Project Whetstone

Blaze Ministry 707
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Our mission is to help SHAPE and SHARPEN your faith by sharing our Catholic Faith experience in the 707 and Beyond. We will share how our Faith has shaped us to who we are today and will be tomorrow. Our faith journey crossed paths at St. Basils in Vallejo Ca. 707 in the mid 1990’s. We pray our Podcast will be a source of Inspiration to our fellow Catholics and shed light and bring clarity to non-Catholics or others who have always been curious about Catholicism.

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    Ep 23: THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY....THE FIRST DISCIPLE

    It is good to be back with you! Please like, share, and rate the podcast. And remember to take your time and use the timestamps. Pray for us as we pray for you! In this episode we discuss Mary and the readings on the Solemnity of the the Assumption--the dogma teaching that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven (the fourth glorious mystery of the Rosary). While this specific event is not mentioned in scripture, it is not a foreign concept as Enoch and the prophet Elijah were both assumed to be assumed (no pun intended) into heaven by God. Why not Mary, the most holy and perfect of God's creatures? The underlying theme of the readings is that there was once a distance--an enmity between heaven and earth because of our sinfulness. But Mary, the highest honor and pride of the human race, says yes to God bringing Christ "the gate" into our midst, through whom God and man are reconciled. This presents us with a choice. To pass through the gate to God's side or stay where we are. Time Stamps (10:20) Themes (13:51) First Reading (34:35) Responsorial (49:00) Second Reading (1:10:24) Gospel (1:28:56) Final Thoughts The first reading is from the book of revelation, an apocalyptic text, describing the poetic visions of the apostle, John. The woman, Mary, who labors to give birth to Christ is antagonize by the devil represented by a dragon. The responsorial psalm comes from psalm 45 and is a psalm about a king of Israel who marries a foreign princess making her a queen. In Christian prayer, that princess is a type of Mary who represents mankind who has estranged himself from God. Mary, earth's princess, espouses herself to God in the hopes unifying the two kingdoms manifest in the person of Christ. In the second reading, Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that through Adam death entered the world but Christ corrects and elevates humanity by not only restoring us to life but to eternal life with God. Lastly, the gospel reading from Luke is the narrative of the second joyful mystery of the Rosary--the visitation. Having learned that her cousin, Elizabeth, is pregnant with a son (John the Baptist) Mary visits her. The exchange brings about two very familiar prayers. Upon hearing Mary's voice, Elizabeth gives us part of the "Hail Mary" saying "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb." Mary in response gives us the Magnificat (which means "proclaims the greatness"). Mary knows who she is before God and praises God that the promises made to our fathers in faith are being fulfilled through Her Son, Jesus. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #Catholic #CatholicPodcast

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    Ep 22: GOD PROVIDES ABUNDANTLY WHEN WE GIVE OUR FIRST (17th Sunday Ordinary Time)

    As we discuss the readings from the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time we discuss the theme of God's providence, abundance, and generosity. The revelation of God's generosity prepares His people for the greatest gift of His Son. It prompts us, then, to be generous in our faith by offering our "firstfruits". Time Stamps (2:28) Check-In: Gas Prices, Electric Vehicles, Jeff Bezos and Possibilities (15:18) Theme of Today’s Readings (16:53) First Reading (40:14) Responsorial Psalm (51:35) Second Reading (1:05:55) Gospel Reading (1:26:47) Final Thoughts In the first reading, we read an anecdote of the prophet Elisha. A man who was giving the firstfruits of his labor to God is then instructed by Elisha to give the offering to the people. Miraculously 20 barley loaves and some grain was enough to feed a hundred people. This is a precursor miracle to the multiplication of loaves by Jesus. The response is from psalm 145 and we say: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. It is a psalm of praise at the abundant generosity and all-encompassing providence of God who cares, not just for humanity, but every living thing. The second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul's Ecclesiology letter, reminds us from where our identity, dignity, and unity come--God. Since we are all children of God, that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ and should treat one another accordingly. There should not be divisions among us. The Gospel is John's account of the multiplication of loaves. It is the beginning of the all-important 6th chapter of John gospel which includes Jesus walking on water and the bread of life discourses. This miracle is a preparation for Jesus to teach us about the His flesh as bread for the life of the world, by showing us that through Him God is fulfilling all of the promises of old, including what is referenced in the first reading. God can take the little offering of ourselves and can use us to do great things. Here is a link to the readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072521.cfm Please remember to take your time with the readings, use the time stamps, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram @blazeministry707 If you would like to help us and found our podcast helpful please remember to like, rate, share and subscribe. But above all pray for us, we are praying for you! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #Catholic #Podcast

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    Ep 21: KILL THE NOISE & REST IN CHRIST (16th Sunday Ordinary Time)

    In Episode 21 we discuss the theme of God's unity, peace, and justice which he offers in place of our sinfulness as the theme for the readings on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Time Stamps (2:06) TALOFA!!! Why we use Brother and Sister (8:14) Theme (11:15) First Reading (37:13) Responsorial (54:02) Second Reading (1:18:13)Gospel Reading (1:44:52) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Jeremiah pronounces judgment against the "shepherds" or leaders of Israel who did not help the people of Israel to be God's people but, instead, contributed to their demise and scattering. God promises that He Himself will shepherd and gather His people back together and that He will establish a good king to rule--a Messiah. The response is the famous Psalm 23 which says, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." It's a spiritual retreat in words and reminds us of the kind of peace and prosperity that is only found with God. The second reading from Paul’s letter to Ephesus continues to talk about the Church but this time discusses how God has gathered His people together, those near and those "far off". That can be read in a couple of ways in that sin has made us "far" from God but Paul also speaks historically of the enmity between Israel and the rest of the world. Christ overcomes every barrier by His blood. Lastly, the gospel completes the story of the Twelve being sent out two by two by Jesus. The Twelve return from their preaching mission and tell Jesus all they did. Jesus then tells them to rest and "takes over" for the Twelve in caring for the crowd they had brought back with them. Here, Jesus fulfills what was spoken in the first reading and becomes their shepherd. Thanks for spending time with us. Pray for us as we will ALWAYS be praying for you. #ProjectWhetstone #BlazeMinistry707 #CatholicPodcast #Catholic #Christian

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    EP 20: BE COURAGEOUS (15th Sunday in Ordinary TIme)

    In this episode we discuss the readings of the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of the dynamics of God’s grace and commissioning. God chooses those whom He calls and sends, empowering them solely by God's grace. Grace is God's "free gift"--His life given to us to conform us to the person of Christ ultimately for our salvation and perfection as God’s children. Time Stamps (3:01)4th of July Recap (Bro Rhy feels like a kindergartner) (17:41) Theme of Today’s Reading (19:59) First Reading (46:56) Responsorial (59:49) Second Reading (1:19:37) Gospel Reading (1:41:29) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Amos is about the prophet, Amos, whom God has called to give a stern message of warning to Israel. Amos is rejected because of it, but reveals he does not do it for the money. Rather, because his commission and message came from God directly. The response is a psalm prayer for God's kindness—for grace to be given. Signs of God’s grace are peace, truth, justice, and kindness in individuals and communities who embrace it. The second reading, which is from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, is about the role of grace in the life and history of the Church. God’s "plan of the mystery" from the beginning of time was always to endow humanity with the grace of his very own life given through the Holy Spirit. This life is a training ground for heaven. Lastly, the gospel reading from Mark is Jesus sending the Twelve on a "training" mission. Jesus gives them authority and sends them out two by two to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick—all the very same things Jesus is doing. God gives us the tools and the strength to do His work and be participants in the plan. But God doesn't send us alone but "two by two", that is, with a community. Thanks for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #BeCourageous

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    EP 19: THE PROPHET MINDSET...DO IT ANYWAY! (14th Sunday Ordinary Time)

    Happy and blessed Independence Day and 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Christ came that we might have true freedom and so we are called to reflect on the true meaning of freedom which we reflect on briefly before getting into the theme of this Sunday's readings which is all about the prophet and the prophetic ministry. A prophet is a commissioned messenger of God, tasked with sharing God's word with His people. However, a prophet is often treated like God's word--rejected, unheard, and met with hostility. Time Stamps: (3:50) What comes to mind when you hear “Discipline equals Freedom” (14:57) First Reading (12:05) Theme of Today’s Readings (28:38) Responsorial (56:39) Second Reading (1:20:40) Gospel (1:37:54) Final Thoughts The first reading from Ezekiel, a prophet of Israel during the Babylonian exile and member of the Diaspora, is about Ezekiel's commissioning by God. God sends Ezekiel to Israel whom God characterizes as a rebellious house but nevertheless sends Ezekiel. The Responsorial, psalm 123, is the prayer of a prophet. Prophets have a servant’s disposition careful to carry out the wishes of their master, but, because the tendency to "kill the messenger" is so strong, the prophet also pleads for mercy--relief from the difficulty of being God’s servant. The Second reading, which is from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, shares some specific autobiographical details of Paul’s experience in ministry, namely that because Jesus has commissioned him to be an apostle (one who is "sent") and gifted him with numerous revelations, Paul is given a "thorn in [his] flesh." This is so Paul remembers that he is a servant and not greater than his master, Jesus. Lastly, the Gospel reading from Mark 6 gives us the famous quote of Jesus: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place…" As baptized (and confirmed) Christians, we are, in a sense, commissioned to share how God has changed us. This is a part of the prophetic office into which we are baptized but those who knew us before our conversion will be incredulous and resistant to what God has done in us. Nevertheless, we should speak the truth. It will be difficult but "do it anyway." Be sure to use the timestamps and thank you for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadings #TheProphetMindset

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    Ep 18: GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME (13th Sunday Ordinary Time)

    Thus far, Project Whetstone has been a blur but we’re just getting started! In our 18th episode, we discuss the readings of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of God’s goodness at all times. God gave us life for a full life. Time Stamps: (4:30) Theme (10:25) First Reading (32:33) Responsorial (57:47) Second Reading (1:27:35) Gospel Reading (1:56:54) Final Thoughts The first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that God made humanity in His own image and likeness—imperishable and good—but through sin and the devil, death and suffering entered the world. God, however, did not abandon or forsake His creation but, like a loving parent, preserves and protects through the gift of Jesus. The response from Psalm 30 praises God for recognizing the role God has assumed as our rescuer. While King David may have been inspired to create this psalm just from personal experience, it becomes the song of the Church because God has rescued us through Christ. The second reading is an excerpt from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians where he encourages the church there to be generous. Just as God gave His Son in order to give us life, we should be generous in the sharing of our material and spiritual gifts here so as to live in and foster a community that reflects the communion of heaven. The Church’s teaching of the Universal Destination of Goods is an important social doctrine of the Church and can be read about more deeply in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraph 2402 (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a7.htm#I) onward. Lastly, the Gospel is a story that features a literary device that scripture scholars call a “Marcan sandwich.” It begins a story that is interrupted by another story only to return to and conclude the original story. The purpose of the sandwich is to drive home the central message of the combined stories by revealing different aspects of the message. In this case, the message is God comes to save and heal His people AND He has absolute power to do so. He commands the wind and the sea, and He even has power greater than death. God is good all the time and all the time God is good! Be sure to use the time stamps and thank you for listening! #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadingsT

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    Ep 17: GROWTH + GODS PLAN = GODS VISION FOR THE GOOD LIFE

    In this episode, we discuss the readings of the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the theme of growth, God's plan, and God's vision for the good life. Sunday Readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061321.cfm Time Stamps (3:00) When the Why is Important The How Don’t Matter (9:38) Theme of Today's readings (13:06) First reading (31:37) Responsorial Psalm (47:29) Second Reading (59:57) Gospel (1:18:02) Final Thoughts The first reading is a revelation of God's plan through the image of a transplanted shoot from a tree. This "shoot" will flourish and become a great tree. This was understood to be the restoration of Israel. But the image of plants and weeds in particular can be helpful in understanding how God enacts His power in creation and history. The responsorial psalm, 92, speaks of how those who live according to the statutes of God's justice will flourish. No matter what age, God can make one to flower as in the life of Sr. Mary Joseph. In the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds Christians that the fullness of life lies in our faith and things unseen. "We walk by faith and not by sight." And that we will fully "bloom" never to fade in heaven. Lastly the Gospel is two parables about the kingdom of God. The first is of the seed and how it grows even without the farmer necessarily knowing how. The seed is a metaphor for grace and providence. The second parable is of the famous mustard seed which can symbolize many things but faith in particular is helpful because the seed of faith flowers in sainthood and salvation.  #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #11ThSundayOrdinaryTime #SundayReadings

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    Ep 16: THE FULL AND COMPLETE MEAL (CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY)

    Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Theme: Eucharist, Sacramentum, and Covenant. The Eucharist is the cause of our salvation and the life of Christ within us. To be faithful to this sacramentum we must recognize the implicit vows to live in accord with the life and word of Christ. Time Stamps (3:25) Theme (8:50) First Reading (25:02) Response (39:44) Second Reading (1:01:52) Gospel (1:21:20) Final Thoughts First Reading: Ex 24:3-8 The sealing of the Mosaic  covenant in blood The book of Exodus is  the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. By chapter 24 they had already had the plagues, parting of the sea, and the Ten Commandments have been given. This a formal acceptance of the covenant, the words and ordinances of God. Blood and life were synonymous concepts in the ancient world. The covenant is a proto sacrament (sacramentum in Latin/Rome was a sacred oath. "May His blood be upon us and upon our children" Matthew 27:25 said by the people at Jesus trial before pilate. Similar to the animal sacrifice of Abraham, the blood of ritually expressed, "may this be my blood if I break the oath of the covenant" RTT: the "blood of the covenant" was a sign of solemnity, a recognition that the covenant was a matter of life and death. This is a typology of the blood of Christ. By receiving communion there is an implied oath to live according to the words and ordinances of God. Responsorial Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18 Response: I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. The “cup” or “chalice” is a symbol for the fortunes (or lack thereof) in life. A cup “overflowing” is a sign of abundance and plenty, a good state of affairs. To drink from a cup was a sign of commitment, embracing all that the specific cup signifies. In this case it is the cup of salvation. The ritual gesture of drinking can express many things but it comes down to an act of acceptance and thanksgiving. RTT: Notice the juxtaposition of the cup and calling on the Lord’s name. There is also frequent reference to oaths and vows. It is a psalm that expresses the act of accepting God’s offer of salvation. Second Reading: Heb 9:11-15 This section of Hebrews explains the power of the blood of Christ. Uses a rhetorical argument to give force to the power of Christ’s blood to forgive sin and sanctify. (If the blood of goats and calves can do such, what about the blood of Christ?) Christ enters the sanctuary of the “heavenly” temple as high priest, not to offer the blood of animals, but His own blood(!) for the sanctification of those who have been “called“ RTT: The blood of Christ is our life and salvation and we choose salvation when we choose to drink of this chalice. Gospel: Mk 14:12-16, 22-26 The Last Supper According to Mark RTT: The Last Supper is the New Paschal/Passover supper in which we eat and drink the flesh and blood of the Lamb of God. We, the Church, now carry on this tradition daily as the “perpetual institution” until the end of time. #BlazeMinistry707 #ProjectWhetstone #CatholicPodcast #SundayReadings

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Our mission is to help SHAPE and SHARPEN your faith by sharing our Catholic Faith experience in the 707 and Beyond. We will share how our Faith has shaped us to who we are today and will be tomorrow. Our faith journey crossed paths at St. Basils in Vallejo Ca. 707 in the mid 1990’s. We pray our Podcast will be a source of Inspiration to our fellow Catholics and shed light and bring clarity to non-Catholics or others who have always been curious about Catholicism.

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    Blaze Ministry 707
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    © Blaze Ministry 707
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Project Whetstone