Gospel of John 20:19-31 On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.”When he had said this, he showed them his hands and...
Easter Sunday Gospel Reflection
Gospel Of John 20:1-9 On the first day of the week,Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning,while it was still dark,and saw the stone removed from the tomb.So she ran and went to Simon Peterand to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,“They...
5 Reasons To Read The Word Of God Daily
The Bible has undergone something of a revival in recent years. The Canadian psychologist, Jordan Peterson, drew global appeal with his lengthy YouTube commentaries on the book of Genesis. Fr. Mike Schmitz’s ‘Bible in a Year’ podcast maintained over 400,000 daily...
The Importance Of A Name | Gospel Reflection
Gospel of John 7:40-53 Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said,“This is truly the Prophet.”Others said, “This is the Christ.”But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he?Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s...
Life Is Full Of Unexpected Changes…Here’s How To Respond | Gospel Reflection
Gospel of Luke 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,mhe was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.Getting into one of...
What Do Catholics Need To Know About Reading The Bible?
What is the Bible? What is the Bible? Where did it come from? The Bible is not one book. It is a library. It is 73 books consisting of various literary genres. There is history, romance, poetry, inspiration, drama, and so much more. In every single page, we believe...
What We Can Learn From How Jesus Handled Rejection
Gospel of Luke 4:21-30 Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying:“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of...
The Body Of Christ Suffers When We Choose To Compare | Sunday Reflection January 23, 2022
1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Brothers and sisters:As a body is one though it has many parts,and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,so also Christ.For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,whether Jews or...
What An Unnecessary Miracle Can Teach Us About God’s Love | Gospel Reflection For January 16, 2022
The Gospel Of John 2:1-12 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. And they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the feast had...
During This Election Pursue The Truth Without Hate
“Foil” is an odd word. Readers probably understand “foil” as shiny thin wrap used for freezing meat, but it actually has many definitions. “Foil” may refer to one character in a story serving as contrast for another. “Foil” can also refer to a light sword used in...
Hallow Plus GIVEAWAY! Enter Here
You're going to be hearing a lot about Hallow over the next few weeks. We've just launched a partnership with this revolutionary Catholic prayer and meditation app and we're so excited to share how we've been growing spiritually because of it with you. Katie and Drew...
Do You Recognize The Voice Of The Good Shepherd?
Sometimes I think Jesus gives us too much credit. This past Sunday's Gospel reading, on what is often known as Good Shepherd Sunday, makes what I consider a big assumption. ". . . [T]he sheep follow [the shepherd], because they recognize his voice. But they will not...
Liturgy Live 3rd Sunday In Lent | Reveal The Well
This week on the podcast we talk about how Moses was able to be real with God. He prayed in a way that showed his frustration with the people of Israel. The people knew what they needed but they didn't ask God for it. In the Gospel we talk about the woman at the well,...
7 Free Resources To Help Kids Understand The Gospel
Ever go to Mass and walk away totally confused? It happens sometimes. There are Sundays when we just don't understand the point the readings are trying to illustrate or when the priest gives a homily that is difficult to follow. If this is a struggle for us as adults,...
What Faith Looks Like | Liturgy Live 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
This week on the podcast we talk about remembering the faith of the Patriarchs of Salvation History. The faith of Moses, and the Israelites when they faced Passover. In the second reading we talk about the faith of Abraham, in his waiting for the promises and his...
Fast! | Liturgy Live 1st Sunday Of Lent
This week on the podcast we talk about the lenten practice of fasting. Fr Ian is fired up! The whole point of fasting during lent is to get our flesh in line with our spirit, since "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". To fast from good things for a time...
When You Can’t See Past Your Own Hunger, It’s Hard To See Jesus
“They say that one who is satiated cannot understand someone who is hungry; to that, I would add that one hungry person does not understand another hungry person.” - Dostoevsky Every one of us hungers. Every one of us seeks for something that will nourish us. We...
What To Do When Your Choice Means Disappointing Someone | Gospel Reflection
“Life is always a triumph of the improbable and a miracle of the unexpected.” - Henri de Lubac Making a decision is never easy. But it is even harder when we have to decide between two good things. Choosing which has priority is not always clear-cut. Feelings of...
Why Couldn’t They Hear Jesus? The Answer May Surprise You
When my mother notices that I’m trying to hide something from her or that I’m trying, good-naturedly, to tease her, she always reminds me quite colorfully that she is the one who made me! She knows me so well that she perceives my mood from the tone of my voice....
What To Do When You Don’t Have The Strength To Go On I Catholic Bible Study
Gospel Reflection for Mark (5:21-43) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he...
What is in a name? Nativity of St John the Baptist | Liturgy Live
Fr Ian VanHeusen and Alanna Burg talk about the readings for The Nativity of St John the Baptist. Questions for reflection. Do you think that names can have a hand in your destiny? What would draw you to someone? What type of magnetism would you respond to? Are you...
How God Still Fulfills His Promises To Us Even When We Feel Useless And Hopeless
Catholic Bible Study for the Solemnity of the birth of Saint John the Baptist: Our lives are made of broken promises, promises that we make to ourselves and are unable to keep. And yet, somehow, these promises help us live because they spur us on and give us a goal....
How Much Are You Worth? The Unconscious Commerce Of The Heart
“We love only that which is beautiful.” ~ Augustine Freedom has a price, but does love? How much does love cost? Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Joseph, in the book of Genesis, was sold into slavery by his brothers. And Orpheus had to make a bargain with...
5 Gifts Of Living With A Clear Conscience | Lenten Spiritual Exercises
Fr. Ian VanHeusen presents a gospel reflection and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Mark 9:2-10, the account of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Throughout the Lenten season, Father encourages us to invest in prayer of...
Uncontainable Joy & Keeping Secrets: 3 Thought Experiments
Father Ian VanHeusen presents a Catholic Bible Study and spiritual exercise on the Gospel reading from Mark 1:40-45, when Jesus cleanses the leper and His reputation for miracles and wonders begins to spread near and far. We invite you to watch Father's video, then...