This Easter Sunday, Karen and Anne reflect on what new life looks like in our lives, how the blessing of the Resurrection can still seem unfinished, and on moving forward with courage even when we don’t have all the answers.

Scripture passages:
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
John 20:1-9

In a special Holy Week episode, Karen and Anne sit down with our pastor, Father Rob, to reflect on how Jesus’ last days on earth show us what a changed heart looks like, how we experience dying and rising in our lives, and what God calls us to surrender so that new life can grow.

Scripture passages:
Matthew 21:1-11
Isaiah 50:4-7
Philippians 2:6-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66

Season of Opening. This week Karen and Anne reflect on the raising of Lazarus, the graves we need God to open in our own lives, and how the things that break our hearts can also open our hearts to deeper love and compassion.

Scripture passages:
Ezekial 37:12-14
John 11:1-45

Season of the Unexpected. This week Karen and Anne reflect on how the Holy Spirit is full of surprises, breaking boundaries to bring healing and growth. This Lent, how can we let God move in our hearts to help us see in new ways?

Scripture passages:

1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a (call of David)
John 9:1-41 (man born blind)

Season of Water for the Thirsty.

This week Karen and Anne welcome friend and colleague Margie Benza to reflect on the Scriptures for the third week in Lent: God providing water in the desert for the Israelites and Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. We share a spirit of gratitude for the many ways that God has been present with us.

Scripture passages:
Exodus 17:3-7
Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
John 4:5-42

Seasons of Marriage. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Karen and Anne welcome back our husbands Jeremy and Brian to reflect on the many seasons in marriage. We’ve been through the ups and downs over the years and are looking forward to the seasons that lie ahead.

What seasons have we experienced in our marriages? What seasons are we looking forward to?

Scripture passages:
Romans 12:4-5. “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and belong to each other.”

Romans 15:7. “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

Matthew 25:35-36. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

Hebrews 13:2. “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Acts 2:42-47. “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

Scripture passages:
Psalm 92:14-15. “Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”

2 Timothey 4:7. “I have competed well (fought the good fight). I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”

Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for woe, to give you a future of hope.”

Philippians 1:6. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Scripture references:
Matthew 13:1-23
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
John 12:24

Scripture references:

Psalm 72

Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

Scripture references:
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Scripture references:
Matthew 1:18-24
Numbers 12:6
Joe 3:1

Scripture references:
Exodus 3 (especially Ex. 3:7-8)
2 Timothy 1:6-7
Quote from St. Joan of Arc: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.”

Scripture references:

Luke 1

Luke 2

Scripture references:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Psalm 9:1
Psalm 107:9

Scripture references:
Hebrews 12:1
Psalm 34:19
Matthew 5:4
Romans 12:15
Revelation 21.4

Scripture references:
· Philippians 4:6
· Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter walks on water)
· John 12:1-11 (Anointing at Bethany)

The Holy Spirit has been so active in our faith community this year! Before we take a summer hiatus from the podcast, Karen and Anne celebrate the birthday of the Church by naming the graces of this year and looking forward to some peaceful time with God this
summer.

Scripture References:

Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Scripture References:

Call of Moses. Exodus 3:1-22
Call of Samuel. 1 Samuel 3:1-18
Call of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 1:4-10
Call of the first disciples. Matthew 4:18-22
Call of Paul. Acts of the Apostles 9:1-19.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 12:1
Romans 12:4-13
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
1 John 1:3

Scripture References:
Psalms 120-134
Genesis 12:1
Exodus 13:21
Luke 2:41-52

This week, in honor of all who mother, Karen and Anne celebrate Mary’s fierce faith, courageous choices, and beautiful relationship with Jesus.

Scripture References:
Luke 1-2
John 2
John 19:25-30

Kids and teens at church say the darndest things! In honor of our young people making their first Holy Communion and Confirmation this week, Karen and Anne share their favorite conversations and moments with our youth.

Scripture References:
1 Timothy 4:12
Jeremiah 1:4-10

Scripture references:
Acts 5:12-16
John 20:19-31

Scripture references:
Acts 10:34a-43
John 20:1-9

Scripture references:
Luke 19:28-40
John 18:1-19:42
Philippians 2:6-11
John 12:1-11

Scripture references:

Isaiah 43:16-21

John 8:1-11

Scripture references:

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Scripture references:

Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
Luke 13:1-9
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Matthew 25

Scripture references:

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Luke 9:28b-36

Scripture references:

Matthew 6:16-18

Isaiah 58:6

Joel 2:12

Scripture references:

Joel 2:12-18

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Luke 4:18-19

Scripture references:
Isaiah 35:1-2
James 5:7
Zechariah 10:1
Song of Songs 2:11-13

Scripture references:
Genesis 2:24
Proverbs 31:10
1 Peter 4:8
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Colossians 3:12-17

Scripture Connections:
1 Corinthians 12 (whole chapter)
12:4-7: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the spirit is given for some benefit.”
12: 12 –13: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.”

Hebrews 10:24-25: “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

1 Corinthians 3:5-9: “What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Today's scriptural connections include:
1 Timothy 4:12. “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”

Jeremiah 1:4-9 The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.’ ‘Ah, Lord God,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak. I am too young.’ But the Lord answered me, ‘Do not say ‘I am too young.’ To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.’

Pope Francis: “The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds. ... And you have to start from the ground up.

Books referenced:
"Rest is Resistance", by Tricia Hersey
"We Will Rest: The Art of Escape", by Tricia Hersey
"Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times", by Katherine May
"The Passion and the Cross", by Ronald Rolheiser
"The Holy Longing", by Ronald Rolheiser

Scripture references:
Ephesians 5:15-17
Romans 12:1
John 10:10

Scripture references:
Matthew 2:13-23
Matthew 3:1-17
Luke 2:41-52
Luke 3:1-22

Scripture references:
Romans 12:12
Colossians 3:17
Philippians 4:6
Lamentations 3:22-23
2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 43:18-19
Revelation 21:5

Scripture references:
Luke 1-2
Matthew 1-2
John 2:1-12
John 19:25-27

• Luke 1:26-38 
• Luke 1:39-45 
• Luke 1:46-36 
• 1 Cor. 16:14 
• 1 John 4:18 

• Zephaniah 3:14-18 
• Isaiah 12 
• Nehemiah 8:10 

• Philippians 4:6-7 
  • “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 
• Psalm 4:8 
  • “In peace will I lie down and fall asleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.” 
• Colossians 3:15 
  • “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.  And be thankful.” 
• Isaiah 54:10 
  • “Though the mountains fall away and the hills be shaken, my love shall never fall away from you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” 

• Romans 12:12 
• Psalm 130:5 
• Luke 1:45 
• Jeremiah 29:11 
• Hebrews 10:23