Letters From Home

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday/ Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor First Reading: Isaiah 49: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18 Verse Before the Gospel: John 11: 25a, 26 Gospel: John 5: 17-30   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  

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Shane Owens. Lenten Weekday/ Patrick, Bishop, Missionary First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-9, 12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Psalms 51: 12a, 14a Gospel: John 5: 1-16   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent by Dr. Scott Hahn. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 65: 17-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b Verse Before the Gospel: Amos 5: 14 Gospel: John 4: 43-54   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

A scripture reflection weaving Hosea and Luke into Lenten themes. Discussion of prophetic resurrection imagery and wounds as a path to spiritual growth. Artistic and mystical readings, from Caravaggio to Carmelite writers. Contrasts between closed righteousness and humble repentance. A call to trust painful transformation and rest in the Father’s love.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday. Day of Abstinence from Meat (age 14 and up) First Reading: Hosea 14: 2-10 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 81: 6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17 Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent by Ms. Joan Watson. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Jeremiah 7: 23-28 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Verse Before the Gospel: Joel 2: 12-13 Gospel: Luke 11: 14-23   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent by Dr. John Bergsma. Lenten Weekday First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20 Verse Before the Gospel: John 6: 63c, 68c Gospel: Matthew 5: 17-19   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

A reflection on Matthew 18 and Peter's question about forgiving a brother. A look at Jesus' call to limitless forgiveness and the parable of the unforgiving servant. Discussion of how mercy received from God should shape mercy given to others. A reminder that true forgiveness depends on grace and transformation into intercession.

A lively walk through Luke 4 and the Nazareth scene where a bold teaching sparks outrage. A vivid retelling of Naaman’s healing and the Israelite servant’s faithful suggestion. Connections between Jordan’s sevenfold washings and baptismal rebirth are explored. Reflections on divine sonship as the source of true interior strength.

A reflection on readings from Micah, Psalms, and Luke that centers on mercy and forgiveness. The symbolism of the sea and confession is explored. The Prodigal Son parable is revisited, including the often-overlooked need for conversion in both brothers. Listeners are invited to honest self-examination and to hear God calling them by name.