Letters From Home

Short reflections on Solomon's rise and fall and how political splits reshaped Israel. Connections between Jesus and David's line appear, placing his ministry in northern lands. A moving healing story is unpacked with creation imagery and the command 'Be opened.' A gentle challenge encourages sharing a simple testimony of gratitude.

Reflection on Solomon's rise, splendor, and the hidden costs of power. A look at Deuteronomy's warnings about kings and Solomon's failure to live by the law. Exploration of idolatry's consequences and how common temptations—power, lust, and riches—lead believers astray. A call to daily Scripture reading and the mission of Israel to guide nations toward the true Son of David.

A reflection on Solomon’s meeting with the Queen of Sheba and how it points to Christ. A comparison of Solomon’s wisdom with the surprising humility of Jesus. A discussion of what truly defiles — matters of the heart rather than food. A call to interior cleansing through baptism, repentance, and renewal practices like confession and the Mass.

A theological tour of Solomon's temple as a re-creation of Eden and a stage for God's dwelling. Discussion of the Shekinah and what it means for a spirit to dwell among people. Exploration of Christ as the new temple and believers as living temples. A look at the Mark passage on ritual purity and the tension between human tradition and God's commands.

Short daily scripture reflections that explore Solomon completing the temple and the Ark’s procession. Discussion ties the Ark and cherubim to Mary and the idea of God dwelling among people. Reflections connect the temple’s fulfillment in Christ and the Church. The Gospel focus is on healings at Jesus’ cloak and the theme of physical and spiritual restoration.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading: First Kings 3: 4-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Mark 6: 30-34   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

A lively reflection on Mark 6 that unpacks Herod's confusion about Jesus and the dramatic story of John the Baptist's imprisonment and beheading. Discussion touches on the significance of John in the Church calendar and calls for renewed devotion. A brief prayerful appeal about the role of marriage and cultural truth closes the piece.

Reflections on biblical leadership, using David and Solomon to explore fidelity, virtue, and the limits of earthly power. A look at Jesus empowering the apostles and what humble service says about authority. Calls to trust God rather than wealth or security.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 24: 2, 9-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 6, 7 Alleluia: John 10: 27 Gospel: Mark 6: 1-6   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 in Ordinary Time by Dr. Shane Owens. Ordinary Weekday/ Blase, Bishop, Martyr/ Ansgar, Bishop, Missionary First Reading: Second Samuel 18: 9-10, 14, 24-25a, 30 – 19: 3 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 86: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Alleluia: Matthew 8: 17 Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you’ve been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma’s weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships