Enkindle: Family Scripture Reflections

In this reflection for the Baptism of the Lord, Adam Novotny shares how the Father's voice at Jesus's baptism declaring "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased"—reveals God's generous super-abundance and reminds us that through baptism, God speaks these same words of delight over us as His beloved children.

In this reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord, Scott Oesterle explores the mystery of the Magi's journey, connecting their wisdom tradition possibly to the prophet Daniel, and illustrating how God plays "hide and seek" by leaving clues for us to find Him.

In this reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr. Erik Arnold offers St. Paul's three practical tips for surviving Christmas break and family life: bear with one another's faults patiently, forgive one another's mistakes, and cultivate thankfulness—reminding us that God designed the family as the most intense school of love where we learn real, sacrificial love.

In this reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Scott Oesterle explores St. Joseph's silence and sleep as profound acts of trust and surrender, challenging us to quiet the noise and lay down our burdens in these final days before Christmas—preparing not by doing more, but by making room for God like Joseph did.

In this reflection for Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, Adam Novotny explores why we pause our Advent preparation to rejoice, connecting Isaiah's prophecy of joy with Jesus fulfilling it through healing the blind, deaf, and lame—reminding us that Christ has come, paid our debts, and prepared heaven for us.

In this reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Kristen Fisher traces God's promise from Jesse's son David through Israel's fallen kingdom to Isaiah's prophecy of a new shoot from Jesse's stump—Jesus, the new king—calling us to repent because God keeps His promises and brings new life from what seems dead.

In this reflection for the First Sunday of Advent, Scott Oesterle explores how the church begins Advent not with Bethlehem but with Christ's second coming, connecting Noah's ark and Mary as the new ark to show God's pattern of saving the world through faithful families.

In this reflection for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Fr. Erik Arnold contrasts those who mocked Jesus on the cross, demanding he save himself, with the good thief who understood Jesus is a king who uses his power to save others—challenging us to ask Jesus for help, forgiveness, and salvation without letting pride, shame, or guilt stand in the way.

In this reflection for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Adam Novotny connects Ezekiel's vision of water flowing from the temple, Paul's teaching that we are God's temple, and Jesus identifying himself as the temple from which life-giving water flows at the crucifixion—reminding listeners that they too are holy temples dwelling with the Holy Spirit.

In this reflection for All Souls Day, Kristen Fisher uses the analogy of pottery needing to be free of imperfections before entering a kiln to explain purgatory as God's merciful gift—a final purification that prepares souls to withstand the intense beauty of heaven's love, encouraging us to pray for the souls in purgatory and to offer up our own sufferings for them.

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.