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As we finish our journey through the Desert Wanderings, Fr. Mike zeroes in on the purpose of cities of refuge for the Israelites and the strong bond of community that they shared and maintained as the tribes grew. Today&#39;s readings are Numbers 35-36, Deuteronomy 34, and Psalm 121.

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 80: Cities of Refuge (2023)

As we begin the Royal Kingdom period, we hear about the first king of Israel, Saul. We discover that though Saul looks like a fearless warrior, he has a major flaw. Fr. Mike also points out the significance of the readings from Proverbs. Today&#39;s readings are 1 Samuel 9-10 and Proverbs 6:23-35.

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 106: Saul Is Chosen (2025)

Fr. Mike points out how Amos&#39; warning against being overly preoccupied with comfort and thus blinded to the needs of others can be especially relevant to us today. The readings are 2 Kings 11-12, Amos 4-6, and Psalm 122.

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 179: Blinded by Comfort (2024)

In our reading of Numbers 14 today, Fr. Mike highlights how the rebellion of the Israelites which was marked by distrust and fear, will have consequences for their children. We also read today Deuteronomy 12, and Psalm 95.

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 63: Israel's Rebellion (2025)

Fr. Mike highlights the wisdom and faith of Judith, heroine of the Old Testament, and shows us how her prayer in not just a prayer of intercession, but also one of praise. The readings are Jeremiah 37-38, Judith 8-9, and Proverbs 17:5-8.

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 249: Prayer of Judith (2023)

Fr. Mike focuses on the concept of being rich in love instead of rich in wealth today, as we read about the heart of a mother and father in our verse from Proverbs. He also emphasizes the presence of sacrificial love in the vocation of marriage and family through God&#39;s decision to keep Jeremiah single, saving him from more suffering. Today&#39;s readings are Jeremiah 16-17, Ezekiel 45-46, and Proverbs 15:17-20.

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 236: Rich in Love (2023)

Fr. Mike focuses on the theme of disciplining children, reflected in our readings from Sirach and Proverbs today. He clarifies that there is a crucial difference between discipline and destruction, and emphasizes that disciplining children should always be grounded in love and oriented towards their success in the future. Today&#39;s readings 1 Maccabees 12, Sirach 30-31, and Proverbs 23:13-16.

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

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Day 293: Discipline Grounded in Love (2023)

In today&#39;s reading from Exodus 32, Fr. Mike shows us how when we become uncertain, we immediate try to take control of the situation, and build up idols in our hearts. We also read Leviticus 23 and Psalm 79.

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 47: The Golden Calf (2025)

Fr. Mike talks about the destruction of Israel and explains how Jesus becoming man fulfills this prophecy we hear in Isaiah. He also points out the importance of God&#39;s anger with the Assyrians destroying Israel, even though he will bring the greatest blessings out of the worst circumstances. Today&#39;s readings are Isaiah 9-10, Tobit 10-12, and Proverbs 10:9-12.

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 196: The Destruction of Israel (2025)

Fr. Mike discusses the heavenly throne room seen in our reading from Revelation and our opportunity to be brought into this throne room during every Mass. He also focuses on our ability to glorify God and exalt him into eternity through the righteous deeds we perform on earth. Today’s readings are Revelation 4-7, Titus 1-3, and Proverbs 31:10-15.

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 360: Heavenly Worship (2024)

Fr. Mike breaks down God&#39;s divine judgement, and the refuge he offers to those who are faithful to him. Today&#39;s readings are Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 19-20, and Psalm 99.

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 67: God's Justice and Refuge (2025)

Fr. Seraphim Baalbaki, C.F.R. is a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. He earned a B.A. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Cornell University, an M.A. in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and an M.A. in Catholic Philosophical Studies from St. Joseph’s Seminary. He also began a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin. Fr. Seraphim's intellectual formation is paired with a deep commitment to serving others, particularly through the friars’ work at St. Crispin Friary, where they provide food for the needy and support the St. Anthony Shelter for Renewal, a sanctuary for homeless men in need of healing and recovery.

The Miraculous Proof of Catholicism is Undeniable (Fr. Seraphim Baalbaki, C.F.R.) | Ep.516

Fr. Mike illustrates the story of Eleazar and the abandonment of peace terms between the Jews and the Greeks. He also recognizes the pain that children and family members who don’t follow the Lord can bring about, and uses wisdom from Sirach to address this prevalent struggle. Today’s readings are 1 Maccabees 6, Sirach 16-18, and Proverbs 22:17-21.

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 287: Eleazar's Sacrifice (2024)

Fr. Mike highlights the life of Ruth, and what seems to be the first day of hope she&#39;s had in a long time. Sometimes it takes a long time to catch a glimmer of hope in the darkness of our lives, but Ruth reminds us that no matter what we&#39;ve been through, God is always with us. Today&#39;s readings are Judges 4-5, Ruth 2, and Psalm 134.

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 90: Ruth and Boaz (2024)

Fr. Mike highlights the mystery of our brokenness and habitual sin as he unpacks the story of Esau selling his birthright. Today&#39;s readings are Genesis 25-26, Job 15-16, and Proverbs 2:20-22.

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 13: Esau Sells His Birthright (2025)

Fr. Mike focuses on Ezekiel&#39;s warnings about false prophets misleading the people of Israel, and challenges us to reflect whether we choose to listen to prophets who tell us what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear. Today&#39;s readings are Isaiah 51-52, Ezekiel 12-13, and Proverbs 12:21-24.

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 215: False Prophets (2024)

Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just like the first Christians. Today’s readings are Acts 2, Romans 2-3, and Proverbs 26:27-28.

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 323: Pentecost (2024)

Fr. Mike underscores the importance of obeying God as he reads from Numbers 4 and Deuteronomy 4. We also read Psalm 88 and learn how it foreshadows the darkness Christ endured on the cross. 

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 55: Obedience to God (2024)

Today we follow two stories of betrayal with Samson and Delilah and Micah and the Levite. Fr. Mike also explains why Judges is the best example of how God can use broken people to do his will. The reading are Judges 16-18 and Psalm 147.

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

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Day 94: Samson and Delilah (2025)

Fr. Mike talks about how God trains the Israelites to trust him in the wilderness, and how we can grow in our own faithfulness to the Lord. Today we read Exodus 15-16, Leviticus 11, and Psalm 71.

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 36: Manna from Heaven (2025)

Prof. Jordan Wales offers a theological critique of artificial intelligence, examining the limitations of computational and behaviorist definitions of intelligence and emphasizing the need for intentionality, interior experience, and a Christian understanding rooted in Augustine. This lecture was given on April 4th, 2024, at Hillsdale College. 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: Jordan Wales is Associate Professor and John and Helen Kuczmarski Chair in Theology at Hillsdale College, where he teaches historical theology. His scholarship—appearing in journals such as Augustinian Studies, the Journal of Moral Theology, and AI &amp; Society—focuses on early Christianity as well as theology and Artificial Intelligence. Holding degrees in Engineering (B.S.), Cognitive Science (M.Sc.), and Theology (Dip.Theol., M.T.S., Ph.D.), he is a member of the AI Research Group for the Centre for Digital Culture, under the Dicastery of Culture and Education at the Holy See; a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion; and a fellow of the Centre for Humanity and the Common Good. Keywords: Augustinianism, Behavioral Definition of Intelligence, Christianity and AI, Computationalism, Ethics, Francis Bacon, Intentionality, Machine Consciousness, René Descartes,&nbsp;Encountering Artificial Intelligence

Thomistic Perspectives on True Artificial Intelligence I Prof. Jordan Wales

Fr. Mike reviews this section of the Catechism, summarizing the battle of prayer and the prayer of the hour of Jesus. We are reminded that prayer is active, and we must engage in grace. The Catechism goes on to state that, “We pray as we live because we live as we pray.” In this, we see that God meets us where we are and wants us to pray always. Finally, Jesus’ prayer to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane exemplifies humility, filial trust, honesty, and perseverance; modeling how we are to pray to the Father. Today’s readings are paragraphs 2752-2758.

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 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer

Can a Catholic marry a baptized non-Catholic or a non-baptized person? Fr. Mike breaks down the Church’s teaching on mixed marriages and disparity of cult. The Catechism teaches us that while a difference in religion “does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage,” it can often be a source of tension in marriage and present significant challenges when raising a family. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1625-1632. 

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 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2024)

This lecture was given on November 9, 2022, at Hillsdale College.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.thomisticinstitute.org.

About the speaker:
Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel is a member of the St. Cecilia Congregation of Dominican Sisters of Nashville, Tennessee and currently serves as Associate Professor of Theology at Aquinas College in Nashville, TN. She received her Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. She has been active in her religious community's teaching apostolate for over fifteen years and has assisted with the theological formation of the newest members of her religious congregation. In addition to contributing articles to a number of journals and magazines, including the Vatican newspaper (L'Osservatore Romano), The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, The Linacre Quarterly, and the Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, Sister has served as editor-in-chief of her Congregation's book, Praying as a Family (also available in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic versions). With EWTN, she directed a television series of the same title. She has also served as the creator and founding Director of the University of Dallas Studies in Catholic Faith &amp; Culture Program.

Suffering and the Narrative of Redemption | Sr. Jane Dominic Laurel, O.P.

Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/instruction-on-the-manner-of-distributing-holy-communion-2195"> Memoriale Domini</a> - encyclical</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/ecce-homo-2025?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ecce_homo_2025&utm_content=dir"> Ecce Homo</a> - event</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 Truth about Reception Part 3

Christopher T. Baglow is the director of the Science and Religion Initiative in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where he also serves as Professor of the Practice in the theology department. He is the author of the textbook Faith, Science, &amp; Reason: Theology on the Cutting Edge (2nd ed., Midwest Theological Forum, 2019) and his work has been featured by the Word on Fire Institute and in That Man is You, Crux, Notre Dame Magazine and Church Life Journal. He is a consultant for the USCCB Committee on Catechesis and Evangelization, and his thirty-two year career in Catholic education has spanned high school, undergraduate, graduate, and seminary teaching. Baglow earned a bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville, a master’s degree from the University of Dallas, and a doctorate from Duquesne University. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Catholic Scientists. He is best known for his work helping Catholic educators integrate faith and science in their classrooms, most notably for creating and directing the Steno Learning Program in Faith and Science (named for Blessed Nicholas Steno) and the Integrating Faith and Science at Catholic High Schools Nationwide project. Baglow was one of four people to receive an Expanded Reason Award for Teaching in 2018 from the University of Francisco de Vitoria and the Vatican–Joseph Ratzinger Foundation. He lives with his family in the South Bend, Indiana, area.

Going Deeper Than Darwin God And Biological Evolution | Prof. Chris Baglow

Merry Christmas, friends! In this episode, we conclude our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part four and discuss the sections on Our Lady Seeking, Our Seeking, The Way, and The Assumption. We reflect on the beautiful reality that when Mary looks at us, she sees her Son and how we are also called to not only become aware of Christ’s presence within ourselves but also to seek His presence within those around us. In order to do this, we need to first prepare our hearts to fully accept Christ and we chat about the different ways we can become more receptive to His love. Thank you for journeying with us this Advent season. We look forward to seeing you on January 15th for the start of Season 14!   Heather’s One Thing - The moment when no one else is awake and getting to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Christmas tree lights Heather’s Other One Thing - The movie The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (watch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbdem4g_LEc">here</a>) Heather’s Other Other One Thing - The <a href="https://rescueproject.us/">Rescue Project</a> especially Fr. John Ricardo’s <a href= "https://youtu.be/XqafKxFiktQ?si=kbu5nlaOWLqdRUJv">videos on the Kerygma</a> Sister Miriam’s One Thing - <a href= "https://dishingouthealth.com/white-bean-soup/">Nourishing White Bean and Lemon Soup</a> Michelle’s One Thing - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH0PeNbI3to">Charlie Brown Christmas Special</a>   Journal Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How can I bring light into the darkness this Christmas season?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How can I make a gift of myself this Christmas season?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What painful memories or grief has surfaced for me this Christmas and Advent season? Where is God in those memories and grief?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What is the most unsuspecting place where Christ wants to reveal Himself to me?</li> </ul>   Discussion Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How were you present to the present moment this Advent?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How were you not present to the present moment this Advent?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">In what ways are you tempted to block the Holy Spirit throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How has our Blessed Mother encountered you throughout this book study?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do this season to more freely receive the Holy Spirit?</li> </ul>   Quote to Ponder: “It was another Advent, a withdrawing and folding upon the Life within her life; but a withdrawing that did not separate her from other people but only brought her closer to them; for she had found her Christ in them all.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 66) Scripture for Lectio:  "I will arise now and go about the city through the streets and squares. I will seek the one <a href= "https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5315.htm">I</a> love. So I sought him but did not find him."  (Song of Songs 3:2)   Sponsor - Walking with Purpose:   Do you want to help your daughter discover her true identity?   Do you long to see her avoid the pitfalls of toxic relationships?   Are you ready to guide her toward her God-given calling?   There is nothing fiercer than a mother’s love for her children. Many of us feel that influences around our kids are eroding the foundation we’ve worked so hard to build. It’s time to reclaim our motherly influence, because no one loves or knows our girls like we do.  <a href= "https://walkingwithpurpose.com/sisters-of-strength/">Sisters of Strength</a> is a life-changing and vitalizing weekend for mothers and their high school/college-aged daughters from <a href= "http://www.walkingwithpurpose.com/">Walking with Purpose</a>. Featuring a lineup of powerful speakers—including our own Heather Khym!—we will delve into the topics of identity, friendship, and purpose, equipping our daughters to answer life’s biggest questions with God’s wisdom and perspective.  Join us for <a href= "https://walkingwithpurpose.com/sisters-of-strength/">Sisters of Strength</a> April 5-7 in Leesburg, VA. You’ll laugh, you’ll connect, and you’ll both return home spiritually stronger and refreshed.

S13 E14 - The Reed of God (Advent Series Part 4)

In this episode, we continue with part two of our four part Advent series on the book The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander. Today, we focus on part two and discuss the sections on Et Homo Factus Est, the Fugue, Wooden Bambino, and Et Verbum Caro Factum Est. We chat about our desire as women to protect our children, but how this desire can easily morph into control, manipulation, or possession. We reflect on how Our Lady exemplifies perfect surrender and trust as she continually releases her Son back to God as a gift freely given to her by God. We also discuss the role of suffering and brokenness in transformation and the beauty of silence in the rhythm of life.  We encourage you to go at your own pace so that the Lord can fill your heart with what you need to hear this Advent season.    Heather’s One Thing - <a href= "https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSzjHtG9DQq2dA_12K7zEPeXZMfdlm1mSRPDN-bwwZU71K4W49Nv_rN9xlhzaFopGjhFJqluotffKtG/pub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Butter Tart Recipe</a>  Heather’s Other One Thing - <a href= "https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTOCyEaPHoVsxZ4fflyyzIV0aLUEDujLBvgld42GY3Ml0gHaAX8jvzWGaBXYYSfcFtP3N19QkuTM6Wz/pub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stovetop Potpourri Recipe</a> Sister Miriam’s One Thing - The simple joys of Advent Michelle’s One Thing - Support for the heartbreaking loss of the Auburn vs. Alabama college football game Michelle’s Other One Thing - <a href= "https://youtu.be/xnZGEUA4oBk?si=T8ym2pSvvCl-JMlK" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chevrolet Christmas Commercial </a>   Journal Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do I try to possess or manipulate others to protect them from disappointment or pain?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Do I see my humanity as a gift or as a burden?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">In the final days before Christmas, when can I create moments of silence to meet Jesus?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Where do I need a mother?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Where am I afraid to be mothered?</li> </ul>   Discussion Questions: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do you allow your fears of vulnerability, dependence, and a lack of control rule your life and your decisions?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What parts of your humanity do you find God inviting you more deeply into during this Advent season?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">What Fruits of the Spirit do you need to grow in (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)?</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">How can you allow Mary to mother you to more fully experience these fruits and bring them to fruition?</li> </ul>   Quotes to Ponder: “Only Christ-bearers can restore the world to life and give humanity back the vitality of love.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 72).   “Our Lady gave humanity to God as she gave the water to Christ at Cana, to be changed into wine.” (Houselander, Caryll. The Reed of God, page 83).   Scripture for Lectio:  “All things were made by him; and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:3–5)   Sponsor - Whole Mission: Learn to chart your fertility simply and objectively with a healthcare professional teacher at Whole Mission. We use the latest research and technology to help you navigate the highs, lows, and peaks of natural family planning with confidence, and a 98% effectiveness rate, using the Marquette Method of NFP. Learning to chart your fertility might seem intimidating, so let’s take the guesswork out of it. Our classes are recommended for: <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Single women desiring to understand their health</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Engaged couples preparing for marriage</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Postpartum moms seeking to simplify their charting routine</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Women in perimenopause who are getting ready for new changes</li> </ul> Find an instructor who’s been there, who’s Catholic, and who wants to support the whole “you,” including the intricate and beautiful gift of your fertility. Find out more about Whole Mission’s model for whole person health education at: <a href= "http://www.thewholemission.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">www.thewholemission.com</a>

S13 E12 - The Reed of God (Advent Series Part 2)

We can learn a lot about the nature of God from his Divine Name revealed in Scripture. When God said to Moses, “I am who I am,” this was a revelation of a name as well as a refusal of a name. Fr. Mike explains how this mystery reveals truths about God: he is infinitely above all things; we cannot comprehend him, yet he draws close to us. This Divine Name expresses the steadfast, faithful, unchanging love of God for his people, even when we betray and abandon him. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 205-211. 

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 29: Knowing the Name of God (2025)

Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer (2024)

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Why Suffering is MERCY | Mthr. Natalia

This lecture was given on March 21st, 2024, at University of Virginia. 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: Kevin Hart is the Edwin B. Kyle Professor of Christian Theology at the University of Virginia. He has given the Gifford Lectures at Glasgow University (2019-23), the Gilson Lectures at the Institut Catholique de Paris (2019), and the Thomas Aquinas Lecture at the University of Dallas (2019). Among his many books are Kingdoms of God (Indiana UP, 2014) and Poetry and Revelation (Bloomsbury, 2017), Lands of Likeness: For a Poetics of Contemplation (Chicago UP, 2023) and Contemplation: The Movements of the Soul (Columbia UP, 2024). He is the editor of The Bible and Western Christian Literature, vol. 5 (T. and T. Clark, 2024).

The Imago Dei in Augustine and Thereafter | Prof. Kevin Hart

This talk was given on February 6th, 2023 at Oxford University.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at thomisticinstitute.org.

About the speaker:
Gaven Kerr is a third-order Dominican and philosophy professor at St. Patrick's Pontifical University. He is the author of numerous academic papers and two books on Aquinas' metaphysics. He is also a father and MMA fighter.

God, Creation, and the Act of Existence | Prof. Gaven Kerr

Prof. Pezzini's handout can be found here: tinyurl.com/nkxw4saa

This lecture was given on May 9, 2022 at Oxford University.

For information on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.thomisticinstitute.org.

About the speaker:
Giuseppe Pezzini is Associate Professor of Latin Language &amp; Literature at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Prof. Pezzini returned to CCC in 2021, after five beautiful years of teaching in St Andrews (2016–2021), and research fellowships at Magdalen College Oxford (2013–2015) and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2016). He has studied and worked in excellent collegiate institutions, the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa (2003–2008) and the University of Oxford (D.Phil. 2012). From 2010 to 2013, he worked as Assistant Editor for the Oxford Dictionary of Medieval Latin. He was visiting professor at the University of Turin in 2020, visiting fellow at Leiden University in 2015, and visiting student at CCC itself, back in 2006, where everything began. He is currently supervising research projects on the Comoedia Togata and the Theory of Fiction in late Antique commentaries.

Symbolic Veiling and Creative Freedom in Tolkien | Prof. Giuseppe Pezzini

This lecture was given on April 13, 2022 at Mississippi State University.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at&nbsp;www.thomisticinstitute.org.

About the speaker:
W. Matthews Grant is Professor and Chair in the Department of Philosophy at University of St. Thomas (MN), and Associate Editor of the American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly. His articles have focused on Aquinas and the Philosophy of God, particularly issues having to do with the divine nature and God’s relationship to human freedom. His new book Free Will and God’s Universal Causality: The Dual Sources Account, draws resources from Aquinas and the scholastic tradition to explain how libertarian creaturely freedom can be reconciled with robust accounts of God’s providence, grace, and predestination.

Do You Believe in Miracles? (And Can Such Belief Be Reasonable?) | Prof. W. Matthews Grant

Fr. Mike explores the formation of the canon of Scripture. He emphasizes the importance of contemplating and venerating all 73 books of both the New and Old Testaments given to us through Sacred Tradition. Together, with Fr. Mike, we further examine the definition of the canon of Scripture throughout history, spanning from the late 4th to the mid-15th century. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 120-127.

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 17: The Canon of Scripture (2025)

World champion surfer Bear Woznick taps into the deep call within every man's heart to live heroically and champion causes greater than himself. Drawing parallels between the cowboy code and authentic masculinity, Woznick presents twelve rules to help men cultivate virtues, discern God's will, and engage fearlessly in spiritual warfare. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he challenges men to embrace their God-given strength and pursue a life of purpose and adventure.

12 Rules for Manliness

This talk was given on September 27, 2022 for the DC Young Professionals chapter of the Thomistic Institute. 

For more information please visit, thomisticinstitute.org. 

About the speaker: 

Sr. Anna Wray is a native of Connecticut and a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia. Sister received her PhD in philosophy from The Catholic University of America, having written her dissertation on Aristotle’s account of the activity of contemplation. Sister is on faculty in CUA's School of Philosophy.

TI in DC 'Resting in the Real: St. Thomas Aquinas on Contemplation' Sr. Anna Wray

Fr. Mike breaks down the Catechism’s teaching that divine revelation consists of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and emphasizes why both sources are of equal importance in the Faith. He also clarifies the difference between Apostolic Tradition and ecclesial traditions. Lastly, Fr. Mike encourages us to receive with docility the teachings and directives of the Magisterium of the Church, trusting in the authority of the Pope and the bishops. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 80-87.

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.

Day 11: Sources of Divine Revelation

Why should you consider getting married, if as Jesus states in Matthew 22:30; &quot;at the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven?&quot;

Today Fr. Mike continues his series dealing with questions related to the vocation of marriage.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Why Get Married If It Doesn't Exist in Heaven?

In this episode we begin our Lenten book study of “Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. We begin with an introduction of who Henri Nouwen is and the Prologue. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/147228892631737/">Join the Facebook discussion group here</a> One Thing We Love This Week: <ul> <li>Sr. Miriam's One Thing - Superbowl</li> <li>Michelle's One Thing - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUoD-gPDahw">Eli Manning/Odell Beckham Jr commercial</a></li> <li>Heather's One Thing - St. Francis Xavier's arm relic</li> </ul> Discussion Questions: <ol> <li>Mark 10:21 says “He was moved for compassion for him” Has there been a time when God put someone on your heart to journey with them?</li> <li>Have there been dreams in your life that you have surrendered that God may want to resurrect?</li> <li>Do you have someone in your life to help you midwife your dreams? Could you offer that to someone in your life?</li> </ol> Journal Questions: <ol> <li>Where are you settling in your life for less than what God desires for you?</li> <li>What is life all about? Why do you do what you do?</li> <li>Was there one quote or phrase that stood out to you from this chapter?</li> </ol> Quote to Ponder: “Your story, is the story with which you can come to know God’s story better, and it is his story that makes your story worth living.”

S03 Episode 05: Life of the Beloved - Introduction and Prologue (Part 1)

The effects of the Anointing of the Sick are numerous and deeply transformative. In times of great need and temptation, this sacrament brings us strength, courage, peace, and the forgiveness of sins. Fr. Mike explains that these effects aren’t only for the individual recipient but for the whole ecclesial community. We learn that when a person approaches the threshold of death, joining this anointing with Reconciliation and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute “the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1520-1525.

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.

Day 208: Completing the Earthly Pilgrimage

The Liturgy of the Hours is known as the “public prayer of the Church.” Fr. Mike explains how praying the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies time and gives God the opportunity to speak to us throughout our day. Fr. Mike encourages us to see the Liturgy of the Hours as a great gift from the Church that can powerfully transform our prayer lives when it takes root in our hearts. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1174-1178.

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 161: The Liturgy of the Hours (2025)

This lecture was given on November 18th, 2023, at University of South Florida. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the speaker: Professor Paul Symington graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1998. He received an M.A. in Theology from Northeastern Seminary in 2001 and an M.A. in Philosophy from Boston College in 2004. He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Ph.D. in Philosophy in 2007. He then taught for one year at the University of San Francisco before receiving a position in 2008 at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He was a Service-Learning Faculty Fellow at the University of San Francisco and received a NYS Professional Development Award from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2007. He is a member of The Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, The American Catholic Philosophical Association, and The American Philosophical Association. His research is mainly focused on areas in metaphysics and medieval philosophy

What is Freewill? And Do We Have It? | Prof. Paul Symington

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the question of when the liturgy is celebrated. The Catechism states that there is a word that marks Christian prayer, and that word is “today.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that our liturgy and worship happens “today,” not in the past and not in the future, but right now in this present moment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1163-1167.

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 159: When the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024)

What Is a Substance? | Prof. Michael Gorman

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

Professors Josh Hochschild and Jane Sloan Peters participate in a two-person panel. First Professor Hochschild examines Aristotle’s concept of piety and its apparent absence in his writing, suggesting that Aristotle may talk about piety indirectly and in a more embodied way through discussion of contemplation of God. Then Professor Peters moves the discussion from the philosophical to the theological, specifically Aquinas’ moral theology. She discusses the often-overlooked importance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit along with the cardinal and theological virtues. Finally, the discussion explains how the gifts of the Holy Spirit complement the virtues and are necessary for salvation. This lecture was given on June 29th, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies. 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 Speakers: Joshua Hochschild is Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University, where he also served six years as the inaugural Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. His primary research is in medieval logic, metaphysics, and ethics, with broad interest in liberal education and the continuing relevance of the Catholic intellectual tradition. He is the author of The Semantics of Analogy: Rereading Cajetan’s De Nominum Analogia (2010), translator of Claude Panaccio’s Mental Language: From Plato to William of Ockham (2017), and co-author of A Mind at Peace: Reclaiming an Ordered Soul in the Age of Distraction (2017). His writing has appeared in First Things, Commonweal, Modern Age and the Wall Street Journal. For 2020-21 he served as President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association. Jane Sloan Peters is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY. Her dissertation explored Thomas Aquinas's reception of Greek patristic and Byzantine biblical interpretation for his four-volume commentary on the Gospels, the Catena Aurea. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons.

Aquinas on Virtue and the Path to Happiness | Prof. Josh Hochschild & Prof. Jane Sloan Peters

There are three degrees within the sacrament of Holy Orders: the episcopacy (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons). The Catechism begins unpacking ordination with the bishops. Fr. Mike speaks on the special role that bishops play in the life of the Church. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1554-1561.

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 213: Bishops and the Episcopacy (2024)

This lecture was given on April 15th, 2023 at the West Coast Intellectual Retreat on Divinization.

For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events