Your Catholic Corner: Recent Episodes
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For Catholic Christians, Sundays are a time for Bible reading and reflection. Each week we follow the liturgical readings and enrich them by exploring their context for living today. Whether you’re exploring God for the first time, or you’re a cradle Catholic, join us to find your way into these offerings from God.
20th Week Ordinary Time – Year A Join Julie as she likens today’s Gospel reading from Matthew to her life-changing event in 2006. Isaiah 56:1,6-7 - The Lord reveals his salvation to all. Romans 11:13-15,29-32 - God’s favour to Israel is irrevocable. Matthew 15:21-28 - Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman because of her great faith.
Transfiguration of Our Lord – Cycle AJulie shares how crepuscular rays always remind her of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. She sheds light on today’s liturgical readings: Daniel 7:9–10,13–14 - The prophet Daniel describes his vision of one like the Son of Man who received dominion from God. 2 Peter 1:16–19 - Peter says that the voice heard from Heaven confirmed the truth of his testimony about Christ. Matthew 17:1–9 - Jesus is transfigured on the mountain in the presence of Peter, James, and John.
17th Sunday Ordinary Time – Cycle AJoin Julie as she helps shed some light on today’s liturgical readings, puts them into historical context for better understanding, as well as sharing her personal reflections. 1 Kings 3:5,7-12 - Solomon pleases God when he asks for a wise and understanding heart to better govern the people, Romans 8:28-30 - God chose us to be conformed to the image of his Son, and Matthew 13:44-46 - Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven.
16th Sunday Ordinary Time – Cycle AJoin Julie as she helps shed some light on today’s liturgical readings as well as share her personal reflections. She wonders whether God (through Paul) is asking her to slow down...? Wisdom 12:13,16-19 - God has shown himself to be a God of justice and mercy. Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit intercedes for us with God. Matthew 13:24-43 (shorter form: Matthew 13:24-30) - Jesus offers parables about the Wheat and the Weeds and explains them to his disciples.
14th Sunday Ordinary Time – Year AJoin Julie as she shares her personal reflections on today’s liturgical readings. This week’s Gospel reminds her of her first Rite 2 Reconciliation not long after she became Catholic. Zechariah 9:9-10 - The Lord shall come to reign in Zion.Romans 8:9,11-13 - Those in whom the Spirit of God dwells must now live according to the Spirit, not the flesh.Matthew 11:25-30 - Jesus prays in thanks to God, who has revealed himself to the lowly.
13th Sunday Ordinary Time:Join Julie as she shares her personal reflections on today’s liturgical readings. She draws a parallel between the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and the transformative experience of baptism. Do you die? No. Are you reborn? Yes.2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16a - Hospitality extended to Elisha will be rewarded. Romans 6:3-4,8-11 - Through Christ we are dead to sin but alive in God. Matthew 10:37-42 - Jesus outlines the costs and rewards of discipleship.
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle AToday's readings emphasise the importance of unwavering faith in God amidst difficulties. Julie provides historical context and shares her personal 21st-century reflection on this theme.Jeremiah 20:10-13 - Jeremiah expresses confidence that the Lord will protect him.Romans 5:12-15 - Sin came into the world through one person; so salvation came through one person for many.Matthew 10:26-33 - Jesus assures the Twelve that God cares about them.
CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY: Julie breathes life into the timeless texts on Corpus Christi Sunday. Her personal reflections serve to enrich your understanding and strengthen your connection with the Word of God. Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14b-16a: Moses tells the people to remember how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17: Though many, we are one body when we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. John 6:51-58: Jesus says, “I am the living bread.”
Holy Trinity SundayGet a better understanding of today’s Holy Trinity Sunday readings with Julie as she sheds light on each reading’s context. She also shares her personal reflections as a way to help you appreciate God’s word in today’s 21st Century.Exodus 34:4B-6, 8-92 Corinthians 13:11-13Gospel John 3:16-18
Pentecost Sunday – Join Julie as she unpacks Pentecost Sunday with 5 ways today’s Gospel reading can have meaning and relevance in today’s 21st Century world.Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 - The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem.Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34 - God’s Spirit renews the earth.1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 - We are all one in Christ Jesus.John 20:19-23 - Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Sixth Sunday Easter 2023 – this week Julie and Thomas chat about a hitch-hiker Thomas and his boss picked up, as well as reflect on today’s readings.Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 - The people of Samaria accept the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed to them by Philip.Psalm 66:1-7,16,20 - Sing praise to God, all the earth.1 Peter 3:15-18 - Be ready to give explanation for your hope in Christ.John 14:15-21 - Jesus promises his disciples that he will send them another advocate, the Spirit of truth.
26th Sunday Ordinary Time – catholic reflection and readings with Julie Amos 6:1,4-7 - God will judge the complacency of the people and their leaders. Psalm 146:7-10 - Happy are those who find solace in God, the help of the poor. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 - Paul exhorts Timothy to stay faithful to God in all things. Luke 16:19-31 - Jesus tells the parable of the reversal of fortunes between the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus.
Twenty Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time with Fr Isaac Fransen & Julie South Amos 8:4-7 - Unfair business practices and injustice to the poor will be judged by God. Psalm 113: 1-2,4-6,7-8 - Praise be to God, who raises up the poor. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - Paul tells Timothy that prayer for those in authority is pleasing to God because God wills the salvation of all. Gospel Reading - Luke 16:1-13 - Jesus tells a parable about a dishonest steward, commended for his prudence; one cannot serve both God & money.
Wisdom 18:6-9 - The Hebrew people awaited the salvation of the just. Psalm 33:1,12,18-22 - Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19 - We will look for the city designed and built by God. Gospel Reading - Luke 12:32-48 - You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 - Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! Colossians 3:1-5,9-11 - There is neither Greek nor Jew, but Christ is all in all. Luke 12:13-21 - A person's life does not consist of possessions. Who were the Colossians? A short introduction for context to St Paul’s Letter.
17th Sunday Ordinary Time – Year C – reflecting on St Luke with Julie Genesis 18:20-32 - Abraham pleads with God to save the innocent people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Psalm 138:1-3,6-8 - Lord, on the day I cried for help, you answered me. Colossians 2:12-14 - You were buried with Christ in Baptism and also raised with him. Luke 11:1-13 - Jesus teaches the disciples about prayer.
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – the Rosary - Glorious Mysteries from the Knock Shrine.
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C – Reflections with Julie Isaiah 66:10-14c - I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river. Psalm 123:1-4 - Our eyes are fixed on the Lord. Galatians 6:14-18 - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke 10:1-12,17-20 - Jesus sends out 72 people to announce the coming kingdom.
Sunday 19 June 2022 - Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi – reflections and context for 2022 Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek, king of Salem, blessed Abram. Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 110:1-4 - You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. Luke 9:11b-17 - They all ate and were satisfied.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – Cycle C A look at the Holy Trinity with Julie: Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom was born before the earth was made. Psalm 8:4-9 - O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth! Romans 5:1-5 - We boast of our afflictions. John 16:12-15 – Whatever the Father has is mine. The Spirit of truth will guide us.
Pentecost Sunday – 05 June 2022 – Cycle C What is Pentecost? What are its origins? Context and reflections with Julie. Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem. Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34 God’s Spirit renews the earth. 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 We are all one in Christ Jesus. John 20:19-23 Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension of the Lord, Cycle C Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11 Jesus is taken up to heaven in the presence of the Apostles. Psalm 47:2-3,6-9 Sing praise to God as he mounts his throne. Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23 God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand. Luke 24:46-53 Jesus is taken to heaven and the disciples remain in Jerusalem awaiting his sending of the Spirit.
Acts of the Apostles 14:21-27 Paul and Barnabas proclaim the good news in many places. Psalm 145:8-9,10-11,12-13 A song of praise to God. Revelation 21:1-5a John describes his vision of a new heaven and a new earth. John 13:31-33a,34-35 Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment: love one another. Hail Mary – Gentle Woman – a Prayer for Mary in Mary’s Month of May
Fourth Sunday Easter 2022 – Good Shepherd Sunday May is Mary’s Month – Hail Mary with Julie Acts of the Apostles 13:14,43-52 Paul and Barnabas preach the good news among the Gentiles and are expelled by the Jews. Psalm 100:1-2,3,5 A song in praise of God who shepherds us. Revelation 7:9,14b-17 John describes his vision of the praises that the holy ones sing to the Lamb. John 10:27-30 Jesus describes his care for his sheep.
Third Sunday of Easter Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32,40b-41 The apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin and ordered to stop speaking in Jesus' name. Psalm 30:2,4,5-6,11-12,13 A song of praise to God who rescues us. Revelation 5:11-14 John describes his vision of the praises that will be sung to the Lamb by every creature on heaven and earth. John 21:1-14 Jesus appears to the disciples for a third time after his Resurrection and shares a meal with them. Nicene Creed
Easter Sunday Celebratory Christ is Risen! Music and reflections with Julie, Easter Sunday 2022.
Sixth Sunday of Lent – 10 April 2022 – Palm Sunday Why are palm fronds used on Palm Sunday? This week Julie gives the background and traditions across several faith traditions. Why did Jesus ride a donkey into Jerusalem? There are two interpretations of this – one is historical, the other symbolic. Luke 23:1-49
Fifth Sunday of Lent 2022 Isaiah 43:16-21 - The Lord is doing something new for his people. Psalm 126:1-6 - A song in praise of the Lord's marvellous deeds Philippians 3:8-14 - Paul says that he counts all things as lot and focuses on one goal, Christ. John 8:1-11 - Jesus does not condemn the woman caught in adultery.
Third Sunday of Lent – 20 March 2022 Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15 - God speaks to Moses from the burning bush and sends him to the Israelites. 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12 - Paul teaches that the Scriptures were written to set an example for us. Gospel Reading - Luke 13:1-9 - Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance.
Second Sunday of Lent 2022 – Sunday 13 March 2022 Genesis 15:5-12,17-18 - God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising him many descendants. Psalm 27:1,7-8,8-9,13-14 - A prayer to God who is our salvation Philippians 3:17-4:1 - Paul encourages the Philippians to remain firm in their faith that Christ will subject all things to himself. Luke 9:28b-36 - Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, John, and James.
First Sunday of Lent, Cycle C, Sunday, March 6, 2022 Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Moses describes the offering of praise for God's deliverance of Israel. Psalm 91:1-2,10-11,12-13,14-15 A prayer for God's protection Romans 10:8-13 Paul teaches that we are saved by faith. Luke 4:1-13 In the desert, Jesus is tempted by the devil.
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time – 13 February 2022 - Cycle C First Reading Jeremiah 17:5-8 Put trust and hope in the Lord, not in human beings. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 1:1-4,6 Blessed are those who follow the law of the Lord. Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:12,16-20 Our hope for resurrection is sure because Christ has been raised from the dead. Gospel Reading Luke 6:17,20-26 Jesus teaches the crowd the way to happiness.
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 6 February 2022 “Our Father” – chart-topping historical rock song from 1974 – its creator passes away – Sister Mead Isaiah 6:1-2a,3-8 - Isaiah describes his vision and call from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8,11 - Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel that he announced to them. Gospel Reading Luke 5:1-11 - The fishermen (Simon, James, and John) leave their fishing boats and follow Jesus.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19 - The Lord assures Jeremiah that he will deliver him from all who fight against him. Psalm 71:1-2,3-4,5-6,15,17 - A song in praise of God's salvation 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 - Paul describes love as the greatest of virtues. Luke 4:21-30 - Jesus is rejected in his hometown of Nazareth and the Nazarenes want to throw him off a cliff but his time has not yet come.
Baptism of the Lord First Reading Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11 - Isaiah tells the people to prepare a way for the Lord. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 104:1b-4,24-25,27-30 - A prayer praising God's greatness Second Reading Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 - Jesus Christ saved us and renewed us with his Holy Spirit. Gospel Reading - Luke 3:15-16,21-22 - Jesus is baptized by John.
Third Sunday of Advent Year C – What the Advent Wreath signifies + some of Julie’s favourite Christmas songs + today’s readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18a A savior is promised to Israel. Isaiah 12:2-3,4,5-6 A song of praise to God our savior Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice always because the Lord is near. Luke 3:10-18 John the Baptist teaches the path of repentance and announces Christ.
First Sunday of Advent, Cycle C Sunday, November 28, 2021 First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 The Lord will fulfil his promises to Israel and Judah. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14 The Lord will teach us his paths. Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be holy and to please God. Gospel Reading Luke 21:25-28,34-36 Jesus teaches his disciples to be vigilant so that they will be ready when the Son of Man comes in glory.
THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME 2021 First Reading Daniel 7:13-14 Daniel prophesies about the coming of the Son of Man. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 93:1,1-2,5 A prayer of praise to God our king Second Reading Revelation 1:5-8 Jesus is the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of all. Gospel Reading John 18:33b-37 Jesus is questioned by Pilate about the charge brought against him that he is “King of the Jews.”
Thirty Third Sunday of Ordinary Time = heading Daniel 12:1-3 Daniel prophesies about the judgment of the last days. Psalm 16:5,8,9-10,11 God protects us and shows us the path of life. Hebrews 10:11-14,18 Jesus’ offering for sin has made all to be consecrated perfect forever. Gospel Reading Mark 13:24-32 Jesus teaches about the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time:
First Reading Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Moses teaches the people to love and worship God alone.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 18:2-3,3-4,47,51 A prayer of praise to God our strength
Second Reading Hebrews 7:23-28 Jesus intercedes for us as our eternal high priest.
Gospel Reading Mark 12:28b-34 Jesus is questioned by a scribe about the greatest commandment.
Sunday 24 October 2021 - Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading Jeremiah 31:7-9 - The Lord declares himself to be the Father of Israel. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6 - A song of praise to God who does great things Second Reading Hebrews 5:1-6 - Christ was made high priest by God. Gospel Reading Mark 10:46-52 - The blind man – Bartimaeus – has his site restored by Jesus
Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2021 Today’s theme - Servant Leadership: First Reading Isaiah 53:10-11 Through his suffering, the servant of Yahweh will justify many. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 33:4-5,18-19,20,22 A prayer of praise for God’s mercy Second Reading Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus is the high priest who sympathizes with our weakness. Gospel Reading Mark 10:35-45 Jesus teaches that those who wish to be great must be the servant of all.
Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B: First Reading Genesis 2:18-24 God creates woman from Adam’s rib. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5,6 A prayer for God’s blessing Second Reading Hebrews 2:9-11 Christ was made perfect through suffering so that we might all be consecrated. Gospel Reading Mark 10:2-16 (shorter form Mark 10:2-12) Jesus teaches against divorce and welcomes the children.
Twenty Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time – Year B First Reading Numbers 11:25-29 The Lord bestows his spirit on the seventy elders. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 19:8,10,12-13,14 The Law of the Lord brings joy. Second Reading James 5:1-6 James chastises the rich. Gospel Reading Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48 Jesus teaches that whoever is not against him is for him.
Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B First Reading Wisdom 2:12,17-20 - The just one is put to the test. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 54:3-4,5,6 & 8 - A prayer for God’s protection. Second Reading James 3:16—4:3 - James teaches about the wisdom from above. Gospel Reading Mark 9:30-37 - Jesus teaches his disciples that the greatest are those who serve all.
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B: First Reading Isaiah 35:4-7a Isaiah prophesies about God’s vindication. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:7,8-9,9-10 A song of praise to God Second Reading James 2:1-5 James teaches that there is to be no partiality within the Christian community. Gospel Reading Mark 7:31-37 Jesus restores a man’s hearing and speech.
Twenty-First Sunday Ordinary Time – Cycle B: Joshua 24:1-2a,15-17,18b Joshua and the people declare that they will serve the Lord. Psalm 34:2-3,16-17,18-19,20-21 The Lord hears the cries of the just. Ephesians 5:21-32 (or shorter form Ephesians 5:2a,25-32) Husbands and wives should love one another as Christ loves the Church. John 6:60-69 Simon Peter confesses his faith that Jesus alone has the words of the eternal life.
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:4-8 The Lord feeds Elijah, strengthening him for his journey to Horeb. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9 A prayer of praise to God for his goodness Second Reading: Ephesians 4:30—5:2 The Ephesians are encouraged to be imitators of Christ. Gospel Reading: John 6:41-51 Jesus responds to the murmurs of the crowd, who wonders what he means when he says that he came down from heaven.
Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15 - The Lord feeds the Israelites with manna, Psalm 78:3–4, 23–24, 25, 54 - A song of praise to God for his deeds to Israel, Ephesians 4:17, 20–24 - Christians become a new creation in Christ, John 6:24–35 - Jesus teaches the crowds that he is the 'bread of life'.
Today is the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Today’s readings: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Ps 145, Ephesians 4:1-6 and the Gospel According to John 6:1-15. The multiplication of the loaves and fishes to feed the five thousand. Julie shares her reflection on how God over-caters and there is enough if we but look for it.
This week Julie leads us through the readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B): First Reading: Amos 7:12-15 The prophet Amos is sent from Bethel. Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 ( shorter form Ephesians 1:3-10) Paul teaches that we were chosen for Christ before the creation of the world. Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13 Jesus instructs his disciples and sends them to preach repentance.
This week is the 10th Week of Ordinary Time and also the Celebration of the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s show Julie introduces the background to this feast celebration. You’ll probably recognise some of the words from Mass as it’s the inauguration of the Eucharist as we know it today.
This week – in the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time – also known as Trinity Sunday – Julie gives context to three readings to enable easier understanding and prayer: Deut 4:32-34, 39-40, Romans 8: 14-17, Matthew 28: 16-20. She also discovers heavy metal rock ‘n’ roller Alice Cooper is Christian and shares a bit about Alice’s testimony and return to the faith. He and his wife are both KPs – Kids of Preachers. Alice Cooper talks about how it’s possible to be a heavy metal rock and roller and still stay true to God.
Join Julie this Sixth Sunday of Easter – the Ascension of Our Lord – as she reflects and reads today’s Catholic readings. First Reading - Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48, Second Reading - 1 John 4:7-10, Gospel - John 15:9-17