Readings for August 18, 2024 Complementary Series Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Proverbs 9:1-10 Psalm 34 Semi-continuous Series 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Psalm 111 (10) ******************************************** Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-69By Steve Fogle

Some do the minimum in order to survive. But we are called to seize every opportunity so we can truly thrive. Proverbs says Wisdom has set a table for us. Christ, Divine Wisdom incarnate, actually feeds us with two abundant tables - the feast of the Word and the Sacrament. For the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.…

In this 15 minute podcast, Anna Mitchell, host of the Sonrise Morning show, asks Marcellino D'Ambrosio (aka "Dr. Italy") about the origins and meaning of the dogma and feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th.

In this podcast, other aspects of Kolbe’s life are also discussed which are little known. Kolbe founded a new monastery near Warsaw that grew into a veritable city, with over 1,000 Franciscan Friars living a live of prayer and apostolic activity. This monastery was so large that, in the early days of World War II, before it was shut down by the Naz…

Readings for August 11, 2024 Complementary Series 1 Kings 19:1-8 Psalm 34:1-9 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Psalm 130 *************************************** Ephesians 4:17—5:2 John 6:35-51By Steve Fogle

Somehow, we can all relate to the discouragement and exhaustion of Elijah. So we need to learn from the solution proposed by God to revitalize and energize him for the long journey he needed to make and the important work he was going to do. The bread God provided is a figure of a more wondrous bread that is available to us, the Eucharist. For the …

In this brief excerpt from the Sonrise Morning Show, Dr. Italy introduces listeners to the fascinating story of Edith Stein, born into an observant German Jewish family who abandoned religion as a young girl only to end her life as a Carmelite nun and a Christian martyr at Auschwitz.

In this brief segment which aired on national Catholic radio, Marcellino D'Ambrosio shares his impressions of one of the most dramatic peaks in the Holy Land, Mount Tabor. This mountain is directly across the valley from Nazareth, so would have been a landmark Jesus grew up seeing on the horizon. Anyone traveling from Nazareth to the holy city of J…

Podcast discussing the beauty of Mount Tabor and the glory and meaning of the Transfiguration, a pivotal event in the life of Jesus that Catholics celebrate every August 6. 14 minute interview of Dr. Italy by Sonrise Morning Show radio host Anna Mitchell. The Transfiguration was indeed a pivotal event in the life of Jesus and his three closest disc…

Readings for August 4, 2024 Complementary Series Exodus 16:2-15 Psalm 78: 3-4, 23-29, 54 Psalm 145:10-21 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13 Psalm 51:1-12 *************************************** Ephesians 4:1-16 Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 (Catholic) John 6:22-35By Steve Fogle

7 minute podcast by Dr. Italy discussing the two churches rebuilt by St. Francis that still stand in Assisi, his home town. To be visited on his upcoming pilgrimage to Italy.

The story of the visit of Jesus to the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany raises questions about hospitality, service, prayer, action and contemplation. First of all, does Jesus love some people, like Mary, Mary, and Lazarus, more than others? If so, how is this fair? Secondly, why would Jesus apparently praise Mary sitting on her behind while Mart…

Complementary Series Genesis 9:8-17 2 Kings 4:42-44 Psalm 136:1-9 Psalm 145:10-18 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Psalm 14 (5) ************************************* Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 4:1-6 (Catholic) Mark 6:45-56 John 6:1-21 (Catholic & Protestant)By Steve Fogle

The multiplication of the loaves and fishes is the only miracle of Jesus recorded in all four gospels. John calls it a sign, a symbolic event with many hidden meanings. It points beyond itself back to Old Testament persons and events and forward to the Eucharist. For the 17th Sunday in Ordinary time cycle B.…

On July 26, the Latin rite of the Catholic Church honors the Grandparents of Jesus, parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. Matt Swaim asks Dr. Italy (Marcellino D'Ambrosio) just how we know about them, given that their names are not mentioned in the New Testament. After discussing the second century document, the Protoevangelium of St…

Readings for July 21, 2024 Complementary Series Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 23 (1) Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 7:1-14a Psalm 89:20-37 **************************************** Ephesians 2:11-22 Mark 6:30-44, 53-56By Steve Fogle

In this 14 minute podcast, Dr. Italy discusses with Anna Mitchell the various misconceptions people have about Mary Magdalene, and corrects them based on the gospels. He also looks at her in the wider context of Jesus’ remarkable ministry to women, and especially the women disciples who Luke and John most especially brings to our attention…

The story of the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us much about leadership in the Kingdom of God. The King is a shepherd who puts the sheep's needs before his own, and feeds them with truth, the nourishment they need most. For the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.

In the Northwestern part of what is now the state of Israel is a long ridge known as Mount Carmel. This twenty four mile ridge separates the interior of the Holy Land from the Mediterranean sea. A magnificent view of the Mediterranean is afforded by several places along the top of the ridge, especially from the northwestern tip or head of the ridge…

Readings for July 14, 2024 Complementary Series Amos 7:7-15 Psalm 85:1-14 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Psalm 24 (7) ******************************** Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6: 7-29 (Catholic Church 7-13/ Protestants 14-29)By Steve Fogle

Christianity is about receiving a free gift of salvation -- that's true. But it is also about passing it forward. But don't you need a degree and extensive training first? God doesn't so much call the equipped; he equips the called. We quickly move from disciples to apostles & prophets to share in the mission of the Church & the lay apostolate. For…

In this 14 minute podcast recorded on the occasion of the Feast of St. Benedict on July 11, host Sonrise Morning show host Anna Mitchell interviews Dr. Italy about the significance that Benedict and the Benedictine way of life holds for Christians today.

Readings for July 7, 2024 Complementary Series Ezekiel 2:1-5 Psalm 123 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 Psalm 48 (1) ******************************** 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Mark 6:1-13By Steve Fogle

The story about Jesus' disappointing reception in his hometown of Nazareth addresses a question asked by many - if God is omnipotent, can it be said that there are some miracles that he cannot perform? The surprising answer tells us a lot about unbelief, faith, and the nature of God. For the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time, cycle B.…

Readings for June 30, 2024 Complementary Series Lamentations 3:22-33 Wisdom 1:13-15 Psalm 30 Semi-continuous Series 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-2 Psalm 130 (1) *********************** 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Mark 5:21-43By Steve Fogle

Did Jesus really raise the daughter of Jairus and perform other miracles? The Deists, including several American founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, said no, and their Enlightenment skepticism still influences us today. For the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.

Peter and Paul died in the persecution of the emperor Nero. Peter was crucified and buried on Vatican hill – the present St. Peter’s basilica was erected over his tomb. Paul was beheaded and buried outside the walls of the city. The basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls covers Paul’s tomb. The tombs of these two apostles in Rome made Rome the pr…

Dr. Italy and Matt Swaim in this podcast point out that anyone who is interested in the Bible or Christianity needs to know about the early Christian bishop remembered on June 28 by the Catholic Church. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons is actually honored also by the Orthdox Churches, the Anglican Church and many Protestant communities and scholars. Liste…

On June 24, the Church observes a solemn feast in honor of the birth or nativity of John the Baptist. No other saint's birthday is celebrated with such solemnity. The unique role of the Forerunner, the Voice crying out in the Wilderness, in the history of salvation is part of the reason. But also the Church wants to draw our attention to the witnes…

The Weekly Lectionary-Readings for June 23, 2024 Complementary Series Job 38:1-11 Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 Psalm 124 Semi-continuous Series 1 Samuel 17:1a, 4- 18:5, 10-16 Psalm 9:9-20 (9) Psalm 133 ********************************* 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Mark 4:35-41By Steve Fogle

One of the most famous bible stories of all time is Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Mark, the evangelist, uses the story to ask the reader a question that elicits a clear answer on the identity of Christ. This approach is often called the Socratic method. Reflection on the gospel for the 12th Sunday in ordinary time, cycle B.…

In the Roman liturgical calendar, St. Thomas More shares his feast of June 22 with St. Paulinus of Nola and St. John Fisher. Often, he is overlooked or forgotten. But he is one of the most inspiring models for fathers, husbands, and statesmen, indeed for just about anyone living in a society that finds the teaching of Jesus inconvenient and annoyin…

Readings for June 16, 2024 Complementary Series Ezekiel 17:22-24 Psalm 1 Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 (Alternative) Semi-continuous Series 1 Samuel 15:34 — 16:13 Psalm 20 (6) **************************** 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark 4:26-34By Steve Fogle

Father's Day brings up a very good question -- in this post-feminist era, why should we stick to calling God "Father"?? Isn't this just a relic from a bygone, patriarchal culture. After all, if God is spirit, he is neither male nor female. Sonrise Morning show host, Anna Mitchell asks such questions of Dr. Italy who shares from the bible, the Tradi…

One of the Parables of the Kingdom of God is that of the tiny mustard seed that grows into the largest of shrubs. What can this parable mean for growth in our church today which appears to be contracting, not growing, at least in the Western World?

Readings for June 9, 2024 Complementary Series Genesis 3:8-15 Psalm 130 Semi-continuous Series 1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15 Psalm 138 ************************ 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 Mark 3:20-35By Steve Fogle

7 minute podcast by Dr. Italy focusing on the true meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus based on the chief scriptural text connected with this feast and devotion.

Readings for June 2, 2024 Protestant Readings Complementary Series Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Psalm 81:1-10 Semi-continuous Series 1 Samuel 3:1-20 Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 *************************** 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Mark 2:23-28 (3:1-6) *************************** Catholic Mass Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ -- Corpus C…

In this 7 minute podcast, Dr. Italy paints a verbal picture of the site called Tabga, between the Sea of Galille shore and the Mt. of Beatitudes. Here Jesus multiplied loaves and fish.

Holy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper aka the Lord's Supper, the institution of the Holy Eucharist -- why did Jesus do what he did and say what he said? What did he mean when he said "This is my body and this is my blood" and "Do this in Memory of Me"? And what does the Catholic Church mean by talking about transubstantiation and the body of …

In this 7 minute podcast, Anna Mitchell of the Sonrise Morning show interviews Dr. Italy on the profound meaning of the Magnificat, Mary's canticle uttered on the occasion of the Visitation, and how it manifests her as the Queen of Humility and the Queen of Praise. Also discussed is the beautiful place where this event took place, Ein Karem and the…

Readings for May 26, 2024-Trinity Sunday Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 (Catholic Mass) Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 18-22 (Catholic Mass) Acts 2:14, 22-36 Romans 8:12-17 Matthew 28:16-20 (Catholic Mass) John 3:1-17By Steve Fogle

Readings for May 19, 2024-Pentecost Ezekiel 37:1-14 Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-35 Psalm 139:1-16 Romans 8:22-27 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (Catholic Alternative) Galatians 5:16-25 (Catholic Alternative) John 15:26-27; 16:4-15 John 20:19-23 (Catholic Alternative)By Steve Fogle

6 minute podcast in which Dr. Italy explains why Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Promise of the Father” and how God’s promises are fulfilled in the gift of Pentecost which is repeated in every baptism and confirmation.

Without the Pentecost, the gospel is not really "Good News." Many people actually experience Christianity as bad news. The Ten Commandments were impossible for even King David to keep. Though Christians are justified by grace through faith and receive friendship with God as a pure gift, they are still called to live the gospel lifestyle, as portray…

It's been a long time that travel and freedom have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But restrictions are about to be lifted so it will be soon time to celebrate.

Readings for May 12, 2024 The Ascension and The Seventh Sunday in Easter The Ascension Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47 Psalm 93 (Alternative) Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 16:15-20 (Catholic Mass) Luke 24:44-53 The Seventh Sunday in Easter Acts 1:12-26 Psalm 1 Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20 (Catholic Mass) 1 John 4:11-16 (Catholic Mass) 1 John 5:9-15 John 17:6-19…

6 minute podcast on the Ascension of Jesus Christ as the illustration of Jesus' words - he who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted. Featuring Dr. Italy and Sonrise Morning show hostess Anna Mitchell.

Readings for May 5, 2024--The Sixth Sunday in Easter Acts 10: 25-26; 34-48 Psalm 98 1 John 4:7-10 (Catholic Mass) 1 John 5:1-8 John 15:9-17By Steve Fogle