“The World Offers You Comfort, but You were not Made for Comfort, You Were Made for Greatness” (Benedict XVI). For Catholic men who strive to live according to the calling to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1).
We are "lured and enticed by own own desire" - ask God to heal you of these desires. He wants to help, you just gotta ask him and invite him into your life. The daily reading for February 13, 2024 is from James 1:12-18: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The title of this episode is inspired by one of my favourite worship songs, "Find Me in the River" by Delirious? In this episode we encounter two men, King David and the Gerasene Demoniac. Both of these men embody the locale in which they find themselves: at the River Jordan. At the river, God finds them and heals them. May this same loving God find you at your river. Here's a link to the song: https://youtu.be/WFVmrdik5i8?si=xXd-np28FB8KVzXR Here's a link to the scripture readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012924.cfm --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
My brothers, God wants you to become like a candle. Do not be afraid to melt before the Living Flame of God! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"If you build it, he will come" - from the film, Field of Dreams; a film about reconciling a son with his deceased father. Here's a clip for the quote: https://youtu.be/5Ay5GqJwHF8 "What you contemplate, you become." - St. Augustine Learn about the impact of pornography on your psyche and be healed: https://www.strive21.com/ 6,000 thoughts per day, retrain how they impact you: https://www.newsweek.com/humans-6000-thoughts-every-day-1517963 A Catholic Guide to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: https://www.catholic365.com/article/18956/3-anchors-of-catholicism-and-cognitive-behavioral-therapy.html#:~:text=Cognitive%20Behavioral%20Therapy%20is%20about,do%20God%27s%20will%2C%20not%20ours. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind ..." (Romans 12:2) Here's a teaching on this: https://www.compellingtruth.org/do-not-conform-to-this-world.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
A modified best man speech for my brother at his wedding. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Living and Walking in the Power of God is both a demand that requires and a catalyst that enables our lives to become like a liturgy that glorifies God our Father. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Great readings today from the Acts of the Apostles 19:1-8 (May 22, 2023) St Rita of Cascia, Patron of the Impossible: 8 Things to Know About the Amazing St. Rita, Patron of the Impossible (churchpop.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The Ascension of Jesus ought to remind us of three things: the hope to which we have been called, the riches of his glorious inheritance, and “the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Daily Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading George Washington's Newburgh Address: https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/historic-document-library/detail/george-washington-newburgh-address-1783 What made George Washington Great: https://www.prageru.com/video/what-made-george-washington-great Henry V, St. Crispin's Day Speech (Kenneth Branagh): https://youtu.be/A-yZNMWFqvM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
My favourite Catholic study app: Verbum --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The Byzantine Liturgy is like liturgical Smelling Salts. By utilizing all the senses, the Byzantine Rite pulls us out of our slumber. Some good information about the Catholic Byzantine experience from the good ladies at Blessed is She: https://blessedisshe.net/en-ca/blogs/blog/byzantine-catholic-liturgy “O Starry, Starry Night …” Here's a terrific read about art, "Art: a Glimpse into the Beauty of God": https://catholicstand.com/art-a-glimpse-into-the-beauty-of-god/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary and Patron of the Universal Church. Mass readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading Divine Intimacy: https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/divine-intimacy-hardbound-book/p/BKDEV05400 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Saint of the day: St. Frances of Rome https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-frances-of-rome/ Daily Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030923.cfm --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/greatnessnotcomfort/message
God will take the ordinary and mundane of us and our duties, and do something extraordinarily beautiful. Today, give him permission to move in your life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The Acts of the Apostles is a blueprint to what ought to be known as "mainstream Christian Living." Here's why. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"The degree of zeal in acquiring stature in Christ shows whether a man is an infant or a perfected man in the present world and in the world to come" - St. Gregory of Sinai. His Orthodox Wiki: https://orthodoxwiki.org/Gregory_of_Sinai Growing in Zeal, becoming a Warrior: https://youtu.be/xyJEcwWElCc --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Based on two things: Acts of the Apostles chapter 10 and the Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity Link to the "Apostolate of the Laity" (it's awesome, go read it): https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html Link to a Presentation by the indomitable Ralph Martin on this Decree: https://youtu.be/GXG3Ji0qRKY --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The crickets were out in full force in this cell phone recorded episode from a beautiful outdoor grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. Papa JD was in my area for our annual Made for Greatness men's conference, and a presentation for a youth/young adult group from our Archdiocese. Padre Juan Diego did a fantastic job with the men and was awesome to work with. For info on his Friary and ministry in Albuquerque, go to their website: cfr-newmexico.com This is a recording of his presentation for the Archdiocesan Youth. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Ambo announcement for an upcoming men's conference in my Province --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Meditation on 1 Kings 21:20 and a point of clarity for a recent Made for Greatness men's night --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Had the privilege of delivering a part of our Rekindle the Flame message to group of Knights of Columbus from Saskatchewan. In the presentations, I touch on the reality of Impostor Syndrome. Here's a great article from The Epoch Times about Impostor Syndrome: https://www.theepochtimes.com/feeling-like-a-fraud-exposing-imposter-syndrome_2775289.html --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Find the daily mass readings here, today's reading was from January 15, 2022: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading St. Dismas, his traditional memorial is March 25. Here's his bio from Denver Catholic: https://denvercatholic.org/st-dismas-a-penitent-thief-and-the-paradise-of-belief/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Presentation for an RCIA group in my Province --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Not a deep dive into scripture, but a casual reflection into the works of the Early Church and other powerful Heroes of our faith, like Elijah. Some terms: "Crucible" (from the Latin, "crux"): A situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new (Source: lexico.com: https://www.lexico.com/definition/crucible). Cheesecloth: Okay, truth be told, I've never used cheesecloth--nor have I ever seen anyone use it. For those Chefs out there that might stumble on this episode, in the immortal words of Elvis: "Have mercy!" For people like me who've never touched the stuff, here's this: https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-strain-with-a-cheesecloth/ Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: "St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in this day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host--by the Power of God--cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of Souls. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Was Jonah a total failure? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"It's not you it's me" - Remember that episode from Seinfeld? Here's a clip: https://youtu.be/2uAj4wBIU-8 Sometimes, it really is ... me. We need to get a point and ask ourselves, "Do I really want to be a Saint?" Striving to be a Saint and to Glorify God in all things demands that we ask God for the courage to see when it's not the Other in our lives, it's us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
I went off tangent into a frustrated rant. I usually cut these segues out, but I kept it in for you to hear how I transition from frustration to asking the Heart of God to guide me--something I should be doing much more often. Just to be clear, I am very grateful for the work that our Hospital Staff and Educators and School Staff are all engaged in; it's unfortunate that the bad apples amongst them stink so badly! I think that these Bad Apples can learn a thing or two from our men and women who serve in the Military. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Gospel of John 15:13) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
The readings from the day: Judges 2:11-19; Matthew 19:16-22 The Catholic News Agency on St. Stephen: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-stephen-of-hungary-565 St. Stephen of Hungary, Pray for us! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
From the Archives! Recorded this several months back, never published. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Today's Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading (go to July 19, 2021) The Sign of Jonah: A Message of Repentance, Mercy, and Redemption "... and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:11) The Jason Jones Show: "Stunning interview with Uyghur Refugee + more interviews at the International Religious Freedom Summit" - fantastic episode that you don't want to miss: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stunning-interview-uyghur-refugee-more-interviews-at/id1396065126?i=1000528964595 The Vulnerable People Project: Authentic Catholic Social Teaching - awesome stuff! An excellent ministry created by Jason Jones: https://www.thegreatcampaign.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Gospel reading for the day: Matthew 10:16-23 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Doing something when it's easy, even if the consequences were minimal, isn't bravery. Figures like Horatio (search up “Horatio and the Bridge”) and Martin Luther King Jr … and most of all Jesus our Christ … that's true Bravery. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Recording of a Summer Mission that my wife and I recently spoke at for our friends and fellow parishioners. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
James and I met around 1998 at a Catholic Bible School called, John Paul II Bible School in the wee village of Radway, Alberta. We live in the same neighbourhood, work in the same industry, go to the same Parish ... this episode is waaaay overdue Jars of Clay, "Worlds Apart," from the live album Furthermore: https://youtu.be/iq_El_J7jMM --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Jim Murphy, of Vera Cruz Communications, joins us for our monthly men's event. Go to his website for more information: veracruzcm.com Serve with Jim or any of the other Country Coordinators for Renewal Ministries: renewalministries.net/missions Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: "O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, pour down thy blessings abundantly upon Thy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff, and upon all the clergy; give perseverance to the just, convert sinners, enlighten unbelievers, bless our parents, friends and benefcators, help the dying, free the souls from Purgatory, and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen." (traditionalcatholicprayers.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Mark Joubert, one of our local leaders, shares with us his wisdom about the Virtue of Faith at one of our monthly Made for Greatness men's nights. Great job, Mark! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Prayer to St. Joseph: "Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. "Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen." The Mass reading from today that I referenced is from the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 11 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Daily Mass Readings are from The Acts of the Apostles 3:1-10; The Gospel of Luke 24:13-35. Here's a link **Links only seem to work from my podcast page on Anchor.fm --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Jesus is Alive! Happy Easter, and have a courageous Easter season as you prepare your hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit. "Repent and be Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:39). Link to today's readings --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
A point of clarity from my previous episode, "A World Without Hugs" and a wee meditation on the meaning of the word, "formed." Here's a link to Verbum: A Catholic Bible Study (fyi: the links only seem to work on Anchor). Prayer to St. Joseph: "Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Journey with me, as I try to make sense of 3 profound scenes I recently saw. The scripture I refer to in this episode is from Ezekiel chapter 47--click here to read it! Don't be discouraged and allow the darkness to consume you. Never forget: "... everything will live where the river goes" (Ezekiel 47:9). Prayer to St. Joseph: "Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"Prayer to St. Joseph" (provided by members of the Madonna House Apostolate) "Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2) From Divine Intimacy: "One of the greatest obstacles to full conformity of our will to God's is our attachment to our own desires and inclinations" (DI.120.2a). Get your own copy of this spiritual classic here Today's mass readings: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
From Divine Intimacy: "However slight may be our concern for our reputation, if we wish to make progress in spiritual matters, we must put this attachment right behind us; for if questions of honour prevail, we will never make great progress or come to enjoy the real fruit of prayer: intimacy with God" (DI.117, "True Glory." 1). Get your own copy of Divine Intimacy. Daily mass readings from the USCCB Pray the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer Daily: "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in this day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Yes, valour is an intrinsic element of Masculine Spirituality, but don't let the pursuit of Valour distract you from seeking the lowest place without the want to be acknowledged. Click here to discover the daily mass readings. Click here for Bear Woznick's Deeps Adventure Ministries --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"Every moment is a new moment to begin again!" (Catherine Doherty, founder of Madonna House). Don't be discouraged by an imperfect first week of Lent: Get up. Dust the dust off and move forward. Click here for your own copy of Divine Intimacy - changed my life forever! The Servants of the Cross - check them out and donate to their ministry Quote List: "Grit": attitude, desire, commitment, and passion; "To insure an orderly and progressive growth in the spiritual life ... we must know ourselves" (Divine Intimacy, Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD, #103 para. 1); The Sacrament of Penance "has bathed us in order to cleanse the face of our souls from the Leprosy of Sin" (St. Catherine of Sienna). Sorry for the audio issues! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:7,8). Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Cardinal Virtue of Justice (and the other Cardinal/Theological Virtues) The Presentation given to us by Gerald Montpetit and here's link to Gerald's ministry: Cat.Chat: Makes the Faith Come Alive for Kids - check it out, it has been a huge blessing for my family and I KNOW it will be for yours; Bear Woznick - check him out, another tremendous resource for Catholic men: DeepAdventureMinistries.com Last but not least: Jim Murphy, an excellent man. Here's an episode from the Spiritual Fortitude Podcast and a recording of Jim's presentation, "A Journey With The Cross" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment (Joel 2:13) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
**Originally recorded on (you guessed it) Christmas Day 2020. Missing a good chunk of audio ... Allow St. Joseph to build a manger in your heart today. Prepare room for the King of Kings and rest with him. Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph (recited at the end; click here for the source, The Pieta Prayer Book): "O St. Joseph, who protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you with Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name, kiss his fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"O Happy Fault" that I read the wrong mass readings this weekend: should've been 2 Samuel, but I read 1 Samuel--and I've been chewing on it ever since! Particularly 3 themes: 1. The Humiliation of Dagon (Philistinian deity) before the Ark of God; 2. The Lack of Evangelical Zeal, on the part of Israel; 3. "Tear your hearts, not your garments" (see Joel 2) Let's chew on 1 Samuel chapters 5-7 real quick and see how it relates to today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
"Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12). God is here for you during this time we're in; he is here and ready to take you by your hand, in order to be your Strength. Let him. Let him take your hand, let him lead you, and let him speak to you "great and hidden things which you have not known" (Jeremiah 33:3). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/greatnessnotcomfort/message
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