Cup o' Joe

Readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Job 38:1, 8-11;  Mark 4:35-41With apologies to Jim Morrison and The Doors, I've got to borrow the title.  Jesus invites his followers to leave one side behind, get in a boat and travel to someplace new - on the other side.  But what happens, as so often does, is that we experience storms, upheaval, fear along the way.  What do our readings ask of us today when we find ourselves in not altogether dissimilar places?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to walk with me on this journey of opening God's Word and opening our lives for it to take root.  Have a question or a comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Ezekiel 17:22-24;  Mark 4:26-34Today we hear three separate parables - one from Ezekiel and two from Jesus.  All remind us how God continues to work on our behalf, often without any knowledge or help from us.  God not only goes before us to prepare the way, but God fans to flame the seed within us that is the Holy Spirit, inviting it to grow though we know not how.  These readings invite us to take a load off of our shoulders and simply be grateful to God for the work God continues to do in our lives and in the world.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to break open God's Word alongside of me.  I'm humbled and grateful.  Have a question or comment?  Feel free to send it my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Genesis 3:9-15;  Mark 3:20-35We talk about two things today (sorry - at length!  I know, I have to get these pods back down towards 20 minutes!  It's on my radar): how we are back in Ordinary Time and exactly what that means for us and 2) the story of the fall of humanity and how that is not just something set in the past.  It's played out today in the decisions you and I make.  We can choose to be a part of the family, or we can choose to isolate ourselves and hide.  The choice seems obvious, but is so difficult. Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to listen and share this podcast with others.  I'm humbled.  If you have questions or comments, you can send them to me at [email protected].  Blessings, my friends!

Readings for the Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ: Exodus 24: 3-8; Mark 14:12-16; 22-26On this feast, we recall not only the words of Jesus, but the words of Moses - and what that sacrifice demands of us.  We are not mere observers of God's action.  We participate.  And that is wonderful and scary.  We are meant to be taken, blessed, broken and shared.  Or in other words, we are meant to be shed.  It is not only Christ on the altar every Mass, it is us.  That's what we say Amen to every weekend.  That's the renewal of our marriage vows.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And special thanks to all of you who continue to listen and share this podcast with others.  I'm humbled and grateful.  Have a question or comment?  Feel free to pass them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Trinity - Deuteronomy 4:32-34; 39-40; Matthew 28:16-20Brothers and sisters, no matter how hard we try, we will never wrap our minds around the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.  And that's ok.  God didn't make us to do that.  But that doesn't mean that we don't experience it's reality in our midst everyday.  And it also doesn't mean that we can't grasp that it is profoundly for us.  Every one of us has experienced the Presence and Reality of God.  All we need to do is remember that.  And celebrate that.  And speak about that.  Because that is the God who created us, redeemed us and continues to walk beside us, even here, even now.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to break open God's Word alongside of me.  I'm grateful for your presence and your trust.  Enjoy the podcast?  Share it with a friend and/or rate it on your favorite listening app.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected].  And oh yeah, Go Wolves!

Readings for the Feast of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-11;  John 20:19-23This weekend, we celebrate one of the high feast days of the Church - the coming of the Spirit to the early Christian gathering.  How did the Spirit come?  Well, through a strong driving wind in an upper room, of course.  We hear that in Acts.  Or was it through the breath and forgiveness of Jesus that Easter Sunday night?  Which one is true?  Of course the answer is both.  But as always, we don't merely celebrate an event that took place 2,000 years ago.  We celebrate an event that continues to take place here and now within and among us.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for continuing to break open God's Word alongside me.  I am humbled and honored.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected].  Happy celebration of the presence of the Spirit!

Readings for the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus: Acts 1:1-11;  Mark 16:15-20We hear two different accounts of the ascension of Jesus in today's readings - one from Luke, one from Mark.  And while there may be differences between them, both point to the same idea:  Jesus trusts you and I.  We have been prepared.  The mission and ministry is now in our hands.  Are we ready for such responsibility?  If our anxiety raises even at the thought, know that you are in good company.  I'm sure the disciples felt the same.  Will there be mistakes along the way?  Most certainly.  But that's the best way to learn, isn't it?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you - for listening to this podcast and continuing to share it with others.  I am humbled and grateful.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 6th Sunday in Easter - Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48;  I John 4:7-10;  John 15:9-17All three readings are too good to set one aside - and a common thread runs through all three.  What, exactly, does love look like?  The answer, particularly in the first reading, will surprise you.  And if it doesn't, I'm not sure I did a good job explaining it...Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to all of you for continuing to listen and break open God's Word with me.  I'm humbled and honored.  If you have a question or a comment, shoot it my way at [email protected].  And pass the pod on to a friend!

Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - Acts 9:26-31;  John 15:1-8The further we get from Easter, the less "Eastery" our readings sound.  Today we hear of Paul attempting to find his footing in Jerusalem among the apostles and Jesus speaking to us of grapes and vines and fruit that will remain.  But what does this have to do w/ the celebration of Easter?  What lessons are we to take?  It means that new life is not found just among the tombs of Jerusalem.  It's found in our daily walk and work, the unseen growth we experience, and the courage of those around us.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thanks to all of you for breaking open God's Word alongside of me.  If this is a podcast that has touched you, I invite you to rate it on your favorite listening app or share it with a friend.  Have a question or a comment?  I can be reached at [email protected] 

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter - Acts 4:8-12;  John 10:11-18Peter follows closely in the footsteps of Jesus in our readings today - both through his actions and then as fearlessly speaking the truth to power.  But what he reminds the leaders of Israel is also good for us to recall - that in the economy of God, nothing is useless.  There is nothing that need be thrown away.  God can and will use it all - including those things about ourselves of which we are most ashamed and we most try to hide.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to break open God's Word with me.  I'm humbled and honored.  Question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter - Acts 3:13-15, 17-19  Luke 24:35-48Special Guest, Eileen Piper (VP of Life Long Missions at FOCUS Ministries) joins Joe to help break open to Scriptures for this Third Sunday of Easter.  Within we hear how nothing can keep us from the love and forgiveness of our God.  Acts puts those words into Peter's mouth, while the Gospel shows us what forgiveness looks like on Easter Sunday evening.  Is there something troubling you?  Do you feel imprisoned in fear?  Do not be afraid.  For there is no where you can go to outrun the forgiveness, love and mercy of our God.Special thanks to Eileen Piper for joining in this podcast, as well as to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to you for continuing to break open God's Word alongside of me.  May it bring you peace and hope.  Do you have a question or comment?  Feel free to email me at [email protected].  

Readings for the Feast of Divine Mercy - Acts 4:32-35;  John 20:19-31On this Second Sunday of Easter, we focus on the Divine Mercy of our God.  What, exactly, does that Divine Mercy look like?  It looks like peace in the midst of our fear and doubt and hurt and despair and darkness.  Christ enters into our spaces, our tombs, not because we deserve it but because God's life and God's grace are bigger.  And thankfully, there is no wall too high or door too locked to keep the presence and peace of God away.  That is worth celebrating.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to listen and share this podcast with others.  I'm so humbled and grateful.  May the peace of God break into your hearts and lives this day!  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings from the Easter Vigil of Holy Saturday - Romans 6:3-11;  Mark 16:1-7Easter stands out from the rest of the Church's liturgical year as the high point.  And while it may stand out, it does not stand apart.  Easter walks hand in hand with Good Friday.  And so it's only appropriate that the readings we hear this day are from Holy Saturday - that place where Good Friday and Easter Sunday meet.  And that ground where they meet?  We know it well.  We stand there every day.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for trusting me enough to continue to listen and share this podcast with others.  I'm humbled and honored.  By rating the podcast on your favorite listening app and sharing it with friends, we continue to grow.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected].  Blessed Easter, my friends!

Readings for Passion (Palm) Sunday - Isaiah 50:4-7;  Philippians 2:6-11;  Mark 11:1-10The readings carry the power today, as we enter into this holiest of weeks.  And so because of that, we hear all three.  What do they have to say to us today, all these years later?  And what can we carry with us this week to ponder as we walk alongside Jesus?  Two main focuses this pod - humility and death.  Both present then and both needed now.  Sometimes.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to all of you who listen and share this podcast with friends/family.  I'm humbled at your trust and presence.  May your walk w/ our Lord this week be one of trust, growth and joy.  Questions or comments?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings from the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jeremiah 31:31-34;  John 12:20-33I know, I know - I'm not getting any shorter, and I promised you quicker podcasts.  You may have to get me to put that in writing.  But these readings are too good to leave at a surface level.  And they have much to say to us about Lent.  My friends, if this Lent has not been all you've hoped for, we still have 14 days left.  Let these readings guide these last two weeks - into people who listen well to the Law within and to allow ourselves to die to our individual and collective agendas.  Why?  So that others may live.  Death is not a virtue.  Dying so that others may live is.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to helping this podcast be heard around the world.  I am humbled and grateful.  If it speaks to you, please pass it along to someone you think would enjoy it as well or rate it on your favorite app.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) - 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23;  John 3:14-21Our readings directly name two incidents and Jesus alludes to a third where the darkness present seemed insurmountable.  But in each case, God shows up in a unique, surprising and unexpected way - reminding us that there is nothing that God cannot redeem and make good.  We have reached the halfway point of our Lenten journey, which may involve sacrifice and hardship.  These readings take purposely take time out to remind us that our God walks with us right here and right now, even in the midst of our struggles.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to all of you for continuing to share this podcast and helping it to grow.  If you like it, pass it along to someone you think would also benefit from hearing God's Word.  Or rate it on your favorite listening app.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the Third Sunday in Lent - Exodus 20:1-17;  John 2:13-25The readings we hear today are long, but they are packed.  In the first reading, Moses gives the Law to the Hebrew people - the 10 Commandments.  And while it can be easy to think of all as equal (and perhaps they are), I think one, maybe two, rise above the others.  And one of these may surprise you.  Our Gospel focuses on Jesus and his actions when there seems to be little difference between what He sees inside the Temple and outside.  And it's not a pretty sight.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to listen and help this podcast grow!  I'm humbled.  If you like it, share it with a friend or consider rating it on your favorite listening app.  It helps others be able to find it as well.  Have a comment or question?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the Second Sunday in Lent - Romans 8:31b-34;  Mark 9:2-10Every First Sunday of Lent, we hear the same story - Jesus in the desert.  The same is true for the Second Sunday of Lent where we hear the story of the Transfiguration.  Today we get Mark's version.  But in truth, it's pretty similar to Matthew and Luke.  Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain where his clothes turn dazzling white and suddenly, Elijah and Moses appear.  But something that also happens in all three is this: Peter puts his foot in his mouth, and a great cloud comes over the disciples filling them with fear.  We may not have ever seen Jesus, Elijah and Moses.  But I suspect that we have each played the part of Peter all too often.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for continuing to help share and grow this podcast so more and more people can find it!  I'm humbled and grateful.  Have a question or comment?  Feel free to reach out at [email protected]

Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent - Mark 1:12-15Jesus, having just been baptized in the Jordan River, is driven by the Spirit into the desert, to spend 40 days attempting to discern what it means to be the Beloved Son and what that calls Him to.  And so we enter this same period - 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  40 days set aside to listen to the same Spirit, driving us and moving us in that same mission.  But do we allow ourselves the silence to be able to hear?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for breaking open God's Word along with me.  I'm humbled and honored.  If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment and rate it on your favorite listening app.  It helps others find it as well.  Have a comment or question?  I can be reached at [email protected]

My apologies for the glitch that caused this to be loaded 36 hours later than usual!Readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Lev 13:1-2; 44-46;  Mark 1:40-45Our readings tie together very easily this weekend, focusing in on the purity laws of Leviticus, specifically dealing with leprosy.  Yet in the Gospels, Jesus doesn't stay distant.  Instead, Jesus touches the leper and heals him.  But is the skin disease all that needs to be cleansed within this situation?  And if there is more, exactly what is it?  And finally - where is leprosy within our culture and location?  Answer - its' closer than you think.Special thanks to Bridget Zek for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to all of you for rating and sharing this podcast.  The podcast continues to be heard around the world and that all because of you.  I'm humbled.  Have a question or comment?  Send them my way at [email protected]  

Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Job 7:1-4, 6-7;  Mark 1:29-39Is not humanity's life on earth a drudgery?  So begins our first reading out of the Book of Job this week.  And it doesn't really lighten up from there.  We hear of Job questioning the meaning of life and the presence of suffering in the world.  And while we may not live at that level very often, we do visit from time to time.  Suffering is present in the world and no amount of wealth or fame or skills can keep it away.  Suffering is a reality in life.  So what does Job, and perhaps more importantly, what does Jesus have to teach us about suffering in our readings this week?  Special thank you to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for opening the Word of God along w/ me.  I'm honored.  If you like the show and it's made a difference in your faith life, please rate it on your favorite listening app or pass it along to a friend.  Question?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Deuteronomy 18:15-20;  Mark 1:21-28The first reading today speaks of how God will raise up a prophet from within their "own kin" to lead the people - and points directly at Jesus in our Gospel today, who speaks and acts with authority.  So if our readings all speak about Jesus and his role, what do they have to say to us?  Only this - that we, too, are invited to live prophetically and speak and live with authority.  But just how do we do that?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to all of you for continuing to listen and to rate/share this podcast with others.  I'm grateful for your accompaniment and support!  Questions or comments?  You can send them to me at [email protected]

Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jonah 3:1-5, 10;  Mark 1:14-20We pick up today where we left off last week - God's invitation and humanity's response.  Today, we hear about Jesus at the beginning of His ministry inviting those around Him to reprioritize their lives.  Rethink who they are and what they are about.  And in doing so, what does that invite us to leave behind and what does that invite us to move toward.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to all of you for your continued presence.  If you like the podcast, share it with someone you think will benefit.  Or rate it on your favorite listening app.  Have a question or comment?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19;  John 1:35-42Second Sunday in Ordinary Time?  What happened to the First Sunday?  No time for that nonsense - we are off and running.  Jesus has been baptized and he is about the work of the Kingdom.  First item of business?  Gather those interested in helping him with that task.  Will you hear?  And how will you answer?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks to all of you for continuing to listen and to spread the word of this podcast!  I'm so grateful.  Questions?  Comments?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord - Isaiah 60:1-6;  Matthew 2:1-12On this feast when we hear of the Magi following the light of a star, we hear Isaiah remind us that darkness continues to cover the earth and thick clouds cover the peoples.  This reading, which was written over 2500 years ago, continues to ring true today.  Yet light shines all around us, if we have but the eyes of the Magi to see.  Today we thank God for those lights in our lives and we also say yes to the idea that we, too, carry this light.  I also take time to unpack Pope Francis's document that he dropped five days before Christmas - Fiducia supplicans - and do my best to tie it into the feast we celebrate.  This is a longer pod today - thanks for staying with me.  I owe you a shorter one next week!Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thanks to all of you for continuing to listen and to share this podcast with others.  We continue to grow - and I'm so grateful.  Blessed Epiphany to you all!  Questions?  Comments?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family - Col 3:12-17,  Luke 2:22-40On this Feast of the Holy Family, we remind ourselves of two things:  1) this is not the Feast of the Perfect Family, but rather the Feast of the Holy Family.  And in reminding ourselves of that, we look into what holiness is.  And 2) we remember that faith is not certainty.  Faith is walking in the midst of the fog and taking the next right step, as best we can foresee.  That's what makes it faith.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks to all of you for helping spread the word on this podcast.  We are getting plays all over the world - thanks for helping make that happen!  Merry Christmas to you all!  Questions or comments?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the Mass at Night, Christmas - Isaiah 9:1-6;  Luke 2:1-14Sorry, 4th Sunday of Advent.  You were given the boot in favor of some of the best readings of the year that come later that night.  This week, we carefully and slowly read through two of the most beautiful readings you will ever hear about God's love and desire to be close to us.  Do not be afraid.  Allow them to soak in.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to all you listeners who continue to break open God's Word with me.  I'm humbled and grateful.  If you enjoy it, please rate the podcast on whatever platform you listen.  That will help other listeners find the pod.  Questions or comments?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Advent - Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11;  John 1:6-8, 19-28As we draw nearing to the time of The Coming, we turn our focus on ways we can further open ourselves to allow Christ to be born within our hearts and within our worlds.  We also hear John the Baptist confronted by the religious leaders of his day, asking him to answer two questions that are essential in the life of every follower of Jesus.  And how you and I answer them is of the utmost importance.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  Also - thank you to you for joining me in breaking open God's Word.  If you like the podcast, consider passing it along to someone you think would like it or rate it on your favorite podcast app.  Questions or comments?  Throw them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Advent - Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11;  Mark 1:1-8Every Second Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist is introduced to us.  John, of course, was the precursor pointing away from himself and instead pointing to the One who was bringing the Kingdom.  "In the desert, prepare the way of the Lord."  As we take one step closer to the celebration of God's presence in our world, the question before us is this: where are those deserts in your life?  And do you really believe that God can make a home in those places?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thanks to all of you who continue to listen and break open God's word with me.  What an honor.  If you like the podcast, recommend it to someone you think would benefit.  You can also rate it so others can find it in their searches.  Have a question?  Send it my way at [email protected]

Readings for the First Sunday in Advent - Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7  Mark 13:33-37Welcome to our new liturgical year!  And every year, it can be easy to fall into the idea of Advent being merely birthday planning.  We know a birth is coming up on the 25th and we have some preparations to do in order to celebrate that past event well.  But I urge us all (yes, including myself!) to approach Advent differently this year.  Advent isn't just about what happened then.  It's looking around and asking for God's birth into our own specific and universal worlds now.  It's seeing the need and asking God to rend the heavens and be born again.  And it's recognizing God's presence when indeed God is born.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for walking beside me as we open God's Word weekly.  Know anyone who may enjoy it and benefit from it?  Pass it along to them or rate it on your podcast app.  Questions?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the Feast (Solemnity!) of Christ the King - Ezekiel 34:11-12; 15-17   Matthew 25:31-46We conclude our liturgical year with this feast day celebration.  Special Guest, Bridget Zenk, and I explore the idea of what it means to be living under royal leadership; what are steps we can take to help us be more like sheep and less like goats;  and another take on what it may mean to sit at the right hand of the Son.  May you celebrate this feast day well.Special thanks to Bridget not only for appearing as special guest, but also for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks to you for  being alongside of me and breaking open God's Word!  May you be blessed.  Comments?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Gospel for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Matthew 25:14-30In this liturgical year's last Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear a familiar parable about a master going away on a journey and investing talents in each of his servants.  In today's pod, we break open that idea and ask 1) how can we discern what these talents are and b) to what end are we invited to use them.  Thanks to Mipso for the title idea to this podcast.  Don't know their song?  Take a few minutes and listen - it'll be worth your while!Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thanks to you for taking time with me to break open God's Word!  Have a comment you wish to share?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Wisdom 6:12-16; Matthew 25:1-13Is there a difference between wisdom and knowledge?  Anyone able to quote Isaiah and the Gifts of the Spirit (think back to our Confirmation!) would say yes, but what exactly is the difference?  Is one more valuable than the other?  And how can it be obtained?  Wonderful questions which our readings directly address today.  The Spirit of Wisdom, Sophia, desires to be caught.  But She is elusive and must be sought and pursued.  That is up to us.  

Readings For the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10; Matthew 23:1-12Don't come to today's readings for consolation.  Instead, come for strength, because that's what we see from Jesus and that's what he exhorts from us.  Anyone can profess to be a follower of His and proclaim themselves good.  But God knows the heart.  God knows our real intentions.  And the priests/Pharisees/Sadducees get a large helping of humble pie.  But we can't watch from the sidelines.  We are them and they are us.  We, too, must walk the talk if we don't want the finger pointed in our direction.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for being alongside of me and opening God's Word with me.  Questions?  Thoughts?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Exodus 22:20-26; Matthew 22:34-40We do Jesus a disservice to think that he did not deal with the many struggles we have to deal with today.  He went from conflict to conflict - and we see another one today.  Once again, the Pharisees are trying to trap him.  But once again, he sidesteps their efforts.  And in doing so, Jesus gives us a new law.  But the difference is that this law invites us into the stew.  This law needs us to discern and step out in faith.  This law is not external and merely seeks our obedience.  This law is internal - and leads us to relationship and the building up of the body.  All it costs is our willingness to be stretched beyond who we are right now.  And that can be a steep price.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you to you for your interest in diving deeper into the Word of God.  Comments?  I can be reached at [email protected].  Thanks for joining me on this journey!

Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 45:1, 4-6;  Matthew 22:15-21Two mighty Gentile figures take center stage today, but for different reasons.  Yet both have something very powerful to teach us.  We cannot limit God and we always must be aware of whose image we bear and who or what has our allegiance.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to all of you for breaking open God's Word alongside of me.  If you enjoy the podcast, share it with someone you think may enjoy it in the same way.  Comments?  Send them to [email protected].

Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 22:1-14My friends, the readings don't get better than what we hear today.  In two separate images - one from Isaiah and a parable from Jesus - we hear about the goodness and magnanimity of God.  All are invited.  All are welcome.  It's not just an idea - it's the Kingdom of God.  But we must be "worthy" to enter.  And what makes us "worthy" is not what you think it is.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you to you for listening to this podcast and breaking open God's Word with me.  If you like it, please consider rating it on your favorite podcast app and/or passing it along to someone you think may enjoy it.  Comments?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings from the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 5:1-7;  Matthew 21:33-43We hear two stories today that are almost identical - but both hold a hard mirror up to us and invite us to be honest about who we are and where we are within the story.  Where is it that we look for our identity?  And how far are we willing to go to protect that?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for trusting me enough to break open God's Word alongside of me.  If you enjoy the podcast, pass it along to someone you think would like it and/or rate it on your favorite podcast app.  Comments?  I can be reached at [email protected].  

Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Ezekiel 18:25-28;  Matthew 21:28-32Jesus tells us a parable - A man had two sons...but it may not be the one that comes to mind when you hear that phrase.  Today we are presented with two ways of being in the world.  We can live inside of our small world, or decide to leave that behind for life in the Kingdom.  Our initial reaction is often one of "no", not dissimilar to the parable we hear.  But thank God that God gives us time to change our minds.  What we do with that time is up to us.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you for downloading and opening yourself to the Word of God.  If you like the podcast, recommend it to a friend or rate it on your app.  Questions?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 55:6-9;  Matthew 20:1-16aIsaiah reminds us in his word that God's ways are not our ways.  So Jesus tells a parable that emphasizes that very point - the Kingdom of God is like a vineyard owner who goes out at various points of the day to hire workers.  And when the end of the day comes, each one gets paid the same wage.  This parable, like few others, can shake us up and disturb us.  This doesn't seem right.  It's not fair.  It's disrespectful to those who worked the full day.  Maybe those complaints are correct.  Maybe it's not fair.  But thanks be to God that it is not.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks to all who take the time to break open God's Word alongside me.  If you like the podcast, please rate it on whatever service that you use and pass it along to a friend.  Comments?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sirach 27:30-28:7; Matthew 18:21-35Say what you want about Peter, but he asks good questions.  He gives us another one today - how many times must we forgive?  But Jesus doesn't take the bait.  Instead, Jesus invites Peter to a new vision.  Peter is essentially wondering if there is a time and place where we can set forgiveness aside.  Jesus says there is not...at least not if you want to be a follower of Him.  And that is hard, hard work.  Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks for breaking open God's Word with me this week!  If you like it, please rate it on your podcast app and pass it along to someone you think would benefit from it as well.  Questions?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Romans 13:8-10;  Matthew 18:15-20We set aside the first reading this week (but it's a good one - Ezekiel 33!) in favor of the second reading, where Paul reminds us that Love is the fulfillment of the law.  To the extent that we love, we are fulfilling where the law points us.  But don't confuse love with mere sentiment or soft melodies.  Jesus lays that out in the Gospel.  Love looks like strength and vulnerability.  And love looks like unbinding and setting free.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you for downloading and opening yourself to the Word of God.  If you enjoy the podcast, tell someone about it.  Or rate it on whatever platform you listen.  Comments and questions can be sent to me at [email protected]

Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Jeremiah 20:7-9;  Matthew 16:21-27The readings this weekend pick up immediately following where we left off last week - Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is and Peter correctly responds.  But Peter couldn't leave well enough alone.  After Jesus describes where this calling will take him, Peter attempts to talk him out of it.  And Jesus admonishes Peter, stating that Peter is thinking not as God does but as humans do.  And just what does that thinking look like?  And should we take the same warning?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for supporting this podcast and opening yourself to the Word of God.  If you like it, pass it along to others who you think would benefit by it.  Comments?  Questions?  I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 22:19-23;  Matthew 16:13-20So often within our lives of faith, we can easily become overwhelmed with data and to-do lists that we can lose our way and forget why we are doing what we are doing.  But really, our faith can be distilled down to two questions - and we get one of them in our Gospel today.  And we need to answer it honestly.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thanks to you for breaking open God's Word this week with me.  Have a question or comment? I can be reached at [email protected]

Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 56:1, 6-7;  Matthew 15:21-28This weekend's Gospel is such an interesting one.  We hear and see Jesus presented in a unique manner not otherwise seen in the Gospel.  Jesus shows resistance to the outsider.  Was this a test?  Was it a cultural blind spot?  I don't have that answer.  But what we do know and what comes through clearly in both readings is that there is no "us and them".  No "in and out'.  Any walls we create in our own lives must be taken down.  God's house shall be a house for all peoples...not just the ones we think are in.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you for opening yourself to the Word of God.  Comments?  Questions?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a;  Matthew 14:22-33We get to hear two incredible readings today depicting God with us in the midst of our storms.  Yes, it focuses on God's power over nature.  But it also focuses on our reactions.  Are we able to discern God's presence?  And if we are able, what does that invite us to?  It's not for the faint of heart.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for taking the time to break open God's Word with me!  Have a thought you want to pass my way?  Send it to me at [email protected]

Paul's Letter to the Romans, Chapter 8, verses 31-39I know, this weekend is the Feast of the Transfiguration and the above reading is nowhere to be seen (or heard) within the readings we will hear this weekend.  But we've been working up to the above reading for the past 7-8 weeks and it's simply too good to pass by.  So we take a detour this weekend and focus on what may be one of the greatest texts within all of Scripture.  What can separate us from the love of God?  The answer is almost too simple to believe...Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performance of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you for opening God's Word alongside of me.  Have questions or comments?  Send them my way at [email protected].

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 44-52Jesus presents us yet more parables about what the Kingdom of God is like - this time using images of treasure found and nets in the water.  But the addition that this series of parables give us that the past two weeks did not is our own involvement.  We are active participants in this parable and our decision is crucial.  What is the Kingdom of God worth to us and what are we prepared to set aside to embrace it?  And when, exactly, do we do this?  Molly Zenk sits alongside me for this conversation and shares her opinions as well.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Thank you for taking the time to open yourself to the Word of God!  May it find a home within your heart and life this day.  Comments?  Send them my way at [email protected]

Gospel for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Matthew 13:24-35Jesus shares with us three more parables, once again using images simple to understand such as planting seeds in a garden, a mustard seed and yeast.  All of these things point us to the Kingdom of God.  They also point us to ourselves.  We are that garden and we are filled with both wheat and weeds.  Jesus says to let them grow together.  Now why on earth would He say that?Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  Also, thanks to you for breaking open God's Word with me.  Have a comment?  Send it my way to [email protected].  Bless you!

Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Isaiah 55:10-11;  Matthew 13:1-23This weekend, we are reintroduced to a parable we've heard many times - a sower went out to sow some seed.  And in God's abundance, this seed is thrown hither and yon, recklessly, time and again.  The lavish nature of God knows no bounds.  To what end?  So that some seed may find good ground.  Maybe not today.  Maybe not tomorrow.  But someday.  Because Isaiah reminds us that which comes from God will not return to God void, but achieve the end for which it was sent.  And that's were we come in.Special thanks to Bridget Zenk for her composition and performing of our intake and outtake music.  And thank you for breaking open God's Word with me!  Have thoughts on what you heard?  Send them my way at [email protected]