Father Matthew Wiering Podcast

2/12/16: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Following the Law on the Inside

Today Jesus gives us four laws from the Torah and then he brings them deeper, to the level of the heart. Jesus is not interested only in appearances, what is on the outside. So he wants us to follow the law in an external way, but he wants our hearts too!

2-5-17: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Are We Salt and Light in the World?

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." This means that their faith, like salt and light, must have an effect on others for it to be worth anything. Are we salt and light in our families? In our school? In the workplace?

1/22/17: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jesus Comes to the Least Likely Places (including My Heart)

Today's readings show us that Jesus began and did most of his ministry in the least likely place: In the land of Zebulun and Naphtali--the land of gloom and doom--"Galilee of the Gentiles." He brings light to the darkness. This is precisely the logic of the Scriptures. This is precisely what he wants to do in our hearts.

1/8/17: Epiphany: Whom do we SEEK to fulfill our hearts?

King Herod tries to kill the baby King Jesus because he didn't want anyone (including God) to rule over him. Are we so different? Are we not afraid of what would need to happen if we would submit ourselves to God's kingship? Yet the Magi sought out Jesus and chose him above power, wealth, and pleasure. 

1/1/17: The Sign of the Infant in the Manger

After revealing Himself through strange and startling ways throughout the Old Testament, in Jesus God does something radically new. The All-Powerful One comes as a powerless child. As one who is needy. As one who invites and welcomes our love.

Christmas 2016: Reborn in the Messiness of My Heart

"Jesus Mary and Joseph are knocking on the door, just like the knocked on the door 2000 years ago, and they were rejected 2000 years ago. They're knocking on the door of our heart. They're not worried about the messiness. Will we let them in and allow them to bring the forgiveness, the healing, and the light--Jesus--the only true remedy for our heart?"

12/18/16: 4th Sunday of Advent: In Jesus, God Shows Us that He is Real

Today's first reading is the wonderful and strange prophesy of Isaiah that "a virgin will conceive and bear a son." Isaiah gives the prophesy because Ahaz refused to ask God for a sign--an indication of his unbelief. God was simply not as real as his problems. Over 700 years after the prophesy is given, God proves how real he is by sending his Son so that we could see God and touch Him and hear Him and be touched by Him. God is faithful. He keeps His promises.

12/11/16: 3rd Sunday of Advent: How the Desert of our Heart can Bloom

The desert is an important image from the Scriptures, and today we talk about the parallels between the desert and our heart. As God causes rain to fall in the desert, resulting in vibrant color and new life, this is precisely what God wants to happen in our heart. How we can let him do this.

12/8/16: What, or rather, Who is the Immaculate Conception?

Today we talk about what is, who, and especially "why" the Immaculate Conception.

12/4/16: 2nd Sunday of Advent: Confession and Silence

Today's Gospel reading introducing John the Baptist helps us to understand better why these two things are essential for our spiritual life (and a great, practical way to enter more intentionally into the Advent season): confession and spending time in silence.