Gospel Reflection - September 7, 2025 - The Cost of Following Jesus: Why He Says to 'Hate' Your Family (Luke 14:25-33)
What did Jesus mean when he told his followers to "hate" their family and give up everything? On this episode of TheGospelConnection, hosts Alvin and Nathan dive into the tough words of Luke 14:25-33.
They explore why putting Christ at the center of your life is the key to true freedom and love. Hear a real-world story about choosing faith over career and learn how to embrace the cost of discipleship today. Based on the Gospel of Luke and the Catechism, this episode will challenge you to place your treasure where your heart truly belongs.
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September 3, 2025 - The Gospel Connection: Healing & Service (Luke 4:38-44)
Welcome to The Gospel Connection! In this episode, hosts Alvin and Nathan dive into the powerful Gospel reading for September 3rd, Luke 4:38-44. Join us as we explore Jesus's tireless ministry, from healing a fever-stricken mother-in-law to serving a whole town's worth of sick and suffering people. We reflect on the profound lesson of compassionate service—going the extra mile even when you're tired—and what it means for us today. Using a real-world scenario of a busy doctor, we'll connect this ancient story to our modern lives and daily challenges. Tune in to discover how Jesus's example of availability and prayer can inspire your own mission to spread God's love.
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August 26, 2025 - The Inside-Out Gospel: How a Clean Heart is More Important Than a Clean Room
In this episode of TheGospelConnection, hosts Alvin and Nathan explore Matthew 23:23-26, where Jesus challenges the Pharisees on their hypocrisy. Using simple, kid-friendly examples, we learn why a clean heart is more important than just looking good on the outside. We’ll discuss what it means to live with sincerity and honesty, not just when others are watching. This episode includes a special challenge, a reflection question, and a closing prayer to help children understand how to be "inside-out" good. Perfect for families looking to learn more about the Gospel.
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August 25, 2025 Gospel Reflection - A Promise Is a Promise: Being Honest on the Inside and Out
Have you ever seen someone act one way when grown-ups are watching and another way when they're not? This week on TheGospelConnection, Alvin and Nathan explore Jesus's powerful message about hypocrisy from the Gospel of Matthew 23:13-22.
Join them as they discuss why Jesus had some strong words for religious teachers who tried to find loopholes to break their promises. Discover what the Catechism of the Catholic Church has to say about the connection between our words and our hearts, and learn why being truthful is about who you are on the inside, not just what you do on the outside. This episode reminds us that our promises are a gift and that Jesus wants us to be the same honest person all the time.
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Spagnoletta
This piece, taken from an Italian manuscript source by the 19th century musicologist Oscar Chilesotti, is an example of the popular tune Espanoleta, or "Little Spanish Tune". An orchestrated version of the tune may be heard in Joaquin Rodrigo's Fantasia para un gentilhombre for guitar and orchestra.
Netherlands