Exploring His Kingdom: Recent Episodes
Lincoln Wood
This podcast gathers homilies and talks from St. Thomas More Parish in Appleton, WI. Bonus episodes include interviews with spiritual and community leaders and ongoing Discipleship Formation for adults with a practical approach to growing in the Kingdom of God.Any handouts or other materials referred to in the podcast can be found at the St. Thomas More website: stmcath.orgAdditional information and resources can also be found at: https://exploringhiskingdom.wordpress.com/
How will you take that walk with God? How will you become the best version of yourself?
Is there anything in your life that you have done or avoided doing solely because you believe in God?
Today, we reflect on the Baptism of the Lord, a moment that reveals God's faithfulness to His promises. Through this act, Jesus, the promised Savior, begins His public ministry and opens the way for our renewal. In this 'bath of renewal,' we are reminded of our own baptism, where we are cleansed, transformed, and called to live as beloved children of God.
As we reflect on Jesus' first miracle of transformation, let us pray to be renewed as pilgrims of hope.
Embrace the journey ahead in this Jubilee of Hope. Step boldly into this new beginning with an open heart and mind. Take notice of where your focus lies and reflect deeply: What are you being called to become? Let us answer that call with purpose and courage.
As a new year begins, we take time to reflect on the moments of the past year—the blessings that brought joy and the hardships that tested us. Ask God to shine His redeeming light upon the pain, transforming it into wisdom and grace. Seek God's transformative light, and open our hearts to the stirring of His presence. What is God stirring within you today? A new life is being offered, quietly forming in the depths of your soul, inviting you to embrace this fresh beginning with hope, love, and faith.
The Gospel of Luke narrates Jesus' birth, highlighting God's power given to the powerless. Born humbly on an unremarkable night, Jesus begins a new era destined to rule a lasting kingdom. Despite His simple birth, God works through the meek, defying worldly expectations. Through Jesus, God's Kingdom is established, emphasizing strength in humility and authority through love and service.
This week emphasizes the importance of hearing God’s voice with clarity and responding to His call with humility and courage.
We are called to hear like Elizabeth, whose heart was attuned to the divine presence. Elizabeth recognized Mary’s unique role in God’s plan and, through the Holy Spirit, affirmed the miracle of the Incarnation. Her listening was not only with her ears but also with her spirit, reminding us to cultivate a posture of receptivity to God’s whispers in our lives.
Similarly, we are encouraged to speak like Mary, whose Magnificat is a profound example of faithful proclamation. Mary’s words were filled with praise, humility, and trust in God’s promises. She teaches us that our speech can be a reflection of God’s love and an instrument of His work in the world.
This week, as we light the final candle of the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the joy and hope that comes from living in harmony with God’s will. May we open our hearts to hear His voice and respond with the same faith and courage as Elizabeth and Mary.
As we enter the third week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of joy—a joy that comes from the profound gifts Jesus has given us. This homily will explore the seven gifts that Jesus offers, guiding us to rediscover a deeper sense of peace, hope, and, most importantly, joy during this sacred season. Let us open our hearts to receive these gifts and embrace the true meaning of Advent
In this episode we see that the series is rooted in three loves:
- Love for Jesus and Discipleship
- Love for Christian Unity
- Love for the Rosary
The discussion questions and spiritual practices can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kZJSEmDsK2QI1OY0-SRE2oeuoTXQbMO7/view?usp=sharing
What keeps you up at night?
The world is a scary place. Jesus' images in the gospel invite us to become a people of hope in a fearful world.
This is the first session of our Discipleship Formation series for adults on the Kingdom of God.
Here is a link for the handouts:
Discipleship Formation Handouts | St. Thomas More Catholic Community | Appleton, WI (stmcath.org)
Explores the readings for the 26sth Sunday of Ordinary Time focusing on God's love and how envy distorts that love.
We explore Wisdom 2:23-24
What does it mean to be created as the Image of God
What is love?
Who is the devil and how does he affect us?
God is a personal mystery who loves you and wants you to share His love with the world.
Uncovering the Spiritual Gifts found in the heart of Jesus.
Here are the Scripture passages referenced in the episode:
- 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 28-31
- Romans 12: 6-9
- 1 Peter 4: 10-11
- Ephesians 4: 11-13
And the books mentioned as well:
- The Spiritual Gifts Handbook: Using Your Gifts to Build the Kingdom -By Dr. Mary Healy & Dr. Randy Clark
- Lord, Renew Your Wonders: Spiritual Gifts for Today - By Damian Stayne
Here is the info for the Encounter Satellite Campus as well:
https://encounterschool.org/greenbay/
https://www.facebook.com/Encounter-School-of-Ministry-Green-Bay-Campus-164330105347132
greenbay@encounterschool.org?
Places the Holy Thursday Liturgy in the context of the battle between death and the Lamb of God.
The readings:
Ex. 12:1-8; 11-14
Psalm 116
1 Cor. 11:23-26
Jn. 13:1-15
Jesus' power of death is displayed, giving us a foretaste of the battle of the cross to come where Jesus is victorious over death.
Explores the nature of social sin and brokenness in the Christian life and how Jesus responds.
Lincoln interviews the new President of the Xavier System discussing the mission of Xavier.
Exploring the Gospel of the Woman at the Well from John 4 reveals the power of sin and the freedom found in Jesus.
This episode explores the role of questions in our lives and offers a simple process for writing your own sacred question.
Questions Matter. We discuss how to follow Job's example and allow the questions of our heart to lead us to Jesus.
This special epiphany edition of Exploring His Kingdom shares the story of the three kings (or Magi) with a unique twist. Enjoy!
Books by Ed Hays can be found at:
https://smile.amazon.com/Edward-Hays/e/B000APUGC2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
This homily explores the Heart of Mary and how we can respond to God's gift this Christmas.
In this episode, we learn a simple process for using our imagination to encounter God in the Scripture. We also experience a guided meditation.
Here are the resources mentioned in the podcast. Check them out and deepen your life of prayer!
Resources:
Praying the Scriptures in the Ignatian Tradition.pdf (pallottinesisters.org)
Gospel Contemplation A Fuller Explanation of the Ignatian Tradition.pdf (pallottinesisters.org)
Mello, Anthony de. Sadhana: A Way to God: Christian Exercises in Eastern Form: Jesuit Sources. 1978.
Join Lincoln as he interviews the retired CEO of Theda Care and Co-Chair of Common Ground, Dean Gruner. They discuss the exciting new initiatives to empower and support the practice of dialogue in our community.
Find out more about Common Ground here.
Sr. Stephanie Spence gives us insight to our ongoing sister parish relationship with Neopit. We discuss the history of the food pantry, prejudice, and how to be involved.
Fr. Jack Mullarkey reflects on the readings for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. He focuses on Christian Hope in the face of death and encourages us to visit cemeteries as a way to grieve with hope.
Fr. Jack reflects on the Beatitudes as our "Marching Orders" and gives examples of his own encounters with saints.
In this episode, we interview Rebecca Barfknecht about her experience with the rosary. She shares her insights and invites everyone to a deeper appreciation of this devotion.
If you want to learn how to pray the rosary, you can join our rosary group that meets at St. Thomas More on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:40 am to 8 am.
We reflect on the Bishop's teaching in "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" and today's Gospel, where Jesus reminds us of the greatest commandment.
In this episode, we discuss the five key movements of the Kerygma (the basic proclamation of the Gospel):
- Creation
- Fall
- Salvation
- Redemption
- Re-Creation/Mission
Some practical resources for exploring the kerygma are also discussed. Here are links to those resources:
- a read-aloud proclamation unpacking the kerygma for kids, a simple option for everyone! (The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross)
- a family faith-sharing resource adapted from the diocese of Green Bay
- a discipleship resource for adults unpacking the kerygma from Julianne Stanz book "Start with Jesus"
As always, you can find out more about St. Thomas More at: https://www.stmcath.org/
or you can read more from Deacon Lincoln at: https://wordpress.com/view/exploringhiskingdom.wordpress.com