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Fr. Mike expands on the passage we read in Proverbs, and emphasizes how important it is to surround ourselves with people who are striving towards holiness. He also reflects on the book of Isaiah, and how through these last couple of stories show that God’s justice is always aligned with his infinite mercy. Today’s readings are Isaiah 63-64, Ezekiel 21-22, and Proverbs 13:17-20.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/vVGz1ffIhZ8
Fr. Mike explains the relationship between idolatry and adultery, and how one can easily lead to another, especially in our relationship with God. He also talks about the difference between discipline and abuse, as we cover some tough topics today. Today’s readings are Isaiah 65, Ezekiel 23-24, and Proverbs 13:21-25.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/mztKHw5OKqk
Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Isaiah by explaining how our emotions can sometimes get in the way of us responding well to those around us. This means mourning with those who mourn, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, as Isaiah teaches us in preparation for the coming of Christ. Today’s readings are Isaiah 66, Ezekiel 25-26, and Proverbs 14:1-4.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/-7vNY3fhsrk
Fr. Mike introduces us to the prophet Jeremiah, who is also known as the Prophet of Doom and the Weeping Prophet. He explains what makes Jeremiah different than the other prophets, and encourages us to cling closely to him as we hear about his difficult call. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 1, Ezekiel 27, and Proverbs 14:5-8.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/mJ0TsNpvk6Y
Fr. Mike reviews one of the most powerful verses in Proverbs, dealing with personal discernment and wanting to follow our own will instead of God’s. He also goes into a deeper explanation of the prophet, Jeremiah, and how we ourselves can reflect the actions of Israel in the Old Testament. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 2, Ezekiel 28, and Proverbs 14:9-12.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/X40FtSN-d84
In our reading of Proverbs 14, Fr. Mike reinforces that freedom is not the same thing as license, true freedom is the power to do what we ought. Fr. Mike also reflect on Jeremiah’s repudiation of Israel’s cult worship and how its distorted sexuality had serious consequences. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 29-30, and Proverbs 14:13-16.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/8j4wGdi7jWE
Fr. Mike highlights the people of Israel’s flaw in trusting in the strength and power of Egypt, not realizing that although Egypt is like a towering cedar tree, the nation will eventually collapse. Fr. Mike also points out Jeremiah’s vehement message to Israel to brace themselves for God’s judgment. Today we read Jeremiah 4, Ezekiel 31-32, and Proverbs 14:17-20.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/dhyy3gqdQk8
Fr. Mike expands on Ezekiel 33 and emphasizes that the role of a prophet, is to be God’s watchman and speak whatever it is God wants to be spoken. He stresses the reality that those who are teachers and leaders, who shape and form the consciences of others, have the responsibility to speak the truth even when it’s hard. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 5, Ezekiel 33, and Proverbs 14:21-24.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/ny2lKJJNRhI
Fr. Mike explains the beautiful connections between all of our readings today. He emphasizes how good shepherds are , to face the truth, and also sacrifice for his sheep, like Jesus who laid down his life for us. In our reading of Jeremiah, Fr. Mike also explains that the experience of shame points to the reality that there is something good within us that ought not to be violated. Today we read Jeremiah 6, Ezekiel 34-35, and Proverbs 14:25-28
Click on link: https://youtu.be/aPLc49xQNBE
Reflecting on the stubbornness of the Israelites’ hearts from today’s readings, Fr. Mike teaches us that we cannot always trust our imperfect hearts, because they are not always aligned God’s law and will, and they can often lead us into false worship. However, we can rely on God who promises to give us a new heart so that we can do what we ought. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 7, Ezekiel 36, and Proverbs 14:29-32.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/fggc0kDh21M
