Letters From Home

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the First Week of Advent by Ms. Joan Watson. Advent Weekday/ John of Damascus, Priest, Religious, Doctor First Reading: Isaiah 26: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118: 1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a Alleluia: Isaiah 55: 6 Gospel: Matthew 7: 21, 24-27   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Dive into the prophetic world of Isaiah and discover why it takes center stage during Advent. Explore the stunning imagery of a universal banquet and the destruction of death that Isaiah portrays. Connect with Psalm 23’s themes of shepherding and the Eucharist. Unpack the significance of the feeding of the 4,000, linking it to the Gentile experience and covenantal blessings. This engaging discussion emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist as a fulfilling spiritual meal, urging listeners toward daily Communion.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the First Week in Advent by Dr. Shane Owens. Advent Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Gospel: Luke 10: 21-24   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the First Week in Advent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Advent Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 4: 2-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122: 1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9 Alleluia: Psalms 80: 4 Gospel: Matthew 8: 5-11   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Clement Harrold dives into the rich symbolism of Daniel 7, discussing the four beasts as representations of empires, particularly highlighting Rome. He warns against rigid interpretations of Scripture, advocating for a multi-layered understanding. The conversation explores the fourth beast as a precursor to the Antichrist and the spiritual warfare between Christ and evil. Harrold includes insights from Fulton Sheen about the Antichrist's seductive nature, while emphasizing the vital call for vigilance and prayer in times of trial.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Daniel 7: 2-14 Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3: 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 Alleluia: Luke 21: 28 Gospel: Luke 21: 29-33    Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Joan Watson discusses the unique liturgical context of Thanksgiving, focusing on the Gospel of Luke 17:11-19. She highlights the lepers' social exclusion and their faith by going to the priests before healing. The reflection emphasizes the importance of gratitude, particularly through the example of the grateful Samaritan and the breaking of societal barriers by Jesus. Watson also encourages listeners to count their blessings, overcome default ingratitude, and cherish even the smallest gifts, inviting them to deepen their faith and love.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Daniel 5: 1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3: 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 Alleluia: Revelation 2: 10c Gospel: Luke 21: 12-19   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday/ Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr First Reading: Daniel 2: 31-45 Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3: 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 Alleluia: Revelation 2: 10c Gospel: Luke 21: 5-11   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, Martyr, & Companions, Martyrs Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Daniel 1: 1-6, 8-20 Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Alleluia: Matthew 24: 42a, 44 Gospel: Luke 21: 1-4   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america