Bob's Beanfield

Today's podcast is for the Ascension, May 17, 2026. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2026. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2026. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2026. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Third Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2026. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Second Sunday of Easter, April 12, 2026, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for Easter, April 5, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Easter Vigil, April 4, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for Good Friday, April 3, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 5th Sunday in Lent, March 22, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 4th Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 8, 2026   Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 2nd Sunday in Lent, March 1, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 1st Sunday in Lent, February 22, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 15, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 8, 2026   Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 1, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 25, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 18, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, January 11, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Feast of Epiphany, January 4, 2026 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for January 1, 2026, the Feast of Mary, The Holy Mother of God Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the Feast of the Holy Family, December 28, 2025. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This episode is for Christmas Mass During the Day, December 25, 2025 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This episode is for Christmas Mass at Dawn, December 25, 2025 Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

There are several different liturgies for Christmas. This podcast is for Christmas Mass at Night (also known as Midnight Mass) Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

There are several different Christmas liturgies. This podcast is for the Christmas Vigil Mass. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 21, 2025. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2025. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today's podcast is for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This is a re-posting of the story of how this podcast came about, and what the name means.

Today's podcast is for the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025. Happy New Liturgical Year! If you are new to listening to this podcast, or relatively new, you should know there is an episode where I describe the origin of this podcast and its name. I'll repost that episode so you can listen to it as well. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

On this final Sunday of the Liturgical Year, we honor Jesus as our King. The end of the year should remind us of the end of time, but especially of the end of OUR time, that is, our lives, here on this earth. When that time comes (and it will come for us all), we will have honored Jesus as King here, so that we can honor Him in heaven for all eternity? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our readings talk more about the end of the world, the "end-times". Many people like to think they can figure out prophecy from Scripture and tell us that the world will end on such-and-such a date, but Jesus Himself tells us that no one knows the day or the hour, only the Father. So while we shouldn't waste time trying to figure out WHEN, we should spend plenty of time figuring out WHAT, that is, what we should be doing. If the last day of the world was today or even tomorrow, would you do anything differently? Then why aren't we doing that now? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Seems like this year we have a lot of readings that are "out of cycle" so-to-speak. This week is another one. The Liturgical Calendar give us this Sunday, November 9, as the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Since there are no readings in the Cycle for that feast, we will read the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. I consider it a bonus, getting to hear the regular readings with commentary, as well as the extra feast. I have been to the Lateran, and am anxious to celebrate it as well! Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

This week, Sunday is All Souls Day. The readings at Mass are not in the yearly Cycle of Readings, so we do not have Dr. Kreeft's commentary for them, but we do have the readings and commentary for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, which this week would be if it weren't All Souls Day. So that is what we will have in this week's podcast. God's power is infinite. We are sometimes afraid of power, because we know too well how power can and often is corrupted by humans. But God is also merciful. He loves each of his creations tenderly, and holds them all in being. Let's hear more. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

We are a world of haves and have-nots, aren't we? We know as Catholic Christians the importance of what the Church refers to as the preference for the poor, and we all hopefully try to do what we can for those less fortunate. How does God look at our prayers for them? Or their prayers for themselves? Doesn't it really depend more on our own hearts than on our state in life? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

We all need help from our friends or family now and then. Why is that? Why did God make us dependent on each other? And why do we have to work for the things we need or want, instead of our loving Father just giving them to us? We will dive in to these questions in today's Scripture and Commentary. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today we hear of miracles of healing, and their relationship to faith, and even more importantly, how faith and miracles are meant to point us to deeper truths. A physical healing is meant to accompany a spiritual healing, which is the deeper truth. Let's ask Jesus to heal us as deeply as we need as we listen to today's readings and commentary. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

How do we look at the world around us and see all the problems and not get discouraged? By faith, by trusting in God's providence over everything. And how much faith do we have? Probably not as much as we need. As much as a mustard seed? Let's hear today's readings and commentary. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Are you comfortable? I don't mean, are you sitting in a comfortable chair listening to this podcast, but do you have creature comforts? Like a warm home, food to eat, a bank account. Those things are good, but do they distract us from what is most important? Do we ignore the needs around us because we don't want to see them? Today's readings are challenging. Let's listen. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today we hear about honesty, and the relationship between God, people, and things. Have you ever been tempted to cheat "just a little"? Or to tell a "white lie"? How does God view this? How do we order these rightly, namely God above all, and people above things? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Again, there are no readings in the usual cycle for this feast, so we will hear the readings meant for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, which will most likely NOT be what you hear at Mass this week. But I think it's worth hearing them and the commentary! Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

There are many Scripture readings that remind us that God's wisdom is far beyond ours. We have difficulty understanding earthly things, how can we understand God? Yet, He asks us also to trust in Him, and give everything over to Him. Easier said than done! Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

It seems to me that the theme of all the readings for today is Humility. And I am humble enough to admit that my words and thoughts are not what this podcast is about, so let's dive right in! Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

Many words in the English language carry different and sometimes contradicting meanings, depending on the context. One of those words is Discipline. It can have a negative connotation, like when parents have to discipline their children, or positive connotations when we discipline ourselves to a task such as a sport. And I suspect that the word Disciple has the same roots as the word discipline. The readings today talk more about this. Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

You'll want to listen carefully to today's readings if you've ever used the expression that you were "Stuck in the mud". I am pretty sure most if not all of us have felt stuck in the mud at one time or another in our lives. Sometimes we get there because of other people or circumstances, but we also find ourselves there from our own choices and decisions. What happens then? Does Jesus give us peace? What does He mean when He says He came not to establish peace but division? Is He throwing us in to the mud? Or getting us out? Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.

There is a contrast between faith and fear that comes to light in today's readings and commentary. Let us proceed with confidence and faith as we hear the readings and commentary! Note that Scripture readings are from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition, Copyright Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., used with permission. Commentary copyright Peter Kreeft, published by Word on Fire, used with permission.