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Matt interviews Stephen Johnson about his growing up Mormon, becoming an atheist, and eventually making his way the Catholic Church --- St. Michael's Lent w/ Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/matt-home/">https://exodus90.com/matt-home/</a> --- Banned Cartoon: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BqLZ8UoZk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BqLZ8UoZk</a> Rough Stone Rolling: <a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/joseph-smith-rough-stone-rolling-richard-l-bushman-5351?variant_id=104298-paperback"> https://deseretbook.com/p/joseph-smith-rough-stone-rolling-richard-l-bushman-5351?variant_id=104298-paperback</a> Craig v Hitchens: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYm41hb48o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYm41hb48o</a> Craig v Harris: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqaHXKLRKzg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqaHXKLRKzg</a> Great Apostasy: <a href="https://mi.byu.edu/book/ancient-christians/">https://mi.byu.edu/book/ancient-christians/</a> Studies of the Mormon: B.H Roberts: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Studies-Book-Mormon-B-Roberts/dp/1560850272"> https://www.amazon.com/Studies-Book-Mormon-B-Roberts/dp/1560850272</a> South Park Mormons: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idya6ixdo0I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idya6ixdo0I</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

From Mormon to Catholic (Stephen Johnson) | Ep. 417

The only things we can be certain about are the things that have already happened to us in the past, and we live in a perpetual state of uncertainty about the future. If we’re honest, we can all probably agree that it’s not really comfortable to be constantly wondering what your life will look like in a month, in six months, in a year. We are always worrying about the future—especially when we sense that some form of suffering looms ahead. 

Father Mike walks us through the Five Joyful Mysteries: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. He reflects on the fact that each of these joyful mysteries is marked with a profound uncertainty and suffering. And yet, joy is present.

Think about what what Mary must have felt like when the Angel appeared to her and told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her—that she was going to be the mother of the Messiah. The Angel didn’t reveal details to her. He didn’t assure her that Joseph wouldn’t divorce her, or that they would have to travel to Bethlehem but that they would make it in time for her to deliver. Yet, amidst the uncertainty of the moment, Mary gave a joyful Fiat. 

Joy can be present, because Christ is present. You are able to have a Merry Christmas today...not because there is no suffering, and no uncertainty, but because God is with us. Even in our darkness, we have seen a great light. <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Having Joy in Uncertainty

Peace is not simply an absence of war. Fr. Mike breaks down the Catechism’s teachings about peace as the &quot;work of justice and the effect of charity.” We learn that to cultivate true peace, we must do more than avoid anger, hatred, and harm to our neighbor; we must actively work toward becoming agents of peace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2302-2306.

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.