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Fr. Mike and Deacon Jacob take us back to where it all began... the book of Genesis. The two discuss marriage, the beauty and complexity found within the vocation and the war on marriage.

Marriage on Mission

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Dealing with Stress

Fr. Pine tells us what a Thomist is. 🟣 Join Us on Locals (before we get banned on YT): <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com/">https://mattfradd.locals.com/</a> 📖 Fr. Pine's Book: <a href="https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F">https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F</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>

What is a Thomist? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine

As Fr. Mark-Mary mentioned, the friars will be taking a meaningful break to embrace the rest and the joy of the Jubilee Year. While they are away, please enjoy listening (or re-listening) to this previously released episode, and join us in continuing to pray for Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Innocent, Fr. Angelus, and Fr. PT as they follow God's will and heed the call of the Jubilee. 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! --- What makes us most free, is this submitting to God and this dependence on Him. Yes, freedom is actually dependent on obedience rather than kind of doing whatever I want. When we fall in love with God and we experience that love, this deep interior freedom takes place and it becomes the most important thing of our lives—even to a point that is greater than our circumstances. This episode is the first part of our series on Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacque Philippe that talks about what it means to live in freedom as sons and daughters of God and how this freedom can become greater than the circumstances of our lives.The first of the nine beatitudes of Matthew said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The world is constantly trying to define us—it tries to tell us who we are. Our successes, belongings, talents, people in our lives, our jobs, culture and technology, all these things tends make us who we are. We beclothed ourselves with these things and we are tempted to find our identity in them. But again, "Who Is God and Who Am I?". To understand what it means to be truly free and live in freedom as sons and daughters of God, we have to keep this question before us. We have to let go of other worldly things and not be afraid of staying in the place of spiritual poverty before the Lord. This episode is the fourth and last part of our series on Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacque Philippe that talks about freedom in spiritual poverty. An invitation for us to remain in this place of poverty and let God define us, give us everything and ultimately lead us to the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed Are The Poor (2023)

Divine Mercy In this episode we talk about the incredible gift of Divine Mercy! We talk a little bit about St. Faustina and our Lord's revelations to her about his ocean of mercy. We also discuss what a lack of trust looks like and what the stumbling blocks are to trusting in the heart of Jesus. Sister Miriam's one thing - Tacos! Michelle's one thing - The Diary of St. Faustina (links below) Heather's one thing - The <a href= "https://www.staceysumereau.com/be-not-afraid-conference"> Be Not Afraid Conference</a> from Stacey Sumereau Resources: Purchase The Diary of St. Faustina via <a href= "https://amzn.to/39xurVZ">US Amazon Link</a>, a <a href= "https://amzn.to/3ay1wTh">Canada Amazon link</a>, and a <a href="https://amzn.to/2WWmsPB">UK Amazon link</a>. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) Discussion questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What struck you from the podcast?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What does a lack of trust look like for you?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Do you trust the Lord with yourself? Do you trust him with the people you love?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Where do you feel difficulty depending or relying on others?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How trustworthy are you? How can you grow in being trustworthy?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 17:7-8. What does it speak to you personally?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Inviting the Lord to come with you, look at the places where you find it difficult to trust? What lies did you believe that made trust difficult for you?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What new way is Jesus trying to show you? How can you cooperate with him?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What does it mean to say, "Jesus, I trust in You"? Where do you say "Jesus, I trust in You, except…"</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder - "There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God." - St. John Paul II Scripture for Lectio Divina - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8

S07 Episode 13: Divine Mercy

Did Vincent Van Gogh really commit suicide, or is there more to the story than we think? In light of recent suicides (Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain) Jeff comes to you with a special episode on preventing and responding to suicides. Speaking from personal experience, he shares the signs that typically lead to someone wanting to take their life. He also shares ideas as to how you can respond, what the Church teaches, and practical things you can do if you or someone you know is feeling depressed.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Suicide: Preventing and Responding!

As Fr. Mark-Mary mentioned, the friars will be taking a meaningful break to embrace the rest and the joy of the Jubilee Year. While they are away, please enjoy listening (or re-listening) to this previously released episode, and join us in continuing to pray for Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Innocent, Fr. Angelus, and Fr. PT as they follow God's will and heed the call of the Jubilee. 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! --- What makes us most free, is this submitting to God and this dependence on Him. Yes, freedom is actually dependent on obedience rather than kind of doing whatever I want. When we fall in love with God and we experience that love, this deep interior freedom takes place and it becomes the most important thing of our lives—even to a point that is greater than our circumstances. This episode is the first part of our series on Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacque Philippe that talks about what it means to live in freedom as sons and daughters of God and how this freedom can become greater than the circumstances of our lives.

A Freedom Greater Than Circumstances (2023)

In this episode, we begin a mini-series on four women in scripture with the story of Hannah. We discuss the importance of acknowledging our desires and the ache of longing much like Hannah's desire for a child. We chat about the temptation to compare our areas of barrenness to other people's fruitfulness and the freedom of surrender and keeping our eyes on Christ. We acknowledge the importance of remembering that union with God is the promise, not the things we desire, and how God's delayed response is sometimes a great mercy. Sister Miriam closes this episode with a prayer inviting the Lord to meet you in the places of fear, despair and longing. Sister Miriam's one thing - <a href= "https://media.ascensionpress.com/all-bible-in-a-year-episodes/">Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins from Ascension Press</a> Heather's one thing - <a href= "https://www.passion2021.com/rewatch">The 2021 Passion Conference</a> Heather's other one thing - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5m09rqOoxE">Promises - Maverick City Music</a> Michelle's one thing - <a href= "https://giveninstitute.com/given-forum-2021/">The Given Forum </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">When have you experienced the Lord allowing you to journey through a season of physical, spiritual or emotional barrenness?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Where have you allowed yourself to focus on other people's fruitfulness and allowed yourself to believe that God has forgotten about you?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Desperation and surrender can draw us closer to God that we may bear fruit. How have you experienced this in your life?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do you trust God to write a good story in your life even when things are not how you expected? Are there areas where you still need to surrender control?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Where have you felt that God has not answered, fulfilled, listened to or given you a desire that you longed for? What has your reaction been in these situations? What lies are you believing because of this? </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What are the areas of barrenness in your life? How is the Holy Spirit asking you to acknowledge your longing and bring it to him? </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What is the posture of prayer you want to place yourself in before the Lord through this season?</li> </ol> Quotes to Ponder: "To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God's infinite goodness." - St. Therese Scripture for Lectio Divina - "Daughter, the God of Israel has granted your petition as you have asked of Him." - 1 Samuel 1:17 "My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory. There is no Holy One like the Lord; there is no Rock like our God." - 1 Samuel 2:1-2 This episode is sponsored by Walking With Purpose. Do you long for healing and wholeness? Would you like to be rooted and grounded in a love that will never fail you? <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides/products/fearless-and-free-6-lesson-bible-study"> Fearless and Free</a>, a Catholic Bible study from Walking with Purpose, will allow you to experience healing and wholeness in Christ. In this transformational study, you'll journey through the book of Ephesians to gain a firm Biblical foundation to stand on no matter what life throws your way. The six-lesson format of <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides/products/fearless-and-free-6-lesson-bible-study"> Fearless and Free</a> makes it an ideal Bible study for Lent, and a free leader's guide can be downloaded from the Walking with Purpose website. Use code abide15 for 15% off <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/collections/study-guides/products/fearless-and-free-6-lesson-bible-study"> Fearless and Free</a>, now through Ash Wednesday, February 17. <a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/this-present-paradise"> We also announce our 2021 Lenten Book Study - This Present Paradise - Claire Dwyer.</a>

S09 E03: HerStory Part 1 - Hannah

This week, we have a very special episode that was recorded live from the <a href= "https://www.focus.org/">FOCUS</a> SEEK 2023 Conference in St. Louis! Here we discussed the importance of surrendering to God the tender and wounded places of our soul. Just as salt can flavor a dish from the inside out, so must we allow God's abundant love to transform our hearts. Only once we do this, can we be a light to others. This transformation can sometimes be a painful process. Many times, when we see the struggle ahead, we can be tempted to turn away from the good. But friends, pain is part of the process, and it makes us love the outcome even more. As you listen to today's episode, ask yourself, "if you just said yes to God, what would your light look like if you let it shine?" Heather's One Thing- <a href= "https://www.glasscanvas.io/">Glass Canvas</a> Sister Miriam's One Thing - Michelle and Heather's kids Michelle's One Thing - Everyone at the SEEK conference and all our listeners Michelle's Other One Thing - the FOCUS staff Michelle's Other Other One Thing - Pope Benedict XVI Michelle's Other Other Other One Thing - College Football (especially SEC University of Georgia) Discussion Questions: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What is the Lord calling you to in this season?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How are you responding to the Lord's calling in your life?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How has Christ conquered you with Love? How is He conquering you with Love now?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?</li> </ul> Journal Questions: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Where in my life am I choosing lukewarmness or mediocrity over abundant life?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How do you experience your own weaknesses?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What do you believe about yourself in your own weaknesses? </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">What do you think Jesus believes about you in your weaknesses?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">How do you experience other people's weaknesses?</li> </ul> Quotes to Ponder: "Each of you has a personal vocation which He has given you for your own joy and sanctity. When a person is conquered by the fire of His gaze, no sacrifice seems too great to follow Him and give Him the best of ourselves. This is what the saints have always done, spreading the light of the Lord ... and transforming the world into a welcoming home for everyone." ― Pope Benedict XVI "Fear not; rise, He is calling you." ― Mark 10:49 "I have called you by name & you are mine." ― Isaiah 43:1 "God came into the world to reawaken the thirst for great things in us." ― Pope Benedict XVI "Holiness never goes out of fashion." ― Pope Benedict XVI Scripture for Lectio: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16) Sponsor - Walking with Purpose: Are you looking for an opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture? Do you long for the wisdom of Christ as you navigate the messages of today's culture? <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/products/rooted-and-radiant-bible-study"> Rooted and Radiant</a> is the newest Bible study from <a href= "http://www.walkingwithpurpose.com/">Walking with Purpose</a>, a Catholic women's ministry whose mission is to help women and girls encounter Jesus through Scripture. <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/products/rooted-and-radiant-bible-study"> Rooted and Radiant</a> is written for any woman who wants to live her life grounded in Jesus Christ. In this study, you will learn the book of Colossians verse by verse and understand the challenges that faced the Colossians, which are remarkably similar to our own challenges today. Learn how to abide in the wisdom of Christ and encounter the God of clarity and peace. AT podcast listeners can receive 15% your <a href= "https://shop.walkingwithpurpose.com/products/rooted-and-radiant-bible-study"> Rooted and Radiant</a> study - available in both paperback and e-book format - with the code ABIDING2023 (thru 3/1/2023).

S12 E4 - Salt and Light: Live from SEEK 2023

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A Holy Week I Will Never Forget

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

In this episode, Dr. Peter reviews the limitations of current Catholic resources on anger, and then reviews secular resources, including interpersonal neurobiology and the structural theory of dissociation.  We examine the role of the body in anger responses, and discuss more wholistic ways of working constructive with parts that experience anger, rather than trying to dismiss anger, suppress it or distract from it.  The entire transcript is available at https://www.soulsandhearts.com/iic.

103 Your Anger, Your Body and You

Fr. Mike continues reflecting on the meaning of faith and how it works in our lives. We learn that faith is a grace from God, a supernatural virtue that is not contrary to human freedom or reason. Fr. Mike reminds us that to have faith is not just to believe in God, but to believe God and everything he says. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 150-155.

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 21: Believing God (2024)

Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/">The Eucharistic Congress</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>

The Eucharistic Congress

Prof. Michael Foley explores Saint Augustine's lifelong pursuit of self-knowledge, dividing it into intellectual, moral, and religious dimensions, each achieved through conversion and hindered by specific obstacles. This lecture was given on September 19th, 2024, at University of Tulsa. 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>. 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. Keywords: Augustine, Conversion, Ethics, God, Intellectual Self-Knowledge, Moral Self-Knowledge, Philosophy, Plato, Religious Self-Knowledge, The Confessions

Augustine and the Quest for Self-Knowledge | Prof. Michael Foley

Fr. Mike says the key to making decisions together is distinguishing between preferences and principles. If the reason you’re favoring a choice is a matter of principle, it is your duty to lead the other person in that decision to the truth of that principle. If the choice you’re favoring is just a matter of preference though, charity suggests that you default to the preference of the beloved one involved in the decision instead.

Fr. Mike uses going to church as an example. It is a matter of principle that we have to go to Sunday Mass and worship God the way he tells us to, so if someone tells us going to a Catholic Mass is just our preference we can tell them as a matter of fact it’s not. However, if the issue is which church we go to for Sunday Mass, say St. Francis’ Church or St. Andrew’s, more often than not that is just a matter of preference. 

For a helpful book on decision-making, check out <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/collections/featured/products/pray-decide-and-don-t-worry-five-steps-to-discerning-god-s-will" rel="nofollow">_Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry _</a>by Jackie and Bobby Angel, with Fr. Mike.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How to Make Decisions Together

When we show devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we fulfill her prophecy that “all generations will call me blessed.” The Catechism clearly shows us how such devotion does not compete with devotion to God, but in fact fosters adoration of God. Fr. Mike declares that the better we know Mary, the better we know Jesus, and the more we love Mary, the more we love Jesus. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 971-975.

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 133: Devotion to Mary (2025)

Follow Laura: <a class="mention-chip ytcp-social-suggestion-input" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC741Y9DXVQOMQ83paDJ8TuA">youtube.com/@laurahorn </a> Follow us on Alt Tech: <a href="https://mattfradd.locals.com">https://mattfradd.locals.com</a> <a href="https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas">https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas</a> Show Sponsors: Hallow: <a href="https://hallow.com/mattfradd">https://hallow.com/mattfradd</a> Covenant Eyes: <a href="https://coveyes.com/fradd1">https://coveyes.com/fradd1</a> Everything Catholic: <a href="https://everythingcatholic.com">https://everythingcatholic.com</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Getting Canceled (Laura Horn) | Ep. 399

The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church’s teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401.

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 192: Unity in the Eucharist (2024)

Today I interview the beautifully authentic Melissa Tolosi! She shares all about her conversion to Catholicism after being raised a protestant. She shares her faith journey with such clarity and emotion it is an amazing interview and I think you will love it! Melissa Tolosi is an Australian-American convert stumbling (often) along the path to sainthood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She could also be described as a cat person, an aspiring novelist and copywriter, or a nanny with a deep love of Gregorian chant and Broadway showtunes. You can find her on Instagram at <a href= "http://instagram.com/@thecrunchycatholic">@thecrunchycatholic</a> ! Or on facebook in the Among the Lilies group just search her name. I just redesigned my website and I can't wait for you to take a look at it! cameronfradd.com is the place where you can find all the things Among The Lilies! Check out our new shop with ATL merchandise we will be adding more items soon! Thank you all for your support I am so grateful and I love and am praying for y'all! Thank you for being here! If you are interested in supporting Among the Lilies please consider supporting us at <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies">https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies</a> Please join the Among the Lilies community on <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies">Instagram</a> and <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLiliess/">Facebook</a>!

157: An Incredible Conversion Story

God created all of the visible world in richness, diversity, and order, and everything owes its existence to God. Because all of creation comes from God, every creature has its own goodness and perfection and God wills the interdependence of all creatures. Father Mike helps us to see that God gave us the world for our use, but not for our abuse. Human beings are made in the image and likeness of God and we are charged with caring for the natural world and all of its creatures. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 337-343.

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 48: Creation in Order (2026)

What's one thing you can do that will move you towards being holier, healthier and happier? Seriously… take a second. Bet something came to mind. Right? Sometimes we overcomplicate the plan. When there's a lot to change, or the change is going to be rough, it's tempting to bail on starting. It's easy to avoid doing the hard things, even the little hard things. Maybe especially the little things—but that's how holiness happens. Choosing to do the small hard thing, for Jesus, over and over and over again. You got this! With God's grace, you can totally do hard things. That realization—that we're capable of persevering—gives us the confidence that we have what it takes to gladly do what needs to be done. So stay simple. Keep the main thing the main thing. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." All of all three. Because keeping Christ firmly in the center of your life—the focus of all your energy and the motivation for all your choices—is the only sustainable way to live radically for him for a whole lifetime.