Deep in Scripture Radio

As our nation and world continue to be faced with disease, injustice, and unrest, Marcus and JonMarc Grodi look at some passages from Scripture that model for us what it means to trust Christ in the midst of difficulty. St. Paul in particular speaks strongly to what it means to prefer union with Christ even more than our mortal lives. And it is Our Lord himself who tells us that the treasure of heaven is greater than any good we could ever receive in this life. Marcus and JonMarc discuss how a relationship with Christ helps put fear, pain, and even death into perspective.

*****

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better." Philippians 1:21-23

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:19-21

In many parts of the country, people are beginning to return to Mass, but some regions remain under restrictions put in place due to COVID-19. Looking at the Last Supper discourses from Jesus in John 14 and 15, Marcus and JonMarc Grodi discuss how Catholics can remain in Christ while they wait to return to regular participation in the sacraments. We must avoid the extreme that says we cannot know Christ unless we receive the sacraments, but also the error that says we don't need the sacraments to know Christ. While we wait to receive Jesus in the most perfect sacrifice of the Eucharist, we still have an opportunity to meet Him in prayer, in creation, and in our brothers and sisters.

*****

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:5-11

In this "Memorable Verses" take on Deep in Scripture, Marcus and JonMarc Grodi take a Biblical approach to some of the difficulties that many of us are facing as we all continue to navigate the problems raised by COVID-19. Marcus and JonMarc look at passages from St. Paul, St. James, St. Jude and the Psalms for advice about how to live as faithful witnesses in times of crisis.