Letters From Home

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of Holy Week by Dr. Shane Owens. Tuesday of Holy Week First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 71: 1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17 Gospel: John 13: 21-33, 36-38   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of Holy Week by Dr. Scott Hahn. Monday of Holy Week First Reading: Isaiah 42: 1-7 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 2, 3, 13-14 Gospel: John 12: 1-11   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

A reflective walkthrough of John 11 and the political-religious tensions around Lazarus’s miracle. A clear look at Caiaphas’s role, fears about messianic movements, and the ironic sweep of history leading to AD 70. Connections are drawn between Ezekiel’s prophecy and the idea of a united, universal people of God. The segment closes with a short prayerful send-off.

A reflection links Jeremiah’s persecution and prayer to Christ’s suffering and vindication. Psalm 18 and David’s cries are tied to Jesus’ passion and rescue. The Gospel setting during the Feast of Dedication and the blasphemy charge are unpacked. Jesus’ use of scripture and signs as proof of his authority is explored, then the talk challenges listeners to let their lives witness Christ.

A reflective walk through John 8 and its tensions as a revelation of Jesus and the Father. A look at how gradual scriptural unveiling points to the cross. Discussion of Abraham’s vision and rabbinic links to messianic expectation. An invitation to receive the Father’s loving self-gift and let Lent shape your response.

A theological walk through the Annunciation and Gabriel’s announcement. Reflections on Mary as the Ark of the Covenant and her role at the fullness of time. Discussion of conception by the Holy Spirit and Christ’s anointing from conception. Calls to celebrate, turn to Mary for healing, and invite others into the mystery.

A reflection on a rare Mass reading from Numbers and its strange story of serpents and a bronze statue. A discussion of how sacred signs can point beyond themselves and be misused. Connections are drawn between an Old Testament image and Jesus being lifted up. The piece frames Christian life as an Exodus journey and contrasts hardened hearts with those who believe.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday/ Toribio De Mogrovejo, Bishop First Reading: Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or Daniel 13: 41c-62 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33: 11 Gospel: John 8: 1-11    Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 11: 18-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 7: 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 8: 15 Gospel: John 7: 40-53   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday. Day of Abstinence from Meat (age 14 and up) First Reading: Wisdom 2: 1a, 12-22 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 34: 17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 4b Gospel: John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. John Bergsma, Megan Hjelmstad, and Emily Stimpson Chapman for our Lent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/lent