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This lecture was given on October 11th, 2023, at Harvard University. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Stephen Meredith is a professor at the University of Chicago’s Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neurology. He is also an associate faculty member in the University of Chicago Divinity School. He has published more than 100 journal articles, focusing on the biophysics of protein structure. Much of his work has been the application of solution and solid-state NMR to the study of amyloid proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. He has also published articles on literature and philosophy in diverse aspects of medical humanities and bioethics. His teaching includes courses to graduate students in biochemistry and biophysics, medical students, and undergraduates and graduate students in the humanities, including courses on James Joyce’s Ulysses, St. Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Dostoevsky (focusing on Brothers Karamazov), Thomas Mann and David Foster Wallace. He is currently working on a book examining disease and the theological problem of evil. Other current writing projects include a study of James Joyce and the problem of evil.

Is Smerdyakov a Human Being? | Prof. Stephen Meredith

There are two types of makeup: the kind we wear on our face and the kind we wear in our speech. Today, Jeff expresses the importance of avoiding false forms of speaking, especially as Christians. 

Snippet from the Show 
“Let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation.” - James 5:12

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Should Christians Use Make-up?

What does a triathlon have to do with the Communion of Saints? Fr. Mike Schmitz draws parallels between his experience of completing a triathlon and the believer’s experience of journeying to heaven.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

All Saints Day Pep Talk

Art and Laraine Bennett explore the four classic temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—and their impact on marital dynamics. They provide insights into how these innate personality traits influence communication, affection, work habits, and spirituality within a marriage. Through practical advice and real-life examples, the Bennetts guide couples to better understand and appreciate their spouse's temperament, fostering deeper mutual respect and love.

The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse | eBook

Episode 251 - Jesus's Favorite Things: Seeing the Unseen, Series on Jesus's Favorite Things (Part 6) How do you think Jesus sees us? Jesus's heart desires to see us, to have the unseen be seen. But he doesn't just want us to be seen as collected and consumed. Jesus likes us for us and sees us for who we are and how we want to be truly seen. This episode talks about how Jesus sees us, particularly the person or parts of our lives that are overlooked and the unseen. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/ 🛒 In preparation for Lent, check out Jesus and the Jubilee https://stpaulcenter.com/jubilee/ 🛒 Check out some rosaries we made in collaboration with Chews Life https://bit.ly/chewslife-poco

Jesus's Favorite Things: Seeing the Unseen

Embark on a spiritual journey into God’s Heart and experience some of the most powerful and time-tested expressions of prayer. You will find, together in this one book, all the tools you need to form the daily habit of communing with God, to develop a steady prayer life, and to receive the life-giving water that God offers you at every moment. 

40 Days, 40 Ways to Pray | eBook

Today I sit down with Fr. Gregory Pine to discuss the doctrine of divine simplicity. We also take a look at some of Dr. William Lane Craig's objections to the doctrine. SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

176: Divine Simplicity & William Lane Craig W/ Fr. Gregory Pine

What do I want to be true about me at the end of this year that is not currently true? At the beginning of this new year, Fr. Mike shares the advice of Stephen Covey: &quot;Begin with the end in mind.&quot; Our days are limited and Fr. Mike encourages us to examine who we want to be and to start working towards that now.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How to Begin with the End in Mind

📺 This is a clip from a Locals ONLY stream. To watch the full interview become a supporter at <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com/support">https://mattfradd.locals.com/support</a> Get Matt's book, The Porn Myth (it's on Audible too): <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Porn-Myth-Exposing-Reality-Pornography/dp/162164006X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1682085301&amp;sr=8-1"> https://www.amazon.com/Porn-Myth-Exposing-Reality-Pornography/dp/162164006X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1682085301&amp;sr=8-1</a> This Happened... 🟣 Join Us on Locals (before we get banned on YT): <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com/">https://mattfradd.locals.com/</a> ✝️ Show Sponsor: <a href="https://hallow.com/mattfradd">https://hallow.com/mattfradd</a> 🖥️ Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> 🟢 Rumble: <a href="https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas">https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas</a> 👕 Merch: <a href="https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com">https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com</a> 🚫 FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> 🔵 Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> 📸 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> We get a small kick back from affiliate links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Heated Debate on Pornography w/ Dennis Prager

Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe DiemEpisode 12:  Bodyset:  Accepting our Bodies – with Dr. Andrew Sodergren Show Notes To accept the body, we need to accept the body as a gift.  Obstacles to receiving our bodies as a gift:1.       Our bodies are imperfect and we are very aware of things we don’t like about our bodies, that fall short of the ideals that we have for our bodies.  Can be superficial issues, or more major issues such as disabilities and major medical problems.  Shame is often body-related.  Body as an obstacle to my self-perfection.  Our body and identity are given to us, not as blank slates.  There is meaning, order, and purpose already built in to our bodies, we discover those, we don’t create or command the meaning, order and purpose of our bodies.  Times when our bodies let us down, not strong enough.  2.      We associate the body with sin or sinfulness.  We can blame the body for sinfulness and hold the body in distrust.  3.      Our bodies link us to other people, especially in our families of origin.  My body reminds me of my past, my family.  4.      How other people have treated our bodies.  How people react to our bodies.  We can despise our bodies because of what our bodies have elicited from others in the past.   There is always a coherent story about why we might have feelings of hatred toward our bodies.  We want to get to the wound, pain, and the story behind the feelings of hatred for the body.  The feelings toward the body and body sensations can point us toward deeper issues and realities.  Hating our bodies means that we are hating ourselves.  Guided reflection on noticing what is going on in your body and receiving it as a gift. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Peter discuss the need to resolve correctable disorder in the body and about the body either in this life or in Purgatory before entering in to heaven.Get in touch at <a href="mailto:crisis@soulsandhearts.com">crisis@soulsandhearts.com</a> or at 317.567.9594.  Register at soulsandhearts.com for the podcast as well.

12 Bodyset:  Accepting our Bodies – with Dr. Andrew Sodergren

Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem The huge mistake we make with our emotions in a crisisEpisode 7:  April 10, 2020Let’s get right to it.  Today we are discussing the one huge mistake that we human beings tend to make with our emotions when we are in a drawn-out crisis situation. One major mistake that we all are prone to make when we are stressed.  And we’re going to also not just discuss the remedy to that huge common mistake – but also we are going to practice that remedy.  I will walk you through an experiential exercise to help you rise above that common mistake and help you know yourself better.  So stay with me, here we go…Cue musicWelcome to the podcast Coronavirus Crisis:  Carpe Diem where together we embrace the possibilities and opportunities for spiritual and psychological growth during this pandemic, all grounded in a Catholic worldview. I’m clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski with Souls and Hearts.  Thank you for being here.  So what is the great mistake that many of us make with our intense emotions in a crisis?  In one word the answer is:  Neglect.  We neglect them.  We disregard them.  We don’t pay attention to them.  We avoid them.  We defend against them so that in an emergency they don’t keep us from being able to act.  And that is helpful in the short run.  Imagine firefight on a battlefield where a soldier’s legs are wounded by shrapnel and he can’t move.  His buddy moves quickly and efficiently to stop the bleeding and is carrying him back to the medic for care.  It would not help his buddy to get overwhelmed with emotion, fear, or a sense of loss, or to remember in that moment all the good times they had together on base.  Temporarily, his buddy can keep out of conscious awareness all those memories and all that emotion to be able to focus on the demands of the moment.  And that is a gift from God.  We naturally have defenses that keep some of our internal experience out of conscious awareness so we can function under stress.  We call them defenses because they defend us, they protect us against internal experiences that otherwise would overwhelm us, swamp us with their intensity.  Some clinicians call these defenses coping mechanisms.  So what are these defenses?  You’ve heard of many of them – denial, repression, avoidance, dissociation – I have a list of about 50 of them that I consider when I’m doing psychological evaluations. The function of all of these defenses is to protect us from being overwhelmed by our experience, particularly intense emotional experiences.  The problem is that over time, these defenses all have costs.  There is a price to pay for using a defense.  The costs is often part of the defense itself – for example, getting hung over after drinking too much.  But a cost common to all defenses is that are not as in touch with our emotions.  In general, people only deal with what they consciously experience and they assume that this is all that there is.  If I don’t feel it, it’s not there.   If a defense is working effectively, it keeps all or at least part of an emotion out of our awareness.  And when we don’t know what we are feeling we are at a disadvantage.  For example, we can’t share those experiences with other people or bring them to God in prayer.  We are not integrated, connected with emotion.  Let me make comparison to the body.  There are some people with rare genetic condition who cannot feel physical pain.   It’s called congenital analgesia And it’s thought to be related to a genetic mutation that interrupts the normal functioning of pain messages in the central nervous system.  They don’t feel it when they burn their mouth with hot coffee, they don’t feel pain when they injure themselves in any way.  Some people might wish to have this condition – to live a pain free life!  But they tend to have short lives.  They don’t have the warning system to protect themselves.  So an example.  Let’s say that you are angry with your spouse, but you have defended against that anger.  It’s likely to come out in your behavior, in ways that you intellect and will can’t address as effectively.  We call that enactment or acting out.  It’s a way of discharging some unconscious emotion through action.  Have you ever had the experience where you where pretty sure someone felt something toward you, but they weren’t aware of it?  Or how about the guy who insists in a frustrated, angry tone, that he is not angry.  “I’m not angry, why do you keep telling me I’m angry?!”  Often people believe what they are saying in those moments.  They are not in touch with their experience.  .  Floyd at the work.  He’s the last one – never complained. He’s enacting.  So now we are weeks into this crisis.  It’s dragging on.  We’ve had time to build up emotions about it.  The problem is not that we have some temporary disconnect from intense emotion.  But when we don’t seek to understand ourselves, when we stay unaware of what we are feeling – then problems come in.How can my emotions influence my actions when I am not feeling them?  Emotions signal important things going on within us.  They inform us about our experience.  And when they are kept out of awareness by defenses, there is a God-given pull for the trouble to come to the surface.  The more we repress and refuse to acknowledge an emotion, the more that emotion tries to get to the surface.  It’s like trying to keep a beach ball under the water.  Or think about it this way.  Have you ever been in the presence of compassionate person and then all of sudden had an insight about what you’re really struggling with – a realization.  The love of the other helps the defenses to relax so the problem can come to the surface without overwhelming you.  Remedy: Experiential exercise.  Not therapy.  Sounds really simple Importance of Gentleness with self.  A very important aspect of heartset:  Willingness to look inside and own what is there.  Seek and ye shall find.  Slow down.  You can find out.  Create the conditions.  Mindset of acceptance of all your internal experience.   Be willing to own your emotions.  If we are, we are going to see things we don’t want to see.  Impulses, desires, attitudes, but also emotions.  Shame, grief, anger,  First and second moral acts.   Saints:  Discuss wretchedness not their wonderfulness?Set asideTime to feel.  Space to feel.  Relationship to feel Note your reactions.Drawing or doodling. Writing down in a journal – putting thoughts and feelings into words allows us to engaging the will and the intellect. Let me know how this exercise goes for you.  Email me at     <a href="mailto:crisis@soulsandhearts.com">crisis@soulsandhearts.com</a> Let’s stay connected. If you sign up at soulsandhearts.com for this podcast you will get the Wednesday morning email with extra tips and insider information, including sneak peaks.  For example, I will send you a list of the names of 50 or so defenses that I consider in evalu...

7 The Huge Mistake We Make with our Emotions in a Crisis

We have arrived at the “nugget day” or the In Brief for the sections on The Father and Original Sin. Fr. Mike reiterates the important idea that every human person is good, but every human person is also broken. This brokenness and inclination towards sin is called concupiscence. However, as St. Paul reminds us “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Fr. Mike concludes with the sentiment of hope that we believe that the world has been established and set free by God’s love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 413-421. 

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 59: Summary of The Fall (2024)

Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Jesus is the God of the Broken Heart. Suffering, sickness, and death are devastating. But nothing is worse than losing one’s heart. A broken heart is still home in Jesus’ Heart.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from March 29, 2020:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Ezekiel 37:12-14</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Psalms 130:1-8</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Romans 8:8-11</dt> John 11:1-45 <a href="https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/un-done-broken-not-lost.pdf">Download the Homily Study</a>

03/29/20 Un-Done: Broken, Not Lost

I chat with Dr. Scott Hahn about his conversion to Catholicism. Learn more about Scott Hahn's NEW study, Parousia: The Bible and the Mass - <a href="https://stpaulcenter.com/studies-tools/journey-through-scripture/parousia-the-bible-and-the-mass/?utm_source=vanity_url&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=parousia"> https://stpaulcenter.com/studies-tools/journey-through-scripture/parousia-the-bible-and-the-mass/?utm_source=vanity_url&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=parousia</a> FREE E-book "You Can Understand Aquinas": <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/understanding-thomas">https://pintswithaquinas.com/understanding-thomas</a> SPONSORS Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> Catholic Chemistry: <a href="https://catholicchemistry.com">https://catholicchemistry.com</a> GIVING Patreon or Directly: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/support/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/support/</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer co-producer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> Gab: https://gab.com/mattfradd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

The Conversion of Dr. Scott Hahn | Ep. 257

How did Jesus teach? What was his style? It is very important for us to understand what Jesus taught and what it means for our lives. However, as Jeff Cavins shares in this episode, it is also important for us to understand how Jesus taught. If we can understand his methods, we can do our best to share and teach the faith as he did. Jeff outlines some of the characteristics of Jesus’ teaching method in this episode.

Snippet from the Show 
“I fell more in love with Jesus as I learned how he taught and communicated.”

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Jesus, the Master Communicator (Part 1)

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Amusing Ourselves to Death

&quot;The whole of my life has been God’s gift”Kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery, Saint Bakhita held onto hope through her suffering. When she looked to the stars and sun, she knew that there must be a Master of the universe and her desire to know God shaped the course of her life. Come listen to this extraordinary story of forgiveness and the pursuit of joy from the incredible Saint Bakhita! Parental Guidance Note: We start the story of Josephine Bakhita with the scene of her and her friend being kidnapped by slave traders. Parents can pre-screen 4:50-6:45 and review for sensitive younger ears.Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a> Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Welcome to The Saint of the Day Podcast, a service of <a href='https://www.goodcatholic.com/'>Good Catholic</a> and <a href='http://thecatholiccompany.com/'>The Catholic Company</a>.   Today&apos;s featured saint is St. Christopher.   If you like what you heard, share this podcast with someone you know, and make sure to subscribe!🔔Subscribe to Our Channel: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNrdEJMWl9MMHluX2FYOVExYktxa0xGdGp1d3xBQ3Jtc0tsSmFkN2pqNWFkQkI3NVFFeGZYTno0cmp6b1hJVVI3cW5IbmZ4aWN1Y0FLRUJsWUItZGRJSTRPUW13YWtnQVJLbzBUS041TzlveF9Ec3lwSDd4RWgwaFg3VTJQc2Eyc3lXTkF1WWoyM0MyenV2MTdzbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3sX4exh&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3sX4exh</a>✅ Visit Good Catholic for more great content:

7/25 - St. Christopher

Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, we implore God to protect us from temptation and from the evil one. Fr. Mike clarifies what we mean when we ask God not to “lead us into temptation” and emphasizes the importance of discerning between trials and temptations. Lastly, we review the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, known as the final doxology. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2846-2856.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil (2024)

The Catechism moves on from bishops—the episcopacy—to priests in the presbyterate, who share in the bishop’s ministry “in a subordinate degree”, to be “co-workers”. Fr. Mike dives deep into the service-leadership that priests are called to. “[A priest’s] whole life must be configured and must be conformed to Jesus Christ the high priest.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1562-1568.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 214: Priests and the Presbyterate

Homily from the The Ascension of the Lord Approach the Lord with open hearts. It has been said that "10,000 difficulties do not make one single doubt". When we approach God, we can be tempted to hesitate. We need to be able to ask the questions that need to be answered. This asking is not the same thing as doubting.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Mass Readings from May 21, 2023</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Acts 1:1-11</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">Ephesians 1:17-23</dt> Matthew 28:16-20

5/21/23 They Doubted

Below are eight questions that can act as a guide in making a good New Year&#39;s resolution. Ask yourself the following questions:

<ol>
<li>Will this resolution draw me toward Christ or away from Him? Sometimes our goals become self-centered and tend to draw us away from Christ and onto our own agenda. Keep a holy card or crucifix with you when you consider a New Year&#39;s resolution.</li>
<li>Will this resolution enhance my vocation in life? In other words, will it help me as a parent, spouse, single person, priest, or religious? Starting with your vocation is a great place to determine future action. For example, if you are a father some of your decisions are already made. Becoming a better father is something that you know God wants you to do, even more than fitting into that pair of pants in your closet.</li>
<li>Does this resolution have eternal impact on my life and those around me? The decisions that we make today have eternal impact, so it becomes important to budget your time and resources accordingly.</li>
<li>Have I prayed about it and asked God to lead me in my decisions? James 4:15 says that our future decisions should keep in mind the phrase, “if it is the Lord&#39;s will.” We must always qualify our plans with this phrase as sometimes it may be the will of the Lord for us to accomplish a certain thing, but we may be off when it comes to the timing.</li>
<li>Will this resolution take time and resources away from those around me who really depend upon me? We only have so many hours in a day and so many dollars in the bank, so it becomes very important to ask ourselves if the main things in our lives are being taken care of or neglected? If you have a family, it&#39;s a good idea to consult your spouse if you are about to allocate funds or time for your special project.</li>
<li>Am I prepared to accompany my resolution with prayer and fortitude? The prophet Zechariah once said, “not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Simply making the resolution will not bring about the desired results. Rather, fortitude and a constant reliance upon the spirit of God is what brings about the victory in our lives. Ask yourself if you are prepared to soak this change in your life with daily prayer.</li>
<li>Am I prepared to sacrifice and offer up that which is uncomfortable in order to attain my resolution? Whether it be in sports or in the spiritual life, becoming good at something does not come without practice and sacrifice. As “location” is the key to real estate, so practice is the key to the virtuous life. Change comes by habitually practicing the good.</li>
<li>Does this resolution further your walk with Christ and glorify the Lord or does vanity compel you? It&#39;s a wonderful thing to be physically fit, but if being fit is for the purpose of getting noticed, then your heart is in the wrong place. Become fit so that you can be a more effective witness for Christ. Remember all those times you said, &quot;I&#39;m too tired to do (fill in the blank)?</li>
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New Years Resolution 2.0

How do you talk to people about Jesus? Perhaps, you have heard stories of people sharing the Gospel with others at the coffee shop, on an airplane, or some other place. How do you bring up the Gospel with a complete stranger? Jeff Cavins explains the importance of sharing the Gospel and how to start conversations with people you don’t even know.

Snippet from the Show 
“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

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Eating with Sinners

Many people say God acted much differently in the Old Testament than he did in the New Testament. They say the God of the New Testament is merciful and compassionate, but in the Old Testament he is often harsh and unforgiving. A thorough look at Scripture reveals that this is not the case. God is in fact merciful and just throughout the Bible. Fr. Mike clears up a great deal of confusion between the Old and New Testaments, and shows how God has stayed quite the same since before the beginning of time until now.

This isn&#39;t the first time Fr. Mike&#39;s been asked about God changing, check out his <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/podcast/didgodchange-2/" rel="nofollow">original answer here</a>.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Old Testament God vs. New Testament God

Hallow Catholic Prayer App: http://hallow.com/mattfradd Exodus 90: https://exodus90.com/matt New Website Just Dropped: https://pintswithaquinas.com 📗 Fr. Pine's Brand New Book on Prudence! (get it and you're cool): https://amzn.to/3ylrUOJ Join for a short reflection on raising kids Catholic from someone with zero experience of it, followed by the opportunity for all kinds of questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Raising Kids Catholic + Q&A w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

Discover how breathtaking masterpieces helped defend and restore the Faith after the turmoil of the Protestant revolt. When dialogue failed and division spread, the Church turned to beauty to evangelize hearts and minds. Artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini, and Gentileschi crafted sacred works that drew people back to truth through splendor. These vivid pages unveil the stories, struggles, and triumphs behind these timeless creations that continue to inspire and teach today.

How Catholic Art Saved the Faith | eBook

In this episode we discuss the mystery and gift of the Church in the midst of scandals, disappointments, heartaches and failures. We discuss the "both and" nature of the Church that delivers the grace of the sacraments and is made up of only sinners. We chat about the family of the Church and our role as women to help reconcile and restore the broken places through transparency and repentance. We pray you would notice the Holy Spirit working a new thing within your heart this week. Michelle's one thing - <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Be-Transformed-Healing-Power-Sacraments/dp/1594716811/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1618862558&sr=1-3">Be Transformed - Dr. Bob Schuchts</a> Heather's one thing - <a href= "https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/">Restore the Glory Podcast with Dr. Bob Schutchts and Jake Khym</a> Sister Miriam's one thing - <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Gods-Healing-Seven-Longings/dp/0804141150/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="> Broken gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Dr. Gregory Popcak</a> Other Episodes on This Topic: <a href= "https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/podcastarchive/s04-e01-on-summer-and-scandal?rq=scandal"> Season 4, Episode 1: On Summer and Scandal</a> <a href= "https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/podcastarchive/s04-e10-joint-restoration-interview-with-father-josh-johnson-doctors-of-the-church-series-conclusion?rq=scandal"> Season 4, Episode 10: Joint Restoration: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson</a> Discussion questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What struck you from this week's episode?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Have you ever felt like you didn't want to continue being a part of the Church? What experiences brought you back into communion? Where do you still need to experience reconciliation and restoration with the Church?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How do we, especially as women, create safe places for people to repent and for victims to be reconciled to the Church?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What areas does God want to redeem, restore and make new in your own life to bring restoration to the Church?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What trauma have you experienced at the hands of the Church and have you been able to forgive? What wounds have you caused to others within the Church and have you been able to repent?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What wounds is God inviting you to bring to the foot of the cross this week? Take a moment to ask Jesus to meet you there and do for you what you cannot do for yourself.</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder: "How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you! How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you! I would like to see you destroyed, and yet I need your presence. You have given me so much scandal and yet you have made me understand what sanctity is. I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity, more compromised, more false, and yet I have touched nothing more pure, more generous, more beautiful. How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in your face, and how often I have prayed to die in the safety of your arms." - Carlo Carretto, Letters from the Desert Scripture for Lectio Divina: "When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, 'Young man, I tell you, arise!' The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.' Luke 7:13-15 This episode is sponsored by Chews Life. At Chews Life, it is their mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother's face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it. Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! However, Chews Life's Rosaries are designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don't have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life's Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a "bookmark" crucifix charm so that if you don't have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer. These and so much more are available at <a href= "http://www.chewslife.com">www.chewslife.com</a>! Use code ABIDE10 to receive 10% off your purchase (not valid with other discounts).

S09 E18: Loving the Church

We continue our examination of the fifth commandment, taking a closer look at the sin of euthanasia. Fr. Mike emphasizes that whatever the motive, the action of ending a life in order to eliminate suffering is still a sin. He also emphasizes that palliative care, however, is an important and special form of charity and love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2276-2279.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia

Fr. Mike continues to explore the joint mission of the Word and Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Together, we unpack how the Holy Spirit has been moving the prophets, particularly the prophet Isaiah. We learn how the characteristics of the Messiah are revealed, above all, in the “Servant Songs.” We also examine the Holy Spirit’s role in John the Baptist recognizing Christ as Messiah, even from within the womb. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 711-720.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 101: Expecting the Messiah (2024)

This is the first part in a three part series on happiness. Buckle up! We take you into the writings of Aquinas and show how his advice can help you today. Please consider supporting me on Patreon, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">here</a>. Some of Aquinas' text: Article 1. Whether happiness is something uncreated? Objection 1. It would seem that happiness is something uncreated. For Boethius says (De Consol. iii): "We must needs confess that God is happiness itself." Objection 2. Further, happiness is the supreme good. But it belongs to God to be the supreme good. Since, then, there are not several supreme goods, it seems that happiness is the same as God. Objection 3. Further, happiness is the last end, to which man's will tends naturally. But man's will should tend to nothing else as an end, but to God, Who alone is to be enjoyed, as Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 5,22). Therefore happiness is the same as God. On the contrary, Nothing made is uncreated. But man's happiness is something made; because according to Augustine (De Doctr. Christ. i, 3): "Those things are to be enjoyed which make us happy." Therefore happiness is not something uncreated. I answer that, As stated above (I-II:1:8; I-II:2:7), our end is twofold. First, there is the thing itself which we desire to attain: thus for the miser, the end is money. Secondly there is the attainment or possession, the use or enjoyment of the thing desired; thus we may say that the end of the miser is the possession of money; and the end of the intemperate man is to enjoy something pleasurable. In the first sense, then, man's last end is the uncreated good, namely, God, Who alone by His infinite goodness can perfectly satisfy man's will. But in the second way, man's last end is something created, existing in him, and this is nothing else than the attainment or enjoyment of the last end. Now the last end is called happiness. If, therefore, we consider man's happiness in its cause or object, then it is something uncreated; but if we consider it as to the very essence of happiness, then it is something created. Reply to Objection 1. God is happiness by His Essence: for He is happy not by acquisition or participation of something else, but by His Essence. On the other hand, men are happy, as Boethius says (De Consol. iii), by participation; just as they are called "gods," by participation. And this participation of happiness, in respect of which man is said to be happy, is something created. Reply to Objection 2. Happiness is called man's supreme good, because it is the attainment or enjoyment of the supreme good. Reply to Objection 3. Happiness is said to be the last end, in the same way as the attainment of the end is called the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

165: Aquinas on happiness W/ Fr. Ryan Mann (part 1)

You've been asking me for some episodes on logic and argumentation so here you go! This is the first part in a three part series on logic and argumentation. Today we'll discuss what an argument is and why we should argue! We'll also look at the two main types of arguments and what the three things are that is necessary for a good argument. --- SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

27: Is arguing a good thing? What makes for a sound argument?

A great way to make this Lent even better spiritually is to offer up not only something you chose, but also to offer up your inconveniences. Give God those moments when you’re stuck in traffic, or when someone says something bitter to you, or when you have to run an errand you just don’t want to run. Offer up those inconveniences that you didn’t choose, and God will make you stronger in them.

Intentionally receive these moments, and let them provide the opportunity to die to self. The Lenten commitment we chose is an active mortification, but these inconveniences you didn’t ask for are passive mortifications. They’re powerful because we have no control over them, and yet we can have control over what we do with those moments. Accepting these passive mortifications is a way for us to grow in freedom, because through them we learn to accept and live graciously in the moments that would otherwise have control over us.

In the words of St. Paul:

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24).

For full episode shownotes, visit <a href="http://media.ascensionpress.com/podcast/offering-up-your-inconveniences/" rel="nofollow">AscensionPress.com</a><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Offering Up Your Inconveniences

As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the king, seeks to destroy the Jews. Today’s readings are Nehemiah 8, Esther 3 and 13, and Proverbs 21:5-8.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 276: Haman's Plan (2023)

Life is full of decisions. Each day, an individual makes countless decisions both big and small. So, is there a right way to make decisions? How can a person always be sure to make the right decision? Jeff Cavins offers his insight into good decision making by pulling from his experience and his knowledge of both Scripture and the Church’s teachings.

Snippet from the Show 
Wise decision-making involves aligning with God’s will: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
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I Need to Make a Decision

Jonathan's new graphic novel: <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/god-s-dog-graphic-novel#/">https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/god-s-dog-graphic-novel#/</a> 🍺 Support Pints Directly! (THANK YOU): <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> 🙏 Join Hallow's Advent #Pray25 Challenge! <a href="https://hallow.com/partner-mattfradd/?utm_source=influencer&amp;shortlink=59c565e&amp;utm_campaign=mattfradd&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;referrer=mattfradd&amp;c=Matt%20Fradd%20Custom%20Landing%20Page&amp;pid=Influencer&amp;af_channel=Influencer"> https://hallow.com/partner-mattfradd/?utm_source=influencer&amp;shortlink=59c565e&amp;utm_campaign=mattfradd&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;referrer=mattfradd&amp;c=Matt%20Fradd%20Custom%20Landing%20Page&amp;pid=Influencer&amp;af_channel=Influencer</a> 📈Ethos Logos Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> 🟦STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Atheism, Science, and The Problem With Swearing (Jonathan Pageau) | Ep. 313

“I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus” In today’s episode, we’ll meet Jane and Sarah: two sisters taking refuge in an English convent during the second world war. Though they are surrounded by the confusion and fear of war, they find solace and hope when Sister Evelyn tells them the incredible story of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. Come listen with Jane and Sarah and learn more about the beauty and peace found in Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Parental Guidance Note: The beginning of this episode takes place during WWII - to skip these scenes for little listeners - start the story at 9:15.Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a> Please rate, review and share with friends and family! Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on liturgy and culture. Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of the fact that the Church does not abolish culture, but redeems and fulfills it. He also emphasizes that even though the Church welcomes liturgical diversity, there are still some things that are incompatible with the Faith and, therefore, unable to be incorporated into Catholic liturgy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1204-1209.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.