Catholic Light

S1E90 - "Forgive Us as We Forgive Others": Ummm...

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:46:32 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2838 - 2865 and discuss the last three petitions of the "Our Father" - forgive us our trespasses, lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. It's the qualifier on forgiveness - forgive us AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS - that can (and should!) stop us in our tracks this week. Lord, please give us the grace to forgive others as we hope that you forgive us, and then please help us to be open to your forgiveness. Also... this ends our study and discussion of "The Catechism of the Catholic Church"! We did it! Way to go, and thank you for joining me for this journey. God bless you and your families and friends (and enemies)!

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S1E89 - The "Our Father": Bringing God's Goodness to Every Person Everywhere

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:01:31 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2803 - 2837, and we discuss the first four petitions of the "Our Father." Jesus Christ accomplished his saving work - through his suffering, death, and resurrection - once and for all. It's done. Nothing needs to be added to it, and nothing can be taken away from it. So, what's our role here...? We can allow that saving work to... save us... and we can help others to... allow it to save them, too. Each time that we pray the "Our Father," we ask God to bring that sanctification and salvation - to make us into the men and women whom He created us to be and to bring us to Heaven - to every person everywhere.

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S1E88 - Who Put the "Our" in "Our Father"?! God. That's Who.

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:07:27 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2759 - 2802 and begin to discuss the "Our Father" line by line. It's easy to take so many dimensions of our Catholic Faith for granted because we often hear these teachings again and again, pray these prayers again and again... So, let's stop and (re)consider for a moment the following: God did not HAVE to create us. God did not HAVE to send His Son/come to suffer and die for us. God does not HAVE to reveal Himself to us and continue to be in relationship with us and teach us to refer to Him as "Our Father"... but He DOES, and what a GIFT that is!

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S1E87 - Prayer: The Catechism Calls Us on the Carpet

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 11:03:28 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2725 - 2758, and - buckle up - we discuss "the battle of prayer." Simultaneously inspiring and terrifying, the Catechism details some of the reasons why we don't pray (or don't pray well) and how - by the grace of God - we can attain a better prayer life.

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S1E86 - Prayer: Be Intentional with Your Intentions

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:53:21 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2683 - 2724 and continue our discussion of prayer. First, we talk about praying through the intercession of the saints in Heaven whose prayers for us are "their most exalted service to God's plan", and then we chat about being intentional in setting aside time for and being faithful to daily prayer - "pray at specific times, consciously willing it". As human beings, we are body AND soul, and, so, our lives depend on the daily sustenance of that which feeds our spirits - prayer.

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S1E85 - Prayer: TODAY is All That We Have

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:50:22 -0000

Happy Advent! Today, we read CCC, 2623 - 2682 and discuss, first, how the present moment is where Heaven meets Earth, and, second, how we can establish a "death insurance policy" by praying the "Hail Mary" each day, asking the Blessed Mother to be with us NOW and at "the hour of our death." The readings of Advent remind us that each and every one of us will die and stand before the Lord, and it is only NOW, in the present moment, that we can respond to His grace and allow it to transform us. We can't do anything about the past, and the future might never come, so it is NOW that we decide FOR or AGAINST Jesus Christ, that cute little baby Who is about to be born in the manger at Christmas and Who comes to suffer and die to save us and to merit Eternal Life for each of us. THIS is the ultimate Christmas gift offered to every human who ever lived.

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S1E84 - Rote Prayers Can Be... Quite Helpful!

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:36:57 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2598 - 2622 and discuss formulaic, or rote, prayers. Oftentimes, Catholic Christians get a bad wrap for praying the same, prescribed prayers again and again and again... as though we're boring or lacking in creativity as we pray them. It can be quite helpful and quite a good thing to have prayers "at the ready" when we're setting out on our prayer journey or when we're tired, stressed, distracted, etc. Prayer is prayer, and God doesn't need us to be fancy, as though He's waiting to be wowed by our prayers before He answers them. He tells us to ask... seek... knock, and then to trust that our prayers are already being heard and answered. Sounds like a pretty simple and hopeful way to proceed!

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S1E83 - Prayer: The Creator of the Universe is Your Audience

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:18:02 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2558 - 2597 and start the fourth and final part of the Catechism which discusses prayer. At every moment of our lives, we have the opportunity to chat with God, He who created and continues to sustain the universe. In the words of St. Thomas More, that's not a bad audience!

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S1E82 - The 9th & 10th Commandments: Generosity & Gratitude

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:34:25 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2514 - 2557 and discuss the 9th and 10th Commandments: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife" and "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods." In working to root out and be strengthened against the wounding sins of greed and envy, let's strive for the medicines of generosity and gratitude. Come, Lord Jesus! Heal us of the hurts of the sins that we commit, and give us the grace not to commit them again!

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S1E81 - The 8th Commandment: Truth Recognizes Reality

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:31:23 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2464 - 2513 and discuss the 8th Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." The truth points to reality - something that is independent of us, something that we don't determine. When we recognize truth and live in accord with truth, we receive the blessings of truth - peace and joy. Who doesn't want a little more of that in one's life?!

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S1E80 - The 7th Commandment: Stewards Needed

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:31:23 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2401 - 2463 and discuss the 7th Commandment: "Thou shall not steal." This commandment "requires respect for the universal destination of goods and respect for the right to private property." Sooo, share that which we own with everyone...? Yup. Aaaand, it's okay for me to privately own things and share them with my family and friends...? You got it. The beauty of the Catholic "both/and" approach strikes again!

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S1E79 - Contraception is a Sneaky Little Liar

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:01:08 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2360 - 2400 and finish our discussion of the 6th Commandment. Two dimensions of today's discussion include, on the one hand, avoiding having children through the use of contraception, and, on the other hand, trying to achieve pregnancy through a variety of fertility procedures. We chat about what these human acts do to marriage, family, and the lives of children.

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S1E78 - The 6th Commandment: Chastity Puts Us Back Together

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:56:01 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2337 - 2359 and discuss the 6th Commandment: "You Shall Not Commit Adultery." The virtue of chastity is often viewed as repressive... boring... and just. not. fun. In reality, the virtue of chastity - after having fallen apart, thanks to Original Sin - puts the pieces of our humanity back together. "Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being." Who doesn't want a little inner unity in one's life?!

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S1E77 - Scandal, Cremation, Just War Theory, &... Barbie?!

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:44:24 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2292 - 2336 and finish discussing the implications of the 5th Commandment. We also begin talking about the 6th Commandment, and the Catechism starts the discussion of it with a declaration that men and women are "different but complementary." What a great segue into thoughts on... Barbie?!

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S1E76 - The 5th Commandment: Loving Life

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:31:15 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2258 - 2291 and discuss the 5th Commandment: "You shall not kill." On this episode, we discuss legitimate defense, abortion, capital punishment, end-of-life circumstances, and suicide. God is with us in each of these situations, helping us to choose love and life.

For the novena prayers, visit: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/mary-undoer-knots-novena

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S1E75 - The 4th Commandment: "Generous & Tireless in Forgiving..."

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:00:42 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2232 - 2257 and discuss the fourth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother." It is through marriage and family that we can - as children of our mothers and our fathers - receive the gift of life, the gift of faith, and the gift of ongoing formation. That formation - that sanctification and, God willing, salvation - comes through "self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery" and through "generous and tireless [forgiveness of] one another..." What a blessing and what a beautifully difficult task we have ahead of us!

To view/listen to the homily given by Fr. Mike Schmitz referenced in this episode, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDdf22MLPe0

To join us in praying the Our Lady Undoer of Knots Novena, view my videos on Instagram each day (from Thursday, 9/21 - Friday, 9/29), and, for the novena prayers, go to: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/mary-undoer-knots-novena

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S1E74 - A Simple Reading: CCC, 2196 - 2231

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we simply read CCC, 2196 - 2231, continuing to make our way through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Next week, we'll continue our reading with the regular commentary on the first half of the episode. Thanks for persevering through this awesome work!

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S1E73 - The 3rd Commandment: You MUST Take a Break! And Guess What...? It Will Be Fine!

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:23:49 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2168 - 2195 and discuss the Third Commandment: Keep Holy the Sabbath. There are two dimensions to this commandment - resting from servile labor and going to church. Both actions are a "protest against the servitude of work and the worship of money." In obeying this commandment, we put aside our to-do lists for one day (Guess what? The list will still be there on Monday...), and we enjoy the beauty of creation as we deepen our relationship with God and others. Who doesn't want to take a mini-vacation each week?! Well, God commands it because He knows we need it and that it will make us happy - not just in the next life, but here and now.

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S1E72 - The 2nd Commandment: "Jesus Christ!" ... Expletive or Beginning of Prayer?

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:40:47 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2110 - 2167 and discuss the Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." The name of God - and the name of every person - is an icon of the greater reality... The name of God, the name of Jesus Christ, points to an all-holy being, and, so, to say the name cavalierly - or disrespectfully - is to degrade the being, the person, whom that name represents. On the other hand, to speak lovingly and admiringly of God is to love and admire God Himself.

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S1E71 - The 1st Commandment: You Mean I'm Not the Savior?!

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:59:22 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2083 - 2109 and discuss the first commandment. The Catechism approaches this teaching through a discussion of the virtues of faith, hope, and charity and their defects. Sometimes it's easier to understand a concept by viewing it through the lens of its opposite... I might think of myself as faithful, hopeful, and charitable, but then - when I read about sins against faith, hope, and charity - I might realize, "Oh, shoot... I'm doubtful... I'm presumptive... I'm indifferent and ungrateful and lukewarm..." God, give us the grace to root out these defects, these sins, and - as a result - live the first commandment well!

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S1E70 - The Ten Commandments: Look Up!

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:22:12 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2052 - 2082 and discuss the freedom - and the abundant life - offered to us through the Ten Commandments. Often viewed as confining, restrictive, and cramping, the Ten Commandments are - in reality - "the conditions of a life freed from the slavery of sin." Why look down at the metaphorical small screen of life when we can, instead, look up and experience the openness, the expansiveness, of a life that breathes in more, sees more, and realizes more?!

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S1E69 - The Precepts of the Church... Like Well Visits for Our Souls!

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 2030 - 2051 and discuss the five precepts of the Church. Like well visits for our souls, these basics of the moral life - "the very necessary minimum" of living out our faith - keep us connected to the life of grace. They are set in place for us so that we can't stray too far for too long. Thank you, God, for that!

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S1E68 - Grace: Healing & Saint-Making

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:10:05 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1987 - 2029 and discuss grace. "The grace of Christ is the gratuitous gift that God makes to us of his own life, infused by the Holy Spirit into our soul to heal it of sin and to sanctify it" (CCC, 1999). Grace is one of those theological terms that we often use but have a hard time imagining... Is it like gold glitter falling down from Heaven into our souls...? Is it a radiant light that is placed within us by God and then emanates out into the world...? Is it a superpower charge that metaphorically bulks us up to choose good and avoid evil...? It is "God's own life" poured into us so that we may experience the beatitude He has for us, not just in Heaven one day but even now.

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S1E67 - The Moral Law: Pay Attention to the Scripture Passage That You Dislike the Most!

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:45:19 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1949 - 1986 and discuss the moral law, that which is "at once firm in its precepts, and, in its promises, worthy of love." God makes every man and every woman for beatitude, and the moral law helps us to get there. But who wants to change his or her life and leave that nice, warm, comfy space of what we know and love...? By paying attention to the Scripture passages we dislike... the laws we hate... the teachings against which we rail... we gain insight into the areas of our lives we might give over to God... the places where we need His grace... the opportunities for growth and greatness.

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S1E66 - Social Justice: The Truth is What We All Deserve

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:23:34 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1928 - 1948 and discuss social justice, or that which allows others "to obtain what is their due." In addition to the basic material goods (food, drink, shelter), everyone deserves the truth and is made to receive the truth. In knowing and living the truth, we are able to live our humanity well and to achieve the goal, the end, the purpose of our humanity which is the one thing that we all want: happiness. And we're made for happiness not just in the next life, but even now!

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S1E65 - Toronto, Authority, & the Common Good

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1897 - 1927 and discuss authority and the common good. Jesus told his apostles - the first bishops, the first leaders of the Church - "I have come not to be served but to serve," and he bids them do likewise. All authority figures, whether religious or secular, whether at the global, national, or local level, are called to do the same. We each will meet the Lord at the end of our lives, and we will be asked how we treated those entrusted to our care and our prayers... May we love and serve those entrusted to us well, and may we pray often and well for those to whose care we are entrusted!

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S1E64 - Godsplaining Insights & Human Community... Even the Introverts Have Work to Do!

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:25:58 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1877 - 1896 and discuss, first, some insights I learned on last weekend's Godsplaining Retreat (hosted by the crew from the Godsplaining Podcast) and, second, why we are made to live in community. St. Augustine famously said that God created us without us, but He doesn't save us without us... it seems He also doesn't save us without others!

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S1E63 - Mortal vs. Venial Sins: 3 (More) Ingredients

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:06:31 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1833 - 1876 and discuss what constitutes mortal versus venial sins. Knowing reality helps us to navigate it more intentionally, so let's know the Truth and choose the Good and access all that this life has to offer!

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S1E62 - Virtue: Living Our Best Lives

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:10:37 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1803 - 1832 and discuss the life of virtue. The Catechism talks about how the virtuous life allows us to give "the best of ourselves", to access all that God has given us, all that is within us and to set out, living a free and happy life. Through human effort and divine grace, we can be and become the best versions of ourselves. Not a bad way to live!

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S1E61 - Conscience: Not a Cute Lil' Angel & Devil on Our Shoulders

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:00:38 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1776 - 1802 and discuss conscience... Rather than conscience being a cute little angel on one shoulder and a comical little devil on the other shoulder, each whispering in our ears to do this and not do that, conscience is "a judgment of reason" by which we are enjoined "to do good and to avoid evil." Conscience is "man's most secret core and his sanctuary", a place of quiet repose and peaceful stillness where we hear the voice of God and, by His grace, know the Truth and choose the Good. Here we come to know who we are and for what we have been made so that we may experience happiness, not just in the life to come but here and now. What a gift!

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S1E60 - Moral Acts: The Three Main Ingredients

Mon, 29 May 2023 10:47:12 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1749 - 1775 and discuss the three main ingredients of every moral act: the object, the end, and the circumstances. Being able to think about and to talk clearly about the what, the why, and the who, when, where, how, etc. makes for more fruitful discussion and for more happy living!

S1E59 - Morality: The Choice is Ours!

Mon, 15 May 2023 09:33:29 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1730 - 1748 and discuss, once again, how human beings are made to know the truth and choose the good. The more that we use our rational intellect to know the truth, and the more that we use our free will to choose the good, the more free we become. Who doesn't love a free and happy life?!

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S1E58 - Morality: Rules at the Service of Happiness

Mon, 08 May 2023 09:36:33 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1691 - 1729 and discuss how many people get stuck when it comes to the "rules" of Catholicism. Why does it seem like there are so many rules when it comes to the Catholic Church and one's relationship with God...? In reality, rules are simply the thing that helps us to achieve the real thing... the thing for which we're made and the thing to which it all points - a share in God's own blessed life... happiness!

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S1E57 - Part II: That's a Wrap! (Marriage, Sacramentals, & Funerals)

Mon, 01 May 2023 09:46:35 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1655 - 1690 and discuss marriage, sacramentals, and funerals. This brings us to the end of Part II of the Catechism and more than halfway through it. Way to persevere, and here we go... on to Part III: The Moral Life!

S1E56 - Marriage: Knowing & Choosing

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:01:53 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1621 - 1654 and discuss the bond of marriage. Through knowing something with one's intellect and choosing something with one's will, human beings have the power to form a bond that lasts forever, that no one and no thing (including the Church) can separate or break apart. How awesome and how terrifying that God gives us this power!

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S1E55 - Marriage & Celibacy: Radiant Proclamations

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 09:59:23 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1590 - 1620 and wrap up our discussion of Holy Orders and begin our discussion of Holy Matrimony. Celibacy "radiantly proclaims the reign of God" (CCC, 1579), meaning that those who live the celibate life, or "virginity for the sake of the kingdom", point to the union we all will experience - God willing - one day in Heaven. While marriage is an image and foreshadowing of our union with God, celibacy points to and lives now our future state. Both "come from the Lord Himself" (CCC, 1620) and are gifts from the God who invites us to share in His own "blessed life" (CCC, 1).

S1E54 - Holy Orders: The Male Priesthood & Celibacy

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:20:36 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1554 - 1589 and discuss the male priesthood and priestly celibacy. Many have said and continue to say, "The Church needs to get with the times and ordain women!" Others have asked and continue to question, "Why can't priests get married?" Like the other teachings and practices of the Catholic Church, these are not haphazard... Christ set things up in a certain way, and we - as "Christ-ians" - continue to live and learn from it.

S1E53 - Holy Orders: Helping You Can Help Me

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:05:59 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1533 - 1553 and begin our discussion of the last two sacraments - "the Sacraments at the Service of Communion." These two sacraments - Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony - are especially ordered to "the other," and, if, in serving the other, we are made holy, praise the Lord, but... it's not about us!

S1E52 - Anointing: In Sickness & In Health, God Never Does Us Part

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 09:52:03 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1499 - 1532 and discuss the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick... In sickness and in health, God never does us part. He's here for it - all of it - and, while the road will look different for each of us, He wants us at the finish line because He loves us and wants our happiness, not just now... but forever.

S1E51 - Confession: Found in Scripture & Tradition

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1461 - 1498 and discuss the foundations of the sacrament of confession. Jesus clearly entrusts the power to forgive (and not forgive) sins to his apostles, the first priests, in John 20: 19 - 23. CCC, 1447 then reminds us that confession has been practiced since the first century. Finally, the Council of Trent, in 1551, referred to Scripture and Tradition and, while not changing or "updating" the teaching, simply continued to clarify and sing the praises of this sacrament. What a gift that we get the same teaching in 2023 that Jesus taught millennia ago!

S1E50 - Penance: Pick a Cross, Any Cross

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1434 - 1460 and discuss the sacrament of Confession... Reconciliation... Penance! The Catechism lists a number of ways by which we may atone for our sins and experience conversion, but "the surest way" - says CCC, 1435 - is "taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus." Simple? Yes. Easy? No. The good news is that Jesus is with us (and helping us) every step of the way.

S1E49 - The Eucharist: Come Together, Right Now, Over Me

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:47:32 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1402 - 1433 (we're halfway through the Catechism!) and discuss the term "communion." Through the Eucharist, Jesus brings us into relationship with Himself (God!) and each other (the Church!). What a gift!

S1E48 - The Eucharist: One of These Things is Not the Same

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:36:36 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1373 - 1401 and discuss how the Eucharist is set apart from the other sacraments. It is not just different in degree ("If only there had been a little more water at my baptism, then it would have been on the same level as my First Communion..."); it is different in kind ("... one of these things is not the same..."). The Eucharist - the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ... the Second Person of the Holy Trinity... God Himself - is truly unique!

S1E47 - The Eucharist: An Easy Target

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:03:52 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1345 - 1372 and discuss the Eucharist. Why is it okay to make fun of all things Catholic? From Madonna's feature in "Vanity Fair" to multiple YouTubers' videos of Eucharistic desecration, ridiculing the Catholic Church and the teachings that she puts forth seem to be acceptable. Could it be that the devil doesn't waste his time with things that aren't true and, so, herein lies the Truth...?

S1E46 - The Eucharist: You Want Us to Do What?!

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:18:50 -0000

Today, we read CCC 1322 - 1344 and discuss the Eucharist. When Jesus first proposed this teaching, reactions included, "How can this be?" and "This saying is hard... who can accept it?" At first glance, this is a strange teaching - "Lord, you want us to eat Your Body and drink Your Blood...?" - but, like all things Catholic, when put into practice, it makes sense!

S1E45 - Confirmation: A Completion & A Commencement

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1285 - 1321 and discuss the sacrament of Confirmation. Sadly, this sacrament is often treated as the end of the road in one's sacramental life or as a time to push the pause button on one's faith until marriage in a Catholic Church. The Catechism teaches that it is a sacrament of completion in that it seals what was begun at baptism. But it is also a sacrament of commencement, or a new beginning, in the life of a Christian as he or she sets out more boldly, confirmed in his or her walk with Christ.

S1E44 - Baptism: Can't I Just Be a Good Person...?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:35:26 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1246 - 1284 and discuss how "baptism is necessary for salvation." Many ask, "But, to enter Heaven, can't I just be a good person...?" Listen to find out!

S1E43 - Baptism: A Gateway to Awesomeness

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:27:52 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1210 - 1245 and discuss how baptism is "the gateway to life in the Spirit," and, hence, the gateway to awesomeness. A seemingly simple ceremony, baptism brings a person to "the wellspring of holiness", ushers in "an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness", effects "liberation", and claims one's "blessed inheritance." All of that with a little water, a candle, and a white robe,,,? Yes!

Note: Please excuse the sound quality/tech difficulties this week! We'll have it fixed for next week. Thank you for your understanding!

S1E42 - Liturgy: A Tale of Two Churches

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:04:59 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1179 - 1209 and discuss the Church's "unity and diversity." The Church spans countries, languages, and cultural traditions, but it professes the same faith, the same truth. What is it that ensures unity amidst diversity...? Apostolic succession... that direct line from St. Peter to Pope Francis that cuts through 2,000+ years.

S1E41 - A Simple Reading: CCC, 1153 - 1178

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:36:19 -0000

Today, we simply read CCC, 1153 - 1178, continuing to make our way through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Next week, we'll continue our reading with the regular commentary on the first half of the episode. Thanks for persevering through this awesome work!

S1E40 - The Sacraments: What We Say & Do Matter!

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:50:34 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1122 - 1152 and discuss how going to the sacraments can make our lives better; if we don't go to the sacraments, we miss out on grace that can help us to navigate the pains and sufferings of life more easily and to live the joys of life more fully. Who doesn't want that?!

S1E39 - You Are Part of a Great, Big Story!

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 04:49:27 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1091 - 1121 and discuss how OT types prefigure NT revelations of Jesus Christ. Not only was God preparing the way for His Son... He was preparing the way for you!

S1E38 - The Sacraments: A MedSpa for Our Souls!

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:12:32 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1066 - 1090 and begin Part II of the Catechism which discusses the sacraments. We talk about the Paschal Mystery, or the PDRA (the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ), and how, through it, the Second Person of the Trinity - God Himself - merited for us an infinite abundance of grace. It's there for the taking, and we have 7 ways - the 7 sacraments - of tapping into it... for free!

S1E37 - I'm Gonna Keep On Lovin' You

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:58:46 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1042 - 1065 and discuss the "God of Truth"... the "God of Amen"... and the "trustworthiness of his teaching." The Catholic Faith is rational, and the God who entrusts it to us is trustworthy... loving us, providing for us, and walking with us every step of the way.

S1E36 - Purgatory: It Makes Sense!

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 13:14:59 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 1020 - 1041 and discuss the Church's teaching on Purgatory. Like other articles of the Catholic Faith, belief in Purgatory comes to us through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition - interpreted and handed on faithfully by the Magisterium - and it squares with rational thought. A place for those who have chosen God but still need some purification before entering Heaven...? It makes sense!

S1E35 - 035: Faith: Both a Gift of God & a Human Act

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:59:36 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 988 - 1019 and discuss the line "I believe in the resurrection of the body" from the Apostles' Creed. We talk about the difference between our particular judgments and the Final Judgment, and we chat about the concept of faith... Rather than closing our eyes, sticking our hands out in front of us, and nervously walking into the unknown, faith is "a human act" where we use our intellect and free will to know and choose all that God is offering to us.

S1E34 - Confess Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself!

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:35:53 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 963 - 987 and discuss one of the last lines of the Apostles' Creed: "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." Confession, while not always glamorous or exciting, is a great way to unload the burdens we carry, to be forgiven and cleansed, and to proceed through life, strengthened to live more happily. Why not take advantage of this free and unlimited opportunity?!

S1E33 - The Communion of Saints: We're All in This Together

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:08:53 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 934 - 962 and discuss the line from the Apostles' Creed - "the communion of saints." This term simply refers to the Church and includes those on Earth, those in Purgatory, and those in Heaven. Sometimes referred to as the Church Militant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Triumphant, we work together so that we may all - by the grace of God - be victorious in Heaven one day!

S1E32 - Saints of the Mundane

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 901 - 933 and discuss how we ALL have ALL of the ingredients to become great saints. By embracing the everyday, mundane moments of life, we can patiently bear "the hardships of life" and reign over ourselves as kings and queens. It's not easy, but it's also not complicated!

S1E31 - No One Can Bestow Grace On Himself

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:36:16 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 871 - 900 and discuss the importance of the laity's role in proclaiming the Gospel and in helping to distribute God's grace. All Christians are invited to share the Good News and to be channels of God's grace in the world, but we can't give what we don't have. This week, let's be filled up by receiving the Eucharist, by going to confession, and by connecting to God through at least a few minutes of prayer each day so that we can ALL share in "God's own blessed life" (CCC, 1).

S1E30 - Lucy Regina Dougherty Arrived Early!

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 22:26:47 -0000

Lucy Regina Dougherty arrived three weeks early! As we adjust to life with our new little light, I'm going to take a 4-week maternity leave and then resume our journey through the Catechism with Episode 30 on Monday, 10/24. Please pray for me and my family, I'll be praying for you, and, in the meantime, God bless you!

S1E29 - The Church is Apostolic: God Works Through (Very) Imperfect Bishops

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 857 - 870 and finish discussing the four marks of the Church. In addition to being one, holy, and catholic, the Church is apostolic. Founded on the 12 apostles and continued by their successors, the bishops, Christ sets up a means of handing on his Truth. But how do we reconcile the imperfection of the leadership of the Church and the handing on of the perfect Truth entrusted to them?

S1E28 - The Church is Catholic: Sharing the Truth Blesses Those Who Give It Away

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 830 - 856 and discuss the third mark of the Church, its catholicity. The Church is catholic, or "universal", and - just like the God who established it and continues to work through it - it is missionary as it goes out to the ends of the earth proclaiming the Good News. As we share this Good News which has been shared with us, we are blessed in sharing it as others are blessed in receiving it.

S1E27 - One & Holy... Are You Sure You Mean the Catholic Church?!

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 811 - 829 and discuss the first two (out of four) marks, or essential characteristics, of the Catholic Church. The Nicene Creed invites us to proclaim that she is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. One and Holy?! That doesn't seem right... But, as always, the Church is One because God is One, and the Church is Holy because God is Holy. Let's thank God for that!

S1E26 - You Be You! Our Roles in the Body of Christ

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 781 - 810 and discuss how, try as we may to change our circumstances or our dispositions or other dimensions of our lives, we are "dealt" a certain "hand." Rather than rail against the circumstances, the dispositions, the other dimensions, in the words of Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., "play the hand you're dealt." God wants to work in and through all of these, and he can bring about beautiful things!

S1E25 - The Eucharist: The Source & Summit of the Christian Life

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 748 - 780 and discuss how the Church depends entirely on Christ... "The Church is like the moon, all its light reflected from the sun." While the Church, as moon, reflects the light of Christ, as sun, in many ways, its primary job is to bring the Eucharist - "the source and summit of the Christian life" - to the People of God. Is the Eucharist the source (beginning) and summit (culmination) of your life?!

For a brief catechesis on the Eucharist, listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJjW3LXuHzo

For a more lengthy catechesis on the Eucharist, listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzCPu_lEhe8

S1E24 - Trials: God's Mysterious Fidelity

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 702 - 747 and discuss how trials, sufferings, times of purification... are part of God's "mysterious fidelity" to us. Rather than vindictive punishments or haphazard forgetfulness, God is actually loving us by cutting away the junk in us and in our lives, shaping us into the people He created us to be so that we can enjoy the fullness of the blessed life he has in store for each and every one of us. Much like an annoyingly cheerful teacher or a super dedicated coach who just will not give up on his or her students or players, God relentlessly pursues us and, while the pursuit may not be the most exciting nor the most comfortable, his work can achieve great things in us and through us.

S1E23 - The Holy Spirit: My Buddy, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:08:56 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 683 - 701 and discuss the Third Person of the Holy Trinity: the Holy Spirit. It is often easy to picture the First Person of the Holy Trinity as an old man with a white beard looking down upon us from Heaven, and we can certainly picture the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, as the Middle Eastern man who walked the earth 2,000 years ago... But how do we envision the Third Person of the Holy Trinity? As water, a being which cleanses and brings forth new life? As fire, a being which warms and invigorates? As a dove, a gentle presence which comforts and advocates for us? As is the answer to many questions regarding the Catholic Faith: exactly!

S1E22 - The Ascension of Jesus and the End Times... Is the Church Being a Drama Mama?!

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 659 - 682 which discusses some wild things - the "end times", the "Anti-Christ", "the "final coming" of the "glorious Messiah"... As we've discussed before, life with Christ IS wild and dramatic, but it is ALSO simple and mundane. There will be a decisive moment after which there are no more moments of choosing; however, the decisive moments come to us one at a time, day by day. The Church is not being a Drama Mama - she simply reminds us that those daily choices are important and will, in fact, one day end.

S1E21 - The Resurrection: A Bold Claim

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:53:32 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 624 - 658 and discuss the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Going from being dead to being alive again is a bold claim, but bold claims are what Christianity are all about!

S1E20 - Free Will: Work as if It All Depends on You & Pray as if It All Depends on God

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 595 - 623 and discuss another one of those "both/and" concepts... God, who is outside of time and space, can see everything that is going to happen, and, yet, human beings have free will - we are perfectly free to choose our actions. How does that work?!

S1E19 - The Trilemma: Was Jesus Christ the Lord, a Lunatic, or a Liar?

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 561 - 594 and discuss some of the reasons why the Pharisees took issue with Jesus and his teachings. Jesus makes bold statements and does some outlandish things... What do you think? Was Jesus who he said he was - the Lord? Or was he a lunatic (someone who believed he was the Lord) or an incredible liar (someone who has deceived billions of people for centuries)? According to C.S. Lewis, these are your only three options!

S1E18 - Humility: The Conquering Virtue

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 535 - 560 and discuss the virtue of humility. St. Bernard of Clairvaux says that the three most important virtues are "humility, humility, and humility." From Christ's conquering of the temptations in the desert to the conquering of sin and temptation and vice in our own lives, humility is a winning virtue.

S1E17 - The Quiet Life: Only 3 Out of Jesus's 33 Years Were Spent in Public Ministry!

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 502 - 534 and discuss how only about 10% of Jesus's life - 3 out of 33 years - was spent in public ministry. Most of his life - 30 out of 33 years - was spent growing in "wisdom and age and favor" during a quiet, hidden, humble life in Nazareth. This great portion of his life is instructive for us: We can be made saints by being faithful to and by persevering in the quiet, hidden, humble moments of our lives.

S1E16 - Icons: To What Do the Objects in Your Life Point?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 470 - 501 and discuss icons, or the images that we often have around our homes and in our wallets. Some people love the Philadelphia Flyers and wear their jerseys, others adore the show "The Office" and hang posters referencing it on their walls, still others are passionate about their Catholic faith and display paintings and statues and holy cards of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and the angels and saints... What images are scattered throughout your life, and to what do they point? In others words, who or what is important to you?

S1E15 - Apologetics: It Is Not Enough to Win... We Must Win Over!

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:30:33 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 441 - 469 and discuss the topic of "apologetics", or the defense of one's beliefs. We then look, more specifically, at the topics of the Trinity and the Immaculate Conception. It's so good and so important to know why we believe what we believe and to be able to communicate that "why" and that "what" with charity and cheer.

S1E14 - The Immaculate Conception... God Did What Now?!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 407 - 440 and discuss the Immaculate Conception, one of the most mixed-up teachings of the Catholic faith. God, who is outside of time and space, had a beautiful plan in the works long before Adam and Eve committed Original Sin and "messed up" the "first plan." And that beautiful plan included an incredible woman... the Blessed Virgin Mary... also known as the Immaculate Conception.

S1E13 - Original Sin: God is God and We Are Not!

Mon, 30 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 374 - 406 and discuss the concept of Original Sin. Unlike the world makes it out to be, the "rules" and laws and prohibitions of God are like fences that keep out the bad so that we may more joyfully and profoundly enjoy the good.

S1E12 - Give It a REST Already!

Mon, 16 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 337 - 373 and discuss the Third Commandment. Like all other dimensions of Divine Revelation, this commandment is for our happiness. Will you accept "The Sabbath Challenge"?!

S1E11 - Divine Providence: Help is All Around Us!

Mon, 09 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 302 - 336 and discuss the concept of Divine Providence. Is God outside of time and space (and can, therefore, see my future), OR am I free to make decisions and decide my own future...? Exactly!

S1E10 - The More You Give... The More You'll Have!

Mon, 02 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 279 - 301 and discuss how we've been created out of NOTHING and given EVERYTHING. If we share that which we've been given, we then have room to receive more!

S1E9 - The Love Between Your Mom and Dad is... You!

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 249 - 278 and discuss how God, though neither male nor female, creates us in his image and likeness as male and female so that we, too, can become a communion of persons, giving and receiving love. And, sometimes, that love has a name... :)

S1E8 - A Little History... and a Lot of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty!

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 05:44:42 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 214 - 248 and discuss, first, the history of the difference between Protestant and Catholic Bibles and, second, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. From the "Septuagint" to the "Transcendentals"... we define some big terms which have some big meaning for our lives!

S1E7 - God?! I Know Him!

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:43:11 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 185 - 213 and discuss how God, a Trinity of three Persons, is one. Rather than being a distant, nebulous entity, he is a personal God, intimately concerned with each of us and our lives. He invites us to be in relationship with him and all that that exciting adventure entails!

S1E6 - The Deposit of Faith... A Gift that Keeps on Giving!

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:23:54 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 156 - 184 and discuss how the Church, after receiving the Deposit of Faith, slowly unwraps, opens, and discovers what's inside this Great Big Christmas Gift. We also discuss the role of heresy throughout Church history and mention a moment when St. Nicholas wasn't quite so jolly.

S1E5 - Catholicism... A Religion of BOTH/AND!

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 120 - 155 and discuss how Catholicism is a religion, not of "either/or" but, of "both/and." Are the Genesis Creation accounts true, or is science real...? Did God inspire the Bible, or was it written by human authors...? Are we supposed to use our intellect and free will to come to know and love God, or should we walk by faith...? The answer to all of these questions is, "Exactly!"

(Note: If you would like to skip the reading of the Catechism/read the Catechism on your own, please skip to the 16:15 minute mark for commentary on CCC, 120 - 155.)

S1E4 - God Gives Us Truth, Truth, and Nothing but the Truth!

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 74 - 119 and discuss the way in which God establishes a system, known as the "Tripod of Truth", to ensure that his Divine Revelation is handed on without error for almost two millennia. How amazing is that?!

(Note: If you would like to skip the reading of the Catechism/read the Catechism on your own, please skip to the 18:45 minute mark for commentary on CCC, 74 - 119.)

S1E3 - We Believe in a God of Revelation... Not a Wizard of Oz!

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000

Today, we read CCC, 26 - 73 and discuss the God of Revelation. Just like God did not HAVE to create, He does not HAVE to reveal Himself, but He does. He does this because He loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. What a gift!

(Note: If you would like to skip the reading of the Catechism/read the Catechism on your own, please skip to the 22:00 minute mark for commentary on CCC, 26 - 73.)

S1E2 - God Doesn't Need You... and That's Great News!

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:01:00 -0000

On today's episode, we read CCC, 1 - 25 and discuss how God is "infinitely perfect and blessed in Himself" and, therefore, does not need us... What great news!

S1E1 - An Introduction to the Catechism... and Me!

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

During this episode, I introduce myself, the inspiration and vision for the podcast, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I provide a very brief history of the Catechism and walk you through, practically, how to use the book.

Trailer

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000

Join me, Becca Dougherty, on the weekly Catholic Light Podcast beginning on Monday, February 28, 2022. Available on iTunes and YouTube, we'll read through and discuss some of the beautiful teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.