Enkindle: Family Scripture Reflections

In this reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Erik Arnold uses his childhood experience of avoiding band practice to explore the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, praising the tax collector's humble courage to show up before God empty-handed with nothing but his sins, rather than avoiding prayer until he could earn God's approval.

In this reflection for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Scott Oesterle draws on his nephew's persistent requests and the parable of the persistent widow to explore how childlike persistence in prayer reflects God's own tireless nature, encouraging us to pray without weariness because our Father never grows tired of hearing us ask again.

In this reflection for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Adam Novotny examines the story of the ten lepers who cry out "Jesus, master, have pity on us," exploring the difference between being looked at and truly seen, and challenges us to both seek Jesus's compassionate gaze in our own needs and to truly see others with compassion.

In this reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Kristen Fisher explores the apostles' request to "increase our faith," examining how faith—trusting God completely with our whole lives—offers lasting happiness that transcends temporary pleasures, and encouraging us to ask God for the gift of deeper faith and trust in Him.

In this reflection for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Erik Arnold uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to examine how often we ignore God's gentle voice until He "gets loud" through circumstances, contrasting this with Mary's immediate yes to God's single message and challenging listeners to cultivate hearts sensitive enough to hear His quietest whispers.

In this reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Scott Oesterle explores Jesus's parable of the dishonest steward, showing how true security comes from trusting God rather than money and possessions, and encouraging families to practice faithful stewardship in daily life.

In this reflection for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Adam Novotny connects Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the desert to Jesus being lifted up on the cross, encouraging listeners to look to Christ in times of struggle and let His sacrificial love inspire and guide their decisions.

Kristen Fisher uses the analogy of a corn maze to illustrate how life's journey toward heaven can feel confusing and full of dead ends, but the Holy Spirit serves as our guide who sees the whole path and helps us navigate when we cry out for help.

Fr. Erik Arnold explores Jesus’ teaching about “the narrow gate,” offering practical insights on building a personal relationship with Christ, living out the commandments, showing mercy, and striving for heaven in our daily lives.

This Sunday, Scott Oesterle talks about being “on fire” with the Spirit.

This Sunday, Adam Novotny talks about what it means to be truly spiritually awake.

This Sunday, Kristen Fisher reflects on how the way to heaven is like a hike, and why it's important to consider what to pack for that hike.

This Sunday, Father Erik Arnold talks about how Baptism introduces us into Jesus' relationship with the father, and relates that to how we can pray.

In this Sunday's reflection, Scott Oesterle talks about what it means to adore Jesus and how we can do that in our daily lives.

In this Sunday's reflection, Adam Novotny talks about seeing Jesus in our neighbor.

In this Sunday's reflection, Kristen Fisher unpacks the Psalm's message of hope and rejoicing in the Lord above all else.

In this reflection for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Scott Oesterle discusses the daily conversion we are all called to.

In this reflection for the celebration of Corpus Christi, Fr. Erik Arnold explores how Jesus turns our problems into his problems.

In this reflection for Trinity Sunday , Scott Oesterle dives into God’s love as a celebration and offers ways to live the Trinity in daily life.

In this reflection for Pentecost Sunday , Adam Novotny celebrates the church's birthday by exploring the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, transforming them from fearful followers into bold witnesses who baptized 3,000 people that day.

Kristen Fisher reflects on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord (June 1, 2025) , reminding us that Jesus, though ascended, is still truly with us—body, blood, soul, and divinity. His promises are trustworthy, and his presence is constant, even in our busiest seasons.

In this reflection for the Sixth Sunday of Easter , Fr. Erik Arnold looks at the burden many feel in prayer—wondering if we're "good enough" for God to hear us—and redirects us to Jesus's promise that He and the Father desire to dwell within us, making reception rather than performance the starting point of prayer.

In this reflection for the fifth Sunday of Easter , Scott Oesterle explores Jesus's "new commandment" to love one another, examining our seemingly impossible mission to love like Christ while encouraging listeners to offer what little we have—our time, patience, and resources—to Jesus, who transforms our small offerings into missionary love wherever we are.

In this reflection for Good Shepherd and Pray for Vocations Sunday , Adam explores the role of Jesus as our shepherd who tends, protects, and calls us—connecting this image to vocations while encouraging listeners to recognize Christ's voice through scripture, prayer, and responding to their own unique calling in the Church.

In this reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter , Kristen Fisher reminds us that our God notices and cares about both our smallest needs and greatest challenges—inviting us to recognize His loving presence in our daily lives and respond to His call to mission.