In this episode, Cathy Richard journeys through a gospel passage that moves from John the Baptist's arrest to Isaiah's prophecy of a great light piercing despair—and culminates in the instant, radical calling of the first disciples. Drawing on personal anecdotes (including a longing for Jesus' gaze and finding solace in creation), Cathy explores what it truly means to say "Thy will be done," to surrender our fears, and to let Christ's light shine through our acts of love, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. Join Cathy as she discovers how hope arises even in our darkest seasons—and how each of us is invited to become a beacon for others.

Pulling back the curtain on the podcast, Kristyn Russell turns our attention to one of the most overlooked—and most relatable—parts of Scripture: the Psalms. Through music, memory, and Psalm 40, we explore how praise and lament often live side by side, just like they do in our own hearts. From prayers that sound like “What the heck, God?” to quieter moments of gratitude, this homily reminds us that every honest prayer counts. The psalms don’t ask for polished performances or grand sacrifices; they invite us to listen, to love, and to live lives shaped by obedience and compassion. A reflection on hearing God’s voice, trusting the law written on our hearts, and responding with courage: “Here I am, Lord.”

Psalm Recommendations:

For Joy & Praise

• Psalm 100: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth."
• Psalm 103: Blesses the Lord for His forgiveness, healing, and love.
• Psalm 150: A crescendo of praise using all instruments.

For Hope & Trust

• Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd..."
• Psalm 62: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."

For Fear & Anxiety

• Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
• Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

For Grief & Distress

• Psalm 6: "Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony."
• Psalm 13: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"

For Anger & Outrage

• Psalm 137: Expresses righteous anger and longing for justice.
• Psalm 4:4: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."

For Loneliness & Abandonment

• Psalm 142: A cry for refuge when no one cares.

For Confession & Repentance

• Psalm 51: A classic prayer for mercy and cleansing.
• Psalm 130:

From rustic camping trips and the long-awaited relief of a hot shower to the sacred waters of the Jordan River, Christy Granda draws a vivid connection between physical cleansing and spiritual transformation. As Jesus enters the waters of baptism—not out of need, but out of love—he transforms ordinary water into a vessel of the Holy Spirit. This reflection invites us to remember our own baptism, to hear God’s voice calling us beloved, and to recognize how deeply we have been washed, renewed, and claimed in Christ. A powerful reminder that baptism is not just a moment from our past, but a living source of grace meant to flow into the world through us.

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Christy was born and raised in Bay City. She met her husband on a blind date and they worked briefly together at Dow when she was a co-op and he was a contractor. Soon after that their work paths diverged as she finished her degree in Elementary Special Education and he continued as a graphic designer. She worked as a Special Education teacher for 32 years before retiring and immediately jumped into her new role as Adult Faith Formation Coordinator. When asked about the differences between working with adults and children she might reply "so far, nobody has tried to kick, bite or scream at me." She and her husband have two adult children and have been members of Blessed Sacrament for the past 20 plus years.