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What if the Gospel’s wedding banquet is about much more than a party? What if it reveals something incredible about God’s relationship with us? In this week’s Alive, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Matthew 22:1–14 and the parable of the wedding feast. God the Father prepares a wedding banquet for His Son—and the bride is the Church. Fr. Meyer explains how this image helps us understand the Mass and the Eucharist in a deeper way. We, the Church, are the Bride of Christ, invited to the wedding feast and called into communion with Jesus. The invitation has been sent. Will we come to the wedding feast? Gospel Discussion Questions 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Matthew 22:1–14 What is the message or story? What is the Good News in this passage? Who is the King in this story? Why is the context a wedding feast? Why a wedding? Have you ever rejected an invitation from God? Why? What are the most common reasons people reject God and His invitations? Have you ever helped plan a wedding? Was it easy, fun, tiring, rewarding? What would you have felt like if no one came to your wedding feast? What are some of the positive feelings and emotions you have surrounding wedding receptions? What does that have to do with heaven? How is heaven like a wedding feast? ☕ Gather with your family, friends, or small group and spend some time with these questions as you prepare for Sunday Mass. Let’s journey together. Let’s be saints.

You are not your past. You are not your sins. You are a child of God—and there is hope. In this homily, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the powerful message from Ezekiel: no matter the sin, addiction, brokenness, or darkness in our past, God gives us the freedom to turn back to Him and begin again. Fr. Meyer leads the congregation through a simple prayer of hope: I am not my past. I am not my sins. I am not my worst day. I am a child of God. I am deeply loved. There is hope. God has a plan for me. He then reflects on his recent pilgrimage with parishioners to the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen and the extraordinary impact Sheen had in proclaiming the Gospel through television and preaching. On the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul, we are also reminded that our faith calls us to see Christ in others—especially those who are suffering, struggling, or carrying wounds we may never see. Whatever happened yesterday does not have to determine tomorrow. We have the freedom to repent, choose the good, and live as beloved sons and daughters of God. 🙏 St. Vincent de Paul, pray for us. 🙏 Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us. Be a saint. Be the difference.

Learn from your mistakes and successes by reviewing your life's 'game film.' Discover how choices lead to peace or misery, and why following guidance brings unexpected joy. Be honest with yourself.

What happens to everything we own when we die—and why are we holding onto so much of it now? On the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on possessions, inheritance, generosity, and the radical simplicity of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis walked away from wealth and inheritance to embrace a life of poverty and freedom. His example raises some challenging questions for us: How attached are we to our possessions? What are we doing with what God has given us? And are we waiting until we die to be generous? Inheritance and possessions can easily become sources of conflict within families. But as Christians, we have an opportunity to approach them differently—with intentionality, generosity, and freedom. You can’t take your possessions with you. But you can use them for good right now. Join us for Alive, our weekly preparation for Sunday’s Gospel, and use the questions below for personal reflection, family discussion, or a small group. 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Matthew 21:33–43 Gospel Discussion Questions * What is the message or story? * What is the Good News in this passage? * To whom is this story addressed? Why is this important? * How do we see the things, possessions, and blessings in our lives as ours when they are really God’s? * Has your family ever experienced division over inheritance money? How do you prevent this? * Do you know someone who has been rejected by the “in-crowd” but then accepted by the minority? * Who are the people in our world that are hungry for the Gospel and for the Truth: the rich and famous or the poor and needy? * Are you receptive to the Gospel? * Are you a good tenant of the Lord? Be a saint. Be the difference.

Does the Catholic Church care more about your soul than your body? Fr. Jonathan Meyer begins this homily with a pop quiz—and an answer that may surprise you. Christianity is profoundly physical. The Word became flesh. Jesus died and rose in His body. We receive His Body in the Eucharist. And St. Paul tells us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. So how we care for our bodies matters. In this homily, Fr. Meyer looks at the seven days of Creation and proposes a fascinating way of seeing them as a blueprint for living more fully as the human beings God created us to be: Day 1 — Light: Get outside and experience sunlight. Day 2 — Water: Hydrate and care for your body. Day 3 — Land & Vegetation: Reconnect with the earth and consider what you eat. Day 4 — Sun, Moon & Stars: Restore rhythm to your days, especially sleep and technology habits. Day 5 — Living Creatures: Move your body. Walk, stretch, run, and stay active. Day 6 — The Breath of Life: Slow down and breathe deeply. Day 7 — Rest: Reclaim the Sabbath and learn how to truly rest. The goal isn’t to change everything overnight. Choose one thing. Maybe it’s drinking more water. Maybe it’s getting outside, moving more, putting your phone away before bed, or rediscovering Sunday rest. As Fr. Meyer asks: “Am I living genuinely as a human being, or am I living as a human doing?” Our bodies are gifts from God. May the way we live in them help us become the saints God is calling us to be. #Catholic #CatholicHomily #FrJonathanMeyer #SevenDaysOfCreation #Genesis #Faith #CatholicFaith #Sabbath #Rest #HumanFlourishing

Can the greatest sinners become the greatest saints? In this week’s ALIVE, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Jesus’ surprising words that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before those who refused to change their hearts. Fr. Meyer explores the virtue of magnanimity — striving for greatness. The same passion and longing that can lead someone deeply into sin can, through conversion, be redirected toward God and a life of holiness. Never give up on someone who seems far from God. Their story isn’t finished. Conversion can transform a life, and God can turn even the greatest sinner into a great saint. This week, ask yourself: Am I saying “yes” to God only with my words—or with my actions? Discussion Questions 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Matthew 21:28–32 1. What is the message or story? 2. What is the Good News in this passage? 3. Have you ever struggled with obedience? 4. Did you ever tell your parents you did a chore but did not? What was the chore? 5. Why would tax collectors and prostitutes enter heaven prior to the chief priests? 6. Why do we hesitate to do good things? Why are we reluctant to do good? 7. Has the conversion of others ever affected, inspired, or encouraged you? How? Gather with family or friends, read the Gospel together, and use these questions to begin a conversation. Let’s become saints together!

Who do you hope makes it into heaven? In this week's Alive, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. While it's easy to focus on what seems "fair," Jesus invites us to rejoice that everyone who says "yes" to God's invitation receives the gift of eternal life. Instead of asking, "Why did they receive the same reward?" Fr. Meyer encourages us to ask a different question: Who am I praying will make it into heaven? Whether someone comes to Christ early in life or in their final moments, God's mercy is always greater than our expectations. Let's become people who pray, fast, and hope for the conversion of every soul. Discussion Questions - What is the message or story? - What is the Good News in this passage? - Why do you think some of the laborers did not show up early? - Did you show up to your faith early or late? - Why does the master pay those who worked longest last? - What is the difference between envy and jealousy? - What does this passage call us to do? - Are there people that you would struggle with if they converted late in life—abortionists, rapists, murderers, etc.? - How does God see hardened sinners who convert? 🙏 Thank you for watching! If this reflection encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Visit us at https://allsaintscatholic.net for more resources and to learn more about Dearborn County Catholics. #Alive #FrJonathanMeyer #Catholic #SundayGospel #Matthew20 #GodsMercy #Conversion #Heaven #Prayer #OrdinaryTime #CatholicFaith

How do you lovingly correct someone who is living away from God? In this week's Alive, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Matthew 18:15-20 and Ezekiel 33, where God reminds us that love sometimes requires difficult conversations. True charity isn't ignoring sin—it cares enough to help someone find freedom, healing, and life in Christ. Jesus gives us a practical roadmap for restoring relationships through truth, mercy, and forgiveness. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, we're invited to lovingly guide one another toward holiness. Take time to reflect on this Sunday's Gospel with the discussion questions below. Discussion Questions What is the message or story of this Gospel? What is the Good News in this passage? What should we do if our brother sins against us? What is our normal instinct? Have you ever been wronged by a family member or friend? How did it feel? How did you react? This passage lays out a plan: talk to the individual, bring a witness, go to the community (the Church), and if needed, reject the person. Does this sound reasonable? What does it mean to bind and loose? How often do you pray with others? What could you do to have more opportunities to pray with others? Name people you could pray with, then act on this desire. 🙏 Thank you for watching! If this reflection encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from it. Visit us at https://allsaintscatholic.net to learn more. #Alive #FrJonathanMeyer #Catholic #SundayGospel #Matthew18 #FraternalCorrection #TruthInLove #OrdinaryTime #DearbornCatholics #CatholicFaith

Why does the Catholic Church ask Mary to pray for us? In this powerful homily, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on the unnamed woman in Matthew's Gospel whose persistent faith wins healing for her daughter. He reveals how this woman is an image of the Church—and ultimately points us to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, who continually intercedes for us before her Son. In this homily you'll discover: Why unnamed women in Scripture are so significant How the Church is the Bride of Christ Why Catholics ask Mary and the saints to pray for us The beauty of the Communion of Saints How your own prayers can change lives—and even change the world Fr. Meyer also challenges us to expand our prayers beyond ourselves and our families, boldly interceding for the conversion of the entire world. "O woman, great is your faith." May we become people who never stop praying. 🙏 If this homily encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe. Someone you know may need this message today. #Catholic #Mary #BlessedVirginMary #IntercessoryPrayer #CommunionOfSaints #SundayHomily #FrJonathanMeyer #Faith #Prayer #CatholicChurch

Jesus built His Church on Peter—and He calls each of us to help others discover the beauty of the Catholic faith. In this homily, Fr. John Hollowell: explains the famous "Petros vs. Petra" objection to the papacy, shows why Jesus truly established His Church on Peter, discusses why the Church's interpretation of Scripture matters, and challenges every Catholic to "Walk With One" by inviting one person to explore the Catholic faith. You don't have to know every answer. You simply have to be willing to walk alongside one person and invite them closer to Christ. "Who is the one person God is asking you to walk with?" If this homily encouraged you, please share it with someone who has questions about the Catholic faith. 🙏 God bless! #Catholic #OCIA #WalkWithOne #Papacy #StPeter #CatholicChurch #Evangelization  #Homily

Jesus had just given Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven... and only moments later He says to him: "Get behind me, Satan." Why? Because Peter wanted to protect Jesus from the cross. But Jesus makes it clear that there is no Resurrection without the Cross. In this week's ALIVE, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on Matthew 16 and reminds us that we all face crosses in our lives. The temptation is to escape them—to numb the pain with distractions, entertainment, technology, or anything that keeps us from embracing what God is doing. But Christ offers a different path: ✝️ Deny yourself. ✝️ Take up your cross. ✝️ Follow Him. The promise of the Gospel is that behind every cross is a resurrection. There is hope. There is healing. There is new life. Reflection Questions: What cross am I trying to avoid? Where am I tempted to numb my pain instead of entrusting it to Christ? How is Jesus inviting me to trust Him more deeply today? Discussion questions are included below. Share this video with someone who needs hope and encouragement. "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." — Matthew 16 God bless, and thank you for watching ALIVE!   22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time- September 3 Matthew 16:21-27 What is the message or story? What is the Good News in this passage? Why did Jesus have to suffer in Jerusalem?  Why was this necessary? Have you ever had a friend or family member who suffered greatly? If you were Peter, would you have acted differently (tried to stop the suffering)? Why is suffering important- redemptive? What does Jesus call Peter?   How easy is it to think as human beings and not like God? What are tips or ways to help us think like God? We are called to deny ourselves.  This is true in all aspects of life, give some examples? The world wants us to seek after pleasure and comfort; does this ever work? We will be repaid according to our conduct.  What has your conduct been like?  Do you need confession?

Who do you say that Jesus is? In this week's ALIVE, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on one of the most important passages in all of Scripture: Matthew 16. This is the moment Jesus gives St. Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, establishing the authority that continues through the papacy. It's also the passage where Jesus asks every disciple a deeply personal question: "Who do you say that I am?" In this video you'll discover: Why Matthew 16 is a passage every Catholic should know The biblical foundation for the papacy Why Peter receives the keys to the Kingdom How this passage helps Catholics explain and defend their faith A personal challenge to deepen your relationship with Jesus 💬 Join the conversation! What Bible passage do you think every Catholic should know? Share your answer in the comments and tell us why. There are also discussion questions below the video to help you reflect on this Sunday's Gospel with your family, friends, or small group. For more resources, visit: allsaintscatholic.net If this video encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe so more people can encounter the beauty of the Catholic faith.   Gospel Discussion Questions: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time- Matthew 16:13-20 What is the message or story? What is the Good News in this passage? Have you ever asked people what they think of you? Who do you say Jesus is?  List all the titles or names you have for Jesus. What does the title-word “Christ” mean? What does the word/name “Peter” mean? What do keys symbolize?  When have you been given keys?  What comes with keys? Who is Peter?  What is everything you can think of that you know about St. Peter?

What happens when grief is never fully faced? In this Sunday homily, Fr. Jonathan Meyer reflects on a line that is easy to overlook in the Gospel: after hearing of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew to a deserted place by Himself. Jesus grieved. And Fr. Meyer reminds us that grief is not only about the death of a loved one. We grieve broken relationships, failed dreams, lost opportunities, divorce, disappointment, betrayal, abuse, and countless other losses. When grief goes unresolved, it can show up as anger, addiction, numbness, exhaustion, or despair. But when we bring our grief to Christ, it can become a place of healing, growth, and transformation. Jesus does not ask us to ignore our sorrow. He enters into it with us. At every Mass, the Bridegroom gives Himself completely to His Bride: “This is my body, given up for you.” And in the Eucharist, Christ meets us in our grief and gives us hope. So ask yourself today: What in your life have you not grieved? Bring it to the altar. Unite it to Jesus. And allow Him to transform what feels like death into new life. #CatholicHomily #Grief #Healing #Eucharist #CatholicFaith #FrJonathanMeyer #SundayHomily #Jesus #Hope

Welcome to Alive, our weekly reflection series to help you prepare for Sunday Mass. This week, Fr. Jonathan Meyer uncovers a beautiful connection between the Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Gospel, a persistent mother intercedes for her daughter, and Jesus responds to her faith. Could this woman also help us understand Mary's role in our lives? Just as this mother interceded for her child, Mary continues to intercede for us before her Son, Jesus Christ. Her Assumption into heaven is not simply about honoring Mary—it's about God's plan for our salvation and the powerful gift of a mother who never stops praying for her children. If you've ever wondered why Catholics ask Mary to pray for them, this reflection beautifully explains why. 📖 Discussion questions are available below and at allsaintscatholic.net. Gather with family or friends and prepare your heart for Sunday's Mass. Be a saint. Be the difference.   Gospel Discussion Questions: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time- Matthew 15: 21-28 What is the message or story? What is the Good News in this passage? The woman has a daughter who is tormented.  Why might both be feminine?  What does this symbolize? Being tormented is not the same as possession. What is the difference?  The Canaanites were not friends with the Jews, what does this say about this woman and her desire to obtain something from Jesus? The woman is very persistent; whom do you know in your life that is persistent? What is a time in your life that you have been persistent in prayer?

Welcome to Alive, our weekly reflection series to help you prepare your heart for Sunday Mass. This week, Fr. Meyer invites us to look at one of the most familiar Gospel stories with fresh eyes. Before Peter sank... he walked on water. While the other apostles stayed safely in the boat, Peter stepped out in faith. Yes, he eventually lost sight of Jesus and began to sink—but not before experiencing something no one else in the boat ever did. Sometimes following Christ means taking a step that others won't understand. It means risking failure, trusting Jesus, and believing that even if we stumble, He will reach out and catch us. Where is Jesus inviting you to get out of the boat? 📖 Discussion questions are available below and at allsaintscatholic.net. Invite a friend, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare for Sunday's Gospel together. Be a saint. Be the difference. Gospel Discussion Questions: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time-Matthew 14:22-33 What is the message or story? What is the Good News in this passage? Jesus goes off again to pray by himself, what can we learn from His example? People strive to imitate Jesus in many things, how many chose to imitate his life of silence and prayer? What are the storms in your life that toss you back and forth? Why is fear such a constant in our lives- what fears do you have in your life? Jesus walks on water- He is master of the sea- what does this reveal about who He is? Peter is able to walk on water as well…what causes Peter to sink? Was Peter safe the entire time?  What about you? What role does “feeling safe” play in leadership?  Could it be said that making people feel safe is one of the most important characteristics of a leader?