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Journey of Faith

185 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago -

Get inspired and energize your faith with Journey of Faith (JOF) personal reflections by Maryknoll,
emailed to you each Sunday morning.

Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

Let Go of Fear

June 25, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.37 MB

Once again today we hear Jesus proclaiming that his disciples should not surrender to fear as they carry out their mission. He even tells his followers that they are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows and that every hair on their head has been counted. Jesus assures us that God’s loving, fatherly care accompanies us in all of life’s diverse situations.

Saints and Popes Speak on Mission

June 18, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.92 MB

Our Gospel reading today presents the beginning of the famous “mission discourse” by the Evangelist Matthew; it covers all of chapter ten of Matthew’s Gospel. Since our Catholic Church is missionary by her very nature and identity, much has been written about missionary evangelization over the centuries. To enhance your meditation and reflection, this presentation simply provides a series of quotes from various sources to enrich your missionary journey of faith.

Feeding on Living Bread

June 11, 2023 12:56 - 6 minutes - 8.75 MB

Our feast today is Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ; more formally, it is termed: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Today’s Gospel is drawn from chapter six of John’s Gospel, often termed the “bread of life” chapter. Here Jesus declares: “I am the bread of life…. I am the bread that came down from heaven…. My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” Hearing Jesus’ words, many of his ordinary followers abandoned him. The Twelve stayed with Jesus; Peter declared: “Lord to w...

Living into God’s Mystery, Journey of Faith

June 04, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.55 MB

Today is Trinity Sunday; it comes just one week after the beautiful feast of Pentecost that celebrates the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the entire world. Our “Trinitarian” Christian faith asserts that there is one God who is three distinct persons existing as a community of self-giving and loving relationships with each other. Yes, God is love (1 Jn 4:8); each person (Father, Son, and Spirit) is fundamentally a fountain of overflowing love!

Pentecost Continues Today, Journey of Faith

May 28, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 9.29 MB

On this beautiful feast of Pentecost, we affirm that the Holy Spirit is alive in the Church. Diverse Spirit-given gifts flourish in Christian communities across the globe. Today we Catholics are privileged to live in a renewed Church, in a unique age of “a new Pentecost”! Recall that just last year the Church rejoiced as she observed the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII in 1962. Vatican II was only the 21st ecumenical council in the Church’s...

Mission: Keeping Jesus’ Memory Alive, Journey of Faith

May 21, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.88 MB

As we celebrate the feast of the Ascension today, we are reminded that the task of Christians is to preserve the dynamic, enriching, and salvific memory of Jesus. Mission permeates the entire New Testament; some important mission texts are simply listed here: Matthew 28:16-20 (today’s Gospel); Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:45-48, 10:1-16; John 20:19-23, 13:12-15; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:2-5. All these passages contain Jesus’ “mission commands.”

A Truly Special Anniversary, Journey of Faith

April 30, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.97 MB

In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus saying: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). Reflecting on this passage about the “fullness of life,” I am reminded of a special anniversary the Church is celebrating this year: the 150th anniversary of the birth of Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-2023). This “little flower” has helped many appreciate what “fullness of life” can mean.

A Truly Special Anniversary, Journey of Faith

April 30, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.97 MB

In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus saying: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). Reflecting on this passage about the “fullness of life,” I am reminded of a special anniversary the Church is celebrating this year: the 150th anniversary of the birth of Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-2023). This “little flower” has helped many appreciate what “fullness of life” can mean.

Our Journey to Emmaus, Journey of Faith

April 23, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 9.38 MB

The narrative from Luke’s Gospel of the journey of two disciples to Emmaus is well known and loved (Lk 24:13-35). We can imagine the scene: two men are walking; they are dejected, sad, and overwhelmed by recent events. Jesus, their dear friend and presumed messiah, met with a terrible end: an ignoble death by crucifixion on Calvary. There is nothing else to do: leave Jerusalem; return home to Emmaus; begin life all over again. That chapter of life has been permanently closed!

An “Easter Candle” Story, Journey of Faith

April 16, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 9.45 MB

With deep faith and courageous hope, Saint Maximilian Kolbe endured the extreme horrors of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp in Poland. He proved that self-giving love and compassion can thrive even in extreme darkness and cruelty. His heroic life inspired other prisoners, giving them hope that kindness and self-sacrifice were possible—even in Auschwitz. This “factory of death” functioned from 1940 until 1945; studies demonstrate that between 1.1 and 1.5 million people peris...

Easter Encounters, Journey of Faith

April 09, 2023 04:00 - 7 minutes - 9.65 MB

Allow me to tell you about a unique celebration of Easter from the Philippines, where I happily served as a missionary for over five decades. Filipinos celebrate a ritual, known locally as the “meeting” (encuentro); it dramatizes the encounter of the risen Lord and his mother Mary on Easter morning.

Imitating the Kenosis of Jesus, Journey of Faith

April 02, 2023 04:00 - 7 minutes - 9.97 MB

Today on Palm Sunday as the second reading, the Church gives us a beautiful Christological hymn from Saint Paul. Philippians 2:6-11 speaks about the kenosis, the “self-emptying” of Jesus. While maintaining the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus, Paul says that Jesus voluntarily condescended and “emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave” (v. 7); he did this in profound humility and freely accepted death on a cross. God the Father has exulted Jesus through the resurrection: J...

Emerging from Our Tombs, Journey of Faith

March 26, 2023 11:05 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MB

Today, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we hear the astounding story of the resurrection of Lazarus. There is a marvelous amount of detail in this Gospel account! We learn so much about Jesus, his person, his mission, his compassionate heart.

Light for Blind Eyes, Journey of Faith

March 19, 2023 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.51 MB

As we read the scriptures during Lent, we should recall that the readings are specifically chosen to be a “catechesis” [faith instruction] for those who will be baptized during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday; we all renew our baptismal promises during that liturgy. Thus, we ask: What is today’s Gospel (Jn 9:1-41) of the “man born blind” teaching us about our faith and the person of Jesus?

Profound Thirst, Journey of Faith

March 12, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.64 MB

Today’s Gospel, a deeply touching human-interest story, describes the lively encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Their conversation revolves around water, about various senses of “living water,” and how our thirst for God may be satisfied. Visit Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers: https://maryknollsociety.org

Get Up! Do not Be Afraid! Journey of Faith

March 05, 2023 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.85 MB

Each year on the second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is always a narrative of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The episode confirms Jesus’ prophecy of his passion; it is also intended to strengthen the disciples to endure Jesus’ coming death with faith. The Father’s voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” Then, Jesus speaks to Peter, James and John, telling them: “Get up! Do not be afraid”! Jesus is advising his disciples—and us: Have faith! Do not ...

Facing the Temptations of Life, Journey of Faith

February 26, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 8.17 MB

Jesus is our model as Christians, both in all of life and especially during the season of Lent. Matthew, in today’s Gospel, narrates how Jesus was led into the desert where he fasted and prayed for forty days. Then, the devil comes to tempt him, seeking to turn him away from his mission. Finally, Jesus commands the devil to leave: “Away with you, Satan!”

A Debt Never Fully Paid, Journey of Faith

February 19, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 8.6 MB

Our reflection today focuses on the brief, yet profoundly insightful, first reading where we hear some very concrete, practical advice from the Book of Leviticus: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (19:18). Indeed, there is one debt that we will always owe and never be able to pay fully. The command to love remains constant; love can never say: “I’ve done enough.”

However, I Say to You ..., Journey of Faith

February 12, 2023 10:00 - 6 minutes - 8.75 MB

Our Gospel today and the Gospel of next Sunday together form an integral section of Jesus’ profound Sermon on the Mount. It is commonly called Jesus’ “six antitheses.” We know that an “antithesis” is an alternate assertion different from the original “thesis.” Thus, Jesus is giving a new, more profound interpretation of six basic elements of Jewish law.

Our “Salt and Light” Mission, Journey of Faith

February 05, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 7.88 MB

Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples and “sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go” (Lk 10:1). From among his many disciples, Jesus also chose twelve as his apostles. Jesus taught his disciples; he also sent them as his apostles, his missionaries to the world. They were to speak in his name and conduct themselves as models of peace, charity and humility, proclaiming that “the Kingdom of God is near” (Lk 10:9) ... ACCESS THE FULL EPISODE: https://mar...

Discovering the Meaning of Christmas, Journey of Faith

December 25, 2022 05:00 - 3 minutes - 4.97 MB

There is a popular Philippine Christmas song I truly love; it has the title: Christmas in Our Hearts. Indeed, that is where Christmas happens! God’s heart overflowed with love, so he sent his very best gift: his own Son. We all pray for each other during this Christmas season, so that Christ will be born anew in each of our hearts and that there will truly be “Peace on earth”!

Saint John XXIII: Herald of Hope, Journey of Faith

December 11, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.27 MB

At this time in the history of the Church, the memory of “Good Pope John” has once again surfaced as the Church commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (October 11, 1962-2022). Saint-Pope John Paul II has described John XXIII as “a pastor full of wisdom and Christian hope.” When he was confronting the difficult journey of the Church in a fragmented, unbelieving world, John XXIII bravely showed “optimistic trust,” disagreeing with those “prophets of...

Advent – Season of Hope, Journey of Faith

December 04, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.27 MB

On all Sundays of Advent, the first reading is from the Prophet Isaiah; he constantly announces the coming of salvation, often using poetic images. Today we hear that “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” The wolf will be the guest of the lamb; the cow and the bear will become neighbors; the baby will play by the cobra’s den! Yes, there is hope; yet, you might ask: What is genuine, realistic hope?

Mary’s Faith-filled Song: The Magnificat, Journey of Faith

November 27, 2022 12:32 - 6 minutes - 8.85 MB

Advent and Christmas form a unique “Marian Season.” Christians recall that it was Mary (along with Joseph), awaiting the birth of her son, who celebrated the very first advent. Mary made a unique faith journey, preparing for Christ’s nativity for nine full months. During this time Mary can be heard singing the Magnificat, a song of praise, the same canticle she probably sung repeatedly during the nine months of her pregnancy, the original advent season.

Christ Our Crucified King, Journey of Faith

November 20, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 9.66 MB

If asked what movie I have seen most frequently in my whole life, I would have to reply: A Man for All Seasons. This 1960s film was based on a striking play written by Robert Bolt. In explaining his choice of Thomas More for the drama, Bolt gave this rationale: “A man takes an oath only when he wants to commit himself quite exceptionally to the statement, when he wants to make an identity between the truth of it and his own virtue; he offers himself as a guarantee.”

Reading the “Signs of the Times, Journey of Faith

November 13, 2022 08:22 - 6 minutes - 8.27 MB

Today is the second-to-last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year.  Next Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King; then we begin the season of Advent.  Our readings today, especially from the prophet Malachi and the evangelist Luke, are not easily understood.  They are a type of writing known as “apocalyptic literature.”

Living and Dying for One’s Faith, Journey of Faith

November 06, 2022 04:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MB

Today’s first reading narrates the inspirational story of seven martyr brothers and their brave mother who endured a fierce religious persecution from the pagan Seleucid kings two centuries before the birth of Christ. They remained faithful to their monotheistic religion; they noted that it was their choice “to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him.” This is an early expression of “resurrection faith,” a central theme of today’s Gospel.

Authentic Change of Heart, Journey of Faith

October 30, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 4.62 MB

Today’s Gospel story of Zaccheus, the “short guy in the sycamore tree,” is both well-known and popular. Who is this man, what is his identity? He was a chief “publican” and a corrupt man. Publicans were Jews who worked for the foreign Romans; they betrayed their own homeland and people. As a tax collector, Zaccheus sought money in customs tariffs and various illegitimate means. He exploited people, benefitting himself instead of helping others.

World Mission Day, Journey of Faith

October 23, 2022 04:03 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MB

Today the entire Church celebrates World Mission Day, an event created by Pope Pius XI in 1926. Since that time, now nearly 100 years ago, the Pope composes a message for the reflective meditation by Catholics worldwide. It is intended to deepen the missionary consciousness and commitment of all the faithful. The title of this year’s message is: “You shall be my Witnesses,” (Acts 1:8).

An Urgent Call, Journey of Faith

October 16, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 7.88 MB

Only a few weeks ago, we all listened to the reports of the devastation and suffering caused by hurricane Ian, particularly in Florida. Personally, I still vividly remember that in late September 2009 the Philippines suffered a “double-hit” of two back-to-back typhoons. Typhoon Ondoy dumped the equivalent of over one month’s rainfall on Manila and the surrounding areas in less than 24 hours. The situation was urgent.

Surprising Model of Virtue, Journey of Faith

October 09, 2022 12:53 - 5 minutes - 1.86 MB

Today’s Gospel from Saint Luke narrates the merciful action of Jesus in curing ten lepers. Certainly, to be healed of such a horrible affliction is a great gift, flowing from Jesus’ compassion. Surprisingly, only one returns to express his gratitude to Jesus. Thus, Jesus asks: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” And, as Saint Luke notes: “He was a Samaritan.”

Fanning the Flame of Mission, Journey of Faith

October 02, 2022 12:25 - 6 minutes - 8.87 MB

Today’s second reading comes from Saint Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Its opening chapter contains much practical inspiration for all Christians on the theme of mission; it describes the gift of the missionary vocation and provides specific advice on how to actively engage in mission.

Open the Gate of Your Heart , Journey of Faith

September 25, 2022 12:27 - 5 minutes - 7.39 MB

All of us are quite familiar with today’s Gospel from Saint Luke (16:19-31) which narrates the parable of the poor man Lazarus lying at gate of the rich man Dives. We also hear it proclaimed every year on Thursday of the second week of Lent. The parable actually illustrates that our attitude to our needy neighbor is actually our attitude to God himself

Our “Jesus Option” - Serving the Poor, Journey of Faith

September 18, 2022 12:17 - 6 minutes - 8.38 MB

Today’s first reading is taken from the prophet Amos, known as the “prophet of social justice.” He warns against anyone who “tramples upon the needy and destroys the poor.” The Church continues to challenge us to make a clear “preferential option for the poor.” This is more than just a nice-sounding phrase or a clever play on words. Today we seek to understand this important dimension of living our Christian faith.

Mercy: Beating Heart of the Gospel, Journey of Faith

September 11, 2022 11:45 - 6 minutes - 8.26 MB

Pope Francis is truly a “pope of mercy”; he has focused the Church’s attention on the theme of mercy and the poor. His document, Misericordiae Vultus (MV) (The Face of Mercy), proclaimed an entire year of mercy, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the close of Vatican II (1962-1965). Francis says: “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity, and peace…. Mercy [is] the bridge that connects God and man” (MV 2).

The Cross: God’s “Foolish” Wisdom, Journey of Faith

September 04, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 7.15 MB

In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a forceful statement: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Saint Paul in the second reading speaks of one of his own crosses, his imprisonment. In many of his letters Paul explains his profound insights on how we are to view Christ’s cross as well as our own crosses, thus, becoming Christ’s disciples.

Walk Humbly with your God, Journey of Faith

August 28, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 1.83 MB

Today’s first reading and Gospel focus our reflections on humility. They also remind us of that popular biblical passage from the prophet Micah: “This is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Dining in the Kingdom of God, Journey of Faith

August 21, 2022 11:35 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MB

In our Gospel today we hear Jesus using the word “kingdom” twice. The Gospels reveal that Jesus used this term Kingdom nearly one hundred times; yet, he never defined it, even though it is a central theme in his teachings and parables. It refers to God’s ultimate victory over all the enemies of humanity: sickness, hatred, greed, jealousy, and even death itself!

Apostle of Compassion, Journey of Faith

August 14, 2022 11:52 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MB

“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” the opening words of today’s second reading, Hebres Chapter 12 verses 1 through 4, describe the presence of many holy people in the Church. You and I, while we are both holy and sinful ourselves, belong to this community of Jesus’ disciples. What a great privilege! We are constantly inspired by the example of our fellow-disciples to be faithful Christians in all life’s circumstances

Wise Use of Material Goods, Journey of Faith

July 31, 2022 11:15 - 5 minutes - 7.11 MB

Our Gospel today from Saint Luke centers around the theme of possessions—both earthly and heavenly. Twice Jesus gives some clear, focused advice: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” “Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” Jesus is clearly speaking about how the material things of this world are to be properly used to enhance our own lives and the lives of others.

Knowing God as Compassionate Father , Journey of Faith

July 24, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MB

Christian creeds address God as “the Father, the almighty.” Calling God “Our Father” is a personal address, asserting his care for all creation, especially for all humanity. God is called “Father” 170 times in the Gospels.

Living an Integrated Life in Mission, Journey of Faith

July 17, 2022 10:52 - 4 minutes - 6.79 MB

Today’s Gospel from Saint Luke, also used for the feast of Saint Martha, probably reflects a typical scene from the life of Jesus. He had a very close friendship relationship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, often going to their home in Bethany to relax, enjoy their company, share some of Martha’s good cooking, and simply rest from his demanding ministry activities.

Mercy: The Heart of Mission, Journey of Faith

July 10, 2022 14:53 - 6 minutes - 8.29 MB

Two of Jesus’ parables are known worldwide by people of all faiths and traditions; they are the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Both narratives speak of the universal value of mercy. The good Samaritan treated the wounded stranger with mercy and compassion. The merciful father welcomes his wayward son home with open arms.

Mission: The Heart of the Gospel, Journey of Faith

July 03, 2022 11:22 - 5 minutes - 8.17 MB

Mission permeates the entire New Testament. Today’s Gospel from chapter ten of Luke narrates a key event, where Jesus chooses seventy-two additional followers and sends them out on mission. We should conclude that mission is for all of Jesus’ disciples—all baptized Christians, not just the special twelve apostles. Jesus then gives them clear and specific instructions. I see at least ten “mission principles” emerging from today’s Gospel.

Our Missionary Call from Jesus, Journey of Faith

June 26, 2022 11:27 - 4 minutes - 6.14 MB

In today’s Gospel, Saint Luke presents Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” As Jesus proceeds on his missionary path, he invites others to follow him. Then we hear of many excuses for either delaying or even rejecting the call. Honestly, we are often reluctant to fully follow Jesus as his missionary disciples.

Corpus Christi – Remembering Sunday, Journey of Faith

June 19, 2022 12:09 - 5 minutes - 8.07 MB

Special names are often given to significant feasts within the Church’s liturgical year. Following Easter we have Divine Mercy Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday; last week we celebrated Trinity Sunday. Today is the feast of Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ. I believe we could also appropriately give today a new title: “Remembering Sunday.”

Trinity – A Community of Dynamic Love, Journey of Faith

June 12, 2022 11:25 - 5 minutes - 7.25 MB

Today, as the Church celebrates Trinity Sunday, we are invited to reflect upon a great truth of the Christian faith: we believe in a Trinitarian God: one God in three persons. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, living a life of communion and perfect mutual love.

Holy Spirit: “Giver of Life”, Journey of Faith

June 05, 2022 04:00 - 7 minutes - 9.71 MB

Today, Pentecost Sunday, is an opportune moment to deepen our appreciation of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. We can be guided by the profound thought of our Spirit-filled Pope Francis.

Joyful Witnesses of Good News, Journey of Faith

May 29, 2022 10:40 - 5 minutes - 7.28 MB

Today’s Gospel for the feast of Christ’s Ascension notes that after Jesus “was taken up to heaven,” his disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” They had experienced many remarkable events, ranging from Jesus’ public ministry, his passion and death to his resurrection. Now, just before his ascension, Jesus tells them: “you are witnesses of these things.” Yes, they are to be “joy-filled witnesses” of the entire Christ-event.

Jesus’ Comforting Promises, Journey of Faith

May 22, 2022 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.27 MB

Our Gospel today is taken from Jesus’ “Last Supper Discourse” (John 13-17); it might be called “Jesus’ Farewell Address.” Several significant events have preceded Jesus’ words we hear today. He washed his disciples’ feet as a sign of radical service (13:1-20). Jesus predicted Judas’ betrayal (13:21-30). He told his disciples that he will soon depart (13:33; 14:25). He gave them the new commandment of love (13:34-35) and foretold Peter’s imminent denial (13:36-38). No wonder the disciple...