Heart to Heart: Fr. Jim Willig - Gospel Teachings

John 20:19-23 | Pentecost Gospel Study by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Pentecost. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles to enliven them and send them out to proclaim Christ crucified and raised. Pray today to receive that same spirit and spread the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus.

from John 20:19-23
...Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Read the full scripture: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day

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Ascension - Jesus' Prayer for Us | John 17:1-11a by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim reflects on Jesus’ priestly prayer in John’s Gospel, revealing how Jesus prayed with deep intimacy to the Father and great love for His disciples. He reminds us that true prayer is not rote words, but a heartfelt relationship with God and loving concern for those entrusted to our care.

John 17:1-11a
When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you."

John 14:15-21 | Advocate by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

John 14:1-12 | The Way, The Truth, The Life by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim wants us to notice the importance of the opening line in today's Gospel passage. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Or put another way Jesus says, "Do not be afraid" that I will be leaving because I will return to you.

Excerpt from John 14:1-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”

Read the full Gospel passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050326.cfm

John 20:19-31 | Doubting Thomas Gospel Teaching by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0500

A Gospel Study on Doubting Thomas by Fr. Jim Willig that combines stories of doubt with stories of love and hope.

from John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.” ...

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041226.cfm

John 11:1-45 | Come Alive with Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500

His friends believe him dead. Jesus challenges their faith and performs one of His greatest miracles in raising Lazarus from the dead.

John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33B-45
The sisters of Lazarus sent word to Jesus, saying,
"Master, the one you love is ill."
When Jesus heard this he said,
"This illness is not to end in death,
but is for the glory of God,
that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
So when he heard that he was ill,
he remained for two days in the place where he was.
Then after this he said to his disciples,
+Let us go back to Judea."

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus
had already been in the tomb for four days.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
"Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you."
Jesus said to her,

"Your brother will rise."
Martha said,
"I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day."
Jesus told her,
"I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?"
She said to him, "Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world."

He became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said,
"Where have you laid him?"
They said to him, "Sir, come and see."
And Jesus wept.
So the Jews said, "See how he loved him."
But some of them said,
"Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man
have done something so that this man would not have died?"

So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb.
It was a cave, and a stone lay across it.
Jesus said, "Take away the stone."
Martha, the dead man's sister, said to him,
"Lord, by now there will be a stench;
he has been dead for four days."
Jesus said to her,
"Did I not tell you that if you believe
you will see the glory of God?"
So they took away the stone.
And Jesus raised his eyes and said,
"Father, I thank you for hearing me.
I know that you always hear me;
but because of the crowd here I have said this,
that they may believe that you sent me."
And when he had said this,
He cried out in a loud voice,
"Lazarus, come out!"
The dead man came out,
tied hand and foot with burial bands,
and his face was wrapped in a cloth.
So Jesus said to them,
"Untie him and let him go."

Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary
and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

The Gospel of the Lord

Matthew 17:1-9/Luke 9:28-36 | Vision Statement with Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0600

from Matthew 17:-1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him." ...

Read the full scripture: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm

Matthew 5:17-37 | Where Does Sin Begin? with Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0600

Jesus came to fulfill the Law. Listen as Fr. Jim teaches what that really means.

from Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. ...

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021526.cfm

Matthew 5:13-16 | Let Your Light Shine by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0600

from Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020826.cfm

Matthew 5:1-12a | The Beatitudes by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

from Matthew 5:1-12a
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied. ...

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020126.cfm

Matthew 4:12-23 | Gospel of Life - A Gospel Teaching by Fr. Jim Willig

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

In this previously unreleased Gospel Teaching by Fr. Jim Willig, Fr. Jim examines the call of the first Apostles by Jesus and invites us to consider our own call to follow the Lord.

from Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,
he withdrew to Galilee.
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,
in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet
might be fulfilled:
Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles,
the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
light has arisen.

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm

John 1:29-34 | Recognizing Christ Through John the Baptist by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Even John didn't know that Jesus was the Messiah until the Spirit of God revealed the truth to him. How can we learn from John the Baptist to recognize Christ?

John 1:29-34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.” ...

Read the full scripture: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011826.cfm

Hanging to the Right of Jesus | Luke 23:35-43 with Fr. Jim Willig and Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0600

With a dramatic reading by Fr. Michael of those who mocked Jesus' on the cross, Fr. Jim focuses on the thief hanging to Jesus' right side; the thief who recognized his own sinfulness and need for repentance.

from Luke 23:35-43
...Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112325.cfm

Waiting for the Kingdom of God | Luke 21: 5-19

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0600

When will Jesus return? The disciples didn't know 2,000 years ago and we don't know today, but the message is the same: Believe in me. Tell others about me. Wait for me, patiently and with perseverance. Listen as Fr. Jim expounds.

from Luke 21:5-19

"Before all this happens, however,
they will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111625.cfm

This Life or the Next? | Luke 20:27-38 with Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Which life is your priority? This one or the next?

from Luke 20:27-38
Jesus said to them,
"The children of this age marry and remarry;
but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age
and to the resurrection of the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage.
They can no longer die,
for they are like angels;
and they are the children of God
because they are the ones who will rise.
That the dead will rise
even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,
when he called out 'Lord, '
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;
and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,
for to him all are alive."

Read the full scripture package: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110622.cfm

Going Out On A Limb | Luke 19:1-10 with Fr. Jim Willig

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Zaccaeus went out on a limb for Jesus. Would we?

from Luke 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house."

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103022.cfm

Homily read by Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ
Gospel Study by Fr. Jim Willig

Humility | Luke 18:9-14 with Fr. Jim Willig

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

from Luke 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector...

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm

Pray, Pray, Pray | Luke 18:1-8 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500

What does it mean to pray always? Does it mean to pray without ceasing? As Fr. Jim notes, St. Luke is giving us a little hint. The goal isn't to pray without end, but to be consistent and to persevere in prayer, regardless of the outcome.

from Luke 18:1-8
...The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Read the full scripture: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm

Have An Attitude of Gratitude | Luke 17:11-19 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0500

What are you thankful for?

Imagine you wake up tomorrow and all you have left are the things you were thankful for today.

Now what are you thankful for?

from Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101225.cfm

Increase Your Faith | Luke 17:5-10 with Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim asks: "If you could ask God for one gift or blessing, what would it be?" The apostles said, "Increase our faith." and Jesus compares their faith to a tiny mustard seed and the power even that tiny bit would bring. Can we even wrap our heads around the enormity of God and the true gift of faith?

from Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
The Lord replied,
"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you would say to this mulberry tree,
'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you...

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100525.cfm

Have You Met Lazarus? | Luke 16 19-31 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Lazarus, a poor sick man covered in sores is ignored by the rich man living near him. They both die. Who gets the royal treatment in heaven? Listen to Fr. Jim's gospel teaching to find out.

from Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees:
"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.'

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092825.cfm

Almighty God vs Almighty Dollar | Luke 16:1-13 with Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0500

from Luke 16:1-13

Jesus said to his disciples,
"A rich man had a steward
who was reported to him for squandering his property.
He summoned him and said,
'What is this I hear about you?
Prepare a full account of your stewardship,
because you can no longer be my steward.'
The steward said to himself, 'What shall I do,
now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?
I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg.
I know what I shall do so that,
when I am removed from the stewardship,
they may welcome me into their homes.'
He called in his master's debtors one by one.
To the first he said,
'How much do you owe my master?'
He replied, 'One hundred measures of olive oil.'
He said to him, 'Here is your promissory note.
Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.'
Then to another the steward said, 'And you, how much do you owe?'
He replied, 'One hundred kors of wheat.'
The steward said to him, 'Here is your promissory note;
write one for eighty.'
And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092125.cfm

Woman At the Well | John 4:5-42

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim teaches on the living water of Christ based on this passage from the Gospel of John extolling us to recognize God's gift.

from John 4:5-42

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar,
near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.
Jacob's well was there.
Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well.
It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
Jesus said to her,
"Give me a drink."
His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
The Samaritan woman said to him,
"How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?"
—For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.—
Jesus answered and said to her,
"If you knew the gift of God
and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink, '
you would have asked him
and he would have given you living water."

Read the full scripture: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032325-YearA.cfm

Transfiguration | Luke 9:28B-36

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0500

from Luke 9:28B-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
"Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
But he did not know what he was saying. ...

Temptation | Luke 4:1-13 by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

How often in our lives do we have a powerful spiritual moment only to be faced with a similarly profound challenge or struggle? Listen today as Fr. Jim teaches about the challenge in the desert Jesus faced right after being baptized "and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" (Luke 3:22)

Almighty God vs Almighty Dollar | Luke 16:1-13 by Fr. Jim Willig

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0600

from Luke 16:1-13

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091822.cfm

We're in the Business | Matthew 18:21-35 with Fr. Jim Willig (alt. for Luke 6:27-38)

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0600

Read the full scripture passage here: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091723.cfm

Tough Love | Matthew 5:38-48 by Fr. Jim Willig (alt. for Luke 6:17, 20-26)

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0600

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one as well.
If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,
hand over your cloak as well.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile,
go for two miles.
Give to the one who asks of you,
and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father,
for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,
and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
Do not the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet your brothers only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Alternate for Luke 6:17, 20-26

Fr. Jim recorded Gospel Studies for most Gospels from September through May but sometimes Gospels were missed or the recording quality is unusable. There is not Gospel Study for the above passage from Luke, however, this passage from Matthew is a substitute.

The Greatest Fish Story Ever Told | Luke 5:1-11 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600

from Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening
to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."
Simon said in reply,
"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets."

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Light One Candle [The Presentation] | Luke 2:22-40 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0600

In this Gospel on the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Fr. Jim reminds us that Mary and Joseph went out of their way to bring Jesus to Jerusalem; a journey that was not easy but foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make for us.

from Luke 2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Read the full scripture passage:
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfm

The Baptism of the Lord | Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Wise Men Still Seek Him | The Epiphany of the Lord | Matthew 2:1-12 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Fr. Jim asks: Will we be the wise men and women taking up the journey to Jesus? Like the Magi, will we take a different path than the world would have us go?

from Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfm

The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth | Luke 1:39-45 with Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ and Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600

Fr. Jim Willig reflects on the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting Mary’s faith, obedience, and perseverance during her journey to Elizabeth. Through this reflection, he invites us to recognize the Spirit’s stirring in our own lives and embrace the hope and renewal offered by the Advent season.

from Luke 1:39-45
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm

Gospel Study - What Ought We Do? | Luke 3:10-18 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0600

from Luke 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.” ...

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm

Gospel Study: What Would John the Baptist Do? | Luke 3:1-6 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Fr. Jim teaches that if John the Baptist came today he would not mince words. He would call a sin, a sin and challenge each of us to identify the sin within our lives and urge us to turn away. Click play above to hear Fr. Jim's full Advent message.

Luke 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 region
of 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 filled
and 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.”

Read all the scriptures for this Sunday: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfm

How Will You Observe Advent? | Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Our world is increasingly holiday focused, not Holy Day focused. The season of Christmas does not begin for the Church until Christmas Day. Father Jim encourages us to celebrate Advent for what it is, a time of preparation.

Luke 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.

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120124.cfm

Who Rules Your Life? | John 18:33B-37 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

A New Millennium | Mark 13:24-32 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this deeply symbolic gospel addressing the end times, Fr. Jim explains that Mark's message calls for a profound transformation of the entire world as we know it. However, as the gospel reminds us, even Jesus did not know the exact moment of His return. Only the Father holds that knowledge.

from Mark 13:24-32
Jesus said to his disciples:
"In those days after that tribulation
the 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 angels
and gather his elect from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111724.cfm

Whom Do You Admire? | Mark 12:38-44 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Today's Gospel Study concludes: "Remember saints are not perfect, they just try harder to do what the Lord asks." As you reflect on the gospel story of the widow who gave all of what she had to the Temple, ask yourself, "How can I try harder to do what the Lord is asking of me?"

from Mark 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 robes
and 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 pretext
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation."

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111024.cfm

The Greatest Commandment | Mark 12:28b-34 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0500

I Want to See | Mark 10:46-52 | Gospel Study by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Gospel Study - Can You Drink This Cup? | Mark 10:35-45 by Fr. Jim Willig

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Gospel Study - If I Were Rich | Mark 10:17-30 | 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0500

A rich man comes to Jesus and kneeling before him, asks "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The rich man asks the right question but doesn't like Jesus' answer. Fr. Jim challenges us: What is God asking us to tithe that is holding us back from Him?

from Mark 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 poor
and 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. ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101324.cfm

Gospel Study - Marriage & Family (Mark 10:2-16)

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Mark 10:2-16 addresses the difficult topic of marriage, divorce and re-marriage. In Jesus' time, divorce was very different than it is today. A man could divorce his wife for any reason and with no warning. Jesus is tested with this reality and responds that cavalierly ending a marriage is a sin. Listen as Fr. Jim teaches about the history behind this Gospel and the pastoral realities we face today.

from Mark 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 divorce
and dismiss her."
But Jesus told them,
"Because of the hardness of your hearts
he 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 mother
and 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 another
commits adultery against her;
and if she divorces her husband and marries another,
she commits adultery."

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100624.cfm

Radical Spiritual Surgery | Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0500

St. John continues to bring concerns to Jesus, this time about someone performing exorcisms in Jesus' name but without being a true follower. Again Jesus has to remind John of the true mission.

from Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
At that time, John said to Jesus,
"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."
Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.
Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

Read the full scripture passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092924.cfm

Our Inner Child | Mark 9:30-37 | 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (2024)

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim encourages us to look in the mirror and ask ourselves each day, "How am I feeling today? What do I need today?"

from Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092224.cfm

Who Do You Say Jesus Is? Mark 8:27-35 | 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim teaches that when we know who Jesus is we know who God is, but more than that, we must ask who Jesus is so that we know who we must be.

from Mark 8:27-35
Jesus and his disciples set out
for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.
Along the way he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that I am?”
They said in reply,
“John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others one of the prophets.”
And he asked them,
“But who do you say that I am?”
Peter said to him in reply,
“You are the Christ.”
Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091524.cfm

A Hearing Aid | Mark 7:31-37 | 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this Gospel where Jesus heals the deaf and mute man, Fr. Jim reminds us that our hearing problems may actually be listening problems.

From Mark 7:31-37

...And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly...

Read the full Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090824.cfm

Pentecost Gospel Study - John 20:19-23 by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 16 May 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Pentecost. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles to enliven them and send them out to proclaim Christ crucified and raised. Pray today to receive that same spirit and spread the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus.

from John 20:19-23
...Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day

Ascension of the Lord - Gospel Study | John 17:1-11a by Fr. Jim Willig

Thu, 09 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Just before Jesus ascends to Heaven, he offers this prayer for all of us as recorded in the Gospel of John.

from John 17:1-11a
When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him.

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. ...

Read the full Gospel passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052420-day.cfm

Love is Our Mission - Gospel Study | John 15:9-17 by Fr. Jim Willig

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Holy Spirit, Advocate | John 14:15-21 Fr. Jim Willig Gospel Teachings Podcast

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Good Shepherd | John 10:11-18

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd.
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Read the full scripture: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042124.cfm

Jesus asks: Do You Love Me? | John 21:1-19

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500

In this Gospel of deja vu all over again, Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?"

from John 21:1-19
At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.
He revealed himself in this way.
Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus,
Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,
Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples.
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."
They said to him, "We also will come with you."
So they went out and got into the boat,
but that night they caught nothing.
When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore;
but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat
and you will find something."

Jesus Gives a New Commandment | John 13:31-35

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Easter: He is Risen! | John 20:1-9

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The Passion of Jesus According to Luke | Luke 22:14-23:56

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0500

Fr. Jim reflects on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke with dramatic Gospel reading by Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ.

from Luke 22:14-23:56
When the hour came,
Jesus took his place at table with the apostles.
He said to them,
“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again
until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said,
“Take this and share it among yourselves;
for I tell you that from this time on
I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine
until the kingdom of God comes.”
Then he took the bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and gave it to them, saying,
“This is my body, which will be given for you;
do this in memory of me.”
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
which will be shed for you. ...

Read the full Gospel and homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041022.cfm

Would You Like to See Jesus? | John 12:20-33

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Fervent prayer can often lead to unexpected results and a vision of Jesus that we weren't looking for. Are you ready for what the Lord might grant?

from John 12:20-33
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast
came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee,
and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”
Philip went and told Andrew;
then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
Jesus answered them,
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031724-YearB.cfm

Come to Life | John 11:1-45

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0600

Lazarus' friends thought him to be dead. They went so far as to bind his body and entomb it. Jesus challenges their faith and performs one of His greatest miracles in raising Lazarus from the dead; bringing him back to life.

from John 11:1-45
The sisters of Lazarus sent word to Jesus, saying,
"Master, the one you love is ill."
When Jesus heard this he said,
"This illness is not to end in death,
but is for the glory of God,
that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
So when he heard that he was ill,
he remained for two days in the place where he was.
Then after this he said to his disciples,
+Let us go back to Judea."

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus
had already been in the tomb for four days.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
"Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you."

What if Jesus Came to Our Church? | John 2:13-25 #lent

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Where does change need to begin? Out there in the world or in here, in your heart and mine? Fr. Jim shares a lesson in personal humility as he unpacks the story of Jesus cleansing the Temple.

John 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
“Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,
Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him,
“What sign can you show us for doing this?”
Jesus answered and said to them,
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”
The Jews said,
“This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,
and you will raise it up in three days?”
But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,
his disciples remembered that he had said this,
and they came to believe the Scripture
and the word Jesus had spoken.

While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
many began to believe in his name
when they saw the signs he was doing.
But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all,
and did not need anyone to testify about human nature.
He himself understood it well.

A Vision to Guide Us - Mark 9:2-10

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Most of us know the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up to a mountain top and gives them a glimpse of His glory. Fr. Jim takes this well known passage and asks us to find our own mission and our own vision to embrace the glory of God in simple and humble ways.

from Mark 9:2-10
Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
"This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm

Lent: A Time for the Desert | Mark 1:12-15

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Is Lent a time to give up dessert or a time to enter the desert along with Jesus? Fr. Jim suggests the latter. Listen for his profound insight into the healing struggle of this Lenten time.

The full transcript is available here.

Mark 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert,
and he remained in the desert for forty days,
tempted by Satan.
He was among wild beasts,
and the angels ministered to him.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm

Healing Power of Love | Mark 1:40-45

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0600

Father Jim is challenged by a woman: "Why don't you priests really heal anyone?" This gave him pause and inspiration for today's Gospel Study:

A man with leprosy breaks societal convention and approaches Jesus. He kneels down and reaches out to Jesus physically and through faith: "If you wish, you can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I do will it. Be made clean."

Mark 1:40-45
A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched him, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm

Time Management - Mark 1:29-39

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Jesus had his priorities straight. In this Gospel he heals Peter's mother-in-law and then the whole town comes out to be healed. But afterward, what does Jesus do? He goes away to a place of quiet and solitude and prays. We can learn great things from this lesson.

from Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them. ...

Read the full Gospel passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm

Get the Devil Out of Here | Mark 1:21-28

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this Gospel Jesus teaches in the Synagogue in Capernaum and when confronted by a person with an unclean spirit He drives out the demon. In exorcisms, in order to drive out the demons, they must be confronted and they must name themselves.

Fr. Jim reminds us that we too must confront and name our own demons in order to move beyond them. No sin is too big for God to forgive.

from Mark 1:21-28
Then they came to Capernaum,
and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"
Jesus rebuked him and said,
"Quiet! Come out of him!"

Answer the Call to Follow Jesus | Mark 1:14-20

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0600

Come. Abandon. Learn. Love: CALL This is the acronym Fr. Jim uses to imagine the call that Jesus used for his disciples; the same call He uses for us today.

from Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
"This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel."

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm

Dont Be Afraid to Share Your Faith | John 1:35-42

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Fr. Jim asks: Who do you seek? Who do you follow?

John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God." At this, Andrew leaves his company and joins Jesus. He then recruits his brother Simon to join them. Jesus became their Rabbi, their teacher.

from John 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God."
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" — which translated means Teacher —,
"where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come, and you will see."
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011424.cfm

Journey to Jesus with the Wise Men | Matthew 2:1-12

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0600

Fr. Jim asks: Will we be the wise men and women taking up the journey to Jesus? Like the Magi, will we take a different path than the world would have us go?

Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.” ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010724.cfm

Blessed Are You | Luke 1:26-38

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0600

The story of this Gospel Study is the Annunciation to Mary by the Angel Gabriel. Fr. Jim reminds us that Mary's role as Mother of Jesus is truly a gift from God because of her deep and profound submission to His will.

from Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God. ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122423.cfm

Where is Jesus? | John 1: 6-8; 19-28

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0600

In this hectic holiday season Fr. Jim reminds us to think of these as Holy Days, not holidays. John the Baptist came to witness to Jesus. As modern disciples of Christ it is our calling to also witness to Him in our daily lives, especially during this Holy Days.

from John 1:6-8; 19-28
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, “Who are you?”
He admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” ...

Read the full scripture passage:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm

Good News! | Mark 1:1-8

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600

In this Gospel Study Fr. Jim explores the challenges presented by John the Baptizer. John challenges the people of his time, just as he does us today.

We are challenged to confess our sin and seek forgiveness so that we can participate on the cause of right and help fight against evil and the powers of darkness.

from Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.”
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.

Read the full Gospel passage: bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121023.cfm

A Time to Wake Up | Mark 13:33-37

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

In this Gospel Study for the first weekend of Advent, Fr. Jim introduces the Gospel of Mark and provides some keen insight into who Mark was. History lessons aside, the poignancy of Fr. Jim's message comes at the very end where he challenges us to lead ourselves, and others, to Christ this Advent season.

from Mark 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the lord of the house is coming ...

Read the full gospel passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm

Whatever You Do | Matthew 25:31-46

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0600

Jesus will sit in judgment. He will separate the sheep from the goats; the righteous from the condemned. Fr. Jim challenges us to enter into a deep prayer relationship with God and ask Him directly what we can do for the least of His people.

from Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him,
he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him.
And he will separate them one from another,
as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right,
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Read the full Gospel passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112623.cfm

Use It or Lose It | Matthew 25:14-30

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0600

5, 2, or 1? How many talents has the Lord given each of us? Regardless of our age, or wealth, or experience, God asks us each to use what He has given us to the fullest. Fr. Jim reminds us of what Billy Graham said, "You never retire from the Lord's work." Listen to Fr. Jim's inspiring words to learn how simple actions can have a lasting impact on the world.

from Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money. ...

Read the full Gospel here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm

Word to the Wise: Be Prepared | Matthew 25:1-13

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0600

Be prepared and surround yourself with wisdom. In this Gospel parable, Jesus tells the story of the 5 wise bridesmaids and 5 foolish ones. The wise, who were prepared, got into the feast, while the foolish ones did not because they were not ready when the bridegroom arrived.

Fr. Jim challenges us to live as the wise bridesmaids did by living for the Lord and anticipating our Heavenly feast.

from Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry,
'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
'Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.'
But the wise ones replied,
'No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111223.cfm

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Blessed Attitudes - Matthew 5:1-12a | The Feast of All Saints

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Rather than a Gospel Study for the Sunday Gospel, this week's Gospel teaching is for the All Saints Day gospel reading. Fr. Jim unpacks one Jesus' most famous teaching moments, the Sermon on the Mount and this section we call, "The Beatitudes."

from Matthew 5:1-12a
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied. ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012923.cfm

Back to School | Matthew 18:15-20

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

This Gospel Study addresses Matthew 18:15-20. In this scripture reading, Jesus tells His disciples that whenever two or more are gathered in His name, He is always present.

Fr. Jim gives a great analogy of one suffering from anorexia, as he calls it spiritual anorexia or bulimia. We need to be fed on the best of food, which is Jesus Christ himself. He fills us up with His Holy Spirit. This is a diet that is the spiritual nourishment we desperately need.

from Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that 'every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.
If he refuses to listen even to the church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Read the full Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091023.cfm

Conclusion - Lessons from the School of Suffering

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Tammy Bundy offers a poignant closing to Fr. Jim's powerful story. Stay tuned to the end for a special thank you message from Fr. Michael.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.