Dominican Friars

Province of St. Albert the Great, USA

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

Join Father Brendan Curran, OP, Dominican Promoter for Justice and Peace for North America, for this week's enriching reflection on what it means to be a follower of Christ and share in God's mission. Through Solomon's wisdom, Paul's letter to the Romans, and Jesus' parables of the buried treasure and pearl of great price, discover how God sees each of us as precious treasures worth everything.

📖 Today's Message: Solomon chose wisdom over wealth. God blesses those who live according to His purpose. Each person is a fine pearl, a hidden treasure in God's eyes. How do we see ourselves and others through this lens of divine love?

⏰ CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 0:43 First Reading: Solomon's Choice for Wisdom 2:06 Second Reading: Living God's Purpose Brings Blessing 3:13 Gospel: The Parables of Treasure and Pearl 4:42 Seeing Each Other as God's Treasures 6:41 Living Out God's Mission in Our Choices 8:14 Building God's Reign Through Love

🌟 Key Takeaway: God sees you as a fine pearl, a buried treasure worth investing everything to protect and nurture. When we see ourselves and others through God's eyes and live according to His mission, we experience the blessings of His kingdom.

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Know Before You Go is a ministry of the provincial office to help people prepare to hear the readings and preaching of the approaching Sunday's Mass. We welcome any feedback you have at know@opcentral.org . You can see them all below, or you can see other preaching by a particular person by clicking on his name.

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The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Beatitudes & Intentional Discipleship

Jan 25, 2026 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Focusing on the powerful message of the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapter 5).
The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Find Hope by Responding to God's Call for Justice

Jan 23, 2026 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

This week, as we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Father Brendan challenges us to live our faith in action, drawing powerful connections from ancient scriptures to modern-day struggles for justice and peace.
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Give Witness—Your Testimony Matters

Jan 15, 2026 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Reflecting on the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Fr. Charlie explores the powerful examples of Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist—two figures whose personal testimony changed the course of history. He challenges us to overcome our shyness and fear of hypocrisy to speak openly about what we believe.
The Baptism of the Lord: Meaning, Scripture & Mission

Jan 9, 2026 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Father Scott connects the dots between today’s powerful scripture readings. He explores the Second Reading from the Book of Acts, where Peter realizes God’s message is for all nations, not just the Jewish people. This connects deeply to the Prophet Isaiah’s description of the "Servant" who brings justice without violence, and ultimately to the Gospel account of Jesus’ baptism.
The Epiphany of the Lord: History, Magi, and Light

Jan 2, 2026 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian celebrations, pre-dating even the standardized date of Christmas. It originally encompassed the birth of Christ, the visit of the Magi, and the Baptism of the Lord into one massive celebration of revelation.
The Perils & Joy of Family: A Reality Check on the Feast of the Holy Family

Dec 26, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

This reflection moves beyond the "perfect" family image to address the real struggles families face today—from the dinner table arguments to the global crisis of displacement.
Trusting God When You Have No Good Options | 4th Sunday of Advent (Cycle A)

Dec 18, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant and believes his only choices are to divorce her quietly or expose her to shame. Meanwhile, in the first reading from Isaiah, King Ahaz faces a terrifying political invasion and thinks his only choice is to surrender his sovereignty to Assyria. This video explains the deep historical context behind the "Emmanuel" prophecy in Isaiah 7 and how St. Joseph succeeded where King Ahaz failed—by trusting that God can create a "third option" where we see none.
Are You The One? Faith, Doubt, and The Third Sunday of Advent

Dec 11, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

In today’s Gospel, even John the Baptist asks Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come?" In this homily, Fr. Charlie draws a parallel between our modern political search for a "savior" to fix our problems and the ancient expectation of the Messiah.
The Second Sunday of Advent

Dec 3, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Isaiah promises a world where the wolf lives with the lamb. But can we imagine a world where Ukrainians and Russians, Gazans and Israelis, or Republicans and Democrats live in peace? And can we help bring one about?
First Sunday of Advent: Prepare the Way!

Nov 25, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Fr. Gregory Heille OP guides us through the cycle of the liturgical year, highlighting Advent as a joyful season of hopeful anticipation for the fulfillment of God's reign.
Christ the King: Reign of Hope & Action

Nov 21, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

This powerful reflection marks the end of the liturgical year with a message of profound hope, examining Jesus' kingship not through earthly power but through his ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
33rd Sunday: Be a Witness, not a Gossip

Nov 14, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

For the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. This week's readings are packed with challenging messages: from Malachi's "blazing oven" and "Sun of Justice," to Paul's warning against "busybodies" in Thessalonians, and Luke's Gospel on the destruction of the temple, signs of the end times, and the promise of perseverance through persecution.
Dedication of St. John Lateran: Is the Church a Building or the People?

Nov 7, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Explore the readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope's cathedral and the Mother Church of Christendom.
The Feast of All Souls: Remembering Our Dead with Hope and Love

Oct 30, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Reflecting on the Feast of All Souls, sharing a personal connection to the day stemming from his childhood experiences of loss.
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Humility and Dependence on God

Oct 20, 2025 by Fr. Greg Heille, OP

Focusing on Ecclesiasticus, 2 Timothy, and the Gospel of Luke's parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Fr. Greg emphasizes themes of humility, solidarity with the poor, dependence on God, and preparing for the end of the liturgical year.
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Never Give Up: Finding Strength in CrisisWelcome to "Know Before You Go" for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, with Father Brendan Curran, OP, Dominican promoter for Justice and Peace, broadcasting from Bogota, Colombia. In

Oct 18, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

In this week's reflection, Father Brendan explores the themes of perseverance and resilience found in the day's readings.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Truth That Transforms

Oct 10, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Reflecting on Naaman’s cleansing and Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers, this homily contrasts merely seeing facts with embracing the truth behind them—the latter can be transformative. That is why one grateful leper was saved—not just healed of his disease. In the same way, in the second reading Paul’s call to hold fast to truth leads to life, and turning away from truth leads nowhere.
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Faith, Justice, but Spare the Outrage

Oct 3, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Father Jim Marchionda, OP previews the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time for this Know Before You Go video, focusing on Habakkuk's plea for justice, Jesus's teaching on faith from Luke, and St. Paul's encouragement to Timothy. He connects these readings to contemporary issues, urging listeners to act on their faith, however small, and to avoid contributing to the negativity and outrage in the world. He calls on viewers to take up the challenge to not contribute to the outrage with the strength that comes from God.
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Seeing the Unseen: Encountering Christ in the Poor

Sep 25, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

Father Charlie Bouchard reflects on the Gospel story of Lazarus and the rich man, urging us to move beyond discomfort and see the poor as persons like ourselves. Drawing from a personal anecdote, he encourages viewers to establish relationships with those on the margins and recognize their shared humanity as children of God.
25th Sunday | Justice, Hope, and the Cry of the Poor: A Reflection on Immigration and Resistance

Sep 20, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

Reflections on the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, connecting them to the current realities of injustice and oppression, particularly the aggressive actions of ICE in Chicago. Calling for a commitment to justice, prayer for all, and a rejection of vengeance, urging viewers to be beacons of hope in a world thirsting for it.
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Finding True Power in Sacrifice

Sep 12, 2025 by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, OP

Explore the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with Father Scott Steinkerchner! Discover the history behind this important day, tracing it back to St. Helena and the discovery of the True Cross relics. Learn about the significance of the cross, not as an object of miraculous power, but as a symbol of Jesus's ultimate sacrifice and the path to eternal life. Understand the connection between the serpent in the desert, Nicodemus, and the call to pour ourselves out in service to others.
Challenging Readings: Wisdom, Welcome & Christ First (23rd Sunday Homily)

Sep 6, 2025 by Fr. James Marchionda, OP

Dive into the challenging readings for the 23rd Sunday! Explore Wisdom's call to broaden our minds, Paul's message of welcoming outsiders, and Jesus's call to prioritize Him above all. #Catholic #Homily #Wisdom #Jesus #Faith
Meals, from Fast Food to Eucharist | 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Aug 29, 2025 by Fr. Charles Bouchard, OP

In this Know Before You Go video, Fr. Charlie Bouchard explores the deeper meaning of meals in scripture, moving beyond simple etiquette to understand sacramental dining. This Sunday reflection on the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time examines three types of meals: functional, social, and sacramental - focusing on how Jesus's four meals with the Pharisees in Luke's Gospel reveal the transformative power of humble encounter. Learn why humility, not humiliation, is essential for authentic spiritual transformation and how every Eucharist calls us to "come as you are" while leaving pretense behind.
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time | The Narrow Gate - Immigration, Ukraine & Social Justice

Aug 23, 2025 by Fr. Brendan Curran, OP

Connecting Luke's Gospel about the "narrow gate" to modern immigration issues, the Ukraine war, and Christian social justice. Speaking from Chicago's Martin dePorres Community Chapel, Fr. Curran challenges Catholics to see refugees and immigrants as God's messengers, drawing parallels between Isaiah's "fugitives" and today's displaced peoples. This Catholic sermon addresses real-world applications of Gospel teachings on dignity, inclusion, and Christian responsibility in times of crisis.

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