From His Word to Our Hearts

Even the greatest of prophets sometimes question their mission and John the Baptist is no exception. But Jesus is the Messiah, and he assures John that all the hallmarks of the Messianic age, promised in Isaiah, are coming to pass through him and that the kingdom is at hand. James urges us to be patient, to be at peace with each other, and thereby prepare our hearts for Jesus’ Second Coming. Advent is not yet over, and we still have time to prepare our own hearts and minds to receive the Christ Child… but will we be ready? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 11: 2-111st Reading – Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10Psalm 1462nd Reading – James 5: 7-10 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:35) - Gospel & Explanation(00:23:42) - First Reading & Explanation(00:34:37) - Psalm & Explanation(00:38:32) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:48:46) - Closing & Credits

This week, John the Baptist preaches repentance in the wilderness saying that one mightier than he is coming, meaning Jesus, the Messiah. Isaiah tells us that the Messiah will come from the stump of Jesse, meaning the house of King David, and that the Messianic era will establish a new era of peace. Paul reminds the Romans that all should live in harmony, including the Gentiles. The peace, righteousness, and harmony that are hallmarks of the Messianic age are yet to be fully realized in our broken and divided world. But Advent reminds us anew, each year, that there is still work to be done and there is time to repent! This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 3: 1-121st Reading – Isaiah 11: 1-10Psalm 722nd Reading – Romans 15: 4-9 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:03) - Gospel & Explanation(00:15:28) - First Reading & Explanation(00:26:12) - Psalm & Explanation(00:29:10) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:42:03) - Closing & Credits

Welcome to Advent, the beginning of a new Liturgical Year! Every year, the readings for the First Sunday of Advent focus our attention on the Second Coming of Jesus at the end of time, when the living and the dead will be judged. Jesus, himself, tells us that he will come at an hour we do not expect. That can be a frightening prospect. So, let’s prepare ourselves… not to be frightened, but to be ready! This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 24: 37-441st Reading – Isaiah 2: 1-5Psalm 1222nd Reading – Romans 13: 11-14 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Prayer(00:01:53) - The Synoptic Problem Explained(00:08:46) - Gospel & Explanation(00:21:16) - First Reading & Explanation(00:31:35) - Psalm & Explanation(00:34:17) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:41:14) - Closing & Credits

As we bring this Liturgical Year to a close, please join me for this bonus episode explaining the various liturgical observances celebrated by the Church with special emphasis on the Solemnity of Christ the King. Special Liturgical Observances ExplainedChrist the King Explained Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:18) - Special Liturgical Observances Explained(00:14:05) - Solemnity of Christ the King Explained(00:22:39) - Closing & Credits

Jesus is the king whose reign was not of this world, the Savior who did not save himself. Those who follow Jesus, who call themselves Christian, still struggle to live according to the radical message he preached. But why is it so hard? All too often we allow all the wrong things to have power over us… the internet, or influencers, or politicians, or social media. But what we really need to do is surrender ourselves fully to Jesus and declare him to be the ultimate king of our lives, our minds, and our hearts. So, how do we do that? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 23: 35b-431st Reading – 2 Samuel 5: 1-3Psalm 1222nd Reading – Colossians 1: 12-20 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:57) - Gospel & Explanation(00:12:03) - First Reading & Explanation(00:19:32) - Responsorial Psalm & Explanation(00:22:36) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:36:12) - Closing & Credits

Listening to this week’s Gospel and looking at our world, it may seem that the end times are near… but Jesus tells us not to be led astray by the negative messages of our world, that many frightening things will happen before the end. He also assures us that this will be the time for us to give our testimony – to witness to our faith through the wisdom he gives us in Sacred Scripture. So, how can we prepare ourselves to give authentic testimony?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 21: 5-191st Reading – Malachi 4: 1-2a (3: 19-20a)Psalm 982nd Reading – 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:16) - Gospel & Explanation(00:16:03) - First Reading & Explanation(00:24:25) - Psalm & Explanation(00:26:48) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:40:34) - Closing & Credits

The Lateran Basilica in Rome is the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. So, by extension, is it the home of every Catholic. Our readings this week remind us of how important it is to properly revere and respect all places of worship because they are where we encounter God here on earth. God’s goodness flows outward from those structures – through the waters of Baptism, through the words and actions of those who live the Gospel, through the good work done in the world by the Church. Each of us must be true to Jesus, our foundation, so that our words and actions reflect the Spirit of God dwelling within us.   This week's readings:Gospel – John 2: 13-221st Reading – Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12Psalm 462nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 3: 9c-11, 16-17 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:01) - Information about the Lateran Basilica(00:16:03) - Gospel & Explanation(00:27:41) - First Reading & Explanation(00:36:59) - Psalm & Explanation(00:39:55) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:52:27) - Closing & Credits

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is the one day each year that the Church sets aside to pray for all the faithful who have died. This feast reminds us that we will all face death someday, but that we should not be fearful of that reality. Instead, we must face it with hope and trust in God. So, how do we do that? How do we prepare ourselves to dwell in the house of the Lord forever?   This week's readings:Gospel – John 6: 37-401st Reading – Wisdom 3: 1-9Psalm 232nd Reading – Romans 3: 3-9   Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:40) - Explanation of All Souls(00:10:32) - Gospel & Explanation(00:19:07) - First Reading & Explanation(00:33:35) - Psalm & Explanation(00:37:04) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:48:14) - Closing & Credits

This week, Jesus warns us not to assume we are righteous! Such an attitude emboldens us to trust in ourselves while judging and despising others. That runs counter to what Jesus teaches, and we must be careful to avoid such thinking. Instead, Jesus tells us to acknowledge our sinfulness, to be humble, and to seek God’s mercy. Scripture tells us cares for the poor, the outcast, and the stranger, so we must care for the poor, the outcast, and the stranger. That is the opposite of what society tells us, so how do we learn to listen to the Gospel rather than the world?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 18: 9-141st Reading – Sirach 35: 12b-14, 16-18aPsalm 342nd Reading – 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:26) - Gospel & Explanation(00:15:52) - First Reading & Explanation(00:28:22) - Psalm & Explanation(00:31:43) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:47:57) - Closing & Credits

In this week’s parable, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray and not lose heart. That message is especially important for us as well. Prayer is still the greatest weapon we have to counter the uncertainty, division, and darkness that is so prevalent in our world today. Scripture is still the most reliable source of truth to equip us for the good work we are to do. Our prayers may not be answered as promptly as we might like, but they will be heard and answered. We may never know the good we do in the world, but God will know. The thing that is always within our control is persistence – so we must not lose heart!   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 18: 1-81st Reading – Exodus 17: 8-13Psalm 1212nd Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:2 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:56) - Gospel & Explanation(00:14:46) - First Reading & Explanation(00:28:25) - Psalm & Explanation(00:32:21) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:46:29) - Closing & Credits

Jesus is always ready to bestow his mercy upon us; all we have to do is ask sincerely and we will be made clean. Probably not cleansed of leprosy as we hear in this week’s readings, but cleansed, nonetheless. The proper response for such great mercy is to joyously love and praise God in return. But how do we accomplish that? We must live according to the Gospel, the good news Jesus taught – all of it, not some of it. We must love and forgive others as Jesus did – not just some people, but all people… friends, enemies, neighbors, strangers, immigrants… everyone!   This week's readings: Gospel – Luke 17: 11-19 1st Reading – 2 Kings 4: 14-17 Psalm 982nd Reading – 2 Timothy 2: 8-13 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:44) - Gospel & Explanation(00:13:55) - First Reading & Explanation(00:23:47) - Psalm & Explanation(00:28:09) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:44:19) - Closing & Credits

God offers us the gift of faith, but each of us must accept it. We must allow it to take root in our hearts and grow but that doesn’t mean that our faith needs to become an imposing monolith; Jesus reminds us that faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient. It’s not how much faith we have, it’s what God does with our faith that is crucial. God gives us the power, love, and self-control of his Holy Spirit. God gives us the faith and love of his Son, Jesus Christ. God, who is love, gives us everything we need. Our duty is to do what he commands, to love and serve him in faith. So, how do we hold fast to that simple duty?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 17: 5-101st Reading – Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2: 2-4Psalm 952nd Reading – 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:48) - Gospel & Explanation(00:11:50) - First Reading & Explanation(00:21:02) - Psalm & Explanation(00:26:42) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:38:12) - Closing & Credits

Jesus tells us another parable this week, the story of the rich man who had good things in this life but was tormented in the next and Lazarus who suffered in this life but received comfort in the next. When we separate ourselves from others here on earth – when we neglect the poor, the sick, and the needy – we create a deep chasm between them and us that will follow us into the afterlife. So, what do we want the next life to look like? Will we choose to suffer eternal torment because we’re too selfish to care for others? Or will we choose to be generous with the things we have and fill in any chasms that develop before it’s too late?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 16: 19-311st Reading – Amos 6: 1a, 4-7Psalm 1462nd Reading – 1 Timothy 6: 11-16 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:53) - Gospel & Explanation(00:21:07) - First Reading & Explanation(00:31:09) - Psalm & Explanation(00:32:49) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:44:01) - Closing & Credits

Jesus tells us we cannot pursue wealth and, at the same time, be his faithful disciples since our loyalties will be divided. He also tells us not to be consumed by the things of this world but rather use them to help the poor and the needy. If we are found faithful to Jesus amidst the things of this world, we will receive true riches in the kingdom of heaven. So, how do we accomplish that? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 16: 1-131st Reading – Amos 8: 4-7Psalm 1132nd Reading – 1 Timothy 2: 1-8 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:44) - Gospel & Explanation(00:20:37) - First Reading & Explanation(00:32:39) - Psalm & Explanation(00:36:07) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:52:55) - Closing & Credits

This year we have a rare Sunday occurrence of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and each of our readings sheds some light on the mystery of the Cross through which Jesus accomplished God’s plan for our salvation. God created us and the world in which we live out of love; when we sinned, he sent his Son to save us out of love. We may not deserve such great love, but God showers it upon us anyway and Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross is the ultimate proof. Our challenge is to love God in return, so how can we do that well enough?   This week's readings:Gospel – John 3: 13-171st Reading – Numbers 21: 4b-9Psalm 782nd Reading – Philippians 2: 6-11 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:44) - Explanation of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross(00:08:43) - Gospel & Explanation(00:14:45) - First Reading & Explanation(00:24:11) - Psalm & Explanation(00:26:51) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:37:37) - Closing & Credits

Jesus challenges us to love him more than anyone or anything else in our lives, even our own families. That is part of the cost of being his disciple, but only part! He also tells us that we must renounce all we have in order to pursue heavenly wisdom… and we must do it willingly, without compulsion, and of our own free will. That’s a tall order, but he promises us help in the form of the Holy Spirit. How can we turn down so great a gift?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 14: 25-331st Reading – Wisdom 9: 13-18bPsalm 902nd Reading – Philemon 9b-10, 12-17 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:44) - Gospel & Explanation(00:12:27) - First Reading & Explanation(00:23:19) - Psalm & Explanation(00:26:17) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:41:26) - Closing & Credits

In a parable, Jesus warns the Pharisees not to assume places of honor lest they be shamed when someone of greater import arrives for anyone who exalts himself will be humbled. The Scriptures remind us, repeatedly, that humility and meekness are qualities most to be valued, but the world tells us the opposite. How can we be expected to navigate such conflicting messages? How do we reconcile the demands of the world with the teachings of Jesus?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 14: 1, 7-141st Reading – Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29Psalm 682nd Reading – Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24 Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro & Prayer(00:01:32) - Gospel & Explanation(00:10:54) - First Reading & Explanation(00:19:18) - Psalm & Explanation(00:20:54) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:28:37) - Closing & Credits

The path of discipleship is difficult and requires unwavering commitment on our part. Jesus assures us that, along the way, we will be challenged, chastised, and disciplined. But if we are faithful, if we carry our own individual crosses, and if we strive to enter through the narrow gate we find before us, Jesus promises us a place in the kingdom. We may not be the first, we may not be the last, but we will be welcome as long as we are faithful. With everything that is before us, are we willing to help each other reach our homeland in heaven? This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 13: 22-301st Reading – Isaiah 66: 18-21Psalm 1172nd Reading – Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:00:05) - Closing & Credits(00:01:48) - Gospel & Explanation(00:19:37) - First Reading & Explanation(00:26:56) - Psalm & Explanation(00:28:08) - Second Reading & Explanation

Jesus tells us this week he came to bring division and cast fire upon the earth, but that runs counter to the gentle Savior we so often picture. That’s because we don’t rightly understand what Jesus means when he talks about fire. The fire Jesus means isn’t the destructive fire we might imagine… it's the fire of judgement, certainly, but it is also a fire that purifies us, that ignites our passions, that sparks positive change, and one that inspires us to make ourselves people and the world a better place. Isn’t that the type of fire we should all be willing to start?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 12: 49-531st Reading – Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10Psalm 402nd Reading – Hebrews 12: 1-4 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:40) - Gospel & Explanation(00:11:13) - First Reading & Explanation(00:21:26) - Psalm & Explanation(00:23:53) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:35:52) - Closing & Credits

Last week Jesus told us that worldly riches don’t ensure heavenly happiness; this week he tells us to store up treasure in heaven… for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. As citizens of the world, we are expected to behave in predictable ways and meet certain benchmarks: successful jobs, nice houses, good families, new cars, and the latest tech. But as followers of Jesus, we learn that something quite different is expected of us. We are told that we must be prepared at all times for the return of Jesus who will judge us not by worldly standards but by heavenly ones. If Jesus came tonight, would we be ready?   This week's readings:Gospel – Luke 12: 32-481st Reading – Wisdom 18: 6-9aPsalm 332nd Reading – Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:56) - Gospel & Explanation(00:23:43) - First Reading & Explanation(00:32:31) - Psalm & Explanation(00:36:42) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:56:15) - Closing & Credits