What is Truth Catholic Podcast Deacon Steve

Today we celebrate the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. In the Gospel for this week challenges us to look beyond the externals. It is easy for us to think we are leading a spiritual life because we read Scripture, pray a Rosary, etc. Although these practices are wonderful, the Lord is challenging us to realize that our Lord is calling for more than this - he is calling us to transform, to change, to surrender our lives and to grow in holiness. May we be open to our Lord who wants more for us than we often want for ourselves.

In our readings for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear about some of Jesus' disciples leaving him after hearing Jesus tell them that he is the Bread of Life. Jesus asks the twelve if they are going to leave Him too. If we are asked that question by Jesus, what would we say? Would we leave like many disciples did because we found it too difficult or challenging to follow Jesus? Or would we stay, recognizing that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life? So what will we do?

This weekend we celebrate a Holy Day of Obligation as well - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This Solemnity celebrates that fact that when Mary died, she was taken up into heaven in her body and is with the Father and her Son in the Kindgom. Mary is our mother and we want to grow in our faith in Jesus, let us go to his Mother. Mother Mary, please pray for us now, always and at the hour of our death. Amen

Our readings for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our readings challenge us to rely on the food that Our Lord gives us. We humans love to be self-sufficient and do everything for ourselves. We love to be in control. As we live our journey in faith we realize that we are not in control, and the "food" of this world is insufficient to sustain us.

This weekend we celebrate the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time. We hear from the Gospel of Mark that Jesus sends out his Apostles two by two to preach the word. We too are sent out by Jesus to go into the world and by our lives and our witness, bring Christ to others. Lord, please give us the willingness and the grace to do this.

This weekend we celebrate the 4th of July and the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time. In our Gospel, we hear that Jesus goes to Nazareth and is rejected. We also know rejection is most painful when it comes from the people closest to us. May we always remember that we must always speak the Truth of Jesus in love. Yes, we may be ignored, criticized, rejected and scorned. So was Jesus. May we follow His example and proclaim His word and HIs love, no matter what the cost.