Join Father Scott Steinkerchner, new principal Father Martin Badenhorst, and philosophy professor Father Peter Hunter at St. Michael's Seminary in Kingston, Jamaica, as they unpack this Sunday's readings before you head to Mass!
This week's conversation dives deep into Ezekiel's "watchman" prophecy, the delicate balance between fraternal correction and unconditional love, and Jesus' teaching on confronting sin within the Christian community. Discover why the harsh-sounding first reading is actually rooted in restoration and hope, why constant rebuke can push people away rather than draw them in, and how Matthew's gospel — using the word "ekklesia" (church) — flips our expectations upside down, echoing the Beatitudes' call to mercy.
Whether you're a parent struggling with how to address a child's choices, a friend navigating disagreement, or simply looking to understand Sunday's scripture more deeply, this discussion offers rich theological insight paired with real, practical wisdom.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introductions from St. Michael's Seminary 00:31 – Understanding Ezekiel's "Watchman" Prophecy 01:05 – Context: Ministering to a People in Exile 01:46 – The Watchman Parable Explained 02:36 – Why Ezekiel's Warning Matters Now 03:49 – When Correction Becomes "Finger-Wagging" 04:26 – Parents, Adult Children & the Pain of Different Paths 05:47 – Love as the Foundation of Correction (2nd Reading) 07:36 – "Let Him Who Is Without Sin..." 07:55 – Breaking Down the Gospel: Matthew 18 08:24 – Why Matthew Uses the Word "Ekklesia" (Church) 09:47 – The Beatitudes' Hidden Structure & Irony 10:51 – The Upside-Down Logic of Mercy 11:39 – Not Exclusion, But Invitation Back In 13:14 – Binding, Loosing & Showing Mercy to Ourselves 13:40 – Closing Blessing
About This Series
"Know Before You Go" prepares Catholics for Sunday Mass with insightful, conversational breakdowns of the week's scripture readings from scholars and priests at St. Michael's Seminary.
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