Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Jerome, one of the great Latin fathers of the church. We honor him for translating the Bible into Latin. He understood the power of the word of God against evil.

Immerse yourself in the Word. Memorize the passages that help you the most. You can fight temptation with the Word of God. The enemy will try to deceive you. Keep the word of God in your heart. Keep the Bible close at hand.

When you find yourself tempted, call upon him.. Choose to believe the word over the lies that are going on in your head.

You’ll be amazed at how God will fight with you and fight for you.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Job 9:1-12, 14-16

Psalm 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15

Luke 9:57-62

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels – Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael’s name means “Who can compare to God?” and he is the one who manifests God’s power and might. He battles Satan, the huge dragon, the ancient serpent, and casts him far from heaven. Michael guards the people of God, defends the souls of the just, and bears them to their final judgment. Pope Leo XIII composed the St. Michael Prayer – “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”

We’re in a battle for our own personal souls.

We’re in a battle for the souls we love.

We’re in a battle for our church.

We’re in a battle for the world.

And we can’t win this battle alone.

St. Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle!

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

John 1:47-51

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In today’s First Reading, we hear the story of Job. Job was a righteous man, but Satan claimed he was only so because he had a large family and many earthly possessions. But when Job lost everything, including his family, he did not turn away from the Lord. In good times and in bad, he blessed the name of the Lord. In all of this, he did not sin. God allowed Job to be tested. Job did not fail the test. How do we react to difficult times? Can we follow the example of Job?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Job 1:6-22

Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7

Luke 9:46-50

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons. When the first was asked to go work in the vineyard, he refused – but later obeyed. The other said he would go work, but never did. So who truly obeyed his father? In the same way, sinners are entering the Kingdom of Heaven before priests and scribes, because they are responding to Jesus’ invitation. Their hearts were open, while the Pharisees’ hearts were far from the Lord. Where is your heart? Is there harmony between the face we show the world and the interior state of our being?

The Son of God was never yes and no. In Him, it is always yes. Yes, Father. May our “nos” be turned to “yeses.”

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Ezekiel 18:25-28

Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Philippians 2:1-11

Matthew 21:28-32

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today’s readings are calling us once again to live in faith. And that begins with rooting our lives not in the world, but in Christ. As the Lord to “hide you in his wounds,” because apart from Him we can do nothing. Ask Him to show you what His plans are for you, that you may do His will.

He will lead you and show you.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17bc

Luke 9:7-9

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is told that His mother and brothers are looking for Him. He responds that His family are anyone who seeks the word of God and acts on it. God wants to bring us into union with Him, and He illustrates that desire by using this family imagery.

God wants union with you. Don’t be afraid of what you have to renounce. Don’t be afraid of what you have to turn away from. And don’t put off the decision. Follow the path in which the Lord has placed you.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13

Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44

Luke 8:19-21

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Matthew. Pope Francis frequently spoke of the painting “The Calling of Saint Matthew” by the Italian artist Caravaggio, and how the painting shows Matthew locking eyes with Jesus. There is a profound moment of conversion in that picture. It’s well worth pondering because Jesus wants an encounter with each one of us. He wants to call us out of what we’re doing, even if it’s something good. He wants to call us to something even better in him. Is your heart open to allowing the Lord to speak to you?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

Matthew 9:9-13

Sr. Ann’s Books

Pray and Never Lose Heart

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him.

So we say in this Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm. When we call upon the Lord, He draws very near to us. His greatness is beyond our understanding. He’s gracious. He’s merciful. He’s slow to anger. He’s of great kindness. He’s just. He’s holy. And He’s near.

Take advantage of this God who so loves us. Draw near to him. Take advantage of his offer.

He wants you to draw near to him.

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Isaiah 55:6-9

Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a

Matthew 20:1-16a

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In today’s Gospel, Jesus is greeted by a sinful woman, who anoints his feet with precious oils. She begins to weep in His presence, and Jesus says her sins are forgiven.

God is not put off when we turn to him and when we cry out to him. He forgives all. If we recognize that we are weak and sinful and trust ourselves to God, we will obtain His grace and forgiveness.

The woman in today’s Gospel was humble. She knew her sin. She admitted it. She didn’t excuse it. She begged forgiveness by serving Jesus.

God’s mercy is infinitely greater than any guilt of ours.

Let’s not be so mired in sin that we’re blinded and deafened like this Pharisee was.

Let us run to the sacrament of reconciliation to receive the forgiveness and the mercy of God.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Psalm 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28

Luke 7:36-50

Are you enjoying Sr. Ann’s daily reflections? For 30 years, we have been able to share great programming like Food for the Journey thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. We invite you to join us this week in our Fall Pledge Drive. Call 877-288-1077 or click the image below to make your pledge today!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

In today’s first reading, St Paul warns us about how we speak. It doesn’t matter how clever or inspired our words are - if we speak without love, we are nothing but a clashing cymbal. We are empty noise. If we act without love, our actions are empty. If I don’t have love, I gain nothing.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22

Luke 7:31-35

Are you enjoying Sr. Ann’s daily reflections? For 30 years, we have been able to share great programming like Food for the Journey thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. We invite you to join us this week in our Fall Pledge Drive. Call 877-288-1077 or click the image below to make your pledge today!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com