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

Some view the Catholic Church as multi-national corporation. If so, its DBA should be love unlimited. In contrast to ever natural love, the love that should categorize the life of the church is charity, agape, God's love which is, like God, universal, infinite, without limits or boundaries. This is illustrated by the story of the centurion Corneliu…

12 minute podcast that describes the lifestyle of the Holy Family in Nazareth during the “hidden years” before Jesus launched his public ministry. The four gospels tells us very little about the life of Jesus between his birth and his baptism besides his presentation forty days after his birth, the flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth, and his pi…

Readings for April 28, 2024--The Fifth Sunday in Easter Acts 8:26-40 Acts 9:26-31 (Catholic Mass) Psalm 22:25-32 (Protestant & Catholic Mass) Psalm 150 1 John 3:18-24 (Catholic Mass) 1 John 4:1-21 John 15:1-8By Steve Fogle

Saul of Tarsus the Pharisee to Paul, the apostle - both life and fruit were transformed when he met the Risen Lord . His story tells us where the sour grapes of egoism and violence comes from, and how it can be changed into the fruit of the Spirit.

The Trinity is the central dogma of the Catholic faith and is equally important to Orthodox and most Protestant Christians. Yet it is a mystery, something that we as limited human beings can never understand. So does that mean we can just believe it but basically forget about it and focus on more practical things, like morality? Not at all, says Ma…

Readings for April 21, 2024-The Fourth Sunday in Easter Acts 4:1-12 Psalm 23 Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28-29. (Catholic Mass) 1 John 3:1-2. (Catholic Mass) 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18By Steve Fogle

The image of Jesus as the Good shepherd is a comforting one in the minds of many. But some of those who first heard Jesus describe himself in this way were deeply disturbed. For it seems that Jesus is setting himself up as the only true Shepherd and savior. People still find this claim disturbing. "What about other religions?," they ask. For the 4t…

Readings for April 14, 2024- The Third Sunday in Easter Acts 3:11-21 Psalm 4 1 John 2:1-5 (Catholic Mass) 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:35-49By Steve Fogle

On the first Easter, the Risen Lord makes clear to his frightened disciples he not a ghost or specter and in so doing shows why the gnostic gospels are bogus and did not make it into the Bible.

The Solemnity or Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord is celebrated on March 25. Here, in his typically lyrical language, Leo the Great ponders the unfathomable mystery of God becoming man in the womb of a Virgin, at the moment of conception. Through the Father's love and Mary's faith, the divine Word became flesh and dwelt among us, assuming a fu…

Readings for April 7, 2024-The Second Sunday in Easter Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 (Catholic Mass) Psalm 133 Psalm 148 1 John 1:1–2:2 1 John 5:1-6. (Catholic Mass) John 20:19-31By Steve Fogle

Divine Mercy Sunday or the Octave of Easter presents us with one of the most famous of gospel stories -- the story of Doubting Thomas. But it shows us how and when the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, aka "confession," was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ -- and why.

Easter is not a day but a season of 50 days. The octave - eight days of high celebration beginning on Easter Sunday - is followed by 42 more days of rejoicing concluding on Pentecost. Here are some ideas for a fruitful celebration of the joy of Eastertide during this extraordinary time while Churches are closed due to COVID-19.…

6 minute Podcast by Dr. Italy showing the connection between Easter, the resurrection, and the Eucharist through an examination of the road to Emmaus story from Luke 24.

Readings for March 31, 2024: Easter Sunday! Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 16 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (Alternative) Acts 10:34-43 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Alternative) Colossians 3:1-4 (Catholic Mass) Mark 16:1-8 John 20:1-9 (Alternative)By Steve Fogle

The Gospel of John tells us that, after the body of Jesus was taken from the cross, it was laid in a new tomb, close to the place where he was crucified. Yet, when people visit the Holy Land, they are surprised to find out that the tomb is only a stones throw away from the top of Golgotha. Dr. Italy shares what it is like to visit both places, both…

On Good Friday, Christians remember the passion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. This podcast is the second in a three part interview of Dr. Italy, theologian, historian and Holy Land pilgrimage leader, on the events of Holy Week. This segment focuses on the events of Good Friday, when Jesus is dragged from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium of P…

Readings for Good Friday Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm 22 Psalm 31 (Alternative) Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 Hebrews 10:16-25 (Alternative) John 18:1—19:42By Steve Fogle