Lord's Day Reflections with Lawrence Westfall

Episodi

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  Fourth Sunday of Easter (2026) - Jesus Christ: The Good Shepherd 26.04.2026 5min

  Happy Lord's Day! Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The reading used for this reflection is from the Novus Ordo and is the Gospel according to St. John 10:1-10. In this lesson, we take a look at Jesus as the Good Shepherd on this Good Shepherd Sunday. God Love You!
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  Easter Message (2026) - Victory Over Death and Hell: Behold, He Is Alive Forevermore 05.04.2026 4min

  Happy Lord’s Day! Happy Resurrection Sunday! Happy Easter! Conquered Grave, Empty Tomb, Living Saviour: The Triumphant Message We Proclaim Today! May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ grant you a blessed Resurrection Sunday and should you listen to this after Easter, may God still bless you as you either continue to live out your Christian life and remain with Him or if you are trying to find him! God Love You!
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  Palm Sunday (2026) - Will You Follow Him? A Palm Sunday Invitation to Accept Christ into Your Heart 29.03.2026 3min

  Happy Palm Sunday! Happy Lord’s Day! This Palm Sunday I invite you to accept Christ into your heart. May this message encourage you to do just that! This Palm Sunday could be the new found joy in your life that will become your eternal Easter - Accept Him Now! May God grant you a blessed Holy Week and should you listen to this after Holy Week, may God still bless you as you either continue to search out for Him or remain with Him if your already a believing Christian! God Love You!
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  Fifth Sunday of Lent (2026) - Four Days Late Yet Right on Time: God’s Perfect Timing 23.03.2026 10min

  Happy Lord's Day!Today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. The reading used for this reflection is from the Novus Ordo and is the Gospel according to St. John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33-45. In this lesson, we take a look at the raising of Lazarus from the dead and how this Gospel reading can be applied to our lives. God Love You!
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  Third Sunday of Lent (2026) - Blessed Assurance: I Am Saved 23.03.2026 11min

  Happy Lord's Day!Today is the Third Sunday of Lent. The reading used for this reflection is from the Novus Ordo and is the Epistle to the Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. The reading this Sunday speaks about justification and faith. In this lesson, we take a look at how we are already saved (we are saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved in full). God Love You!
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  The Parables of the Kingdom (Archbishop John J. Swint) - The Great Reckoning 25.01.2026 18min

  Happy Lord’s Day! This is the last Lord’s Day I will be reading from Lenten discourses of Archbishop John J. Swint. These particular chapters from his booklet “The Parables of the Kingdom” have proven ever so necessary to be read, reflected upon, and given to the world as a reminder of what was and still is the truths of our Catholic faith that should always be upheld. This faith, the Catholic faith, is the very faith and Church founded upon by Christ Himself, the Divine Redeemer of mankind, and our Lord and Saviour! Today, the parable focused upon is the Parable of the Net Cast into the Sea which is found in the Gospel reading according to St. Matthew 13:47-51.The following lay reflections will be coming from the “The Parables of the Kingdom” by Archbishop John Joseph Swint who served as the fourth (4th) bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling (Now: Wheeling-Charleston) from AD 1922 to his death in AD 1962 (40 Year Episcopal Reign). Each episode title contains both the name of this work from Archbishop Swint and the title of the sermon. His Excellency, Archbishop John J. Swint (D.D. - Doctor in Divinity) wrote these sermons in the 1930s. The sermons are around 90 years old and as they were relevant in those times, they are still relevant today. Therefore, the Lenten reflections you will hear from me are from the very sermons Archbishop Swint once wrote and preached. Since it is his work, I can take no personal credit except for delivering these sermons through podcast. He wrote in the introduction of the book that contains these great sermons when they were originally released the following: “The kindly reception which has accorded my booklet ‘The Moral Law’ (which I read from during the Lenten Season of AD 2025) has given me courage to venture the publication of this second series of Lenten discourses on the ‘Parables of the Kingdom.’ This is in no way intended as a scientific treatise on these parables, but merely as a course of popular sermons that may be drawn from, or built up around, them. Also I am fully aware that there are other parables of the kingdom. But I have confined myself to the series of parables as found in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. I believe it is generally customary, or at least permissible, to refer to this group of parables as ‘The Parables of the Kingdom…’ I have myself been rather surprised at the extensive field which these parables of the kingdom cover, and I trust this booklet will help preachers of Lenten discourses to prepare without much effort a series of sermons that will be eminently useful to their audiences.”In continuing the Archbishop’s work and legacy over 90 years later, this work is being put into a podcast episode to be able to be heard by everyone, wherever one might get their podcasts. This is that both clergy and faithful might gain insight, knowledge, and an increase of faith and love in the parables of our Lord and Saviour throughout the United States and the entire world. I must make clear, I am NOT a member of the clergy, but a simple layman trying to advance the Word of God taken from the Catholic Mass throughout the world to deliver lay reflections. Pray that my faith would not fail and that I should always deliver what the Holy Ghost permits me to deliver to you and every listener. I have personally undertaken this task out of my love and respect for the works of Archbishop Swint. May his memory be eternal, may he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, I ask that you remember his soul in prayer. God Love You!
• 
  The Parables of the Kingdom (Archbishop John J. Swint) - The Privilege of Our Faith 18.01.2026 14min

  Happy Lord’s Day! For the next few weeks, I will be reading from Lenten discourses of Archbishop John J. Swint. These particular chapters from his booklet “The Parables of the Kingdom” have proven ever so necessary to be read, reflected upon, and given to the world as a reminder of what was and still is the truths of our Catholic faith that should always be upheld. This faith, the Catholic faith, is the very faith and Church founded upon by Christ Himself, the Divine Redeemer of mankind, and our Lord and Saviour! Today, the parable focused upon is the Parable of Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price which is found in the Gospel reading according to St. Matthew 13:44-47.The following lay reflections will be coming from the “The Parables of the Kingdom” by Archbishop John Joseph Swint who served as the fourth (4th) bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling (Now: Wheeling-Charleston) from AD 1922 to his death in AD 1962 (40 Year Episcopal Reign). Each episode title contains both the name of this work from Archbishop Swint and the title of the sermon. His Excellency, Archbishop John J. Swint (D.D. - Doctor in Divinity) wrote these sermons in the 1930s. The sermons are around 90 years old and as they were relevant in those times, they are still relevant today. Therefore, the Lenten reflections you will hear from me are from the very sermons Archbishop Swint once wrote and preached. Since it is his work, I can take no personal credit except for delivering these sermons through podcast. He wrote in the introduction of the book that contains these great sermons when they were originally released the following: “The kindly reception which has accorded my booklet ‘The Moral Law’ (which I read from during the Lenten Season of AD 2025) has given me courage to venture the publication of this second series of Lenten discourses on the ‘Parables of the Kingdom.’ This is in no way intended as a scientific treatise on these parables, but merely as a course of popular sermons that may be drawn from, or built up around, them. Also I am fully aware that there are other parables of the kingdom. But I have confined myself to the series of parables as found in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. I believe it is generally customary, or at least permissible, to refer to this group of parables as ‘The Parables of the Kingdom…’ I have myself been rather surprised at the extensive field which these parables of the kingdom cover, and I trust this booklet will help preachers of Lenten discourses to prepare without much effort a series of sermons that will be eminently useful to their audiences.”In continuing the Archbishop’s work and legacy over 90 years later, this work is being put into a podcast episode to be able to be heard by everyone, wherever one might get their podcasts. This is that both clergy and faithful might gain insight, knowledge, and an increase of faith and love in the parables of our Lord and Saviour throughout the United States and the entire world. I must make clear, I am NOT a member of the clergy, but a simple layman trying to advance the Word of God taken from the Catholic Mass throughout the world to deliver lay reflections. Pray that my faith would not fail and that I should always deliver what the Holy Ghost permits me to deliver to you and every listener. I have personally undertaken this task out of my love and respect for the works of Archbishop Swint. May his memory be eternal, may he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, I ask that you remember his soul in prayer. God Love You!
• 
  The Parables of the Kingdom (Archbishop John J. Swint) - The Power of Example 11.01.2026 16min

  Happy Lord’s Day! For the next few weeks, I will be reading from Lenten discourses of Archbishop John J. Swint. These particular chapters from his booklet “The Parables of the Kingdom” have proven ever so necessary to be read, reflected upon, and given to the world as a reminder of what was and still is the truths of our Catholic faith that should always be upheld. This faith, the Catholic faith, is the very faith and Church founded upon by Christ Himself, the Divine Redeemer of mankind, and our Lord and Saviour! Today, the parable focused upon is the Parable of the Leaven which is found in the Gospel reading according to St. Matthew 13:33.The following lay reflections will be coming from the “The Parables of the Kingdom” by Archbishop John Joseph Swint who served as the fourth (4th) bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling (Now: Wheeling-Charleston) from AD 1922 to his death in AD 1962 (40 Year Episcopal Reign). Each episode title contains both the name of this work from Archbishop Swint and the title of the sermon. His Excellency, Archbishop John J. Swint (D.D. - Doctor in Divinity) wrote these sermons in the 1930s. The sermons are around 90 years old and as they were relevant in those times, they are still relevant today. Therefore, the Lenten reflections you will hear from me are from the very sermons Archbishop Swint once wrote and preached. Since it is his work, I can take no personal credit except for delivering these sermons through podcast. He wrote in the introduction of the book that contains these great sermons when they were originally released the following: “The kindly reception which has accorded my booklet ‘The Moral Law’ (which I read from during the Lenten Season of AD 2025) has given me courage to venture the publication of this second series of Lenten discourses on the ‘Parables of the Kingdom.’ This is in no way intended as a scientific treatise on these parables, but merely as a course of popular sermons that may be drawn from, or built up around, them. Also I am fully aware that there are other parables of the kingdom. But I have confined myself to the series of parables as found in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. I believe it is generally customary, or at least permissible, to refer to this group of parables as ‘The Parables of the Kingdom…’ I have myself been rather surprised at the extensive field which these parables of the kingdom cover, and I trust this booklet will help preachers of Lenten discourses to prepare without much effort a series of sermons that will be eminently useful to their audiences.”In continuing the Archbishop’s work and legacy over 90 years later, this work is being put into a podcast episode to be able to be heard by everyone, wherever one might get their podcasts. This is that both clergy and faithful might gain insight, knowledge, and an increase of faith and love in the parables of our Lord and Saviour throughout the United States and the entire world. I must make clear, I am NOT a member of the clergy, but a simple layman trying to advance the Word of God taken from the Catholic Mass throughout the world to deliver lay reflections. Pray that my faith would not fail and that I should always deliver what the Holy Ghost permits me to deliver to you and every listener. I have personally undertaken this task out of my love and respect for the works of Archbishop Swint. May his memory be eternal, may he rest in the eternal peace of Christ, I ask that you remember his soul in prayer. God Love You!
• 
  A Christmas Message: Christ the Saviour of the World 24.12.2025 4min

  “Where Christ reigns, love reigns! Where love reigns, peace reigns!” A brief Christmas message as we enter the Christmas season. May God grant you all His many blessings and may you all have a Merry Christmas! God Love You!
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  Good People Go to Hell 17.12.2025 7min

  This was originally a Substack article of mine (https://open.substack.com/pub/lawrencethezealot/p/good-people-go-to-hell?r=3hyxcs&utm_medium=ios), but it is so true and so necessary to be proclaimed vocally that I decided to release it in audio sermon form. Good people go to Hell everyday, those who have done good works go to Hell everyday, but those who have faith in Jesus Christ, do good works, and are good people can be saved from the fires of Hell. It all starts with Christ, it is through Christ that we find salvation and the path that leads to eternal life with Him in Heaven.This sermon isn’t meant to frighten anyone, but rather make clear that without having faith in Jesus Christ no one can be saved. God Love You!
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  First Sunday of Advent (2025) - Are You Rapture Ready? 30.11.2025 7min

  Happy Lord's Day! Today is the First Sunday of Advent. The reading used for this reflection is from the Novus Ordo and is the Gospel according to St. Matthew 24:37-44. In today’s reflection, we focus on the return of Christ at the consummation of the world. Also, the heresy of the pre-tribulation rapture is addressed. The title of this reflection might throw you off, but it is for to catch the attention of individuals who need to know the truth about the so-called rapture doctrine. As addressed in this reflection, this will be my last one until Christmas Day. I hope that God grants you a gracious and blessed Advent as we prepare for the Octave of Christmas! God Love You!
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  Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (2025) - Christ the King of Mercy 23.11.2025 5min

  Happy Lord's Day! Today is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the Gospel according to St. Luke 23:35-43. In today’s reflection, the thieves on the Cross are looked back too and the salvation power of the Cross is proclaimed! Christ is King! God Love You!
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  Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome (2025) - The Church’s One Foundation 09.11.2025 3min

  Happy Lord’s Day! Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the First Epistle to the Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17 6:3-9. In today’s reflection, the Lateran Basilica and the Church’s one foundation is examined. God Love You!
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  Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed: All Souls’ Day (2025) - The Newness of Life 02.11.2025 9min

  Happy Lord’s Day! Today is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed or commonly called All Souls’ Day for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the Epistle to the Romans 6:3-9. In today’s reflection, the baptism of a person which transforms them into a Christian through a new birth in Christ is examined. Through this new birth, we receive a newness of life. A life which ultimately will lead the baptized to their eternal reward in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour forevermore. God Love You!
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  Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025) - Humility Over Pride 26.10.2025 5min

  Happy Lord's Day! Today is the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the Gospel according to St. Luke 18:9-14. In today’s reflection, the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee is examined. One had humility and one had pride. One left justified and the other left unjustified. God Love You!
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  Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025) - This Blessed Old Book 19.10.2025 6min

  Happy Lord's Day! Today is the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the Second Epistle to Timothy 3:14-4:2. In today’s reflection, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is given a closer look as the topics of Sola Scriptura (Scripture/Bible Alone) and a defense of Biblical Inerrancy is laid down. God Love You!
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  Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (2025) - Christ the Healer 12.10.2025 5min

  Happy Lord’s Day!Today is the Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time for the Novus Ordo Mass. The reading is from the Gospel according to St. Luke 17:11-19. The reading this Sunday speaks ten lepers who were healed of leprosy and one who turned back. In this lesson, it is discussed of how we should be like the one leper who turned back to give thanks to Christ after Christ had healed him of his disease.If you'd like to hear more, then give this episode a listen! God Love You!
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  Christ: The Superior Sacrifice - SoC Series #8 (Final SoC Series) 21.09.2025 9min

  This is the final lesson in the Superiority of Christ (SoC) sermon given by St. Paul in his letter to the Hebrews. This sermon of St. Paul’s spans 10 chapters. In this episode I will be dissecting the eighth and final lesson from St. Paul’s sermon and preaching upon the topic. If you would like to follow along in your Bible, you can find it in Hebrews 10:1-18. This begins our next lesson of Christ being the Superior Sacrifice. In this lesson we discuss the perfect sacrifice that brought complete forgiveness of sins and ended the need of sacrifice after sacrifice. There is once a time for sacrifice after sacrifice, but because of Christ’s superior sacrifice there is no longer any need for endless sacrifices. This lesson begins the break that will be taken for the next month or two. If you would like to follow another podcast that I’ve created and will be using, you can find me at “Let’s Read the Bible with Lawrence Westfall.” If you would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, especially on a series about the sacraments, you can find that on another podcast of mine titled, “Answering Catholicism with Lawrence the Zealot.” Thanks be to God that you have embraced His Word and the teachings shared by a layperson. I have strived to uphold the Catholic faith unaltered and share it with you. Thanks for your interest in the Catholic faith, your prayers, and your support. Please know of my prayers for you. When I return, the lessons shall return to be focused on the Sunday readings from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass - Novus Ordo Mass readings, Tridentine Mass Readings, and if possible, readings from the Divine Liturgy. May Jesus Christ bless and keep you! God Love You!
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  Christ: Minister in a Superior Tabernacle - SoC Series #7 14.09.2025 14min

  In the next few lessons of this podcast, we will be taking a look at the Superiority of Christ sermon given by St. Paul in his letter to the Hebrews. This sermon of St. Paul’s spans 10 chapters. In this episode I will be dissecting the seventh lesson from St. Paul’s sermon and preaching upon the topic. If you would like to follow along in your Bible, you can find it in Hebrews 9:1-28. This begins our next lesson of Christ being the Minister in a Superior Tabernacle. In this lesson we discuss the tabernacle not made for endless sacrifices, but the tabernacle where the ultimate sacrifice was made for mankind by God the Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the presence of God the Father. May Jesus Christ bless and keep you! God Love You!
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  The Remedy to Our Sick Nation: Jesus Christ 12.09.2025 3min

  Our nation this week dealt with a political assassination, a school shooting, and the Anniversary of 9/11. It seems that every passing hour of this week has been a constant heartbreak as the forces of evil seem like they are winning. Yet we must not forget that there is a remedy in this hour of darkness. The remedy is found in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Where He is, darkness turns into light, death turns into life, and defeat turns into victory. In Christ is our victory found and He is the remedy to a nation that is sick to its core. Pray for those who are the victims of gun violence, pray for their families, and pray that the loving Father of the universe will heal the wounds of a broken nation. "Evil may have its hour, but God will have His day.” - Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. SheenGod Love You