Ad Jesum per Mariam

Ad Jesum per Mariam

Podcast by Ad Jesum per Mariam

  1. The Lesson of the Basin and Towel

    APR 14

    The Lesson of the Basin and Towel

    The Lesson of the Basin and Towel Today’s Homily reflects on the Gospel of Gospel of John, . . . . . . focusing on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. It highlights three central themes: 1. Remembrance with purpose The readings emphasize not just remembering but living out what is remembered. The Eucharist is not a routine ritual . . . it is a call to actively embody Christ’s self-giving love. The Homily story of “The Guru’s Cat” illustrates how people can continue religious practices while forgetting their original meaning. 2. The Eucharist as self-giving love Drawing from First Letter to the Corinthians, the Homily stresses that the Eucharist is participation in Christ’s total self-gift. Divisions, inequality, and neglect of the poor contradict its meaning. 3. The model of humble service Through the act of washing feet, Jesus Christ establishes a new kind of leadership . . . one rooted in humility and service. True greatness in God’s kingdom is expressed through serving others, especially the marginalized. Ultimately, the Homily calls us to move beyond passive remembrance into active love, unity, and service, especially toward the poor and suffering. Listen to this Meditation Media. The Lesson of the Basin and Towel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Washing the Disciples’ Feet: Italian Renaissance painter: Jacopo Robusti, best known as Tintoretto:  1549 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: This painting vividly portrays the humility of Jesus washing feet. It visually reinforces the Homily’s message that leadership in Christ’s kingdom is expressed through service. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15

    19 min
  2. From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way

    APR 12

    From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way

    From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way Today’s Easter Homily centers on the Resurrection as the very foundation of the Christian faith. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Homily reflects on the experience of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who approach the tomb filled with love . . . but also anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. Instead of finding the crucified Christ, they encounter an empty tomb, an angel, and a powerful message: “Do not be afraid.” Do Not Be Afraid The homily emphasizes that the Resurrection is not just an event, but a new beginning . . . a “first day” of creation, where God renews and restores life. Just as the women came with worries and questions, so too do we carry our own burdens . . . fear, illness, uncertainty about loved ones, and struggles in faith. Yet, like them, we are invited to move forward in faith despite not seeing clearly. A key insight is that the women encounter Jesus only after they begin to act in faith . . . they believe the message and start moving. This teaches that Christ meets us not when everything is certain, but as we step forward in trust. The call to go to Galilee symbolizes a return to one’s origin of faith . . . our own “Galilee” being our baptism, where we first encountered Christ. The message is to renew that commitment and rediscover our mission. The homily concludes with a relatable analogy from sports: once you know your team has already won, you can watch the game without fear. In the same way, the Resurrection assures us that God has already won, that His love is stronger than death, and therefore we can live without fear. Listen to this Meditation Media: From Fear to Faith: Meeting Christ on the Way ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Three Marys at the Tomb : Italian Baroque Artist: Annibale Carracci: 1600 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why this panting was selected: This work portrays the women at the tomb in a moment of transition . . . fear turning into realization. It aligns closely with the Homily’s focus on movement from anxiety to faith.

    14 min
  3. Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ

    APR 3

    Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ

    Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ Today’s Homily marks the beginning of Holy Week, . . . . . . emphasizing how the practices of Lent . . . prayer, fasting, and almsgiving . . . prepare us for this sacred time. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Homily highlights unique details: Judas’s remorse and despair, Pilate’s wife’s warning, and Pilate’s ultimate indifference. These moments underscore a central call . . . not to remain indifferent, but to choose Christ. Matthew’s Gospel repeatedly affirms that Jesus fulfills the prophecies, revealing Him as the long-awaited Savior. The liturgical act of kneeling during the Passion reading invites deeper reflection on the meaning of Christ’s death. The imagery of darkness at Christ’s death connects to creation in Genesis . . . “let there be light” . . . signifying that Jesus’ sacrifice brings new life and spiritual renewal. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Ultimately, Holy Week is not just something to observe externally, but something to internalize. We are called to let it transform us . . . to recognize, like the centurion, that “truly this was the Son of God,” and to grow in faith, trust, and love. Listen more to Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work What is Truth?: Russan Painter: Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge: 1890 This painting highlights the tension between Christ and Pilate, perfectly embodying the theme of indifference versus moral choice. Pilate’s internal struggle mirrors the homily’s call to actively choose Jesus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 Note: The Gospel reading is not included within the audio. Only the Homily.

    8 min
  4. Lenten Retreat Conf. No. 5: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ

    MAR 31

    Lenten Retreat Conf. No. 5: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ

    Lenten Retreat Conference No. 5: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ Note: This audio is the fifth Friday Retreat Conference within the Lenten Season. When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ This fifth conference within the Lenten Devotional Season . . . . . . explains how the season of Lent developed over time in the Church. Originally, Lent focused on preparing new converts for baptism, but as Christianity became widespread, it shifted toward renewing the faith of all believers. By the Middle Ages, Lent took on two parts: the first emphasizing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for personal conversion, and the second . . . beginning around the fifth week (Passiontide) . . . focusing on the Cross and Christ’s suffering. Covering of Crosses and Images A key tradition during this time is the covering of crosses and images. This practice symbolizes a “fasting of the eyes,” helping believers recognize that they often take sacred things for granted. By temporarily hiding these images, the Church invites deeper reflection so that, when the Cross is revealed on Good Friday, it is encountered with renewed understanding and reverence. The conference emphasizes that the Cross is central to understanding Jesus. While the world resists suffering and self-sacrifice, Christ reveals that true life comes through self-denial, self-giving, and sacrifice. This is why Jesus teaches: to follow Him, one must first deny oneself, then take up the cross. Lent prepares believers for this call. Through spiritual discipline, they are strengthened to confront their own weaknesses and worldly tendencies, which often prioritize self-interest over God’s will. As Passiontide begins, the Church asks a deeper question: not just whether one follows Jesus, but how deeply one desires to follow Him, even to the Cross. The culmination comes on Good Friday, when the Cross is finally unveiled. This moment represents a profound revelation of Christ’s love and sacrifice, drawing believers to venerate and personally encounter it. From the Cross flows forgiveness . . . Jesus’ first words being “Father, forgive them” . . . highlighting mercy as the heart of the mystery. The conference encourages participation in the sacrament of reconciliation, especially during Lent, as a concrete response to Christ’s mercy. Overall, Lent is presented as a journey of conversion, leading believers to a deeper understanding of the Cross, which is the source and summit of Christian life. Listen to this devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: When I Am Lifted Up: The Saving Innocence of Christ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion.

    57 min
  5. Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

    MAR 24

    Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

    Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled Young Adults Retreat with Fr. Bernard Adoration Gospel and Homily, a Q&A Session and a Mass Gospel and Homily The Retreat also featured a Rosary Walk and other activities, which were not recorded. Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled At a young adult retreat . . . . . . centered on Adoration, Scripture, and Mass, participants were invited to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through listening, trust, and authentic faith. The Gospel from Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ reassurance: “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” reminding believers that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that trust in Him brings peace amid life’s anxieties. The homily connects this to everyday experience . . . like the confidence felt when loved ones are present . . . showing that faith in Jesus gives courage and purpose. A central theme is the distinction between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him through personal encounter. Faith is not meant to be lived alone but shared in community, strengthened through prayer, Adoration, and participation in the Church. During the Q&A, key topics included: • Marian devotion, explained through the spirituality of Saint Louis de Montfort, emphasizing that true devotion to Mary always leads to Jesus • Vocation discernment, highlighting the importance of listening to God despite distractions and fears • Doubt, acknowledged as part of faith, but overcome by trust in God’s constant presence • Modern challenges, encouraging young people to seek silence, prayer, and truth amid a noisy and confusing world. The Mass Gospel from Gospel of Luke reinforces humility in prayer through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. True prayer comes from the heart, not self-righteousness. The retreat concludes with a Lenten call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, stressing that what God desires most is not outward actions alone, but a sincere heart—offering even one’s sins for transformation. Overall, the message encourages young adults to: • Trust in Jesus • Encounter Him personally • Live faith in community • Pray with humility • Respond courageously to God’s call Listen more to Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled --------------------------------------------------------------- During this Retreat, a brief description of future Retreats is discussed. --------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633 Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing.

    54 min
  6. Lenten Retreat Conference #4: Conversion at the Well: Change of Heart, Change of Life

    MAR 14

    Lenten Retreat Conference #4: Conversion at the Well: Change of Heart, Change of Life

    Conversion at the Well: Change of Heart, Change of Life The Conference and reflection centers on the Gospel story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. The reflection explains that the story reveals two kinds of thirst: the human thirst for meaning, acceptance, and fulfillment, and God’s thirst for humanity. Spiritual life begins not with our search for God, but with God seeking us. The Samaritan woman represents every person. She comes to the well physically thirsty but also carrying deeper needs . . . acceptance, forgiveness, belonging, and a new beginning. Because of her past relationships and the judgment of others, she lives in isolation and comes to the well at noon to avoid people. Jesus approaches her without judgment and asks for a drink. Their conversation gradually reveals who he truly is. The woman’s understanding grows step-by-step: she first sees Jesus as a man, then a Jew, then a prophet, and finally recognizes that he may be the Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus speaks the truth about her life, but without condemnation, showing that truth expressed with love can lead to healing and inclusion. Jesus offers her “living water”, symbolizing the grace that satisfies the deepest thirst of the human soul and leads to eternal life. Once she experiences this encounter, she leaves her water jar behind—symbolizing that her deeper thirst has been met—and becomes a missionary, telling others about Jesus. Many people come to believe in him because of her testimony. The message of the reflection is that each person is like the Samaritan woman, searching for fulfillment in many places. Jesus meets us at the “well” of our own lives and offers the living water that truly satisfies. God does not choose people because they are morally perfect but because they have a thirsting heart open to him. Listen to this devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: Conversion at the Well: Change of Heart, Change of Life -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion.

    46 min
  7. Love and The Cross: Why Christ Gave His Life

    MAR 11

    Love and The Cross: Why Christ Gave His Life

    Love and The Cross: Why Christ Gave His Life Today’s Homily focuses on the Gospel parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33–46), . . . . . . emphasizing that the foundation of Christ’s sacrifice is God’s love, not simply human sin. The landowner in the parable represents God, who lovingly prepares the vineyard and entrusts it to tenants. Despite the tenants’ violence toward the servants and even the son, the landowner’s patience reveals God’s enduring trust that people can change and bear fruit. Why Christ Gave His Life The message of Lent is that God loves humanity so deeply that He sends His Son, inviting conversion rather than immediate judgment. The Homily also recalls the story of Joseph and his brothers, showing how jealousy arises from comparison, leading to division and sin. Recognizing God’s personal love for each of us frees us from jealousy and calls us to respond with the fruits God desires: charity, patience, forgiveness, and faithful living. Listen to: Love and The Cross: Why Christ Gave His Life Listen to this Meditation Media ------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Crucified: Spanish Painter: Diego Velázquez: 1632

    12 min
  8. Lenten Retreat Conf. #3: The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy

    MAR 9

    Lenten Retreat Conf. #3: The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy

    The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy This conference focuses on the meaning of repentance and God’s mercy during Lent, . . . . . . using the Book of Jonah as a mirror for the human heart. When God calls Jonah to preach repentance to the wicked city of Nineveh, Jonah flees because he suspects that God might forgive them. His flight symbolizes how people often resist God’s will, cling to resentment, and struggle with the idea that mercy might extend even to their enemies. Through humorous and ironic events . . . Jonah fleeing by ship, being thrown into the sea, swallowed by a great fish, and finally preaching reluctantly . . . scripture reveals both the stubbornness of the human heart and the persistence of God’s grace. Jonah’s preaching leads the people of Nineveh to sincere repentance, and God spares the city, which angers Jonah because he prefers justice without mercy. Why? The conference further explains. The book of Jonah concludes with God challenging Jonah’s narrowness of heart. If Jonah can care about a small plant that gives him comfort, should not God care for the thousands of people in Nineveh who do not yet understand right from wrong? Jesus himself says, this generation will only receive the sign of Jonah. What Does That Mean? The conference then turns to Jesus Christ, who contrasts with Jonah. While Jonah runs from his mission and resents mercy, Christ willingly comes into the world and gives His life for sinners. Jesus fulfills the “sign of Jonah”: just as Jonah spent three days in the fish, Christ spends three days in the tomb, but unlike Jonah, He enters death to rescue humanity. Hear more within the conference! The central Lenten message is that God’s mercy is wider and more generous than human expectations. We are called not only to seek forgiveness through repentance and confession, but also to accept the radical scope of God’s mercy . . . even toward those they find hardest to forgive. Listen to this third devotional Lenten Retreat Conference and let it transform your heart. Listen to: The Reluctant Prophet: The Frightening Greatness of Mercy ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: This marks the Third Friday of the current Lenten Season, featuring special formation conferences covering a range of seasonal topics. Select the Friday Lenten Season Link on the QoAH website to see all conferences captured to date. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ Carrying the Cross: Italian Painter: Giovanni Bellini: 1500 The painting presents a quiet, intimate moment. Christ is shown close to the viewer, transforming the scene into a personal encounter . . . a call to contemplation and compassion. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- You can find out more about the icon referenced in the conference . . . when Jesus reaches down to pull Adam and Eve from Hell . . . links and the icon image appear on the QoAH website.

    1h 13m
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4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Podcast by Ad Jesum per Mariam

Information

  • Creator
    Ad Jesum per Mariam
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Ad Jesum per Mariam

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