The Opposite of Persecution
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Join Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP as he breaks open the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. This Sunday there are many options, but it begins with setting boundaries in the new Christian community (Acts 15), then the Book of Revelation's promise that Jesus will return and remake the world, and finally a promise from the Gospel of John either that God will send the Holy Spirit to keep us bound as one or that God's love will bind us together.
A powerful message on perseverance, humility, and trusting in God’s mission—even in the face of persecution. Whether you're facing good days or bad days, this homily reminds us to keep preaching love, not retaliation.
Paul and Barnabas perform a miracle—healing a lame man—and redirect the people’s worship to the one true God. Fr. Scott reminds us that faith isn’t difficult when we connect it to the deepest desires God has planted in our hearts.
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Drawing parallels with the stillness of off-season Alaska, Fr. Scott reflects on Mary Magdalene's experience: her hope shattered, unable to even anoint Jesus' body due to the Sabbath. Yet, even in devastation, a "sliver of hope" remained, motivating her plan to perform that one last act of love.
On this Good Friday, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner OP delivers a moving "Word of Hope" reflection exploring the dual nature of the Cross. Originally a brutal tool of Roman power meant to crush the human spirit, the Cross was radically transformed by Christ's sacrifice. By embracing suffering with love and forgiveness, Jesus turned this "cross of death" into the life-giving "cross of life"—a symbol of redemption, humanity's triumph, and God's boundless mercy.
While Judas repented of betraying Jesus, he ultimately despaired, unable to believe in forgiveness. Peter, after denying Christ three times, remained open to God's mercy, eventually experiencing restoration through Jesus's love after the Resurrection (John 21). Both apostles failed, but only one held onto the possibility of hope.
Do you ever feel like you've "labored in vain" or "spent your strength for nothing"? The prophet Isaiah expressed this same feeling, yet found hope. Hear how God revealed a plan far exceeding the prophet's expectations – a mission to be a "light to the nations," bringing salvation worldwide.
Fr. Scott delves into the concept of kenosis (Christ's self-emptying) from Philippians 2, revealing true humility as focusing on serving the world's needs rather than oneself. Jesus models this by embracing both the crowd's adoration and His impending suffering and death.