the word on The Word – Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

Luke 1:30 "And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'"

Do you ever ask why things happen? Veronica and Melissa reflect on Mary’s question to the Angel Gabriel during the Annunciation.

For Sunday’s Reading: ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings/2023-12-24

the word on The Word–Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today Bl. Ildefonso describes how our ancient Roman forebears observed this day.  And we hear the last O Antiphon.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 21 – Ember Saturday 3rd Week of Advent: History

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today, Schuster on the humility of Joseph.  Fulton Sheen reminds us of the ongoing action of Christ.  The Collect.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 22 – Vigil of Christmas: Joseph

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today, we are sticking with one of the very best for the whole thing.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 23 – Christmas: Paradoxical Divinity

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today, Bl. Ildefonso describes the papal doings in the ancient Roman Church.  We hear the account of the martyrdom of Stephen.  Fr. Troadec prays.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 24 – St. Stephen: His face was like that of an angel

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today we hear about "Hide and Seek".  Then, Fr. Troadec explains the three gifts to John which Christ gave in His "three states." (Fascinating.)

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 25 – St. John: Christ's three gifts to John

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.

Today we hear from St. Alphonsus about the the way Baby Jesus slept.  Benedict XVI delves into the manger.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 29 – Saturday in the Octave: Sleep of Pain

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023.  Today 6 minutes instead of 5.

Today we hear from Joseph Ratzinger in the 1st Anniversary of his death.  We pray.

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 30 – Sunday in the Octave: Heartbeat

Week 48: Adventszeit, Wahlheimat and Elections

Pastor Josh Rhodes launches us into our Christmas series, "Finding," which delves into the deeper gifts our hearts desire: hope, peace, love, and joy—all found in Jesus. This week, we will discover how Jesus' birth, promises, and return provide lasting hope and explore ways to share this hope with others during the Advent season.
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Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes 
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Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Hope // Finding - Part 1

Pastor Josh continues our Christmas series, "Finding," with a message on finding peace. In this talk, we'll discover how lasting peace—with God, others, and yourself—is possible through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, even amidst life's conflicts and chaos. 
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Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes  
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Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Peace // Finding - Part 2

In this fun and lively episode of Side Notes, Arch and Josh dive into a mix of light-hearted banter and heartwarming stories. From mandatory Mountaineer gear at the office to the ups and downs of youth basketball coaching, you'll hear about unforgettable game moments, second-grade nail-biters, and the life lessons kids learn on the court.

They also dive into the complexities of love—how we seek it, where we misplace it, and the transformative power of God's love. Through a mix of anecdotes and deep theological insights, they explore why human relationships, while beautiful and essential, can't fully satisfy the longing in our hearts.

They tackle big questions: Why do we place impossible expectations on others to meet our deepest needs? How does social media feed into our search for affirmation? And most importantly, how does understanding God's eternal, selfless, and unconditional love free us to love others better?

Side Notes // Love // Life, Love and Nail-Biters

Laura reads the Prologue of the Gospel of John and St. John of the Cross' poem, "The Romances". This poem is a beautiful reading for reflecting on the gift of the Incarnation.

The Romances by St. John of the Cross

Merry Christmas! In this Christmas message, Pastor Josh helps us uncover the lasting joy found in Jesus—a joy that transcends life’s ups and downs. By looking to the Gospel of Luke, we’ll explore what biblical joy is, who it’s for, and how to receive it.
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Verses and message notes: www.theridge.church/notes  
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Join us online or in person Sundays at 9a + 11a: www.theridge.church/live

Joy // Finding - Part 4 [Christmas With The Ridge]

Ordained 26 May 1991 by St. John Paul II in Rome for the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni (ITALY). Classics at Univ. of Minn. STL in Patristic Theology from the "Augustinianum" in Rome. STD candidate at same. Former Moderator: Catholic Online Forum; Former Columnist: The Wanderer. Presently weekly columnist for Catholic Herald (UK). Ministry in Diocese of Madison. Speaker. Blogist: fatherzonline.com Twitter: @fatherz

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