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Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://heartofchristspiritualdirection.com/">Heart of Christ</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Common Errors in Spiritual Direction

The wisdom he shares here is akin to that of many successful, insightful writers such as Cal Newport and Josef Pieper. You can find the works Fr. Mike references here:

<a href="http://calnewport.com/books/deep-work/" rel="nofollow">Cal Newport&#39;s Deep Work</a> 
<a href="https://bit.ly/2Je5FwU" rel="nofollow">Josef Pieper&#39;s Leisure, the Basis of Culture</a><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

What Boredom Can Teach Us

What is the crux of our faith? Pulling from Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians, Jeff shares how the resurrection is the center of our faith and how to understand it better. He also offers encouragement for each of us to prepare for our own death and resurrection.

Snippet from the Show 
All of your hope and faithfulness have meaning because of the resurrection.

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Everything Rests on the Resurrection

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.”

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show" rel="nofollow">https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show</a> for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Jesus, the Master Communicator (Part 1)

Superstition, idolatry, divination, and magic are all things we can encounter in our daily lives, and, with Fr. Mike, we unpack how they break the first commandment. Fr. Mike reiterates that superstition represents an “excess of religion” and can affect the worship we offer to God. He points out that we can be superstitious even in our Catholic practices. He also explains that idolatry consists of divinizing anything that is not God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2110-2117.

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 275: Superstition, Idolatry, and Magic

Which is better, being an owner or a steward? Fr. Mike reminds us of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) as he points out how seeing ourselves as an owner is not as great as it seems. When we see ourselves as the owner of something, we hold onto it more closely for fear of losing it. When that thing is taken from us, we may become resentful. 

Our lives are not our own, our bodies are not our own, our homes are not our own. Not even our children are ours. God owns all of these things, and we have done nothing to deserve them. God has entrusted them to us. If we see everything we have as a gift from God, we will always have a reason to be thankful. 

In our culture, we may have been conditioned to think being owners is the American Dream, but being a steward is much better. <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How to Be a Steward

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 (2025)

Professor of Church history, Dr. James Papandrea, gathers in one place all that is known about the afterlife — drawn from the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, the Church Fathers, and the Church's Magisterium — affording, for the first time ever, a complete, authoritative, detailed portrait of the state of souls after death and the realms we enter.

What Really Happens After We Die | eBook

Get Bob's book, Be Restored here (Free Books are Claimed): <a href="https://www.avemariapress.com/products/be-restored">https://www.avemariapress.com/products/be-restored</a> Hallow: <a href="https://hallow.com/mattfradd">https://hallow.com/mattfradd</a> Bob's Website: <a href="https://jpiihealingcenter.org/">https://jpiihealingcenter.org/</a> Dr. Bob's Podcast: <a href="https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/">https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com/</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Finding Healing in Christ (Dr. Bob Schuchts) | Ep. 327

In 1570, young Guido Callatta dreams of the sea, but when the Ottoman threat rises, his life takes a bold turn. As Europe braces for invasion, Guido joins the fight to defend his family, his city, and his faith. Swept into a world of knights, battles, and daring voyages, he stands beside heroes at the epic Battle of Lepanto. This inspiring tale shows how courage and faith can call even the youngest to heroic deeds when Christendom is at risk.

The Blood-Red Crescent | eBook

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers different perspectives on the story of Squanto, showing how blessings can be found in dismal situations. By realizing this truth in our own lives, we may learn to find God in the most unlikely places.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Thanksgiving Special- Squanto

Episode 214 - Father of Mercies, Series on "The Father" by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Part 9) Do you trust God's mercy? We are invited to bring to light those things that we are keeping in the dark, things that are tough, and trust that God in his mercy will love and care for us there. When we bring something to the Lord, it's forgiven and it's gone, He no longer sees us with that. He doesn't define us as a son or daughter who did this bad thing. To the Father's eyes, we are not defined by our sin and our weakness but by His love and our capacity to live like His son or daughter. But at the same time, sin still can seriously hurt us and the Father is also zealous to crush it and the things that lead us to them. Today we're looking at God and His Mercy and try to understand that a little bit. We'll take a look at both the merciful God and the God who is indifferent to sin. 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 pocomerch.com! You can get your copy of The Father (by Fr Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) at https://ascensionpress.com/thefather

Father of Mercies

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>

95: Why does every atheist misunderstand your 5 proofs for God's existence?

Is it possible to overcome sin? It doesn’t seem possible, but in this episode Jeff brings in words from the saints and from Scripture to help us understand sin better so that we can work to overcome it. Find out what you need in order to avoid sin and strive for holiness.

Snippet from the Show 
When we hear the Gospel, we gain a sensitivity to sin.

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit ascensionpress.com/thejeffcavinsshow for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Five Essentials to Overcome Sin

Fr. Mike and Fr. Jacob sit at the feet of an ancient wise man, and ask whether meeting Jesus will flip his age-old ambitions.

YOLO: Thus Spake the Preacher

Professor Michael Foley discusses how to "drink like a saint" by outlining five principles: moderation, gratitude, memory, merriment, and ritual. This lecture was given on March 9th, 2024, at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Retreat Center. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speaker: Michael Foley is a Catholic theologian, a Professor of Patristics at Baylor University, and the author of over 400 articles and seventeen books, including the Politically Incorrect Guide to Christianity, Drinking with the Saints, and Dining with the Saints. He can speak on a wide variety of topics touching upon Catholicism, culture, and liturgy.

Feasting like a Saint | Prof. Michael Foley

In contemplative prayer, we seek Jesus. As St. Teresa of Avila put it, contemplative prayer “is nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” The Catechism tells us this form of prayer is a gift, a covenant, and a communion. Further, it is a silent gaze “fixed on Jesus.” In this episode, Fr. Mike helps us better understand this intimate form of prayer. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2709-2724. 

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 347: Contemplative Prayer (2024)

Fr. Mike breaks down David&#39;s tragic downfall as he commits adultery with Bathsheba and kills her husband, Uriah the Hittite. We learn that David&#39;s road to grave sin began with small acts of disobedience and selfishness. Today&#39;s readings are 2 Samuel 11, 1 Chronicles 14-15, and Psalm 32.

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 129: David Commits Adultery (2024)

If we can’t use the Lord’s name in vain, can we joke about God? Fr. Mike makes the case that there is room for humor about God in the context of love.

No one in the universe or beyond it deserves more honor, respect, and reverence than God, and we jeopardize our souls if we fail to see this. At the same time, though, Jesus called us his friends (John 15:15). Friends can joke about each other because they know there is mutual love and respect there.

It goes even deeper than that though, Fr. Mike argues. God is calling us to a whole different kind of relationship, a whole different kind of intimacy, through his son Jesus. If we enter into that relationship and nurture it, we may discover that God does indeed have a sense of humor, a whole new sense of humor we didn’t even think was possible. 

Catechism paragraph on the Second Commandment:

“Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. It consists in uttering against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one&#39;s speech; in misusing God&#39;s name. St. James condemns those &quot;who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called&quot; (James 2:7). The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ&#39;s Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to make use of God&#39;s name to cover up criminal practices, to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death. The misuse of God&#39;s name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion” (CCC 2148)<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Can We Joke about God?

Episode 255 - The Exodus and Jubilee ft. Dr. John Bergsma - Series on Jesus and the Jubilee (Part 4) What does true freedom look like, and how can we restore what was lost? In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom is a profound story of spiritual liberation. Led by Moses, they confront the oppressive forces of Egypt and experience God's miraculous intervention through the plagues, ultimately leading to their escape and journey toward the Promised Land. This story is not just about historical events but also about humanity's ongoing struggle for freedom, forgiveness, and a deeper relationship with God. The Exodus story reminds us that liberation is possible and that through God, we can reclaim what was lost—freedom, family, and fullness. In this episode, together with our special guest, Dr. John Bergsma, we will reflect on the importance of the Exodus story in relation to this Jubilee year. 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! Check out the 24-hour adoration chapel in New York https://perpetualadoration.nyc 🛒 In preparation for Lent, check out Jesus and the Jubilee https://stpaulcenter.com/jubilee/ 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at https://www.pocomerch.com/ 🛒 Check out some rosaries we made in collaboration with Chews Life https://bit.ly/chewslife-poco

The Exodus and Jubilee ft. Dr. John Bergsma

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. Adrian of Canterbury.  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: <a href='https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RyRnFzSEt0VWptYWlSNTJDR0ZPRDNqZnJiQXxBQ3Jtc0trSG1IR2dtaEduSHB2RGVtQVQ4VFJvNnpPY3NVZ19fcURMa21SdzRHSWlnMWljb3pBNmdSNkV0UDNGblJ3ZmY3WFBoNHh5Z2drSkg1V2puaHhJTkVKcjc5WEN6cHhOTllHOTdCdmlMV2dfcWxwdkxJZw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3rMqLKI&amp;v=uXS4iQbY-gY'>https://bit.ly/3rMqLKI</a>

1/9 - St. Adrian of Canterbury

In today&#39;s readings, we learn how Doeg the Edomite betrayed David, the priests, and the Lord. Fr. Mike explains that betrayal is painful because our hearts are deeply wounded when trust is broken. Today we read 1 Samuel 21-22 and Psalm 52.

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 113: Broken Trust (2024)

Is your faith certain enough to stand up against the doubts and different ideas out there?

Fr. Mike shares insight about certainty from Dr. Montague Brown, professor of philosophy at St. Anselm College, New Hampshire. Dr. Brown says certainty is intellectual belief based off the evidence. It’s not blind belief. Someone with certainty is not going to change their mind without new objective evidence. Many times people change their mind not because of new evidence, but just because of new people in their lives. They’ve simply been exposed to new behavior. This happens to students in college quite often.

Christianity is evidential. It hinges upon an indisputable event, the life and death of Jesus. 

If you’re from a small town, you may think the way you were raised is just part of your small town’s way of thinking, and that a well-known university in a big city must have a broader, more enlightened way of thinking. But really, the university is just as subject to its way of thinking as the small town is. The culture of a university is just as insulated as that of a small town. 

Don’t get so caught up in the culture around you that you give in to new ideas without evidence—whether that culture is a university, a new workplace, new friends, new family, or a new city. Let your faith always be backed up by the evidence. Fr. Mike is certain in his belief that Christianity will then always come out on top.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How Certain Is Your Faith?

Do you commit the same sins over and over again? Does it feel like a bad movie that you’re stuck watching, with the same sad script playing over and over again?

Rewrite it. Rewrite the script.

Today, Fr. Mike gives us some novel ideas for steering hard out of the “grooves” of sin we&#39;ve worn deep into the bedrock of our daily lives.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Are Your Sins the Same Story Again and Again? Rewrite the Script.

Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/alter-christus/">Alter Christus</a> - Fr. Ezra Sullivan</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Alter Christus

Homily from the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Advance boldly into the shadows of uncertainty. If we are wise, we will think about the future and plan for it. And if we are even wiser, we will be able to let go of those plans when we need to.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from May 10, 2020:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Acts 6:1-7</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">1 Peter 2:4-9</dt> John 14:1-12 <a href="https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/insecure-uncertain-plans.pdf">Download the Homily Study</a>

05/10/20 Insecure: Uncertain Plans

Beggars and Beast Mode. Taking another look at the "Franciscan Sweet Spot," poverty of spirit, the friars reconcile our poverty and dependence with the call to scale the heights of sanctity. Fr. Innocent, Fr. Angelus, and Fr. Mark-Mary, looking at their own life experience, proclaim with conviction, that our poverty is not an obstacle to Christian excellence, but when it is properly brought to the Lord, our poverty becomes the very fuel for holiness. It's time to go Holy Spirit-Anointed-Beast Mode. It's time to give God permission to make us saints.

Beggars and Beast Mode (Poverty and Holiness)

Day 275: Superstition, Idolatry, and Magic (2024)

What does it mean to bear the Christian name? The Catechism reminds us that in Baptism, we are given our Christian name, which is sacred. Our name represents the dignity of each of us and depicts how God loves us each uniquely. Fr. Mike explains that each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we call upon the Lord to bear witness to what we are about to do. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2156-2167. 

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 280: The Christian Name

Professor John O'Callaghan delves into St. Thomas Aquinas's understanding of God's mercy in creation, addressing the apparent paradox of extending mercy to non-existent beings by examining the transition from non-being to being. This lecture was given on October 19th, 2024, at Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://dashboard.cohostpodcasting.com/shows/fedb9eb7-b992-446b-be01-01cd62afd823/episodes/thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. Keywords: Being, Creation, God's Mercy, Justice, Metaphysics, Misericordia, Non-being, Suffering, Thomas Aquinas About the Speaker: Dr. John Callaghan is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Notre Dame University. He is a permanent member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas and he was the President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association (2012-2013). He is the author of Thomistic Realism and the Linguistic Turn: Toward a More Perfect Form of Existence&nbsp;and the editor, with Prof. Thomas Hibbs, of Recovering Nature: Essays in Honor of Ralph McInerny.

Creation: Mercy Beyond Justice | Prof. John O'Callaghan

Playing a video game called Injustice helps Fr. Mike explain the real answer to why God allows suffering.

In Injustice, Superman becomes a totalitarian dictator in his attempt to try and eliminate evil. Batman tries to tell him, in trying to eliminate evil he has ceased to do good, because without the freedom to choose evil, we don’t really have the freedom to choose good either.

Couldn’t God do better than Superman though? Couldn’t he just fix everything by bringing us back to the Garden of Eden? Anyone who is a parent knows that doesn’t work because God’s children—us—would just mess up again.

So what does God actually do? He doesn’t eliminate evil. He draws close to us in the midst of evil. He suffers a painful death. He descends to the depths of hell. He doesn’t take away suffering. He transforms it and redeems it by entering into it. This led St. Paul to say:

“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).

St. John Paul II said in suffering we receive a sliver of the Cross. Our suffering matters because Christ’s suffering matters and we are his body. All we have to do is tell God to use our suffering. Nothing given to God is ever wasted, so give it to God. <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>