Faithful & Authentic: The All Saints Parish Podcast

How Is Today a Little Christmas? | Rise Up Day 63

How is today a little Christmas?
 
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer connects the beauty of John chapter 6 with the mystery of Christmas.
 
Jesus says:
 
“I am the bread of life.”
 
And where was Jesus born?
 
Bethlehem — which means House of Bread.
 
This was no accident. God chose Bethlehem because Jesus came to give Himself to us as the Bread of Life in the Eucharist.
 
Today is a reminder that:
 
➡️ Emmanuel means God is with us
➡️ Jesus is still present with us
➡️ The Eucharist is the gift of Christmas continued
 
So today, have a little Christmas joy:
 
🎄 Sing a Christmas song
🙏 Visit Adoration
⛪ Go to Mass
❤️ Rejoice that God is with you
 
Happy Easter. He is risen!
 
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #Christmas #Eucharist #BreadOfLife #Faith

What Are You Obsessed With That Won’t Matter in Eternity? | Rise Up Day 62

What are you currently obsessed with that will not matter in eternity?
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reminds us of Jesus’ words:
“Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures for eternal life.”
So much of life can consume us:
➡️ stress➡️ drama➡️ worries➡️ other people’s issues➡️ things we cannot control
But in the big picture of eternity… how much of it truly matters?
God made you for joy, peace, and heaven—not constant anxiety.
Today, take a moment to name what is burdening you, release it to the Lord, and refocus your heart on what lasts forever.
Keep your eyes on heaven.
Happy Easter. Alleluia!
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #Faith #Peace #Heaven #Joy #Prayer

What Was the First Bible Study Like? | Rise Up Day 61

What was the first Bible study like?
On this Third Sunday of Easter, we hear the beautiful story of the Road to Emmaus—when the risen Jesus walked with two disciples and explained how all of Scripture pointed to Him.
Imagine that moment.
What prophecies did Jesus reveal?What Old Testament stories did He connect to His Passion, Death, and Resurrection?
Did He speak of:
➡️ Abel’s lamb➡️ Abraham’s sacrifice➡️ The Passover lamb➡️ The manna in the desert➡️ Melchizedek and bread and wine
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to think deeply about the greatest Bible study ever given—and how all of Scripture leads to Jesus.
Take time today to reflect:
What do you think Jesus talked about on the road to Emmaus?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
Happy Easter!
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #RoadToEmmaus #BibleStudy #Scripture #Faith

What Do You Remember About Your First Holy Communion? | Rise Up Day 60

What do you remember about your First Holy Communion?
 
The clothes you wore?
The family gathered around you?
The celebration afterward?
 
Or… the moment you received Jesus?
 
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to remember the beauty of that day—and to pray for all the children receiving their First Holy Communion today.
 
Let us also pray for:
 
➡️ parents to keep the faith alive
➡️ grandparents and godparents to be witnesses
➡️ young hearts to stay close to Jesus
 
The Eucharist is the greatest treasure we can receive.
 
May today be a day of renewal, gratitude, and prayer.
#RiseUp #Catholic #FirstCommunion #Eucharist #Faith #Easter

What Small Gift Can You Offer Jesus Today? | Rise Up Day 59

What small gift can you offer to Jesus today?
In today’s Gospel, a young boy offers just a few loaves and fish…and Jesus multiplies it to feed thousands.
In this Rise Up reflection, Fr. Meyer invites us to do the same.
Your gift may seem small:➡️ a few minutes of prayer➡️ a kind phone call➡️ time in Adoration➡️ an act of generosity
But when you offer it to the Lord…
He blesses it.He multiplies it.He uses it to change lives.
Today, don’t wait.
Offer your gift… and let God do the rest.
⸻
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #Faith #Give #Eucharist #Serve

Are You Speaking of Heavenly Things? | Rise Up Day 58

Is it possible for you to speak of heavenly things?
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer invites us to reflect on the words of Scripture: “The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all.”
So often our conversations revolve around everyday topics—weather, sports, work, or health. While these are part of daily life, we are also called to share something greater: the work of God in our lives.
What if we spoke more openly about: • Praying for someone in need • Experiencing peace in Eucharistic Adoration • Being moved by Scripture or a spiritual book • Encountering God’s grace in our daily lives
When we speak of heavenly things, we encourage others, deepen our own faith, and help build a culture of hope and holiness.
Today, take a step of courage. Share with someone what God is doing in your life.
Let’s be saints together.
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #Faith #Heaven #Evangelization #Prayer

From Doubt to Mercy: The Shroud of Turin and the Power of the Resurrection

Happy Easter and Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!
In this inspiring homily, Fr. Meyer reflects on the journey from “Doubting Thomas” to believing disciple, reminding us that God never defines us by our worst moments. Through the powerful witness of a 97-year-old parishioner devoted to Divine Mercy and a compelling explanation of the Shroud of Turin, this message reveals how the Resurrection transforms death into life and sin into mercy.
Fr. Meyer invites us to see the Shroud not as a burial cloth, but as a “resurrection cloth”—a sign that Jesus Christ has triumphed over death and offers each of us a new beginning. On this Divine Mercy Sunday, we are reminded that we are not our past or our failures, but beloved sons and daughters of God.
Let this message renew your faith in the Risen Lord and inspire you to trust in His mercy.
🙏 “Peace be with you.” — John 20:19

Is John 3:16 Just History? | Rise Up Day 57

Is John 3:16 just a verse about the past—or is it still alive today?
 
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer explores the profound and living meaning of one of the most well-known passages in Scripture:
 
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16)
 
While many view this verse as a historical event that occurred 2,000 years ago, the Catholic faith reveals a deeper truth: God continues to give His Son to us every day through the Eucharist and the sacraments.
 
At every Mass, the redeeming sacrifice of Christ is made present again, allowing us to encounter the living Lord and receive the gift of eternal life. John 3:16 is not merely history—it is a present and ongoing reality.
 
This Easter season, let us:
Rediscover the living power of John 3:16.
Deepen our love for the Eucharist.
Share the beauty of the sacraments with the world.
Embrace the truth that God loves you right now.
 
The tomb is empty. Christ is alive. And His love continues today.
 
#RiseUp #Catholic #Easter #John316 #Eucharist #Faith #Sacraments #HeIsRisen

Israel, Iran, and Just War: A Catholic Perspective on Today’s Headlines

As conflict in the Middle East dominates the news, how should Catholics respond? In this powerful weekday homily, Fr. John Hollowell reflects on the biblical roots of Israel found in Genesis 12:3 and clarifies a common misunderstanding: God’s covenant with the Jewish people is not the same as unconditional political support for the modern State of Israel.
Drawing from both the first reading and the Gospel, Fr. Hollowell explains the Church’s teaching on Just War, emphasizing that while nations have the right to defend themselves, preventive war—such as the current conflict involving Iran—cannot be morally justified. His insights echo the concerns recently expressed by Pope Leo, who has called for peace and moral clarity amid escalating tensions and political debate, including discussions involving Donald Trump.
This homily invites us to: • Pray for the Jewish people and for all who live in the Holy Land. • Understand the distinction between biblical Israel and the modern political state. • Reflect on the Church’s consistent teaching that evil may never be done for a perceived future good. • Seek a swift and peaceful resolution to conflicts around the world.
🙏 Let us join the Church in praying for peace, justice, and wisdom for world leaders.

Where Is the Wind Blowing in Your Life? | Rise Up Day 56

Where is the wind blowing in your life?
In today’s Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer invites us to reflect on Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3:7-15: “The wind blows where it wills.” Though we cannot see the wind, we can clearly see its effects—just like the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
As we continue through the Easter season and journey toward Pentecost, this is a powerful invitation to recognize where the Holy Spirit is already at work and to open our hearts more fully to His guidance.
Take a moment today to pray the three most powerful words:
Come, Holy Spirit.
Ask Him to move in your life, to guide your decisions, and to help you recognize His presence in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Let this Easter season be a time of renewed awareness that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in you.
Come, Holy Spirit.
#RiseUp #HolySpirit #ComeHolySpirit #Catholic #Easter #Faith #Pentecost