Food for the Journey Classics

When Jesus is Baptized, the heavens open and the voice of the Lord declares “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Listening to Jesus means much more than merely hearing what he says - we need to obey Him and allow Him into our lives. Jesus joined the sinners so he could be among us - He is always with us. Listen to Him! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4,...

Every day, we have the opportunity to choose to follow God’s path. Are you heading down that path, or are you choosing your own way? Are you bathing yourself in God’s radiance, or in the ways of the world? In the First Reading, John condemns those who declare their love for God but do not live a life that professes it. Ask Jesus to be Lord of your life and help you to follow him! Sr. Ann reflects...

After Jesus fed the 5000, he sent his disciples out in the boat while he went to pray. That night, a storm arose and they were very afraid - but they saw Jesus walking toward them and he calmed the seas. Do not be afraid to ask Jesus to calm the storms in your own life - you can turn to Him with anything! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 4:11-18 Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13 Mark 6:45-52 Sr....

In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes pity on the crowds following him and feeds 5,000 men and their families using nothing but some bread and fish. Jesus recognizes our bottomless need and creates life in Him. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 4:7-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 Mark 6:34-44 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the Holy Spirit Captured By...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about how the people who were lost in the darkness have seen a great light. Thanks to Jesus, we no longer need to walk in darkness - but he gives us the choice to do so. Will you stubbornly continue to stumble your own way through life? Or will you follow Him? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Sr. Ann’s...

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew tells us of the Magi who came to Herod in search of the King of the Jews. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and went home by another way. The Magi are an example of what happens when we follow God’s commands. Sr. Ann has more on the Sunday readings: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Sr. Ann’s Books...

On this first day of the New Year, we honor the mother who said “Yes.” When Mary learned she was to be the mother of Jesus, she had a simple response: “Be it done unto me according to thy word.” How would it be if we resolved to live this year with that same Fiat? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Numbers 6:22-27 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Convers...

The world can seem like a dark, scary place. And that’s why Jesus came. Will you follow His light, or continue to stumble in the darkness? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 2:18-21 Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 John 1:1-18 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the Holy Spirit Captured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss th...

“Do not be afraid!” This simple phrase was a theme of John Paul the Great’s papacy. It was how the Angel Gabriel greeted Mary, and how angels brought the news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. As we prepare for a new year, do not be afraid to say “yes” to more of God’s love. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 2:12-17 Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 Luke 2:36-40 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion...

There is so much that God wants to give to you. Are you afraid to accept it? Are you afraid to draw nearer to Him? Where is your faith? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 John 2:3-11 Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Luke 2:22-35 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the Holy Spirit Captured By Mercy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss thi...

The Feast of the Holy Family reminds us of Jesus’ humanity. He had a mother and father, just like the rest of us. Mary and Joseph are models of humility and obedience for all families – how are we following their example? Sr. Ann reflects on this Sunday’s readings: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordin...

Christmas is not over – it’s just beginning! As Christians we have the privilege of celebrating Christ’s birth for the next 8 days. He is the Savior who loves to Save us. Sr. Ann has more on today’s readings for the Feast of St. Stephen: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17 Matthew 10:17-22 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the...

Saint John Paul the Great loved to remind us that “We are not the sum of our sins and weaknesses. We are the sum of the Father’s love for us.” Sr. Ann reflects on what this means as we celebrate the birth of the Savior. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariaradio.substack.com

The day before Christmas can be full of stress and hassle as we make final preparations. Take a few minutes today to sit and smile for what is to come. God desires to conquer us with his love and desires that we accept Him wholly into our hearts. Will you give your life over more to him? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 Lk 1:67-79 Read...

At Christmas we do more than celebrate a past event – we celebrate an ongoing reality. Jesus is alive and will reveal Himself to those who choose him. Will you make Jesus the Lord of your Life? Don’t be afraid to cry out to Jesus to save you, for He desires to set you free. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 Luke 1:57-66 Read the O Antiphons S...

There is so much God wants to share with us. How will we respond? As we approach Christmas, ask the Lord to help you to open your heart to more of His grace. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd Luke 1:46-56 Read the O Antiphons Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordinary Times More of the Holy Spirit This is a public episode....

The Fourth Sunday of Advent features some of the final readings preparing us for Jesus’ birth. Through the Incarnation, God desires to dwell within our hearts. Will we choose to receive Him? Through these final days of Advent, as we pray and meditate on the O Antiphons, let one cry ring out - Come, Lord Jesus! Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 7:10-14 Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. Romans 1:1-...

In today’s Gospel reading we hear the account of Joseph learning that Mary was to bear a son. Because he was a righteous man, he chose to divorce her quietly rather than expose her to shame. And when an angel told Joseph what had happened, he knew his life had turned upside down. And yet, he trusted in God. Do we do the same? Is God the Lord of our lives? Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Jere...

Today we begin to O Antiphons, a series of short chants that highlight one of the attributes of Christ. In the first Antiphon, O Sapientia, we reflect on how Christ is the source of all Wisdom and ask Jesus to teach us the ways of Prudence. Sr. Ann reflects on the meaning of Wisdom as she looks at today’s readings: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 Matthew 1:1-17 Sr. Ann’s Books Deep...

Do you find yourself trying to mitigate your sin? Do you tell yourself that you’re doing “pretty good,” and that should be enough? The Scriptures tell us it’s not enough - we need a Savior to save us. And that Savior is coming soon. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23 Matthew 21:28-32 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace...

Advent is passing quickly. This season is marked by a theme of longing - longing and waiting with great anticipation for what is to come. Take some time to ask God to give you more of a hunger and thirst for his coming. Because the more we open our hearts and minds to God, the more presence He has in our lives. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc,...

This Sunday is the anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Jenny Hubbard, the mother of one of the children who was murdered, has written about how hearing the Lamb of God at Mass is always difficult, for her daughter was her lamb. Sr. Ann reflects on Jenny’s example of faith and how we can be strengthened by God, and looks to the Sunday readings: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Psalm 146:...

On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Gospel takes us with Mary to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth bore her life’s burdens and always kept her eyes on the Lord. May we follow her example. Sr. Ann reflects on the readings: Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab Judith 13:18bcde, 19 Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace for Ordi...

God’s love for us is more than some symbol. You have a Father who loves you and a Son who so loved the Father that He gave His life to save you for all eternity. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the paths of your only begotten Son. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab Matthew 11:11-15 Sr. Ann’s Books Deeper Conversion Extraordinary Grace...

In the Gospel of Matthew today, Jesus invites all the weary to come to Him, for His yoke is easy and his burden light. God doesn’t want us to do things for Him - He wants us to do things with Him. And the burdens God asks us to carry are far easier than the burdens we give ourselves. Sr. Ann reflects on today’s readings: Isaiah 40:25-31 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Matthew 11:28-30 Sr. Ann’s Books...