Light Reading - A Catholic Podcast

February 15, 2026- Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Rooting Out Sin

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Lectionary 76): Jesus Calls Us Beyond the Letter of the Law This episode of Light Reading, a weekly Catholic podcast, proclaims the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time readings (Lectionary 76): Sirach on choosing life by keeping God’s commandments, Psalm 119 on the blessing of following the Lord’s law, 1 Corinthians on God’s hidden wisdom revealed through the Spirit, and Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus fulfills the law and calls disciples to deeper righteousness—reconciliation over anger, purity of heart over lust, fidelity in marriage, and integrity without oaths. The Bradley reflects on standards from his time at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland—being formed as “men for others”—to illustrate Jesus’ invitation to go beyond rule-keeping to the root of sin and personal right relationship. The episode concludes with an invitation to enter Lent focused on purification, rooting out sin, and practical spiritual commitments that help remove obstacles to knowing and seeing God in others, in Scripture, and in the sacraments. 00:00 Welcome to Light Reading + This Week’s Lectionary (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time) 00:27 First Reading (Sirach): Choosing Life, Keeping the Commandments 01:38 Responsorial Psalm 119: “Blessed Are They Who Follow the Law of the Lord” 02:56 Second Reading (1 Corinthians): God’s Hidden Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit 04:26 Gospel Proclamation (Matthew): Jesus Fulfills the Law 08:04 Homily Story: High School Standards vs. Just “Following the Rulebook” 12:30 Jesus Raises the Bar: Anger, Reconciliation, and the Domino Effect of Sin 15:02 Going to the Root: Lust, Integrity, and Letting Your “Yes” Be Yes 16:54 Lent Takeaways: Purification, Practices, and Seeing God with a Pure Heart

February 8, 2026 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Light of the World, Saints, and Adoration

Reflecting God's Light: Understanding the Call to Shine in the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time In this episode of Light Reading, we delve into the scriptures for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, exploring the importance of sharing God's light with the world. We read passages from the Book of Isaiah, Psalm 112, St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, and the Gospel of Matthew. Highlighting the significance of saints and their role as visible witnesses to God's love, we discuss how the faithful can follow their example. The episode also touches on the traditions surrounding All Saints Day and the power of the Hail Mary prayer. As we approach Lent, listeners are encouraged to spend time in adoration, allowing God's light to shine upon them and inspire their actions. 00:00 Introduction to Light Reading Podcast 00:27 First Reading: The Book of Isaiah 01:36 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112 02:43 Second Reading: First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 03:36 Gospel Acclamation and Reading 04:51 Reflection on Saints and Feast Days 05:46 The Role of Saints in Our Lives 08:42 Honoring Mary, the Greatest of Saints 11:03 Preparing for Lent: Embracing the Light of God

February 1, 2026 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Beatitudes

Understanding the Beatitudes: A Deep Dive   In this episode of Light Reading, a weekly Catholic podcast, we explore the readings for the fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The episode starts with a reading from the Book of Zephaniah, urging the faithful to seek justice and humility. The focus then shifts to Psalm 146, celebrating the Lord's faithfulness and justice for the oppressed.  We also delve into the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, highlighting God's preference for the humble and the foolish of the world. The core of the episode is a detailed discussion of the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus introduces a new way of life and spiritual fulfillment through blessings. The speaker draws parallels between the instructional methods of Jesus and personal experiences as a middle school math teacher, emphasizing the transformative power of the Beatitudes. The episode concludes with a call to strive for the kingdom of heaven and to appreciate Jesus' teachings and love. 00:00 Introduction to Light Reading Podcast 00:27 First Reading: The Book of Zephaniah 01:28 Psalm 146: Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit 02:35 Second Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians 03:58 Gospel Reading: The Beatitudes According to Matthew 05:24 Personal Reflection: Teaching Middle School Math 07:48 Connecting the Beatitudes to Everyday Life 18:16 Conclusion: Embracing the Teachings of Jesus

January, 25, 2026 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Calling of the First Disciples Reflection

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Answering Jesus’ Call In this episode of Light Reading, a weekly Catholic podcast, we delve deeply into the readings for the third Sunday in Ordinary Time from Lectionary 67. We explore passages from the book of Isaiah, Psalm 27, and the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, all focusing on themes of unity, salvation, and divine calling. The episode also includes an insightful discussion on Jesus' timely invitation to Simon Peter and other apostles to follow him, drawing parallels to how we too are called to follow God's will in our daily lives.  This spiritual reflection encourages us to meditate on the word of God and respond to His call with courage and faith. Tune in for a blend of scripture, spiritual insights, and practical advice on growing your faith. 00:00 Introduction to Light Reading Podcast 00:28 First Reading: Prophet Isaiah 01:38 Psalm 27: The Lord is My Light 02:40 Second Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians 04:06 Gospel Reading: According to Matthew 06:02 Personal Story: Growing a YouTube Channel 09:43 Connecting the Gospel to Modern Life 13:22 Conclusion and Weekly Prayer

January 18, 2026 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Spilled Coffee

Finding God's Will: Deepening Your Faith through Scripture  In this weekly episode of Light Reading, a Catholic podcast, we explore the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Delve into a passage from the book of Isaiah, reflect on Psalm 40, and listen to readings from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians and the Gospel of St. John. The episode includes a personal story about dealing with life's messes and highlights the significance of Jesus Christ in cleansing our spiritual stains, likened to a deep clean beyond ordinary fixes.  Emphasizing the importance of holiness and being set apart for God, the podcast encourages listeners to say 'yes' to God's will and become His true servants.  00:00 Introduction to Light Reading Podcast 00:27 First Reading: The Book of Isaiah 01:23 Psalm 40: Here Am I, Lord 02:21 Second Reading: First Letter to the Corinthians 03:26 Gospel Reading: According to St. John 04:34 Personal Story: Morning Chaos 08:10 Reflection: Messes and Forgiveness 11:34 Conclusion: Embracing Holiness