Our mission is to help SHAPE and SHARPEN your faith by sharing our Catholic Faith experience in the 707 and Beyond. We will share how our Faith has shaped us to who we are today and will be tomorrow. Our faith journey crossed paths at St. Basils in Vallejo Ca. 707 in the mid 1990’s.
We pray our Podcast will be a source of Inspiration to our fellow Catholics and shed light and bring clarity to non-Catholics or others who have always been curious about Catholicism.
Ep 23: THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY....THE FIRST DISCIPLE
It is good to be back with you! Please like, share, and rate the podcast. And remember to take your time and use the timestamps. Pray for us as we pray for you!
In this episode we discuss Mary and the readings on the Solemnity of the the Assumption--the dogma teaching that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven (the fourth glorious mystery of the Rosary). While this specific event is not mentioned in scripture, it is not a foreign concept as Enoch and the prophet Elijah were both assumed to be assumed (no pun intended) into heaven by God. Why not Mary, the most holy and perfect of God's creatures? The underlying theme of the readings is that there was once a distance--an enmity between heaven and earth because of our sinfulness. But Mary, the highest honor and pride of the human race, says yes to God bringing Christ "the gate" into our midst, through whom God and man are reconciled. This presents us with a choice. To pass through the gate to God's side or stay where we are.
Time Stamps
(10:20) Themes
(13:51) First Reading
(34:35) Responsorial
(49:00) Second Reading
(1:10:24) Gospel
(1:28:56) Final Thoughts
The first reading is from the book of revelation, an apocalyptic text, describing the poetic visions of the apostle, John. The woman, Mary, who labors to give birth to Christ is antagonize by the devil represented by a dragon.
The responsorial psalm comes from psalm 45 and is a psalm about a king of Israel who marries a foreign princess making her a queen. In Christian prayer, that princess is a type of Mary who represents mankind who has estranged himself from God. Mary, earth's princess, espouses herself to God in the hopes unifying the two kingdoms manifest in the person of Christ.
In the second reading, Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that through Adam death entered the world but Christ corrects and elevates humanity by not only restoring us to life but to eternal life with God.
Lastly, the gospel reading from Luke is the narrative of the second joyful mystery of the Rosary--the visitation. Having learned that her cousin, Elizabeth, is pregnant with a son (John the Baptist) Mary visits her. The exchange brings about two very familiar prayers. Upon hearing Mary's voice, Elizabeth gives us part of the "Hail Mary" saying "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb." Mary in response gives us the Magnificat (which means "proclaims the greatness"). Mary knows who she is before God and praises God that the promises made to our fathers in faith are being fulfilled through Her Son, Jesus.
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25 Jul 2021
Ep 22: GOD PROVIDES ABUNDANTLY WHEN WE GIVE OUR FIRST (17th Sunday Ordinary Time)
As we discuss the readings from the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time we discuss the theme of God's providence, abundance, and generosity. The revelation of God's generosity prepares His people for the greatest gift of His Son. It prompts us, then, to be generous in our faith by offering our "firstfruits".
Time Stamps
(2:28) Check-In: Gas Prices, Electric Vehicles, Jeff Bezos and Possibilities
(15:18) Theme of Today’s Readings
(16:53) First Reading
(40:14) Responsorial Psalm
(51:35) Second Reading
(1:05:55) Gospel Reading
(1:26:47) Final Thoughts
In the first reading, we read an anecdote of the prophet Elisha. A man who was giving the firstfruits of his labor to God is then instructed by Elisha to give the offering to the people. Miraculously 20 barley loaves and some grain was enough to feed a hundred people. This is a precursor miracle to the multiplication of loaves by Jesus.
The response is from psalm 145 and we say: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. It is a psalm of praise at the abundant generosity and all-encompassing providence of God who cares, not just for humanity, but every living thing.
The second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul's Ecclesiology letter, reminds us from where our identity, dignity, and unity come--God. Since we are all children of God, that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ and should treat one another accordingly. There should not be divisions among us.
The Gospel is John's account of the multiplication of loaves. It is the beginning of the all-important 6th chapter of John gospel which includes Jesus walking on water and the bread of life discourses. This miracle is a preparation for Jesus to teach us about the His flesh as bread for the life of the world, by showing us that through Him God is fulfilling all of the promises of old, including what is referenced in the first reading. God can take the little offering of ourselves and can use us to do great things.
Here is a link to the readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072521.cfm
Please remember to take your time with the readings, use the time stamps, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram @blazeministry707
If you would like to help us and found our podcast helpful please remember to like, rate, share and subscribe. But above all pray for us, we are praying for you!
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18 Jul 2021
Ep 21: KILL THE NOISE & REST IN CHRIST (16th Sunday Ordinary Time)
In Episode 21 we discuss the theme of God's unity, peace, and justice which he offers in place of our sinfulness as the theme for the readings on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Time Stamps
(2:06) TALOFA!!! Why we use Brother and Sister
(8:14) Theme
(11:15) First Reading
(37:13) Responsorial
(54:02) Second Reading
(1:18:13)Gospel Reading
(1:44:52) Final Thoughts
The first reading from the book of Jeremiah pronounces judgment against the "shepherds" or leaders of Israel who did not help the people of Israel to be God's people but, instead, contributed to their demise and scattering. God promises that He Himself will shepherd and gather His people back together and that He will establish a good king to rule--a Messiah.
The response is the famous Psalm 23 which says, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." It's a spiritual retreat in words and reminds us of the kind of peace and prosperity that is only found with God.
The second reading from Paul’s letter to Ephesus continues to talk about the Church but this time discusses how God has gathered His people together, those near and those "far off". That can be read in a couple of ways in that sin has made us "far" from God but Paul also speaks historically of the enmity between Israel and the rest of the world. Christ overcomes every barrier by His blood.
Lastly, the gospel completes the story of the Twelve being sent out two by two by Jesus. The Twelve return from their preaching mission and tell Jesus all they did. Jesus then tells them to rest and "takes over" for the Twelve in caring for the crowd they had brought back with them. Here, Jesus fulfills what was spoken in the first reading and becomes their shepherd.
Thanks for spending time with us. Pray for us as we will ALWAYS be praying for you.
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