The Liturgy Podcast from Spirit & Song

"Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant... For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."   Our discipleship in Christ turns us not inward but outward in service to others.

"Go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven."   Jesus challenges us to renounce the values of the world. That is how we will find the Kingdom of God.

"So they are no longer two but one flesh. What God has joined together, no human being must separate."   In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us his teaching on marriage and divorce.

"Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!"  As disciples in service to others, Jesus calls us to a life of holiness.

"If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."  Jesus calls us to be disciples who are rooted in humble service to those in need.

"What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works?"   Jesus challenges us to take up our cross. Saint James follows by telling us tells us bluntly: Do it!

"Show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ."   Jesus invites us to take to heart his words to the deaf person in today's Gospel: "Be open!"

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."   In today's readings, Jesus and Saint James teach us that religion is not "obligation" but, rather, a compassionate heart.

"Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."   Jesus concludes his teaching on the Bread of Life by calling us to faith. How do we respond?

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord... The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name."  We are inspired by Mary's great faith and deep love for her Son. She leads us to the risen glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."  Mary is the First Disciple, whose total devotion to God is a model for our own discipleship.

"Whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I give is my flesh for the life of the world."  The Eucharist is Jesus' own life, given freely on the Cross so that we would share in his eternal life.

"Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life."

"Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted..." In the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus revealed the loving, caring and lavish generosity of God.

"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile..." We need time alone with Jesus. Listen carefully in the midst of our busy lives. He is calling us to prayer!

"Jesus began to send them out two by two... He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick." We are called to bring the Good News of Jesus to those around us - our families, our friends, the people in our lives.

"To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit." Although we cannot see the Holy Spirit, we can sense the Spirit working through us in this school year.

"Mary said to the servers, 'Do whatever he tells you.' " Jesus listened to his mother. So should we!

"He was not able to perform any mighty deeds there. He was amazed by their lack of faith." May our faith be strong and allow Jesus to touch and heal our world.

"Do not be afraid; just have faith." Jesus wants to bring us the healing that we need - if only we can turn to him in faith.

"Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" We need to remember who is in the boat with us! Jesus has the power to calm our storms.

"The kingdom of God... is like a mustard seed. Once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants..." The growth of God's kingdom begins with the tiniest seed: a small act of love.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many." The Eucharist is Jesus' promise of eternal life, a covenant with us that was ratified by his blood.

"You received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . . and joint heirs with Christ." Since we are created in God's image, every relationship of ours is an opportunity to reflect the divine love of the Most Holy Trinity.

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also will testify. . ." The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord.