True Wealth

In this episode of True Wealth, the series finale, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss God's Justice and Mercy. Dave describes mercy as God's dome covering us and sheltering us. If we leave God's mercy and depart from the dome we then encounter God's justice. Link to an amazing conversion story - a turning to God's mercy:"Jewish Harvard Professor Roy Schoeman Becomes Convinced Catholic"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeDzSfquYcs&ab_channel=SalvationisfromtheJews

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the recent beatification (October 10, 2020) of Blessed Carlo Acutis who died in 2006 at the age of 15. Blessed Carlo had a profound love for Our Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and before he died he set up a website of Eucharistic Miracles all over the world. (October 12, 2020)Two short videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFmj9Fw6Acw&ab_channel=EWTNhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf_Zuq2OzXQ&ab_channel=EWTN

Could you stand the Gaze of God peering into the depths of your soul? It is what will happen to each one of us at the moment of our death. For Father Kevin, a priest in a southeastern Connecticut parish, this encounter with God - some call it an "illumination of conscience" - happened during his lifetime, in his 20's. This very real and very personal experience, this face to Face meeting with Our Lord, took him from being a bartender and bouncer to eventually becoming a diocesan Roman Catholic priest. In this episode of True Wealth, Dave Basconi and Maria Smith also discuss Father Federico's video (link below) on confession, titled "How to Have a Clear Conscience," in which Father Federico tells us it's not enough to stop doing sinful things - although it is certainly a crucial beginning - but we must also grow in knowledge, we must educate and form our conscience, and grow in virtue. "Virtue is a stable disposition; it is excellence that has become a habit."How do we form our conscience and grow in virtue? The Catechism (1785) tells us, "In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path..."Father Federico video "How to Have a Clear Conscience" (and attain joy and peace of heart!):https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=325585442050321&ref=watch_permalink

In the Gospel reading of Sunday, September 20th, a landowner pays a day's wages to all his hired workers, the same wage to those who worked all day and to those who worked but briefly towards the end. Is this fair? Dave Basconi brings out a great point that this landowner pays everyone a day's wage so that each laborer could take care of himself and his family, so that no one would be left in poverty. (September 28, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on growth in holiness. To grow in holiness is a two-step process: first the natural or physical and then the spiritual or supernatural. Saint Paul tells us, in 1 Cor 15:46, "But it is not the spiritual which is first but the natural, and then the spiritual." It is natural to work, to labor, and the greatest labor we can do is prayer, which is both a natural and a supernatural work. Everyone is called to labor in the Lord's Vineyard. (September 21, 2020)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist comes after the Liturgy of the Word.During the Eucharist time collapses - we are there, at the foot of the Cross! In the video (link below) Father says that after we receive Communion and go back to our seat this is the moment we can obtain anything we ask for in prayer. There are many good things to pray for, for ourselves and our loved ones, for physical healing as well as emotional, mental and spiritual healing. The best thing to pray for is to know and do God's Will. Ask Our Lord sincerely to desire His Will at that moment and always. God has one plan for us: Plan A: Become a Saint!Plan B: God has no plan B. Neither should we:)Link to the video we refer to (it starts at the 6:00 minute spot):https://www.facebook.com/stbridgetofswedenparish/videos/3047421152052897It's an excellent presentation and explanation of the Mass by Father Frederico. (September 14, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask if you were asked to define what the Mass is in one sentence what would you say? Dave says, "The Mass is a mission to take us from a state of sin to a state of grace." Maria says, "The Mass is both the re-enactment of Holy Thursday - Good Friday and also the transportation which carries us into our eternal home."Link to the video we refer to (it starts at the 6:00 minute spot):https://www.facebook.com/stbridgetofswedenparish/videos/3047421152052897It's an excellent presentation and explanation of the Mass by Father Frederico.

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith speak on Acedia, also known as Sloth, one of the seven deadly sins. They also go off on tangents and so their beginning conversation centers quite a bit on painting. More house painters are men but more women enjoy painting the rooms in their homes. Why is this?And yes, a person can be both very active and "lazy" because the spiritual sin of acedia or sloth is doing anything or everything that you should not be doing while neglecting the one thing you should be doing. Two resources to check out:Acedia & Me, by Kathleen Norrishttps://www.amazon.com/Acedia-Marriage-Monks-Writers-Life-ebook/dp/B001ANYDB8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=acedia&qid=1598291225&sr=8-2and The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Timesby Jean-Charles Nault https://www.amazon.com/Noonday-Devil-Acedia-Unnamed-Times-ebook/dp/B0182YPFH8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1598291026&sr=8-2

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on the question: Can man rule mankind? Can a human being, utilizing only his own human nature, rule society with justice and wisdom? (August 17, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith touch upon various topics: Gratitude and appreciation, sacrifice, the problem of evil, conquering fear through love, pleasure vs happiness and joy, love as the right response to people, and the truth as a source of great power - it hits a nerve, it plants a seed that may be dormant, even for a very long time, but is always waiting to sprout and blossom. (August 10, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on the question of theodicy. If there is a deity, a god, and if that deity is "good" why is there evil? Is the "god" not good enough or strong enough? A weak god... There is a God, He is All-Good and All-Powerful, so much so that He can and He will bring a much greater good out of any and every evil. He has done it in the past, He is doing it now, and He will continue to until the end of time, until we go to the "happily ever after" place where He will wipe away every tear and suffering and evil will cease for all eternity. (August 3, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Baconi and Maria Smith talk about an intimate connection between the crosses in our lives and "new life." Intimate connections - relationships - is what the human person is created for, intimacy is the very essence of man and woman. Intimacy first and foremost with God, and then with others. The lack of an intimate relationship with God and others is at the root of so many (all?) problems, it is the cause of despair. Intimacy with God and others is the source of hope and love - of "New Life." (July 27, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith take on two seemingly contrasting topics but somehow tie them together:)1. A totalitarian government inflicts pain on the people to get them to "believe" in its principles. However, Jesus took the pain upon himself for people to believe in his message of love.2. Over the weekend Maria heard the personal testimony of a local priest who experienced a living encounter with Our Lord. Father Kevin said that this profoundly emotional experience was "simultaneously the greatest moment in my life and the most sorrowful." He was shown the true state of his soul and the tremendous love Jesus had for him. Although Father did not use this term himself, it was what some call an "illumination of conscience." (July 20, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present that forgiveness is not optional, it's a requirement: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Forgiveness is a process, not a one time event. Forgiveness requires one person, reconciliation requires both the person who has done the wrong as well as the one wronged. If the one who did the wrong refuses to admit and/or be repentant, there can be no reconciliation, yet forgiveness must still be offered. (July 13, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the book "Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues," by Father Robert J. Spitzer in which he gives us the Silver Rule - the precursor to the Golden Rule: "Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do to you." This contrasts with the Platinum Rule (originating on college campuses): "Treat others the way they want to be treated." (July 6, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss this maxim: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (June 29, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask, "What do people mean by saying they are a 'good person?' They think it means 'I haven’t killed anyone.' They think it’s a statement of a bare minimum of human decency, a vague moral standard by which people congratulate themselves for not being a horrible person... Being a 'good person' is easy... being holy is a lot more difficult." (From https://www.stbridgetcheshire.org/bulletin June 21, 2020, page 12) (June 22, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss disorder as starting in the heart; the disorder we see in society is only the symptom, the outward expression. The heart is its source. (June 8, 2020)THE BLESSED TRINITY:The Father creates,The Son redeems,The Spirit sanctifies...The Father makes man,The Son makes man a Christian,The Spirit makes the Christian a Saint. (June 8, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how without the Holy Spirit, there would be no Incarnation and no Church. (June 1, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that supernatural hope can only come from God. With hope life becomes more joyful and more exciting. Faith is belief which matures into trust; hope is trust which matures into confidence. Supernatural faith and hope give birth to supernatural love! (May 18, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about as Catholics we each have been given a birth mother, a godmother, and also our beautiful Heavenly Mother, AND Holy Mother Church, too! Adopted children have an additional Mama offering guidance and prayers for them: their adoptive mother as well as their birth mother. Our religion is a personal religion; it is a familial religion; it is a community of love that begins right now on earth and extends for all eternity in Heaven. Happy is the soul who has Blessed Mary as his Mama!

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that Jesus told us to love one another, but that doesn't mean we will always like one another. What is true love? It's wanting the best for the other, it's not enabling them. (May 4, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about government assistance in light of coronavirus. They offer quotes from the Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Donald H. Calloway. "Our Lord’s ability to create far exceeds anything we can possibly imagine. When he became flesh, Jesus sanctified human work and elevated it to a level of greatness that did not exist prior to his Incarnation." "God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe, in every age you call man to develop and use his gifts for the good of others. With St. Joseph as our example and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. — Opening Prayer for the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker." (April 27, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith What is the worst thing about this pandemic for you? Have you found any good you never noticed before?Is there light at the end of the pandemic tunnel? What is true peace? (April 20, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss what the Apostles were thinking and doing on Holy Saturday. How were they on Easter Monday? What a difference from Saturday to Monday! On Saturday they were devastated. On Monday filled with joy.Divine Mercy Sunday concludes the Octave of Easter. Everyone is called to a deeper faith, to a greater trust in Our Lord. Above all during this global coronavirus pandemic and lockdown Trust in Jesus is more and more essential and valuable than ever before. Do not place your trust in the world or worldly things, place your trust in God. JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU (April 13, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about Suffering: a topic very relevant to the current global pandemic and to Holy Week. Some thoughts:Faith & Reason converge: Suffering is necessary, suffering leads to a good. "If there were a better way than suffering, Jesus would have shown us by His Life." ~"The Imitation of Christ." ~"Feeling good is not compatible with suffering; being good is." ~ in "Making Sense out of Suffering" by Peter Kreeft.(April 6, 2020)

Body --> Soul --> Spirit --> GodThe body is the material part. The soul is the will & intellect, given at conception, and separates from the body at natural death. The spirit is the liaison between God and us. Spirit is prayer, when we talk to God, and intuition, God speaking to us. 1 Thess 5:13May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.From Saint Bridget bulletin:That phrase is Saint Paul's way of referring to the entire human person.In everyday language, 'spirit' and 'soul' are often used interchangeably.There is, however, a slight technical distinction. The soul is that part of us which is not physical, which is the principle of life given by God, the part which will live forever. The spirit is that part of us which inclines us towards looking beyond ourselves, beyond the physical realm, into the supernatural world. As the Catholic apologist Tom Nash explains: Soul when distinguished from spirit means that which gives life to a body. Spirit when contrasted with soul simply means those aspects of human life and activity that transcend our bodily limitations and so open the soul toward the supernatural life of grace. Catholic Answershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO9G9PNv54Tim Staples blog "Is Man BiPartite or TriPartite?"https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/is-man-tripartite-or-bipartiteThe Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 367:Sometimes the soul is distinguished from the spirit: St. Paul for instance prays that God may sanctify his people “wholly”, with “spirit and soul and body” kept sound and blameless at the Lord’s coming. The Church teaches that this distinction does not introduce a duality into the soul. “Spirit” signifies that from creation man is ordered to a supernatural end and that his soul can gratuitously be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God.1 Cor 2:14-15 The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. RSVCERomans 8:5-13For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, indeed it cannot; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him… for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask: Is God using this worldwide health crisis to expose and heal our spiritual health? (March 23, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that for the believer living through a pandemic is not that much different. We are called to place our trust in God at all times, in peace and in strife. God had everything under control. This is a great test for everyone. How much do we trust Him? What are our priorities? What are our highest values? In addition, what good can come out of this crisis? Remember that out of evil the Omnipotent God can and does bring greater good. (March 16, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how Satan's lies are a continual source of misery, both personal and collective. (March 2, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how Lent is a time to cultivate a deeper relationship with Our Lord. There are many good videos and talks on Lent. Here's one you may find beneficial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UvXsQgLmPM&t=2018s (February 24, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss: What does Our Lord mean by the Narrow Gate? Are our possessions an impediment for getting through this gate? Is learning to suffer well a requirement? (February 17, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the debate between William Craig Lane and Christopher Hitchens: Does God Exist? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYm41hb48o (February 10, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the Purification of Our Lady (which was Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020). They also talk about the holy martyr Saint Blaise, Kobe Bryant, and all things Faith. (February 3, 2020)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about faith, the true belief in God and His Kingdom, which opens up a whole new dimension of the experience of life. (January 27, 2020)

All we have is from God. Acknowledge your achievements and successes by giving praise to God. "Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future." "God who created you without your cooperation, will not save you without your cooperation." (January 20, 2020)

Hypocrites, Pharisees, and narcissists think they are always right; they don't want to see and admit their faults/sins; they don't want to apologize - there's no need to, since they're always right and they don't have faults; when they do something wrong someone else is at fault.The "new" epidemic of narcissism is actually quite old. The narcissist wants what is innately, essentially, a very good thing. He wants to be like God. This is actually very good. GOD Himself wants us to be "like" Him. That is what He promises us, that we will be His adopted children and share in His Kingdom. The trouble comes when a person wants to do it his way and not God's way. The Pharisees and narcissists do not want to do it God's way - through repentance of one's sins, through forgiveness of others. through the virtues especially compassion humility obedience, and mercy.Actually the Pharisees, hypocrites, and narcissists want not just to be like God but want to take the place of GOD and here we have an imitation of the first rebellion - of Lucifer who would not serve; and this also brings to mind Saint Michael whose name states "Who is like God?" (January 13, 2020)

Never, ever give up. The only way to lose is to give up. Failure isn't losing. Failure can be a great aid to learning and improving. Resolve to make changes to better yourself, to get closer to Our Lord - changes that will last all your life, not a week, month or year. Pray just 10 minutes a day, set the time apart, make it a priority. Do it for one year and it will become a part of you and elevate you! (January 6, 2020)

There seems to be an epidemic - or even pandemic - of narcissism in the modern world. Countless videos, articles, and books. In fact, here's one with a title that first clued me in: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissism-Epidemic-Living-Age-Entitlement/dp/1416575995/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+epidemic+of+narcissism&qid=1576415095&sr=8-1Pharisees = Narcissists & Hypocrites: Place heavy burdens on others and do not lift a finger to help. Keep all the secondary rules but neglect the primary ones of mercy and compassion.Have no empathy.Pretend to be someone they are not.Duplicity becomes an ingrained part of them.Seek to be well thought of, admired, empowered. Crave power over others.Crave the best seats, positions, etc.They boast, are prideful and feel entitled.They believe themselves to be superior to others.They seek to be "better" than others by putting others down (re: the Pharisee and the tax collector in the Temple)They don't share their heart (even with themselves!)They don't believe in God, no matter how "religious" they appear/claim to be. The Pharisees are concrete proof of this. They believe that they themselves are gods. That is why Our Lord was a threat to them.They believe poverty, humility, and obscurity are evils.Their goal is to become "God," by their own means. They don't care or believe that if we follow Our Lord's way we *will* be given a share in His Kingdom, and share in His Divinity. They want to rule, not to serve. They are not grateful.They believe they have become successful, superior by their own hands, work, skills, and talents. They don't believe these are gifts from God and that these talents should be used in aiding others and giving glory to God.They always have to win. They never apologize because they are never wrong because it's always someone else's fault.They have to crush anyone who threatens or questions them or their lifestyles.They have to get rid of anyone who opposes them, who is "on to them." Hence the fate of the prophets, Saint John the Baptist, Our Lord Himself, and His Apostles.Our Lord Jesus did not have patience or tolerance or kind words for the pharisees.Yet in our times, this "Age of entitlement," where, far from God, so many display unhealthy and sinful behaviors and attitudes, can these modern day "pharisees" be helped? "The greater the sinner, the greater the mercy." Jesus' message to Saint Faustina is one of tremendous hope. For "as sin abounds, grace abounds all the more."

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the idea that "well-begun is half-done," which applies to everything: the spiritual life, marriage, education, etc. (December 9, 2019)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith, talk about preparing the final journey to God. "As we plan and prepare for any trip or journey we will be going on, all the more we should plan and prepare for The Journey each and every one of us will one day be required to take." (December 2, 2019)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk ask a pertinent question: What do you give primacy to - the natural world or the supernatural world? (November 25, 2019)

Don't just try to manage things in life that are bringing you down, disrupt them! Instead of playing not to lose, play to win! (November 18, 2019)

We touched on several topics today, including: Relating to other people if you yourself have experienced something similar or if you've spoken to many concerning the same situation; the loss of reality in our culture nowadays. Technology has removed us more and more from person-to-person contact, from getting to know others well - in our modern world we know other people in a much more superficial way. (November 11, 2019)

Do everything you can for others without expecting anything in return!Do just the right amount and for the right reason, and you will never be resentful or upset that you are not "appreciated." "Rather, when you hold a banquet,invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14) (November 4, 2019)

Those who want to go from a bad life to a good are many. Those who want to go from a good to a holy life are few. (October 28, 2019)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask if there is no God what is right and what is wrong? Is stealing wrong? Killing? If so, why? (October 21, 2019)

Horse owners and lovers have their own jargon, their own language. Catholics also have a way of conversing and discussing that is incomprehensible to outsiders. Can you speak Catholic? (October 14, 2019)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about prayer as us talking to God; intuition is God talking to us. (October 7, 2019)

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the question of which Shepherd do you follow? Who is your General? Christ or the culture?A Catholic "military" classic: The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli. https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Combat-Dom-Lorenzo-Scupoli/dp/1783792744/

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss what is meant by "Truth is true for everyone or else it's true for no one." (September 23, 2019)