Catholic Light

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)! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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 This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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!

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?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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!

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! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

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).

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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...?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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?!