Living the Catholic Faith Deacon Steve

In this final episode of Living the Catholic Faith, we encounter the readings for the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time where Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants who do not bear good fruit because of their selfishness and sinfulness. We are called to think about if we are good fruit. In our Topic of the Week we will discuss fruitfulness. What does it mean to be fruitful? Are we fruitful? In our segment, Breaking Open the Word, we look at the readings for this week and the challenge the Lord has for us. Isaiah in the first reading talks about the ground yielding wild grapes. Are we wild in our lives, thinking we can do what we want when we want? Are we selfish and sinful like the tenants who even kill the landlord's son? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the Word of God and continue our efforts in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 84 of Living the Catholic Faith, we encounter the readings for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time that challenge us to look are our priorities. What really matters to us? What is of primary importance? Our Topic of the Week is priorities. How do we set our priorities? What does priorities have to do with living our faith? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear the Gospel from St. Matthew about the parable of the two sons. One son says "Yes" to his father's will and does not do it. The other says "No" but ultimately follows the priority of doing his father's will. We too are called to follow God's will as the ultimate priority in our lives. My Our loving Lord Jesus, who made His priority doing the will of the Father, help us to get our priorities right as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic faith.

In Episode 83 of Living the Catholic Faith, we look at the readings for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time. We are challenged to contemplate the concept of fairness. Is life fair? Are we treated fairly and do we treat others fairly? Our Topic of the Week is fairness. What is it? Why is it important? In Breaking Open the Word, we will hear from the Gospel of Matthew the parable of the generous landowner. No matter how long his laborers work, they are paid the daily wage. Is this fair? Is God fair? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the Word of God as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 82 of Living the Catholic Faith, we hear the readings for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings focus on one theme - forgiveness. Are we willing to forgive? Are we forgiven? Our Topic of the Week is of course, forgiveness. What is forgiveness? What isn't forgiveness? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear Peter ask Jesus how often are we to forgive. Jesus answers 77 times which stands for infinity. We are always called to be open to forgiving - forgiving others who hurt us, going to God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to receive forgiveness and being willing to forgive ourselves. Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the words and call of God and continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 81 of Living the Catholic Faith, we encounter the readings for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our reading focus us on our responsibility to hold each other accountable as we journey towards God. What does this mean? How do we do it? Our Topic of the Week is Accountability. What does it mean to be accountable? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear from the Gospel of Matthew about the importance of helping someone who has fallen into sin or lost their way. Jesus makes it clear that this task is not voluntary - that as His followers we have a responsiblity to hold each other accountable out of love. Join me, Deacon Steve, as we listen to the Word of God and strive, with His grace, to live lives accountable to Him, as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 80 of Living the Catholic Faith, we celebrate the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last week, our readings focused on the rewards of discipleship. Peter, who professes Jesus as Messiah, is given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. This week, this same Peter is rebuked by Jesus for trying to persuade HIm to abandon His mission. Jesus says we must deny ourselves, pick up our crosses and follow Him. In other words, we must be willing to suffer which is a cost of discipleship. Our Topic of the Week is Discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple? In Breaking Open the Word, we will hear the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus clearly states that following Him costs us something. We must die to self, be willing to suffer and to follow Him? Are we willing to do so? Are we truly His disciples? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the call of Jesus, in our day to day journey in Living the Catholic Faith.