SJBExcelsior Podcast

Venezuelan Mission

This past weekend Fr. Greg Schaffer visited St. John's and spoke about the needs of the Archdiocesan mission parish in Venezuela called Jesucristo Resucitado.

To donate to the mission, you can go to Faith Direct on our website linked here: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/MN855

Humility, Humility, Humility

St. Augustine was asked, “how does one become a saint?” He answered, "The first part, humility, the second part, humility, the third part, humility."

In his homily this weekend, Fr. Carlson shared the story of St. Jeanne Jugan, a woman who lived a life of great humility.

Get Behind Me, Satan

There are moments in our lives that are turning point - “I’m going to go deeper in my faith”, “I'm going to get married", etc.. All of a sudden fear and anxiety can set in. It’s important to remind ourselves when this happens - who doesn’t want us to turn towards God? The evil one. He’s going to try to put up as many obstacles as possible.

 

In these moments we can say, “get behind me, Satan”. Then, “Lord, help me.” It’s so important to bring these things to the Lord, he is there to help, and he never tires of helping us.

In the Silence

How important it is to spend time in prayer. We have to protect our time with the Lord. The world is full of noise, so it can be hard to hear God. Two practical ways to hear God in prayer:

• Leave the phone behind
• Silence

Traditions & Commandments

The commandments lead us into union with God. Fr. Carlson talks about the differences between traditions and commandments. Do your traditions undercut God’s commandments?

Lift Up Your Hearts

So often we can come to Mass with our hearts heavy. Fr. Carlson asks us: where else are we going to go? “To whom should we go?”, as we hear in this week’s Gospel. I hope that’s what you do when you come to Mass - pour out your heart. Let him be the one to answer all of your needs.

Sing My Tongue the Savior's Glory

The Eucharist - the mystery that is above all words and songs.

Our Source of Strength

God never tires of helping us. When we are at our lowest point, he is there. He wants to give us Himself to strengthen us.

Catholic Near East Welfare Association Mission Appeal

Msgr. Peter Vaccari explains the work of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission. Three things you can do to help:

1. Pray for the regions they serve and the work they do
2. Learn the work that the Catholic Church is doing on the ground
3. Donate to the mission: www.cnewa.org

Face to Face With God

Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. When we receive the Eucharist, we receive God Himself. When we go to eucharistic adoration, we are face to face with God Himself.