From His Word to Our Hearts

This week Jesus begins his public ministry in Capernaum, a small town on the Sea of Galilee, in order to fulfill yet another prophecy of Isaiah. It is there that Jesus preaches the same words used by the recently arrested John the Baptist – demonstrating the link between their two missions and ministries. It is the place where Jesus calls his first disciples, those who will be closest to him, those who will become his Inner Circle. Saint Paul tells us that there should be no dissensions or quarrels among the Christian community, that we should be united in mind and purpose… but we aren’t, are we? So, how do we change that? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 4: 12-231st Reading – Isaiah 9: 1-4Psalm 272nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:40) - Gospel & Explanation(00:19:15) - First Reading & Explanation(00:32:00) - Psalm & Explanation(00:37:41) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:49:25) - Closing & Credits

This week, as we return to Ordinary Time, we hear John the Baptist declare Jesus to be the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world. But have those words become just that – words that are often heard but not often believed? What do those words really mean to us – in our heart of hearts?  If we really have God as our strength, if we really believe that we should be a light to the world, why don’t we always act like that? Saint Paul reminds the people in Corinth, and by extension us as well, that we are all called to be saints. So, why aren’t we? This week's readings:Gospel – John 1: 29-341st Reading – Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6Psalm 402nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3 To see the images related to this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:12) - Gospel & Explanation(00:15:21) - First Reading & Explanation(00:29:01) - Psalm & Explanation(00:32:25) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:41:35) - Closing & Credits

Despite the fact that the rest of the world has already moved on, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is what really brings the Christmas season to a close! And Jesus’ Baptism should remind each one of us that we, too, belong to God – that we are chosen and beloved. It should remind us that every baptized person has the Spirit of God dwelling within us… even if we don’t always act that way! So, let’s change how we act! Let’s strive to be righteous, to be a light to the world, to bless the Lord at all times, and to do good. But how do we manage to do all of that? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 3: 13-171st Reading – Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7Psalm 292nd Reading – Acts 10: 34-38 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:21) - Gospel & Explanation(00:17:10) - First Reading & Explanation(00:28:41) - Psalm & Explanation(00:30:33) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:37:51) - Closing & Credits

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, the Olympics, 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 wouldn’t be as difficult as theirs, would we be willing to risk our homes, our safety, and our lives to search diligently for Jesus? And upon finding him, would we allow ourselves to be changed by the experience? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 2: 1-121st Reading – Isaiah 60: 1-6Psalm 722nd Reading – Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:55) - Gospel & Explanation(00:21:02) - First Reading & Explanation(00:31:33) - Psalm & Explanation(00:35:52) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:44:17) - Closing & Credits

Every year, we are reminded of the perfection of the Holy Family: Jesus is the Son of God, Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a model of faith and obedience… but despite their perfection, even the Holy Family faced adversity. Our families can’t match their holiness, but we can learn from their example! There are plenty of things that will make us better people, better married couples, better parents, and better children. So, what are those things and how do we become better? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 2: 13-15, 19-231st Reading – Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14Psalm 1282nd Reading – Colossians 3: 12-21 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:01:50) - Gospel & Explanation(00:16:23) - First Reading & Explanation(00:31:56) - Psalm & Explanation(00:34:05) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:54:25) - Closing & Credits

Merry Christmas! Today, the Savior is born and God’s peace has come to reign upon the earth! My wish for you is that your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, smiles, love, and happiness. The Christmas Gospels offer us many important lessons about the person of Jesus – who he is, what his heritage is, and how his birth came about. In the midst of our Christmas joy, we still need to ask ourselves who Jesus is to each one of us? Is he important to us beyond this day, this week, this season? And are we willing to take the time to get to know him better – to invite him into our hearts, our homes, and our lives? The Christmas Gospel for Mass During the Day: John 1: 1-18 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:24) - Information about the Gospels(00:04:10) - Gospel for Mass During the Day from John(00:06:56) - Gospel Explained(00:26:09) - Closing & Credits

Merry Christmas! Today, the Savior is born and God’s peace has come to reign upon the earth! My wish for you is that your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, smiles, love, and happiness. The Christmas Gospels offer us many important lessons about the person of Jesus – who he is, what his heritage is, and how his birth came about. In the midst of our Christmas joy, we still need to ask ourselves who Jesus is to each one of us? Is he important to us beyond this day, this week, this season? And are we willing to take the time to get to know him better – to invite him into our hearts, our homes, and our lives? The Christmas Gospel for Mass at Dawn:Luke 2: 15-20 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:20) - Information about the Gospels(00:04:07) - Mass at Dawn Gospel from Luke(00:05:07) - Gospel Explained(00:11:49) - Closing & Credits

Merry Christmas! Today, the Savior is born and God’s peace has come to reign upon the earth! My wish for you is that your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, smiles, love, and happiness. The Christmas Gospels offer us many important lessons about the person of Jesus – who he is, what his heritage is, and how his birth came about. In the midst of our Christmas joy, we still need to ask ourselves who Jesus is to each one of us? Is he important to us beyond this day, this week, this season? And are we willing to take the time to get to know him better – to invite him into our hearts, our homes, and our lives? The Christmas Gospel for Mass at Midnight:Luke 2: 1-14 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:11) - Information about the Gospels(00:03:55) - Gospel for Mass at Night from Luke(00:06:08) - Gospel Explained(00:14:30) - Closing & Credits

Merry Christmas! Today, the Savior is born and God’s peace has come to reign upon the earth! My wish for you is that your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, smiles, love, and happiness. The Christmas Gospels offer us many important lessons about the person of Jesus – who he is, what his heritage is, and how his birth came about. In the midst of our Christmas joy, we still need to ask ourselves who Jesus is to each one of us? Is he important to us beyond this day, this week, this season? And are we willing to take the time to get to know him better – to invite him into our hearts, our homes, and our lives? The Christmas Gospel for the Vigil:Matthew 1: 1-25 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:21) - Information about the Gospels(00:04:10) - Vigil Gospel from Matthew(00:08:31) - Purpose of the Genealogy(00:11:32) - Tamar Explained(00:13:25) - Rahab Explained(00:14:44) - Ruth Explained(00:17:56) - Uriah's Wife Explained(00:19:42) - Mary (briefly) Explained(00:20:50) - Genealogy Facts & Figures(00:23:30) - Nativity Explained(00:28:58) - Closing & Credits

On this final Sunday of Advent, we hear an angel tell Joseph, in a dream, that he should take Mary, his betrothed who is already pregnant with a son, into his home since this fulfills a prophecy in Scripture. The faith required to undertake that mission, in the stark light of day, is astounding. We, too, are just days away from welcoming that same Jesus into our divided world, but do we have the purity of heart to do so? Paul reminds us that we are all called to belong to Jesus… that we are all called to be saints… but are we willing? This week's readings:Gospel – Matthew 1: 18-241st Reading – Isaiah 7: 10-14Psalm 242nd Reading – Romans 1: 1-7 Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer(00:02:01) - Gospel & Explanation(00:12:49) - First Reading & Explanation(00:19:15) - Psalm & Explanation(00:21:33) - Second Reading & Explanation(00:32:43) - Closing & Credits

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