Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A): Love God More

A Reflection on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) – June 28, 2026

As we gather for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church places before us profound themes of hospitality, dying to self, and radical discipleship. These readings challenge us to prioritize Christ above all and to live as people who have died to sin and now live for God.

 The Readings

In the First Reading (2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a), a woman of Shunem shows generous hospitality to the prophet Elisha, preparing a room for him and receiving God’s blessing in return—a promised son. This reminds us that welcoming God’s servants (and ultimately Christ Himself) opens us to divine generosity.

The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19) sings of God’s faithful love and the joy of those who walk in His light: “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”

In the Second Reading (Romans 6:3-4, 8-11), St. Paul proclaims the power of Baptism: “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” We have died with Christ to sin; we must now consider ourselves “dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”

The Gospel (Matthew 10:37-42) contains Jesus’ demanding call to discipleship: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Jesus also promises reward for simple acts of hospitality and charity done in His name—even giving a cup of cold water to one of His little ones.

 Connecting to Our Times: Love, Truth, and the Call to Repentance

On this very Sunday, June 28, 2026, New York City hosts its annual Pride March—a large public celebration of LGBTQ+ identities and lifestyles. In a culture that often equates affirmation with love and views any moral disagreement as hatred, the Gospel invites us to a higher, more demanding charity.

The Church has always taught: hate the sin, but love the sinner. This is not a slogan of rejection but the very pattern of Christ’s own ministry. Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners, yet He called them to repentance and conversion: “Go and sin no more.” True love does not leave people in slavery to sin; it calls them into the freedom of living according to God’s design for human sexuality and the human person—male and female, in complementarity, ordered toward the goods of marriage and family as revealed in Scripture and Tradition.

St. Paul’s words today are especially pointed: we have died to sin. Sexual immorality, including acts outside of marriage between one man and one woman, is among the sins to which the baptized must die. This call is not aimed only at those marching in Pride events; it is universal. Every one of us has areas of attachment, selfishness, or disordered desire where we must take up the cross, die to self, and follow Jesus. The Gospel’s standard is radical: Christ must come first—even before family, identity, or cultural approval.

Hospitality and welcome remain essential. We are called to treat every person with dignity, respect, and concrete charity, just as the Shunemite woman welcomed Elisha. But genuine hospitality includes speaking the truth in love. We are to invite all—especially those caught in patterns contrary to God’s will—to repent, amend their lives, and enter more fully into the joy of new life in Christ. The promise of the Gospel is not loss but gain: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

May we, as baptized Christians, live boldly in this “newness of life.” Let our parishes and homes be places of radical welcome to every sinner (which includes all of us), while remaining clear about the demands of discipleship. In a world that celebrates autonomy and self-definition, we proclaim that true freedom and identity are found only in losing ourselves in Jesus Christ.

Lord, help us to love as You love—without compromise on truth, yet with mercy that calls every heart to conversion. Amen.

The Iron Inquisitor: Randall Williams’ Journey from Social Media Apologist to Seminarian

The Iron Inquisitor: Randall Williams’ Journey from Social Media Apologist to Seminarian

In an era where social media often distracts from deeper truths, one young man has harnessed its power to proclaim the Catholic faith with clarity, conviction, and a touch of humor. Randall Williams, known online as the "Iron Inquisitor," has become a leading voice in Catholic apologetics, amassing over 12 million monthly views across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. His bold defense of Catholicism, rooted in philosophy, theology, and personal testimony, has inspired countless followers. Recently, Randall made two life-altering announcements: he was invited to Rome for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, and he has quit his job as a software engineer to enter the seminary to discern the Catholic priesthood. This 2000-word blog post explores Randall’s remarkable journey, his impact as a digital missionary, his call to the priesthood, and a biography of his life. Join us in congratulating this faithful young man and lifting him up in prayer as he embarks on this sacred path.

 The Rise of the Iron Inquisitor

Randall Williams, a 26-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area, is no ordinary social media influencer. His platform, the Iron Inquisitor, is a digital haven for those seeking answers about the Catholic faith. With content ranging from in-depth investigations like “I Investigated the Loretto Staircase Miracle” to spirited debates on sola scriptura with Protestant ministers, Randall’s videos combine theological rigor with relatable storytelling. His channel garners over 12 million views per month, a testament to his ability to connect with a generation hungry for truth in a world of fleeting trends.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)

What sets Randall apart is his authenticity. In his short film Metanoia, which won a 2025 Truth and Beauty Award from Ascension Press, he contrasts the emptiness of social media “doomscrolling” with the lasting peace of returning to faith. The semi-autobiographical film depicts a young man (played by Randall) who misses a deadline due to his addiction to scrolling, only to find solace in prayer at a Marian grotto. This narrative mirrors Randall’s own journey of rediscovering Catholicism after a period of spiritual drift.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)

Randall’s content doesn’t shy away from tough topics. From confronting progressive Catholic conventions to debating Jewish rabbis and Anglican priests, he engages with charity and confidence, encouraging Catholics to defend their faith with clarity. His episode on the podcast What’s the Dill? highlights his passion for apologetics, philosophy, and evangelization, offering practical advice for Catholics navigating online challenges. As a brand ambassador for Catholic Answers, a catechist for the Diocese of San Jose, and an altar server for Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Randall lives his faith both online and offline.[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_MHRWXmbJERM)[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_IYbG20vgqXc)[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)

 The Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers

In July 2025, Randall’s influence reached new heights when he was invited to Rome for the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers, a significant event during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. Held on July 28–29, 2025, the gathering brought together content creators from around the world to celebrate the role of digital media in evangelization. Randall, representing the Iron Inquisitor, shared his insights on defending the Catholic faith online, offering advice to fellow creators on how to engage audiences with truth and charity.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)

The event, hosted in Rome, was a milestone for Randall, who described it as a “profound honor” to be recognized among global Catholic influencers. In an interview with Fareastrandcatholicnews on TikTok, he emphasized the importance of authenticity and prayer in digital ministry, urging creators to “speak from the heart” and root their work in the Eucharist. His presence at the Jubilee underscored his growing influence and the Church’s recognition of social media as a vital tool for spreading the Gospel.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)

However, the event also sparked discussions about the role of “influencers” in the Church. Some critics argue that the term “Catholic influencer” risks trivializing the sacred mission of evangelization, equating it with secular fame. While Randall’s work is deeply rooted in faith, the label “influencer” can sometimes overshadow the spiritual weight of his calling. Nevertheless, his participation in Rome highlights the Church’s embrace of digital platforms to reach a new generation, and Randall’s contributions stood out as a model of effective, faith-driven content creation.

 A Bold Step: Entering the Seminary

On August 12, 2025, Randall shared a life-changing decision with his followers: he had quit his job as a software engineer to enter the seminary and discern a vocation to the Catholic priesthood. The announcement, posted on X by his friend and priest @FatherCapo, sparked an outpouring of support and prayers from his community. “I’m beyond proud of him for staying strong in body, mind, and spirit, and for being truly strong in the Lord,” Father Capo wrote.

Randall’s decision reflects a deep commitment to following God’s call, even at great personal sacrifice. Leaving a stable career in software engineering, a field where he excelled, was no small feat. Yet, as Randall shared in a recent YouTube video, his journey of defending the faith online led him to a profound encounter with Christ’s call to serve as a priest. “The more I shared the faith, the more I felt God pulling me toward something deeper,” he said. “I want to give my life to Him, to serve His people, and to bring others to the truth I’ve found.”

The decision to enter the seminary is not a guarantee of ordination but a period of discernment, typically lasting six to eight years, during which Randall will study theology, philosophy, and pastoral ministry while deepening his spiritual life. His choice resonates with many young Catholics who admire his courage to prioritize faith over worldly success. However, some skeptics question whether social media influencers can fully transition to the humility required of priesthood, given the public nature of their platforms. Randall’s transparency about his struggles with social media addiction, as depicted in Metanoia, suggests he is acutely aware of these challenges and equipped to face them with the “tools” of faith, prayer, and discipline.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)

 Biography of Randall Williams

Early Life and Education  

Randall Williams was born in 1999 in the San Francisco Bay Area to a devout Catholic family. Raised in San Mateo, California, he attended St. Gregory School and Junipero Serra High School, where he was exposed to Catholic teachings but admits to taking his faith for granted as a teenager. A competitive bodybuilder and gifted student, Randall excelled in academics and athletics, developing a discipline that would later define his work as the Iron Inquisitor.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)

His faith took a backseat during high school, drawn to the allure of secular culture and social media. However, a pivotal moment came during his time at the College of San Mateo, where he joined a Protestant Bible study group. “Those guys really pushed me to take my faith seriously,” Randall recalled. The experience sparked a reversion to Catholicism, as he rediscovered the depth of the Church’s teachings through study and prayer.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)

Randall went on to graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in computer science, launching a successful career as a software engineer. Despite his professional success, he felt a growing call to share his faith, leading to the creation of the Iron Inquisitor platform in 2022.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)

The Iron Inquisitor  

Launched on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, the Iron Inquisitor quickly gained traction for its bold, unapologetic defense of Catholicism. Randall’s content spans a wide range of topics, from investigating Catholic miracles to debating theological concepts like sola scriptura. His ability to engage with critics, including atheists, Protestants, and progressive Catholics, has earned him respect as a thoughtful apologist. Videos like “I Tried the Only McDonalds Inside the Vatican” blend humor with faith, while others, like “Catholic Grills Anglican Priest for 2 Hours,” showcase his intellectual rigor.[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)[](https://www.christendom.app/watch/yt_IYbG20vgqXc)[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)

Randall’s work extends beyond social media. As a catechist for the Diocese of San Jose, he teaches young Catholics the foundations of their faith. As an altar server for Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, he serves at the heart of the liturgy. His role as a brand ambassador for Catholic Answers further amplifies his reach, providing resources for those seeking answers about Catholicism.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)

Personal Struggles and Faith  

Randall is candid about his struggles with social media addiction, a theme central to Metanoia. “It’s something I continue to struggle with,” he admitted, “but now I have the tools to deal with it”. His transparency resonates with his audience, particularly young adults navigating the digital age. His reversion experience, sparked by a Protestant Bible study, highlights his openness to truth, even from unexpected sources, and his commitment to living authentically as a Catholic.[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)

The Call to Priesthood  

Randall’s decision to enter the seminary in 2025 marks a new chapter in his journey. While he has not publicly disclosed the specific seminary, his announcement reflects a deep discernment process, guided by prayer and spiritual direction. His work as the Iron Inquisitor has prepared him for this step, as he has already dedicated years to serving the Church through evangelization. His invitation to Rome for the Jubilee further affirmed his calling, connecting him with a global community of Catholics committed to spreading the Gospel.[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)

 The Impact of Randall’s Work

Randall’s influence as the Iron Inquisitor extends far beyond view counts. His content has inspired countless viewers to explore Catholicism, return to the sacraments, or deepen their understanding of the faith. His Metanoia film, recognized by Ascension Press, has been praised for its raw honesty and spiritual depth, earning a place among the top Catholic content of 2025. His podcast appearances, such as on What’s the Dill?, have equipped Catholics with practical tools for defending their faith online.[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)

However, Randall’s journey also raises questions about the intersection of faith and digital culture. Some traditional Catholics argue that social media, with its emphasis on likes and followers, can dilute the humility required for true evangelization. Randall counters this by grounding his work in prayer and the Eucharist, ensuring his platform serves Christ rather than personal ambition. His decision to enter the seminary suggests a willingness to surrender the spotlight for a life of service, a powerful testament to his priorities.

 A Call for Prayers and Congratulations

Randall Williams’ decision to enter the seminary is a bold and inspiring step, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to God’s will. As he discerns the priesthood, he faces a journey of sacrifice, study, and spiritual growth. We invite our readers to join us in praying for Randall, that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in faith, and surrounded by a supportive community. Let us also congratulate this young man for his courage to leave a successful career and follow Christ’s call. His work as the Iron Inquisitor has already touched millions, and his potential as a priest could transform countless more lives.

To Randall, we say: Well done, faithful servant! Your journey from software engineer to digital missionary to seminarian is a powerful witness to the transformative power of faith. May God bless you abundantly as you discern His will.

Prayer for Randall Williams  

Heavenly Father, we lift up Randall Williams as he enters the seminary to discern Your call to the priesthood. Grant him wisdom, courage, and perseverance. Surround him with Your love and the support of Your Church. May his journey inspire others to seek You with all their hearts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Sources

- Archdiocese of San Francisco: “Local Catholic software engineer wins ‘Truth and Beauty Award’”[](https://sfarchdiocese.org/local-catholic-software-engineer-wins-truth-and-beauty-award/)

- California Catholic Daily: “Randall Williams, social media addict, comes home”[](https://www.cal-catholic.com/randall-williams-social-media-addict-comes-home/)

- CatholicVote: “Software engineer wins award for short film inspired by his return to the Catholic Church”[](https://catholicvote.org/software-engineer-wins-award-short-film-inspired-return-catholic-church/)

- Christendom: “Iron Inquisitor”[](https://www.christendom.app/channels/ironinquisitor)

- TikTok: “Conversación con Randall Williams sobre la fe católica”[](https://www.tiktok.com/%40fareastrandcatholicnews/video/7532743399884049670)

- What’s the Dill? Podcast: “Ep. 143 - How Defending The Catholic Faith Led To Explosive Success”[](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1163120/episodes/16692614-ep-143-how-defending-the-catholic-faith-led-to-explosive-success)

- X Post by @FatherCapo, August 12, 2025

 

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time - God's Calling You

We are now back in the season of Ordinary Time. During this season, the Church focuses on the teachings of Christ and His everyday life. Today's theme is: God calls.

In the first reading, we read of Samuel who is called by God but he does not realize it. He thinks it is Eli who is calling him. Eli is the high priest who is training Samuel. Again God calls out to Samuel, but he thinks it is Eli who then tells him to go back to sleep. This goes on three times and at the third time is when Eli realized that it was God calling Samuel. Notice that God calls out to Samuel three times foreshadowing the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why was God calling Samuel?  Was God making cosmic prank calls? No not at all.  God called Samuel just like He calls each one of us to do something in this world (Jeremiah 1:5). We sometimes do not realize that God is calling us and confuse Him for someone else as in the case with Samuel who thought it was Eli calling him.  Many times we even hide from God when He calls us as Adam and Eve did way back in the beginning (Genesis 3:9).  This is why discernment is important when we hear a call within ourselves. We must make sure it is God calling and understand what He wants of us. Like Samuel, we must respond to the call with: "speak Lord for your servant is listening." God will then inform us what He wants us to do.

The responsorial Psalm responds to the first reading with "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will." This Psalm reminds us that once we hear God's call, we must make a choice.  Hopefully the choice will be, "Here am I, I come to do your will."

In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that our bodies are not for immorality, but for God.  The body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We often look in awe at the beautiful Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and other buildings built in honor of God. However, there is one temple that trumps all of these man-made beauties and that is our human body. It is this body which God uses to spread the Good News around the world. We must respect our bodies by keeping them healthy not only physically, but also spiritually (1 Timothy 4:8). Today we live in a world that preaches to us that the body belongs to us and we can do whatever we want to it. We waste medical resources trying to look younger or to alter our appearance.  We kill our unborn because they are deemed an "inconvenience" or unplanned. This is an affront to God and nature. The body belongs to God.  It was created by God and it returns to dust at the command of God. This body of ours must serve God and not the vices of this world which destroy the body (Romans 12:1-2).

Finally in the Gospel we read of Christ calling His first disciples. This ties in with the first reading. It is God who calls us. There might be an Eli or John there (friend, priest, religious guide, spiritual director), but the voice that calls is of God.  Notice how the disciples leave everything and follow Him. Christ calls us to leave all things behind (Matthew 16:24). When we follow Christ, it will not be puppies and kittens or apples and peaches. Things will get rough. We will have much to suffer because we will be taking on a role; a way of life that is different from what this world offers. The world offers us riches, success, popularity, fun and so forth. Christ offers us eternal life, joy and love that never dissipates, but at the cost of losing ourselves in this world. Like in the movie, "The Matrix," we must allow God to "unplug" us from this reality that has us imprisoned in a life of sin and hedonism which brings temporary happiness that never leads to joy. Getting "unplugged" is not a smooth ride, so to speak.  It can be scary and may cause us to rethink our decision to accept God's call.  However, we must trust God and know that He is God and has control of all things (Psalm 46:10). When we let God in completely, nothing in this world will bother us, not even death. So let us listen to God's call in our lives and reply to it like Samuel did, "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."      



Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011815.cfm