Episode 334: Ascension is Not Absence

Episode 337: Hold Nothing Back

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Receiving Holy Communion is not a reward for good people, but food for pilgrims on the journey. Why does it seem like some people are changed and others are not at Mass? One word...receptivity.  When people come to Mass, we can come out of sheer obligation, habit, we can come with distractions, and closed hearts. Yet, in celebrating the great feast of the bread of heaven, God invites us to come hungry. When our heart is open to God we never leave...unchanged. Scripture Readings for June 7, 2026 Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 1 Corinthians 10:16-17  John 6:51-58

Episode 336: Magnificent Humanity

Holy Trinity Sunday Pope Leo XIV's prophetic encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, writes about the gift of the human person and the spiritual battles of the interior life and relationships that will continue to arise as a result of the influence of artificial intelligence.  The more artificial the world becomes, the more radiant authentic holiness may appear. Every human heart longs for three things: to be known, to be loved, and to be seen. In an artificial age, the most convincing witness may simply be a deeply alive human being.  Scripture Readings for May 31, 2026 Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 Daniel 3:52-56 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 John 3:16-18

Episode 335: Seeing A New World

Pentecost Sunday There are two themes we see in the accounts of the Resurrected Lord: He shows us His wounds while also offering us peace. Depending on how we view our ungodly self-reliance, we have the opportunity to not only experience God's mercy and love, but we are also able to offer the same to others. Shalom...Shalom. Scripture Readings for Sunday May 24 ,2026 Acts 2:1-11 Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34   1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23

Episode 334: Ascension is Not Absence

The Ascension of the Lord In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus' final words before His glorious Ascension into heaven: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations."  Though this was part of God's plan, there is a tempting belief that Jesus has now abandoned us. Think about our prayer lives. The times we are most distracted and experience deafening silence for long periods of time, this lie is reinforced.  Notice, Jesus is not saying "Good luck." But "Behold I am with you always, until the end of the age. Jesus ascended into glory, yet He give us the hope and courage to follow Him wherever that may lead. Scripture Readings for May 17, 2026 Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20

Episode 333: Saints in Training

Fifth Sunday in Easter God does not work with finished projects. Rather, He builds them. Like a construction site, which is messy, loud, unfinished, yet purposeful. So too, is the Church in the world today. St. Peter reminds you and I that we are living stones being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.  The only place we find real life is in Jesus Christ. Where are you in this journey? Are you resisting Jesus either subtly or intentionally? Our foundation is built upon a personal relationship rooted in Jesus Christ, loving concretely, and serving wherever our lives may take us.  Scripture Readings for May 3, 2026 Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12