Cup o' Joe

The Feast of St. Pope Gregory, the Great.  Gospel of Luke, Chapter 5, verses 33-39Jesus is asked about why His disciples don't fast, and once again He uses the beautiful imagery of a wedding banquet.  But have we thrown out the discipline of fasting too quickly in recent times?  Is it a tool that can still serve us?  I also explore the parable of the wine/wineskins that Jesus uses and chat a bit (ok, more than a bit!) about Pope St. Gregory the Great.  Sorry all - once again this is a long pod.  In the immortal words of Run DMC: "You talk too much!  You never shut up."

Gospel of Luke, Chapter 5, verses 1-11We hear the call of the first disciples today, but it happens in a different way than it does in Matthew or Mark's Gospel.  It's more gradual rather than instantaneous.  That's important, because I think that is not all that different than how we have heard the call and responded.  Peter reaches a tipping point and realizes not only who Jesus is, but also who he is.  And even more, he realizes what this invites him to.  And he's afraid.  Peter is not all that different than you and I in this regard.  

Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4, verses 38-44Jesus stays at the house of Simon Peter, and "they" bring before Him Simon's ailing mother in law.  His healing of the woman sets off a rash of healings within Capernaum.  But then Jesus has a decision to make.  Stay there and be a big fish in a small pond.  Be known and well loved.  Or - pick up and bring that same active presence of the Reign of God to other towns as well.  Thank God for the decision He made...

Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5, verses 1-6, 9-11Along with a special guest - FOCUS Minister, Eileen Piper - we discuss the entirety of Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians and how it is one example after another of our call to be missionary disciples and what that life looks like.  And what it looks like might surprise you.A wonderful back and forth discussion with Eileen.  

Gospel of Luke, Chapter 4, verses 16-30A bit longer of a pod today.  We change from the Gospel of Matthew to the Gospel of Luke, so I look into the differences between Matthew, Mark and Luke and where those come from.  But then we get to the meat on the bone with today's Gospel which is essentially Jesus's thesis statement and mission statement for his ministry.  And, of course, if it's Jesus's mission statement, it's ours too.

The Feast of St. Monica:  Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 1-13Jesus continues to share with his disciples in parables, today speaking about a wedding feast with 10 bridesmaids waiting in anticipation for the bridegroom.  But when He finally comes, some find themselves running out of oil and are unable to get some from the other young women.  But why not?  Why couldn't they share?  And where could they go to get their own oil?  These are important questions not just for those 10, but for you and I as well.We also learn a bit about the persistence and dogged determination of St. Monica and how this little known woman shaped the Church you and I are a part of today.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 24, verses 42-51Jesus's Second Coming seems delayed to the early Church, and so Matthew reminds us through Jesus that we must remain awake and vigilant for we know not the hour of the return.  Nor do we know the hour of our return to God.  But here's what I know: Our God comes to us today in unexpected ways and at unexpected times and in unexpected disguises.  Will we be awake enough to see His coming?  And will we open ourselves to allow Him within?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 23, verses 27-32We are back to a confrontation between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees.  Jesus shows his strength by directly exposing the deceit and corruption below the surface of the religious leaders of the day.  They wanted to only be thought of as outwardly holy, but instead Jesus exposes what is going on beneath the surface.What about us?  What is going on beneath the surface?  And just who do we let into that often dark and scary place?  It's incredibly important that we answer those questions.

Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verses 45-51We celebrate the feast of St. Bartholomew today.  Or do we?  He's nowhere to be found within our reading, but yet he (and Philip) extraordinarily point the way for us to follow in this short but beautiful Gospel.  Jesus quotes Genesis, Chapter 28 (Jacob's Ladder) as an image for himself.  And in doing so, invites us into that same image.  So good!

Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter One, Verses 1-5, 8b-10Karen Hennings once again is a guest on the pod and she talks about Paul's emphasis on faith, hope and love in the introduction to this short letter to the Thessalonians.  She talks about how good things come in threes and compares this with the Trinity.  Of course, I can't stay silent and throw my own two cents in there as well ;)Want to be a guest on a pod?  Email me at [email protected]

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 34-40Jesus is being tested by the Pharisees and is asked what the greatest commandment in all of Scripture is.  But He doesn't land on just one.  He gives two.  And in doing so, He sums up the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures.  Paul reminds us in Romans 13 that love is the fulfillment of the law.  What was true for them back then remains true for us today.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 1-14Jesus, in a parable, invites us to the wedding banquet today.  Only we are not a mere guest.  We are the main participant.  All we need to do is say yes, I do.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 20, verses 1-16Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who owns a vineyard, and his invitation to workers at various times of the day to come out and work.  But when the time for payment come around, frustration and envy enter into the picture.Of course, the parable invites us into the story.  Have we said yes to the invitation to work in the field?  And, if so, what is it we are working for?  What do we expect?  And how do we feel about the others in the field working alongside us?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19, verses 23-30Jesus picks up where he left off yesterday, after the rich young man had left and speaks of the difficulty of wealth.  But when Peter asks what's in it for them, he turns and speaks of the responsibility the wealthy carry.  Brothers and sisters, make no mistake - we are the wealthy.  The same pitfalls and responsibilities lie before us.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19, verses 16-22Jesus encounters a rich young man who wishes to gain the Kingdom.  It seems he has given much to God in order to move in that direction.  But he has not given all.  Is there something we hold on to, something that God is asking of us that we are not quite ready to let go of yet?Special Guest - My beautiful bride, Renee.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19, verses 3-12We see a dichotomy once again in today's Gospel: The Pharisees wish to speak about divorce but Jesus wants to speak of marriage.  One wants to speak of division, one of union.  We live in a world that shows forth so much of the former, how can we be examples of the latter?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18, verse 21 - Chapter 19, verse 1Peter & Jesus have a conversation about the different worlds that they live in.  One lives in a world where forgiveness has an end point and he's seeking to go back there.  The other lives in a world where there is no end to forgiveness.  One enslaves us and keeps us in Egypt.  The other allows and invites us to enter into the Promised Land.  Which land will we live in today?

The Feast of St. Clare: Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18, verses 15-20My friends, we live in a world of division and sides.  Today's Gospel is exactly what we need to hear.  But I'm not so sure that I really want to listen...

Feast of St. Lawrence: Gospel of John, Chapter 12, verses 24-26Karen Hennings joins as a special guest today and we talk about Jesus preparing the disciples for his death.  He talks about grains of wheat and unless they die, they remain simply themselves.  But if they die, they can produce much fruit.  We all know this truth.  It is nothing new.  But putting it into practice is the work of a lifetime.  Karen joins to share her perspective on this wonderful Gospel.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 17, verses 22-27It's best to couple today's Gospel reading with the first reading from Deuteronomy.  In that first reading, Moses is reminding the people that when they take the Promised Land and make it their own, they are to set up a society created in God's image.  But in the Gospel, we see how some members of the Jews had forgotten that lesson.  We are not all that different.  We can get too busy or too involved with other aspects of our life and instead of being people of memory and relationship, we forget and imitate what we see around us.  And that is not necessarily healthy and helpful.

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord:  Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9, verses 2-10We veer off of our journey through Matthew's Gospel to hear Mark's rendition of Jesus's Transfiguration.  He summons his closest friends to spend some time separate with him, and transfigures before their eyes.  His clothes become dazzling white and he is joined by Moses and Elijah.  The disciples, however, are filled with fear and soon are surrounded by a cloud.  Yet when it lifts they see just Jesus, alone, waiting for them.So much imagery in this beautiful reading - but let's focus on two things: Jesus summoning of his close friends and their descent into fear and a cloud.  Both of these things remain true for his disciples today.  We often find ecstasy and fear on the same mountaintop.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16, verses 13-23The disciples return from being sent out in the Spirit to work miracles among the people.  So Jesus takes them away to relax and debrief from their experiences.  And there, among the large cliffs of Caesarea Philippi, he asks them the most important question.  The Gospel, and our lives, hinge on the answer.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 15, verses 21-28We leave behind the 14th chapter of Matthew and dive head first into the middle of chapter 15 with a story of Jesus bantering with a Canaanite woman.  Jesus keeps her at arms length but her persistence, like that of St. John Vianney, will win the day.  Do we let the obstacles in our way defeat us?  Or can we continue to look for ways around, over or under them?  And, like Jesus, are we able to recognize the presence of the Spirit coming at us through unlikely avenues?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 14, verses 22-36Jesus, after feeding the 5,000, sends the crowds away and takes time for prayer.  Following the time spent in union with God strengthening His spirit, he makes for the quickest way to catch up with his friends.  Fastest way?  Walking on water, of course.  The disciples are terrified but Jesus calms them with these words: "Take courage, it is I; Do not be afraid" - and He calls them out of the boat to a new place.  Sound familiar?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 14, verses 13-21Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist and goes off on His own.  But when He arrives on the other side, the crowd is there waiting for Him.  And like Jesus did at the Sermon on the Mount, He saw the people.  Really saw them and their situation.  And His heart was moved with pity.  So what does He do?  He begins to heal them, but not just in the way you may think.  He heals them by feeding them.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 54-58Jesus, having finished his teaching in parables, returns to "his native place".  And while they immediately see the wisdom and workings of God, they talk themselves out of it because of the vessel bearing the message.  We can scoff at these people from 2,000 years of distance, or we can accept that they are us and that each one of us carries some of those same blind spots.  

Gospel of John, Chapter 11, verses 19-27We celebrate the Feast of Ss. Martha, Mary & Lazarus today, and so we take a break from our hearing of Matthew's Gospel.  In today's familiar story, we see three people completely at ease with Jesus.  So much so, that they are not afraid to be angry, vulnerable and wait for Him.  Do we see some of Martha, Mary or Lazarus in our relationship w/ Jesus today?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 44-46Jesus returns to speaking in parables and offers two for us in a very short Gospel today.  The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure in a field and like finding a pearl of great price.  What are we willing to give up for those items?  And do we even find ourselves searching for them?  The scales tilt on one thing: desireSpecial guest: Dennis Feeney (feeneymusic.com)

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 24-30, 36-43Because the Word of God is so good, we get not one but two Gospels today.  Ok, really - it is Jesus telling a parable in the first Gospel and then Jesus explaining the parable in the second Gospel.  But I, in my folly, take the parable and explain it in an entirely different way than Jesus.  Now why on earth would I do such a thing?  That treasure will only be unearthed by those brave enough to listen ;)

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 31-35Jesus continues to speak in parables, today speaking to us about mustard seeds and yeast.  The images He uses speak to us of growth and transformation.  But that growth is not linear and that transformation is not always in a positive trajectory.  Growth takes time.  Are we gracious and patient with ourselves in the midst of this?  God certainly is.We also celebrate the Feast of Joachim and Anna today.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 18-23We jump back to Wednesday's Gospel (The parable of the sower and the seed), and Jesus explains the meaning.  So today, we take a more in depth look at what types of soil Jesus is describing and invite ourselves into the parable.  Which soil do we see in the mirror today?Note: I've been having technical issues with my podcast this week (with static, multiple uploads, and skipping).  Don't you just love technology?  I hope to have the situation under control this coming week.  Thanks for your patience

Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 1-2, 11-18We celebrate the Feast Day of Mary Magdalene today, and we see her faithfulness to her Love, even in death.  We also see her Love's faithfulness to her, as Jesus comes to her in a way and with a face unexpected.  Note: I'm experiencing technical difficulties this week with my recorder - and you may experience some static or some skips in listening back.  My apologies.  I am working on a solution and hope to have it ironed out by Monday's pod.  Thanks for your patience.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 1-9Jesus begins teaching the people by the seashore in parables - and relates the parable of the sower and the seed.  But rather than talking about the parable itself today (you'll have to wait until Friday for that), we talk about learning how to pivot with grace and learning to speak the language of our neighbors.Note: For some reason, I'm experiencing technical difficulties this week with my recorder (and so you'll hear static on occasion or it may skip at times).  I apologize for the inconvenience.  I'm aware of the issue and working on it - I hope to have it sorted out by next Monday.  Thanks for your patience.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 12, verses 46-50Jesus, while teaching is approached by someone in the crowd telling him that his mother and brothers are outside the crowd and would like to speak with him.  Jesus, in turn, looks at those around Him and, by doing His Father's will, calls them His mother, brother and sister.Does this denigrate Mary or honor her?  What is He inviting us to?Special Guest: Renee Zenk (mother, extraordinaire)

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 12, verses 38-42Jesus and the Pharisees/Scribes are once again at odds.  The Pharisees want to live in illusion and wait for a sign to pull them out - but even when they see it they won't allow themselves to be changed by it.  Jesus points out this and uses Jonah and Nineveh as an example of what healthy conversion can look like.  I also go on a bit of a tangent about the types of books in the Hebrew Scriptures and talk about who Jonah was (hint: think parable, not prophet).

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 12, verses 1-8Have you ever found yourselves on any given day simply going through the motions?  Or you get to the end of the day and you wonder where it went and what you did to contribute to it's beauty?  That's where Jesus meets us in today's Gospel.  He is challenging the Pharisees (and you and I!) to make sure we actively engage our hearts in our relationships with God and one another and not simply fall into patterns and routines.  It's our hearts God wants, not just our daily routines.Not sure why the beginning of this pod skips around - my apologies.  But it seems to work itself out by the time we get to any so-called meat within the episode.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, verses 28-30Jesus, in one of His most famous sayings, invites all those who are weary and find life burdensome to come to Him and find rest, for His yoke is easy and His burden light.But what, exactly, is He saying here?  What should we expect based on this Gospel saying, and what should we not expect?We also celebrate the feast day of St. Bonaventure and marvel at the large umbrella of the Catholic faith.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, verses 25-27Jesus contrasts the learned and the clever with the childlike, and finds favor with those who carry their faith like a child.  Why would He do that?  What is there about being a child that can bring us closer to the Kingdom?  The difference is between knowing about and knowing.We also look briefly on the life of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha on her feast day

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 11, verses 20-24Jesus challenges the people of some local towns to see the wonders being done within them and to think and live differently because of that.But that is much easier said than done, no?Today, i ask the question - what keeps us from repentance?  What keeps us from turning around and living our lives differently?I also return to yesterday's Gospel where Jesus asks us to love God above all other persons and things and ask - what keeps us from doing that?  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verse 34 - Chapter 11, verse 1Late pod today - thanks for your patience!  Jesus concludes his instruction to the disciples before sending them out...and what he reminds them ultimately is that a) this won't be easy 2) this won't bring peace and iii) you better make sure that you are grounded in the right thing.  Anything less and you're looking for something that just isn't there.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 16-23Not all of the words of Jesus feel like Good News...and today's reading falls into that category.  Jesus, as He sends out the 12 on their first mission, places before them the price of discipleship.  That same price applies to us and we have to ask ourselves if we are willing to pay.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 7-15My title today is a blatant rip off of U2's song Grace, which if you've never heard it before put down this podcast, look it up on Spotify, iTunes or Pandora and listen to it.  It's that good.It's also the topic of our pod today.  God's unconditional, unmerited, overwhelming love for you and I.  Can we really capture that in a podcast?  I can't.  But we can try...

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, verses 1-7.Jesus calls together the 12 and gives them authority to heal every disease and illness.  And in doing so, he sends them out on mission.You and I, too, are summoned.  We are named within the 12 - and we find ourselves in their midst.  And by God's grace, we carry His authority with us as we go forward on our mission.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 9, verses 32-38Jesus encounters a demoniac who is mute and restores his voice.  But others accuse Him of driving out demons by the Prince of Demons.  So Jesus leaves that place and goes out to the surrounding towns and villages and proclaims the Gospel of the Kingdom.  How?  By bringing healing and wholeness.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 9, verses 9-13We hear of Jesus's call of Matthew today and Matthew's "yes" to Christ.  Call and response...that's the pattern.  Today we have two special guests join us on the podcast - Mike and Ginger - talking about their mission, ministry and faith life.  How did they come to say "Yes" to God, and where has that led them?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 9, verses 1-8Jesus crosses back over to His hometown, where some people bring to Him a paralytic.  The question before the crowd is what is truly binding this individual?  Their paralysis or their sin?  Jesus makes clear his thought...and invites us into the dance.

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 8, verses 28-34Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee to the territory of the Gadarenes, a Gentile region.  And upon disembarking He is confronted by two demoniacs asking what His intentions are.  His intention?  Freedom.  And dead pigs.  Which side of that story will we be occupied with?Special Guest - Bridget Zenk

Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul  Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16, verses 13-19We hear of St. Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi of who Jesus is, but our podcast today answers the question: who are Peter & Paul?  And why does that matter in my life today?  Answer?  We wouldn't be here without them.  Both of them.  

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 8, verses 18-22On this Feast of St. Irenaeus, Jesus reminds us that the end goal of discipleship is not just around the corner.  We need to be in it for the long haul.  He also reminds us that the time of decision is today.  Right now.  Our excuses may be legion and they may be good ones.  But they are just that - excuses.  Will we follow or not?

Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 8, verses 1-4Jesus comes down from the mountain, after having been teaching from its summit for the last three chapters.  And while life is great on the mountaintop, it is lived in the valley.  Appropriately enough, Jesus encounters a leper immediately upon returning.  This is where the rubber meets the road.