On this episode of Among the People, we interview our Director of Music, Worship, & Ritual, Chris Reilly.Chris, a leader in pastoral music, gives us a glimpse into the world of someone whose made music for the Church for decades! We’ll cover his life, how he was influenced by music, a brief history of sacred music, as well as the shifts he's seeing in the Church including, a surprising shift towards a more traditional celebration of worship. Chris will also give us his expert insights and thoughts on the future of music in the Church!If you're a big fan of Maryknoll's Christmas Concerts or a fan of Music in general, you won't want to miss this episode.

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and MartyrJn 12:24-26Jesus said to his disciples:"Amen, amen, I say to you,unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,it remains just a grain of wheat;but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Only a few weeks ago, we all listened to the reports of the devastation and suffering caused by hurricane Ian, particularly in Florida. Personally, I still vividly remember that in late September 2009 the Philippines suffered a “double-hit” of two back-to-back typhoons. Typhoon Ondoy dumped the equivalent of over one month’s rainfall on Manila and the surrounding areas in less than 24 hours. The situation was urgent.

Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary TimeLK 11:37-41 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees!Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,inside you are filled with plunder and evil."

Today’s Gospel from Saint Luke narrates the merciful action of Jesus in curing ten lepers. Certainly, to be healed of such a horrible affliction is a great gift, flowing from Jesus’ compassion. Surprisingly, only one returns to express his gratitude to Jesus. Thus, Jesus asks: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” And, as Saint Luke notes: “He was a Samaritan.”

In this episode we are joined by Orbis Books Author, Jim Forest. Jim takes us through his early years that inspired his writing, from childhood to his time in the United States Military and into his lifelong work as an activist for peace. He reflects on his call to christianity, his time working with Dorothy Day at the Catholic Worker and how he was first introduced and inspired by Daniel Berrigan.About Jim ForestJim Forest is an internationally renowned peacemaker and spiritual writer. His many books include biographies of Dorothy Day (All is Grace) and Thomas Merton (Living with Wisdom). His most recent book is The Root of War Is Fear: Thomas Merton’s Advice to Peacemakers. He lives in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.Join Jim on the new Orbis Book Club Facebook Group. When you join, all book club members will receive 35% off At Play in the Lions' Den: A Biography and memoire of Daniel Berrigan.

Today’s second reading comes from Saint Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Its opening chapter contains much practical inspiration for all Christians on the theme of mission; it describes the gift of the missionary vocation and provides specific advice on how to actively engage in mission.

Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary TimeLK 9:46-50Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.”Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

All of us are quite familiar with today’s Gospel from Saint Luke (16:19-31) which narrates the parable of the poor man Lazarus lying at gate of the rich man Dives. We also hear it proclaimed every year on Thursday of the second week of Lent. The parable actually illustrates that our attitude to our needy neighbor is actually our attitude to God himself

Today, we’re joined in the studio by award winning Author and recent speaker at Maryknoll, Jana Laiz.As you will hear in this interview, Jana’s mission is to change the world, one book at a time. You will hear how the topics she is so passionate about such as climate change, the global refugee crisis, equal rights are woven into her stories; stories that are not only take her readers on a captivating journey, but also speak to critical issues of our time… You may even learn a thing or two about faeries.More About Jana LaizFascinated by other cultures, Jana studied anthropology and Chinese language at University. She is a teacher, a writer, an editor, a mom, an animal lover, a sea glass collector, a musician and a dreamer.She is passionate about our beautiful planet and endeavors to make a difference in the world and to work with others who feel the same.Jana is the very first Writer-In-Residence at Herman Melville's beloved Arrowhead where she is working on a new novel. She lives in a 205-year-old farmhouse in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Episode Notes:Learn more about Jana: JanaLaiz.comFind her on Facebook: facebook.com/authorjana/Discover her books on Amazon by entering Jana Laizhttp://berkshirehistory.org/

Today’s first reading is taken from the prophet Amos, known as the “prophet of social justice.” He warns against anyone who “tramples upon the needy and destroys the poor.” The Church continues to challenge us to make a clear “preferential option for the poor.” This is more than just a nice-sounding phrase or a clever play on words. Today we seek to understand this important dimension of living our Christian faith.

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the ChurchLk 7:11-17Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,"A great prophet has arisen in our midst,"and "God has visited his people.”