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The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
Our mom had the seven of us in 10 years, and as adults, we fondly joked about how busy she must have been. She changed 10,000 diapers, did 25,000 loads of laundry, and washed 1.5 million dishes. No task was too small. Even into high school, she made our lunches and drew little smiley faces on our brown paper bags (though I expertly crumpled the bag so her artwork would remain unseen by my male lunchmates). Our mom was a servant-like figure, a way to express her love.
Jesus is often described as a servant, someone who did his Father’s will. Nothing stopped him from healing and teaching, even as the authorities plotted against him and targeted him for execution. His redemptive ministry was meant for all, not just Jews. He understood how hard it can be to live for others and to love others. We are smoldering wicks and bruised reeds, weak and vulnerable, prone to putting our needs first and worried about our own status and well-being.
I found it easy to accept my mom’s love, her kindness, and her generosity! However, it is often a challenge for me to be Christ-like, not to be overly concerned about paying bills, being well-liked, admired, and respected, and proving my own worth. I seem to veer from pole to pole—one day consumed with pride and self-advancement, and the next inching forward, closer to Christ and my true identity as a child of God.
Jesus knew when to withdraw, when to pray (without ceasing!), and when to teach and heal. Through grace and boosted by the love and support of others, I pray to do God’s will and accept the crosses in my life, secure in knowing God’s infinite love for me.
Merciful Father, you sent your Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with the fire of your grace and mercy. Help us to nurture a spirit of charity and forgiveness towards those who have trespassed against us. May we always find in you the courage and humility to raise up—and not condemn—our fellow sinners as we strive to follow the example of your Son. Amen.
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
Mike Griffin and Jessica Thomas
We begin Season 12 with the beautiful and sometimes heart-rending story of Mike Griffin and Jessica Thomas, a married couple who have combined their lives after the shared cross of losing their first spouses to a rare illness.
Prof. Margaret Pfeil
Season 11 concludes with Prof. Margaret Pfeil, including her long-time commitments of living at the local Catholic Worker community, advocating for peace, and seeking justice for all of God’s people.
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, shares the moments that eventually led him to a vocation in religious life and priesthood, along with a specific ministry of forming aspiring Catholic teachers.
Avis Boyd
We continue this season with Avis Boyd, a longtime volunteer and alumna of Notre Dame, as she shares her perspective on moving through life with purpose, conviction, and a deep faith, even in the face of adversity.
Tim and Lindsay Will
Meet Tim and Lindsay Will, two graduates of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, who help us contemplate the meaning of loss, love, and the family ties that bind us to one another.
Dr. Andrew McShane
Hear the story of Dr. Andrew McShane, Director of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, as he reflects on a vocation that took shape over time through beautiful music, unexpected loss, and the lasting example of others.
Nan Tulchinsky
Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
Veronica Alonzo
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Dr. Jim O’Connell
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Jessica Mannen Kimmet
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Fr. Bill Lies, CSC
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Jeremy and Molly Aranda
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
Lisa Hendey
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Meghann Kirzeder
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Fr. Nate Wills, CSC
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Josh and Stacey Noem
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
Sister Michaela Martinez, OP
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
We welcome you to submit your prayers for yourself and others. A volunteer will offer them on your behalf at the Grotto, where a candle representing all prayer requests remains perpetually lit.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Receive each day’s gospel reading and a short reflection written by a unique member of the Notre Dame family, along with a prayer composed by a Holy Cross priest and a link to learn more about the featured Saint of the Day — right in your inbox!