Little by Little

Do you feel spiritually unfed at Mass? Is it really the preaching—or how you're listening? Father Columba challenges us to approach the homily not just with open ears, but with an open heart. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, he shares how to receive more from every sermon — no matter the priest — by expecting Jesus to speak.

What does it take to truly encounter God? In this episode, Fr Columba offers a practical guide to encountering God, drawing from the experience of pilgrimage. He shares how slowing down, being honest in prayer and walking with intention can open your heart to God's presence.

By dying on the cross, Jesus took all of Hell's rage upon Himself — and then taunts Satan with, "Is that all you've got?" The way God used Satan against himself, like a dog who bites his own tail, is a testament to God's greatness, goodness and justice.

What if God's love wasn't enough—unless you responded to it? What if you could reject it without even realising? In this episode, Fr Columba challenges the idea that God's love demands nothing of us. He unpacks the truth about sin, freedom, consequences and repentance—showing us how real love calls us to change.

What if God's love wasn't enough—unless you responded to it? What if you could reject it without even realising? In this episode, Fr Columba challenges the idea that God's love demands nothing of us. He unpacks the truth about sin, freedom, consequences and repentance—showing us how real love calls us to change.

How do we actually live the Catholic faith with our families? What does holiness look like in daily life? In this episode, Fr. Columba shares wisdom from Kendra Tierney's Catholic All Year Compendium, offering simple, practical, and surprisingly joyful ways to make Lent—and every season—meaningful.

What if your comfort is killing your calling? What if it's not laziness, but sloth holding you back? Fr Columba unpacks the spiritual struggle of sloth—not mere idleness, but a resistance to God's love and action. God invites us to wake up, live with purpose and embrace the grace to act with love and courage.

Why do we stay stuck in sin? Why does real change feel impossible? Father Columba dives into the spiritual battle we all face, revealing that true freedom doesn't come from trying harder but from surrendering to God. Through the wisdom of the saints, he challenges us to stop relying on our own strength and trust in God's power. 

Is taking care of yourself selfish? Or is it necessary for loving others? Fr. Columba explores the fine line between self-care and self-indulgence, challenging the idea that neglecting yourself is somehow holy. From daily habits to deeper spiritual well-being, he shares how true love for others starts with properly valuing yourself as a child of God.

Why does prayer feel dry or distant? Are we just going through the motions? Fr Columba shares his method of prayer—one that moves beyond words into deep intimacy with God. Learn how mental prayer can shift your heart, making space for real connection. Give it a try and experience the difference.

Why do we resist doing hard things? Why does Lent challenge us so much? Father Columba unpacks the power of sacrifice, discipline and trust in God. He reveals why fasting, prayer and almsgiving aren't just obligations but pathways to freedom. Are you ready to push past comfort and step into real transformation?

Why do we struggle to accept what we can't change? Why do we waste time trying to control others? Father Columba breaks down the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, showing how true freedom comes from surrendering to God. Learn how to let go, forgive and embrace the peace that only trust in God can bring.

Why do we crave approval so much? Why does rejection feel unbearable? Father Columba unpacks the struggle for validation and reveals how true freedom comes from anchoring our identity in God. Let go of the fear of others' opinions—God's love is enough.

Why do we stay stuck in sin? Why does real change feel impossible? Father Columba unpacks the spiritual battle we all face, revealing that freedom doesn't come from trying harder but from surrendering to God. Through the wisdom of the saints, he challenges us to stop relying on ourselves and trust in God.

The people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. Are your friends calling you higher? Do they challenge you to grow, encourage you when you're struggling, and comfort you when you fall? Father Columba explores the power of real friendships—ones that reflect Christ's love, truth, and mercy.

Are you loving or using people? Father Columba challenges us to reflect on how we treat others – are we giving selflessly or exploiting for our own gain? Understand what it means to truly love, inspired by God's example of unconditional love. Transform your relationships by embracing love that uplifts and never uses.

What if there's a new way to be human, one that leads to true freedom and joy? Father Columba dives into how generosity and trust in God can transform our hearts and lives. Discover how embracing this mindset allows us to live fully, love deeply and receive abundantly.

What if giving more is the key to receiving more? Father Columba explores how generosity transforms our hearts, deepens our faith and aligns us with God's abundant love. Giving isn't just about what we lose — it's about what we gain: freedom, joy and the grace to live fully.

Do you ever wonder if your prayers make a difference? Father Columba reveals how every prayer, no matter how small, holds power in God's plan. This is the impact of trusting in God, embracing vulnerability and praying with faith.

How can we learn to trust God fully? Father Columba reflects on Jesus' birth, inviting us to see how Christ's vulnerability models total surrender to the Father's will. Discover how this childlike humility can transform our hearts this Christmas.

With Christmas around the corner, it's easy to overlook Advent. These four weeks invite us to prepare our hearts, minds and souls for Christ's arrival. Father Columba shares how we can open ourselves to receive God this Christmas, encouraging us to wait in hopeful expectation.

Faith and science often seem at odds, but are they really? Father Columba unpacks the Catholic “both-and” approach, showing how reason and belief complement one another. Learn how embracing both strengthens faith, deepens discernment and uncovers harmony between science and faith itself.

What makes a great Bible for prayer and study? Father Columba reviews the beautifully crafted Ascension Press Bible, highlighting its practical features and elegant design. Discover how this premium second edition reflects how our hearts should revere God.Get the Premium Great Adventure Bible:https://ascensionpress.com/products/holy-bible-the-great-adventure-catholic-bible-second-edition?variant=45776039411904Get the Notetaking Great Adventure Bible:https://ascensionpress.com/products/holy-bible-the-great-adventure-catholic-bible-second-edition?variant=45776039379136Get the Great Adventure Catechism:https://ascensionpress.com/products/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-ascension-edition

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take My body, take My blood”? Father Columba unpacks the scriptural and historical foundation of this central Catholic teaching, drawing from early Church creeds and the words of Jesus Himself.

Are you tired of gossip, envy and control quietly distorting your heart? Have you ever wondered how resentment sneaks in and holds you back from peace? Father Columba sheds light on its roots, its impact and how we can overcome it. Discover how honest reflection, forgiveness and the Gospel can break the cycle and lead to freedom and peace.

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take My body, take My blood”? Father Columba unpacks the scriptural and historical foundation of this central Catholic teaching, drawing from early Church creeds and the words of Jesus Himself.

Are you tired of gossip, envy and control quietly distorting your heart? Have you ever wondered how resentment sneaks in and holds you back from peace? Father Columba sheds light on its roots, its impact and how we can overcome it. Discover how honest reflection, forgiveness and the Gospel can break the cycle and lead to freedom and peace.

What does it mean to give yourself completely to God? Father Columba dives into the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, showing how they reflect a full self-gift to God, much like Jesus' love in the Eucharist. Through his Franciscan life, he shares insights on living fully for Christ and challenges us to consider how we can respond to God's love with our own wholehearted “yes”.

Are you holding back in your faith by just trying to be “nice”? Have you ever wondered if honesty and boldness could bring you closer to God? In this episode, Father Columba dives into this issue, drawing from the gospel where Jesus says, “let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no,” showing us why sometimes, Nice Isn't Enough.

Where does God dwell? Closer than you'd think! Father Columba dives into John 15:5 and uses babushka dolls as an analogy to reveal the life-changing truth: Jesus lives not just with us, but within us — and us within him. There's a lot to unpack this week.

We often want to know more about the saints, but where do we start? Father Columba explains why knowing the saints is essential for our faith journey, sharing his favourite books centred on their lives and the impact they can have on our hearts and souls. Discover seven books that played an important role in shaping Father Columba's conversion, and ultimately, his vocation.

While it can feel difficult or unloving to say “no”, maintaining boundaries is essential. Do you ever say "yes" because it's easier? Do you tend to people-please to "stay connected"? People-pleasing, driven by the fear of rejection, can distort relationships and prevent us from bringing our true selves to the table. Fr Columba gives tips on how to avoid this.

We all have an inner conversation, pretty much all of the time. When it gets negative, who's steering? Is it God, or is it your overly critical self? God will rebuke us when we need it, but it will feel very different to us hating on ourselves.

Shame is an unavoidable human emotion, and like any emotion — it can get too big for us to handle. Fr Columba shares a recent story of his in which he noticed an unhealthy emotional reaction to his messing up. Father uses this experience as an opportunity to grow in love for and security in God, knowing that unfettered shame can lead us to anxiety and even sin.

Car drifting is not something we imagined we'd cover in this series, but when the opportunity arose Fr Columba seized it. And here we are — with an incredibly helpful analogy about high-speed car drifting — which helps us learn more about how to imitate Christ. Well done Fr Columba!

For many people, swearing or using God's name is just a habit. That may be somewhat passable if you don't know any better, but should a Christian swear? It's hotly debated, and not all Christians agree. Fr Columba gives his thoughts.

God is at work, but are you paying attention? While you wallow in woe, could incredible opportunities for graces be passing you by? It's easily done, but important to snap out of. Whether it's low bible study numbers (like in Fr Columba's case), or any other number of disappointments — remember to look for the grace, even if it's a little hidden.

You are not the Devil's slave, but in order to declare that boldly in your life you need to expunge the “victim attitude”. Fr Columba shares how to spot this attitude and, importantly, how to transform it into trust in God. God is always greater.

Evangelising can be awkward, but isn't that almost the point? It's something Jesus explicitly asks us to do, and he knows it's not always easy. He will give you the grace you need. Fr Columba offers some practical advice on how to share your faith with others.

Worrying can be a form of attempted control. But when we worry it's lose-lose: it ruins our peace, and often ruins the outcome of whatever we're try to achieve. It's not always easy, but it's certainly always better to surrender to God. Fr Columba offers advice on how.

Prayer is essential to the Christian life — it's okay to find it challenging, but it's not okay to give up. Fr Columba shares three tips for building the habit of prayer over 21 days. Whether you're building up a prayer life from scratch, or improving what you have — we hope these tips help you.

Yearning for connection with God isn't necessarily a pleasant experience, but it can be incredibly formative. In the difficult times, the spiritual winters, when connection with God feels at the same time far off and deeply desirable — these are the moments, the crucial points at which our faith can grow deeper roots. If, of course, we are willing.

Money isn't always what it's hyped up to be. In theory it should make life easier, take away our stress — but this isn't always the case. Perhaps it's down to how we use our money, not the amount we actually have. And, certainly, how we prioritise it and order it within our lives.

Jesus' wounds teach us a lot. In his resurrected, glorified state — Jesus keeps his wounds. Why? And, if Jesus keeps the signs of his wounds in his perfect state — what does that say about us and our wounds, whatever form they take? In at least some cases, can our past weaknesses, our visible (or invisible) wounds come to their perfection in God, for His greater glory and even our own salvation? It may just be possible.

Friendships are deeply fundamental to our human experience — they can be edifying and uplifting, but they can also be draining or even destructive. Fr Columba gives great tips on how to choose and treat your friends.

How much time do we waste every day — probably more than we'd like to think about. Time is precious, and can be used for God's glory. What will you do with yours?

It's nice when the world sees our talents, isn't it? Not so nice when we have to do something we're not so great at. How do you show up in either scenario: doing something you're gifted at, or doing something you're rather lousy at? Can you give God your lousy best, or will your pride get in the way?

Do you desire fame, either big scale or small scale? So did Sr Clare Crockett, and so does everyone else, to some extent. But this doesn't have to mean you're a narcissist, it actually might just mean you're human. And being human involves an innate desire to be known — that can only fully be satisfied by the One who made us.

Are you doing enough to save your soul? At the end of your days, will you face mercy or justice — eternal reward, or eternal punishment? These big questions are wrapped up in the seeming contradiction between justice and mercy. Yet, miraculously, in God we find 100% mercy and 100% justice. In Him, all things come to perfection.

Do you engage in negative thoughts about yourself, your life or the world around you? In a previous video (linked below) Fr Columba listed out 10 common negative thought patterns and gave advice on how to avoid them. Now, in part 2, Father gives three practical tips on how to actually remove these thoughts from your life entirely.

As Christians, we are told two things that can seem to contradict each other: that we should trust in God and that we should act boldly. Interestingly, too much of either can lead us to heresy, so it's important to find the right balance.