In the propers for this week, we confront the nature of holiness and the reality of the Saints, especially amid our struggles with virtue and a broken world. The story of Lazarus invites us to face our doubts about hope and death. Jesus' distinct weeping points beyond despair, revealing that death is not an end but part of God’s plan of restoration.

As we observe All Saints' Day, surrounded by the signs of death in autumn, the Church urges us to see the Saints as present and active in our lives. They teach us that suffering can be transformed into joy and death into life. This reminder calls us to believe that holiness is possible and to join the communion of those who live in hope and faith.

Mark 10:46-52  Fr. Houk considers the characters in the story of the healing of blind Bartimaeus.

Mark 10:17-31. Jesus’s exchange with the Rich Young Ruler shows us that number one impediment to discipleship is pride.

In the propers for this week, we seem to hear Jesus exhort the disciples to cut off their eyes, hands, and feet in order to avoid eternal hellfire. We also heard about the failure of Haman's plan to kill Mordecai and his people. What could it all mean? Fr Harris reflects on the meaning for us during this season of the church year.

Mark 9:30-37. Fr. Houk imagines the full conversation between Jesus and the disciples who were arguing about who was the greatest.

The propers for this week drew our attention to the tendency in each of us to strategize for comfort and control our lives. Yet, Jesus’ rebuked Peter for focusing on human interests instead of God’s. Jesus’ teaching—“Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it”—urges us to surrender our self-centered ways. We’re called to repent, let go of shallow habits, and let God guide us toward true wisdom. The challenge is clear: will we cling to our own plans, or risk everything to discover what God has in store?

It's Rally Day at St. John's, the beginning of the program year. Fr. Houk reports on the parish's goals for the year, connecting with an appeal to Philippians 3:7-14 about the role of faith.

Fr. Butler preaches on Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, making it clear that in God who have something better than a coach.

John 6:56-69  Fr. Houk answers questions about the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood.

John 6:51-58. Zombies, C.S. Lewis, and Jesus help us to see that there are different ways of being alive.