Today’s First Reading tells the story of the Stoning of Stephen, the first martyr. We read that Saul consented to the execution – but soon after that Saul would turn his entire life around and become a witness for Jesus. It wasn’t too late for him, and it’s never too late for us. If we come back to Jesus, He will receive us with open arms.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 7:51—8:1a

Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab

John 6:30-35

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 crowd is seeking Jesus and when they cannot find Him, they get into boats and head out across the water. Do we seek Jesus with this same fervor? And what do we want from Him? Jesus tells the crowd that they are looking for him because they want a food that perishes – but He can give them the food that endures for eternal life. May we also have the grace to ask Jesus for this gift.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 6:8-15

Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

John 6:22-29

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

This Sunday’s Second Reading tells us that we have been “ransomed from our futile conduct” with the precious blood of Christ. He paid this ransom so that we would not have to live in darkness. Will you accept His gift?

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Acts 2:14, 22-33

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

1 Peter 1:17-21

Luke 24:13-35

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 First Reading, Peter refuses to abide by the high priest’s orders to stop preaching about Jesus, telling the court that he “must obey God rather than men.” Peter and the other apostles are empowered by the Holy Spirit, which God bestows upon those who obey Him. It’s the same for us - God does not ration His Holy Spirit. You can have as much as you open your heart to embrace.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 5:27-33

Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20

John 3:31-36

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 begins with one of the most essential, famous verses in all of Scripture. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Will you believe in Him? Your eternal life hangs in the balance. The world may think you’re crazy for devoting your life to the Lord, but it’s the most sane thing you can do.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 5:17-26

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

John 3:16-21

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 readings, we see what happens when people grow in faith. God is calling on us now to believe in Him and accept His forgiveness. The gates of Heaven are open and thanks to Jesus’ death on the cross, we can have genuine hope. And hope is much more than wishful thinking.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 4:32-37

Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5

John 3:7b-15

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 Food for the Journey Classics, Sr. Ann has more reflections on yesterday’s Feast of the Divine Mercy. It’s easy to make the mistake of presumption – we think that God’s mercy is so great He will forgive us no matter what. God’s capacity to forgive infinitely exceeds our own – but we must ask for it. We must repent of our sins first. God will wipe the slate clean. But we must first acknowledge that we need His mercy.

Sr. Ann reflects on God’s mercy and today’s readings:

Acts 4:23-31

Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9

John 3:1-8

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 Gospel we read the story “Doubting” Thomas, who said he would not believe in the risen Lord until he placed his fingers in the nail holes. Jesus later tells Thomas that those who believe without seeing are blessed. That’s us - and that blessing is there for us. Put your faith and trust in him and be blessed!

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Acts 2:42-47

Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:19-31

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 First Reading continues the story of Peter healing the crippled man and preaching in front of the Temple. The same man who denied Jesus three times is now fearlessly preaching His name. Where does that come from? It comes from the Holy Spirit. Peter has seen how weak and poor he is. He’s faced it honestly. Now God can use him – just as he can use us when we humble ourselves before Him.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 3:11-26

Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9

Luke 24:35-48

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, two disciples meet Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. What follows is the greatest Bible study in history, as He walked them through the Scriptures and showed how He had fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. But they did not recognize Him until later, when he broke the bread. Jesus reveals Himself to us in the same way - through the Word and through the Eucharist. We need them both - don’t neglect these gifts!

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 3:1-10

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

Luke 24:13-35

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