In this episode, Vicki Briggs unpacks St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, exploring how pride and power can blind us from God's truth—just as it did for Paul before his Damascus road encounter. Vicki reflects on how God consistently chooses the lowly and despised to accomplish His work, from the shepherds at Christ's birth to the possibility of redemption even for King Herod. She challenges us to recognize that our talents, achievements, and successes are all gifts from God, not personal accomplishments to claim as our own. Through personal stories and examples from everyday life (including football players pointing to heaven), Vicki invites us to look back on our lives, identify where God has been working, and give credit where it's truly due.

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Vicki grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended Catholic schools before moving to Austin to earn a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas. After graduating, she moved to Houston to work for Exxon Refining at Baytown. There she met Mike Briggs, a native of Midland. Mike returned to Midland to work for Dow Corning, and Vicki followed shortly thereafter. They were married here at Blessed Sacrament and have three children and eight grandchildren. Mike and Vicki lead a Small Faith Group and enjoy being active in our Midland community.

In this episode, Cathy Richard journeys through a gospel passage that moves from John the Baptist's arrest to Isaiah's prophecy of a great light piercing despair—and culminates in the instant, radical calling of the first disciples. Drawing on personal anecdotes (including a longing for Jesus' gaze and finding solace in creation), Cathy explores what it truly means to say "Thy will be done," to surrender our fears, and to let Christ's light shine through our acts of love, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. Join Cathy as she discovers how hope arises even in our darkest seasons—and how each of us is invited to become a beacon for others.

Pulling back the curtain on the podcast, Kristyn Russell turns our attention to one of the most overlooked—and most relatable—parts of Scripture: the Psalms. Through music, memory, and Psalm 40, we explore how praise and lament often live side by side, just like they do in our own hearts. From prayers that sound like “What the heck, God?” to quieter moments of gratitude, this homily reminds us that every honest prayer counts. The psalms don’t ask for polished performances or grand sacrifices; they invite us to listen, to love, and to live lives shaped by obedience and compassion. A reflection on hearing God’s voice, trusting the law written on our hearts, and responding with courage: “Here I am, Lord.”

Psalm Recommendations:

For Joy & Praise

• Psalm 100: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth."
• Psalm 103: Blesses the Lord for His forgiveness, healing, and love.
• Psalm 150: A crescendo of praise using all instruments.

For Hope & Trust

• Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd..."
• Psalm 62: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him."

For Fear & Anxiety

• Psalm 27: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
• Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

For Grief & Distress

• Psalm 6: "Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony."
• Psalm 13: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"

For Anger & Outrage

• Psalm 137: Expresses righteous anger and longing for justice.
• Psalm 4:4: "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."

For Loneliness & Abandonment

• Psalm 142: A cry for refuge when no one cares.

For Confession & Repentance

• Psalm 51: A classic prayer for mercy and cleansing.
• Psalm 130: