Opening the Word

Heroes in our stories today are usually the strongest, the smartest, or the most beautiful people who conquer evil by overpowering it in some way. Even if they don't start out that way, a crucial part of their story is usually them preparing for battle by getting stronger. They know that everything is up to them.

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Heroes in our stories today are usually the strongest, the smartest, or the most beautiful people who conquer evil by overpowering it in some way. Even if they don't start out that way, a crucial part of their story is usually them preparing for battle by getting stronger. They know that everything is up to them.

Watch Opening the Word on FORMED.

Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.

Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

Heroes in our stories today are usually the strongest, the smartest, or the most beautiful people who conquer evil by overpowering it in some way. Even if they don't start out that way, a crucial part of their story is usually them preparing for battle by getting stronger. They know that everything is up to them.

Watch Opening the Word on FORMED.

Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.

Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

Heroes in our stories today are usually the strongest, the smartest, or the most beautiful people who conquer evil by overpowering it in some way. Even if they don't start out that way, a crucial part of their story is usually them preparing for battle by getting stronger. They know that everything is up to them.

Watch Opening the Word on FORMED.

Get a 7-day free trial of FORMED.

Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle.

We have all been in need of something at some time, maybe even begging for it. We all have had many experiences of needing to ask for a favor or a need to be met of someone. When it comes to asking God for things, what is it we ask him for? Do we seek comfort - health, wealth, job security, or whatever other dream is the "end all be all" in our minds? Or, do we seek virtues like patience, humility, compassion, meekness, and so on? God will grant us the spiritual gifts we ask for, as we cooperate with his grace and learn to turn to him in our human struggles to master them.

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Healing is something we all seek at some point in our lives. Whether we have battled a life-threatening disease or suffered through a common cold, we have all sought physical healing. In this week's Gospel, Jesus reveals his power to heal and bring forth new life. He also longs to heal you of the things that are preventing you from growing in love for him—whether physical or spiritual. Have you ever approached him with the faith of Jairus or the hemorrhaging woman? How much do you trust his power to heal your body and soul?

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Control is a central theme in our lives, and this week's readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect on who truly holds the reins. Through the imagery of the Great Storm, we are reminded of the divine authority of God amidst life's tumultuous moments. In the story of Job, God challenges Job's doubts, emphasizing His role as the omnipotent creator capable of stilling all storms. This powerful message is echoed in the Gospel as Jesus calms the violent squall that terrifies the disciples, questioning their faith in the process. We all encounter storms, both minor daily struggles and profound sufferings, and are urged to trust in God's guidance. As you face your own storms, consider whether you are relinquishing control to God or trying to steer alone. Is your faith strong enough to trust in His power to sustain you through life's greatest challenges?

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The more we come to know God through study and prayer, the more we realize how truly his thoughts are not our thoughts, and our ways are not his ways (Isaiah 55). What we assume God would do is so often challenged by how the events of our life actually unfold. Today's readings draw us into this mystery of God's complete other-ness.

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Today's Gospel demands our conversion. Conversion is a two-step process. It requires a change of heart and then a turning around of sorts. It is both an interior and exterior change, moving one closer to God. It could be likened to re-aligning yourself to follow your north-facing compass—it first requires a knowledge that you are no longer headed north, and then the willingness to change paths in order to head north.

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Knowing what is about to come, Jesus shares a meal with his disciples. Sharing a meal with family or friends is an intimate and joyous occasion. Gathering around the table and sharing food together are often some of people's favorite memories they reflect on. Jesus wants to have this closeness with us, and thus invites us to share in a meal with him every Sunday. What an amazing gift he leaves us with. An invitation to break bread with him.

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