Food for the Journey Classics

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus are not past events. When it comes to the work of Christ on Earth, it is always now. God is saving us now. He is raising us from the dead now. His actions are forever new. He sacrificed his life that you might not die in your sin, that you might have eternal life. Take some time today to read through the Passion narratives and to say Yes once again to Jesus’s saving Grace.Sr. Ann reflects on the Good Friday readings:Isaiah 52:13—53:12Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9John 18:1—19:42Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel for Holy Thursday, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. He wants to wash your feet as well. It’s a great act of humility on our part. Jesus wants to wash us clean of sin. How will you respond?Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18.1 Corinthians 11:23-26John 13:1-15Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In Holy Week we see two of Jesus’ friends make very different decisions. Peter and Judas both betray Jesus, but their subsequent decisions take them down very different paths. Which path are you going on? One leads to death, one leads to life. Are you going to follow Jesus? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 50:4-9aPsalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34Matthew 26:14-25Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today’s first reading talks about being a light to the nations. Jesus says He is the light of the world and if we believe in Him we will not walk in darkness. Have you chosen the Messiah as the light you will follow? Jesus’ light is the only one that allows us to see clearly. All human light is insufficient.Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 49:1-6Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17John 13:21-33, 36-38Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Have you ever thought of Holy Week as a time for Thanksgiving? We should all take special time this week to thank Jesus for what He has done for us. Ask yourself - how would my life be different if I did not know Jesus? What choices would I have made if I did not know him? How has he saved me in a sense? How has he preserved me? How has he protected me?Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 42:1-7Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14John 12:1-11Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Palm Sunday is here and Holy Week is upon us. It’s an opportunity for us to join Christ in His sufferings. He died for every one of us, and by accepting His Grace, we can ease His pain. If you’re suffering from something today, offer up that pain. Ask the Lord to bear it with you. The day will come when we will see the beauty of our suffering and what it produced.Sr. Ann reflects on this Sunday’s readings:Isaiah 50:4-7Psalm 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24Philippians 2:6-11Matthew 26:14—27:66Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Pharisees that anyone who keeps His word will never see death. They are confused by this and eventually try to stone Him. We can fall into this same trap – doing Jesus’ work without truly being His disciple. We can lead people to ourselves rather than to Christ. Ask the Lord to bring you to deeper conversion so that you may grow in the love and knowledge of God.Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Genesis 17:3-9Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9John 8:51-59Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. With one simple word, one simple act of obedience, Mary changed the course of human history. Ask Mary to help you follow her example and be obedient as she was. May your life be lived according to God’s word.Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11Hebrews 10:4-10Luke 1:26-38A Woman Wrapped in Silence - John LynchSr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, we see the Pharisees’ blindness on full display. They reject Jesus’ words and refuse to open their hearts to the truth. We often act the same way – blinded by our pride and sin to the ways God’s grace is working in our lives. Examine your life for ways you are acting like a Pharisee. God wants to give us the Fullness of life – let him bless you! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Numbers 21:4-9Psalm 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21John 8:21-30Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets a woman caught in adultery. He challenges anyone in the crowd who is without sin to cast the first stone. When they leave, He says that He does not condemn her either and tells her to go and sin no more. We, too, are sinners – and the Lord forgives us just as He forgave the woman. We will never be sinless, but if we repent and acknowledge our sin, God will continue to forgive us. Lent is a time of conversion. It is a time for us to commit once again to following the Lord, just as the woman did.Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6John 8:1-11Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Martha tells Jesus that she believes He can raise her brother, and that she has come to believe He is the Christ. Do we have that same kind of faith? Is our faith as strong as Martha’s?Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:Ezekiel 37:12-14Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8Romans 8:8-11John 11:1-45Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. In the Gospel, we hear how Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant and decided to quietly divorce her, for he was a righteous man. But after a visit from an angel, he understood God’s plan. Joseph put all of his trust in the Lord, even though he was scared and confused. He asked the Lord to show him the way. Strive to be like Joseph today. Put your whole life under the lordship of Christ and ask him to show you the way!Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24aSr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s First Reading, Isaiah assures us that the Lord is there to comfort us in times of strife. He brings light to the darkness and guides us to springs of water. Just as a mother cannot forget her infant, the Lord will not forget or abandon us. When things seem difficult, place your trust in God for He sees the whole picture and will be there to lead and comfort you!Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 49:8-15Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18John 5:17-30Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Throughout today’s readings, we hear stories of the healing power of water. What is the source of this water? It is the living water that flows from the side of Christ. He poured himself out for your salvation and mine. This water gives life. This water makes salt water fresh. This water penetrates the arid desert. Whatever state we’re in, the living water from the side of Christ restores and makes new and refreshes and quenches. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9John 5:1-16Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is approached by a man whose son is near death. He tells the man that his son will be cured, and at that moment is son is cured. The father showed faith in Jesus by asking Him to heal his son. Do we believe in the same way? Do we trust Jesus to do what is best for us? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Isaiah 65:17-21Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13bJohn 4:43-54Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man born blind. When His disciples ask if the man’s blindness was a result of his own sin or the sin of his parents, Jesus replies that it is neither – the man is blind so that Jesus may show He is the Light of the World. It is for this reason that He heals on the Sabbath, despite the Pharisees’ protests. It is for this reason that He came into the world. As we continue our journey through Lent, ask Jesus to come be the light in your life.Sr. Ann reflects on this Sunday’s readings:1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13aPsalm 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6Ephesians 5:8-14John 9:1-41Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!” Have we taken today’s Psalm to heart? There are many ways for us to hearden our hearts. We can harden them out of stubborness. We can harden them by disobedience. We can harden them from fear or shame. What part of your heart are you still holding back from God? Ask Him to help you give all of yourself to Him!Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Jeremiah 7:23-28Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9Luke 11:14-23Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today’s First Reading and Gospel both highlight the importance of the Law. In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Israelites that by following God’s Law, they show they are a “wise and intelligent people,” who are close to their God. And Jesus takes it one step further in the Gospel of Matthew, declaring that He has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. We are given laws like the 10 Commandments because by following them, we draw closer to God and live a life of true happiness. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20Matthew 5:17-19Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive his brother. In response, Jesus tells him the parable of the unforgiving servant, who refused to forgive a minor debt against him. How often do we find ourselves in the same position, unwilling to forgive someone who has done us wrong? How long do we hold onto a grudge? Forgiveness can break the chains of bitterness and hatred. Forgiveness sets us free. Ask Jesus to help you forgive those in your life who have done you wrong. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:Daniel 3:25, 34-43Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9Matthew 18:21-35Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Do you ever feel like God “owes” you something for the good deeds you’ve done? Do you serve God out of love, or serve him to earn “brownie points?” In today’s Gospel, Jesus recalls the story of how Naaman was healed in the Jordan river because he was willing to put his pride aside and trust in God. Let’s follow his example! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:2 Kings 5:1-15abPsalm 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4Luke 4:24-30Sr. Ann’s BooksDeeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary TimesMore of the Holy SpiritCaptured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com