You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary address the fact that Christmas is not an escape from reality but rather the celebration that God has come to fight for us. Isaiah 9:1-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209%3A1-6&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary talk about the extraordinary ways Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus, and how some prophecies we’re still waiting to see fulfilled are not only right around the corner but will be beyond anything we can imagine. Micah 5:1-4a (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/micah/5) Book referenced, “Come Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting” by Mother Mary Francis Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Zephaniah 3:14-18a (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah%203%3A14-18&version=NIV) In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open what joy is and is not and why and how we as disciples of Jesus should be marked by it. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Why can we have hope in the middle of calamitous situations? Because God is good, He is faithful and He acts. In this episode, Fr. John and Mary look at the disaster that had befallen Israel at the time of Baruch, how God rescued them, and what that has to say to us here and now. Baruch 5:1-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Baruch%205&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2033%3A14-16&version=NABRE) What is Advent really all about? How are we supposed to be living and feeling in these days? What is the Word of God saying to us? In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the fact that the best is not in the past — it’s yet to come; for God is faithful and nothing is impossible for Him. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the hopeful news that the world is ultimately in the hands of a Sovereign King who is good, has no rival, proven His love for us by laying down His life, and who calls us even now to help transform authority until He returns and makes all things new. Daniel 4:13-14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204&version=NABRE) EXAMEN FOR LEADERS: - Would people say that I am a leader for their sakes? - Do I surround myself with strong complementary people? - Am I raising up good followers or great leaders? - Do I develop plans on my own, or do I seek to discern the Lord’s plan and vision with others? - Do I clearly and consistently cast that vision to those whom we serve? - Do I desire to be magnanimous? - How do I speak of and see those with whom I serve? Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Given how November is a month to both pray for our faithful departed and to contemplate our own death, Fr. John invites Mary to share the lessons the Lord taught her some years ago when she was gravely ill. Scripture Passage: Daniel 12:1-3 Steubenville Conferences: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/ Seven Sisters Apostolate: https://sevensistersapostolate.org/ Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the encounter between Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and how it reveals something about God, something about this woman, and something to take to prayer ourselves. 1 Kings 17:10-16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%3A10-16&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Deut. 6:2-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206&version=NABRE) In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the need to constantly tell the story of who God is, what He has done for us, and why it’s only right and just to thank and praise Him. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2031&version=NABRE) St. Augustine's Commentary Excerpt on Psalm 109: God is faithful. He has made himself our debtor, not by receiving anything from us but by promising us so much. The promise alone was not enough for him: he wanted it in writing, so that he could be held to it, practically entering into a contract with us that listed the promises he was making. In that way, when he began to fulfill his promises, we could see the order of their fulfillment by looking in Scripture. Therefore the time of the prophets was the time of making promises. He promised us eternal salvation and an unending life of blessedness with the angels, and an imperishable inheritance, the joy of seeing his face, a dwelling-place with him in heaven, and the fear of death removed from us through the resurrection. This is, if you like, his ultimate promise. We look forward to it, and when we reach it, we will want nothing more. But as to how this final end is to be reached, he has also told us in promises and prophecies. He has promised to men that they will be like God; to mortals he has promised immortality; to sinners, righteousness; to the lowly, glory. Indeed, brethren, because what God promised seemed incredible to men - that from mortality, decay, weakness, lowliness, dust and ashes they should become equals of the angels of God - he did not only sign a contract with them to convince them. He sent, not just any prince, not just any angel or archangel, but his only Son. The road by which he was to lead us to the end he had promised us - through his Son he would show us that road. Even so, it was not enough for God to send his Son to point out the way - he made his Son the way itself, so that we can go on our journey guided by him as he walks along his own way. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary tackle a common misconception of God, how Jesus wants to shatter that, and as He does so reveals the heart of the Gospel: You Matter! Isaiah 53:10-11 (https://www.bible.com/bible/463/ISA.53.10-11.NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary recount several overwhelming experiences from the recent mission in Los Angeles and how the saints, both in heaven and on earth, can inspire us to become saints ourselves. Scripture: Wisdom 7:7-11 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Wisdom%207%3A7-11&version=RSV) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary tackle one of the most important, and most misunderstood, passages about man, woman and marriage. Genesis 2:18-24 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss how great leaders, like Moses, are humble stewards of God’s gifts, eager to share the responsibility with other great leaders. Scripture: Numbers 11:25-29 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011%3A24-30&version=RSV) rescueproject.us/challenge Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on something that perhaps many fail to think about: the courage Jesus showed in knowingly running into all that was coming His way out of love for each of us by name so as to rescue us from Death. The Rescue Challenge continues. Visit rescueproject.us/challenge Scripture Passage: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary struggle to put into words the inexpressible reality of Jesus’ passion foreshadowed in Isaiah that we will hear this Sunday. Scripture: Isaiah 50:5-9a Visit rescueproject.us/challenge to sign up for the Rescue Project Challenge that begins tomorrow, September 10. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Synopsis: In this episode, living amidst the most anxious generation of all time, Fr. John and Mary reflect on Isaiah’s encouraging, timely and healing words from God: Be strong! Fear not! Scripture passage: Isaiah 35:4-7a Beauty of Hope from Good News Conference, 2022 https://watch.actsxxix.org/videos/the-beauty-of-hope The Rescue Project Challenge: https://rescueproject.us/challenge/ Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary return to their regular format of breaking open the First Reading for Mass this upcoming Sunday and discuss opportunities to make our homes places where the world meets the Church. Join the Rescue Project Challenge at rescueproject.us/challenge (https://rescueproject.us/challenge) Follow along with us on social media: @acts.xxix (https://www.instagram.com/acts.xxix/) & @the.rescue.project (https://www.instagram.com/the.rescue.project/) ====== Have a comment about this podcast? Contact us! Click To Learn More About ACTS XXIX (https://www.actsxxix.org/)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary conclude their four-part series and discuss a fourth critical question to take to prayer in order to be every freer for the mission God wants to work in and through us. ====== Have a comment about this podcast? Contact us! Click To Learn More About ACTS XXIX (https://www.actsxxix.org/)

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open part three of a four part series and discuss a third crucial question to bring to prayer in order to be ever freer for the mission God wants to work in and through us. ====== Have a comment about this podcast? Contact us! Click To Learn More About ACTS XXIX (https://www.actsxxix.org/)