Here you can find sermons from our regular Sunday gatherings. Join us in person on Sundays at 10:30am at 6035 Walker Street, Philadelphia PA!
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Ministry of Pastor W. R. Moss
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In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episo ...
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Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2024)
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In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus. Fr. Mike also tells us why our suffering matters, and how God wastes nothing. Today’s readings are Acts 3, Romans 4-5, and Proverbs 27…
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In the beginnning He was with God--"Testimony of John the Baptist" part 1
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Today, we examine the Apostle John's testimony and begin to look deeper into what John the Baptist testifies concerning Jesus as the Messiah. Upon closer examination of John the Baptist we notice a man who does not speak about himself but points to Jesus. Rarely, do we see someone who endeavors to become less while he lifts up another. This is why …
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Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just like the first Christians. Today’s readings are Acts 2, Romans 2-3, an…
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Day 322: The Ascension (2024)
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Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ’s call to participate in his mission. He invites us to be part of his story and not be ashamed of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Acts 1, Ro…
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Introduction to the Church (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
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Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Reve…
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Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (2024)
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Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a perfect example of how we should pray with honesty and trust. Lastly, Fr. Mike provides insights on the significance of the walk to Emmaus and Jesus' last words on the cro…
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Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold (2024)
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As we draw near to the end of the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike briefly expands on the story of the poor widow’s offering, emphasizing that the Lord cares more about the size of our hearts than about the size of our gifts. Fr. Mike also underscores Jesus’ moving words to Peter when he foretells Peter’s denial. Jesus’ words remind us that no matter how f…
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Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2024)
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Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with their whole hearts. Looking at the stories of these young men, Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have. Today we read Luke 17-19 and …
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Day 318: The Narrow Gate, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son (2024)
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Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus's directive to each one of us: "[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate." In the second part of today's commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of J…
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Day 317: Persistence in Prayer (2024)
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Fr. Mike reflects on the goodness and providence of God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus calls us to be shamelessly persistent in prayer. Fr. Mike also explains two difficult passages found in today's readings: what Jesus means when he tells the story of an unclean spirit who is cast out only to return, and what Jesus means when he says he comes n…
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Evangelist Jayme Montera
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Evangelist Jayme Montera explains we can all look back at where we have been. However, if we are going to change, we will have to leave the comfort of where we are now. Even in the midst of pain, we are reluctant to leave where we are today. His message is one of encouragement and challenge.Par Pastor W. R. Moss
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Day 316: Absolute Surrender (2024)
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Fr. Mike discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the life of God out of our lives as Martha allowed her troubles and anxieties to do. Today’s…
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Day 315: The Virtue of Mercy (2024)
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In light of a series of miracles in our readings for today, Fr. Mike focuses on our Lord’s compassion and our call to be merciful, as he is. He emphasizes the beauty of God’s mercy and his offering of it despite our unworthiness. He also strikes a balance between the goodness of humanity as God’s creation and our brokenness due to original sin. Tod…
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Day 314: My Beloved Son (2024)
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Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particularly noteworthy because it's the same river that Joshua crossed over to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, signifying that Jesus will bring about a new exodus. Additionally, it's the lowest spo…
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Messianic Checkpoint: The Gospel of Luke (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
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Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this synoptic Gospel. We learn that the Gospel of Luke uniquely captures the humanity of Jesus, the role of women, Jesus' frequent engagement with individuals on the margins, and the mystery of the Ascension.…
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Day 313: The Ark of the New Covenant (2024)
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As we begin reading the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike draws our attention to Mary. He clarifies the difference between Zechariah's response and Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, and also explains why Mary is the Ark of the new Covenant. We learn that through Mary, God begins to fulfill his promises to the people of Israel. Today's readings are Luke …
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Day 312: Conclusion to the Old Testament (2024)
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Fr Mike celebrates the accomplishment of reading the entire Old Testament and wraps up the books of 2 Maccabees and Wisdom, talking through the key themes of the Old Testament visible in the conclusions to these books. He also discusses the motivation of the Maccabees to defend the temple and maintain its purity as well as uphold God’s honor. Today…
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Day 311: God Fights for You (2024)
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As we get closer to the end of the Old Testament, Fr. Mike highlights one of the lessons we've seen time and time again—that God continues to fight for each of us, despite the brokenness and messiness of our lives. He also points out how the reading from Wisdom foreshadows the coming of Jesus. The readings are 2 Maccabees 14, Wisdom 17-18, and Prov…
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Day 310: Rivals for the Heart (2024)
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Fr. Mike points out how easy it is to take good things and make idols out of them, setting them up as God's rivals for our hearts. We can discover these rivals by noticing the things we prioritize over spending time with God. The readings are 2 Maccabees 13, Wisdom 15-16, and Proverbs 25:15-17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.co…
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Terry Hull, Missionary to Alaska
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Today, we have a great guest speaker, Terry Hull. He has been a Missionary in Alaska for 30 years. He shares his heart and passion for not only the people of Alaska but for all people. Terry also shares his fight and ultimate healing from cancer.Par Pastor W. R. Moss
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Day 309: Praying for the Dead (2024)
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Fr. Mike breaks down the doctrine of purgatory as we read about Judas Maccabeus and his army praying for the dead in 2 Maccabees 12. We learn that purgatory is a process of purification that our hearts need in order to be ready to love God and to enter into his presence. In our reading of Wisdom today, Fr. Mike emphasizes the insanity of worshippin…
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Day 308: Little by Little (2024)
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Fr. Mike highlights how God fights as a heavenly ally with the people of Israel in 2 Maccabees 11, and encourages us to actively fight alongside God in our daily battles. In our reading of Wisdom, Father points out how God corrects us little by little so we can learn to trust him. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 11, Wisdom 11-12, and Proverbs 25:8…
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Day 307: Courage in Battle (2024)
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Today, Fr. Mike discusses the confidence that faith in God can provide as we fight the battles of our lives. He also engages with the riddles found in Wisdom 10 and points out that we can now not only understand the characters, stories, and allusions of Scripture, but can recognize the fingerprints of God in the world around us and better understan…
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Day 306: Wisdom Is Beautiful (2024)
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Fr. Mike draws our attention to the descriptions of wisdom found in our readings for today and reflects on the beauty of wisdom’s feminine nature. He also discusses the death of Antiochus Epiphanes and offers two perspectives on reconciling God’s role in suffering. Today’s readings are from 2 Maccabees 9, Wisdom 7-8, and Proverbs 25:1-3. For the co…
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Day 305: The Defender (2024)
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As we hear the re-telling of the story of Judas Maccabbeus and his brothers fighting for the honor of the Lord's Temple in 2 Maccabees, Fr. Mike points out how this version gives us an insight into their recognition of God's presence, mercy, and justice in their circumstances. We learn that no matter what we are going through, we can trust that God…
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Day 304: Life Beyond Death (2024)
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Fr. Mike focuses on the powerful theme that connects all of our readings today- the reality of life beyond death. In the story of the martyrdom of the seven brothers in 2 Macabees, we see how the brothers and their mother fiercely reject the temptation to violate God's law, and boldly hold onto their hope in the resurrection of the dead. Our readin…
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Day 303: Eleazar's Martyrdom (2024)
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Fr. Mike offers a recap of Eleazar's martyrdom and marvels at Eleazar's courage to avoid both sin, and the temptation to lead others into sin. As we begin reading the book of Wisdom today, we also learn three valuable lessons; God did not create death, death entered the world through sin, and we are wise when we walk in the truth but foolish when w…
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Day 302: The Pursuit of Wisdom (2024)
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Fr. Mike concludes the book of Sirach today and encourages us to continue the pursuit of wisdom. In our reading of 2 Maccabees, we see again the pillage of the Temple and we are re- introduced to Judas Maccabeus. Lastly, in Proverbs Fr. Mike encourages us to resist the temptation to rejoice when our enemies fall. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 5,…
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In the Beginning HE was with God--"The Witness"
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Today, we are introduced to John the Baptist. This New Testament character reminds us that his job was to make Jesus known. We have that in common with him. We also are introduced once again to the concept that Jesus as Creator according to verse 3 of John chapter 1, Jesus has the ability to give the right for those who receive Him to become the ch…
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Day 301: Rising Again (2024)
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As we begin to wrap up the Old Testament, Fr. Mike reflects on our reading from Sirach and what we have already learned on this journey through the Bible. He emphasizes that Scripture encourages us to rise again from our sin and return to God, because our God always picks us up again with his mercy. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 4, Sirach 47-49,…
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Day 298: The Gift of Life (2024)
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Fr. Mike gives us context for the beginning of 2 Maccabees and recounts the story of Nehemiah’s discovery of the sacred fire. He also offers a reflection for those struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and P…
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Day 300: Conversion of Heart (2024)
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Fr. Mike provides context to the God-centered perspective of 2 Maccabees and compares it to the more secular perspective provided by 1 Maccabees. He challenges us to reflect on our days with the lens of 2 Maccabees - acknowledging God’s presence in each moment of our story. Additionally, Fr. Mike shares the miraculous conversion story of St. Mary o…
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Day 299: Jeremiah Hides the Ark (2024)
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Fr. Mike discusses the story of Jeremiah and the Ark of the Covenant, offering insight on where it was hidden and how that affected the people of God. He also looks ahead to the rest of 2 Maccabees and poses a question for all of us: What will the people who love us remember about us? Today’s readings are 2 Maccabees 2, Sirach 42-44, and Proverbs 2…
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Day 297: Using Good Things for Evil (2024)
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As we read from Proverbs and Sirach, Fr. Mike points out how everything God has made is good, but we can use those things for evil ends. We also reach the conclusion of 1 Maccabees today. The readings are 1 Maccabees 16, Sirach 38-39, and Proverbs 23:29-35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible…
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Day 296: Know Your Heart (2024)
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As we begin to wrap up 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike directs our attention to how 2 Maccabees will tell the same story in a different way. In Sirach, we are encouraged to know our own hearts, so that we can know our strengths, weaknesses, and where we might need healing. The readings are 1 Maccabees 15, Sirach 36-37, and Proverbs 23:26-28. For the complete…
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Day 295: Israel's Expectations (2024)
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Fr. Mike mirrors the story of 1 Maccabees and Israel’s expectations of continued success onto our own lives, emphasizing that God’s marvelous plan exceeds our expectations and what we think should happen next in our lives. He invites us to worship and give to the Lord with freedom and generosity in response to God’s sacrificial love for us. Today’s…
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Jesus is the Gate to Life and Light...
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Discover the profound truths woven into the Gospel of John as we unravel its theological depths. Together, we examine how the opening verses of John's Gospel lay a solid foundation against the heresies of its time, emphasizing the deity of Christ, and how it is possible to see Jesus as much more than just a man. Today, we see him as Creator God and…
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Day 294: Judea Gains Independence (2024)
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In our reading of 1 Maccabees today, Fr. Mike highlights the the establishment of the new independent sovereign nation of Israel in the land of Judah. We learn how Simon takes command and enforces the law all around the land. Fr. Mike reminds us that even today, Christians are governed by Jesus himself and ultimately to belong to him. Today's readi…
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Day 293: Discipline Grounded in Love (2024)
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Fr. Mike focuses on the theme of disciplining children, reflected in our readings from Sirach and Proverbs today. He clarifies that there is a crucial difference between discipline and destruction, and emphasizes that disciplining children should always be grounded in love and oriented towards their success in the future. Today's readings 1 Maccabe…
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Day 292: The Power of Words (2024)
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As we continue our journey in 1 Maccabees, Fr. Mike explains that this book of the Bible is unlike others because it narrates stories and events without providing any interpretation. In Sirach, Fr. Mike stresses the teaching on the power of our words and the gravity of gossip and slander. Today's readings are 1 Maccabees 11, Sirach 28-29, and Prove…
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Day 291: The Rise of King Alexander (2024)
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Fr. Mike breaks down the dramatic events from our reading of 1 Maccabees today, including; Jonathan's new role as high priest, Demetrius' defeat in battle, and King Alexander Epiphanes formidable alliance with Egypt formed by marrying Cleopatra. In Sirach, Fr. Mike reminds us that the good qualities wives are called to possess are also applicable t…
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Day 290: Judas Maccabeus Dies (2024)
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Fr. Mike guides us through Judas Maccabeus' last battle, his death, and his succession. We learn that part of Judas and Jonathan's victory involved fighting fellow Jews living in the land who were not living according to God's laws. Fr. Mike points out that when the enemy is in the inside, it is especially heartbreaking. Today's readings are 1 Macc…
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Day 289: Wise Influences (2024)
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Fr. Mike contextualizes our readings from 1 Maccabees today which covers the beginning of Roman rule over the Jewish people. Additionally, he emphasizes the wisdom from Sirach about surrounding ourselves with influences that lead us closer to God and help us grow in holiness. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 8, Sirach 22-23, and Proverbs 22:26-29. …
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Day 288: Battling Against Gossip (2024)
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Fr. Mike explains the importance of wisdom in our everyday lives when we face temptations to gossip, encouraging us in the battle for virtue, wisdom, and goodness. He emphasizes that we must ask the Lord for his wisdom to guide us as we interact with the people around us, just like the Jews prayed before battle. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 7, …
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He was with God in the beginning...Introduction
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Today, we journey through the unique characteristics that set John's Gospel apart from the other three Gospels, including its profound simplicity and the iconic "I am" statements that reveal Jesus’ divine nature. Join us as we explore the depth of John's writing, which is both accessible and intellectually rich, and offering believers new and old a…
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Day 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2024)
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Fr. Mike illustrates the story of Eleazar and the abandonment of peace terms between the Jews and the Greeks. He also recognizes the pain that children and family members who don’t follow the Lord can bring about, and uses wisdom from Sirach to address this prevalent struggle. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 6, Sirach 16-18, and Proverbs 22:17-21.…
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Day 286: The Battle to Choose God (2024)
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Fr. Mike walks us through the current battles of Judas Maccabeus and the Israelite people, emphasizing that while war is violent, freedom to belong to God and worship him is worth fighting for. He also discusses the importance of spending time with virtuous people to acquire their positive qualities and the need to seek good rather than evil to att…
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Day 285: Story of Hanukkah (2024)
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In today's reading from 1 Maccabees, we hear about the victory of Judas Maccabeus, which is also the story of Hanukkah. In Sirach, Fr. Mike points out that chasing fame and glory in this world are not worth our time, because they will all fade away after we are gone. The readings are 1 Maccabees 4, Sirach 10-12, and Proverbs 22:9-12. For the comple…
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Day 284: Near Occasion of Sin (2024)
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Fr. Mike points out how advice from books like Proverbs and Sirach may not apply perfectly to every situation, but are meant to help guide us towards wisdom. He also highlights a piece from Sirach that encourages us to avoid "deserted places"—calling us not only to stay away from sin, but to stay away from what leads us to sin. The readings are 1 M…
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