Episode 12 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Welcome to another episode of '2 Minutes with the Lord,' where we delve into the profound lessons of Jesus's parables and their direct relevance to our daily lives. I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today we're exploring The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. This story is not just a historical account but a mirror reflecting our approaches to spirituality and humility. Let's unpack this powerful lesson and see how it resonates with our personal and spiritual journeys. In the Gospel of Luke 18:10-14, this parable features two men going to the temple to pray. One is a Pharisee, respected and outwardly righteous; the other, a tax collector, widely despised in that society. The Pharisee stands and prays about himself, thanking God that he is not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. He boasts about fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of all he gets. In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, not even willing to look up to heaven, and beats his breast, saying, ''God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'' Jesus concludes by saying that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
8 Juli 20244min
Episode 11 The Parable of the Rich Fool
”Hello and welcome to '2 Minutes with the Lord,' where we explore the timeless wisdom of Jesus' parables and apply their lessons to our contemporary lives. I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we're diving into The Parable of the Rich Fool—a story that challenges our understanding of wealth and priorities. How does this ancient story speak to our modern obsession with material success and security? Let's find out." In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus said, Once, there was a wealthy man whose fields yielded a tremendous harvest. Pleased with his fortune, he pondered, "What should I do? I don't have enough storage for all my crops." He decided, "I know what I'll do. I'll tear down my small barns and build larger ones. Then I can store all my grain and say, 'You have plenty stored away for years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and enjoy life!'" But that very night, God said to him, "You foolish man! Your life will end tonight. Then who will get everything you've prepared for yourself?" Jesus concluded by saying, "This is what happens to those who store earthly wealth but are not rich towards God." To be 'rich towards God' means prioritizing spiritual and communal aspects of life over material wealth and self-indulgence and using one's resources to serve others and build a better community.
30 Juni 20245min
Episode 10 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
“Welcome back to ‘2 Minutes with the Lord,’ where we seek wisdom and guidance through the parables of Jesus. I’m Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we’re delving into The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. This parable offers a profound perspective on forgiveness and mercy, two pillars that should uphold our everyday interactions. Let’s explore what Jesus teaches about the cycle of forgiveness and its impact on our lives.” “In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, Jesus tells a story about a king who decides to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owes him ten thousand talents—an impossibly large sum. Unable to pay, the servant begs for mercy, and the king compassionately forgives the debt. However, this servant encounters a fellow servant who owes him much less. Instead of extending the same forgiveness he received, he demands payment and has the man imprisoned. When the king learns of this, he’s outraged and reverses his mercy, punishing the unforgiving servant for his lack of compassion.”
25 Juni 20243min
Episode 09 The Parable of the Lost Coin
"Welcome to '2 Minutes with the Lord,' where we uncover the treasures hidden in Jesus's teachings. I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas, SVD. Today, we're exploring The Parable of the Lost Coin, a simple yet profound story about persistence, value, and rejoicing. "In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. When she does, she calls her friends and neighbors and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' Jesus uses this story to show the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents—more joy than ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
14 Juni 20244min
Episode 08 The Parable of the Great Banquet
"Welcome to '2 Minutes with the Lord,' where we delve into Jesus's teachings to draw lessons for our current times. I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we're discussing The Parable of the Great Banquet. This story is not just about a feast or dinner party; it's a powerful metaphor for inclusion, acceptance, and the expansive nature of God's kingdom. Let's explore the parable more deeply.
13 Juni 20243min
Episode 07 The Parable of Ten Virgins
"Welcome back to '2 Minutes with the Lord,' where we explore Jesus' teachings to understand their profound impact on our lives. I'm Fr. Dominic Veigas, SVD, and today, we're delving deeper into The Parable of the Ten Virgins. This story isn't just about preparedness; it's a reflection on our spiritual endurance and the quality of our daily walk with Christ. Let's analyze this parable and discover how to apply its lessons to be spiritually vigilant and ready." "Jesus presents this parable in Matthew 25 to illustrate what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like. Ten virgins, or bridesmaids, are waiting for the bridegroom—five are wise and bring extra oil for their lamps; five are foolish and bring only oil what's in their lamps. As the bridegroom's arrives late, they all fall asleep. At midnight, the cry rings out, 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' All ten wake up, but only the wise have enough oil to keep their lamps burning. The foolish ask for oil but are told to go and buy their own. While they are gone, the bridegroom arrives, and the wise virgins go with him to the wedding feast. The door is then shut. When the foolish virgins return, it's too late; the door is closed, and the bridegroom declares, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.'"
2 Juni 20244min
Episode 06 The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders Welcome to another enlightening episode of '2 Minutes with the Lord.' I'm your host, Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we embark on a journey of self-discovery through The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders. This parable, shared by Jesus Himself, holds profound insights into the foundations of our lives and their impact on our personal and spiritual development. Let's delve into this timeless teaching.
24 Maj 20245min
Episode 05 The Parable of the Talents
Have you ever wondered how Jesus' teachings can guide us daily? Welcome to '2 Minutes with the Lord,' a space where we delve into these teachings and uncover their relevance. I'm Fr. Dominic Veigas SVD, and today, we're exploring The Parable of the Talents. This powerful story challenges us to reflect on how we use our God-given gifts and resources. In the Gospel of Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells a story about a person embarking on a journey who entrusts his property to his servants. To one, he gives five talents; to another, two; and to another, one according to his ability. With hearts full of courage, the first two servants invest their talents and watch them multiply. With a heart gripped by fear, the third servant buries his talent in the ground, fearing to lose it. When the master returns, he praises the first two for their diligence and scolds the third for his inaction, taking away even the little he has and giving it to the one with the most.
18 Maj 20245min
