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

    August 6 - The Transfiguration

    (Dn.7:9-10,13-14; Ps.97:1-2,5-6,9; 2Pt.1:16-19; Mt.17:1-9 – Mk.9:2-10 – Lk.9:28b-36 Note: since the three gospel accounts vary only in detail, they are treated as one in this one exposition for the day) "I saw one like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven." Daniel's vision, as John's vision in the Book of Revelation, is perceived in the flesh by the three apostles on MountTabor, and is known in all our hearts as "the morning star" of faith rises in our hearts. It is the coming of Jesus in all His glory Peter, James, and John glimpse here in the Transfiguration, and it is this same glory to which we are all called. The Lord wishes that the faith of the apostles and so the faith of the Church be strengthened against the "dark place" in which we find ourselves, so He here provides "a lamp shining" for them and for us, that we might not doubt the overwhelming "dominion, glory, and kingship" that are His and that will one day be ours as we join Him at the throne of God. He is indeed "the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods," and the "flames of fire" which flow out from where He sits, the brightest of lights He is for "all peoples, nations, and languages," we must ever be "attentive to." So Jesus leads His three principal apostles up the mountain. Apart by themselves and in prayer Himself, Jesus is "transfigured before them": "His face change[s] in appearance and His clothing [becomes] dazzling white." What a fearful, absolutely awesome scene it is for Peter, James, and John. Moses the great lawgiver and Elijah the great prophet appear in glory as well before them, speaking with Jesus of His coming sacrifice. If this is not enough to stir their hearts, and our own, they are overshadowed by a fearsome cloud and the Father's own voice speaks to them: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." Now they see Jesus alone, the Son of God Himself before their wide-open eyes. He tells them not to speak yet of the vision, but their mouths are already shut tight in awe. After the resurrection and the coming of the Spirit they will speak openly of the Lord's glory – as Peter does for us today in our second reading, saying, "We had been eyewitnesses of His Majesty" – but for now they cannot utter the truth of such glory. "The power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" has been well documented for us now; "the prophetic message" reaches to the ends of the earth: Jesus is the Son of God and "all peoples shall see His glory." What the apostles glimpsed on MountTabor, what Daniel and the prophets foresaw, what the psalms sing about and that of which the proverbs and parables speak is come. It dawns now on our human sight, the surpassing glory of the only Son; let us treasure that light with all our hearts. He comes now on the clouds of heaven. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, how great is your power, how bright your light, and yet you make yourself known to our mortal eyes. YHWH, how great is your Majesty! How wonderful your glory! How brightly does your light shine! You are a consuming fire, purging away all darkness, all the impurities of sinful man. And does your Son not perfectly reflect your glorious Majesty? Is He not your very image, O God? And so, should we not listen to Him whom you have sent, Him who is your own, who carries your dominion among us? How blessed were the eyes of the three apostles to see the transfigured glory of your Son, to glimpse the surpassing wonder to which all souls are called – and to hear your voice! O LORD, how fearful a moment this must have been, and how much joy it must have brought to them, and should bring to us. Let us be so blessed, dear LORD, to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on the light that is Jesus, and soon become one with your risen Son.

  2. 1d ago

    August 5 - Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II

    (Jer.31:1-7; Jer.31:10-13; Mt.15:21-28) "Shouting, they shall mount the heights of Zion, they shall come streaming to the Lord's blessings." In our first reading Jeremiah prophesies the restoration of "all the tribes of Israel" to the grace and "age-old love" of their Lord and God. The Lord promises His virgin daughter Israel: "Carrying your festive tambourines, you shall go forth dancing with the merrymakers." He will "turn their mourning into joy" as this "remnant of Israel" returns to the holy heights of Mount Zion, as he "gathers them together" as His chosen once again. And in our gospel the Lord makes clear it is for the lost children of Israel He has come. Here in the mission of the Christ, Jeremiah's prophecy is fulfilled. But more than the restoration of the nation of Israel do we hear of today. What we find is that not these alone shall come streaming to the Lord's blessings, but indeed all the nations shall find Him whom their hearts desire. And it is this Canaanite woman who leads the way for all Gentile people to receive the grace and favor of the One God. On her knees she comes, crawling like a dog, this mother of all us not born of Jewish blood, to be grafted to the kingdom's tree. Here is a sign of the humility we all must have. And when rebuffed she does not answer, "Who are you?" and leave in anger, but drops further on her face, pleading for "the leavings that fall from [the] masters' tables." And so she shows the Lord the "great faith" even we Gentiles can exhibit; and so she wins a hearing not only for herself but all people of foreign nations who, like Ruth, are able to say in truth: May your God be my God (see Ru.1:16). And so her daughter finds the healing touch of the Lord. Brothers and sisters, the promise given the people of Israel is now for all of us to share, if we have but faith – if we but have the love of God burning in our hearts. And so, "rise up, let us go to Zion, to the Lord, our God" and "enjoy the fruits" He offers forth for all His many sheep. This Canaanite woman came "shouting after" Him and found the ear of the God of the universe; let us now "shout with joy for Jacob" and with Jacob, as we celebrate the glory of the Lord here present in our midst. ******* O LORD, gather us all into your arms. YHWH, you restore the fortunes of Jacob; his house you rebuild and your blessings he finds. Jesus has indeed come to the lost sheep of Israel, for they are your chosen sons and daughters. You have loved them from of old and your mercy remains upon them. But if we come on our knees before you, LORD, we who are but dogs, perhaps the leavings of your table we may find, and so share in your blessings with the chosen ones. Faith is open to men of all nations, and it is this alone that will enable us to enter your House. O let us rise up and go to Zion! Let us climb the heights of your mountain and fall at the feet of your Son. His mercy He cannot withhold from any who beg of Him. As a Shepherd guide us, O LORD, that we might find rest in you, that we might be fruitful in your NAME and come to praise you in the joy of your kingdom.

  3. 2d ago

    August 4 - Prayer to St. John Mary Vianney

    O priest exemplar, O preacher and confessor extraordinaire, healer of souls who by prayer and penance was made holy unto God and brought others to that same holiness before the Lord and Maker of all poor souls – pray indeed this day that our hearts will be set on Heaven, that our longing will be for the Lord, and so that by prayer we shall come to union with Him. Pray all your fellow priests will be filled with your same zeal for the salvation of their flock and so serve to bring them to blessed union with the God of all. Pray the Lord send out holy priests to labor in His vineyard as diligently, as tirelessly, as you.

  4. 2d ago

    August 4 - Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II A

    (Jer.30:1-2,12-15,18-22; Ps.102:16-23,29; Mt.15:1-2,10-14) "Every planting not put down by my heavenly Father will be uprooted." Is it not these Pharisees of whom Jeremiah speaks when he prophesies, "Incurable is your wound, grievous your bruise"? Truly there is "no remedy for [their] running sore, no healing for [them]." Blind shall they ever be, for they do but harden their hearts when their sin is brought up before their eyes. And so, though Jesus comes to "restore the tents of Jacob," "when the Lord has rebuilt Zion and appeared in His glory," where shall they be? Where are they now as He brings this to pass in their very presence? Is it not so that they cannot see? And so, as "the peoples gather together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord," they can only remain outside His house knocking so vainly... "It is not what goes into a man's mouth that makes him impure; it is what comes out of his mouth." With this simple declaration the Lord turns the eyes of all ancient religions – set so much on the letter of the law, witnessed in the washing of hands and the preparation of food for the body (which shall but die one day) – in upon themselves. With this essential challenge all are forced to examine their faith and discover upon what it rests. Is it truly upon the Almighty God, who is "heavenly," who is Spirit? Or is it upon their own belly? It is a hard look that must be taken if one is to be drawn into the renewed covenant and anointed by its blood. (How else shall one stand in the overwhelming light of His glory?) 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} It shall be so that "all your lovers have forgotten you": anything upon which you set your heart that is short of the Almighty God shall indeed but rot, shall be exposed for all its vanity. And though it seems at this time that the Lord has "struck you as an enemy would strike," that He has "punished you cruelly," know that it is "because of your great guilt, your numerous sins, [He has] done this to you," that He might uproot these from your midst – that you might not be uprooted from His presence. ******* O LORD, keep us from the pit; forgive our sins and let our house be rebuilt from its ruins. YHWH, you open the eyes of the blind and save those who have strayed so far from your love. You desire to rebuild the ruins of Zion, and so you send your Son to teach us of your presence within. Help us to set our hearts on your kingdom that we might be as your temple, as your own kin. It is through Jesus your compassion comes to us, LORD. We were destined for death, sitting in a land of darkness and gloom, overwhelmed by our sins; but you enabled us to approach your throne and find healing for our souls through the grace and mercy of your only Son. Remember us, that we might praise you through all generations. 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} How sick we were, LORD, indeed at the point of death, headed for an empty pit. But you turn our eyes from our running sore to look upon your majesty. In your pity you heard the groaning of these prisoners and raised us from the mire. O may we stand firm on your holy mountain, planted securely in your love.

  5. 3d ago

    August 3 - Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year II A

    (Jer.28:1-17; Ps.119:29,43,68,79-80,95,102; Mt.14:22-36) "Let those turn to me who fear you and acknowledge your decrees." Hananiah does not fear the Lord; he cares nothing for His decrees. And so he prophesies that the Lord will bring "the vessels of the house of the Lord and all the exiles back from Babylon" within two years, though the Lord has not said this. And he refuses to turn to Jeremiah – who does acknowledge the Lord's decrees and speaks only truth – hardening himself against the word and the will of the Lord even unto his death. How foolish to have "false confidence," to have no fear of God and His prophets. "Rebellion against the Lord" can but bring destruction to the proud soul. And what of the fear the disciples exhibit throughout our gospel today: the fear of the boat "being tossed about in the waves raised by strong head winds"; their terror at seeing Jesus "walking on the water" in the middle of the night ("'It is a ghost!' they said."); Peter's fear of sinking in the water... Is this the fear the Lord desires of His chosen ones? No. For this is the fear of a faithless soul disturbed by the distractions the devil might raise, not the fear of the Lord. The fear the Lord requires we see after Jesus "had climbed into the boat, [and] the wind died down." Here read of the fear of the Lord: "Those who were in the boat showed Him reverence, declaring, 'Undoubtedly you are the Son of God!'" 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Acknowledge Him we must. To His feet we must bring all our sickness, all our blindness. Knowing that by His word alone we are saved, that in His presence alone do we find our home, our harbor in this storm – this is the fear which must burn in our hearts. There is no other way. There is no other word which has weight. Only His hand reaches out and lifts us up from drowning in the waves. And for this we honor Him. For the law of His mouth we praise His name. For what does He speak but our salvation? What does He come across the lake bringing us but assistance in our exile here? And so, what should we do but reverence His eminent grace? Let the Lord be praised! ******* O LORD, by your Word save me; with your hand raise me up. YHWH, you destroy all falsehood from among us; from our hearts you remove all fear. And so, we praise you for your glory, for truly you are our LORD and God. Across the waters you send your Son, to calm our hearts and remove all fear. Into our boats He climbs, bringing your peace, LORD, and by His hand all are healed. Let us not be blind to His presence; let us not lack the faith to walk with Him. For His arms are always outstretched to catch us and gather us into your heart, O LORD. There indeed is no falsehood in Him, or in the words He speaks to our souls. He is the true Prophet sent in your NAME, LORD, and we find refuge in obedience to His call. 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} O LORD, may our boat come soon to the shore we seek; with your Son at our side we are already with you. And let your Word of truth be in our mouth as well – let us speak only the words you inspire.

  6. 4d ago

    August 2 - Prayer to St. Peter Julian Eymard

    O priest of the Blessed Sacrament, you gave your life in sacrifice at the altar of the Lord and in all the trials of this earth; you suffered all for Jesus and desired only to bring souls, all the children of God, to receive Him and His grace in the Sacrament of Communion, in oneness with our Lord – pray, O priest of Christ, that our very lives shall also be offered in sacrifice, especially in the holy sacrifice of the Mass and in reception of His Body and Blood in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray particularly that our priests will know the profound call upon their souls to make Him present in this world and be as inspired with holy devotion as were you, dear saint. Pray our hunger for His Presence increase.

  7. 4d ago

    August 2 - Prayer to St. Eusebius of Vercelli

    O vigorous defender of the divinity of Christ, you who suffered exile for your work for the faith, you who had a true shepherd's heart and cared so deeply for the priests and people the Lord placed in your hands – pray the shepherds of the Church today will strive with your same selfless zeal to bring the love of the Son of God and the blessed demands of His call to every soul in their care, that the faith might increase and be known in all its fullness even to the ends of the earth. Pray and weep, O steadfast apostle, for all the members of Christ's holy flock, that we shall be protected from false and specious claims, from wolves in sheep's clothing who would enter and steal the faith of this holy Catholic Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ.

  8. 5d ago

    August 2 - Sunday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

    (Is.55:1-3; Ps.145:8-9,15-18; Rm.8:35,37-39; Mt.14:13-21) "The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season." And the song of David, and the prophecy of Isaiah, are fulfilled in Jesus and the heavenly banquet He sets before us this day. For the Lord "open[s] His hand and satisf[ies] the desire of every living thing"; "without paying and without cost" all come to His table to eat. "You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat." The "rich fare" the Lord provides cannot be bought with money, for the earthly food "fails to satisfy." Only that paid for by the blood of the Son gives life; in His sacrifice we find "the everlasting covenant," the union with God and with His love which all our souls desire. And we know, as Paul testifies, that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Does Jesus not give witness to the love of God today? Does He not show that "the Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all His works"? For though "He withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by Himself," though He sought to be alone with His Father in prayer, when followed by the crowds He took pity and "cured their sick." And though He had been with them all the day and evening drew on, when the disciples urge Him to "dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves," Jesus responds: "There is no need for them to go away; give them food yourselves." And He feeds them, without cost and without discriminating between one and the next. All sit at His table today; and we are told that "all ate and were satisfied." And why not? For the bounty of the Lord is indeed the richest fare. Do we follow Jesus as diligently as these in the wilderness, brothers and sisters? We know the food He provides us now every day. And we have been shown clearly that "the Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Let us partake well of this feast set before us, which gives us now a foretaste of heaven. Freely let us come to Him, and be fed by His holy hand. And our expectant souls shall be forever satisfied, for His hand is always open. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "The Whole Whale" (first third) from The Whole Whale, eighth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let our lives this day be in line with your will, united to the glory of your only Son. YHWH, let us not store up treasures for ourselves, but think rather of you and the salvation of others. All is indeed vanity if like Qoheleth we set our sights on what is on earth, if we are preoccupied by our possessions. For these shall rot with the lusts of the flesh and we shall die with them. But if we set our hearts on you and on the things that are above, where Christ is seated at your right hand, then we shall be blessed with life everlasting. Your Son calls us to glory with Him in Heaven. He warns us of the emptiness of this earth and the riches hereon. He would turn our eyes to you and away from all greed and selfishness. He alone can prosper the work of our hands, LORD, for without Him we pass like the changing grass and nothing comes of our days. 96 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} O LORD, let us not labor in vain but with the wisdom that comes from above, that we might not come to great misfortune but to eternal life in your presence. Remake us in the image of your Son.

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    jameshkurt@gmail.com
  • Years Active
    2005 - 2026
  • Episodes
    903
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © James Kurt
  • Show Website
    The BreadCast