St Margarets101 Podcast

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B: He Calms Our Storms

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
He Pents Up Our Storms       
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
AI's Summary
Glory, glory, glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Welcome, my brothers, my sisters, to what is the message of the Lord. We are reflecting on the readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
The first reading will be taken from the book of Jude chapter 38 verse 1 verses 8 to 11. Our psalm for this Sunday is Psalm 107. The second reading will be taken from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians chapter 5 verses 14 to 17. The Gospel reading will be taken from St. Mark's Gospel chapter 4 verses 35 to 41.
The theme of our reflection this Sunday is, "He Calms Our Storms."
Who among us has successfully, without a scratch, navigated the mighty waters of life, space, and time, roiled by our own vices, frailties, and transgressions against the Lord? Who then can boast that they have the power to rescue us from the stormy waters of regret, adversity, pain, and the myriad worries of life? Is it the great philosophers, the celebrities, the positivists, or the mind readers?
The tempestuous nature of life's storms, whether financial, relational, or spiritual, has made it difficult, if not impossible, for human figures and powers to rescue us from our distress because we are all surrounded by death's pangs. We are all victims of the underworld. In other words, my brothers, my sisters, we are all sufferers of the fear of the floods of the ungodly and the snares of death. Hence, human figures, successes, and powers cannot lead or grant us the haven of calm and peace we desire in life.
There are many things in life we cannot control. Thus, that haven or calm can only be granted by Him whose love overwhelms us. And because we live for the Sovereign Lord with power over the winds and seas, our safety, success, and wellness belong to Him. The book of Proverbs chapter 21 verse 31 reminds us, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory and deliverance rests with the Lord."
However, my brothers, my sisters, the reality of today's human condition makes us wonder whether the Lord is interested in rebuking our winds of pain and calming our worries. Nonetheless, anyone truly in Christ knows that the Lord is also on board our flight to success and happiness. Although our Lord sits in our hearts and consciences as a quiet observer, He knows when we cry. He is aware of our doubts. He knows we are approaching our breaking point.
Hence, we must not panic or lose control of life. Rather, let us cry out to the Lord, especially when life makes praying impossible. Let us also learn to relax and stay positive before the Lord in adoration, because the Lord is always at work amid our storms. His time is glorious and His time is beautiful. In His time, the Lord will turn things around. Let us remain hopeful amid the storms of life. May the Lord grant us the strength and courage to remain focused on Him.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
We Belong, We Work, to Please the LORD       
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
AI Summary
Glory, glory, glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Welcome, my brothers and sisters, to what is the message of the Lord. We thank the Lord for granting us a new Sunday. We are reflecting on the readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. The first reading will be taken from the prophet Ezekiel 17, 22-24. Our psalm for this Sunday is Psalm 92. The Second reading will be taken from St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.
My brothers, my sisters, the first reading's allegorical passage from the prophet Ezekiel, the second reading's metaphorical verses from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, and St. Mark's gospel account remind us of God's kingdom and why we must be partakers of that kingdom if we are not. Having been evangelized and catechized, we can all testify as a community of faith that our Lord Jesus has undone and is undoing the enemy's work in our world today. He has planted and continues to nurture God's kingdom here on earth through the salvific actions of the church.
Furthermore, our Lord has made us God's people and constantly offers us the necessary graces to flourish and bear fruits that will last and lead us to his heavenly kingdom. Having witnessed its enduring character, my brothers and sisters, we can also say without hesitation that our Lord's kingdom revealed in his pilgrim church where God's will is being done daily is God's everlasting establishment monitored and nurtured by him. Hence, we can rest assured that there is no wrong in him, our Lord himself. He is ever faithful. He is our constant ally. His power is permanent, and our alliance with the Lord will surpass our moments of pain, our moments of trouble, and our confused moments. Our partnership with the Lord will surely overcome those moments of hardship.
And so, based on that confidence in the Lord, if we are intent on pleasing Him, giving Him thanks at this hour, rising from that failure, healing the broken hearts of our loved ones if we are intent on rejecting our bad habits, injecting a positive vibe in our families and communities, and if we are intent on proclaiming and blessing constantly the goodness of the Lord, then we must not just be passive observers. We must actively renew our agreement with the Lord, plant with Him, nurture our gifts, and transform lives with Him. We are not just recipients of God's grace but active participants in His kingdom. Those are citizens of God's kingdom and co-workers in God's church.
We have work to do. We are not just workers but messengers, stewards, and servants of God. Our work is not just a job but a mission; no one is too young to partake in that mission. And so, whatever mission we undertake for the good of our families, communities, and friends must be centred on Christ, for He alone guarantees our successes and transforms our failures.
Therefore, in the face of opposition, headaches, and troubles in our world, my brothers and sisters must remain faithful to God's work and steadfast in prayer. If you are a parent, remain faithful. If you are a husband, remain faithful. A wife, remain faithful. If you are a leader, remain faithful to your citizens. Remain faithful to the one who sent you and those who elected you. If you are a minister, please, we must remain faithful to our promises and vows to the Lord. And the Lord, in his infinite mercy, will always come to perfect the work of our hands. May the name of the Lord be praised now and forevermore.
Our Lady, Sister of Wisdom, pray for us. Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
One With the Lord Enjoys Mercy and Victory         
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
AI Summary
Glory, glory, glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Welcome, my brothers and sisters, to this inspiring message from Father Anthony Uche as we reflect on the readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B.
The first reading is taken from the Book of Genesis, chapter 3, verses 9 to 15. Our psalm for this Sunday is Psalm 130. The second reading is from St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 13 to chapter 5, verse 1. The Gospel reading is from St. Mark's Gospel, chapter 3, verses 20 to 35.
The theme of our reflection is, "One with the Lord enjoys mercy and victory."
The psalmist today rightly says that with the Lord, there is fullness of mercy and redemption. We must not be afraid to ask the Lord for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our relationship with Him. The Lord's question, "Where are you?" in today's first reading, shows God's concern for His people and His readiness to lead those who cry out to Him from the valley of darkness to the mountain of illumined truth and love.
However, we must ask ourselves, are we longing to attain and yearning to remain within the realm of illumined truth and love? Adam and Eve were sent packing from Eden not only for acting against the Lord's injunction but also for trying to play God, unwilling to stay within the parameters of God's divine and revealed truth and love.
Today's world is chaotic because some people believe they have the power to erase the universal and eternal commands of the Creator. True believers, however, listen to God's voice, praying and seeking day and night to attain the illumined mercy, truth, and love of our Lord. The work of God in our hearts and lives cannot be undone by any man or woman.
In today's second reading, St. Paul urges us to uphold our faith in our Lord Jesus, by which we are renewed and able to reject those voices that seek to undo God's work of unity, love, and peace in our families and communities. We must strengthen our faith through prayer, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, studying the scriptures, and doing good to others. These exercises of faith empower us to discern and discover the tricks of the tempters who aim to destroy the work of God.
Like the relatives of our Lord Jesus and the scribes in today's Gospel reading, we have people and forces in our midst constantly planning and scheming to override the gifts of life, inclusion, and equality in our communities. We must be spiritually prepared for these battles. We must come out of our comfort zones and allow the Lord to change our attitudes if we desire to do His will and win the battles of life.
We must not be afraid of following the Lord because He is the stronger man in today's Gospel and will always be the stronger force who fights with us against the enemies of truth, love, justice, inclusion, and equality. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Let us long for the Lord day and night and ask Him for His mercy and help.

Corpus Christi: The Fruit of the New Covenant

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Solemnity of the Most Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus
Corpus Christi, the Fruit of the New Covenant      
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
 
AI Summary
Welcome, my brothers and sisters, to another enlightening message of the Lord by Father Anthony Uche. In this episode, we reflect on the readings for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus, also known as Corpus Christi.
We begin with the first reading taken from the book of Exodus, chapter 24, verses 3 to 8, followed by Psalm 40 and Psalm 116. The second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 9, verses 11 to 15. The Gospel reading is from St. Mark's Gospel, chapter 14, verses 12 to 16, and 22 to 26. The theme of our reflection this Sunday is "Corpus Christi: The Fruit of the New Covenant."
Father Anthony delves into the significance of the old law and the new covenant, both sealed with the Lord's life-giving and purifying symbol, reminding us of our communion with God. He contrasts the old law, which required the yearly use of the blood of bulls for priestly and community cleansing, with the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, who offered Himself for humanity's salvation.
In the second reading, we are reminded that Jesus is the High Priest who entered the sanctuary not with the blood of goats and bulls, but with His own blood, winning eternal redemption for us. As both priest and victim, Jesus instituted a memorial sacrifice on Holy Thursday, commemorating the new Passover from death to life, and the new covenant of love ratified on Good Friday.
Father Anthony emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves for the reception of the Eucharist. Our behaviors and attitudes must align with the sacredness of the Lord's presence within us. Any unbecoming actions or thoughts can desecrate this sacred space and cause us to miss out on God's blessings and intervention.
The episode concludes with a call to surrender completely to the Lord, to receive His goodness, mercy, love, protection, companionship, and consolation. As we partake in the Eucharist, may the Lord strengthen our resolve to follow Him and uphold us in all that we do, sealing us in His love.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, pray for us. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us.

The Most Holy Trinity: A Profound Mystery Revealed

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
A Profound Mystery Revealed      
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.

Pentecost Sunday Year B

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Solemnity of Penticost Year B
The Holy Spirit’s Renewing Mission      
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
A1 Summary of Pentecost Sunday
Welcome to this powerful message by Father Anthony Uche, where we discuss the pervasive influence of the Holy Spirit, as we mark the Feast of Pentecost. In this reflection, we primarily draw from readings of the Bible, including the Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul's letter to the Galatians, and St. John's Gospel.
Throughout the discourse, we delve into the profound significance of the Pentecost - from its roots in Jewish culture, as a day marking the reception of the Torah on Mount Sinai, to its embodiment in the Christian faith as a day of divine intervention and renewal. We explore the transformative effect of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and how this laid the groundwork for the faith we uphold today.
Our faith urges us to love God above all else, shed our self-indulgent behaviors and attitudes, and to embrace a life of truth and spirit through Christ. As we commemorate our consecration in truth on Pentecost, we are reminded of our crucial role in upholding unity, peace, love, and the perpetual growth of God's work.
We conclude with a prayer invoking the strength of the Holy Spirit in our mission to remain pure in our mission of propagating God's redeeming salvation. May Our Lady's Seat of Wisdom and Saint Michael the Archangel intercede for us, and may the Lord who made heaven and earth be our unwavering help.

Seventh Sunday of Easter: He Sways in Heaven but Rules on Earth

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
Seventh Sunday of Easter Year B
He Sways in Heaven but Rules the Earth         
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
 
Welcome to "What is the Message of the Lord" by Fr. Anthony Uche.  In this episode, we reflect on the readings for the seventh Sunday of Easter, offering deep insights into God's abiding presence, love, and mercy.
 
We dive into Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17, 20-26, Psalm 103, 1 John 4:11-16, and St. John's Gospel 17:11-19. The central theme revolves around the belief that our Lord Jesus ascends, but His Eucharistic presence never departs from us. He sets his sway in heaven but rules the earth, displaying His love through the works of His enduring presence.
Our reflections underscore the crucial need to acknowledge the Lord's undying love and mercy. We should remain humble, offer gratitude, and strive to live daily in God's presence. It's a call to change attitudes, seek wisdom to fulfil our roles within the body of Christ and share the fruits of the Lord's presence with others.
Philippians 4:11-16 motivates us to uphold love and peace in our communities and families. That love should be generous and sincere, forgiving when peace calls, and letting go when humility demands. It's reinforcement that we should shield our communities from evil and believe in our capacity to overcome as our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Join us in this episode as we pray for wisdom, love, peace, and humility - to navigate life's challenges, knowing that our Lord Jesus has sway in heaven, but His kingdom rules the earth.

The Impactful Transition of our Lord Jesus

MISERICORDIA FOR LIFE (A Ministry of the Word of God)
The Ascension of Lord Jesus
The Impactful Transition of Our Lord Jesus         
by Fr Anthony Uche
Music: Amazing Grace Licensed: Envato Elements Pty Ltd
St Margaret of Scotland RC Carshalton Beeches.
 
A Summary of the text
Join Father Anthony Uche as he guides listeners through a profound reflection on the Ascension of our Lord Jesus. Drawing from scriptural readings, his insights delve deep into the incredible mystery of Jesus' transition from our temporal world into the eternal realm.
The first reading comes from Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1, verses 1 to 11, followed by the soothing words of Psalm 47. Our day's exploration continues with St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and concludes with a gospel reading from St. Mark's gospel, chapter 16, verses 15 to 20.
Our focus is to comprehend the profound mystery of Jesus' Ascension - His departure into an eternal order of life and communion with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. This transition does not mark an end but a glorious beginning, realigning him closer to us and free to extend his divine care. Despite his ascension, his presence remains unshakeable among us, guiding, caring, and preparing us for an eternal life that he promises.
We are not simple spectators in this divine communion, but active contributors, united wholesomely with our ascended Lord and Savior. As partakers of his eternal sacrifice, we witness his marvellous deeds and radiate his divine news through our words and actions. Always remember, we are the citizens of Heaven and hold within us the power and gifts to build a dynamic Christ's body on Earth. This unity ushers peace in our lives and the world while we wait his return in glory.
As Father Anthony concludes, let us continue to rejoice in the knowledge that our Lord Jesus is always with us, guiding us in love. May these prophetic insights bless and inspire you and fortify your faith journey in the light of the Ascension.