Theology on Tape

In this episode we break down line by line the prayer of the Hail Mary, and discuss the 4 dogmas of Mary. --- Opening Prayer Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we continue discussing the life of Jesus by going through some of the Parables. To live according to his example, he calls on us, like it or not, to give up everything we have. We go over why so many Christians fail to heed this call, and how important it is to do so. --- Opening prayer You proclaimed the poor to be blessed, Lord Jesus, for the kingdom of heaven is given to them. Fill us generously with your gifts. Teach us to put our trust in the Father and to seek his kingdom first of all rather than imitate the powerful and envy of the rich. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we consider the purpose of the "Our Father" - the prayer that Jesus taught us. By mindfully praying this prayer, we can examine our lives to see if we are living up to a life of virtue. --- Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we pick up the story of Jesus with his baptism and the temptations in the desert.  By understanding his mission and the mission he called the apostles to join, we can better understand how we can serve that mission today as Christians. --- Opening prayer Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Here is our promised Q&A episode covering topics such as: What prayer is and is not Intrinsic dignity of the souls in Hell Transience of purgatory Types of indulgences Our call to sainthood What relics are Marian apparitions Setting the record straight about the veneration of Mary and Saints The Resurrection of the Dead The Second Coming — Opening Prayer Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. R. And you shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Following up our Old Testament series, we move on to the New Testament and discuss the Incarnation. -- Opening Prayer Pour forth, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We conclude our 10 Commandments series with these 3:  7. Thou shalt not steal 8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods --  Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted,  have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you,  through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender mother and ours. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We conclude our Old Testament series with the story of David.  By understanding the history of the Old Testament, we can fully appreciate the longing and expectation for the fulfillment of the promise that there would be a Messiah to come.  --  Prayer for Advent In this Advent of expectation draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls and also through our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode we discuss the 6th Commandment - "Thou shalt not commit adultery", the 9th Commandment - "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife" and present the case for chastity, a spiritual power that can be directed towards God.    --- Prayer for Purity Jesus, Lover of chastity, Mary, Mother most pure, and Joseph, chaste guardian of the Virgin, to you I come at this hour, begging you to plead with God for me. I earnestly wish to be pure in thought, word and deed in imitation of your own holy purity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we continue going over the highlights of the Old Testament with learning more about Moses, the Exodus story, and how parts of Catholic worship originated. -- Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Sacred Heart Lord, you deserve all honor and praise, because your love is perfect and your heart sublime. My heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude for the many blessings and graces you have bestowed upon me and those whom I love. Forever undeserving, may I always be attentive and never take for granted the gifts of mercy and love that flow so freely and generously from your Sacred Heart. Heart of Jesus, I adore you. Heart of Jesus, I praise you. Heart of Jesus, I thank you. Heart of Jesus, I love you forever and always. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we bring in a few ideas from moral philosophy to better understand this commandment.  We outline the Catholic position on abortion, end of life decisions, self-defense, and war, as well as discuss how we might face the more daily struggles with this commandment.   -- Prayer for Life O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception until death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. May all people live and die in dignity and love. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who fail to love, and give them peace. Let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity and morality. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Continuing our Old Testament series, in this episode we talk about the life of Moses and draw from it parallels to how we live out our faith today. __ Three O'Clock Prayer Dear Lord, remembering the hour when You experienced death So that we might have Eternal Life, May we appreciate in our hearts the necessity of Your sacrifice for us And with Your help, Your guidance, and Your grace, May we be made worthy of it. Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We continue our 10 Commandments series with the 4th: Honor thy father and mother.  This commandment seems straightforward, but by examining the various roles we carry in our lives - within our family units and within society -  we can better understand what it means to fulfill this obligation.   -- Opening Prayer for Our Parents O Almighty God, you gave us the commandment to honor our father and mother.  In your loving kindness, hear my prayer for my parents.  Give them long lives and keep them well in body and spirit.  Bless their labors; keep them always in your care.  Bless them generously for their loving care for me.  Grant that, through your grace, I may always be their support and comfort, and that, after our life together on earth, we may experience the joy together praising you forever. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we continue to highlight key stories of the Old Testament and show how they can connect to our faith today. In Joseph's story (sometimes referred to as Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors), he undergoes many trials, but faces them with humility and faith. We can see how his suffering foreshadows the later suffering of Christ. -- Opening Prayer to St. Joseph Oh 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. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We continue our series on the 10 Commandments with the third, "Keep holy the Lord's Day." How do we keep the day holy? Why is this so important?  Why don't we keep Sabbath? --- Opening Hymn  On this day, the first of days, God our maker's name we praise; Who, creation’s Lord and spring, Did the world from darkness bring. On this day the eternal Son Over death his triumph won; On this day the Spirit came With the gifts of living flame. God, the blessed Three in One,  May your holy will be done;  In your word our souls are free,  As we praise you, Trinity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we continue our reading of Genesis and discuss Abraham's various acts of faith and sacrifice. By understanding the story of Abraham and Isaac, we can better understand Christ's sacrifice for us. --- A Student Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua O glorious St. Anthony divinely endowed with the learning of Saints. I desire to place my studies under Your protection. Guided by Your example I wish to draw all knowledge from the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. With your assistance I will study to do my duty in a spirit of penance and with a pure intention. May the Father of light grant me through Your intercession a bright intellect, a sound judgment and a retentive memory. Help me to study patiently, orderly and constantly to develop in me the gifts of God and always make good use of them according to His divine will. O Dear St. Anthony, grant me to succeed in all my studies and examination if it be for the greater glory of God and the benefit of my soul. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We discuss the first two commandments, and how honoring them is loving God both in thought and in word. 1. I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have any strange gods before Me. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. --- Opening Prayer from a Novena to St. Therese Dearest Saint Therese of Lisieux, you said that you would spend your time in heaven doing good on earth. Pray for me that I, like you, may have great and innocent confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me, and one day see the Face of God whom you loved so deeply. Saint Therese, you were faithful to God even unto the moment of your death. Pray for me that I may be faithful to our loving God. May my life bring peace and love to the world through faithful endurance in love for God our savior. Loving God, you blessed St. Therese with a capacity for a great love. Help me to believe in your unconditional love for each of your children, especially for me. I love you, Lord. Help me to love you more! Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

This is an extended episode about the first three chapters of Genesis. Going through the text, we discuss the creation of Adam and Eve, their temptation, their sin and how that sin affects us today. -- Opening prayer from Hail, Star of the Ocean (Ave Maris Stella) Hail, O Star of the ocean, God's own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav'nly rest. Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name. Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day, Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we talk about the Bible.  Why read it?  How to read it?  How might Catholics interpret Scripture differently than other Christians? -- Prayer Before Reading the Bible O Lord Jesus Christ,  Open the eyes of my heart that I may hear the word, and understand and do your will, for I am a sojourner upon the Earth. Hide not your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of your Law. Speak unto me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom.   On you do I set my hope, O my God, that you shall enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of your knowledge; not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we go over the basics of sin, including the types of sin, whom it hurts, and its effects. To heal from the damage of sin, we have the sacrament of confession. We talk about how to make a good confession and why is it so necessary to do on a regular basis. ___ Prayer from Psalm 51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

In this episode, we try to unravel the mystery of the Trinity and discuss the nature of our Triune God. --- COLLECT PRAYER God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

What happens at the moment of our death? Do we have bodies in Heaven? Is Hell a fiery place? We clarify Catholic teachings of what Heaven and Hell actually are, as well as the pathways to get to Heaven. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."   In this episode we distinguish the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity from the 4 Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude, and spend time discussing why Charity (or Love) is the greatest of the virtues. -- Act of Charity Prayer O my God, I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and soul because Thou art all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.  Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

What is evil? What is its origin? Why does God allow it to happen? Do we need suffering? All these questions and more are covered in this episode. Have more questions? Email us at theologyontape@gmail.com. -- Prayer for Surrendering to the Will of God Heavenly Father, Conform my will to Yours that our wills may be one. Jesus, God who became man, You showed us how to submit ourselves to the will of God the Father, even during difficult trials that we do not wish to endure, when you said before Your Passion, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Help us in our trials to actively submit ourselves to the will of the Father. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level (Ps 143:10). Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Part 2 of 2 on a series about goodness.  We discuss how to a be a good person.  Hint: Practicing the 4 cardinal virtues.  Prudence: Think before you act. (Use your intellect.)  Justice: Choose to treat others fairly. (Use your will.)  Temperance: Have self-control. (Don’t let your appetites control you.)  Fortitude: Be brave. (Don’t let your fears control you.)  ----  Prayer for a Holy Life  St. Anthony, model of great holiness, help me to live as a worthy son or daughter of God, faithful to the promises of my Baptism. You know how serious are the dangers and difficulties of my life. Grant that I may overcome all temptations to evil and have the courage to witness to my faith.  Obtain for me, from Our Divine Savior, a heart that is capable of loving God above all things, and open my soul to a generous and sincere love of my neighbor.  Help me to be willing to assist and serve anyone who is in need. Encourage me by your holy example, so that I may be most open and receptive to God’s perfect and all powerful love.  Amen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Part 1 of 2 on a series about being a good person. In this we discuss what it means for something to be good. Hint: Something is good because it does what it was created to do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

We all want to be happy. But we are often wrong about what we think will make us happy. True happiness, the one thing that can never be taken away from us, is our relationship with God. -- Opening prayer from St. Augustine's Confessions: Great are You, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Your power, and of Your wisdom there is no end. And man, being a part of Your creation, desires to praise You. You move us to delight in praising You; for You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message

Our first episode! We discuss the existence of God and redefine our idea of God. -- Thanksgiving and Praise prayer: Father, I rejoice in your love for me. You thought of me and so loved the idea of me that You created me. Each moment You are at work, loving me into existence. Thank You, Father, for accepting me as I am and for the special gifts I have received from you this day. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theologyontape/message