God's generous, reckless love emerges clearly from the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. In their discussion of both the A and B Cycles, Donna and Fr. Philip pull on the threads of these ancient Scriptures, placing the Paschal Mystery within the context of our everyday lives. Although most people are averse to thinking about death, Jesus shows us the way through physical suffering to eternal redemption.

"I once was blind but now I see." These words of the well-known hymn, "Amazing Grace," are found both in and between the lines in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.  In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss both the A and B cycles as they ruminate about how we learn to see spiritually. Changing old patterns of seeing and thinking are not always easy but now, in the Lenten days remaining, is the perfect time to try. 

The Third Sunday of Lent has two different sets of readings, one from Cycle A for the RCIA Scrutinies and the other from Cycle B of the Lectionary.  Fr. Philip and Donna discuss both using the themes of Living Water (the Woman at the Well) and Living Words (the Cleansing of the Temple). All of us are thirsty for a deep well of meaning and all of us need to cleanse the inner temples of our souls. Midway through Lent is the time to discern which one is emerging from the ashes. 

Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Lent. While Abraham, Jesus, and his three companions climbed physical mountains for spiritual insights, each of us is challenged to climb the spiritual mountains within our souls. Transfigured moments come to us all if we are listening and attentive. 

In this talk, our parochial vicar, Fr. Joseph Squillacioti, has a lengthy discussion with Donna about the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Joseph not only spoke about the history and theology behind the sacrament but also shared his personal story about what inspired him to respond to God's call to the priesthood, Fr. Joseph's detailed explanation of the complexities of the sacrament, provide much food for thought.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss the Sunday Scriptures for the First Sunday of Lent 2021.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch go deeper into the Sunday readings.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch talk about the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday readings. 

Go deeper into the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time!

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.