In Episode 75 of Living the Catholic Faith, we hear the readings for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time. We are challenged to think about what is really important in our lives. What do we desire? What rewards do we work for? Our Topic of the Week is Values. What is a value? What do we value? How do values impact our lives as Catholics? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear rom the Gospel Matthew where Jesus tell His disciples that those who serve the Lord will receive their reward. What reward is Jesus referring to? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the word of God as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 74 of Living the Catholic Faith, we encounter the readings for the 12 Sunday of Ordinary Time. Jeremiah, Paul, Jesus and almost all His disciples suffer because of their faith. They traveled a difficult road, a road most of us would rather avoid. In our Topic of the Week, we discuss Martyrs. Did you know there are three types of martyrs? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear the Gospel of St. Matthew. Jesus tells His apostles to not be afraid, although all but St. John will pay the ultimate price, death, for following the Lord. Are we willing to pay the price? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the Word of God, and continue our efforts in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 73 of Living the Catholic Faith, we find ourselves back in Ordinary time. As followers of Jesus, there really is no "ordinary time", for being his disciple leads to a life that, by His grace, is extraordinary. Our Topic of the Week is Missionaries. We are all called to be missionaries for Christ. What does this mean and how do we accomplish this? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear from the Gospel of Matthew, as Jesus sends out the 12 on a mission. What is our mission? Do we accept this mission or decide what we want for ourselves? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate God's word as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 72 of Living the Catholic Faith podcast, we encounter the reading for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, otherwise known as Corpus Christi. What does it mean that we are celebrating a day that honor the gift of Christ's body and blood in the Eucharist? In our Topic of the Week, we will discuss the Real Presence. What does it mean and how do we know it is real? In Breaking Open the Word we will hear from the Gospel of John that whoever eats the bread that Jesus gives has eternal life? Do we eat that bread? Do we receive it in awe and reverence? Join me, Deacon Steve as we contemplate the word of God as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 71 of Living the Catholic Faith podcast we contemplate this Sunday's Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. What does it mean that there is one God in three persons? How do we make sense of this mystery? Our Topic this week is unity. The Trinity is united as one. Are we as Catholics united as the one body of Christ? Are we united as individuals or in our communities? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear the famous Gospel, John 3:16. In this Gospel, we learn that God sent His Son into the world to save it, not condemn it. How does this change our lives? Join me Deacon Steve as we contemplate the word of God as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 70 of the Living the Catholic Faith podcast, we celebrate Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is God, the love between the Father and the Son. It is the sanctifier, that helps us to live a life of holiness. Our Topic this week is fittingly, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. What are they and how do they help us live our Catholic faith? We will Break Open the Word by hearing from the Gospel of John about Jesus breathing on His Apostles and giving them the Holy Spirit. May we, this Pentecost, be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 69 of LIving the Catholic Faith, we contemplate this Sunday's readings for the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Where does that leave us? What are we to do? Our Topic this week is accompaniment. We are called to accompany one another as we journey through life. We are to reach out to the marginalized of this world. Do we do this? How can we do this? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear from the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus gives His Apostles the Great Commission - to go baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. To follow this commission, we must be Christ's witnesses - witnesses to love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, etc. Are we? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the word of God as we continue our journey in Living the Catholic Faith.

In Episode 68 of Living the Catholic Faith Podcast, we celebrate the 6th Sunday of Easter. The readings challenge us to look at our lives to see if we are truly following the Lord no matter what the cost. Our Topic this week is Redemptive Suffering. What is it and why is it important to us? In Breaking Open the Word, we hear from the Gospel of John Jesus telling His apostles to follow His commandments. Jesus tells us we show our love for Him by doing what He asks of us. Are we willing to do so? Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the word of God in our journey to Living the Catholic Faith.

I am at the Deacon Congress for the Diocese of Phoenix. See you next Saturday

In Episode 67 of Living the Catholic Faith, we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter. Yes, the Easter season is still with us. We are called to be an Easter people - a people of joy, who lives in the love and mercy of our risen Lord. This week's Topic is surrender. Surrender is not an easy concept for us. We want to be in charge. We want to win. And yet, as Christians, we are called to surrender our lives to Christ, as He surrended His life for us. In Breaking Open the Word, we hear from the Gospel of St. John. Jesus is the gate and the sheep hear only His voice. May we hear the voice of the Lord and go through His gate, not the gate of the world. Join me, Deacon Steve, as we contemplate the word of God and continue our holy journey in Living the Catholic Faith.