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Fr. Mike brings us into the book of Consolation as we continue through Isaiah, and learn about how God never fails to comfort his people, even in the worst of times. He also introduces us to the Prophet Ezekiel, as we read about God accompanying his people into exile, even after their unfaithfulness. Today’s readings are Isaiah 39-40, Ezekiel 1, and Proverbs 11:29-31.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/UblitS2iG4Q
Fr. Mike compares the messages of Isaiah and Ezekiel, one coming from a pre-exile time and the other from a post-exile time. Even though they are coming from two very different points in salvation history, they both are persistent in speaking the Word of God, and sharing his consolation with the people of Israel. Today’s readings are Isaiah 41-42, Ezekiel 2-3, and Proverbs 12:1-4.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/87uaV3AZwXc
Fr. Mike emphasizes our title as children of God as we read about the tragedy of the Babylonian exile. Even in our lowest moments, God wants us to know that he has called us each by name and has called us his, because a good Father does not abandon his children. Today’s readings are Isaiah 43-44, Ezekiel 4-5, and Proverbs 12:5-8.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/SqdSqImqv9Q
Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. Cyrus not only shows us that no soul is ever too far for God’s grace, but that God makes all things new, and is able to bring beautiful blessings from the most desperate situations. Today’s readings are Isaiah 45-46, Ezekiel 6-7, and Proverbs 12:9-12.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/XXOr_gRVE3M
Fr. Mike touches upon the prophecy of judgment against Babylon and Israel, and how God still promises to be Israel’s redeemer despite their disobedience. We also read about Ezekiel’s vision of the temple and how the markings on the foreheads of the Israelites symbolizes the mourning of true worship, and also foreshadows Jesus’ death on the Cross. Today we read Isaiah 47-48, Ezekiel 8-9, and Proverbs 12:13-16.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/4rxPE6GwQ7g
Fr. Mike reflects on how Isaiah’s prophecies in 49-50, point to the immediate reality of God’s promise of redemption for Israel, as well as to the distant reality of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. In Ezekiel, we also learn how the glory of God departed from the Temple, and how God’s presence is often hidden from us as well. Today’s readings are Isaiah 49-50, Ezekiel 10-11, and Proverbs 12:17-20.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/4BOaH9WApIk
Fr. Mike focuses on Ezekiel’s warnings about false prophets misleading the people of Israel, and challenges us to reflect whether we choose to listen to prophets who tell us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear. Today’s readings are Isaiah 51-52, Ezekiel 12-13, and Proverbs 12:21-24.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/KvSbyX4f3J0
Fr. Mike marvels at the beauty of Isaiah 53, which reveals that Jesus is the Lord’s suffering servant and also zeroes in on Ezekiel 15, which reminds us that without God we are like a useless vine that bears no fruit. Today we read Isaiah 53-54, Ezekiel 14-15, and Proverbs 12:25-28.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/A86jWg7J1BI
Fr. Mike highlights the rich text in Isaiah 55 and 56 which reveals that the house of the Lord will not only be for the chosen people, but for all people. We also hear the story of how God mercifully restores Israel who is like an unfaithful bride. Today’s readings are Isaiah 55-56, Ezekiel 16, and Proverbs 13:1-4.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/6xWpWX7jF4c
Fr. Mike reflects on some of the ways that people turn away from God, including: worshipping idols, fasting for selfish reasons, and not honoring the sabbath. He also highlights the passage from Ezekiel 18 that tells us that each person will be judged by their own actions, and not by those of their parents or children. The readings are Isaiah 57-58, Ezekiel 17-18, and Proverbs 13:5-8.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/jp4cFECtMjw
