gift of mercy. Though challenging, such an exercise is ultimately freeing and will enable you to assist those who need God's mercy the most. Most merciful God, I come before You and humbly acknowledge my struggle with a judgmental heart. When I am hurt or offended, I am tempted to lash out, condemn, and presume the worst of others. But You, O Lord, see all things with perfect wisdom and mercy. Please free me from this sin, purify my heart, and transform me into an instrument of Your love and compassion. May I judge no one apart from Your Truth and Justice, and may I always extend the mercy that I myself long to receive. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Sermon On the Mount, by Carl Heinrich BlochSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.