In this Sunday’s First Reading, we hear how St. Peter continues to preach the Gospel. He implores the crowds to be baptized and to save themselves from this corrupt generation – and he calls on us to do the same. There are two parts to answering this call. First, we must reject the values of the world and choose the values of the Gospel. And secondly, we must reach out to others to bring them the truth.

Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings:

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6

1 Peter 2:20b-25

John 10:1-10

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 First Reading, Philip meets an Ethiopian man and shares the news of Jesus with him. The man soon asks to be baptized. Grace was working in the lives of both Philip and the Ethiopian, and they responded. Grace is God sharing his life with us, yet how often do we foolishly reject it? God sharing his life with us is what we were created for. God will always be victorious if we’re willing to cooperate with the grace.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 8:26-40

Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20

John 6:44-51

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 today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of Life and those who come to Him shall never hunger. So many of us try to satisfy our hunger with things of this world, but these things can never leave us truly satisfied. That satisfaction comes from following Jesus.

Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings:

Acts 8:1b-8

Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a

John 6:35-40

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 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

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, 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