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Join Julie South and engage in a meaningful exploration of the Word of God, find inspiration for your spiritual journey, and deepen your connection with God through prayer, reflection, and practical applications of the readings.
Spiritual Preparation: The episode helps Catholics spiritually prepare for each Sunday's mass starting mid-week. It offers insights into the Word of God and its relevance to our lives, encouraging listeners to deepen their understanding and connection with God.
Typological Connections: Explore the typological connections between the Old Testament passages from Amos, Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the Gospel of Mark. Understanding these connections can provide a deeper insight into the chosen texts and their significance in the Catholic Church.
Personal Reflection and Prayer: You're invited to pray with Julie and reflect on what God might be saying to you through the readings. The episode encourages personal introspection and contemplation of God's message in your life.
Practical Applications: Julie shares her reflection and aims to bring God's word to life in your heart.
Encouragement and Inspiration: By highlighting the stories of Amos, the apostles, and other ordinary individuals called by God to do extraordinary things, Julie hopes this episode serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration. She reminds listeners that God equips and supports you in fulfilling your mission, despite challenges and opposition.
Global Reach and Community Engagement: "Your Catholic Corner" is listened to in 34 different countries and over 150 cities worldwide, building a sense of community among listeners. Julie invites and encourages engagement by inviting your to share your feedback and connect with her.
Weekly Spiritual Journey: The episode sets the tone for a weekly spiritual journey, preparing listeners for mass by uncovering the richness hidden in each Sunday's Bible readings. It aims to help individuals at different stages of their spiritual journey to grow in faith and understanding.
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Julie South [00:00:04]:Julie South [00:00:04]:
Peace be with you. Welcome to your catholic corner. I'm your host, Julie south, and I'm so glad that you've joined me today as we look into the word of God and his relevance to our lives. Today, your catholic corner is here to help Catholics spiritually prepare for each Sunday's mass starting mid week. Each week you can listen to your catholic corner@yourcatholiccorner.com your catholic corner is listened to in 34 different countries, in over 150 cities around the world. Wherever you are in that mix, I'd love you to say hi to me here in New Zealand. So please visit yourcatholiccorner.com and let me know where you're from and what you enjoyed most about the show. Thank you so much.
Julie South [00:01:04]:
In today's episode in Catholic Speak, we're focusing on the readings for the 15th Sunday in ordinary time in year B, which is actually the 14 July 2024. Today we'll be covering. We'll start by exploring the passages from the Book of Amos, Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the Gospel of Mark. Our main focus will be on exploring the typological connection between the Old Testament reading from Amos and the gospel passage to help you understand why the Catholic Church chose these specific texts. Now, if you're not familiar with the term typology, don't worry, we'll explain what that means in a bit and how it relates to those readings. Then we're going to pray together and reflect on what God might be saying to each of us personally through these readings. Remember, wherever and whenever we gather in Jesus name, he's here with us, like he is right now with you and me. So let's carry on.
Julie South [00:02:14]:
The readings for this Sunday are Amos, chapter seven, verses twelve through 15 Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter one, verses three through 14, and Mark's Gospel, chapter six, verses seven through 13.
Julie South [00:02:35]:
But before that, a quick word about your catholic corner, just in case this is your first time here. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, whether you've only just heard of that man called Jesus, you're new to Catholicism, or you're a cradle Catholic, my prayer is that your catholic corner will help bring God's word to life in your heart through insights, reflections, and practical applications that help deepen your relationship with God. Every Thursday, we'll start preparing for mass by uncovering the richness hidden in each Sunday's Bible readings, from Old Testament prophecies to gospel parables. I invite you to join me and the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton, New Zealand. Sponsors of your catholic corner so that together we can hear God's word and echo. Samuel, speak, Lord, your servant is listening. Now let's get back to today's show.
Julie South [00:03:47]:
Let's start by taking a closer look at the typological connection, the link between the Old Testament reading from Amos and the gospel passage from Mark, and why the Catholic Church paired these two specific readings for the 15th Sunday of ordinary time in year b. If typology is a new word for you, it refers to the idea that certain people, events, or things in the Old Testament serve as types or foreshadowing of someone or something or an event in the New Testament. Think of it a bit like God dropping hints or leaving clues in the earliest scriptures that point to the fulfilment that we find in Jesus and the New Testament today. The typological connection between Amos and Mark, specifically Amos chapter seven, verses twelve through 15, and Mark chapter six, verses seven through 13, lies in the themes of being called by God to deliver God's message and the challenges that come with it. In Amos, we have Amos being a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees, which means that he took care of and harvested sycamore figs. God called Amos from his ordinary job to be a prophet and deliver his message to Israel. When Amos started prophesying, the priest Amaziah told him to leave and take his message elsewhere, essentially rejecting him. Amos stood firm, saying that he was called by God to deliver this message regardless of the opposition.
Julie South [00:05:38]:
And then in Mark, we have Jesus sending out his twelve apostles in pairs, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He tells them to travel light, taking only a staff, and to rely on the hospitality of those people that they meet. The apostles go out, they preach repentance, they cast out demons, they heal the sick, and they do this despite, despite any challenges that they might face. So what's the connection? From what I've just said, I'm sure that you can see the connection. Here we have both Amos and the apostles being called from their everyday lives to take on a special mission from God. They both, or they, all, faced opposition and challenges. But regardless of that, albeit they were determined to fulfill their mission, the emphasis is on trusting in God's call and God's provision, even when the task seems difficult or impossible, and even when people reject the message so simply, these passages remind us that God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things, whether it's Amos who was just a farmer, or the apostles who were just fishermen and common folks. Common people just like you and me.
Julie South [00:07:08]:
God equips and sends them out to share his message, even when, even if. Even though they face rejection or hardship, their faith and trust in God's plan helps them persevere come what may. Now let's pray together. As we reflect on these readings, let's be inspired by God's call to each of us. His call to you, his call to me. And that we're strengthened by his blessings and encouraged to share in his message of love and healing with others. Let's pray together. A reading from the prophet Amos.
Julie South [00:08:09]:
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to Amos, go away, seer. Get back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there. Do your prophesying there. We want no more prophesying in Bethel. This is the royal sanctuary, the national temple. I was no prophet. Neither did I belong to any of the brotherhoods of prophets.
Julie South [00:08:35]:
Amos replied to Amaziah, I was a shepherd and looked after sycamores. But it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, go, prophecy to my people, Israel. The word of the Lord. A reading from Paul's letter to the ephesians. Blessed be God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all of the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ, before the world was made. He chose us. Chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence, determining that we should become his adopted sons. Through Jesus Christ, for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace, his free gift to us and the beloved, in whom through his blood we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.
Julie South [00:09:50]:
Such is the richness of the grace which he has showered on us all. In all wisdom and insight, he has let us know the mystery of his purpose, the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning to act upon when the times had run their course to the end, that he would bring everything together under Christ as head, everything in the heavens and everything on earth. And it is in him that we were claimed as God's own, chosen from the beginning, under the predetermined plan of the one who guides all things, as he decides by his own will, chosen to be for his greater glory, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came. Now you too in him, have heard the message of the truth and the good news of your salvation, and have believed it. And you too have been stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit of the promise, the pledge of our inheritance. Which brings freedom for those whom God has taken for his own to make his glory. Praised the word of the Lord. A reading from the gospel according to Mark.
Julie South [00:11:21]:
Jesus made a tour around the village's teaching. Then he summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff. No bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals. But he added, do not take a spare tunic. And he said to them, if you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you, and people refuse to listen to you as you walk away, shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.
Julie South [00:12:08]:
So they set off to preach repentance, and they cast out many devils and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them. The gospel of the Lord. So what's God saying to you through these passages? Remember that God speaks to each of us in different ways. So what? He nudges me with or prods me by or with or to. He might not be giving you the same nudge because he speaks to each of us different. Now here's what I think God might be nudging with me. He's saying to me what I'm hearing. It's simple for me today, no big, heavy, lots of different things to consider.
Julie South [00:13:21]:
It's just continue doing what I'm doing, even if, even when no one might be listening to me. I hope that's not the case here. That's why I asked for you, wherever you are in the world, to connect with me, because it really does, when I hear from listeners, it really does make a difference. So thank you. I know that I'm not wasting my time and that God is supporting this podcast. So how is God nudging you? What's he saying to you? Is he asking you to go out there and talk to even those who don't listen? Is he asking you to perhaps just let things go that maybe you've been holding onto for a little while? Whatever it is, I trust that God is with you. Peace be with you. This is Julie south signing off until next week, thanking the parishioners of the cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who helped make this podcast come to life.
Julie South [00:14:31]:
Each week possible. Each week. Peace be with.
Peace be with you. Welcome to your catholic corner. I'm your host, Julie south, and I'm so glad that you've joined me today as we look into the word of God and his relevance to our lives. Today, your catholic corner is here to help Catholics spiritually prepare for each Sunday's mass starting mid week. Each week you can listen to your catholic corner@yourcatholiccorner.com your catholic corner is listened to in 34 different countries, in over 150 cities around the world. Wherever you are in that mix, I'd love you to say hi to me here in New Zealand. So please visit yourcatholiccorner.com and let me know where you're from and what you enjoyed most about the show. Thank you so much.
Julie South [00:01:04]:
In today's episode in Catholic Speak, we're focusing on the readings for the 15th Sunday in ordinary time in year B, which is actually the 14 July 2024. Today we'll be covering. We'll start by exploring the passages from the Book of Amos, Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and the Gospel of Mark. Our main focus will be on exploring the typological connection between the Old Testament reading from Amos and the gospel passage to help you understand why the Catholic Church chose these specific texts. Now, if you're not familiar with the term typology, don't worry, we'll explain what that means in a bit and how it relates to those readings. Then we're going to pray together and reflect on what God might be saying to each of us personally through these readings. Remember, wherever and whenever we gather in Jesus name, he's here with us, like he is right now with you and me. So let's carry on.
Julie South [00:02:14]:
The readings for this Sunday are Amos, chapter seven, verses twelve through 15 Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter one, verses three through 14, and Mark's Gospel, chapter six, verses seven through 13.
Julie South [00:02:35]:
But before that, a quick word about your catholic corner, just in case this is your first time here. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, whether you've only just heard of that man called Jesus, you're new to Catholicism, or you're a cradle Catholic, my prayer is that your catholic corner will help bring God's word to life in your heart through insights, reflections, and practical applications that help deepen your relationship with God. Every Thursday, we'll start preparing for mass by uncovering the richness hidden in each Sunday's Bible readings, from Old Testament prophecies to gospel parables. I invite you to join me and the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton, New Zealand. Sponsors of your catholic corner so that together we can hear God's word and echo. Samuel, speak, Lord, your servant is listening. Now let's get back to today's show.
Julie South [00:03:47]:
Let's start by taking a closer look at the typological connection, the link between the Old Testament reading from Amos and the gospel passage from Mark, and why the Catholic Church paired these two specific readings for the 15th Sunday of ordinary time in year b. If typology is a new word for you, it refers to the idea that certain people, events, or things in the Old Testament serve as types or foreshadowing of someone or something or an event in the New Testament. Think of it a bit like God dropping hints or leaving clues in the earliest scriptures that point to the fulfilment that we find in Jesus and the New Testament today. The typological connection between Amos and Mark, specifically Amos chapter seven, verses twelve through 15, and Mark chapter six, verses seven through 13, lies in the themes of being called by God to deliver God's message and the challenges that come with it. In Amos, we have Amos being a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees, which means that he took care of and harvested sycamore figs. God called Amos from his ordinary job to be a prophet and deliver his message to Israel. When Amos started prophesying, the priest Amaziah told him to leave and take his message elsewhere, essentially rejecting him. Amos stood firm, saying that he was called by God to deliver this message regardless of the opposition.
Julie South [00:05:38]:
And then in Mark, we have Jesus sending out his twelve apostles in pairs, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He tells them to travel light, taking only a staff, and to rely on the hospitality of those people that they meet. The apostles go out, they preach repentance, they cast out demons, they heal the sick, and they do this despite, despite any challenges that they might face. So what's the connection? From what I've just said, I'm sure that you can see the connection. Here we have both Amos and the apostles being called from their everyday lives to take on a special mission from God. They both, or they, all, faced opposition and challenges. But regardless of that, albeit they were determined to fulfill their mission, the emphasis is on trusting in God's call and God's provision, even when the task seems difficult or impossible, and even when people reject the message so simply, these passages remind us that God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things, whether it's Amos who was just a farmer, or the apostles who were just fishermen and common folks. Common people just like you and me.
Julie South [00:07:08]:
God equips and sends them out to share his message, even when, even if. Even though they face rejection or hardship, their faith and trust in God's plan helps them persevere come what may. Now let's pray together. As we reflect on these readings, let's be inspired by God's call to each of us. His call to you, his call to me. And that we're strengthened by his blessings and encouraged to share in his message of love and healing with others. Let's pray together. A reading from the prophet Amos.
Julie South [00:08:09]:
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to Amos, go away, seer. Get back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there. Do your prophesying there. We want no more prophesying in Bethel. This is the royal sanctuary, the national temple. I was no prophet. Neither did I belong to any of the brotherhoods of prophets.
Julie South [00:08:35]:
Amos replied to Amaziah, I was a shepherd and looked after sycamores. But it was the Lord who took me from herding the flock, and the Lord who said, go, prophecy to my people, Israel. The word of the Lord. A reading from Paul's letter to the ephesians. Blessed be God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all of the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ, before the world was made. He chose us. Chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence, determining that we should become his adopted sons. Through Jesus Christ, for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace, his free gift to us and the beloved, in whom through his blood we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.
Julie South [00:09:50]:
Such is the richness of the grace which he has showered on us all. In all wisdom and insight, he has let us know the mystery of his purpose, the hidden plan so kindly made in Christ from the beginning to act upon when the times had run their course to the end, that he would bring everything together under Christ as head, everything in the heavens and everything on earth. And it is in him that we were claimed as God's own, chosen from the beginning, under the predetermined plan of the one who guides all things, as he decides by his own will, chosen to be for his greater glory, the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came. Now you too in him, have heard the message of the truth and the good news of your salvation, and have believed it. And you too have been stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit of the promise, the pledge of our inheritance. Which brings freedom for those whom God has taken for his own to make his glory. Praised the word of the Lord. A reading from the gospel according to Mark.
Julie South [00:11:21]:
Jesus made a tour around the village's teaching. Then he summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff. No bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals. But he added, do not take a spare tunic. And he said to them, if you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you, and people refuse to listen to you as you walk away, shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.
Julie South [00:12:08]:
So they set off to preach repentance, and they cast out many devils and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them. The gospel of the Lord. So what's God saying to you through these passages? Remember that God speaks to each of us in different ways. So what? He nudges me with or prods me by or with or to. He might not be giving you the same nudge because he speaks to each of us different. Now here's what I think God might be nudging with me. He's saying to me what I'm hearing. It's simple for me today, no big, heavy, lots of different things to consider.
Julie South [00:13:21]:
It's just continue doing what I'm doing, even if, even when no one might be listening to me. I hope that's not the case here. That's why I asked for you, wherever you are in the world, to connect with me, because it really does, when I hear from listeners, it really does make a difference. So thank you. I know that I'm not wasting my time and that God is supporting this podcast. So how is God nudging you? What's he saying to you? Is he asking you to go out there and talk to even those who don't listen? Is he asking you to perhaps just let things go that maybe you've been holding onto for a little while? Whatever it is, I trust that God is with you. Peace be with you. This is Julie south signing off until next week, thanking the parishioners of the cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who helped make this podcast come to life.
Julie South [00:14:31]:
Each week possible. Each week. Peace be with.
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