In this week's episode, in stark contrast to other Gospel accounts, the Gospel of Luke introduces us to a more reputable John the Baptist figure than the traditional eccentric, desert-dweller John who is clothed in camel's hair and eats locusts and wild honey. Pastor Ryan believes John the Baptist has a particular role to play in the Advent drama as the CAG, "chief advice giver." John's call to repent is an invitation for us to reorient our hearts and fine-tune our lives, values, and priorities as we are awaiting the coming of the Lord.

Following the sermon, we offer the Advent Festival of Lesson and Carols from St. Bede’s on Sunday, December 5th under the musical direction of Frank Basile. Musical selections include:

In this week's episode, the season of Advent kicks off, and Pastor Ryan's message centers on the anticipation of not one but two different comings of Christ. Even though secular culture wants us to anticipate a holiday, we are anticipating a life-changing savior.

Following the sermon, there are two musical selections:

On day the Church celebrates Christ the King, Pastor Ryan message wrestles what it means to be a citizen in the Kingdom of God. He challenges us to turn our attention to the citizens Jesus cherished the most--those who exist on the margins; and those who have been displaced and abandoned. "We cannot declare 'Christ is King' in this sanctuary," says Pastor Ryan, "and then walk out of here and simply go about our day." What makes us Christians and citizens in the Kingdom is what we do outside outside the walls of Church between Sundays.

Following the sermon, there are two musical selections:

In this week's episode, Pastor Ryan explores the Jesus of Mark's Gospel through the lens of Mark 13. "Jesus is a provocateur—one who provokes," says Pastor Ryan. Therefore, the Gospel invites us to "consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24)

Following the sermon, there are two musical selections:

CHOIR ANTHEM: “Soon and Very Soon” – Words and Music: Andraé Crouch | Choral Setting by: Jack Schrader

ORGAN POSTLUDE: “Prelude in d minor, BWV 539” - Music: Johann Sebastian Bach

In this week's episode, Pastor Ryan's message focuses on The Raising of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha from John 11. Following Mary's invitation, "Lord, come and see," Jesus weeps, but why? Pastor Ryan explores with the congregation a vulnerable Jesus and the factors that led to his very genuine human response. What can we learn about our own limitations and challenges from this unprecedented and dramatic Gospel scene?

Following the sermon, there are two musical selections from the St. Bede’s Choir led by Frank Basile:

Happy to announce we have significantly enhanced the audio quality of Soundwaves at St. Bede’s. In this week’s episode, Pastor Ryan looks at Jesus’ restatement of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) with one notable addition. Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and MIND! Yet, each day we are tempted to weaponize our minds against the will of God. Therefore, pastor Ryan invites us to examine the centrality of God in our lives—heart, soul, strength, and mind.

This week’s installment does not only feature Pastor Ryan’s sermon, “On the Way… Sight Unseen,” where he explores a unique hero in Mark’s Gospel, Bartimaeus; the podcast also features two pieces of music from St. Bede’s extraordinary music program. The first selection was Sunday’s Offertory Anthem, “Dona Nobis Pacem” (Beethoven) from Mass in C Major, Op. 86. The final musical selection is a preview of November’s Friends of Music Concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth. The piece is “Nutturno in E-flat Major, op. 148” by Franz Schubert is from last Sunday’s Friends of Music Concert.

Welcome to the inaugural installment of Soundwaves at St. Bede’s! In this episode, utilizing the backdrop of Mark 10:35-45 (the sons of Zebedee outlandish request), Pastor Ryan explores how the Gospel of Mark uniquely portrays the disciples. Spoiler alert: The disciples are a major disappointment in Mark’s Gospel.