You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo - podcast cover

You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo

Join Fr. John Riccardo and Mary Guilfoyle in their podcast, “You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo” where they will talk about anything and everything that has to do with transforming the Church. If you are blessed by our podcast, and wish to support us, please click https://www.actsxxix.org/give Learn more about ACTS XXIX at https://www.actsxxix.org

Episodes

Episode 329: Jesus Has Risen,There’s Work To Do!

Fr. John and Mary begin a new series for the Easter season focused on the urgent task of reclaiming and going about the mission of the Church. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streami...

Apr 21, 202524 min

Episode 328: The Sacrifice That Makes Holy

In this final episode of their Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary reflect on how David’s acknowledgement of the need for a broken and contrite heart can prepare us to better understand and marvel at what Jesus is doing for us on the cross. Psalm 51:16-19 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX -...

Apr 14, 202529 min

Episode 327: Are We Missionaries of Mercy?

In their ongoing Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary concentrate on how David is not only desperate to receive God’s mercy but to announce that He is merciful to others who are likewise in need of it. Psalm 51:13-15 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www...

Apr 07, 202524 min

Episode 326: Take Not Your Spirit From Me

Continuing their Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary linger with verses 11 and 12, highlighting David’s humility and self awareness that everything he has and is is a gift from God that could be taken away…and yet isn’t because of God’s great mercy. Psalm 51:11-12 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) AC...

Mar 31, 202523 min

Episode 325: Good But Not Safe

“Our God is a consuming fire,” Hebrews tells us, and so it is not safe to draw near Him. And yet God is Goodness itself and invites us into His presence. In this episode, as Fr. John and Mary continue to reflect on Psalm 51 they focus their attention on David’s cry, “Create in me, O God, a clean heart!” Psalm 51:6-10 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@a...

Mar 24, 202520 min

Episode 324: No Excuses

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their reflection on Psalm 51, reflecting this week especially on David’s tearful, no-excuse act of repentance and how he serves as a model for us. Psalm 51:3-5 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051%3A3-5&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org I...

Mar 17, 202535 min

Episode 323: Of All the Masters I Have Known, You Are the Kindest

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their reflection for Lent on Psalm 51 and go deep with the unexpected and shocking love of God. Scripture passage: Psalm 51 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmi...

Mar 10, 202528 min

Episode 322: Can Sparks Set Fire to the Ocean of God’s Mercy?

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss how and why for Lent they’re going to be doing a series on Psalm 51. Today’s episode breaks open the background of this most hopeful Psalm of David. Psalm 51 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NABRE) Register for Rescue LIVEs at https://rescueme.live Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing f...

Mar 03, 202533 min

Episode 321: Sticks, Stones, and Names

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue the conversation from last week’s episode on speech and consider how we as disciples of Jesus can be agents of recreation in our culture by how we speak, text and post. First Reading: Sirach 27:4-7 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ben%20Sira%2027%3A4-7&version=NABRE) To register for Rescue LIVE Acadiana and/or Rescue Michigan, visit rescueme.live Book Recommendation: The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass, by Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. Sc...

Feb 24, 202537 min

Episode 320: Do Not Harm the Lord’s Anointed

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on how convicted they are by David’s extreme reticence to harm King Saul, a man who is actively trying to kill David, and offer an examination of conscience to consider focused on how we think and speak of others. Scripture | 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2026&version=NABRE) Rescue LIVE Acadiana | Register here (https://rescueproject.us/rescueme-live/) Greece Pilgrimage May 27-June 6, 2026 | Re...

Feb 17, 202530 min

Episode 319: Putting Down Roots

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the parable that Jeremiah puts before us this Sunday and how we can move from being a barren shrub in the desert to a lush tree planted beside a river with deep roots. Scripture for today’s podcast | Jeremiah 17:5-8 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2017%3A5-8&version=NABRE) Register for Rescue LIVE Acadiana, LA, March 22, 2025 at rescueproject.us/live Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey, May 27-June 6, 2026. Register at: https://www.ct...

Feb 10, 202534 min

Episode 318: Why Do Saints See Themselves as Sinners (and vice versa)?

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the call of Isaiah and an unexpected reality all of the saints experience as they encounter the majestic and glorious God. Rescue LIVE Acadiana, Louisiana Registration link: https://www.abidecatholicministries.com/rescue-acadiana Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%206%3A1-2%2CIsaiah%206%3A3-8&version=NIV) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mi...

Feb 03, 202527 min

Episode 317: Take a Field Trip During Christian Unity Week

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the passage from Nehemiah in light of a transformative experience the ACTS XXIX family had last week on retreat with some Maronite bishops and priests and encourage us to visit an Eastern Rite liturgy sometime this week. Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%208%3A2-4%2CNehemiah%208%3A5-6%2CNehemiah%208%3A8-10&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach...

Jan 20, 202524 min

Episode 316: God’s Scandalous Desire

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the staggering truth that God’s love for us is more intimate than we can imagine. Isaiah 62:1-5 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2062%3A1-5&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Pr...

Jan 13, 202523 min

Episode 315: What’s Your Comfort Zone?

As we begin this new year, Fr. John and Mary dig into the word “Comfort” spoken by the prophet Isaiah and share some helpful places they turn to for comfort. Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Pro...

Jan 06, 202527 min

Episode 314: Regime Change

As we turn the page on the calendar, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the manifestation of Jesus as the true King of all the world and offer a practical thought to consider for our new year’s resolutions. Isaiah 60:1-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2060%3A1-6&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.ac...

Dec 30, 202423 min

Episode 313: Has Anything Really Changed?

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary address the fact that Christmas is not an escape from reality but rather the celebration that God has come to fight for us. Isaiah 9:1-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209%3A1-6&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @...

Dec 23, 202427 min

Episode 312: I Can Only Imagine

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary talk about the extraordinary ways Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus, and how some prophecies we’re still waiting to see fulfilled are not only right around the corner but will be beyond anything we can imagine. Micah 5:1-4a (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/micah/5) Book referenced, “Come Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Art of Waiting” by Mother Mary Francis Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via em...

Dec 16, 202424 min

Episode 311: Are We Known for our Joy?

Zephaniah 3:14-18a (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah%203%3A14-18&version=NIV) In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open what joy is and is not and why and how we as disciples of Jesus should be marked by it. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission ...

Dec 09, 202429 min

Episode 310: God is the Subject of the Verb

Why can we have hope in the middle of calamitous situations? Because God is good, He is faithful and He acts. In this episode, Fr. John and Mary look at the disaster that had befallen Israel at the time of Baruch, how God rescued them, and what that has to say to us here and now. Baruch 5:1-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Baruch%205&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: miss...

Dec 02, 202420 min

Episode 309: The Best is Yet to Come!

Jeremiah 33:14-16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2033%3A14-16&version=NABRE) What is Advent really all about? How are we supposed to be living and feeling in these days? What is the Word of God saying to us? In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the fact that the best is not in the past — it’s yet to come; for God is faithful and nothing is impossible for Him. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at missi...

Nov 25, 202421 min

Episode 308: What Kind of a King Is He?

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the hopeful news that the world is ultimately in the hands of a Sovereign King who is good, has no rival, proven His love for us by laying down His life, and who calls us even now to help transform authority until He returns and makes all things new. Daniel 4:13-14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%204&version=NABRE) EXAMEN FOR LEADERS: - Would people say that I am a leader for their sakes? - Do I surround myself with strong comple...

Nov 18, 202419 min

Episode 307: Are You Ready?

Given how November is a month to both pray for our faithful departed and to contemplate our own death, Fr. John invites Mary to share the lessons the Lord taught her some years ago when she was gravely ill. Scripture Passage: Daniel 12:1-3 Steubenville Conferences: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/ Seven Sisters Apostolate: https://sevensistersapostolate.org/ Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: missi...

Nov 11, 202428 min

Episode 306: God Is the God of Everyone

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary break open the encounter between Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and how it reveals something about God, something about this woman, and something to take to prayer ourselves. 1 Kings 17:10-16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%3A10-16&version=NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission...

Nov 04, 202426 min

Episode 305: Do We Know Our Story?

Deut. 6:2-6 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206&version=NABRE) In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the need to constantly tell the story of who God is, what He has done for us, and why it’s only right and just to thank and praise Him. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @act...

Oct 28, 202425 min

Episode 304: The Promise Keeper

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:7-9 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2031&version=NABRE) St. Augustine's Commentary Excerpt on Psalm 109: God is faithful. He has made himself our debtor, not by receiving anything from us but by promising us so much. The promise alone was not enough for him: he wanted it in writing, so that he could be held to it, practically entering into a contract with us that listed the promises he was making. In that way, when he began to fulfill his promises, w...

Oct 21, 202415 min

Episode 303: The Heart of the Gospel

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary tackle a common misconception of God, how Jesus wants to shatter that, and as He does so reveals the heart of the Gospel: You Matter! Isaiah 53:10-11 (https://www.bible.com/bible/463/ISA.53.10-11.NABRE) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmiss...

Oct 14, 202426 min

Episode 302: Show Me Who Your Friends Are and I’ll Tell You Who You Are

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary recount several overwhelming experiences from the recent mission in Los Angeles and how the saints, both in heaven and on earth, can inspire us to become saints ourselves. Scripture: Wisdom 7:7-11 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Wisdom%207%3A7-11&version=RSV) Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web:...

Oct 07, 202423 min

Episode 301: Only Together Do Men and Women Fully Image God

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary tackle one of the most important, and most misunderstood, passages about man, woman and marriage. Genesis 2:18-24 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our S...

Sep 30, 202425 min

Episode 300: Trolling for Talent

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss how great leaders, like Moses, are humble stewards of God’s gifts, eager to share the responsibility with other great leaders. Scripture: Numbers 11:25-29 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011%3A24-30&version=RSV) rescueproject.us/challenge Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at mission@actsxxix.org (mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: htt...

Sep 23, 202418 min