The calling of the first four apostles is not just a nice story, though it is. It is Jesus beginning His church, calling the first of twelve for whom He desired the role of leadership in His church; twelve just like the twelve tribes of Israel because the Church is the new Israel. This role of apostle continues today in every bishop around the world because this was Christ's intention. He did not start something and then let it get by on its own. Rather, the divine plan was there from the very beginning.

The image is by Caravaggio depicting the call of Peter and Andrew.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email:

frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.au

Also if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

The title of today's podcast may lead you to believe that it will be a long one. Not necessarily! Though volumes have been written on prayer, on faith and on the nature of God, I take a simpler approach, seeking to find what does the sacred liturgy lead us to understand and appreciate on this Sunday. I hope you find it helpful.

The image is of St John the Baptist by Annibale Caracci, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email:

frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.au

Also if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

The Baptism of the Lord reveals Christ to the nations as the Beloved of the Father, the One on whom the Holy Spirit rests, and the Saviour who is in solidarity with fallen human nature, and with sinners. This is a wondrous feast, not just an event.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay

If you would like to contact me to provide feedback, suggestions or to ask questions you can do this via email:

frpchandler@armidale.catholic.org.au

Also if you would like to support me in this work, please send me an email and I will provide details for how you can make a donation.

Music by TheNonVisibles from Pixabay