SJBExcelsior Podcast

The Significance of the Sacrifice

Fr. Carlson explains the significance of the First Reading from this past Sunday. The ram in the thicket? The wood on Isaac’s back? Mt. Moriah? His only beloved son? What do these mean?

On the Offensive

Each Lent we hear about Jesus going out into the desert. The desert was known as the devil’s territory. Jesus goes into the desert because he’s bringing the battle to the evil one. Jesus goes on the offensive. Why? Because he loves us, and doesn’t want us to be separated from Him.

 

As we enter into the season of Lent, let us remember that Jesus is the victor, and that he always goes before us and with us. In times of affliction or temptation, don’t be afraid. Call on Him, He is the victor.

No More Separation

Leprosy separated the leper from their loved ones and their community. What’s more, they were not able to enter the temple to worship God. When the leper came to Jesus he asked him, “If you will it, you can make me clean”. The leper wanted to be able to worship God in the temple. He was longing to be one with God.

 

Sin is like leprosy - it separates us from God. As we enter into Lent, let us go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus desires for us to be one with Him. Let us go to Him and ask him to heal us.

The Divine Physician

God cares about us. He wants to be with us, he wants to give us comfort, and healing, and His very self. Jesus heals; this is what he longs to do.

 

Here's a link to the prayer Father quotes at the end: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/prayer-before-mass-325

Getting Distracted

We’re not living just for this world. Our focus needs to be on the Lord, putting Him first. We often get distracted from this fact, though. In his homily, Fr. Carlson speaks about the importance of putting the Lord first, and the many ways we get distracted from this reality.

Answering God's Call

In his homily this past weekend, Fr. Larry Blake speaks about answering God’s call. Responding to God’s call in our lives means letting go of the attachments we hold so dearly, and following Jesus.

Intentional Community

One of the beautiful opportunities the Lord gives us is to enter into relationship with him both individually and with others. One way we can foster our relationship with the Lord and with others it through small groups. Small groups enable us to encounter Christ and also to help one another see how God is working in their life too.

To sign-up for a small group at St. John's, fill out the following interest form and a member of our small group team will be in touch with you: www.tinyurl.com/findsjbgroup

Responding With Joy

Celebrating the greatest pregnancy announcement ever!

Fr. Carlson's Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023

Come, Let Us Adore Him

We have something greater than the magi - we get to adore Jesus every day. He is truly present in the Eucharist, and we are blessed at St. John’s to have 24/7 eucharistic adoration. If you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord, go to adoration.

 

Fr. Carlson asks us to commit to 15 minutes a month, minimum, of eucharistic adoration. It might not be easy, but the journey the magi made wasn’t easy. It will be worth it.

A School of Love

Family life can be difficult. Father does a deep dive into the readings from this past Sunday to help us understand how to experience the graces of family life. The family is a school of love; it gives us the opportunity to learn how to love.