Bob's Beanfield

Today's episode is for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, which is always on January 1. Since this year, that falls on a Monday, and is the day after the Feast of the Holy Family, it is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation this year. Other years it is, so I am reading the Scriptures and Commentary. Personally, I think it's a good thing to start the year off right and go to Mass and Honor Our Blessed Mother and to Worship Jesus, and I hope many of you find the time and inclination to do so as well.

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today we celebrate the Holy Family. Over and over again, history shows us that as the family goes, so goes society. We may be feeling like families in our world are struggling right now, and we'd be correct. How can we correct this trend? By following the example of the most perfect family ever, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

In light of confusion over the recent Papal statements, and especially because this Sunday is about family, I include here and in the show Bishop Barron's comments:

On Monday, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with the approval of Pope Francis, published a declaration entitled Fiducia Supplicans, which has given rise to a good deal of commentary and controversy. The document allows for the possibility of blessing those in irregular or same-sex relationships. Despite some misleading reporting in the media, Fiducia Supplicans in no way sanctions irregular bonds or changes the Church's teaching on marriage and sexuality. It further specifies that no liturgical blessing can be offered to those in such unions, but rather an informal pastoral blessing. This latter benediction is a calling forth of the diving grace to help those who receive it to live more fully in accord with God's will and to enhance whatever is good, true, and beautiful in their lives.

I believe that the declaration is very much congruent with the pastoral instincts of Pope Francis, who always wants to remind those who are living the Christian life in a less than perfect way that they are, nevertheless loved and cherished by God. To all of Jesus' brothers and sisters, the Church should never fail to be a source of welcome, compassion, and blessing.

Today we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! If you've been following along during Advent, you will remember that the reflections for the last few weeks have been longer than usual. Take heart, because these are a bit shorter, but not any less interesting or meaty!

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass at Night. In the old days, I think we used to call this one the Midnght Mass. Sometimes that is when it is said, but I know some parishes it is at 10 or 11 PM.

Today we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! If you've been following along during Advent, you will remember that the reflections for the last few weeks have been longer than usual. Take heart, because these are a bit shorter, but not any less interesting or meaty!

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass During the Day.

Today we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! If you've been following along during Advent, you will remember that the reflections for the last few weeks have been longer than usual. Take heart, because these are a bit shorter, but not any less interesting or meaty!

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass at Dawn.

Today we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! If you've been following along during Advent, you will remember that the reflections for the last few weeks have been longer than usual. Take heart, because these are a bit shorter, but not any less interesting or meaty!

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This particular reflection is for the Vigil Mass.

This is the final Sunday of Advent, and the final DAY of Advent, all in one. The shortest week of Advent this year is just one day! Today is not only the 4th Sunday of Advent, but it is also Christmas Eve. Let's not shortchange this Sunday, though, because today we hear about the dwelling places of God. Think for a minute…if you knew where God lived, wouldn't you want to go there to visit Him? Of course you would. And you do. Every Sunday and Holy Day. What does He have to say about His dwelling place, both in the Old Testament, and in the New, where His new Ark is not a building but a person?

Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This episode is for the Third Sunday of Advent. This week, it is the Gospel reading that has two separate reflections. The first is more practical and personal, the second more historical and theological. Feel free to listen to whichever appeals to you more. Or, if you are feeling really interested, listen to both! Time marks are as follows:

0:00 Intro

2:14 First Reading Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11

3:20 Reflection on the first reading

13:23 Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

14:21 Reflection on the Responsorial Psalm

18:40 Second Reading 1Thessalonians 5:16-24

19:35 Reflection on the second reading

37:02 Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28

38:36 Reflection 1 on the Gospel

46:15 Reflection 2 on the Gospel

57:10 Conclusion

Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This episode is for the Second Sunday of Advent. Like last week, there is a lot here, and Dr. Kreeft has two separate reflections on both the Responsorial Psalm and on the Second Reading. For the Psalm, he mentions that the two reflections are on two different parts of the psalm, and that they can be combined but they do not have to be. For the second reading, the first reflection is more practical, and centered on a single point. The second is more textual, and has a number of different points. Like last week, I'll have the time marks for the various sections in the show notes.

0:00 Intro

2:10 First Reading Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

3:50 Reflection on First Reading

9:06 Responsorial Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

10:10 Reflection 1 on the Responsorial Psalm

18:51 Reflection 2 on the Responsorial Psalm

31:35 Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-14

32:58 Reflection 1 on the Second Reading

39:49 Reflection 2 on the Second Reading

46:15 Gospel Mark 1:1-8

47:35 Reflection on the Gospel

53:37 Conclusion

Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

In this episode, we review the story of how this podcast came to be, and why it's called the Bean Field. This story has inspired me in so many ways, and I hope you find some blessing in it as well!