Do you feel discouraged by your lack of progress or the seeming fruitlessness of your efforts? This episode offers a message of hope and encouragement through the story of Jesus's appearance to the disciples after a night of fishing. We'll examine how Jesus meets us in our "empty net" moments and guides us to abundance. Learn how to recognize Jesus's presence in your life and trust in his promise of provision and blessing.

From skepticism to salvation! This episode tackles the big question: did the resurrection really happen? We explore the doubts, examine the evidence, and uncover the driving force behind the early Christian "resurrection mission." Tune in for a compelling look at faith, history, and the heart of the Gospel.

Dive into our latest episode of The Gospel Connection podcast as we explore John 16:12-15 and discover how the Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire us today. Learn how Jesus' teachings are made alive through the Spirit of Truth. Don't miss this insightful reflection!

In John 16:5–11, Jesus prepares to depart from his followers but promises them that his absence will be for their benefit, as the Holy Spirit will come to lead them. In this episode, we look at the significance of this text and how it pertains to our lives today, providing comfort and hope in times of need.

In John 6:1-15, we find one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus, the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion as he provides for the physical needs of the multitude. It also serves as a sign of his divine nature and points to the spiritual nourishment he offers to all who come to him. This event takes place in the context of Jesus' public ministry, where he is attracting large crowds and gaining followers through his teachings and miraculous works. Through this story, we can learn valuable lessons about faith, generosity, and the abundance that comes from trusting in God.

For show notes for this episode please visit:

https://allenlucas.notion.site/July-17-2022-ca2466ffd3b64288a71d9887420a7aa2

A Reading of the Holy Gospel according to  Mt 13:24-30

Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants j of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants j said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Reading: Mt 13:24-30

Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants j of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants j said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.

Commentary:

The weeds in this parable can be regarded as unrepentant evildoers who refuse to repent and ultimately are winnowed out for condemnation. However, the weeds can also be viewed as our imperfections. The Church is composed of sinners who are called to struggle against sinful tendencies so as to lead virtuous lives. They are on the path to salvation and holiness but have not yet arrived. In this parable, then, the weeds of sinfulness and the wheat of sanctity will coexist in each of us until the end of time. Our own fruitfulness in hearing and keeping the word of God is determined by our desire and eagerness for a close friendship with Christ and fidelity to his teachings. (CCC 827)

Works Cited

Ignatius Press. The Didache Bible : With Commentaries Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2014. Edited by Rev. James Socias, 2nd ed., Downers Grove, Il, Midwest Theological Forum, Inc. ; San Francisco, Ca, 5 Jan. 2015, pp. 4, 789–4, 790.