The BreadCast

jameshkurt@gmail.com
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Spirit-filled daily reflections on the Mass Readings of the Roman Catholic Church from the book Our Daily Bread by James Kurt (with imprimatur). The daily podcasts are voice only, while the podcasts for Sundays and Solemnities are produced with music and other elements. Another podcast recently added: Prayers to the Saints - a prayer to each saint on the calendar for the US. Also with imprimatur.

  1. 1d ago

    July 3 - Prayer to St. Thomas

    O believing apostle who declared the divinity of Jesus, our Lord and our God, all doubt disappears in the light of your faith, for we see with you what is beyond all eyes – pray for an increase in our faltering faith, that we shall indeed believe though we do not see; let it be as if we ourselves have touched the nail marks in His hands and feet and placed our hands into His side. So firmly let our faith be founded that we shall reach out to all mankind and the truth of Christ as the Son of God will grow in all hearts until that Day we see the Lord with our own eyes.

    1 min

  2. 1d ago

    July 3 - St. Thomas

    (Eph.2:19-22; Ps.117:1-2,Mk.16:15; Jn.20:24-29) "Blest are they who have not seen and have believed." The faith of Thomas. By his faith we find faith. In his desire to know beyond all doubt that the Lord has risen, all our doubt is taken away, and we declare with him, "My Lord and my God!" If Thomas had not doubted so much, we would not believe so much his clear proclamation of the divinity of Jesus. As it is, we no longer have room for doubt. Indeed, Thomas' ardent need to touch the nail marks in the Lord's hands and sides is a cry to believe as firmly as bedrock, and indeed his declaration of faith is the strongest in all Scripture. "My Lord and my God!" In this we take refuge. And how beautifully Paul speaks today of the faith, of the Church wherein we take refuge and dwell as one with "all the saints and members of the household of God… with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." It is architectural fact that in the cornerstone "the whole structure is fitted together and takes shape"; first it is laid, and then the rest of the foundation extends from it, giving the foundation its direction, its form. And, of course, the entire building rests on and is supported by this cornerstone and foundation. And so is the Church. Christ is our cornerstone around which we are all formed, and the apostles, those who have seen Him and proclaimed His glory, are the foundation upon which our faith rests. And we are all one structure, all made one in faith by the apostles and, of course, by the Lord, who is present in every stone of the building. Let us firm up our faith this day, brothers and sisters. Wherever we may be throughout the world and at whatever time, let us feel beneath our feet the solid foundation upon which we are built and the blessed cornerstone which is its very source and so the source of all the life and the faith within us. Let us indeed be "built into this temple" and so become temples ourselves, knowing the surpassing blessing of becoming "a dwelling place for God in the Spirit." "A dwelling place for God in the Spirit": my brothers and sisters, can there be a more marvelous call? Let us have the faith of Thomas, crying out "My Lord and my God!" each day of our lives and in all we think, say, and do. Let this faith permeate our very beings and we shall find ourselves standing firmly in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His kingdom, which is beyond all that eye can see. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, let us be blessed to know you with a deep faith, and so be built into your Temple. YHWH, how good, how kind, how faithful you are to us! For we are built into the Body of your only Son with the saints of Heaven and become as your holy Temple. What more could we ask for, what more could we desire, than to be one with your apostles, upon whose faith your Church is founded? Let us find our place in Jesus, the Christ. You are God and your Son is God and we may become one with you, O God, if we but have faith in your surpassing glory, in your goodness and kindness toward us – in your Son who stands before us. Jesus is LORD as you are LORD and we become as you are when we praise your glory and declare your Lordship over us. You are our LORD and our God. Jesus is our LORD and our God. May your Spirit be with us, O LORD, to fit us well into your Temple, into your Church, which rises this day on the foundation of your holy apostles. Alleluia!

    6 min

  3. 1d ago

    July 2 - Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II

    (Amos 7:10-17; Ps.19:8-11; Mt.9:1-8) "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Amos says of himself in our first reading: "The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people, Israel." And so he can say, "Now hear the word of the Lord!" And so he can speak for God. And so he can reveal the Lord's will to the people, calling them to return to His presence. Like the prophets is the law, of which David, another shepherd called by God – himself to be king – sings today in our psalm: "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul." As the prophets' chastisement would bring healing to those who listen and obey the word of the Lord they impart, so the law of God is meant to bring a "fear of the Lord [which] is pure, enduring forever," so it, too, would bring blessed healing to the wayward child, "rejoicing the heart" and "enlightening the eye." But the people did not listen to the prophets; they refused to obey the law of the Lord. His words they cast aside, unable to swallow them, unable to make them an enduring part of their lives. Like a cloud which passes, so ephemeral, so abstract and therefore unknown they would too often become. And so the Father sent His Son. "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven," Jesus says to the "paralyzed man lying on a mat"; and this word He has come to make real in all our hearing – to all He brings forgiveness for their straying hearts. Even the stiff necks of the scribes the Lord would bring healing. The sins of the past He comes to wash away, advocating to the Father for us that we knew not what we were doing before His arrival, and come now He has to make real for us God's presence in our midst, to take away our ignorance of the Father's love… to enable us to stand up and walk "toward [our] home." Indeed, "a feeling of awe" should come over us as it did over the crowd that witnessed Jesus' power, for the same authority resides with us now in His Church – He has not left His people abandoned. And so, come to the Lord and confess your sins, for the Lord in His grace gave "such authority to men" to act in His stead as does Christ. And now find the courage and conviction to live your life led by the Incarnate Word of God. May your soul be in the hands of the Good Shepherd. ******* O LORD, your Word be in our hearts and upon our lips that we might be saved from death. YHWH, in ancient times you gave authority to ordinary men to speak in your NAME. Simple shepherds you called to prophesy against Israel and serve you as king. In the fullness of time you sent your Son with the power to forgive men's sins, to heal us of all our ills. And now your authority rests in your Son's apostles, those whom He sends forth to forgive and feed your flock. May all souls come to your Church to receive grace from on high! Who will listen to your Word, O LORD, and turn away from his sin? Who will be refreshed by your Law and find the enlightening of his eye? Who treasures the sweetness of your chastisement, who knows the mercy bleeding in the heart of Jesus…? Who of this fallen race would stand and walk with Him toward our home in Heaven? Give us courage, dear God, that you are with us and you care for all your sons. From our exile let us be taken, that we might be held in your Hand.

    5 min

  4. 2d ago

    July 1 - Prayer to Junipero Serra

    O missionary of the New World inspired to leave your classroom and go forth to win souls for Christ, despite continuous battles with cold and hunger and long journeys with an injured leg, praying throughout the night you persevered and stayed with the thousands you baptized into the fold of Mother Church, bringing them not only the gift of faith but better living conditions as well; fighting ever against the military powers that would have brought only slaughter, you gained rights for these natives in the missions of California – pray we shall have the same zeal for souls that, thinking not of ourselves and without concern for any suffering, we may bear the image of our Lord to the ends of the earth so all might come to salvation.

    1 min

  5. 2d ago

    July 1 - Wednesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II

    (Amos 5:14-15,21-24; Ps.50:7-13,16-17,23; Mt.8:28-34) "Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you." The chastising continues in our readings today. Against the people's vain sacrifices and "noisy songs," both Amos and our psalmist speak in the Lord's name. In need of healing as the two men "possessed by demons" do we find ourselves in the sight of God. "Why do you recite my statutes, and profess my covenant with your mouth, though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?" comes the warning from the Lord. And is it not a word we who pray must keep constantly in our hearts? For how easy it is to fall into empty worship; how readily do we begin to offer mere lip service to our God, when it is our very souls He demands. And not for His sake does He instruct us to "let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream" – to put into practice the words we speak. He commands us to "seek good and not evil," for "then truly will the Lord, the God of hosts, be with [us] as [we] claim." Indeed we claim His presence in our lives; we presume His blessing upon us as we attend Mass and read His words, each day receiving His Body and Blood and hearing His instruction. But continually we must check ourselves, for blindly do we fall into separation from the Lord, even in His house, and so may hear from His mouth: "I hate, I spurn your feasts… I take no pleasure in your solemnities." At these times we must come "out of the tombs" as do the demoniacs today. We must cry out to the Lord as we realize our sin. And He will be faithful to us. As He healed even these, He will cast the devils from us, too, and quickly. But first we must realize that His "are the world and its fullness," that He needs nothing from us. First we must see that all our sacrifices do Him no good – only us. Then He "will have pity," when we have humbled ourselves. Then He will gather us into His fold, when our hearts are set on His justice. Let the devil be cast from your mocking lips; accept the chastising Word of God, and new life at His feet you may find, possessed of the breath of His Spirit. Then will your offerings find favor in His eyes. ******* O LORD, come to us and stay with us and let us stay with you, sharing your goodness with all, your healing graces upon all souls. YHWH, you are God and need nothing from us; justice alone you seek of our lives. To be as you are is your desire for us, and so you rebuke us in our wickedness. Cast the devils from our heart, O LORD; let us never dwell in vain pride, for then we should live as if in a tomb, separated far from you and your love. Then we should know your justice. Help us to come rightly before you and beg your mercy, LORD, to bow before your majesty. If we but recognized your greatness, your glory in our midst, and desired your rule over our wayward hearts… quickly you would come to save us – with a word from your mouth we would be redeemed. Our words are empty, dear LORD, and our worship vain, except when you bless us with your presence, except when you take pity on our sinful state. Let your discipline bring us back to you; let us find ourselves at your feet, clothed and in our right minds. By your hand let us be fed this day – we beg you to stay with us at all times!

    5 min

  6. 3d ago

    June 30 - Prayer to the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

    O first of souls to shed blood, whose sacrifice began the great persecution, you indeed handed your bodies over to torture, to the mad king of this dark world, but everlasting reward you have gained for yourselves and for the Church; your robes washed clean in the blood of the Lamb, you served to nourish the growth of the people of God – pray your holy offering shall always be remembered, that the Church in this day and in all days may be blessed by your witness of faith, that you might light our path to Heaven until our crucified Lord returns again to gather all of faith and courage into His redeeming arms.

    1 min

  7. 3d ago

    June 30 - Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II

    (Amos 3:1-8,4:11-12; Ps.5:4-9; Mt.8:23-27) "The lion roars – who will not be afraid! The Lord God speaks – who will not prophesy!" Yes, the Lord prophesies against Israel today like a lion rending and roaring: "You alone have I favored, more than all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your crimes." He brings upon His chosen "such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah: [they are] like a brand plucked from the fire." In no uncertain terms does He cry out through Amos – "Prepare to meet your God, O Israel." A frightening prospect indeed it is which is presented to us in our readings. Here is the Lord God coming to take vengeance on His people. This is He before whom "no evil man remains," who "destroy[s] all who speak falsehood." And against His own who turn from Him, He reserves greater punishment. How shall we react, we who are now become His chosen children? What should we do before such an awesome prospect as the Lord's hand coming with power? With David we should "bring [our] plea expectantly before [Him]"; with the disciples we should make "our way toward Him" and call out: "Lord, save us! We are lost!" And if we have the faith and humility of the Lord's king, who declares, "I, because of your abundant kindness, will enter your house; I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you, O Lord," then with his same confidence we may believe that the Lord will wake and take "the winds and the sea to task" – that what besets us because of our sin and separation from Him will be appeased by the same voice which threatens our destruction thereby. For indeed the Lord is abundantly kind and speaks to us as His own, and chastises us as His own. He raises His voice that we might return to Him; He places us in the fire that we might be purged. Let us find our strength in a holy fear. And let us join His voice. Let us call out with Him to His blessed children, that all might return to Him who is their maker and protector – that all might be rescued from harm. The Lord would not see us caught in the snare laid for the wicked, and so He has sent His only Son to appease the wrath He has justly spoken forth. Let the lion's mouth not close upon our heads, but may we be awakened by its voice and open our own mouths to declare the mercy of our God. ******* O LORD, the wind and the sea obey your Son, but we harden our hearts against Him – O let us heed His voice! YHWH, even wind and sea obey you, and so we call upon your NAME to be saved from their clutches. Let not our sins overwhelm us, but bring us the grace of your salvation. LORD, we deserve your just punishment, for we have stubbornly turned our hearts from you. Though you have been kind in watching over and protecting us from harm, we have not recognized your goodness toward us and praised your NAME; instead, we have turned to other gods and walked in the wickedness of our hearts. And so, what can you do but cry out against us; and so, what can we be but destroyed if we do not heed your voice? Give us courage, LORD, for our strength fails us. All we can see is the turmoil our weakness brings upon us. Help us to see beyond the troubles the world presents, troubles we have brought upon ourselves, that we might see you and your power at work, and place all our faith therein. O let us listen to your prophets as they cry out and so walk your way in peace and light, despite the surrounding darkness.

    5 min

  8. 5d ago

    June 29 - Prayer to Sts. Peter and Paul

    O most blessed apostles of the Lord upon whom the Church is founded and the faith goes forth, in you we cannot be shaken and the Lord's reign extends to the ends of the earth – pray we always take refuge in His House and in the teaching of His mouth. It is you who preserve the authenticity of the faith; through you we may be assured the Spirit of God is with us, leading us out of the dark prison of this world along the narrow path to Heaven. Pray the chains fall from our hands and we heed the angel's command, remaining faithful to the end, pouring out our lives like a libation. Feed the poor sheep in your care.

    1 min
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About

Spirit-filled daily reflections on the Mass Readings of the Roman Catholic Church from the book Our Daily Bread by James Kurt (with imprimatur). The daily podcasts are voice only, while the podcasts for Sundays and Solemnities are produced with music and other elements. Another podcast recently added: Prayers to the Saints - a prayer to each saint on the calendar for the US. Also with imprimatur.

Information

  • Creator
    jameshkurt@gmail.com
  • Years Active
    2007 - 2026
  • Episodes
    903
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © James Kurt
  • Show Website
    The BreadCast