Letters From Home

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord by Ms. Joan Watson. Presentation of the Lord Feast First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 24: 7, 8, 9, 10 Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 14-18 Alleluia: Luke 2: 32 Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40 or Luke 2: 22-32   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

Short Scripture reflections on David's moral failing and Nathan's confrontation. A dramatic retelling of Jesus calming the storm and the disciples' shaken faith. Exploration of how flawed leaders fit into salvation history and why scandal has always existed. A call to balance criticism of Church leaders with prayer and hope.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 11: 1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51: 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11 Alleluia: Matthew 11: 25 Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. James Merrick. Ordinary Weekday First Reading: Second Samuel 7: 18-19, 24-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 132: 1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 105 Gospel: Mark 4: 21-25   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Religious, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Samuel 7: 4-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89: 4-5, 27-28, 29-30 Gospel: Mark 4: 1-20   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

A reflection on David bringing the ark to Jerusalem and its liturgical meaning. Connections between David, Melchizedek, and Jesus as priest-king are explored. Eucharistic echoes appear in David’s communal meal and Mary is likened to the new ark. Themes of worship, awe, and adoration shine throughout.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Memorial of Sts. Timothy and Titus by Ms. Joan Watson. Timothy and Titus, Bishops Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Timothy 1: 1-8 or Titus 1: 1-5 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10 Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10 Gospel: Mark 3: 22-30   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time by Mr. Clement Harrold. Francis De Sales, Bishop, Religious Founder, Doctor Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Second Samuel 1: 1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2-3, 5-7 Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b Gospel: Mark 3: 20-21   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

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Vincent of Saragossa, deacon, Martyr/ Marianne Cope, Virgin First Reading: First Samuel 24: 3-21 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 57: 2, 3-4, 6 and 11 Alleluia: Second Corinthians 5: 19 Gospel: Mark 3: 13-19   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

Joan Watson delves into the biblical theme of envy, highlighting King Saul's jealousy of David. She distinguishes between sinful envy and healthy desires, urging self-reflection on personal feelings of envy. Citing the Catechism and St. Augustine, she reveals envy as a gateway to deeper sins throughout Scripture. Watson also addresses social implications, warning about the role of social media in fostering division. To combat envy, she offers practical tips like practicing gratitude and humility.