Faithful & Authentic: The All Saints Parish Podcast

Was Mary Standing by a Tree? The New Eve Revealed

Was Mary standing by a tree at the Annunciation?
 
In today’s Peace on Earth reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer explores Luke 1:26–38 and the powerful biblical connection between the Garden of Eden, the Annunciation, and Calvary.
 
Mary is the new Eve — where Eve disobeyed by a tree, Mary obeyed.
Where Eve chose fruit that brought death, Mary chose the fruit of her womb — Jesus — who brings eternal life.
 
This reflection invites us to see:
• Mary’s “yes” as the reversal of the Fall
• The tree of Eden fulfilled in the tree of the Cross
• The Eucharist as the true fruit of the Tree of Life
 
A beautiful meditation on Scripture, symbolism, and the deep unity of God’s plan of salvation.
 
📖 Gospel: Luke 1:26–38
📺 Part of the Peace on Earth daily reflections

Peace on Earth - Day 20: Have You Ever Doubted? Even Saints Struggle

Have you ever doubted God — even in moments when everything seemed right?
In today’s Peace on Earth reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Luke 1:5–25, the story of Zechariah, a priest chosen to enter the Holy of Holies — and yet, even there, he doubted.
This reflection reminds us that:• Doubt does not cancel faith• Struggle does not mean failure• Faith is a choice we continue to make
Zechariah’s story shows us that doubt can become a place of growth, recommitment, and praise — if we persevere.
If you’ve ever struggled in prayer, adoration, or even during a retreat, this message is for you.
📖 Gospel: Luke 1:5–25📺 Part of the Peace on Earth daily reflections
👉 Watch the full Peace on Earth playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuie34UwUVpjiIMU5qfKh59ctB2fW2_Tv
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You Matter More Than You Think | St. Joseph & Life in the Shadows

 St. Joseph is often quiet, hidden, and easily overlooked — but his role mattered more than we can imagine.
In today’s Peace on Earth reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the Annunciation to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25) and reminds us that faithfulness in the ordinary moments of life is never insignificant.
Whether you’re providing for your family, serving behind the scenes, showing up day after day, or helping others shine — what you do matters.
You are not invisible.You are not insignificant.You matter.
📖 Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25
🙏 St. Joseph, pray for us.
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Rejoice Always… Even When Life Hurts 12.14.25

What does it mean to rejoice when life feels overwhelming?
 
In this homily, we look at two saints who both experienced prison — St. John the Baptist and St. Paul — and ask an important question:
Why does one doubt, while the other says, “Rejoice always”?
 
The difference is the Holy Spirit.
 
Through baptism, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit — and one of His greatest gifts is joy. Not happiness that depends on circumstances, but a deep joy that remains even in suffering.
 
This Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday reminder challenges us to ask:
👉 Does joy radiate from us — even in difficult seasons?
 
May the joy of the Holy Spirit be visible in our hearts, our faces, and our lives, drawing others closer to Jesus Christ and His Church.

You Are Not Your Past | Peace on Earth – Advent Reflection

What is your family tree?
 
In today’s Peace on Earth reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer invites us into the genealogy of Jesus — the very first words of the Gospel of Matthew. And it’s not a perfect story. It’s a messy one.
 
Jesus’ family tree includes sinners, scandal, brokenness, and pain — and that’s exactly the point.
 
Your past is real, but it does not define you.
You are not your worst sin.
You are not your worst day.
 
As we enter the O Antiphons and the final days of Advent, today is a new beginning. A chance to choose differently. A chance to let Jesus bring healing, freedom, and new life.
 
✨ Your future is bigger than your past.
 
📖 Learn more about praying the O Antiphons (Dec 17–25):
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Peace on Earth - Day 17: Today Is Day One | Start Again

What if today could be day one?
No matter how many times you’ve fallen short, no matter how many false starts you’ve had — today you get to begin again.
The Gospel reminds us that it’s never too late to change, to show up, and to do what God is inviting us to do. Even if your Advent hasn’t gone the way you hoped, today can still be a fresh start.
So let today be day one.Show up. Begin again.God isn’t done with you yet.
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If Singing Is Praying Twice… What Are You Really Praying?

In this Sunday’s homily, we’re reminded of a powerful and often forgotten truth from St. Augustine: singing is praying twice.
 
In a world filled with nonstop music—but very little communal singing—we’re invited to rediscover why God commands us to sing, and why it matters not only that we sing, but what we sing. From Scripture and the lives of the saints to mental health, spiritual warfare, and our Christmas traditions, this homily challenges us to look honestly at the music shaping our hearts and our culture.
 
What happens to a world that stops singing?
What happens when we sing things that don’t reflect the truth of God, human dignity, and the beauty of the Gospel?
 
As we prepare for Christmas, this reflection calls us back to joyful, intentional praise—singing that heals, unites, and proclaims the glory of the Lord.
 
#allparish #sundayhomily

Peace on Earth | Day 16: Who Gave That Voice Authority?

Day 16 of Peace on Earth invites us to stop and ask an important question: Who have we given authority to in our lives?
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 21:23–27), Jesus is questioned about authority. Father Jonathan Meyer helps us turn that question inward. So many of us live under the weight of voices that tell us we’re not enough, that we’re unworthy, unforgivable, or stuck forever — but those voices are lies.
Jesus speaks the truth:You are His son.You are His daughter.You are loved.You are worth dying for.Your future is bigger than your past.
Today is about reclaiming authority — giving it back to Christ and rooting our identity in truth. If you or someone you love struggles with self-worth, shame, or believing God can truly change things, this reflection is for you.
If this video speaks to you, please share it with someone who needs to hear the truth today.  
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St. John of the Cross & Catholic Masculinity | What Men Need to Grow in Holiness

In this powerful men’s talk, Fr. John Hollowell shares how St. John of the Cross profoundly shaped his priesthood and spiritual life — and why this Carmelite saint has so much to teach men today.
Fr. Hollowell reflects on: • The danger of chasing spiritual “feelings” • The meaning of spiritual dryness and the Dark Night of the Soul • Why discipline, detachment, and self-denial matter for men • The difference between emotion-driven faith and mature holiness • How true masculinity grows through obedience, trust, and perseverance
Drawing from personal experience, Church teaching, and the wisdom of St. John of the Cross, this talk challenges men to stop waiting for signs or feelings and instead choose faithfulness, sacrifice, and steady commitment to God.
A must-watch for any man seeking deeper prayer, stronger self-mastery, and authentic growth in holiness.  

Peace on Earth - Day 15: Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice by Giving the Good News

How is God inviting you to help those in need during these Advent days?
In this Gaudete Sunday reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer reminds us that we are called to rejoice — not just with words, but through love, compassion, and action. The Gospel tells us that the poor will have the Good News proclaimed to them, and that poverty is not only financial, but also spiritual, emotional, and personal.
This reflection challenges us to step outside ourselves and bring hope to those who are struggling — through generosity, presence, kindness, and mercy. A phone call, a visit, a letter, or a simple act of love can make a real difference.
As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, may we truly live as if He is coming — by bringing His Good News to others through our actions.
Peace on Earth.Amen.  
 
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