Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to serve in this ministry, is role modeling a kind of leadership and masculinity that is desperately needed.

An ethical will, also known as a legacy letter, is an opportunity to share values, blessings, and/or family history with our heirs and future generations. A legal will outlines what will happen with your material wealth; an ethical bequeaths the wealth of your wisdom.

St. Francis of Assisi used his Christmas creche - with a live ox and donkey - to teach the radical truth of how God chose to become incarnate among creatures. Advent invites us to rediscover our creatureliness, and in the process celebrate our animal companions - fellow creatures who have much to teach us about being human. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

A brief reflection for the month of All Souls, 2024: how our relationships with those on the other side of life and death can continue and deepen through the Communion of Saints. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

We explore how Jesus offers an alternative paradigm for masculinity, with a focus on leadership, dealing with adversity, and ordering one's priorities. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

In this episode, I invite us to consider Jesus as role model and mentor for men, as a portrait of authentic masculinity. He shows us the importance of having a mentor, of solitude and self-care, of expressing emotion and vulnerability. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

We briefly explore 10 biblically rooted principles that might lead us collectively toward being a more dignified, decent, decorous people. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

Why has America become so mean?  We explore some possible roots of this culture crisis, and how our religious traditions can serve to re-introduce the skills of how to be a good neighbor and a moral person. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

Jesus was born in a the least expected of places - a stable, surrounded by animals and their dung! This deeply compassionate action of God shows us that the healing Divine Light seeks to be birthed in the smelly stables within each of us. Where is that place for you this Christmas? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

Jesus' ancestors were quite a crew! Among them we find liars, murderers, prostitutes, and overall rogues, yet God choose to work with these people and was able to bring something glorious out of their many flaws. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

This is a meditation/prayer that invites you to pray with the Communion of Saints - our loved ones and soul friends who now pray with and for us from their heavenly place.  As you listen to the meditation, feel welcome to pause after the prompts so you can spend as much time in quiet prayer as you need.  I originally wrote this for my students at Fordham Prep.  We prayed it together in our little chapel at school and I was overwhelmed by their heartfelt, deeply touching reflections.  I hope you will find this prayer fruitful as well. Best Wishes and God Bless You! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

St. Ignatius did not want his Jesuits to burn out in a fit of what he called "zeal without knowledge."  He wanted their ministries to be fruitful over the long haul.  We know this as cura personalis - care for the person.  Our podcast explores the the roots of this spiritual principle and how can can apply its wisdom to our lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

St. Ignatius affirmed that our choices should be oriented toward "the greater glory of God", that is, we should dedicate our time and energy to those things that will do the greatest good for the greatest number, the most "universal good." This goal is expressed in a principle called "magis." We explore the meaning and some misunderstandings of this key term. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

The ascension is both a sacred event in the history of the church and a symbol of a paradox of the human condition - we can only give our presence more deeply by going away so that others can receive the full blessing of our spirits. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

Easter is more than a commemoration of something that happened 2000 years ago. The resurrection of Jesus empowers us to live transformed lives now. Moreover we are invited to welcome this power into those places within and without that are most in need of light and new life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

As Jesus journeyed through his final days to his death, he role-modeled what it means to practice hope. We explore the difference between hope and optimism, and how hope invites us to tend God's work, no matter the circumstances. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brian-b-pinter/support

Lent is modeled on the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, 40 days of facing the chaos that sought to tear him apart. We are called to follow his example. In this episode we highlight some reflection questions which might serve us as we do our lenten spiritual work. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

A great commandment of the spiritual life is to bless others more and curse them less. We explore how to bless, what "cursing" looks like and what it means to be a blessing. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Joseph role-models for us what it means to listen for the guidance of God and act on it; he teaches us that the loudest, most demanding, aggressive voices are not always voices of truth. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

My Fordham Prep students and I recently concluded a study of Hinduism with a focus on this great tradition's teaching about non-violence. This podcast summarizes foundational Hindu teaching that invites one to peaceful and non-violent living, with a focus on the example of Gandhi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Purgatory is not a place of punishment, but a stage of loving; a time and space where we do the work of forgiving, reconciling, letting go. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Much like our physical health, our mental health needs care and tending. We explore a few avenues of mental health self-care and how this work promotes spiritual vitality. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

What makes for a full, fruitful, meaningful joyful life? We explore a centuries-old Jesuit approach to making the most of one's day, a way packed with wisdom for joie de vivre! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Though we profess to be a "peaceful" people, we are not taught the ways of peace-making nor do we know its role models. Our reflections explore a step-by-step process for resolving conflicts. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Shame is a powerful, malevolent, oppressive energy that feels like an endless downward push, leaving one without the capacity to feel God's mercy. Liberation from shame is part of what it means to be saved, to be redeemed. We explore how we can journey from shame to healing with the help of God's grace. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

"Victim trap" thinking seduces us into identifying with a wound and living in a cycle of rehearsing old hurts, retelling painful stories, and living in the past. But this is not God's desire and hope for us. We explore how the resources of our spiritual tradition can help us move toward healing and wholeness. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

We explore how we can talk with teens about a some important topics around sex - values, communication, boundaries, and consent. Above all, we can help them to understand that sexuality is part of our spirituality and is a gift from God meant to be used properly. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Our culture tends to see apologizing as weakness. The way of Christ, alternatively, is a way of self-knowledge, accountability, healing, reconciliation, and rectification. We explore a spirituality of apology through a practical five-step approach. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

The first Jesuits were very intentional about bringing a spirit of gentleness to their schools. In this episode we explore the characteristics of a gentle approach to life, both inside and outside the classroom. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Among the most significant spiritual tasks we face is how to make the time of our ultimate parting abundantly fruitful. As we walk with Jesus through Holy Week, he role models how in word and deed we can make our dying a gift of peace, forgiveness, and love. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

When we burn the candle at both ends, the soul stages an insurrection in an attempt to bring us back to a place of balance. We explore the signs of burnout and ways we can find rest and renewal. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Though sarcasm is an insincere and often hurtful way of communicating, our culture is saturated with it. What does this reveal about us collectively? We explore the roots of sarcasm and its toxic impact. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Spiritual practices nurture and nourish us, but like all things human, they have a shadow side too. We explore "spiritual bypass" - the ways we use spirituality to suppress or smother undesirable emotions, life's complexities, woundedness or trauma. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

The Christmas season highlights the presence of angels. We hear of them in our carols, lectionary readings, favorite movies, and atop the trees. Angels serve as divine messengers, guiding, inspiring, warning, teaching. We explore how we can discern the presence of the angelic in our lives. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

God's grace is consoling, healing, and liberating, but also shockingly disturbing. God disrupts the status quo. Our podcast explores how Advent invites to hold the "disturbing" power that seeks to be born anew, both within our hearts and in our world. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Shadow, Love, and Mercy Part of the series "Why Ignatius Loyola Still Matters" : The First Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius invites us to know ourselves completely and unconditionally, including our shadow side. As we courageously undertake this sacred work, we are held in a container of unconditional love and mercy. Our reflection explores how Ignatius guides us on this journey into shadow and God's limitless compassion. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Praying with the Communion of Saints Though loved ones have crossed to the other side of death, our relationships with them grow, deepen, and evolve. We explore how the communion of saints invites to affirm that love is stronger than death and that we remain in community and communication with those who have died. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Why Ignatius Loyola Still Matters: The Foundation of a Meaningful Life We explore the "Principle and Foundation", the first major meditation of the Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius invites us to experience life rooted in intimacy with God, connected with creation, and deeply meaningful. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Ignatius lived 500 years ago, yet his approach to spirituality continues to inspire and transform lives, a sign that he discovered something archetypal that touches the human soul. This episode explores how Ignatius' early life and experience of being wounded teaches us how God works in and through our feelings. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Part of our spiritual work is learning to discriminate among the competing voices and energies within, some of which are very loud and powerful but are not truth. Our podcast explores how we discern which among these is of God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

As we journey toward deeper, more mature friendship with God, it can be helpful to have a guide and companion, what our tradition calls a "spiritual director." Our podcast explores what spiritual direction is, and how it can support us in our journey to the holy. Please feel welcome to contact me if you have any questions or would like to further discuss spiritual direction- brianbpinter@gmail.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

How do we remain connected with those we love after they have died? I recently lost a soul-friend, and I am learning in a deeper way the truth that love is stronger than death. We explore how our friendships endure when one goes to the other side. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Taking sabbath rest is a commandment for our good, not merely a suggestion. We explore how we might more deeply enter into times set apart for rest and enjoyment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

The Shadow Side of Parenting Experiences that push us, that turn up the emotional and spiritual heat, are sure to trigger our shadow side, and parenting is the ultimate pressure cooker! We explore how confrontation with the shadow can be an opportunity to become better parents. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

A Daily Hail Mary The "Hail Mary" recalls and honors Mary's "yes" to God's invitation to cooperate with God's holy work in the world. When we say this prayer we join her in that sacred "yes". I have been saying a "Hail Mary" everyday upon waking, and I have found this to be a transformative experience. I share a few reflections on this practice. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

From Grieving to Transformation The journey of grief opens us to the power and grace of resurrection - our wounds are not gone and forgotten, but transformed into light and new life. We explore what this might look like for us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

How do we know our grief work is bearing fruit? One infallible sign is when we don't feel the need to blame anyone anymore. We also explore the invitation to share the journey with a soul friend, especially when we are working through "primordial wounds", i.e. those related to family and church. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Many of our LGBT+ brothers and sisters are feeling offended and hurt by the Vatican's announcement prohibiting the blessing of same sex unions. I want to express my solidarity and empathy. I trust and hope that the Spirit will in time lead our church to a more embracive, enlightened place on this issue. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Communities suffer traumas and wounds just as individuals do. We explore why and how we can collectively do griefwork. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

We explore how nature has the power to mirror the soul and nurture us on the journey to healing and wholeness. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support

Allowing ourselves to weep as we grieve, allowing the tears to come symbolizes the watering of the seeds of transformation, seeds that will sprout as empathy, compassion, wisdom, forgiveness, mercy, and love. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-b-pinter/support