In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples to take out their boats and throw out the nets for a catch. Peter has just finished a night of fishing with no results. He’s exhausted. He’s a fisherman by trade and knows this isn’t the time to try again – Jesus’ command confuses him. But he obeys.

He quickly catches more fish than he ever has before. And he does this not by following his own wisdom, but by following the will of God.

God’s wisdom is very different than ours. Sometimes it will feel like we are asked to do things that don’t make sense. And this is when we need to trust that God simply wants what is best for us.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 3:18-23

Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6

Luke 5:1-11

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 heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. He later tells the crowds that he must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. That is the purpose for which he has been sent into the world. What has God put you on this earth for? What does He want of you? It’s to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world in order to be happy with him in the next. Are you living that out? All of us need goals. All of us need a map. And the Lord and His Word can provide both the goals and the map. If we obey what’s in Scripture and If we apply it to our daily lives, we’re on the right path.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Psalm 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21

Luke 4:38-44

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 enters the Synagogue and encounters a man possessed by a demon. Jesus casts the demon out of the man, leading the crowds to asks who this man is.

There is power in the Word of God. That Word is living. And when it really becomes part of you, you can discern good from evil in a way that’s going to draw you closer to God.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 2:10b-16

Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14

Luke 4:31-37

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 First Reading, St. Paul speaks to the Corinthians. He tells them that he had one mission on earth: to proclaim Christ crucified. He came so that our faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on the power of God. That’s where our faith needs to be – resting on God’s heavenly power and wisdom. Don’t seek satisfaction in the ways of the world. Look to God.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Psalm 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102

Luke 4:16-30

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 Readings this Sunday contain from very sobering passages that force us to ask some serious questions about suffering. The First Reading from Jeremiah says “You duped me, O Lord…All the day I am an object of laughter.” When we communicate the truth to people who don’t want to hear the truth, we will be mocked and ridiculed. But this suffering is essential so that the Gospel may be preached.

It’s going to cost us to communicate the Word of God. But God takes that suffering and uses it for greater things.

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 16:21-27

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. Monica, mother of Augustine. She is a wonderful example to any parent about never ceasing your prayers for your children, especially children who have left the faith. Never give up! A mother’s prayers are powerful. A father’s prayers are powerful. Continue to pray, and don’t lose heart.

Sr. Ann reflects on the Feast and today’s readings:

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Matthew 24:42-51

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 First Reading, St Paul instructs the Thessalonians on many things. He is making things very clear – what is the highest priority? That people follow the Lord and do what he commands. If someone is deliberately just deciding not to do it, then you need to relate to them in a very different way. You need to confront them in their sin. It takes courage to do this, but this can be what leads them to repent.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5

Matthew 23:27-32

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 scolds the scribes and Pharisees. They pay their tithes, but they have neglected the greater parts of the Law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. What marks your life? Are your actions reflective of what’s really going on in you? Are you united in mind and heart yourself? Are you following jesus because you love Him? Or are you just doing the doing the external things hoping everybody else will see how good you are?

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17

Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

Matthew 23:23-26

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

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles. He brought the Gospel of Matthew to the regions of India and Armenia, and gave his life for following Jesus.

Being a disciple is not easy, but the more we put Jesus first in our life and seek to do His will, the closer we are drawn to Him and filled with His grace.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Revelation 21:9b-14

Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18

John 1:45-51

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, Jesus asks His disciples the question of the ages: who do people say that the Son of Man is? They answer that some say He is John the Baptist, while others say Elijah. How would we answer that question in today’s day and age? Some would say Jesus was a wise teacher. Others would say he was a peacemaker who told important stories about loving your neighbor. But do we truly believe that He is the Son of God, the Messiah? How would we answer that question if Jesus asked us directly?

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Isaiah 22:19-23

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

Romans 11:33-36

Matthew 16:13-20

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