Podcast

In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a forceful statement: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Saint Paul in the second reading speaks of one of his own crosses, his imprisonment. In many of his letters Paul explains his profound insights on how we are to view Christ’s cross as well as our own crosses, thus, becoming Christ’s disciples.

Ansel Augustine offers a personal and historical perspective on issues of race and inequality in the church as he considers the challenges posed by the rise of Millennials, Gen Z, and future generations. A recent study on diversity in the Catholic Church revealed that 72 percent of Gen Z, which is majority non-white, consider racial equality to be one of the most important issues today. And yet the church has been slow to respond. This tells us that “ministry as usual” from a Eurocentric perspective will not work. In response, Augustine provides insights as to how the church can respond to racial injustice not only in our changing society, but more importantly, how the church can stay relevant and real for this justice-hungry generation.

Today’s first reading and Gospel focus our reflections on humility. They also remind us of that popular biblical passage from the prophet Micah: “This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”

In our Gospel today we hear Jesus using the word “kingdom” twice. The Gospels reveal that Jesus used this term Kingdom nearly one hundred times; yet, he never defined it, even though it is a central theme in his teachings and parables. It refers to God’s ultimate victory over all the enemies of humanity: sickness, hatred, greed, jealousy, and even death itself!

In this episode, Megan and Father Joe interview Kevin Foy,  National Team Leader of Teacher and Catechist Outreach at Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. They discuss Kevin's experiences as a former teacher working with youth, his life as a catechist and a lay person who is helping to promote and transform the church in the US among young people. Kevin has more than fifteen years experience ministering to and with ethnically and economically diverse communities across the United States, has worked as a middle school teacher and curriculum consultant in multiple dioceses, and has led mission immersion experiences in North, Central, and South America.Episode NotesYou can reach Kevin Foy at: KFoy@Maryknoll.orgDiscover Your Neighbor: Classroom education program.

Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary TimeMT 22:1-14Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a kingwho gave a wedding feast for his son."

“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” the opening words of today’s second reading, Hebres Chapter 12 verses 1 through 4, describe the presence of many holy people in the Church. You and I, while we are both holy and sinful ourselves, belong to this community of Jesus’ disciples. What a great privilege! We are constantly inspired by the example of our fellow-disciples to be faithful Christians in all life’s circumstances

Recently, Jesuit Father James Martin, best selling author, editor-at-large of America magazine and consultant to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication, shared his thoughts on prayer, forgiveness and more with our senior marketing technologist, Adam Mitchell.Jim Martin is an American Jesuit priest, a writer, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America. He grew up in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and now lives in the America House Jesuit Community in midtown Manhattan. On April 12, 2017, Pope Francis appointed Martin and EWTN leader Michael Warsaw as consultants to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communications. 

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, PriestMt 16:13-23From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciplesthat he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatlyfrom the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Our Gospel today from Saint Luke centers around the theme of possessions—both earthly and heavenly. Twice Jesus gives some clear, focused advice: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” “Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” Jesus is clearly speaking about how the material things of this world are to be properly used to enhance our own lives and the lives of others.

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin MaryMT 13:36-43Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.His disciples approached him and said,“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom."

Christian creeds address God as “the Father, the almighty.” Calling God “Our Father” is a personal address, asserting his care for all creation, especially for all humanity. God is called “Father” 170 times in the Gospels.

We are proud to bring you the first episode of "Among The People", with an impactful interview with Maryknoll Brother, John Beeching. In this Episode, Brother John shares:• His time with Mother Teresa, a story we're sure you've never heard. • His war experiences in Beirut and Yemen.• Managing the trauma of war.• His selfless work with the Mon refugees of Myanmar and Thailand.• Christian love and Buddhist compassion.About Brother John:Much of Brother Beeching's work in Thailand has involved accompanying Mon refugees and monks, who have taken shelter at Wat Prok, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The Mon are indigenous Burmese people, who have been brutalized by the ruling military regime of Burma (Myanmar, as the military government now refers to the country). Brother Beeching joins the Mon and other Burmese ethnic groups in demonstrating in front of the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, helps them secure visas and passports, and assists them in getting supplies to some of the refugee camps along the Burmese/Thai border. He writes: "Despite differences in belief, these fellow refugees and I have grown through the experience of service as a shared sense of community. Together we break the bread of compassion. Together we sit in silence trying to be present to the gift of the moment, and are drawn ever deeper into the ineffable mystery of God."Prior to Bangkok, Brother John served first in Chile and then in the Middle East, working in Egypt, Yemen and Lebanon. In war-ravaged Beirut he experienced numerous narrow escapes with mortar attacks and terrorist bombings. It was also a time when he became involved in interfaith dialogue, an interest that has grown within the old walls of Wat Prok, Thailand. For him, Christian love and Buddhist compassion comprise the same call to action. "Buddhists say you are a brother to the mosquito you slapped on your wrist. The tree, the water-it's all part of what is happening in you. It's a brotherhood that embraces all life."

About Matthew FoxMatthew Fox is an internationally acclaimed spiritual theologian, Episcopal priest, and activist. He holds a doctorate, summa cum laude, in the History and Theology of Spirituality from the Institut Catholique de Paris and has devoted 45 years to developing and teaching the tradition of Creation Spirituality, which is rooted in ancient Judeo-Christian teaching, inclusive of today’s science and world spiritual traditions; welcoming of the arts and artists; wisdom centered, prophetic, and committed to eco-justice, social justice and gender justice.

Today’s Gospel from Saint Luke, also used for the feast of Saint Martha, probably reflects a typical scene from the life of Jesus. He had a very close friendship relationship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, often going to their home in Bethany to relax, enjoy their company, share some of Martha’s good cooking, and simply rest from his demanding ministry activities.