Podcasts about twelve apostles

Read OnlineEntering and Becoming the House of GodJesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” Matthew 13:36Today's Gospel begins with a subtle yet significant detail: “Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.” This transition from the public to the private reflects a recurring pattern in the Gospels: Our Lord teaches the crowds in parables, veiling the mysteries of the Kingdom, while reserving their fuller explanation for the disciples in the quiet intimacy of the house. In this context, the house becomes a symbol of the Church—the inner sanctuary where Christ reveals His secrets to those who follow Him not only outwardly, but with humble faith and spiritual hunger.Though the disciples—likely the Twelve Apostles—were uniquely privileged to share this moment with Jesus, in which He explained the Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat in precise detail, this sacred setting is not closed to us. Each of us is invited into this “house” through the life of the Church. Though the Apostles were weak and sinful like all of us, they were nevertheless chosen to be the first bishops—visible shepherds who would continue Christ's mission after His Ascension. Through their fidelity, the Word of God went forth to the ends of the earth, a proclamation that continues today through their successors.While each of the baptized is called to proclaim the Gospel in accord with his or her vocation and mission, the bishops—and their co-workers, the priests—uniquely form the spiritual household through which Christ continues to speak with clarity. Through their preaching, governance, and sacramental ministry, the hidden mysteries of Christ's teaching are continually made known. This is not due to their personal merit, but because of the sacred office entrusted to them by Christ through Apostolic Succession. They became the foundation of the Church—the spiritual House of God—in which Jesus continues to minister.Place yourself in this Gospel scene. You, too, are called to draw near to Christ, to enter the house with Him, and to seek understanding with the heart of a disciple. In the Church—this household of faith—the Master still teaches, still explains, still reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom to those who desire to listen.As you prayerfully see yourself in this scene, unite it with your experience of your parish church and other sacred places where God has spoken to you, nourished you, and transformed you. When the Gospel changes us, the Sacraments nourish us, and the Church guides us, it is always Christ who is teaching, feeding, and leading. We must, therefore, learn to see beyond the minister or the building, recognizing Christ's presence, speaking to us and sanctifying us through His Church.Though the Church—the visible presence of the Kingdom of God on earth—is the privileged place where we encounter Christ, each of us, in our own unique way, is also called to be this “house” for others. Because God dwells within us, His Kingdom is present within our souls. Thus, this Gospel scene is not only about entering the house—it is also an invitation to become that house: a dwelling place where others may encounter Christ, hear His Word, receive His mercy, and be drawn into His love through the witness of our charity.Reflect today on this house. First, see the Church as the house in which Christ speaks to you most clearly. Give thanks for the many ways our Lord has spoken to you and fed you in this sacred House of God. Reflect also on your own soul as a dwelling place of God. Believe that Christ desires to use you to bring others into His presence, dwelling within your soul. Give thanks for this gift, and pray that you may be both a faithful disciple within the house and a radiant house of grace for others to enter and meet Christ our Lord.Most intimate Lord, You desire to reveal to me—and to all Your children—the deep and profound mysteries of Your Kingdom of grace. Draw me to Yourself, to Your House of Grace and Mercy, which resides within Your holy Church. Teach me, sanctify me, and form me according to Your holy will. As You make Your dwelling within me, make my soul a place where others may encounter You, hear Your Word, and receive Your grace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ Taking Leave of the Apostles, by Duccio di BuoninsegnaSource: 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.

Read OnlineDrinking Christ's ChaliceThe mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” Matthew 20:20–22Among the Twelve Apostles, two were named James: James the Greater, son of Zebedee, and James the Lesser, son of Alpheus. James the Greater, whom we honor today, was likely called “greater” due to his prominence in the Gospel narrative. He was the brother of John the Evangelist, and tradition holds that their mother was Salome, possibly the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary—making James and John cousins of Jesus.In today's Gospel, the mother of James and John expresses her natural affection and ambition for her sons by approaching Jesus with a bold request: that they might sit, one at His right and the other at His left, in His Kingdom. While her petition reveals faith in Jesus and love for her sons, it also highlights a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingship. Earthly rulers may reign with power, honor, and prestige, but the Kingdom of God is not built on worldly glory; it is built on humble, self-giving love.Jesus responds with a gentle yet penetrating question: “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” The “chalice” refers to His suffering—His Passion and Death. It is filled not with comfort or honor, but with humiliation and sacrifice. James and John respond with confident simplicity: “We can.” Their answer, though likely offered without full understanding, reveals a spark of heroic love and loyalty that would, in time, be tested and fulfilled.Jesus affirms, “My chalice you will indeed drink.” Saint James would become the first of the Apostles to suffer martyrdom, as recorded in Acts 12:2, when he was beheaded by the sword under Herod Agrippa. Herod sought to strike at the newly developing Church and to appease the Jews who opposed Jesus and His followers.James truly shared in the Passion of Christ, offering his life in union with his Master. His martyrdom was followed by the arrest of Peter, likewise intended to please those persecuting the Church. Yet while Peter was miraculously freed by an angel, James was not. Why?Like James and Peter, each of us has a unique mission in life. Some, like Peter, are raised to prominence and leadership. Others, like James, are called to a more hidden and radical sacrifice. Both vocations are precious in the eyes of God. James' early martyrdom was not a failure but a fulfillment—a witness to the glory of drinking deeply from the chalice of Christ.As we honor Saint James, reflect today on his zeal, faith, and desire to be an active member of Christ's Kingdom. Though he misunderstood what that entailed at first, he remained faithful until the end. Reflect on your own desire for status or recognition. Do you seek honor among others, whether in the Church or society? If so, turn to Saint James, who ultimately embraced the true mission of discipleship. We, too, must drink Christ's chalice of selfless and sacrificial love, willingly laying down our lives in countless ways. Resolve to embrace whatever mission God entrusts to you. If He opens the door to leadership and prominence, walk through it humbly. If He leads you through the door of sacrifice and holy suffering, do not hesitate. God has a unique and glorious mission for each of us—different from one another, yet equally glorious when accepted with love and fidelity.My sacrificial Lord, You freely and completely offered Your life on the Cross and invite me to follow in Your footsteps. Saint James responded with courage, drinking the chalice You gave him, even to the shedding of his blood. Reveal to me, Lord, the mission You have entrusted to my life, and grant me the strength to embrace it with all my heart. May I, like Saint James, share in the glory of Your Kingdom through a life of faithful love and sacrifice. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: St James the Apostle, by Peter Paul RubensSource: 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.

D. Todd Christofferson is one of the most senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he has been one of the most recognizable voices in modern LDS leadership.His brother, Wade Christofferson, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Ohio to charges involving coercion and enticement of a m*nor. He now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.Wade Christofferson had previously been excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over CSA allegations, but was later rebaptized and returned to church membership. Reports have raised questions about his subsequent involvement in church settings and what safeguards were in place.This video is a complete supercut of the latest news coverage, commentary, and public reactions surrounding the Wade Christofferson case.The discussion has prompted difficult questions among both faithful Latter-day Saints and former members:• What did church leaders know, and when did they know it?• How were decisions regarding membership and church participation made?• Could more have been done to protect ch*ldren?• How should institutions respond when allegations of ab*se involve members with connections to leadership?This episode examines the reporting, reactions, and ongoing conversation surrounding this case.⚠️ Content note: This video discusses CSA and related legal proceedings.Subscribe to Mormon News Roundup for commentary, analysis, and discussion of news and issues involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.#MormonNewsRoundup #LDSChurch #WadeChristofferson #DarrenChristoffersonPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths continue their exploration of politics and religion by examining some of the most challenging and fascinating chapters of Latter-day Saint history. Together they explore how political pressures, party loyalties, and national events shaped the Church and its members during the nineteenth century. The discussion begins with the difficult subject of slavery in early Utah Territory, examining how Utah's territorial laws reflected the complicated political realities of the era and how Church leaders navigated an increasingly divided United States. Scott and Casey then turn to the unique political system that developed in Utah, explaining the origins of the People's Party and the Liberal Party, why they dominated territorial politics for decades, and why Church leaders ultimately encouraged their dissolution so Latter-day Saints could participate in the nation's two major political parties—the Democrats and Republicans. The episode also takes an in-depth look at the remarkable story of Apostle Moses Thatcher. Once one of the Church's most gifted leaders, Thatcher's struggles with chronic illness, reliance on opium-based medications, growing political independence, and refusal to sign the Church's Political Manifesto placed him at odds with fellow Church leaders. His eventual release from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles remains one of the most significant intersections of faith, politics, and personal conviction in Latter-day Saint history. How should religious organizations interact with political movements? What lessons can modern believers learn from these historical experiences? And what does this history teach us about balancing civic engagement with religious devotion? Join Scott and Casey as they explore these important questions and uncover the historical context behind one of the most politically complex periods in Church history. In this episode you'll learn: • Why the People's Party and Liberal Party emerged—and why they disappeared. • How Utah transitioned into the national Democratic and Republican parties. • The life, political views, and challenges of Apostle Moses Thatcher. • The role of the Political Manifesto and its impact on Church leadership. • Lessons about religion, politics, and faithful citizenship that continue to resonate today. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about Latter-day Saint history, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with others interested in the Restoration and its historical context. #ChurchHistoryMatters #ChurchHistory #LDSHistory #MormonHistory #ReligionAndPolitics #MosesThatcher #UtahHistory #Slavery #Restoration #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

Read OnlineHeralds of the GospelJesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:16–18No one is naturally drawn to persecution. We flee from it. We are made for communion with one another. In Heaven, and in the New Heavens and New Earth at the end of time, our eternal experience will be of peace, unity, and solidarity with all as we jointly gaze upon and adore the Beatific Vision of the King of the Universe.Today, however, the kingdom of darkness retains a great hold on this fallen world. War, violence, injustice, and divisions of every kind affect families, communities, and nations because hostility is much easier to achieve than the peace and harmony that Christ seeks to establish through the inauguration of His Kingdom.One of the surest ways to avoid persecution is to stand for nothing. Those who hold no moral convictions or remain silent about the truths of the faith are unlikely to draw the world's wrath. But those who speak with clarity and charity about the eternal truths of the Gospel often find themselves the object of rejection.This was the reality for which Jesus was preparing the Twelve Apostles. Today's Gospel comes from a lengthy exhortation Jesus delivered to His Twelve as He was sending them out two by two to proclaim the arrival of the Kingdom of God. They were to go forth with courage, rely on divine providence, perform miracles, and prepare the various towns and villages to which they were sent for Jesus' coming.At first, one might think that entering a Jewish town to share the good news that the Messiah had arrived—and was soon coming to them in person—would be met with much rejoicing. However, that's not the reality for which Jesus prepared them. He offers a striking image, saying He is sending the Twelve “like sheep in the midst of wolves.” This evokes both the innocence they were to embody and the hostility they would inevitably face. As sheep, they were to act with meekness, vulnerability, and complete dependence on the Good Shepherd's providence.Today, as our Lord sends us forth to proclaim the Gospel within our families, communities, and world, we should expect nothing other than what the Twelve encountered. For example, those who uphold the Church's moral teachings publicly often provoke strong resistance. Even proclaiming that salvation is found solely through Jesus Christ can lead to hostility. The accusation is frequently made that such beliefs are intolerant or judgmental, when in truth they are rooted in love and fidelity to God's revelation—and in genuine concern for the good of every soul. If we wish to continue Jesus' mission of establishing His Kingdom, we must be prepared for persecution by knowing how to respond to it. Returning hatred for hatred or persecution for persecution is not the Gospel. Instead, we must expect and anticipate hostility when we become messengers of the Truth—and respond with serpent-like shrewdness and dove-like simplicity. We must perceive dangers, avoid traps, and navigate persecution without being naïve. We must also embrace sincerity of heart, freedom from malice, and unwavering peace. Reflect today on whether you are willing to endure hardship for the sake of Christ. Is your heart prepared to speak the truth in love and to receive rejection with peace? Pray for the grace to imitate the Apostles, who went forth not in fear but in trust. Resolve to bring the light of the Gospel into a dark and hostile world with shrewdness, simplicity, fidelity, courage, and meekness, knowing that the Good Shepherd will guide and protect you always, when you act in accord with His perfect will for the mission on which you are sent. Most glorious King, You came to establish Your Kingdom on earth in preparation for the Eternal Kingdom to come. Please send me forth to prepare the way for Your coming—into the hearts of my family and friends, into the wider community, and into every place where You call me to bear witness in the world. May I act with the shrewdness of serpents and the gentleness of doves, with wisdom and humility, as I seek to prepare the way for Your Kingdom of truth and love. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Apostles 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.

Sending out the Twelve Apostles to minister to the people, Jesus instructs them to rely on God alone as they carry out their work. (Lectionary #386) July 9, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7 – Jesus summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Original Post Date: July 10, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 10:1-7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Reflection We see in the action of Jesus in this passage the seed of establishing the new Kingdom of God. It's a kingdom that is made up of people who are open and receptive to a power that is not from them, but comes from God to them. And when they use it, they bring life and light to those that are in darkness. It's a beautiful image of the church. And what Jesus wants this to take root in is the temple. So he's encouraging these disciples to teach this new message by bringing it to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Closing Prayer Father, we need to appreciate the gift that God is inviting us to participate in. The possibility that his love dwelling within us can heal and help those in need around us. What a gift that is. What an important thing to remember. We, all of us, have a common call to bring life and mercy to everyone around us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary TimeMatthew 10:1-7Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew,Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'”

Read OnlineChosen and SentJesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these… Matthew 10:1–2Imagine being one of the Twelve. When each of them first encountered our Lord, he could never have imagined what would unfold. Eleven of them would become the foundation upon which the Messiah built His Church. Their words and actions have been recorded and proclaimed throughout the world and will continue to be until the end of time. By God's will, they preached far and wide with divine authority. They celebrated the Holy Eucharist, transforming mere bread and wine into the Most Holy Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of the Lamb of God. Through the laying on of hands, they imparted the Holy Spirit in fullness. They worked miracles in Jesus' name, and most of them bore final witness to Christ by the shedding of their blood.The reason their lives were so fruitful for God's Kingdom is because they were chosen and sent by the Son of God. It was not their idea. They didn't construct their own plan for eternal salvation. They did not map out their futures and execute a vision according to their own will. Instead, they felt the gravity of the mission for which they were chosen and acted when sent by the Savior. Their obedience to the divine will opened the floodgates of Divine Mercy, and grace poured forth upon the world.When you consider your own life, what are your goals and ambitions? What plans have you made for the future? If we want to imitate the fruitfulness of the Apostles, then we are invited to discern for what God has chosen us and to be prepared to respond with generous obedience when He sends us.It's easy to come up with our own plans in life. We might want to save up money, succeed at work, have a family, form friendships, retire at a certain age, and enjoy many good things. Though all these can be good and might well be part of God's plan, we must not presume upon His will. With humility, we must continually seek His guidance, remain open to His promptings, and surrender our plans to the providence of the One who knows what will truly bear fruit for eternity.Reflecting on the radical change of life to which Jesus called the Twelve invites us to consider whether Jesus also desires a radical change in our own lives. Certainly, some aspects of our lives are good and holy. If married with children, God's will surely includes loving and caring for one's family. Within every vocation, however, there are ways in which we might be called to a new depth of conversion—a radical life of loving, serving, and building the Kingdom of God in ways we never imagined possible.By analogy, consider a person living in poverty who suddenly wins the largest lottery in history. Imagine, further, that the person is quite worldly. Such a fortune would radically change the direction of that person's life—likely not for the better.Though God does not promise us a material fortune, He desires to bestow upon us supernatural treasure of infinitely greater value. His Mercy is abundant—described by the saints as an ocean, vast and unfathomable, waiting to be poured out in its fullness upon all of creation. Through prayer and conversion, we open the floodgates, and God begins lavishing upon us the priceless treasure of grace. When this happens, our lives change—because God chooses us and then sends us on ever new and glorious missions.Reflect today on the spiritual truth that God has chosen you for some holy and sacred mission. It might not be glorious in the eyes of the world, but it will be glorious in Heaven. Be open. Beg for His grace. Accept your mission. Go wherever He sends you, knowing that you cannot, now, fathom all that God has in store for you. Most glorious God, You have chosen me for some definite purpose. You have called me by name and desire to send me forth to build up Your Kingdom on earth. I accept my calling and open myself to the abundance of grace You wish to bestow so that I may fulfill Your perfect will, doing unfathomable good for Your Kingdom to come. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Twelve apostles in church Chiesa di San Dalmazzo, by Enrico ReffoSource: Free RSS feed from divinemercy.life — 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.

Psalm 39Psalm 52Reading 1: 2 Samuel 24Reading 2: From the ancient document entitled "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles"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

This is a spiritual reflection on the commissioning of the twelve apostles as described in the Gospel of Matthew. The author explains that Jesus bestowed his own authority upon these chosen men, tasking them with healing the sick and continuing his divine mission as His instruments in the Church. Listeners are encouraged to view themselves as modern-day laborers who must rely on prayer to receive specific instructions from God for their own apostolic work. The narrative emphasizes that effective outreach is rooted in genuine charity and recognizing the intrinsic dignity of every person, rather than seeking mere conquest. By following the historical example of early Christians who served others during times of plague, the author argues that selfless love remains the most potent tool for spreading the faith. Thus, the mission of the believer is to remain close to others with kindness and concern, ultimately serving as a bridge to Christ.

Though each of the Twelve Apostles has his own Feast day, on this day they are commemorated together. Of the Twelve, only St John the Theologian died in peace; the rest met a martyr's end. Following are their individual feast days and the manner of their end. Roman citizens could not be crucified: crucifixion was considered a shameful death unworthy of a citizen. For this reason the Apostle Paul was 'privileged' to be beheaded.  Peter: June 29, January 16. Crucified upside down.  Andrew: November 30. Crucified.  James the Son of Zebedee: April 30. Beheaded.  John the Theologian: September 26, May 8. Died in peace in a wondrous way.  Philip: November 14. Crucified.  Bartholomew: June 11, August 25. Crucified, then flayed and beheaded.  Thomas: October 6. Pierced with five spears.  Matthew the Evangelist: November 16. Burned to death.  James the Son of Aphaeos: October 9. Crucified.  Thaddeus (or Jude the brother of James): June 19. Crucified.  Simon the Zealot: May 10. Crucified.  Matthias: August 9. Stoned, then beheaded with an axe when dead.  Paul: June 29. Beheaded.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, June 29th, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, apostles. They are the solid rock, the principal pillars, on which the Church is built. Both apostles were martyred under the reign of Emperor Nero, in Rome, then the capital of the Empire, around the year 64.Peter was crucified upside down, while Paul, a Roman citizen, was beheaded.St. Peter was buried on the hill of the Vatican on the very site of today's Basilica of St. Peter's. St. Paul was beheaded in the Via Ostia on the spot where now stands the basilica bearing his name.Among the Twelve Apostles, Peter became the spokesman, declaring: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” At Pentecost, he delivered the first fiery sermon of the infant Church.Although not one of the Twelve, Paul is also called an apostle (the thirteenth apostle, the apostle to the Gentiles) after encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus while persecuting Christians.Early church fathers, like St. Augustine, noted that even if they died on different days, they are celebrated together because of their intertwined legacies.In the Catholic Church, it is a holy day of obligation in some regions and is marked by the Pope with a Grand Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.In many predominantly Catholic cities (especially in Rome, as well as in Latin America and Europe), the day is marked with local processions, traditional seafood feasts, and outdoor festivals.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠June 29, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Read Online“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:17–19Though the Church will suffer in many ways, She will ultimately overcome all things. As we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded of this truth by pondering their lives as two of the greatest pillars of the Church. Neither imprisonments, persecutions, nor apparent defeats kept them from fulfilling the mission God gave them. Likewise, the Church will never be overcome, for She remains under the guardianship of divine providence.The Church shall prevail for one simple reason: Jesus said so. He founded the Church upon the Twelve Apostles, giving unique and supreme authority to Peter: “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Though Peter's given name was Simon, Jesus changed it to Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic. Both terms can be used as a man's name but also mean “rock.” Hence, Peter, and the Apostles in union with him, become the rock and immovable foundation upon which the Church is built.By giving Peter “the keys to the Kingdom of heaven,” Jesus granted him singular authority to teach, govern, and sanctify with divine authority. This authority did not end with Peter; it is passed on to his successors through the office of bishop. Since Peter died in Rome, Rome remains the see of the Church's divinely established governance.Though Peter offers the Church the stability and clarity necessary as the immovable rock foundation, Paul reflects the Church's missionary role to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This is seen especially in today's second reading, where Paul, facing the end of his earthly life, proclaims that he has “competed well,” “finished the race,” and “kept the faith.” His life was poured out as a libation for Christ, tirelessly laboring to make the Gospel known to all nations. While Peter ensures the Church's unity and fidelity to divine truth, Paul embodies her zeal to spread that truth to every corner of the world, calling all people into communion with Christ and His Church.Peter and Paul remain spiritually alive and active today through the unbroken tradition God established through them. Often at World Youth Day, when the Holy Father is present, young people chant, “You are Peter!” It is a beautiful expression of their faith in this foundational truth Christ established. Though every pope is a sinner like the rest of humanity, faith leads us to look beyond human weakness to see the successor of Saint Peter, the solid rock to whom Christ entrusted the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Thus, Peter's mission remains alive today, not only in the person of the Holy Father, but also in our faith in his divinely given authority.Saint Paul remains alive today through the ongoing fulfillment of the mission God gave him. His burning zeal to proclaim the Gospel lives on in every missionary endeavor, every act of evangelization, and every effort to spread the Good News to the ends of the earth. His spirit is especially present in those who courageously preach the Word, catechize the young, defend the faith, and labor tirelessly for the salvation of souls. Just as Peter ensures unity and fidelity, Paul inspires action and outreach, so that the Church may extend Christ's Kingdom to every land and heart.Reflect today on these pillars of the Church and acknowledge the living witness they gave and continue to give. Renew your faith in Peter, alive in the Holy Father, professing him as the rock foundation. See Paul at work by recognizing the missionary activity of the Church, carried out by countless souls with zeal and courage. Allow their witness to inspire within you a deeper love for the Church, and commit yourself anew to the mission entrusted to you: to remain firmly rooted in the truth and to bring that truth to the world with boldness and charity.Saints Peter and Paul, God called you in powerful and unique ways, making you pillars of the Church. Please pray for us, and for the entire Church, that we may continue the mission Christ entrusted to you. I especially entrust myself to that mission and pray that I may remain faithful to it in imitation of your example. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Saint Peter & Saint Paul 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.

Excommunicated for Saying Yes to God: Father Anne, the Twelve Apostles, and the Future of Women's Leadership in the Church What happens when a woman believes God has called her to the priesthood, but the Church says no? In this thought-provoking episode of Your Radical Truth, Deacon Margaret Mary O'Connor welcomes Father Anne, a Roman Catholic woman priest who chose to follow what she believed was God's call, despite knowing it would lead to excommunication. Together, they explore one of the most controversial issues in Christianity: the exclusion of women from ordained ministry. Father Anne examines the Church's longstanding argument that Jesus chose only twelve male apostles and offers a historical, biblical, and theological perspective that challenges many commonly held assumptions. The conversation delves into the role of Mary Magdalene, the women who followed Jesus throughout his ministry, and the often-overlooked contributions women made in the earliest Christian communities. Father Anne also discusses how cultural attitudes toward women shaped Church teaching over the centuries and why she believes the conversation about ordination justice is far from over. This episode is not simply about who stands at the altar. It is about equality, conscience, leadership, and the future of a Church that continues to wrestle with questions of authority and inclusion. Whether you agree with Father Anne's position or not, this conversation will challenge you to think deeply about faith, tradition, and what it means to answer God's call. Learn more: https://yourradicaltruth.com/054-father-anne/

In recent years, artificial intelligence has moved from being a concept illustrated in science fiction books and movies to being something that many individuals use on a daily basis. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has spoken about AI to Church members, to politicians, to business leaders and to others. And he has done so in the United States, Italy, Turkey and Greece, among other locations.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published a video on Sunday, June 7, featuring Elder Gong teaching how to hear God’s voice in an age of AI.  On this episode of the Church News podcast, Deseret News reporter Tad Walch joins Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen to talk about AI and principles he has learned while covering Elder Gong. “I've dived into AI closely with one Apostle, and it's remarkable to see the knowledge that he has about AI, the deep understanding of the technology, and also the ability to provide direction around faith to help people use AI in an ethical and appropriate way so that they can continue to be faithful members of Christ's kingdom,” Walch said. 

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Sermon by Fr. Peter Smith3rd Sunday of Ordinary TimeDiscussion Questions:What level of familiarity have you had with Jesus' Twelve Apostles (who they are and why they matter)?Through this sermon, what details about their stories have been illuminated for you?What about their lives and witness for Jesus are inspiring to you?What do you think the Apostles would most want you to learn from them and imitate?

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Join Father Eamonn McCarthy and Mary Hooton on Gospel Tidings, where each episode brings the Sunday Gospel to life through heartfelt prayer, thoughtful reflection, and shared wisdom from the Catholic tradition. This week they look at Matthew 9:36-10:8: the commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. L'articolo Gospel Tidings – Shepherds & Sheep – Mary Hooton and Fr Eamonn proviene da Radio Maria.

Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles, a Galilean; the Gospel accounts say little more about him. It is said that, after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he traveled in the service of the Gospel to Arabia and Persia, and brought to India a translation of the Gospel according to Matthew. Eusebius writes that one hundred years later Pantaenus, an illustrious Alexandrian scholar, found this gospel when he traveled in India. By most accounts Bartholomew ended his life in Armenia, where he met his martyrdom by crucifixion. According to many, he and Nathaniel are the same person: the Gospel accounts that speak of Bartholomew do not mention Nathaniel; and St John's Gospel,which mentions Nathanael as one of the Twelve, does not mention Bartholomew. But according to the Greek Synaxarion, Bartholomew and Simon the Zealot are one and the same.   Saint Barnabas was one of the Seventy, from Cyprus, a Levite and at one time a fellow-student with St Paul under Gamaliel. After Christ's Ascension, he led the Seventy until the Apostle Paul's conversion. He is mentioned often in the Acts of the Apostles, which describes some of his travels as a companion of St Paul. By all accounts, he was the first to preach the Gospel of Christ in Rome and in Milan. His wonder-working relics were discovered on the island of Cyprus in the time of the Emperor Zeno; on this basis the Church of Cyprus was established as an independent Church, since it had an apostolic foundation.

During the April 2026 general conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported 385,490 individuals were baptized in 2025. That historic number increased the Church’s total membership to 17,887,212, according to the annual statistical report. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called the increase in baptisms “remarkable.” He also noted that those new members are attending sacrament meeting at higher rates than in the past, as well. A new report co-authored by Brigham Young University professor of religious education and BYU Studies editor-in-chief Justin Dyer and four other colleagues at BYU Studies, highlights data showing that members of the Church demonstrate the highest religious activity in America. “What we find in the research is that it’s that religiosity — it’s that connecting with the divine — that really makes the big differences in our lives,” Dyer said. Dyer, who has been a guest on the Church News podcast before, joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen on this podcast episode to discuss what he sees in this data and what it means for Church members.

Artificial intelligence has become such a part of our lives and our society. Everything has become connected thanks to the internet, and AI is amplifying it all. Recently, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the dangers of using AI in place of God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just released an entire series from Elder Gong that really dives into how AI affects all of our relationships. Greg and Holly discuss their favorite parts of the lesson.

I did a livestream recap of the Mormon History Association (MHA highlights) conference, broadcast straight from my hotel room in lovely Las Vegas. Guided by some slightly out-of-order, AI-generated slides, this recap covers the most fascinating historical deep dives, unexpected gems, and award winners from the weekend. https://youtube.com/live/wy_-u8OCLMs Unexpected MHA Highlights & Gems: Pro Wrestling and Gnosticism One of the absolute standout presentations explored “The Mormon Giant,” Don Leo Jonathan, a 6’6″ pro wrestler active from the 1930s to the 1960s. Early in his career, he played up a “weird” and radical polygamist trope—complete with an unkempt beard and a live snake he claimed was from the Garden of Eden. However, to aid the Church’s PR shift toward mainstream assimilation in the 1950s and 60s, he transitioned to a clean-shaven, patriotic hero. Surprisingly, President David O. McKay, who was apparently a wrestling fan, actually authorized this PR gimmick to help mainstream the Church. Suprprisingly, his career ended via injury when he spun 7 foot tall Andre the Giant and injured his back in 1980, ending his wrestling career. Another surprise gem of the conference was a presentation by Mike Lemon on the “Temple of the Pearl,” a modern-day fringe group blending Mormon priesthood and eternal marriage with Gnosticism, chakras, yoga, and an androgynous double godhead. Mike LeCheminant, a dentist from Houston, TX gave an amazing presentation and I hope to get him on the podcast soon to talk more about this free love polygamist group. Politics, Welfare, and the New Deal MHA Highlights Several scholars provided a deep dive into the Church’s 1930s resistance to FDR’s New Deal, noting how leaders created their own welfare system driven by theological self-sufficiency to “supplant the dole” and discredit Roosevelt. Historian Matt Harris highlighted Hugh B. Brown, a vocal Democrat and trusted confidant of Heber J. Grant, who supported FDR’s programs. Brown faced severe backlash for taking the chairmanship of the state liquor commission after prohibition’s repeal, a controversial move that delayed his call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by decades. We also learned about Senator Elbert Thomas, who defeated Apostle Reed Smoot in an election and applied his faith to international humanitarianism. Driven by the historical memory of 19th-century Latter-day Saint persecution, Thomas partnered with Jewish activists to force FDR to create a board that ultimately saved 200,000 Jewish lives. Finally, MHA President Ben Park delivered an address on Cleon Skousen’s massive political influence, explaining how Skousen tied Mormon agency to free-market capitalism and popularized works like The Naked Communist among conservative evangelicals through careful “code-switching.” Reevaluating Settler Colonialism & Science MHA Highlights Elise Boxer gave a powerful presentation challenging traditional “manifest destiny” pioneer narratives. She urged an indigenous lens to view Mormonism as a vehicle for US colonial expansion, pointing to the “This is the Place” monument as a visual example of reducing Native Americans to a marginalized backdrop. In the realm of 20th-century history, Steven Peck discussed BYU biologist Duane Jeffery’s 1970s push for evolutionary biology. Jeffery faced severe backlash and potential termination from Ezra Taft Benson in the 1980s, but was defended by current President Dallin H. Oaks, who decreed that the university must not censor truth or assume faith is too fragile for scientific reality. Polygamy Economics and Early Records MHA Highlights Our on Mary Ann Clements presented fascinating research examining the economic factors behind early plural marriage using Nauvoo tax records. She highlighted how leaders like Brigham Young may have strategically pursued women from wealthier families, such as Martha Brotherton, who famously refused a marriage proposal from Young at age 17 and was locked in a room at the Red Brick Store. Additionally, Cheryl Bruno announced the thrilling discovery of an 1854 list of Joseph Smith’s plural wives. This crucial document pushes the timeline of documented lists to just a decade after his death, earlier than the famous Thomas Bullock list. Award/MHA Highlights The conference also celebrated major contributions to the field of Mormon history. Posthumous honors went to Ardis Parshall, who received the Public History Award for her work championing the unheralded stories of everyday members. George D. Smith received the Arrington Award for fostering independent research as the co-founder of Signature Books, and Elise Boxer took home the Indigenous Studies Award for her book on Mormon settler colonialism. Did you go? What are your thoughts? Next year, John Turner will lead the conference as new MHA president in Provo, Utah. (Las Vegas to Provo is definitely a 180 in environment. I was surprised when a conference attendee was propositioned by a woman offering to make his night memorable. Clearly she didn’t care that most MHA attendees frown on such things. I don’t expect that to happen in Provo!) 00:00:02 Introduction & Welcome 00:04:17 Awards Ceremony (Friday Night) 00:08:34 New Deal & Hugh B. Brown Discussion 00:12:33 Mormon Settlement in Nevada 00:16:22 Mormon Settler Colonialism 00:20:33The Mormon Giant (Don Leo Jonathan) 00:24:40 Latter-day Saint Eloquence & Speaking 00:29:05 Canonization & Doctrine & Covenants 00:33:30 Saturday Sessions Overview 00:37:43 Polygamy in Nauvoo 00:41:50 Economic Factors in Plural Marriage 00:45:41 Earliest Plural Wife Lists 00:49:39 Ben Park’s Presidential Address (Cleon Skousen) 00:53:42 Evolution & BYU (Duane Jeffrey) 00:57:50 Gnostic Mormon Offshoot (Temple of the Pearl) 1:01:59 Final summary From deep dives into 20th-century political clashes to the surprising intersections of theology and wrestling, this MHA conference proved that Mormon history is vibrant, complex, and full of ongoing discoveries.

DR OKEY ONUZO - ANTIOCH BIBLE STUDY

Two major world religions are discussing artificial intelligence and how it can both work with – and against – faith and religion. Pope Leo and Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both addressed the growing influence of AI on faith. Greg and Holly discuss AI and religion, and why some say we should put safeguards on AI now and not delay any further.   

The Church's Expanding Global Identity & $25M UNICEF Donation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated $25 million to UNICEF's Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative aimed at preventing and treating childhood malnutrition. • Doubled Impact: Thanks to a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s donation will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total financial impact to $50 million. • Target & Scope: The contribution is part of an ongoing partnership with UNICEF that began in 2013. The funds will support nutritional programs for mothers and young children—specifically targeting areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Sierra Leone—with the broader goal of helping the fund reach 320 million women and children annually by 2030. The First Presidency Tours the New Humanitarian Center Ahead of Dedication This facility is part of the Church's effort to follow the second great commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” On Friday, May 22, 2026, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the Church's new Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City, ahead of its upcoming dedication. Purpose: Built to support the commandment to “love thy neighbour,” the center serves a dual purpose: providing job training, language courses, and employment counseling to help individuals overcome employment barriers, while also preparing and distributing global humanitarian supplies. Public Open House: Runs from June 1 through July 23, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Visitors can participate in hands-on service, such as assembling kits or sorting clothes. Attendance: Visitors are encouraged to schedule a time via the Temple Square app or by calling 801-240-5954, though walk-ins are welcome. Harvard Global Flourishing Study Compares Latter-day Saints Internationally The recently released Harvard Global Human Flourishing Study, which surveyed over 200,000 people across 22 countries, reveals that religious service attendance is globally linked to higher levels of overall well-being—and Latter-day Saints are no exception. When analyzing the U.S. data, the study found that Latter-day Saints scored highly on the overall “flourishing index” (which measures happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial stability), while those with no religious affiliation scored the lowest. • Highest Church Attendance: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rate of weekly religious service attendance at 65%, outperforming Evangelicals (59%) and Pentecostals (53%). • Mental Health and Happiness: The group demonstrated remarkably low levels of depression (8.5%) compared to atheists and agnostics (19%). Additionally, 30% of Latter-day Saints reported being “highly happy,” which is roughly double the rate of those distant from faith. • Family and Spiritual Support: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rates of feeling loved by their mother (94%) and father (90%) while growing up. Furthermore, 89% reported finding immense strength and comfort from their religion. • The Challenge of Community Criticism: On the flip side, 11% of Latter-day Saints reported feeling that their religious community was critical of them. While this number is statistically identical to other high-expectation faiths (like Baptists and Evangelicals), the article notes it highlights an ongoing need for the culture to shift from judgment to Christlike love, a priority recently emphasized by Church leadership. Diplomatic Relations: Elder Bednar Meets With the President of Chile Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held an official meeting with Chilean President José Antonio Kast at the La Moneda Presidential Palace on Monday, May 18, 2026. • Core Topics: The discussion centered on strengthening families, supporting youth, protecting religious freedom, and fostering cooperation between governments and faith communities. • Church Initiatives: Elder Bednar highlighted several Church programs designed to help the rising generation develop faith, purpose, and practical skills. These included the For the Strength of Youth program, various youth service and leadership experiences, and the BYU–Pathway Worldwide educational program. Women Leaders Discuss Discipleship and Service at Annual Luncheon On Monday, May 11, 2026, roughly 200 current and former women leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for their annual emeritus luncheon at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. The meeting brought together past and present general presidencies and advisory councils from the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations to discuss discipleship, service, and organizational updates. • Young Women Age-Group Names: Leaders discussed the spiritual meaning behind the newly introduced Young Women age-group names. Former Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton praised the change, noting that the titles—Builders of Faith (ages 12–13), Messengers of Hope (ages 14–15), and Gatherers of Light (ages 16–17)—give young women a strong identity rooted directly in Jesus Christ. • Enduring Sisterhood: Attendees, including 93-year-old Joy Sansom (who served on the Young Women general board from 1961 to 1972), celebrated the lifelong bonds, shared memories, and enduring sense of community fostered by their years of joint church service.  Bishops and Youth: One-on-One Ministering Supports Better Relationships During a recent Instagram Live broadcast, the Young Men General Presidency addressed the common question of whether ward-level Young Men presidencies—discontinued in 2020—will ever return. Led by General President Timothy L. Farnes and his counselors, Brother David J. Wunderli and Brother Sean R. Dixon, the presidency clarified that the change is permanent and explained the spiritual and structural reasons behind keeping the responsibility on local bishoprics. Church Communications Releases Inside Look Video of Provo MTC With the rise in full-time missionary applications and the creation of more missions worldwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced a video offering prospective missionaries and their families an inside look at how missionaries are trained. The 21-minute video, titled “What It's Really Like at the Missionary Training Center,” was released on YouTube on May 17. short, fun, and heartfelt interviews with missionaries. Volunteers and Performers Needed for Salt Lake Temple Celebration SALT LAKE CITY— Temple Square volunteer applications are opening ahead of the highly anticipated Salt Lake Temple Celebration and the LDS Church Visitors' Center opening, where the SLC Temple open house reservation date will be announced. Temple Square is seeking “exceptional volunteers who want to help guests feel welcomed, supported, and inspired throughout the celebration.” • When to Apply: Volunteer applications will be available starting in June 2026. When the application window opens, Temple Square will share the link and additional details for the application process.. • Eligibility & Shifts: Volunteer roles are open to anyone 16 years old and older from all backgrounds and experience levels, with some assignments requiring specific skills. Some roles are able to accommodate accessibility needs. Volunteers are asked to serve for a minimum of eight weeks. Most roles require standing for many hours. Shifts will last between three and four hours. A variety of shifts are available for people to choose from, but specific roles and requirements will be announced in June. • Performers Needed: In addition to general assignments, Temple Square is in need of specialized performers for the celebration. Some experiences will include opportunities for young musicians, vocalists, or cultural performers. Details will be shared as plans develop. The post Salt Lake Temple Performers Needed! AoN 1044 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

There are moments, I think, when nearly every Christian has envied the Twelve Apostles. We imagine that faith would be simpler if only Christ stood visibly before us as He once stood beside St. Peter and St. Andrew by the sea or walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. We think to ourselves: “Surely I should be a braver Christian if I could hear His voice with my own ears. Surely sorrow would lose some of its sting if I could look upon His face and say plainly, ‘Lord, help me.'”And so the Ascension, the great mystery which the Church celebrates this Sunday, can, at first glance, appear a rather melancholy feast. For it speaks of departure. Christ is taken from sight. The disciples remain below, gazing upward like helpless children watching the sun disappear over the horizon. Yet that is only how it appears from the earth. We are creatures of space and time, and therefore we naturally suppose that if Christ were standing three feet away from us, then He would be more present than He is now. But the story of the Ascension tells us precisely the opposite.For while Christ remained on earth in the flesh, His bodily presence was necessarily limited. He could be in Galilee or Jerusalem, but not both at once. But by ascending to the Father in Heaven, He did not abandon the world any more than the sun abandons the earth when it sets in the evening twilight. Rather, He ceased to be present merely as one man among others and became present in a deeper way to all who belong to Him.This is why Pope Leo the Great could say in the 5th century that “what was visible in our Redeemer has passed into the sacraments.” The visible Christ has not vanished; He has, in a sense, hidden Himself. Hidden—not absent. The same Lord who once healed with His hands now heals through water, bread, wine, absolution, and the quiet workings of grace within His Church.Indeed, the Ascension was not Christ withdrawing from human life but drawing humanity upward into the life of God. The Son returned to the Father carrying our nature with Him. Human flesh, the very thing so often wounded, tempted, and humiliated, now sits enthroned in Heaven. One might almost say that the Ascension is Heaven's declaration that humanity has not been discarded after all. Man is not merely a beastly brute, bred for earthly banality, but destined for the heavenly beatific vision of eternal blissful bewilderment. This is why the sacraments matter so profoundly. In the Eucharist, Christ does not merely remind us of Himself; He gives Himself. In Baptism, we do not simply enact a symbol; we are united with His death and resurrection. In Confession, it is not only a man who speaks forgiveness, but Christ Himself who restores the wounded soul. The modern man often says, “If only I could see, then I would believe.” But Christianity turns the sentence upside down. We learn, gradually and painfully, that sight is not the highest form of knowing. Love itself teaches us this. The deepest realities are often those we cannot hold in our hands. And so the Ascension calls us away from the childish notion that God is absent unless He is visible. Christ is not less near because He cannot now be touched. He is nearer than ever—nearer than our own thoughts, nearer than breath itself. The disciples stood looking into Heaven because they thought the story was ending. In truth, it was only then beginning. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give

Mark 3:1-19 “Reach Out To Jesus” 1. Healing on The Sabbath (v.1-6) 2. Crowds Follow Jesus (v.7-12) 3. The Twelve Apostles (v.13-19)

Jesus chose not to minister all by Himself while He was here, or even after leaving. He chose to share His ministry with others, and with us.

Read OnlineOne of the Twelve“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. Acts 1:24–26Matthias, the saint we honor today, was named an Apostle to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus and hanged himself. Matthias was likely from Galilee and had followed Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry. After Judas' death, Peter led the approximately 120 disciples in selecting Matthias through prayer and casting lots, ensuring the Apostles once again numbered twelve. This election occurred before Pentecost, so Matthias received the Holy Spirit alongside the other Apostles, affirming the Twelve as the foundational body of the Church.Matthias' selection is profoundly important for two primary reasons. First, by being counted along with the other eleven Apostles, the group once again numbered twelve. Though there are thousands of bishops today, the foundation began with twelve. Once they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and began their apostolic ministries, their number grew as the Church expanded. Nonetheless, the foundation remained, symbolizing the Twelve Tribes of Israel and uniting the New Testament Church with the Old Covenant.Second, Matthias' election establishes a biblical foundation for apostolic succession, one of the four marks of the Church: “I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” (Nicene Creed). By proclaiming the Church as “one,” we affirm that there is only one Church—“the one Church of Christ” (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium 8). While not all are visible members of this one Church, all who are united to Christ in a state of grace are part of His one Body. Nonetheless, “This Church, constituted and organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him” (LG 8).The Church is “holy” because she is united to Christ, her divine Head, who is all-holy. As members of this Church, we are sanctified by Christ's grace, the sacraments, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that enable us to grow in holiness and reflect the sanctity of God Himself.The word “catholic” in the Creed is written in lowercase because it does not refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church as an institution but to the broader meaning of the word “catholic,” which means “universal.” The one Church is universal in scope and mission, welcoming all people. It is the responsibility of the Church's members to share the Gospel with every person, seeking to draw all into full communion with the one visible Body of Christ.Finally, the Church is “apostolic,” which is especially celebrated in today's Feast of Saint Matthias. Every bishop alive today, every bishop in the past, and every bishop yet to be ordained until the end of time takes his episcopal roots from the Twelve Apostles, including Matthias, who received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.According to various traditions, the Apostle Matthias engaged in missionary activity in regions such as Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), the Caspian Sea area (modern-day Georgia), and possibly as far south as Sudan and Ethiopia. He is believed to have died a martyr, either by crucifixion, stoning, or beheading. Though we do not know who succeeded him, we can be certain that he not only spread the Gospel and celebrated the Sacraments, but also ordained others to serve as apostles within the communities he helped to establish.As we honor Saint Matthias today, reflect on God's eternal wisdom in establishing the Church. God did not merely give us a set of rules to follow; He gave us a Church—His one Church—and entrusted His authority to sinful men who act in His name and convey His grace. Rejoice that you are a member of the Catholic Church, in which Christ's Church subsists. Pray not only for the mission of the Church, but also for those entrusted with apostolic responsibilities, passed on to them from the Twelve Apostles.Saint Matthias, you were counted among the Twelve and became an essential participant in the foundation of the Church. Through your apostolic ministry, you spread the Gospel far and wide, bringing grace and truth to those you were sent to serve. Please pray for me and for the entire Church, that we may always remain one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, so that the Gospel will continue to be spread to the ends of the earth. Saint Matthias, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: School Giusepe Ribera de lo Spagnoletta: St. MatthiasSource: 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.

The spectacular limestone cliffs on the Great Ocean Road are considered ancient. But new analyses show that, although the stone is millions of years old, their current shape was created only a few millennia ago. A finding that is also relevant for climate research - Die spektakulären Kalksteinfelsen an der Great Ocean Road gelten als uralt. Doch neue Analysen zeigen: Zwar ist ihr Gestein Millionen Jahre alt, ihre heutige Form entstand erst vor wenigen Jahrtausenden. Ein Befund, der auch für die Klimaforschung relevant ist

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 53 *Milky Way's mysterious black hole gas clouds finally explained Astronomers have discovered a massive binary star system near Sagittarius A* the supermassive black hole at the centre of our Milky Way Galaxy.. *Two massive solar flares explode out from the Sun The Sun has just emitted two strong solar flares blasting out into deep space within a day of each other. *NASA's rovers show the two sides of Mars NASA's Mars Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers have provided astronomers with two very different views helping to piece together the puzzle of the Red Planet's past.. *The Science Report Warning a mega El Niño event is expected to develop within the next month or so. Some of the earliest octopus were enormous, powerful kraken like predators 20 metres long. Scientists have uncovered how Australia's iconic Twelve Apostles were formed. Skeptics guide to the British big foot sighting.

Read OnlineMary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” John 20:11–12Mary Magdalene was one of the women who accompanied Jesus and the Twelve Apostles as they traveled from town to town during His public ministry. Luke 8:2 introduces her as “Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.” Being possessed by seven demons signifies complete possession, illustrating the depth of her suffering. Though demons cannot touch a person's soul, they can afflict the body, which was the case with Mary. While Scripture does not tell us how she became afflicted, we can imagine the profound gratitude she must have felt after her deliverance. This gratitude, joined with her newfound faith, made Mary one of Jesus' most faithful and devoted followers.Today's Gospel offers a glimpse into Mary's unshakable love for Jesus. The Synoptic Gospels mention that she was not alone when she went to the tomb to honor His body. However, John's Gospel focuses solely on Mary, likely to highlight her unique experience and encourage us to learn from the depth of her devotion.Mary's early morning visit to the tomb reveals her passionate love—she could not wait to honor Him, even if only by tending to His lifeless body. Finding the tomb empty, she immediately ran to inform the disciples. Peter and John hurried to see for themselves, with Mary following behind. After the two disciples saw the empty tomb and left, Mary remained, setting the stage for today's passage.Saint John seems to invite us to contemplate Mary's actions. Imagine Peter and John leaving, while Mary remains, seated at the entrance of the tomb, weeping. Though she did not yet understand that Jesus had risen, her love for Him held her there, anchored in the place where He had been laid. In times of distress, confusion, or uncertainty, we are called to imitate Mary's steadfast devotion. Our love for Jesus should draw us spiritually to His empty tomb, keeping us close even when understanding eludes us.As Mary wept outside the tomb, she did not know what would come next. She only knew she needed to be there. Her mind was clouded with grief, but her heart led her to stay. She remained not out of reason, but because her heart, filled with love, kept her there.In following her heart—consumed with love for Jesus—Mary was led to a life-changing encounter. When Jesus appeared, she initially mistook Him for the gardener and, in her passionate longing, begged Him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Again, she spoke from her heart rather than from understanding. But then Jesus called her by name: “Mary!” In that moment, her heart and mind were united, and she recognized Him. With this recognition, she saw and believed. Reflect today on Mary Magdalene weeping outside Jesus' empty tomb and then hearing Him say, “Mary!” That she is the first person in Scripture to see the risen Lord is deeply significant. Clearly, God desires that we learn from her and imitate her love. Though we might not have been delivered from seven demons, we have been delivered from sin. This should stir in us a gratitude so deep that we willingly abandon all to follow Him. And when life is confusing or uncertain, we, like Mary, must follow the holy desires God places in our hearts, so that our love for Christ will lead us through uncertainty into clarity, when, like Mary, we hear our Lord call us by name.My risen Lord, Your empty tomb is a symbol of the longing I must have for You when I encounter life's uncertainties. When I am confused and do not understand where to turn, please flood my heart with an unshakable desire for You so that my love will lead me to where You are and where You want me to be. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ Appears to Mary MagdaleneSource: 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.

A wealthy American by the name buys the supposedly haunted Barton Cross Manor and, with the help of the local vicar, begins to unearth a story of alchemy, hidden treasure, death and demonology. This original recording is an audio presentation by Jasper L'Estrange for EnCrypted Horror. “THE TWELVE APOSTLES” by Eleanor Scott, 1929.

LDS-Temple Lot Differences: Unique Priesthood Structure We’re going to discuss LDS-Temple Lot differences. Unlike the LDS Church, the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) does not divide its priesthood into Aaronic and Melchizedek branches. Furthermore, they do not have the office of High Priest, believing that Jesus Christ was and remains the last High Priest. https://youtu.be/WvM-kU-YDsI Don't miss our other discussions about Hedrickites. https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/hedrickites Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Their active priesthood offices consist of: Elders: The spiritual heads of the church who have the authority to perform administrations, lay on hands, and perform baby blessings. The Twelve Apostles are also chosen from among the Elders. Priests: Authorized to baptize and serve the sacrament. Teachers: Authorized to preach and assist the Elders. (Note: While the office of Deacon exists on record, there have been no active Deacons in the church for a long time). Another major difference is how men receive the priesthood. Priesthood callings are not treated as a coming-of-age milestone for young men; instead, every ordination requires a divine calling, spiritual witnesses, and the individual’s formal acceptance. Because not every father holds the office of Elder, baby blessings in the Church of Christ are typically performed by the older, ordained Elders of the congregation rather than the child’s father. Local Autonomy and Global Reach The Church of Christ is highly autonomous at the local level. As long as a local congregation has at least six members and one Elder, they are officially recognized and can elect their own pastor annually. These pastors have the freedom to set their own meeting schedules, which typically include Sunday worship and Wednesday evening prayer, testimony, or singing services. While historically rooted in Independence, Missouri, the church has experienced surprising global growth since the late 1990s, expanding into the Philippines, East Africa, Mexico, and even establishing contacts in places like Argentina and Dubai. Though Malone estimates the total church population is relatively small, they utilize a secure online system so that isolated global members can vote during the church’s annual General Conference, held around April 6th every year. Miracles and Spiritual Gifts Malone shared powerful testimonies regarding the church’s reliance on divine intervention, particularly when calling leaders. Apostles can only be ordained during General Conference following a vote of acceptance by the people. Malone recounted a miraculous event where thirteen men were identified for the quorum of apostles through overwhelming spiritual witnesses. Tragically, one of the called men suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after. Soon after, another apostle in Mexico had a prophetic dream of a golden rope, which clarified the exact regional assignments and confirmed the final twelve men meant to serve. Malone also shared a rare but electrifying firsthand experience of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. As a teenager in Phoenix, he witnessed an apostle named Don Hausenik speak in an unknown tongue and then provide the interpretation, an event that filled the room with a palpable, physical spiritual power. Views on LDS Temple Ordinances When asked about differences in worship, Malone frankly noted his confusion over LDS temple practices. The Church of Christ firmly rejects secret ordinances such as baptisms for the dead and eternal sealings, arguing that these practices are not found in the Book of Mormon. They believe all church functions should be public and see no need for a temple that operates in secrecy.   Don't miss our other conversations on Hedrickites: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/Hedrickites/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

His name, Benedictus, means "Blessed" in Latin. He was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town northeast of Rome. He had only rudimentary schooling: he wrote later of his fear that through book-learning he might 'lose the great understanding of my soul.' At an early age he fled to a monastery where he was tonsured; he then withdrew to a remote mountain, where he lived or several years in a cave, perfecting himself in prayer. His only food was some bread brought to him by Romanus, the monk who had tonsured him. When he became known in the area, he fled his cave to escape the attentions of the pious; but flight proved useless, and in time a community of monks formed around him. He was granted many spiritual gifts: he healed the sick and drove out evil spirits, raised the dead, and appeared in visions to others many miles away.   Benedict founded twelve monasteries, most famously that at Monte Cassino. Initially, each monastic house had twelve monks, to imitate the number of the Twelve Apostles. The Rule that he established for his monks was based on the works of St John Cassian and St Basil the Great, and became a standard for western monasteries. Thus he is sometimes called the first teacher of monks in the West.   Six days before his death, the Saint ordered that his grave be opened, gathered all his monks together, gave them counsel, then gave his soul back to God on the day that he had predicted. At the moment of his death, two monks in different places had the same vision: they saw a path from earth to heaven, richly adorned and lined on either side with ranks of people. At the top of the path stood a man, clothed in light and unspeakably beautiful, who told them that the path was prepared for Benedict, the beloved of God. In this way, the monks learned that their abbot had gone to his rest.

We focus heavily on the turbulent history of the physical temple lot in Independence, Missouri, and the controversial figure of apostle Otto Fetting. Daniel Malone, a Sunday school teacher for the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) gives his insights. https://youtu.be/xqRZPoyaUqk Don't miss our other conversations on Hedrickites: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/Hedrickites/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved The 1920s Influx and a Changing Church During the 1920s, the RLDS Church experienced a major schism over “supreme directional control,” which led to a massive influx of former RLDS members joining the Church of Christ. This sudden growth swelled the Independence congregation from roughly 250 to nearly 600 members. Amidst an era of intense theological debates, the Church of Christ made a monumental organizational change in 1925: they completely abolished the office of a presiding elder (or president), choosing instead to be led collectively by a Quorum of Twelve Apostles. However, Malone candidly admits that the early church had a “horrible track record” of electing apostles, resulting in numerous leaders leaving and taking factions of the church with them. Otto Fetting and the Masonic Blueprints One of the most notable apostles from this era was Otto Fetting, who joined around 1927 and claimed to receive a series of revelations from John the Baptist. Fetting instructed the church to build a temple and provided blueprints for a massive 180-by-90-foot structure that Malone describes as looking like a Masonic lodge. This directly contradicted Joseph Smith’s earlier instructions to build the Independence temple to match the dimensions of the Kirtland temple, which was much smaller. Fetting’s revelations eventually commanded that members be rebaptized, which was a bridge too far for the church. The Church of Christ ultimately rejected Fetting, redacted all of his revelations, and considers them non-binding8. Ironically, the 180-by-90-foot dimensions proposed by Fetting are the ones still marked out on the temple lot today. The Cornerstone Controversy While excavating the foundation for Fetting’s temple, workers unearthed cornerstones that are currently housed in the church’s visitor center. Malone expressed deep personal suspicion regarding these artifacts. While he acknowledges the possibility that Joseph Smith could have originally placed them there to mark the spot, Malone finds it highly convenient that they were discovered right as Fetting was attempting to legitimize his massive temple project, suggesting they could potentially be forgeries planted by Fetting. Current Temple Plans and “Closed Communion” Despite owning the property, the Church of Christ has absolutely no current plans to build a temple. They have money strictly earmarked and set aside for a temple, but they refuse to move forward unless they receive a direct, divine revelation from God commanding them to do so. We also addressed a rumor regarding a Brazilian restoration group attempting to merge with the Church of Christ to gain voting rights over the temple lot. Malone dismissed the likelihood of this, explaining that the church practices “closed communion” and requires all new members to be rebaptized directly into their organization. In fact, they stopped accepting priesthood and baptismal transfers from the RLDS Church back in the 1920s or 1930s due to stark differences in belief. Don't miss our other conversations on the Temple Lot group: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/Hedrickites/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved 0:00 Otto Fetting/Temple Cornerstones 15:11 Brazil Group

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khameni as supreme leader, signalling that hardliners remain firmly in charge in Tehran a week into its conflict with the United States and Israel; The families of Australian diplomats have been told to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the escalating war in the Middle East, as the government considers deploying troops to protect Gulf nations from Iranian attacks; Tourists will soon have to pay to see the Twelve Apostles on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, with a new visitor centre set to enforce an entry fee and booking system; James Van Der Beek's family has shared a moving tribute to the late actor, on what would’ve been his 49th birthday. THE END BITS Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Host: Ailish Delaney Audio Producer: Lu HillBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As technology continuously advances, it is crucial to become and remain rooted in the principles and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered this devotional address on March 3, 2026. You can access the full talk here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7 – Jesus summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Saint Augustine and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day

RootsTech, a three-day global family history event, is scheduled for March 5-7. The gathering will reach a worldwide audience online while also featuring an in-person experience in Salt Lake City. This year’s theme is "Together," and organizers hope to empower attendees to uncover their family history and make new, meaningful connections. The lineup for 2026 includes Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as other keynote speakers, hundreds of classes and new technologies. In this episode, Jonathan Wing, director of events for FamilySearch International, joins Church News editor Ryan Jensen to preview RootsTech 2026 and discuss how family history can help individuals and families draw closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, have seen the hand of the Lord in their lives as they have strived to live the covenants they made at baptism and in the house of the Lord.   The Gilberts have grown closer as a family and learned how to give and receive the Savior’s relief while fulfilling professional and Church assignments. As the newest Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Gilbert knows he is to be a special witness of the name of Christ in all the world (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:23). Just a few days after being called by Church President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder and Sister Gilbert joined Church News reporter Mary Richards to share more about their family, faith and testimonies of Jesus Christ.  

This Devotional address with Elder Neil L. Andersen was delivered on Sunday, February 22 at 5:00 PM MST in the BYU-Idaho I-Center. Elder Andersen was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 4, 2009. Neil L. Andersen was born in Logan, Utah, and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated from Brigham Young University, where he was a Hinckley Scholar, and earned a masters of business administration from Harvard University. After completing his education, he settled in Tampa, Florida, where his business interests included advertising, real estate development and health care. Elder Andersen and his wife, Kathy Williams Andersen, are the parents of four children. Prior to his call as a general authority, Elder Andersen served as a mission president in the France Bordeaux Mission and as president of the Tampa Florida Stake. He was serving as the senior member of the Presidency of the Seventy prior to his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve. He was named a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in April 1993, at age 41. Elder Andersen previously led the work of the Church in southern Brazil and, again as a member of an area presidency, oversaw the Church in western Europe. He has also assisted in supervising the work of the Church in Mexico and Central America. In addition, he supervised Church audiovisual production, including the filming of “The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd” and managed construction of the broadcast facilities in the Conference Center as the executive director of the Church Audiovisual Department. He speaks French, Portuguese and Spanish in addition to his native English.

When President Jeffrey R. Holland, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died on Dec. 27, 2025, his biography was already in the works. Following his 2023 health scare, President Holland contacted Church historian Matt Grow to document his life story. On this episode of the Church News podcast, Grow shares how working with President Holland during their one-on-one conversations helped build his testimony of the Savior. He is joined by guest host and fellow Church leader biographer Sheri Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. and a former member of the Relief Society general presidency. Both highlight President Holland’s faith in Jesus Christ, his candor, his communication skills and his unfailing hope. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Read OnlineJesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20–21Today's Gospel is among the shortest passages read at Mass throughout the Liturgical Year, yet it conveys a profound message.The scene opens with Jesus and His disciples—likely the newly appointed Twelve Apostles—taking a moment of rest in a house to eat. Jesus had been tirelessly traveling from village to village, preaching the Kingdom of God and healing many. His reputation had spread far and wide, and people were seeking Him with urgency. As the crowd discovered where He was, they surrounded the house so closely that even basic necessities like eating became impossible. This detail highlights not a lament over the demands on Jesus' time but the fervent excitement and longing that drew so many to Him. Jesus welcomed this with open arms, as He always does, moved by the profound needs of the human heart.Though the disciples might have felt overwhelmed, Jesus' heart, as Matthew's Gospel later records, was “moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). His compassion for the crowd reveals the depth of God's love and His readiness to meet every human longing.The reaction of Jesus' relatives offers another important lesson for reflection. Some of His extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles, or others—were alarmed at the crowds He was attracting. They might have been troubled by the growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees and Herodians, fearing for His safety. Perhaps they struggled to reconcile the stories of miracles and teachings with the humble, quiet Jesus they had known for decades. Since Jesus had not revealed His divine mission during His early life, His sudden manifestation of power likely left them confused and seeking to intervene.This familial tension reveals an important truth: when God acts powerfully in our lives, we too will change, and those close to us may struggle to understand. Though Jesus did not experience conversion as we do, His family witnessed a profound “change” in that He began to publicly manifest His divinity in a way that they had not seen before.As we seek to follow Christ more radically, we might encounter doubt or even resistance from family or friends. Jesus' example teaches us to face these tensions with courage and love, trusting that fidelity to God's will is always the highest priority. Like Jesus, we must persevere, offering a gentle but firm witness to the transformative power of God in our lives.As you ponder this Gospel, consider the following: Do you, like the crowd, need to pursue our Lord more fervently, seeking Him with urgency and persistence in prayer? Are you, like the disciples, sometimes overwhelmed by the demands of Christian discipleship? Do you see yourself in Jesus' extended family, questioning or struggling to understand the radical conversion of someone close to you? Or are you more like our Lord, experiencing the tension of family misunderstanding as you strive to live more fully in conformity with God's will? Reflect today on this emotional and multifaceted scene. As you identify with the lessons of this short Gospel, renew your resolve to seek Jesus with all your heart, embrace the conversion to which He calls you, and allow His transformative power to shine through your life. Finally, strive to help others understand and support the new life you have chosen, offering a gentle and loving witness to the joy and peace found in Christ. My tireless Lord, the demands placed on You during Your public ministry were great, yet You ministered to all with unfailing compassion. Please grant me the zeal I need to always seek You in my life. As I encounter You and am transformed by Your grace, give me the wisdom and patience to be a faithful witness to others, especially my family. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

How does a church navigate change, controversy, and continuing revelation while staying true to its foundation? The Articles of Faith lay the groundwork, but the two Official Declarations provide proof of a living church, led by a living prophet. We'll analyze the deep counsel given in these landmark sections. Official Declaration 1: The End of Plural Marriage President Wilford Woodruff faced a devastating dilemma: adhere to the law of plural marriage and lose the temples, ordinances, and leadership to imprisonment, or cease the practice. Honoring Authority: President Woodruff declared his "intention to submit" to the laws of Congress that the Supreme Court had pronounced constitutional. He even went so far as to order the Endowment House "taken down without delay" following one reported (but unproven) case of a marriage performed there. The Critical Question: He was commanded by God to "ask the Latter-day Saints a question" —which was the wisest course: to sacrifice the temples and ordinances, or to cease the practice, "leave the Temples in the hands of the Saints," and let the work for the dead continue. Prophetic Integrity: He declared he would have let all the temples go and gone to prison himself "had not the God of heaven commanded me" to do what he did, and when that command came, "it was all clear to me". This shows a willingness to fully embrace the opposing viewpoint before receiving the final divine guidance. Official Declaration 2: Revelation on the Priesthood Received by President Spencer W. Kimball after "extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple" , this declaration fulfilled the promises of earlier prophets. Divine Guidance: The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles "pleaded long and earnestly" and supplicated the Lord for "divine guidance". The Result: God "heard our prayers," and by revelation, confirmed that "the long-promised day has come". This revelation extended the priesthood and temple blessings to "every faithful, worthy man" so he could "enjoy with his loved ones every blessing" that flows therefrom. The Articles of Faith These 13 points, part of the Wentworth Letter, establish our fundamental beliefs: Core Doctrine (A of F 1-4): Belief in the Godhead , accountability for "our own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" , salvation through the Atonement "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" , and the first principles of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. A Living Church (A of F 5-9): We believe in priesthood authority , the "same organization that existed in the Primitive Church" , spiritual gifts , and accepting the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God. Most importantly, we believe God "will yet reveal many great and important things". The Path of Discipleship (A of F 10-13): We believe in the literal gathering of Israel , "claim the privilege" of worshiping according to conscience , are subject to the law , and seek after anything "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Call-to-Action: What "great and important thing" (A of F 9) do you need to seek personal revelation on this week? Share your thoughts below! If this message reinforced your faith in continuing revelation, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:47 Avoiding the Appearance of Evil 17:42 Precedent or President 30:13 Following Fallibility 51:40 Race and the Priesthood 1:04:22 Returning to God 1:14:30 The Church of Jesus Christ 1:22:23 Gathering Israel by Being Good 1:30:50 One-Liners