FAITH HOPE & HISTORY with FR. BILL

Not many Christians, including Catholics, know that there is a rich history in the Catholic Church of the Ecumenical Council. For many, the only Council they are aware of is Vatican II (and maybe, by conclusion, Vatican I), but little is known about the dynamic and charism of the Council in the history and function of the Catholic Church. Fr. Bill discusses this history of the Councils, what they were, when they were held, what they discussed, their impact on the Catholic Faith and Tradition, and how the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) fits into that rich Catholic Tradition.

Fr. Bill gives his weekly homily on the Good Shepherd in light of the leaked opinion regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on Abortion.

With the news regarding the sale of Twitter, there has been much discussion on the nature of the Freedom of Speech in the United States. Fr. Bill discusses the importance of Free Speech, but also talks about another Freedom, in the Bill of Rights, more important than Free Speech, without which we will never enjoy freedom and Democratic Dominance over our Governmental Systems.

Fr. Bill talks about Good Friday from the perspective of the Gospel of John, who sets up the Passion of Jesus very much as the Coronation of the King of Glory. Listen as Fr. Bill describes why this is so, prepares us to hear the Passion According to John in the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion, and offers a final reflection on the importance of Jesus' Crucifixion.

Fr. Bill comments on the history of the Academy Awards and the legendary films that Hollywood used to produce, manifested on those films that won the award for Best Picture. Reviewing some of the great films that have been Awarded Best Picture, Fr. Bill by the Academy, Fr. Bill reflects on the greatest films and the greatest era of both Hollywood and the Academy Awards, compared to the obvious decline of both in the past decade.

Part of the Legacy of St. Patrick is that the Irish helped to maintain the Church in the U.S. for decades. As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day and St. Joseph's Day two days apart, what are the lessons to be learned from both men, and the influence they have had on the Church in the United States?

Some insist that the Bible is an accurate historical account. Others claim it is only Mythology. Fr. Bill discusses how it is both, why it is both and to what purpose it serves as a "historical" for the ancient Kingdom of Israel, as well as to people of faith today.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine comes on the heels of the Covid Pandemic around the World, and of Civil Unrest, inflation and Economic Uncertainty in the US. Some would insist that it is the sign that the End is coming. Fr. Bill discusses the words of Jesus regarding Wars, Pestilence and the End of the World and how Catholics are called to react to events that are being reported from home and throughout the World

As eager as people were to mask up and get vaxed at the height of the pandemic because "we were all going to die" if we didn't. How eager are people now to move on, maskless and unafraid, now that the Pandemic is beginning to wane? Fr. Bill reflects upon the experience of the Covid Pandemic and what we could and should expect from people as the world begins to return to normal.

The Last week of January is celebrated annually as Catholic Schools Week. Fr. Bill talks about the Legacy of the Catholic School System, especially in the United States, what makes it great, what challenges it faces, and why it should be kept going for future generations in this country.

Jesus' debut in Nazareth was somewhat less than successful. Fr Bill discusses the ways in which the people of Jesus' home-town reacted to his teaching and how the Catholics, Christians and anyone of any traditional value system experience and deal with multiple reactions to their presence and assertions in society.

The life and martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket shows that Religion has a clear place in politics, whether we want it to or not. Fr. Bill discusses the life of Becket and how he defied the conventional separation of Religion and Politics, and even became the victim of a "Cancel Culture."

The Feast of the Holy Innocents follows the Celebration of Christmas and remembers the death of the infants slaughtered by King Herod following the Birth of Jesus. Fr. Bill talks about how the Slaughter of the Innocents parallels another Biblical slaughter, and how it is repeated today in the drive for a more secular progressive post-Christian society.

Christmas celebrates the Birth of Christ, but it also celebrates that "The Lord has come this people and set them free!" It is a great celebration of Freedom that is perfectly combatable with our culture and founding as Free Americans of the United States. Fr. Bill talks about how this is so and wishes everyone the best of the season.

Many people see the Supreme Court of the United States as the Supreme Authority of the Country. Fr. Bill discusses the role and authority of the Supreme Court in relation to the other two Branches of the Federal Government, as well as in relation to the Governments of the individual States, particularly in light of the recent arguments before it over the Mississippi Abortion Law. He talks about historical decisions made by the court and how it relates to its role in our nation today

Americans love to talk about their "rights". Fr. Bill talks about the nature of "Rights" as expressed in the Declaration of Independence of the United States and how the assertion of "rights" that people make today fits, or does not fit, into that dynamic that is at the center of America's founding and continued prosperity.

November 19, 2021 is the 158th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address Fr. Bill talks about the Legacy of Lincoln's Speech and how it continues to speak to our Nation, and give us hope in the present crisis.

The Trial of Kyle Rittenhouse has captured the attention of America. Fr. Bill discusses the trial, not in terms of innocence or guilt, but in terms of what everything about the trial - what led up to it, what it is about, how it has been conducted by the participants, what the media and politicians have sad about it - ultimately says about the state of America and the attitudes that have become prevalent among the People.

Many Catholics are critical of Pope Francis and other Bishops for not calling out Catholic politicians who are in favor of abortion. Some have called Pope Francis a "false Pope", an "anti-Pope" and even "Satan's Pope". Some say that the Church is in a crisis from which it may never recover. Fr. Bill talks about another crisis from Church history and puts the current issues into the proper perspective of the Church's checkered, but triumphant past.

Is Halloween a celebration of Death and Evil, or a manifestation of Christian confidence against evil? Fr. Bill talks about Halloween and the subsequent Feast Days of All Saints and All Souls.

Fr. Bill addresses the controversy over Covid Vaccinations. He talks about the issue of "Forced" Vaccinations, and addresses the ethical questions people raise with regard to taking the Vaccine. (note - Fr. Bill is NOT speaking as an official spokesperson of the Catholic Church. Rather, he speaks as a pastoral minister who has had to address this in discussions with those who have approached him for advice and guidance.)

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7) commemorates the victory of the Catholic League over the Ottoman Empire in the Naval Battle of Lepanto. Fr. Bill discusses the history of the Battle and why it's lessons are still important for the Church today as it continues to pray the Rosary as an important and popular devotion.

Three days after the attacks on 9/11, President George W. Bush called on the nation to observe a National Day of Prayer. In addition to that day (9/14) being the Catholic Feast of the Triumph of the Cross of Christ, it is also the anniversary of the triumph after the Siege of Fort McHenry, outside Baltimore, Maryland. Join Fr. Bill as he discusses and relates the events of 9/11 with that important and overlooked anniversary.

Fr. Bill offers thoughts and reflections on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attack on the United States.

Fr. Bill gives a few comments on the places he visited during his annual road trip through the United States

Many people, Catholic and Non-Catholic, object to certain teachings of the Catholic Church. This is nothing new. Fr. Bill talks about the up and coming readings of the Sunday Mass, what Jesus taught and how His audience responded. Fr. Bill then compares it to the objections to current teachings of the Church, the demand of some people that the Church change its teachings, and the penchant for Catholics to leave the Church over them.

Pope Francis has rolled back Pope Benedict XVI's allowance for greater access to the Traditional Latin Mass. Some are saddened, some confused, some indifferent. Fr. Bill discusses the issue, and how the Traditional Latin and Novus Ordo Masses relate to the other Rites of the Catholics Church.

Fr. Bill addresses the habit of many public officials and media figures to compare current issues to Historical Events, Figures and Institutions, encouraging his listeners to respond, not to the extreme Rhetoric and inappropriate Hyperbole, but as a call to actually learn the history that is being invoked in the comparison.

Without Independence Day there would be no Juneteenth to celebrate. Fr. Bill discusses the history of Independence Day and the Founding of our Nation in light of the new National Holiday of Juneteenth. He also discusses the fallacies of current accusations of our Nation's Founding, how that Founding ensured the Abolition of Slavery, how Juneteenth at long last acknowledges that this is a Nation that Abolished Slavery, and therefore how there would be nothing to celebrate on Juneteenth without the National Founding we celebrate on July 4th.

Catholic Democrat members of Congress wrote a letter to the United States Catholic Bishops urging the bishops to refrain from asserting Catholic teaching regarding the Sanctity of Human Life, the Absolute Evil of Abortion, the Advocacy of Abortion by Catholics in Public Life and their Worthiness to Receive in Communion the Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Fr. Bill talks about the various issues surrounding the letter, how it violates the cherished doctrine of Separation of Church and State, and how the Paulicians who signed it are digging themselves deeper into a moral hole that further threatens their standing in the Catholic Church and their credibility as American Politicians.

Holy Years of the past declared and dedicated by the Holy Fathers, from John Paul II to Francis, have in many ways been lost, in some cases wasted opportunities for the Church. The Year of St. Joseph is another opportunity for the Church to preach and promote values associated with the earthly Father of Jesus in ways that can truly uplift and intently challenge our world today. Fr. Bill talks about the lost opportunities of the past Holy Years and the great opportunity given to the Church in the Year of St. Joseph, and how Father's Day can help tie together so much of what Joseph stands for as the Husband of Mary, the "Dad" of Jesus, and the Patron Saint of the Holy Catholic Church throughout the world.

The Catholic Church is still reeling and recovering from a series of scandals involving some of its priests and bishops. The Church has also done a great deal to address them within its own ranks. There are, however, those who would do nothing but remind the Church of its checkered past, ignoring the rapid and revolutionary strides it has taken to ensure avoidance of scandal in the future, atonement for it sins, and the future protection of all people of all ages. Jesus also had something to say on the topic and the angle He takes is rather unexpected. Fr. Bill does not ask "What Would Jesus Say". Rather He reminds us of what Jesus DID say, as he addresses the overall dynamic of Church scandals, its efforts to overcome them, correct its flaws and atone for its sins, while at the same time dealing with those who would use them to rail against the Church and its moral credibility.

Fr. Bill talks about St. Boniface, the Apostle to Germany, and how he confronted the paganism of the people of that region, and how his example of zeal and audacity can serve to confront the modern paganisms of today.

On the Feast of St. William of Gellone, the Duke of Aquitaine, Fr. Bill discusses him, and two important English Saints, Augustine of Canterbury and Bede the Venerable, and how they were, and continue to be, important figures not only in the Church, but in the History of England and Christianity.

The Third Person of the Holy Trinity is the Holy Spirit which is celebrated every year on Pentecost Sunday - the last day of the 50-day celebration of Easter. However, it is still subject to the same whimsical interpretation as the Father and Son when it comes to how believers (and non-believers) invoke its action. Fr. Bill describes the Biblical symbols of the Holy Spirit and how they represent what the Holy Spirit its, what it does, and just how unpredictable and uncontrollable it is; and suggests more modest and humble ways believers come to a greater understanding of how and where it inspires.

The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus (as well as the Epiphany) are now celebrated on Sundays rather than the original 40days after Easter and 12 Days after Christmas, respectively. Fr. Bill talks about the purpose of Holy Days of Obligation, and why some of these days, more recently the Ascension, have been moved. He also talks about what Holy Days should be kept, moved or suppressed as days of obligation, while also suggesting other days that can be promoted as days for the Mass that draw from both our values as Christians and our identity as Americans.

Fr. Bill offers his thoughts on the Pastoral Letter "Before I Formed You in the Womb I Knew You: on the Human Dignity of the Unborn, Holy Communion, and Catholics in Public Life" by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco. Fr. Bill comments on the Content of the letter, as well as common responses to be expected by dissenting Catholics and why it is important for Catholics in the Public Eye to be particularly diligent in obeying fundamental teachings of their own faith.

Easter is 50 Days of Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Church spends Seven Weeks celebrating Easter. Christianity has been Celebrating Easter for 2,000 Years. But is the Resurrection of Jesus worth celebrating four weeks after Easter? Is the Event of the Resurrection of Jesus still relevant 2,000 Years after the fact? Join Fr. Bill as he talks about the stories of the Gospels of the Risen Jesus appearing to certain, selected people after He Rose from the Dead, and how those stories reflect a reality that is still relevant today.

April 15th is Tax Day in the United States; it is also the anniversary of the Death of Abraham Lincoln and the Sinking of the RMS Titanic. Fr. Bill talks about these important events and how they can speak to us in the midst of the turmoil of the past year -- What we should look out for, what our Duties are and ultimately what Hope is there in the Future.

A single podcast is hardly enough to cover all of the issues involved in the Cancel Culture that is sweeping the Western Nations and in particular the United States. Fr. Bill discusses one element of the Cancel Culture -- that of being "offended" by someone or something; how it has contributed to the Cancel Culture and what we can do to counter the cancelation movement we see happening today.

There is no first hand account of the Resurrection of Jesus, even in the Bible. Yet billions today and even more over the past 2000 years believe it - some even to the point of sacrificing their lives rather than renounce it. Join Fr. Bill's Easter Podcast as he ponders the presumed lack of evidence, why so many have come to believe in it, and why those who do not believe are still kept on edge by the greatest event of human history.

While many like to turn to movies about Jesus during Holy Week, Easter Sunday and the Easter Season, Fr. Bill makes a suggestion of a "trilogy" of movies that deal with the issue of Freedom, with a final resolution on how true Freedom is grounded in Faith in Christ. Join Fr. Bill as he discusses three unlikely films which build one upon the other to a climax in the third movie on where true freedom must be grounded if it is to lead to an end of tyranny and worldly oppression.

The United States of America was Founded on Faith, an historical reality that is being denied by an Atheistic interpretation of the "Separation of Church and State." Fr. Bill discusses this important history of the founding of our nation, how the American Revolution is the Superior Revolution to the French Revolution and how Faith was essential to the Founding and continues to be essential to the ongoing endurance of the United States as a Free Society.

The Vatican reaffirmed that the Church and its ministers cannot bless same-sex unions. Immediately media and celebrities reacted. Fr. Bill reacts to the reactions with a little insight on the subject, and related topics.

The concept of "Separation of Church and State" is not meant to protect the State from the Church, but rather to protect the Church from the State. Fr. Bill discusses how freedom FROM Religion is the beginning of the end to all freedom, while Freedom OF Religion ensures greater freedom from the tyranny of secularism and the tyranny of the State. Fr. Bill also addresses the issue of slavery in the West and how the growth of Christianity led to an end of slavery in Medieval Europe, and how when it rose again with colonialism, it was a source of moral controversy because of Europe's Christian roots.

"Following 'the Science'" is a common invocation asserted by many as a one-upmanship to those who profess particularly a Christian faith; as if those of a deep faith are closed to accepting "the science." More often than not the Church's conflict with Galileo is invoked as a demonstration of how the Catholic Church and the Christian Faith is hostile to Science. Fr. Bill discusses the issue, demonstrating that the opposite is true. Not only does Christianity, and in particular Catholicism, have no problem with Science, but it is because of the Christian Faith, and in particular the Catholic Church, that Science and scientific studies were able to grow and flourish in the West. Join Fr. Bill as he talks about the how Christianity and the Judeo-Christian worldview paved the way for the growth of Science, and how the Catholic Church fostered such studies. He will even name a few priests and bishops who were pioneers in many of the modern fields of scientific study. Some of them may surprise you!

Lent is a time for growth, but we need to approach it positively. How do we tend to approach Lent negatively, perhaps without even knowing it? What are the practices? Why do Christians engage in such Practices? When people approach Lent NEGATIVELY, how do people tend to skew the to make it "easier"? How, when we approach Lent POSITIVELY, can we take advantage of the disciplines, practices and observances, so as benefit as individuals, and as a wider community of faith?

For the Premier podcast of this series I introduce myself and the focus of this podcast, and conclude, on the occasion of Valentine's Day with a few comments on the subject "LOVE", how it is approached and discussed in the current social, cultural, and political climate, and how those discussions measure up to the Biblical and Christian understanding of Love.