Food for the Journey Classics

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Martha tells Jesus that she believes He can raise her brother, and that she has come to believe He is the Christ. Do we have that same kind of faith? Is our faith as strong as Martha’s? Sr. Ann reflects on the Sunday readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extra...

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. In the Gospel, we hear how Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant and decided to quietly divorce her, for he was a righteous man. But after a visit from an angel, he understood God’s plan. Joseph put all of his trust in the Lord, even though he was scared and confused. He asked the Lord to show him the way. Strive to be like Joseph today. Put your who...

In today’s First Reading, Isaiah assures us that the Lord is there to comfort us in times of strife. He brings light to the darkness and guides us to springs of water. Just as a mother cannot forget her infant, the Lord will not forget or abandon us. When things seem difficult, place your trust in God for He sees the whole picture and will be there to lead and comfort you! Sr. Ann reflects on toda...

Throughout today’s readings, we hear stories of the healing power of water. What is the source of this water? It is the living water that flows from the side of Christ. He poured himself out for your salvation and mine. This water gives life. This water makes salt water fresh. This water penetrates the arid desert. Whatever state we’re in, the living water from the side of Christ restores and make...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is approached by a man whose son is near death. He tells the man that his son will be cured, and at that moment is son is cured. The father showed faith in Jesus by asking Him to heal his son. Do we believe in the same way? Do we trust Jesus to do what is best for us? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 65:17-21 Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b John 4:43-54 S...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man born blind. When His disciples ask if the man’s blindness was a result of his own sin or the sin of his parents, Jesus replies that it is neither – the man is blind so that Jesus may show He is the Light of the World. It is for this reason that He heals on the Sabbath, despite the Pharisees’ protests. It is for this reason that He came into the world. As...

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!” Have we taken today’s Psalm to heart? There are many ways for us to hearden our hearts. We can harden them out of stubborness. We can harden them by disobedience. We can harden them from fear or shame. What part of your heart are you still holding back from God? Ask Him to help you give all of yourself to Him! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readi...

Today’s First Reading and Gospel both highlight the importance of the Law. In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Israelites that by following God’s Law, they show they are a “wise and intelligent people,” who are close to their God. And Jesus takes it one step further in the Gospel of Matthew, declaring that He has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. We are given laws like the 10 Commandment...

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive his brother. In response, Jesus tells him the parable of the unforgiving servant, who refused to forgive a minor debt against him. How often do we find ourselves in the same position, unwilling to forgive someone who has done us wrong? How long do we hold onto a grudge? Forgiveness can break the chains of bitterness and hatred. For...

Do you ever feel like God “owes” you something for the good deeds you’ve done? Do you serve God out of love, or serve him to earn “brownie points?” In today’s Gospel, Jesus recalls the story of how Naaman was healed in the Jordan river because he was willing to put his pride aside and trust in God. Let’s follow his example! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab Psalm 42:2, 3; 43:3...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well and promises a kind of food and water that will cure all our hungers and thirsts. He recognized that her heart was hungry for her messiah and would only be satisfied with Christ. What is your heart hungry for? Is it hungry for the ways of the world, or the ways of the Lord? Are we ready to open our hearts to more of God’s love? Sr....

In today’s Opening Prayer, we express our hope that we will be found “steadfast in faith and effective in works.” By opening ourselves to the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can align our lives with the will of God. As we say in today’s Psalm, blessed are they who hope in the Lord! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 Luke 16:19-31 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conv...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that He “did not come to be served but to serveand to give his life as a ransom for many.” He gives an example for all leaders to follow. True leadership is not about power, prestige or privilege – it’s about service. It’s about using our talents for the Glory of God and the building of the Kingdom. Take some time today to ask God to give you an opportunity to serve....

Have you ever thought of tears as a gift from God? Tears are not only a way to express repentance for sin, but genuine tears can be an expression of admittance of our sins. When we weep for our sins, great change can come. When we turn to God, great change can come. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 Matthew 23:1-12 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conv...

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we ask the Lord to not deal with us according to our sins. Jesus has already paid the price of our failures, and all we need to do is ask him to forgive us and conform our lives to Him. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Daniel 9:4b-10 Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 Luke 6:36-38 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the Holy Sp...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we read of Jesus’ Transfiguration. When Peter, James and John saw the beauty and glory and splendor of Christ, they were overwhelmed. Jesus was revealing himself to them in all his glory So that they might be able to go down the mountain and then climb the mountain of Calvary. As we continue our journey through Lent, let’s prepare ourselves to walk to Calvary as well. Sr....

In today’s Gospel Jesus reassures us “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” God always hears our prayer, and He will answer - thought not always in the manner we expect. But in prayer, we can unite ourselves more closely with His will. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-...

In today’s First Reading we hear the story of Jonah, who finally decides to obey the Lord’s command to go to Nineveh. Jonah calls upon the people of the city to repent and follow the Lord, and they heed his warnings. What is God asking us to do in our own lives? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Jonah 3:1-10Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19Luke 11:29-32 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray sincerely and not babble like the pagans. He then gives us the words of the Our Father. Do we take this prayer to heart? Do we put the will of the Father before our own desires? Do we forgive those who do us wrong, or do we hold onto grudges until they consume us? Jesus warns us that if we are unforgiving towards our fellow men, then God wil...

Today’s Gospel foretells the Final Judgement – the division of the Sheep and the Goats. It’s a division between those who followed God, and those who followed the ways of the world. Those who placed their trust in God, and those who placed their trust in themselves. Listen to the Lord so that you may follow him and know love of God. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Psa...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is taken into the desert to face temptation from Satan. We’ll also be tempted in our own lives. How do we respond? You can defeat the enemy in your life – Jesus showed us how. Temptations of money, sex, power and more can be overcome through Jesus’s grace. Say Yes to him! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17 Romans 5...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that in order to be His disciples, we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. There is no profit in gaining the entire world if we are lost. It may sound unappealing to forsake the ways of the world to follow Jesus, but doing is what makes us truly happy. Ask Jesus to show you the way, and he will lead to you safety and peace. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readin...

Lent can be a time of true joy. When we completely yield ourselves to God, coming to Him in hope and ask for help in overcoming our sins, great things can happen. As the prophet Joel says today, let us return to Him with our whole heart. The adventure of Lent is beginning - are you ready? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Joel 2:12-18 Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:...

In today’s Gospel, the disciples are concerned because they only brought one loaf of bread with them out in the boat. Jesus reminds them of the times He fed large crowds with only a few loaves, and reprimands them that they still do not understand who He is. Jesus was the source of food for them – but more importantly he is the source of Life, as the disciples eventually understood. Sr. Ann reflec...

In today’s First Reading, James tells us to consider all trials as joys, because through these trials God shapes and molds us to be more like Him. As Sr. Ann has discussed before, you can’t drift into heaven - through the trials and tribulations of life, make the right choices in pursuit of Jesus! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: James 1:1-11 Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76 Mark 8:11-13 Sr....