Today’s Gospel features the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. Jesus tells of workers who were paid a full day’s wages for a full day’s work, and became jealous of others workers who received the same pay despite only working a short time. It’s mean to be a warning to us – if we arrived in heaven after serving God for our whole lives, only to see a formerly wicked person who had converted on their deathbed, would we be jealous? What would Jesus do in this situation? How would Jesus speak? Go and do likewise.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ezekiel 34:1-11

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Matthew 20:1-16

Sr. Ann’s Books

Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times

More of the Holy Spirit

Captured By Mercy

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In today’s Gospel, a young man asks Jesus what he must to do gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the Lord’s commandments, and after further discussion says that he must sell all his possessions and follow Him. In short, he must put Jesus absolutely first in his life. Upon hearing this, the man was dismayed. He had kept the commandments, but he had not conformed his life entirely to the Lord. Are we like him? Are we still holding things back on the Lord?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ezekiel 24:15-23

Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21

Matthew 19:16-22

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 First Reading, the Prophet Isaiah instructs us to “observe what is right, do what is just.” The Lord warns the Israelites that His salvation is coming and even foreigners who love His name and follow His ways will be brought to the holy mountain. It’s a reminder for us to heed the word of God. Love the Lord. Forgive your enemies. Forgive those who persecute you, no matter the cost. Embrace this truth.

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

Sr. Ann’s Books

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, Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive – is it as many as seven times? Jesus responds not seven times, but seventy-seven times – which represented a number beyond imagining in Jewish culture. Jesus tells him the parable of the Unforgiving Servant. God always forgives us – are we willing to show that mercy towards others? When the servant would not forgive the man who owed him money, the master threw him into jail. He and his family were the ones who suffered. And when we refuse to forgive, we are the ones who suffer.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ezekiel 12:1-12

Psalm 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62

Matthew 18:21–19:1

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 tells us what to do when someone does us wrong. We should first confront the person alone, and then with companions. If they refuse to listen, we should include the counsel of the Church. All relationships have pitfalls. We’re human and we make mistakes. But there are steps we can take to work things out and make things right. You are not alone!

Sr. Anne reflects on today’s readings:

Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22

Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Matthew 18:15-20

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 tells of the shepherd who lost one sheep and left the other 99 to go find it. That is how the Father sees us - he does not want one of us to go astray. He loves us deeply. He gave his life for you. If you were the only person on the face of the earth, God would have given himself for you. Are you living out of that reality? If you want to know peace, allow your life to be conformed to His word.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Ezekiel 2:8-3:4

Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 tells us that whoever loves his life will lose it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it. But what does He mean by hate? He means that we don’t put ourselves first. We put the needs of others before the needs of our own. We should put the will of God before our own will. We should hate the things that bind us to this earth because those things are passing, while the things of God are eternal. Where are we putting roots down? Where are we letting our seed grow?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9

John 12:24-26

Sr. Ann’s Books

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

At every Mass, we “dare” to pray the Our Father. What a privilege it is to call God our father! Do you ever struggle to understand this? Ask the Lord to help you see what it means to be His child, and to live that reality. There really is an eternal inheritance. You really will see the face of God in the final judgment. How will you respond?

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

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

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:22-33

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus reveals His true nature to Peter, James and John so that they would have the strength and the courage and the faith to endure the challenges they would soon face. God always wants to encourage us. So as you celebrate this feast, thank God for His mercy, that He would reveal and give strength and courage to us.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9

2 Peter 1:16-19

Matthew 17:1-9

Sr. Ann’s Books

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 Gospel tells of Jesus healing a woman’s daughter who was possessed by a demon. Jesus’ disciples had asked him to send the woman away, for she kept calling out. But she did not give up. Do we persist in prayer in the same way, even in the face of hardship?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Jeremiah 31:1-7

Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13

Matthew 15:21-28

Sr. Ann’s Books

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