Bob's Beanfield

Today we begun the Sacred Triduum. The liturgies for the next three days are technically considered one liturgy: Holy Thursday is the beginning, and it ends with the Easter Vigil Mass. We will do the readings and commentaries for Holy Thursday and for Good Friday. The Easter Vigil has nine Scripture readings, and as Dr. Kreeft comments in the book, those who designed this Mass did not intend it to...

Today begins Holy Week. I pray that you have had a prayerful, holy, and meaningful Lent, and that God brings you closer to Him even more during this solemn and sacred week.   Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Comment...

As we approach the final week of Lent, we see that things are changing in the Scriptures and hopefully we can see things changing in our lives, in our souls. Of course, we realize we are not the ones responsible for the change, but God is. We simply have to agree. Easier said than done, isn't it? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United St...

We are now officially in the season of Spring, when the weather begins to warm and flowers and trees begin to be reborn. It is the season of re-creation. Lent is also a Spring of re-creation. Do we see the story of salvation in the coming of Spring? Do we also see it in the various historical stories in the Bible? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Diocese...

As we go deeper into Lent this year, our Scripture readings are going deeper as well. Today we have some pretty complex readings and commentary, so let's get right in to it. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commenta...

The Scriptures today ask us to open our eyes to the mysteries of God and of creation. From the wonder of the stars in the sky that Abraham saw, to the Glory of God that Peter, James, and John saw on the mountaintop, there are examples of so many things that are often hidden from our sight. What is God revealing to us today in the Scriptures? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for...

Man shall not live by bread alone. We've all heard that many times. How do we live that? We hear in the readings for the first Sunday of Lent about the temptation of Jesus in the desert. How does He resist, and even counter, temptation? What can we learn about our own struggles from Him in this story? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the Unit...

The language used in Scripture is often poetic, or symbolic. It isn't always easy for us to understand, in these days of science and computers. But the truth revealed is equally true, whether expressed in analogue or digital form. Let's see if today's readings and commentary can help us bridge the two. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the Uni...

Making decisions can be hard. We have the Word of God in Scripture and in Jesus' own words to guide us, but how do we interpret those? What are our motivations, and what are the circumstances of our decisions? We hear about a decision David made today that may seem confusing to some, and we hear Jesus talk about turning the other cheek. Does he always mean that literally? Note that Scripture readi...

Blessing and curses. Life and death. Water and desert. Scripture uses many different contrasts to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, and makes it clear that we are to choose our own path. God gives us our free will. How will we use it? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity...

Today we hear two different calls from God, first to Isaiah, second to Peter and his fellow fishermen. The details of the experience are very different, but the reactions are very similar…awe and wonder, and humility. And the results are similar also: evangelization. How do we respond when we hear God's call? How should we respond? How can we do anything other than be struck with wonder? Note that...

If you happened to look at a calendar for liturgical year, you would see that today, February 2, 2025, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Dr. Kreeft's book for Cycle C, which we are in this year, does not have a reading or commentary for the Feast of the Presentation! It does, however, have readings and commentary for the 4 th Sunday in Ordinary Time, so that is what we will hear today....

Last week, we heard the beginning of Jesus public ministry with the miracle at the wedding at Cana. From there, He goes back to his home town of Nazareth, where He proclaims to the people in the Synagogue that He has begun the work of salvation. Their response was less than enthusiastic. How do we respond to Jesus when He speaks to us and tells us what He wants to do for us? Note that Scripture re...

As we begin the season known as Ordinary Time, we hear the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana, also known as the beginning of Jesus public ministry. Mary has a role in the story, and we hear Jesus' first miracle, which shows His concern for the everyday things of our lives. Let's hear the Scripture and commentary. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of...

We are all beloved creatures of God; by our Baptism, we become more than His beloved creation, we become His children. Jesus was born of Mary and became one like us, yet His sonship with the Father was revealed in His baptism.  Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Ch...

Today marks the day we celebrate the revelation of Our Lord's birth to the Magi, and by extension, to all the gentiles, which of course, includes us. The gifts of the Wise Men represent Jesus' Lordship, His Divinity, and His death. Quite an interesting combination of characteristics!  Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of Amer...

Today we contemplate the relationship between Mary and the Holy Trinity. The Catholic teachings on Mary are often misinterpreted. We do not worship Mary, we worship God alone. We do, however, honor Mary, as the Mother of Our Lord, and our mother too. Let's think more deeply about her motherhood as we listen to Scripture and commentary. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass...

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Dr. Kreeft begins with a reflection on family before he comments on the Scripture readings. Family is the foundation of a stable society, and as such is a target of the evil forces that seek to draw us away from God. Let's hear what Scripture says and what Dr. Kreeft has to say about it. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in...

Today, we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass During the Day. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Diocese...

Today, we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass at Dawn. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of th...

Today, we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose This particular reflection is for the Christmas Mass at Night. In the old days, I think we used to call this one the Midnght Mass. Note that Scripture rea...

Today, we have not one, but 4 Christmas Mass readings! I will read each of them separately so you can choose which one you plan to attend, and listen to that one, or, feel free to listen to one of the others, or even all of them if you so choose! This particular reflection is for the Vigil Mass. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United Sta...

As we continue to prepare for Christmas during this Advent season, we may want to take a minute to think about, what is it that we are preparing for? The coming of Jesus, of course, and our Salvation. What exactly does that mean? What is it that God is promising to give us? We'll hear about that and more in today's Scripture and Commentary for the 3 rd Sunday in Advent. Scripture readings are from...

We are now in to the third season of this podcast, and as I have done at the beginning of each other season, today I will be talking about how I came up with the title of Bob's Beanfield. If you've heard it before, you can feel free to skip this episode, but you might just want to listen again. Like so many stories, you may just hear something different this time, something you need to hear at thi...