St. Philip Institute Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo concludes this series on the spiritual life by discussing the third stage of the spiritual life, known as the unitive way. This highest, most advanced stage of the spiritual life is seen in a special way by the experience of the Apostles after Pentecost, and it is part of the path all Christians are called to follow.     Recommended Books:   Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second stage of the spiritual life, known as the illuminative way. He shows how the New Testament gives us good examples of the “second conversion” that the Apostles and especially St. Peter experienced as they grew in their spiritual life and how we are all called to walk the same path.     Recommended Books:   Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the Spiritual Life Father Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Conversions in the Spiritual Life   

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first stage of the spiritual life, known as the purgative way. He explains the types of prayer common in this stage, the experience of temptation, and the signs commonly seen during the beginnings of the spiritual life. All Christians are called to grow beyond this early stage, but many of us never even know how to start! Join Dr. Arredondo as he gives a Catholic introduction to this topic. 

Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series focusing on the fundamentals of the spiritual life and the path to growing in holiness. This episode focuses on the idea that our prayer life, even while it involves our own effort, should be understood principally as a response to God's call to us. In addition, he briefly introduces the three stages of the spiritual life: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, by looking at his view of sacramental character. If we understand Aquinas' teaching, it can help us see that Confirmation is a sacrament that prepares us to become disciples, so that we can be evangelists.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, focusing especially on Aquinas' view that we are all called, through this sacrament in particular, to enter into a spiritual battle. But who will help teach us how to fight in this battle? 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he discusses the purpose of Confirmation by looking at the effects of this sacrament. In addition, he highlights the way the Catechism frames the preparation for Confirmation and who can receive this sacrament.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he focuses on the Eastern and Western approaches to this sacrament, and the signs and symbols used in the Rite of Confirmation itself.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series on the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the opening paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church's presentation of the sacrament. Confirmation is presented, in the Catechism, as something intimately linked with the sacraments of initiation, as being connected to our mission to evangelize, and as a perpetuation of Pentecost.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Phillip Smith, for a discussion on the formation of the canon of the Bible, or the list of books which are considered Sacred Scripture.  

In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the crossing of the Red Sea, its relationship to Baptism, and its link to the liturgy of Lent. 

In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the Passover liturgy in the Book of Exodus Ch. 12 and shows its connection to the Holy Thursday liturgy and the wider Christian view of the Eucharist.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the beginning of the book of Exodus, focusing on Moses' birth and youth, as well as his calling to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo starts a new series focusing on the Book of Exodus and its connection to the liturgical season of Lent. In particular, he discusses the way the Exodus story is present in the prayer of the Church during Lent and the reason why our preparation for the Paschal mystery can be deepened by a familiarity with the Book of Exodus. 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo gives a brief exegesis of the reading from the Gospel of Luke used at the Midnight Mass on Christmas. Leaning on the teachings of Bishop Robert Barron and Venererable Fulton Sheen, Luke shows the deep significance of calling Jesus the Lord and how Christ's birth in symbolic, but meaningful ways, foreshadows his Passion.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the Book of Isaiah, both with respect to the history of Israel and its function in the liturgy leading from Advent into Christmas.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo focuses on the Annunciation account in Luke's Gospel and draws out some of the Old Testament connections in the text. In particular he focuses on Mary's background, and the links between Luke Chapter 1 and 2 Samuel Chapter 7.  

Launching our Advent series, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the relationship between St. John the Baptist and Jesus, through a reading of the Gospel of Luke.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues our discussion of the theology of baptism, focusing especially on the necessity of Baptism, the symbols used in the liturgical celebration of baptism, and the link between baptism and discipleship.  

Following our discussion of the biblical dimensions of Baptism in the previous episodes in this series, we now turn to consider more properly the theology of baptism. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo higlights three particular ideas:   What is a sacrament?   How is Baptism related to the other sacraments of initiation?   Finally, what are the various terms we might use to describe baptism, and what do each of them tell us about this sacrament?  

In the Gospels, we see Jesus enter his public phase by receiving a baptism of water by John the Baptist, and at the end of his life he asks his disciples to baptize all the nations. We might say, then, that baptism forms the bookends of Jesus' earthly ministry. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the significance of baptism for Jesus and its connection to discipleship.    Show Notes: In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, see paragraphs 1217-1222.  In the Bible:   The Ministry of John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 1-12; Mark 1: 1-4; Luke 3: 1-20)  The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3: 13-17; Mark 1: 9-11; Luke 3: 21-22)  The Necessity of Baptism (John 3: 3-5)  Baptism of “Households” seen in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 16: 27-34)  Baptism as Death and Life (Romans 6: 1-14)  From St. Basil:  “The image of death is fulfilled in the water, and the Spirit gives us the pledge of life. Therefore it is clear why water is associated with the Spirit: because of baptism's dual purpose. On the one hand, the body of sin is destroyed, that it may never bear fruit for death. On the other hand, we are made to live by the Spirit, and bear fruit in holiness. The water receives our body as a tomb, and so becomes the image of death, while the Spirit pours in life-giving power, renewing in souls which were dead in sin the life they first possessed. This is what it means to be born again of water and Spirit: the water accomplishes our death, while the Spirit raises us to life.” 

Often, when Christians think about baptism, we immediately turn to the New Testament, or speak about sacramental theology. But an important grounding for the sacraments is the rich biblical imagery evoked in the celebration of the sacraments, and in developing a full theology of the sacraments. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the deep Old Testament roots of baptism by turning to the prayer of the baptismal font.    Show Notes  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, see paragraphs 1217-1222.  In the Bible:   Genesis 1: 1-2  Genesis 7-8  Exodus 14  Joshua 3 

Throughout the Gospels, the Twelve Disciples get to spend extra time with Jesus, see him prayer, watch him perform miracles, etc. Yet they still struggle to understand precisely who Jesus is! Why is this and what does it show us about the spiritual life? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores this topic.   Passages discussed in this episode: Mark 4:10 ff: Jesus explains the parable of the sower; Mark 6: 45-52, esp. 51-52: Jesus enters the boat after the feeding of the 5,000 and says “Take heart, it is I (ego emi)," but the disciples do not understand; Mark 8: 17-21: Disciples do not understand (again!)

In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus as a divine healer, a miracle worker par excellence, able to calm the storms and raise the dead. But we also read that, in some cases, he is “unable” to heal due to the unbelief of the crowds. Alternatively, Jesus sometimes tells someone: “Your faith has healed you.” What is the link between faith and healing? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he discusses this aspect of Mark's Gospel. 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus performs a ministry of exorcism that helps to reveal his identity as the Lord, as the Messiah. This is seen especially in the story of the Geresane Demoniac. Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores Jesus' exorcisms in Mark, and the way these stories help us to answer the key question of the Gospel: Who is Jesus?  

The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, at just 16 chapters, but it is action-packed. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Elizabeth Slaten to discuss the urgency and uniqueness of the message of salvation found in Mark's Gospel.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the identity of Jesus as presented in three key scenes in the Gospel of Mark: Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2: 23-28), the calming of the sea (Mark 4:35-41, Mark 6: 45-51) and the Transfiguration (Mark 9: 2-9). While some contemporary scholars claim that Mark's Gospel presents a Jesus who is merely human, these passages, especially when seen in light of their Jewish context, reveal Jesus as the LORD, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity.      Recommended Reading:   The Case for Jesus, Brant Pitre:  https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the nature of the Gospels as a literary genre. Many contemporary authors and pundits claim that the Gospels should be classified as folklore or myth, but there is considerable evidence, as well as Christian tradition, that sees the Gospels as a form of ancient biography.     Recommended Resources:  Richard Burridge, The Gospel for All Christians: Rethinking the Gospel Audiences  https://www.amazon.com/Gospels-All-Christians-Rethinking-Audiences/dp/0802844448    Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses   https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Eyewitnesses-Gospels-Eyewitness-Testimony/dp/0802874312/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1C2FQO8J9K4LC&keywords=richard+bauckham&qid=1686841238&s=books&sprefix=richaqrd+bau%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-2    Brant Pitre, The Case for Jesus  https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686841323&sr=1-1  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second half of Dei Verbum, the Vatican II document on divine revelation, and especially focuses on the concept of the biblical renewal the council called for. He also offers some suggestions for resources to help Catholics put the Scripture at the heart of their prayer lives. 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the historical context and the first half of the Vatican II document on divine revelation, Dei Verbum. 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Mrs. Deanna Johnston, Director of Family Life. They discuss the importance of the Second Vatican Council's teaching on marriage and family life, its context, and its meaning for us today. Related: Humanae Vitae (Part I): https://youtu.be/YbRLEyIRwCg Humanae Vitae (Part II): https://youtu.be/MqD4rV_17sk  

The Second Vatican Council is perhaps best well known for its universal call to holiness. This idea is explained in Lumen Gentium, paragraphs #39-42. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores this foundational concept from Vatican II as well and addresses the remainder of Lumen Gentium.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first two chapters of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium). He explains the overall vision of the document and focuses in particular on the possibility of salvation outside the Church, and what limits the Council places on this idea.

In this episode, Dr. Arredondo responds to a commenter on a previous episode, specifically addressing the difficulties that followed the Second Vatican Council. While our series will continue to examine each of the major documents, we wanted to acknowledge some of the challenges facing the church in the post-conciliar age. 

In this episode, Dr. Arredondo walks through the various suggestions for the renovation and restoration of the liturgy that the Second Vatican Council called for in its Constitution on the Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the fundamentals of liturgy according to Sacrosanctum Concilium. In particular, he focuses on the idea of full and active participation, and what this term means.

In this episode, Dr. Arredondo explores the roots and key themes of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), in particular focusing on St. John XXIII's motivations for calling the council and his opening address to the bishops of the world on October 11, 1962.

In this episode, we're having a little bit of fun! Dr. Arredondo discusses Stranger Things Season 4 and the hit TV show's surprising connection to the Divine Mercy message of St. Faustina. Enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explains the Old Testament roots for calling Mary the Ark of the New Covenant, and the link between this concept and Mary's Immaculate Conception.   Other resources on Marian theology can be found in this week's issue of Catholic East Texas! 

This episode features a conversation between Bishop Joseph Strickland and author, Rod Bennet! Rod has recently authored a new book with Catholic Answers titled These Twelve: The Gospel through the Apostles' Eyes, and today he talks about the role of the apostles in the Early Church. 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo offers a reflection on the theological virtue of charity or love. In particular, he discusses the different translations and definitions of love and how Pope Benedict XVI reconciles some of these debates in his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est.

In this episode Bishop Joseph Strickland interviews author and apologist Gary Michuta about Michuta's new book, Revolt Against Reality, which traces the historical development of many of the ideologies and controversies to which the Church is responding today.

In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo describes the nature of hope, what Pope Benedict XVI called a distinctively Christian virtue, one which has served the world well, and which needs to be brought out anew in our time.

In this episode we begin our series on the theological virtues with a discussion of the virtue of faith. In particular we discuss how faith is central to human life, even when it comes to matters other than religion!

This week there's an exciting new video on the St. Philip Institute's YouTube channel! Joel McMichael is a seminarian for the Diocese of Tyler here in East Texas, and he shares his conversion story from growing up Baptist to converting to the Catholic Faith and entering seminary! Head on over to the St. Philip Institute YouTube channel to watch the video: https://youtu.be/UJ93j_OjmAY

This episode is the first in a series that will focus specifically on the virtues! In this introductory episode with Mikki and Deanna, hosts of the Life Beyond the Chariot Podcast, we lay the foundation for what virtue is, the differences between the Cardinal and Theological Virtues, and why these are essential to the Christian life.

Why does the Catholic Church teach against In-Vitro Fertilization? If the Catholic Church is pro-life, why is IVF a problem? Join Bishop Strickland and Dr. Trasancos as they sit down with Stephanie Gray Connors to discuss her new book, "Conceived by Science: Thinking Carefully and Compassionately about Infertility and IVF." Stephanie explains this emotional issue in a clear and charitable way, and also offers her perspective on how we can effectively share the Church's teaching with others.   You can learn more about Stephanie's new book here.