Pod Apostle

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Second Sunday of AdventLectionary: 6

Reading 1 Bar 5:1-9

Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery;put on the splendor of glory from God forever:wrapped in the cloak of justice from God,bear on your head the mitrethat displays the glory of the eternal name.For God will show all the earth your splendor:you will be named by God foreverthe peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights;look to the east and see your childrengathered from the east and the westat the word of the Holy One,rejoicing that they are remembered by God.Led away on foot by their enemies they left you:but God will bring them back to youborne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.For God has commandedthat every lofty mountain be made low,and that the age-old depths and gorgesbe filled to level ground,that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.The forests and every fragrant kind of treehave overshadowed Israel at God’s command;for God is leading Israel in joyby the light of his glory,with his mercy and justice for company..

Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6.

R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,we were like men dreaming.Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with rejoicing. R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Then they said among the nations,"The LORD has done great things for them."The LORD has done great things for us;we are glad indeed. R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Restore our fortunes, O LORD,like the torrents in the southern desert.Those who sow in tearsshall reap rejoicing. R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Although they go forth weeping,carrying the seed to be sown,They shall come back rejoicing,carrying their sheaves.R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Reading 2 Phil 1:4-6, 8-11

Brothers and sisters:I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.I am confident of this,that the one who began a good work in youwill continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.And this is my prayer:that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.Alleluia Lk 3:4, 6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:all flesh shall see the salvation of God.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,and his brother Philip tetrarch of the regionof Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:A voice of one crying out in the desert:“Prepare the way of the Lord,make straight his paths.Every valley shall be filledand every mountain and hill shall be made low.The winding roads shall be made straight,and the rough ways made smooth,and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The First Sunday of AdventLectionary: 3

Reading 1 Jer 33:14-16

The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot ; he shall do what is right and just in the land.In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure; this is what they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

R. (1b) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;teach me your paths,Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my savior,and for you I wait all the day. R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.Good and upright is the LORD;thus he shows sinners the way.He guides the humble to justice,and teaches the humble his way. R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancytoward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,and his covenant, for their instruction. R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

Reading 2 1 Thes 3:12—4:2

Brothers and sisters:May the Lord make you increase and abound in lovefor one another and for all,just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen.Finally, brothers and sisters, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that,as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please Godand as you are conducting yourselvesyou do so even more.For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.Alleluia Ps 85:8

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Show us, Lord, your love;and grant us your salvation.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples:“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.For that day will assault everyonewho lives on the face of the earth.Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Lectionary: 161

Reading 1 Dn 7:13-14

As the visions during the night continued, I sawone like a Son of man coming,on the clouds of heaven;when he reached the Ancient Oneand was presented before him,the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.His dominion is an everlasting dominionthat shall not be taken away,his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 93:1, 1-2, 5

R. (1a) The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.The LORD is king, in splendor robed;robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.And he has made the world firm,not to be moved.Your throne stands firm from of old;from everlasting you are, O LORD.R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed;holiness befits your house,O LORD, for length of days.R. The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.

Reading 2 Rv 1:5-8

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness,the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father,to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.Behold, he is coming amid the clouds,and every eye will see him,even those who pierced him.All the peoples of the earth will lament him.Yes. Amen."I am the Alpha and the Omega, " says the Lord God,"the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty."Alleluia Mk 11:9, 10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 18:33b-37

Pilate said to Jesus,"Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your ownor have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world.If my kingdom did belong to this world,my attendants would be fightingto keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world,to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Lectionary: 158. November 18, 2018.

Reading 1 Dn 12:1-3

In those days, I Daniel, heard this word of the Lord:"At that time there shall ariseMichael, the great prince,guardian of your people;it shall be a time unsurpassed in distresssince nations began until that time.At that time your people shall escape,everyone who is found written in the book."Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake;some shall live forever,others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace."But the wise shall shine brightlylike the splendor of the firmament,and those who lead the many to justiceshall be like the stars forever."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

R. (1) You are my inheritance, O Lord!O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord!

Reading 2 Heb 10:11-14, 18

Brothers and sisters:Every priest stands daily at his ministry,offering frequently those same sacrificesthat can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins,and took his seat forever at the right hand of God;now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. For by one offeringhe has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.Where there is forgiveness of these,there is no longer offering for sin.Alleluia Lk 21:36

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Be vigilant at all timesand pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 13:24-32

Jesus said to his disciples:"In those days after that tribulationthe sun will be darkened,and the moon will not give its light,and the stars will be falling from the sky,and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds'with great power and glory,and then he will send out the angelsand gather his elect from the four winds,from the end of the earth to the end of the sky."Learn a lesson from the fig tree.When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves,you know that summer is near.In the same way, when you see these things happening,know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you,this generation will not pass awayuntil all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away,but my words will not pass away."But of that day or hour, no one knows,neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Re-published on November 11, 2018.

Reading 1 1 Kgs 17:10-16

In those days, Elijah the prophet went to Zarephath.As he arrived at the entrance of the city,a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her,"Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink." She left to get it, and he called out after her,"Please bring along a bit of bread." She answered, "As the LORD, your God, lives,I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jarand a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;when we have eaten it, we shall die." Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose.But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,'The jar of flour shall not go empty,nor the jug of oil run dry,until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well;the jar of flour did not go empty,nor the jug of oil run dry,as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. The LORD keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 Heb 9:24-28

Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands,a copy of the true one, but heaven itself,that he might now appear before God on our behalf. Not that he might offer himself repeatedly,as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuarywith blood that is not his own;if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedlyfrom the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the agesto take away sin by his sacrifice. Just as it is appointed that human beings die once,and after this the judgment, so also Christ,offered once to take away the sins of many,will appear a second time, not to take away sinbut to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.Alleluia Mt 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds,"Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robesand accept greetings in the marketplaces,seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretextrecite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."He sat down opposite the treasuryand observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in morethan all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,her whole livelihood."or Mk 12:41-44

Jesus sat down opposite the treasuryand observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,"Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in morethan all the other contributors to the treasury.For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,her whole livelihood."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. November 4, 2018.

Reading 1 Dt 6:2-6

Moses spoke to the people, saying:"Fear the LORD, your God,and keep, throughout the days of your lives,all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,and thus have long life.Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them,that you may grow and prosper the more,in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers,to give you a land flowing with milk and honey."Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God,with all your heart,and with all your soul,and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

R. (2) I love you, Lord, my strength.I love you, O LORD, my strength,O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.R. I love you, Lord, my strength.My God, my rock of refuge,my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,and I am safe from my enemies.R. I love you, Lord, my strength.The LORD lives! And blessed be my rock!Extolled be God my savior.You who gave great victories to your kingand showed kindness to your anointed.R. I love you, Lord, my strength.

Reading 2 Heb 7:23-28

Brothers and sisters:The levitical priests were manybecause they were prevented by death from remaining in office,but Jesus, because he remains forever,has a priesthood that does not pass away.Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.It was fitting that we should have such a high priest:holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,higher than the heavens.He has no need, as did the high priests,to offer sacrifice day after day,first for his own sins and then for those of the people;he did that once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests,but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law,appoints a son,who has been made perfect forever.Alleluia Jn 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;and my father will love him and we will come to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 12:28b-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,"Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this:Hear, O Israel!The Lord our God is Lord alone!You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul, with all your mind,and with all your strength.The second is this:You shall love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.You are right in saying,'He is One and there is no other than he.'And 'to love him with all your heart,with all your understanding,with all your strength,and to love your neighbor as yourself'is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,he said to him,"You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. October 28, 2018.

Reading 1 Jer 31:7-9

Thus says the LORD:Shout with joy for Jacob,exult at the head of the nations;proclaim your praise and say:The LORD has delivered his people,the remnant of Israel.Behold, I will bring them backfrom the land of the north;I will gather them from the ends of the world,with the blind and the lame in their midst,the mothers and those with child;they shall return as an immense throng.They departed in tears,but I will console them and guide them;I will lead them to brooks of water,on a level road, so that none shall stumble.For I am a father to Israel,Ephraim is my first-born.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,we were like men dreaming.Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with rejoicing.R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Then they said among the nations,"The LORD has done great things for them."The LORD has done great things for us;we are glad indeed.R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Restore our fortunes, O LORD,like the torrents in the southern desert.Those that sow in tearsshall reap rejoicing.R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.Although they go forth weeping,carrying the seed to be sown,They shall come back rejoicing,carrying their sheaves.R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Reading 2 Heb 5:1-6

Brothers and sisters:Every high priest is taken from among menand made their representative before God,to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring,for he himself is beset by weaknessand so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himselfas well as for the people.No one takes this honor upon himselfbut only when called by God,just as Aaron was.In the same way,it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest,but rather the one who said to him:You are my son:this day I have begotten you;just as he says in another place:You are a priest foreveraccording to the order of Melchizedek.Alleluia Cf. 2 Tm 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed deathand brought life to light through the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,sat by the roadside begging.On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,he began to cry out and say,"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more,"Son of David, have pity on me."Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."So they called the blind man, saying to him,"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sightand followed him on the way.

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 146. October 21, 2018.

Reading 1 Is 53:10-11

The LORD was pleasedto crush him in infirmity.If he gives his life as an offering for sin,he shall see his descendants in a long life,and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.Because of his afflictionhe shall see the light in fullnessof days;through his suffering, my servant shall justify many,and their guilt he shall bear.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.Upright is the word of the LORD,and all his works are trustworthy.He loves justice and right;of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,To deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.Our soul waits for the LORD,who is our help and our shield.May your kindness, O LORD, be upon uswho have put our hope in you.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Reading 2 Heb 4:14-16

Brothers and sisters:Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,let us hold fast to our confession.For we do not have a high priestwho is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,but one who has similarly been tested in every way,yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of graceto receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.Alleluia Mk 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Son of Man came to serveand to give his life as a ransom for many.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:35-45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glorywe may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drinkor be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink,and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to givebut is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."or MK 10:42-45

Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. October 14, 2018.

Reading 1 Wis 7:7-11

I prayed, and prudence was given me;I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.I preferred her to scepter and throne,and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,and I chose to have her rather than the light,because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.Yet all good things together came to me in her company,and countless riches at her hands.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,for the years when we saw evil.R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Let your work be seen by your servantsand your glory by their children;and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

Reading 2 Heb 4:12-13

Brothers and sisters:Indeed the word of God is living and effective,sharper than any two-edged sword,penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.No creature is concealed from him,but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of himto whom we must render an account.Alleluia Mt 5:3

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:17-30

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing.Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words.So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Peter began to say to him,"We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sistersor mother or father or children or landsfor my sake and for the sake of the gospelwho will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:houses and brothers and sistersand mothers and children and lands,with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."or MK 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother."He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!"The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Pod Apostle presents Father Michael O'Connor. This homily is based on the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. October 7, 2018.

Reading 1 Gn 2:18-24

The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone.I will make a suitable partner for him."So the LORD God formed out of the groundvarious wild animals and various birds of the air,and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them;whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The man gave names to all the cattle,all the birds of the air, and all wild animals;but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man,and while he was asleep,he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.The LORD God then built up into a woman the ribthat he had taken from the man.When he brought her to the man, the man said:"This one, at last, is bone of my bonesand flesh of my flesh;this one shall be called 'woman, 'for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."That is why a man leaves his father and motherand clings to his wife,and the two of them become one flesh.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

R. (cf. 5) May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.Blessed are you who fear the LORD,who walk in his ways!For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored.R. May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table.R. May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.Behold, thus is the man blessedwho fears the LORD.The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.R. May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.May you see your children's children.Peace be upon Israel!R. May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

Reading 2 Heb 2:9-11

Brothers and sisters:He "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels, "that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.For it was fitting that he,for whom and through whom all things exist,in bringing many children to glory,should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.He who consecrates and those who are being consecratedall have one origin.Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers.”Alleluia 1 Jn 4:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.If we love one another, God remains in usand his love is brought to perfection in us.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 10:2-16

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked,"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him.He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They replied,"Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorceand dismiss her."But Jesus told them,"Because of the hardness of your heartshe wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and motherand be joined to his wife,and the two shall become one flesh.So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together,no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them,"Whoever divorces his wife and marries anothercommits adultery against her;and if she divorces her husband and marries another,she commits adultery."And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them,but the disciples rebuked them.When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,"Let the children come to me;do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs tosuch as these. Amen, I say to you,whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a childwill not enter it."Then he embraced them and blessed them,placing his hands on them.or Mk 10:2-12

The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked,"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" They were testing him.He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They replied,"Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorceand dismiss her." But Jesus told them,"Because of the hardness of your heartshe wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and motherand be joined to his wife,and the two shall become one flesh.So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together,no human being must separate." In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them,"Whoever divorces his wife and marries anothercommits adultery against her;and if she divorces her husband and marries another,she commits adultery."