Sprouting Stump Ministries: Recent Episodes
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In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas discusses the temptations of the devil.
Scripture Readings: 1st Sunday Lent, Cycle A1st Reading: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7Responsorial: Ps 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 172nd Reading: Rom 5:12-19Gospel: Mt 4:1-11
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas prompts us to live as salt of the earth.
Scripture Readings: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A1st Reading: Is 58:7-10Responsorial: Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-92nd Reading: 1 Cor 2:1-5Gospel: Mt 5:13-16
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas encourages us to live out the beatitudes as our path towards Christ.
Scripture Readings: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A1st Reading: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13Responsorial: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-102nd Reading: 1 Cor 1:26-31Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas speaks of how God calls us into unity.
Scripture Readings: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A1st Reading: Is 8:23—9:3Responsorial: Ps 27:1, 4, 13-142nd Reading: 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17Gospel: Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas focuses on the responsorial psalm “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will”.
Scripture Readings: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A1st Reading: Is 49:3, 5-6Responsorial: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 102nd Reading: 1 Cor 1:1-3Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas tells us to start now to make the best of our relationship with God forever
Scripture Readings: 1st Sunday in Advent, Cycle A 1st Reading: Is 2:1-5 Responsorial: Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 2nd Reading: Rom 13:11-14 Gospel: Mt 24:37-44
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explores the wonders of God’s creation.
Scripture Readings: 31st Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Wis 11:22-12:2 Responsorial: Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14 2nd Reading: 2 Thes 1:11-2:2 Gospel: Lk 19:1-10
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains the relationship of our attitudes and behaviors in our spiritual journey.
Scripture Readings: 30th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 Responsorial: Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 2nd Reading: 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 Gospel: Lk 18:9-14
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains how we should not let weariness stop us from praying.
Scripture Readings: 29th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Ex 17:8-13 Responsorial: Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 2nd Reading: 2 Tm 3:14-4:2 Gospel: Lk 18:1-8
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas talks about giving thanks for the gifts that we receive. Scripture Readings: 28th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: 2 Kgs 5:14-17 Responsorial: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 2nd Reading: 2 Tm 2:8-13 Gospel: Lk 17:11-19
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains how the story of the rich man and Lazarus relates to our lives.
Scripture Readings: 25th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Am 6:1a, 4-7 Responsorial: Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 2nd Reading: 1 Tm 6:11-16 Gospel: Lk 16:19-31
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains the importance of offering our prayers for those in authority.
Scripture Readings: 25th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Am 8:4-7 Responsorial: Ps 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8 2nd Reading: 1 Tm 2:1-8 Gospel: Lk 16:1-13
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas describes the intensity of God’s love and desire for us
Scripture Readings: 24th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Ex 32:7-11, 13-14 Responsorial: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 2nd Reading: 1 Tm 1:12-17 Gospel: Lk 15:1-32
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains how we are to love God above all others.
Scripture Readings: 23rd Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Wis 9:13-18b Responsorial: Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17 2nd Reading: Phmn 9-10, 12-17 Gospel: Lk 14:25-33
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas discusses how God disciplines those He loves
Scripture Readings: 21st Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Is 66:18-21 Responsorial: Ps 117:1, 2 2nd Reading: Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 Gospel: Lk 13:22-30
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains how Mary is always pointing us to her Son.
Scripture Readings: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: RV 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB Responsorial: PS 45:10, 11, 12, 16 2nd Reading: 1 COR 15:20-27 Gospel: LK 1:39-56
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas instructs us how to approach the various opportunities that present themselves each day.
Scripture Readings: 19th Sunday, OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Wis 18:6-9 Responsorial: Ps 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22 2nd Reading: Heb 11:1-2, 8-19 Gospel: Lk 12:35-40
In this reflection, Fr. Thomas brings to light how we put our trust in our money instead of in God.
Scripture Readings: 18th Sunday OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23 Responsorial: Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17 2nd Reading: Col 3:1-5, 9-11 Gospel: Lk 12:13-21
Today, Fr. Thomas Picchioni discusses the ways in which God answers our prayers.
Scripture Readings: 17th Sunday OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Gn 18:20-32 Responsorial: Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8 2nd Reading: Col 2:12-14 Gospel: Lk 11:1-13
Today, Fr.Thomas finds a unique way to have us sit and listen to the Lord.
Scripture Readings: 16th Sunday OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Gn 18:1-10a Responsorial: Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5 2nd Reading: Col 1:24-28 Gospel: Lk 10:38-42
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains St. Paul’s teaching in his letter to the Colossians, how “All things were created through Him and for Him” ties the purpose of our entire existence to Jesus.
Scripture Readings: 15th Sunday OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: Dt 30:10-14 Responsorial Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 2nd Reading: Col1:15-20 Gospel: Lk 10:25-37
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains how God reveals His divine providence in how it was not accident that the decision overturning Roe v Wade was revealed on the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. He discusses how the call to discipleship should always be driven by the question: Is what I am doing pleasing to God?
Scripture Readings: 13th Sunday OT, Cycle C 1st Reading: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21 Psalm: Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 2nd Reading: Gal 5:1, 13-18 Gospel: Lk 9:51-62
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains Jesus’ command to his disciples to go without money or bag of provisions or shoes as He sends them forth as a way for them to conquer the temptations of evil (possessions, pleasure, and pride) just as He did in the desert.
Scripture Readings: 14th Sunday OT, Cycle C: 1st Reading: Is 66:10-14c Psalm: Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 2nd Reading: Gal 6:14-18 Gospel: Lk 10:1-12, 17-20
In today’s reflection, Fr. Thomas explains some of the teachings of the Catholic Church on reception of Holy Communion.
Scripture Readings for Corpus Christi Sunday The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ 1st Reading: Gn 14:18-20 Responsoral Psalm: Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4 2nd Reading: 1 Cor 11:23-26 Gospel: Lk 9:11b-17
Today Fr. Thomas focuses on how we can find peace in the midst of difficulty
Scripture Readings: 6th Sunday Easter, Cycle C 1st Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 2nd Reading: Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 Gospel: Jn 14:23-29
Today Fr. Thomas describes how God is watching us do His work.
Scripture Readings: 5th Sunday Easter, Cycle C 1st Reading Acts 14:21-27 Responsorial Psalm: Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 2nd Reading: Rev 21:1-5a Gospel: Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35
Today Fr. Thomas reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands in order to brighten the smile of our souls.
Scripture Readings: 3rd Sunday Easter, Cycle C 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 30 2nd Reading: Rev. 5:11-14 Gospel: Jn 21:1-19
On this Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Thomas explore the deeper meaning of St. Thomas' actions.
Scripture Readings:
2nd Sunday of Easter - Diving Mercy Sunday
Scripture Readings: 2nd Sunday of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16 Responsorial Psalm: 118 2nd Reading: Rev 1-9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
A Glorious Happy Easter to all for He has truly risen.
In today’s reflection Father Thomas discusses how we are to live as Easter People
Scripture Readings: 2nd Sunday of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:12-16 Responsorial Psalm: 118 2nd Reading: Rev 1-9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 Gospel: Jn 20:19-31
In the New Manna Retreat at St John the Evangelist Parish, Fr. Thomas develops the meaning of the New Manna into the 4th face: Holy Communion - Manna as Covenant.
In the New Manna Retreat at St. John Parish, Fr. Thomas explains the 3rd face of the New Manna: Body of Christ - Manna as Real Presence.
In this talk from the New Manna Retreat at St. John Parish, Fr. Thomas explore the 2nd face of the New Manna: Holy Eucharist - Manna as Sacrament.
In this talk from the New Manna Retreat held at St. John Parish, Fr. Thomas discusses the 1st face of the New Manna: Bread of Life - Manna as Food.
In the introduction to the New Manna Retreat given at St. John Parish, Fr. Thomas explores the connection between the old manna that we hear about in the Old Testament and Jesus as the New Manna.
Scripture Reflection: Baptism of the Lord, Cycle C
In his reflection Fr. Thomas Provides a detailed account of the 7 things that happen at our Catholic Baptism.
Today’s Scripture Passages: 1st Reading: Is 42:1-4, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm 29 2nd Reading: Acts 10: 34-38 Gospel: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22
Fr. Thomas prompts us to answer the call of God to gather all people to Himself.
Scripture Reflection: Epiphany, Cycle C 1st Reading: Is 60 Responsorial Psalm: 72 2nd Reading: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: 72
2nd Reading: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
Today Fr. Thomas Picchioni discussed the gospel of the man born blind and deaf.
Scripture Readings: 23rd Sunday OT, Cycle B 1st Reading Isaiah 35:4-7A Responsorial Psalms 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 2nd Reading James 2:1-5 Gospel Mark 7:31-37
Today, Fr. Thomas reveals how the Church's traditions lead us to a transformation of our hearts.
Scripture Readings: 22nd Sunday OT, cycle B 1st Reading Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 Responsorial Psalms 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5 2nd Reading James 1:17-18, 21B-22, 27 Gospel Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Fr. Thomas Picchioni explains the Eucharist as incredible!
Scripture Readings: 21st Sunday OT, Cycle B 1st Reading Joshua 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B Responsorial Psalm Psalms 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 2nd Reading Ephesians 5:21-32 OR Ephesians 5:2A, 25-32 Gospel John 6:60-69
Fr. Thomas Picchioni reflects upon the Bread of Life discourse and how the Eucharist is "connector".
Scripture Readings: 18th Sunday OT, Cycle B 1st Reading Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 Responsorial Psalms 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54 2nd Reading Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 Gospel John 6:24-35
Fr. Thomas Picchioni explores the church's teaching on the perfection of Mary.
Scripture Readings: Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; 20th Sun OT 1st Reading Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB Responsorial Psalms 45:10, 11, 12, 16 2nd Reading 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Gospel Luke 1:39-56
Ponder the beauty of the Bread of Life as we continue with the discourse from the gospel of John. This time we explore the Eucharist as expectation. What does the Bread of Life expect from us?
Scripture Readings: 19th Sunday, OT, Cycle B 1st Reading 1 Kings 19:4-8 Responsorial Psalms 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 2nd Readings Ephesians 4:30-5:2 Gospel John 6:41-51
Listen in as Fr. Thomas dives deeply into the rich meaning of the miracle of Jesus multiplying the loaves and the fishes from the 6th chapter of John, the beginning of Jesus' Bread of Life discourse.
Scripture Readings: 17th Sunday, OT, cycle B: 1st Reading 2 Kings 4:42-44 Responsorial Psalms 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18 2nd Reading Ephesians 4:1-6 Gospel John 6:1-15
A discussion with Fr. Thomas Picchioni about the use of technology with the liturgy during the Covid 19 restrictions of the celebration of the Catholic mass.