SeekingFaith

In the Scripture readings for this Sunday, the theme of God's overabundant love and care for us is clearly illuminated. Just as Jesus multiplies five barley loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, so also will he multiply our gifts in service to others. Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the many facets of this overabundance and how we can share it with the world.

Filled with compassion for their hard word, Jesus invites his apostles to rest a while. He also has deep pity for those who reach out and want to sit at his feet. The story in Mark's gospel could be the message for our lives today. Take some time, go into the fields with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and simply rest. 

In the Sunday Scripture readings for this weekend, we are given instructions on how to evangelize the world which involves taking very little for the journey and hitting the road. Fr. Philip and Donna play off of this theme both seriously and with great humor.  During this liberating summer, when many are hitting the road for vacations and visits, they ask us not to leave our faith behind but to take it to all the corners of the earth.

In both the Old and New Testaments, God's prophetic call comes through loud and clear but who is listening? To be a prophet in the modern world is never easy, requiring great sacrifice and courage.  In this week's podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss discerning this call and responding to its ultimate challenges.

The familiar story of Jesus calming the storm after being awoken by the frightened apostles is a familiar one to most Christians. In this week's podcast, Donna and Fr. Philip reflect on the stormy weather of our lives and how much the image of Jesus asleep on a cushion may help us with the fear and anxiety about the storms in our own lives. 

The song title "Food Glorious Food" was selected by Fr. Philip as the theme for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ celebrated this weekend.  From the blood covenant with Moses on Mount Sinai to the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, we have been invited to share intimately in this mystery of sacred nourishment.  Fr. Philip and Donna discuss how the Eucharist gloriously changes not only our personal lives but also transforms the world when we remember what Jesus meant when he said, "this is my body; this is my blood."   

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Philip and Donna ruminate on the mystery of One God in Three Persons as a community of love flowing through all of creation. In this time of reconnecting to others, entering into the divine relationship of the Trinity can help us heal the "dis-ease" of any anxiety and darkness we may still be carrying after the pandemic. 

The Holy Spirit is front and center this week as we celebrate Pentecost, the "birthday of the Church." The Scripture story is thrilling and vivid, the stuff of which movies are made. But what does the Holy Spirit have to do with our modern lives? Fr. Philip and Donna discuss how we can develop a personal relationship, deeper and more profound than most people realize. 

The story of the Ascension of Jesus holds many images as well as many emotions. Was Jesus torn about leaving his earthly home and all of his beloved friends? In this podcast, Donna and Fr. Philip discuss the multiple possibilities and suggest that when you hear the account again, imagine hearing Jesus singing "I will always love you," as his exit song. 

The Easter Season continues into the depths of St. John's expansive vision of God's love which has no limits. Riffing on an old Beatles song, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the modern meaning of friendship with Christ and the mystery of embracing this singular need with all of creation. 

Developing a personal relationship with Christ is frequently talked about and yet rarely concretized. The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter provide a clear pathway, especially the images of vine and branches. Fr. Philip and Donna talk about their personal reflections and invite the listener into a deeper conversation about living a more personal faith in an impersonal world. 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday for obvious reasons. But if Jesus is the shepherd, are we simply sheepish followers or are we being transformed into the strong One? In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna humorously discuss this interesting symbolism in the modern world.

In this episode, Fr. Philip reveals a hidden side of himself. He loves bungee jumping! What does that have to do with the Sunday readings? Take a listen to discover the connection between free-falling, faith, joy, and dancing. 

The Gospel about Doubting Thomas has a great deal to teach us about spiritual growth in post-resurrection times. Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the implications of doubt as a portal to grace in all of the readings for the Second Sunday of Easter. 

Christianity is essentially a mystery religion based on its sacramental nature. External and visible signs lead us into the invisible grace, a free gift, offered continually to us from God. The Sacred Triduum (three days leading up to Easter) makes this abundantly clear. In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the gospels from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday and invite everyone to ponder their place in the resurrection story.

The Scripture readings for Palm or Passion Sunday, especially the two gospel readings, mark a big change in the history of the world. From the joy of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and to the despair of his crucifixion and death, the words stir the hearts of every modern disciple to conversion. Change can be painful and never easy but ultimately the only way we can embrace the Paschal Mystery and walk in the footsteps of Christ.

God's generous, reckless love emerges clearly from the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. In their discussion of both the A and B Cycles, Donna and Fr. Philip pull on the threads of these ancient Scriptures, placing the Paschal Mystery within the context of our everyday lives. Although most people are averse to thinking about death, Jesus shows us the way through physical suffering to eternal redemption.

"I once was blind but now I see." These words of the well-known hymn, "Amazing Grace," are found both in and between the lines in the lectionary readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.  In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss both the A and B cycles as they ruminate about how we learn to see spiritually. Changing old patterns of seeing and thinking are not always easy but now, in the Lenten days remaining, is the perfect time to try. 

The Third Sunday of Lent has two different sets of readings, one from Cycle A for the RCIA Scrutinies and the other from Cycle B of the Lectionary.  Fr. Philip and Donna discuss both using the themes of Living Water (the Woman at the Well) and Living Words (the Cleansing of the Temple). All of us are thirsty for a deep well of meaning and all of us need to cleanse the inner temples of our souls. Midway through Lent is the time to discern which one is emerging from the ashes. 

Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the Scripture readings for the Second Sunday of Lent. While Abraham, Jesus, and his three companions climbed physical mountains for spiritual insights, each of us is challenged to climb the spiritual mountains within our souls. Transfigured moments come to us all if we are listening and attentive. 

In this talk, our parochial vicar, Fr. Joseph Squillacioti, has a lengthy discussion with Donna about the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Joseph not only spoke about the history and theology behind the sacrament but also shared his personal story about what inspired him to respond to God's call to the priesthood, Fr. Joseph's detailed explanation of the complexities of the sacrament, provide much food for thought.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss the Sunday Scriptures for the First Sunday of Lent 2021.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch go deeper into the Sunday readings.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch talk about the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday readings. 

Go deeper into the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time!

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch converse about the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

This week Donna Couch walks us through the Sunday readings and considers what it means to "be a light" to others. How does your light reflect the Father in heaven? How we all long for those words... "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

This podcast recording (from January 2020) is presented in full from our archive.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch talk about the speculation around the star of Bethlehem. In 2020, we saw the planets in conjunction... could that have been the occurrence the year of the incarnation or could it have been something else? 

Donna Couch shares her favorite Christmas rituals--some can even be appreciated during a year of pandemic!

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch talk about gift giving.

Handel's Messiah This episode is rebroadcast in its full, original form.

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss the readings for the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Go deeper into the readings so you can understand their theme:  "All Are Welcome."

Fr. Philip offers a way to make and keep your resolutions! Listen to find out what he recommends.

Whew! 2020 was quite the year! In this episode, Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch reflect on some ways to welcome in the new year.

Favorite Christmas memories shared by Fr. Philip and Donna Couch

Christmas movies! Fr. Philip and Donna compare notes on their favorite Christmas movies.

Fr. Philip and Donna chat about books.

Fr. Philip and Donna chat about favorite Christmas artwork.

Our Sunday readings encourage us to see our family system as a way to grow in virtue. How does the Holy Family inspire you?

The celebration continues as Father Philip Smith and Donna Couch talk about their favorite Christmas poems. Christina Rossetti's "In the Bleak Midwinter" and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Ring Out, Wild Bells" take the spotlight in this episode of 12 Days of Christmas. Do you have a favorite Christmas poem?

Fr. Philip Smith and Donna Couch discuss their favorite Christmas carols.

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 89

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand. Psalm 25

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.   1 Samuel

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.    Psalm 33

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.   Psalm 89

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!   Psalm 71

And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”  Mark 1:23

This week's readings are beginning to move us from messianic prophecy to fulfillment.What role did Mary's "fiat", her use of free will, impact our salvation? What God opportunities can you say yes to?