We always hear of the Temptation of Jesus in the Desert on the First Sunday of Lent. We hear that the devil challenges Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and even quotes Scripture to do so. Jesus, however, knows his destiny and is not deterred. Through Adam – the first man – sin and death came into the world; through Jesus – the new Adam – obedience to the Father’s will brings abundant grace and the free gift of righteousness. Each day we are tempted and our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God is challenged. Unfortunately, we don’t often resist our temptations, nor do we reaffirm our identity as children of God through obedience. The season of Lent invites us to examine our choices, repent for the sins we have committed, and live as God’s beloved children. So, let’s get started!

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 4: 1-11
1st Reading – Genesis 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7
Psalm 51
2nd Reading – Romans 5: 12-19

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:05) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:14:52) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:32:40) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:35:15) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:51:36) - Closing & Credits

Happy Ninth Anniversary in the current building of Saint Pius X Catholic Church! Our parish is actually quite a bit older… we began by gathering at a humble farm and have since constructed three church buildings and a school. Each year we are invited to recall our rich history, our deep connections to the University of Notre Dame, celebrate the growth we have already achieved, and continue looking toward the future. As a vibrant and faith-filled Christian community, how do we both honor the rock upon which we are built and, at the same time, continue to learn, grow, and become better?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 16: 13-19
1st Reading – Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12
Psalm 122
2nd Reading – Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:39) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:21:24) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:29:49) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:32:40) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:42:49) - Closing & Credits

Jesus tells his disciples he has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it! By that he means, it is no longer enough that we don’t kill each other – now we must avoid anger; it is no longer sufficient to avoid adultery – we must now look with respect on everyone; we must not swear falsely; and our speech must be honest and true. Jesus is redefining evil and setting a higher standard for what is good. Saint Paul tells us that we cannot possibly imagine what God has prepared for us in the kingdom of heaven, but to reach that reward we must love God. And to truly love God, we must love each other. A song once said: What the world needs now is love, not just for some but for everyone… in our divided world, is there enough love left for everyone?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 5: 17-37
1st Reading – Sirach 15: 15-20
Psalm 119
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:56) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:29:41) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:38:40) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:41:00) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:50:55) - Closing & Credits

Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount saying that we are salt and light, and that our good works bring glory to God. Isaiah also tells us that we must do good rather than evil so that our light shines like the dawn. The Psalm tells us that the light of those who are upright shines in the darkness. And Paul reminds us that our faith relies not on human wisdom but on the power of God. If we are called to do good and be light, why is there so much darkness in the world?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 5: 13-16
1st Reading – Isaiah 58: 7-10
Psalm 112
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:01:47) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:13:09) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:28:27) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:31:11) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:40:12) - Closing & Credits

Seeing the crowds that are following him, Jesus ascends the Mount of the Beatitudes and begins to teach his followers a new way to look at life, blessings, and what it means to be his disciple. It’s not about riches, or strength, or wisdom – it’s about being poor in spirit, being meek and humble, being reviled, persecuted, and foolish in the eyes of the world. These words are spoken to us as modern followers of Jesus and they are, perhaps, much more important now than they were when they were first spoken. Each and every Christian needs to hear and internalize these words today! But this message is the opposite of what society tells us, what politicians and internet influencers tell us, and often what our friends and family tell us. So, how do we turn down the world and listen to the quiet voice of Jesus?

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 5: 1-12a
1st Reading – Zephaniah 2: 3a; 3: 12-13
Psalm 146
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31

• (00:00:00) - Introduction & Prayer
• (00:02:02) - Gospel & Explanation
• (00:26:17) - First Reading & Explanation
• (00:35:31) - Psalm & Explanation
• (00:38:00) - Second Reading & Explanation
• (00:53:33) - Closing & Credits

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: 12-23
1st Reading – Isaiah 9: 1-4
Psalm 27
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17

• (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: 29-34
1st Reading – Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6
Psalm 40
2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3

To see the images related to this week's episode, follow me on Instagram as @fromhiswordtoourhearts.

• (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: 13-17
1st Reading – Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7
Psalm 29
2nd Reading – Acts 10: 34-38

• (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