From His Word to Our Hearts

Happy Easter! Alleluia, let us rejoice and be glad! We made it through the 40-days of Lent and we now celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus with great joy! Jesus’ Resurrection is the central mystery of our faith and the promise which gives us hope for our own resurrections. Throughout the coming 50-days of the Easter Season, we will – once again – hear the accounts of Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances to his Apostles, we will be reminded of the work of the early Church, and we will be invited to deepen our faith in the mercy, peace, and love of Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. May the joy of Easter dwell within our hearts and minds throughout the coming year! This week's readings:Gospel – John 20: 1-9Afternoon Gospel – Luke 24:13-35Easter Sequence1st Reading – Acts 10: 34a, 37-43Psalm 1182nd Reading – Colossians 3: 1-4 OR 1 Corinthians 5: 6b-8

As we enter into Holy Week on this Palm Sunday, we are given a stark reminder of just what Jesus was forced to endure in a very short period of time. From the heights of acclaim showered upon him during his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the abysmal depths of betrayal, abuse, torture, suffering, and death just a few days later, Jesus experienced an unimaginable range of human physical and emotional pain for the sake of all humanity - for your sake - for my sake… done out of a love beyond all telling. May we embrace this most sacred time with all the humility and gratitude we can muster and be forever changed by the love Jesus has for each and every one of us.   Part II readings:Procession Gospel – Luke 19: 28-401st Reading – Isaiah 50: 4-7Psalm 222nd Reading – Philippians 2: 6-11 Part I reading:Gospel – Luke 22:14 – 23:56

As we enter into Holy Week on this Palm Sunday, we are given a stark reminder of just what Jesus was forced to endure in a very short period of time. From the heights of acclaim showered upon him during his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the abysmal depths of betrayal, abuse, torture, suffering, and death just a few days later, Jesus experienced an unimaginable range of human physical and emotional pain for the sake of all humanity - for your sake - for my sake… done out of a love beyond all telling. May we embrace this most sacred time with all the humility and gratitude we can muster and be forever changed by the love Jesus has for each and every one of us. Part I reading:Gospel – Luke 22:14 – 23:56 Part II readings:Procession Gospel – Luke 19: 28-401st Reading – Isaiah 50: 4-7Psalm 222nd Reading – Philippians 2: 6-11

On this Fifth Sunday of Lent, our readings focus on life and death. From Ezekiel’s prophecy that the Israelites will be raised from their metaphorical tomb to Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from his four-day sleep of literal death in the grave, our understanding of what it means to be fully alive is challenged. And we are reminded that it is never too late to turn away from sin and repent. God, who exists outside of time, already knows what we have chosen, even if we haven’t yet decided… which means we still have time. So, what will it be? Will we remain mired within the darkness of sin here on earth and so be exiled from the light of God’s heavenly realm? Or will we choose to reflect the glory of God in this life so as to dwell within the kingdom of heaven in the next? This week's readings:Gospel – John 11: 1-451st Reading – Ezekiel 37: 12-14Psalm 1302nd Reading – Romans 8: 8-11

On this Laetare Sunday, we cautiously rejoice as we approach the end of the penitential season of Lent and draw nearer to the full joy of Easter. Just as water was woven through last week’s readings, sight and blindness – light and dark – are woven throughout our readings this week. These Scriptures invite us to open our hearts and see with the eyes of faith, to look not at the outward appearance but to view other people as God does, to perceive God’s blessings in the simple goodness of nature, and to expose everything to the light of Christ so that we may walk as God’s children in truth, goodness, and righteousness.   This week's readings:Gospel – John 9: 1-411st Reading – 1 Samuel 16: 1b, 6-7, 10-13Psalm 232nd Reading – Ephesians 5: 8-14

On this Third Sunday of Lent, we are invited to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Water, for us a common everyday item, becomes a source of transformation for the Samaritan woman at the well. The absence of water, something unthinkable for us, becomes the basis of a confrontation among the Israelites in the desert. The gentle movement of water, imagery so familiar to us, becomes a stunning metaphor for the gift of God’s love. Throughout these readings we are called to perceive water in new and dramatically different ways, to marvel at its purity, and to recapture its sacred significance. This week's readings:Gospel – John 4: 5-421st Reading – Exodus 17: 3-7Psalm 952nd Reading – Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

On the Second Sunday of Lent, we always hear the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus as a reminder to us that our time here on earth is fleeting and that our ultimate destiny lies in the kingdom of heaven. But heaven often seems far away and the demands of everyday life are unrelenting. That is precisely why Lent comes around every year! This season teaches us to devote more time and effort to our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving so that we listen less to the noise of the world and more to wisdom of Jesus. After all, God the Father tell us – in no uncertain terms – to listen to his Son… shouldn’t we do what he tells us?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 9: 28b-361st Reading – Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18Psalm 272nd Reading – Philippians 3:17-4:1

This week we enter into the penitential season of Lent. Each year on the First Sunday of Lent, we hear the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness precisely because we are all tempted every day! Tempted to rely on ourselves rather than God, tempted to accept the flattery and empty promises of the world, tempted to overindulge ourselves while others go without, tempted by power, privilege, honor, comfort, pride, wealth. We need to listen less to the world and more to Jesus… that is exactly why we need Lent every year! The disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that we undertake in Lent help us to tune out the insatiable demands of a selfish, self-centered world and tune in to God’s invitation to love, truth, and goodness. Bring on the discipline! This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 4: 1-31st Reading – Deuteronomy 26: 4-10Psalm 912nd Reading – Romans 10: 8-13

Happy Eighth Anniversary, Saint Pius X Catholic Church! Well, it’s the eighth year in our NEW building. The parish is actually quite a bit older. We began by gathering at a humble farm just a couple of miles to the east, and have built three churches and a school. We have a rich history, built by the hard work and dedication of generation after generation of people in our local community, and deeply connected to our roots with the University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of the Holy Cross. But we are more than just the walls that protect us from the elements; we are a vibrant and faith-filled church, a collection of living stones made up of individuals, couples, and families. Every living thing must continue to learn, grow, and become better. That is the challenge before us, are we up to it?   This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 16: 13-191st Reading – 1 Kings 8: 22-23, 27-30Psalm 1222nd Reading – Ephesians 2: 19-22

Jesus tells us that there are only two ways of living and if we do not choose the path of generosity and love we are left following the path of selfishness and evil. Put that way, the decision should be simple and straightforward. But life is rarely simple. So, how do we ensure we’re on the right path? We begin by examining the types of things we put into our minds and hearts because those things will impact who we truly are deep inside – our truest selves. And who we are motivates how we treat others. If we need any further guidance, we know we can always turn to the Gospel. Jesus will never lead us in the wrong direction or give us bad advice. The same can’t be said of the world.   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 6: 39-451st Reading – Sirach 27: 4-7Psalm 922nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15: 54-58

Following Jesus, being his disciple, is not easy. It places demands upon us, upon our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions. Perhaps no demand is less well understood or more difficult to follow than what we call the Golden Rule. Jesus tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated, but that’s not as simple as it sounds. Each one of us has a lifetime of experiences that shape his or her hopes, dreams, reactions, and expectations. Actions intended to be kind may be perceived as intrusive, comments meant to be funny can be regarded as cruel or thoughtless, attempts to express affection or respect may be interpreted as demeaning or condescending. So, how do we live the Golden Rule in today’s world? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 6: 27-381st Reading – 1 Samuel 26: 2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23Psalm 1032nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15: 45-49  

As Christians, we profess that Jesus lived a human life, suffered his Passion, died on the Cross, and was raised in his Resurrection. If we have the faith to believe all of that, why can it be so difficult for us to understand that we must follow his teachings? Why do we struggle to accept that what Jesus tells us in the Gospels is the framework upon which we should build our lives? In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus offers his followers two possible outcomes for their behavior in this life and the next: blessings or curses. He offers us the same choice… what will we choose? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 6: 17, 20-261st Reading – Jeremiah 17: 5-8Psalm 12nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15: 12, 16-20  

Jesus called Peter, his first disciple, to leave behind his job as a successful fisherman. Peter’s excuse was: I am a sinful man. Yet Peter left his boat and his nets and followed Jesus to catch men rather than fish. God called Isaiah in the temple. Isaiah’s excuse was: I am a man of unclean lips. Yet an angel purified him and Isaiah then enthusiastically said: Send me! On the road to Damascus, Jesus called Saul whose excuse was: I am unfit because I persecuted the Church. Yet he became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. God disregarded every one of those excuses, because he had a plan and each man had a part in it. God has a place for us in his plan, too. Isn’t it about time to we stopped making excuses? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 5: 1-111st Reading – Isaiah 6: 1-2a, 3-8Psalm 1382nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 To see photos associated with this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts. You can also find me on YouTube!

The presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary are the first public appearance of the Holy Family according to Jewish Law. In the Temple, they encounter two faithful Jews who had been awaiting the coming of the Savior. Both Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, but why were they able to recognize God’s glory when others couldn’t? Luke tells us they were devout, righteous, and prayerful... meaning they knew the Scriptures and believed in God’s promises. They were good and faithful Jews, and they spent time listening and talking to God. As we hear the inspired word of God in this week’s Scriptures, we are presented with a challenge! Are we willing to be devout, righteous, and prayerful people who recognize God’s glory? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 2: 22-401st Reading – Malachi 3: 1-4Psalm 242nd Reading – Hebrews 2: 14-18 To see images associated with this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts.   

Luke opens his Gospel by addressing a person named Theophilus, meaning one whom God loves, and explaining that he intends to present the full story of Jesus. That’s a pretty bold undertaking! And it seems like something we should really pay attention to… which is precisely what we are doing through this bible study podcast! But listening is only the beginning! Yes, we have to listen but we also have to believe what we hear, live what we believe, and share that knowledge with others. So, let’s begin! This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 1: 1-4; 4: 14-211st Reading – Nehemiah 8: 2-4a, 5-6, 8-10Psalm 192nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 12: 12-30   To see the photos mentioned in this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts. 

Imagine having Jesus and his mother as guests at your wedding! Although, truly, we shouldn’t have to imagine it because Christ is present in every marriage and it is through the gift of his grace that married couples are given the strength to live the vows they make to each other. Jesus’ presence at the wedding in Cana affirms the goodness of every marriage… so why do we still have so many problems? Often, it’s because we forget that we have to continually invite Jesus into our hearts, our lives, our marriages, and our families. But when we forget, his mother, the perfect example of discipleship, has a reminder for us… do whatever her Son tells us! This week's readings:Gospel – John 2: 1-111st Reading – Isaiah 62: 1-5Psalm 962nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11  

John the Baptist points to one mightier than he, whose sandals he is not worthy to untie, who must increase as John decreases: The Beloved Son of God, Jesus. That required a tremendous amount of meekness and humility – from a well-known and fiery preacher! So, how can we adopt that same dichotomy in our own lives? How can we be strong and purposeful in our jobs, our relationships, and our families – while still being meek and humble? In a recent homily, my pastor suggested the perfect mantra: It’s not about me, it’s about Jesus! But is that something we can really live?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 3: 15-16, 21-221st Reading – Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11Psalm 1042nd Reading – Titus 2: 11-14, 3: 4-7

Our modern culture has moved on! The Christmas season is over, decorations have been taken down, and stores are full of merchandise for football playoffs and Valentine’s Day. The Church, however, has a different message. The Christmas season continues with this week’s Gospel which tells us the story of Wise Men from the east who left behind home, family, and security to search for a king led by a star in the night sky. Even though our journey should be neither as long nor arduous as theirs, would we risk our homes, our safety, and our lives to search diligently for Jesus? And upon finding him, do we allow ourselves to be changed by the experience? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 2: 1-121st Reading – Isaiah 60: 1-6Psalm 72 2nd Reading – Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6 To see the photos mentioned in this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts. 

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, serves as a model on which to pattern our own families. That certainly sets a pretty high bar and it doesn’t seem like that goal would be easily achievable. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try! We may not all be perfectly holy, like Jesus and Mary, but shouldn’t we try to exemplify the love they shared? We don’t have to actually live in the Lord’s house, like Samuel, but can we make room for the Lord in our houses? This week's readings:Gospel - Luke 2: 41-521st Reading - 1 Samuel 1: 20-22, 24-28Psalm 842nd Reading - 1 John 3: 1-2, 21-24 To see the photos mentioned in this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts. 

This is the final Sunday of Advent; our wait is almost over! It is finally time to join the rest of our modern culture in anticipating the coming of Jesus at Christmas. This week we look to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as our exemplar – she who is humble and generous, she who is full of grace, she who is carrying the Savior in her womb, she who is not sitting idly by but is travelling in haste to help her kinswoman! So, in the midst of this busy time of year, are we taking the time to visit those who are lonely or in need of help? Are we praying for the sick, donating to the hungry, giving of ourselves to do God’s will? This week's readings:Gospel - Luke 1: 39-451st Reading - Micah 5: 1-4a (2-5a)Psalm 802nd Reading - Hebrews 10: 5-10