Largest Christian church, led by the Bishop of Rome
POPULARITY
Categories
Today's episode dives into the mystical works of God, and what our approach should be for explaining them in the natural world, as we read from Exodus 17-18, Leviticus 12, and Psalm 73. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike continues to unpack the Church's teachings on the Trinity. Today, we move into an examination of the divine economy or how God has revealed and communicated himself on earth. The divine economy is not just the work of the Father, but rather the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together as one. Fr. Mike concludes this episode with a reflection on the impactful words of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity who asks God to “make our hearts his heaven.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 257-260. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What do you do when you just can't sleep? Jeff tackles insomnia from a Biblical and spiritual perspective, exploring why sleepless nights are so common and what Scripture has to say about rest. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
John-Henry Westen explores the dramatic and public conversion of Jordan Schwarzenberger, former secular media executive and creative force behind the Sidemen, to traditional Catholicism. Once immersed in aggressively liberal environments, Schwarzenberger now critiques modernism and atheism as cultural dead ends. His remarks, including a striking BBC interview, offer a bold testimony to the power of truth and tradition in elite cultural circles. Rather than promoting vague spirituality, he embraces rigorous doctrine and the authority of the Church.HELP SUPPORT WORK LIKE THIS: https://give.lifesitenews.com/?utm_source=SOCIAL U.S. residents! Create a will with LifeSiteNews: https://www.mylegacywill.com/lifesitenews ****PROTECT Your Wealth with gold, silver, and precious metals: https://sjp.stjosephpartners.com/lifesitenews +++SHOP ALL YOUR FUN AND FAVORITE LIFESITE MERCH! https://shop.lifesitenews.com/ ****Download the all-new LSNTV App now, available on iPhone and Android!LSNTV Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lsntv/id6469105564 LSNTV Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lifesitenews.app +++Connect with John-Henry Westen and all of LifeSiteNews on social media:LifeSite: https://linktr.ee/lifesitenewsJohn-Henry Westen: https://linktr.ee/jhwesten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fr. Mike talks about how God trains the Israelites to trust him in the wilderness, and how we can grow in our own faithfulness to the Lord. Today we read Exodus 15-16, Leviticus 11, and Psalm 71. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our exploration of the Church's teachings on the nature of the Holy Trinity. We examine three main ideas. The first is the unity of the Trinity, that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all one God. The next is the Divine Persons as distinct from one another: one God, three distinct persons. As Fr. Mike states, “The Son is not the Father, the Father is not the Son, and the Holy Spirit is not either.” Finally, Fr. Mike discusses the relation between each person of the Holy Trinity. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 253-256. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What's in our heart that refuses to celebrate when good things happen to someone else? Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the story of the man healed on the Sabbath. Many focus on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, though technically allowed, but Fr. Mike invites us to look deeper. The real issue isn't the law. It's the heart. More than Jesus performing the miracle, what this story exposes is that sometimes we fail to value the suffering of others, or even the joy of others, because they simply don't matter enough to us.
Patrick responds to challenges about the uniqueness of Catholicism compared to Hinduism, offers practical advice and book recommendations, and answers personal questions about confession, prayer, and atheism in the family. April - How come Jesus and the 10 Commandments didn’t condemn slavery? (01:27) Cajon Gramps – Hindu Gods - how come other faiths believe that their gods are true gods? (04:42) Noah (8-years-old) - Who made God? (15:40) Ana - Our priest doesn't let us do the Act of Contrition during Confession. (17:46) Mary - My friends’ kids left the Church. How can she talk to them? (27:14) April - What do you think of the books of Enoch, Judas, and Thomas? Should we as Catholics read these books? (33:58) Luke (email) - With Lent approaching, do you recommend any books on prayer? (44:52) Patrick in Denver, CO - I am putting my dad into hospice care. My dad says he wants to keep living. What does the Church teach about this situation? (47:17)
Fr. Mike explains how all the rules of worship in Leviticus 10 point to the reality that God is holy. We also continue journeying through Exodus 13-14 and Psalm 53 and learn how God fought for the salvation for his people through the crossing of the red sea. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike explores the formation of the Church's dogma on the nature of the Trinity. He unpacks the terms used by the Church in an attempt to explain the nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, as Fr. Mike reminds us, with the story of St. Augustine and the child on the seaside, the Trinity is a mystery that none of us can fully comprehend. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 249-252. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What is your true mission here on earth? In this solo episode, Dave dives into what it actually looks like to advance the Kingdom of Heaven in our modern, busy world and also shares his top tips for shifting from a routine faith to a missionary heart. Being a missionary disciple isn't about checking off a religious "to-do list." It's about a daily, radical rediscovery of Jesus Christ. Dave reminds us that because Heaven is our true home, we should feel a certain "holy discomfort" in this life—a restlessness that drives us to put our daily routines at the foot of the Cross and lean entirely on Him. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
TV star Austin Peck (Days of Our Lives, As the World Turns, Chicago Fire, etc.) shares his powerful conversion story from Protestant Christianity to Catholicism in this in-depth interview with Keith Nester. Austin opens up about the questions, struggles, and breakthroughs that led him to Catholicism, including Scripture, Church authority, the Early Church, and the Eucharist. Together, they discuss what finally convinced him the Catholic Church is the Church Jesus founded—and what the journey cost him personally. If you're considering Catholicism, in OCIA, recently converted, or wrestling with similar questions, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. Discover Tradition: https://www.discovertradition.org/
In this episode, we will explore ideas such as: How to have a breakthrough in your faith Serving and speaking Truth in Love Getting out of your head and into the mission. The readings can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020826.cfm npacking the Mass is a production of Down to Earth Ministry which exists to provide encouragement and resources to those considering, converting, and growing in Catholicism.
Today we discover how the Passover foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus and how the people of Israel are transformed by God in the readings from Exodus 12, Leviticus 9, and Psalm 114. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism introduces us to the Holy Spirit and describes how the Spirit reveals the Father and the Son to us. It also gives us some background and context regarding the way we describe the Holy Spirit in the Roman Catholic Church compared to the way that the Eastern Orthodox Church describes the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike breaks it down for us and gives us some hope for a future reconciliation between Eastern and Western Churches. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 243-248. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
“Why do Catholics make religion so complicated?” This question opens a discussion on the intricacies of Catholic beliefs and practices. The episode also addresses the significance of the number 37 in scripture, the relationship between the Gospels of Mark and John, and whether one can wear a scapular without being baptized. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:05 – Why do Catholics Make Religion so Complicated? 09:58 – The number 37 seems to show up a number of times in scripture is there some significance to this? 13:35 – If Mark was written before John, why doesn't Mark's Gospel include the “I AM” statements? 22:31 – Can I wear a Scapular if I am not Baptized? 23:16 – If I attended Sunday evening Mass but they did different readings than the Sunday morning Mass, does it still fulfill the Sunday obligation? 29:30 – What is the SSPX and sedevacantist relationship to the Church? 40:12 – How can I defend the Faith when I am not sophisticated in my arguments at the moment? 50:15 – If the Kingdom of David ended when God said it wouldn’t why does God not apply the same standard to the Great Apostasy?
Have you switched the light on in your faith? Drawing from Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, Dr. Sri explores what Jesus truly meant when He called His disciples to be salt of the earth and light of the world. Unpacking the historical world of first-century Judaism—with its political turmoil, Roman oppression, and competing religious responses—Dr. Sri emphasizes Jesus' powerful message centered on wholehearted surrender to God. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.
In today's reading from Exodus 10-11, Fr. Mike explains how the ten plagues reveal that God is far greater than the Egyptian gods. We also discover more about how God wants to be worshipped through Leviticus 8 and Psalm 50. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this episode, Allie confronts the growing accusations of “Christian nationalism” against conservative Christians, especially over immigration enforcement and support for ICE, by responding directly to viral posts from progressive Christian figures like Ben Cremer and John Pavlovitz. She defines what Christian nationalism actually is (and isn't), explains why every worldview inevitably shapes law and public policy, and lays out a biblical case for national borders, pro‑life laws, and a Christian view of government. Allie exposes how progressive Christians often conflate the kingdom of God with America, misuse “welcome the stranger” passages to justify open borders, and deploy toxic empathy and inflammatory rhetoric that unfairly paints white evangelicals as the source of America's problems. Progressive Catholics aren't safe either, as Allie highlights Catholicism's social justice problem by examining statements by figures like Pope Leo XIV. This episode is a must‑listen for anyone wrestling with the debate over Christian nationalism, the Anti-ICE riots in Minnesota, abortion, biblical justice, and politics in the church. Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": https://www.toxicempathy.com --- Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (03:30) Defining Christian Nationalism (07:58) Faith Influencing Politics and Voting (11:17) Immigration, ICE, and Borders (23:27) Was Jesus an Activist? (28:50) Christian Nationalist Panic (37:41) Abortion & Pro‑Life Theology (51:10) Evangelical and Catholic Debates (59:18) Weak Pastors & Media Outrage Cycles --- Today's Sponsors: Good Ranchers | To support a company that's committed to honoring America's past, present, and future, visit GoodRanchers.com today. And if you subscribe to any Good Ranchers box of 100% American meat, you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use the code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. PreBorn | 100% of your donation will go toward saving babies. Will you help us? Just dial #250 and say the keyword BABY. Or donate securely at PreBorn.com/ALLIE. Shopify | Sign up for your $1-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/ALLIE. We Heart Nutrition | Check out We Heart Nutrition at WeHeartNutrition.com and use the code ALLIE for 20% off. Geviti | Go to GoGeviti.com/Allie and use code ALLIE for 20% off. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's stewardship. --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1295 | The Sad Truth Behind Meghan Trainor's Surrogacy Story https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000747085607 Ep 1271 | A Catholic & Protestant on the Death Penalty, Immigration & Women's Roles | Trent Horn https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000738174696 Ep 1254 | Jubilee Reaction: How to Debate 20 Liberal Christians https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000732041086 Ep 582 | How to Share the Gospel with LGBTQ People | Guest: Becket Cook https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-582-how-to-share-the-gospel-with-lgbtq-people/id1359249098?i=1000554125181 --- Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": https://www.alliebethstuckey.com Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Catechism describes the various ways that God has revealed himself to us as Father over the ages, and gives us insight into God the Father “in relation to his only Son,” Jesus. Fr. Mike entreats us to examine our relationships with our earthly fathers and how they might be impacting our vision of God as Father. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 238-242. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As we continue to read through the ten plagues of Egypt, Fr. Mike uses the example of Pharaoh to show us how our hearts can either harden or melt in response to God. Today we read Exodus 9, Leviticus 7, and Psalm 49. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Christians are baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” not the “names” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Catechism explains this distinction by introducing us to the “central mystery of Christian faith and life”: the Trinity. Fr. Mike slows us down to meditate on what God reveals to us concerning his inner life, the very thing that “many prophets and righteous people longed to see… [and] hear.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 232-237. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Are we truly hungry for God?In Luke 6, Jesus tells us: “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” But what kind of hunger is He talking about? In this episode of Catholicism for Catholics, Alison Oertle invites us to reflect on our deepest longings and the gift of the Eucharist, where God makes Himself bread to feed His people. Together, we explore what Scripture says about hunger and thirst for God, from the Psalms to the Prophets, and how those longings are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. This teaching walks through:- Biblical hunger and thirst as signs of desire for God- Jesus' Bread of Life discourse in John 6- Why the Eucharist is not symbolic, but truly Jesus Himself- The vulnerability of admitting our need for God- How “false food” can dull our spiritual appetite- An invitation to be healed, renewed, and made hungry againIf you've ever felt spiritually numb, distracted, or unsure of your desire for God, this reflection offers hope, clarity, and a gentle call back to the Lord who alone satisfies.
Fr. Mike points out how today's reading from Exodus can act like a mirror for us as we continue to hear the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 8 and also listen to Leviticus 6 and Psalm 48. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism wraps up our “I Believe in God” paragraphs with an In Brief and “The Implications of Faith in One God”—or, what God's being means for us and our lives. Faith in our God means knowing his greatness, living in thanksgiving, knowing the dignity of all men, making good use of creation, and trusting God in every circumstance. Fr. Mike reminds us that “in every circumstance,” meaning even in adversity, God uses all things for the good. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 222-231. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Homily from the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Do not give away what has real value for counterfeit happiness. There are many idols in our lives that promise the happiness that only God can give. The counterfeits of Wealth, Power, Pleasure, and Fame have taken all that people have and left them with nothing. Jesus gives us a new way to live...that actually leads to authentic happiness. Mass Readings from February 1, 2026: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-101 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-12a
Send us a textIn this deep conversation, Ryan Pineda and Brian Davila sit down with Catholic apologist Voice of Reason to debate Catholicism vs. Protestantism, covering church history, biblical authority, apostolic succession, and salvation.Connect with Alex: https://www.instagram.com/voiceofreason_clips/patreon.com/VoiceOfReason188__________If you want to start your real estate investing business, we'll give you 1:1 coaching, seller leads, software, & everything you need. https://www.wealthyinvestor.comJoin our private mastermind for elite business leaders who golf. https://www.mastermind19.comJoin free Bible studies and workshops for Christian business leaders. https://www.tentmakers.us__________CHAPTERS: 1:05 - Church History & Origins of Protestantism 5:02 - The Bible: Catholic or Christian? 10:00 - Do Denominations Equal Division? 14:00 - Faith vs Works: Do We Actually Disagree? 26:00 - Is the Catholic Church Equal to the Bible? 38:00 - Who Gets Saved? Catholics, Protestants... or Muslims? 48:00 - Is the True Church Visible or Invisible? 1:00:00 - Apostolic Succession vs Protestant Authority 1:13:00 - Mary: Sinless, Virgin, and DivisiveLearn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...
Fr. Mike explains how God is doing something new in this period, and shows us how much God desires to pour out his mercy on us. Today we read Exodus 6-7, Leviticus 5, and Psalm 47. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
God is truth, God is love, and God is being itself. Today's Catechism readings begin to unpack the eternal nature of God and share with us God's “innermost secret." Fr. Mike teaches us that because God made us in his image and likeness, then we too are called to embody truth and love. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 212-221. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
I'm excited to share this conversation with Drew Hunter. I've wanted to have Drew on the show for a long time, and this episode did not disappoint. Drew runs professionally for ASICS and lives in Boulder, Colorado, but his path in the sport has been anything but typical. He went pro straight out of high school, turning down a full scholarship to Oregon, and has now spent nearly a decade navigating the ups and downs of professional running before making a sponsor change to ASICS last year. In this conversation, we talk about what it was really like going pro so young, how different that decision might look today with NIL, and how his perspective has shifted ten years into his career. Drew opens up about setting goals based on what genuinely excites him, why road racing has become such a big focus, and how he's thinking about longevity in the sport as both an athlete and a dad. We also talk about family life, faith, and the importance of community, especially as he and his wife prepare to welcome their third child. What I appreciated most about this episode is how grounded Drew is in who he is now. He reflects honestly on early loneliness, big expectations, and how his definition of success has changed over time. This conversation goes well beyond race results and gets into what it looks like to build a meaningful life alongside big athletic goals. I really enjoyed this one, and I hope you do too. If you enjoy the episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review. It's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show. Topics Discussed: Drew's indoor season plans, upcoming 3K, and building toward Millrose How he's thinking about 2026 goals and the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen What excites him when he sets goals and why he likes mixing in road racing Why road racing feels like the future of the sport and how it brings fans into it Becoming a dad young, building a family, and how that shifts his mindset around running Community, church, and why having people nearby matters for parenting and life Converting to Catholicism and how he explored faith through reading and learning How he met his wife and how COVID changed the timeline Choosing to go pro out of high school, how NIL changes that decision now, and the realities of pro life Loneliness early in his pro career, moving to Boulder, and building Tin Man Elite and his training setup with his parents Support our Sponsors: Aletheia Run lets you see what your body is actually doing with every step by using a lightweight sensor that creates a unique force portrait of your movement. It gives personalized feedback, targeted drills, and science-backed insights to improve performance and help prevent injuries, bringing the running lab right to your everyday training. Noogs: Noogs Nutrition is my go-to for fun, flavorful fuel with carbs and electrolytes, with flavors like Lemon Zinger, Electric Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry, plus caffeinated options too. Use code “another15” for 15% off your first order. Amazfit Smartwatches – A wellness and recovery brand offering targeted supplements designed to support runners with energy, strength, and sleep. Use code “ANOTHER” at checkout!
Jesus doesn't discard the Old Testament—He fulfills it. Jeff walks us through Matthew chapters 3 and 4, explaining how Jesus intentionally retraces the story of Israel. From the Jordan River—the lowest place on earth—to the wilderness of testing, the Gospel of Matthew reveals an incredible pattern: Jesus relives the Exodus, succeeds where Israel failed, and fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Donald Trump says God is proud of him. During a bizarre, softball-filled press appearance marking his first year back in office, Trump claimed divine approval for his presidency—offered without evidence or irony. We unpack the religious delusion, the collapse of press accountability, and what it means when a sitting president openly frames himself as God's chosen leader. Beyond Trump, we take on a parade of church–state absurdities: Florida prisons ban the Bhagavad Gita for being "written in code," Oklahoma sheriffs tout Christian jailhouse conversions until lawyers step in, and a Texas county installs a Ten Commandments monument to dare the courts to stop them. We also cover Catholic leaders warning that U.S. foreign policy has lost its moral compass, new Pew data showing Catholicism rapidly declining in Latin America, and a sharp debate over protesters disrupting a Minnesota church linked to an ICE official—forcing the question of where religious freedom ends and accountability begins.
Mother Miriam Live - January 30th, 2026 Mother speaks about Septuagesima and Candlemas. Mother answers a caller whose husband disapproves of her conversion to Catholicism and a question about ICE protesters invading a church service in Minnesota.
Fr. Mike delves deeper into Moses' call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and reminds us that God desires to make us free so we that can worship him. Today's readings are Exodus 4-5, Leviticus 4, and Psalm 46. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
We can learn a lot about the nature of God from his Divine Name revealed in Scripture. When God said to Moses, “I am who I am,” this was a revelation of a name as well as a refusal of a name. Fr. Mike explains how this mystery reveals truths about God: he is infinitely above all things; we cannot comprehend him, yet he draws close to us. This Divine Name expresses the steadfast, faithful, unchanging love of God for his people, even when we betray and abandon him. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 205-211. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
“How do I prove the Catholic Church was founded by God?” This question opens a discussion on the Church’s divine origins, addressing challenges such as converting from Oneness Pentecostalism to Catholicism and responding to Protestant friends seeking biblical evidence for Catholic claims. Other topics include the removal of books from the Bible and the doctrine of the papacy. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:25 – How would one convert from Oneness Pentecostalism to Catholicism given how far apart they are from each other? 21:30 – My two friends who are protestants. I told them that Catholicism was the only Church founded by God. They asked me to prove it through the bible. How do I respond? 29:35 – Why did the reforms feel like they needed to remove books from the bible? 37:14 – My Protestant friend asked this: Did Raphael lie to Tobit? 49:51 – How do I prove the doctrine of the papacy?
Jim talks with Michael Shermer about his worldview and his new book, Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters. They discuss Michael's self-identification as a monist and realist who believes in a physical objective world, the concept of fallibilism, intersubjective verification of the interobjective, reliance on authorities and institutions, the battle between the book of authority versus the book of nature, balancing rationality with empiricism, the dependence of mathematical truths on axioms, January 6 as an example of people acting rationally on false beliefs, Shermer's journey from born-again Christian to atheist and Jim's opposite journey from Catholicism to atheism, treating religious literature like great literature with deeper truths, the study of consciousness and the hard problem versus the easy problem, separating intelligence from consciousness, consciousness as a biological process like digestion, the question of machine sentience, a critique of Donald Hoffman's interface theory, evidence for veridical perception through mimicry in nature and animals climbing trees, skepticism about brain-in-a-vat and simulation scenarios, minimum viable metaphysics, Thomas Nagel's concept of one thought too many, Jonathan Rauch's constitution of knowledge, the replication crisis in psychology, the breakdown of trust in institutions due to COVID and the noble lie, the problem of scaling laws with followership, moral realism and the survival and flourishing of sentient beings, the principle of interchangeable perspectives, discovering moral values through problem-solving, the evolution of ethics and the expanding moral sphere, and much more. Episode Transcript Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, and Why It Still Matters, by Michael Shermer The Michael Shermer Show Why People Believe Weird Things, by Michael Shermer The Believing Brain, by Michael Shermer Why Darwin Matters, by Michael Shermer The Science of Good and Evil, by Michael Shermer Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational, by Michael Shermer "A Minimum Viable Metaphysics," by Jim Rutt JRS EP 287 - Jonathan Rauch on the Epistemic Crisis Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine and the host of the podcast The Michael Shermer Show. For 30 years he taught college and university courses in critical thinking, and for 18 years he was a monthly columnist for Scientific American. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, The Moral Arc, Heavens on Earth, Giving the Devil His Due, and Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational. His new book is Truth: What it is, How to Find it, Why it Still Matters. Follow him on X @michaelshermer.
Fr. Mike reads about the powerful moment God reveals himself to Moses in the burning bush and promises to set the Israelites free from slavery. Today's' readings are Exodus 3, Leviticus 2-3; and Psalm 45. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this episode, we discuss the nature of God, “who” God is, beginning with God the Father. Our reading explains how the Creed begins with God the Father because he is the first Divine Person of the most Holy Trinity. God is one Divine Being made up of three persons, and his identity is a deep mystery. Fr. Mike explains that God is a single ‘what' made up of three ‘who's.' Despite this mystery, God is not an anonymous force. He has revealed himself to us by making his name known to us, and he has thus made himself accessible. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 198-204. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
“Is Lent works-based superstition?” This question opens a discussion on the nature of Lent and its significance in Catholic practice. Other topics include guidance for those considering confession, the complexities of excommunication related to abortion, and the relationship between Tradition and Scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:24 – Is Lent works-based Catholic superstition? 04:41 – I'm leaning towards Catholicism. If I decide to go to confession, what’s the best way of going about it? 12:18 – Why if you help someone get an abortion, you’re automatically excommunicated but not if you murder someone? 15:21 – How can I bring the gospel to my family? 29:48 – If Tradition and scripture are of equal authority, then why can tradition change and evolve but scripture can't? 42:38 – I'm looking into Catholicism, but my Catholic friends won't talk to me about it. I even went to a Catholic Church and even the priest wouldn't give me more resources. Can you shed some light on this?
“Can Muslims pray to the same God?” This question opens a discussion on the theological connections and differences between Islam and Christianity. The conversation also touches on the implications of John 14:6 in light of the Quran’s view of the Gospels, the Catholic response to Jesus’ separation from God in Matthew 24:36, and effective approaches to engaging with cradle Muslims and converts. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:47 – Since the Quran gives positive credit to the Gospels, what do they think of John 14:6? 05:33 – Muslims quote Mt 24:36 as Jesus separating himself from God. What’s the Catholic response? 12:21 – Sunan abi dawud 44:52. Is there any evidence for the four-witness claim? 16:35 – What’s the most effective approach to cradle Muslims and Muslim converts? 19:40 – Sure Muslims pray to the same God but He doesn't hear them since they don't pray in Jesus' name. 23:40 – What does the Quran sawilliam alby about God being love? 28:45 – Did Islam come from Hagar and Ishmael 32:01 – What do you think about the theory that a gnostic offshoot of Catholicism prepared Mohammed to start Islam to foil the economic plans by the Jewish authorities that were challenging the growth of Catholicism? 33:23 – Do you ever discuss the Cappadocian fathers to Muslims? 40:23 – My friend is marrying a Muslim woman. She is going to convert to Christianity. Does it make a difference if she goes either Catholic or Orthodox? 45:17 – What was Islam before Mohammed? 48:16 – Where did Muslim veneration for Mary come from?
Evangelization requires vulnerability. Fear of rejection often holds us back from inviting others to Christ. Dave and Gomer sit down with Jonathan Cardinal, Senior Regional Director at FOCUS, to discuss the power of one-on-one encounter, confronting the fears that keep us silent, and what it truly means to live as a missionary disciple. Together, they explore how each of us is called to be a living witness, leading others not just by words, but by example. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow
Congratulations on completing the Patriarchs period! Today, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to explore the world of Egypt and Exodus. They discuss the common problems we encounter in this period and how to discover the true purpose of God's law. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today we begin our journey in Egypt and Exodus as Fr. Mike reads about the birth of Moses, and the connection between burnt offerings and the sacrifice of the mass. Today's readings are Exodus 1-2, Leviticus 1, and Psalm 44. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
The Catechism we are reading follows the structure of the Apostles' Creed with frequent references to the Nicene Creed for further details and explanations. Together, these Creeds aid us in articulating the beliefs we share with all members of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike discusses why St. Ambrose refers to the Creed as “an ever-present guardian” and “treasure of our soul.” He encourages us not to take this gift for granted. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 193-197. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today we wrap up our journey through the Patriarchs as Fr. Mike finishes the book of Genesis and the book of Job. Fr. Mike particularly draws our attention to God's beautiful yet mysterious response to Job's questions. Today's readings are Genesis 49-50, Job 41-42, and Psalm 17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Today we further realize the sense of the word “credo,” meaning “I believe.” As we read the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, we discover the differences between the two and come to understand how the Nicene Creed, which came centuries later, expands upon and explains the beliefs of the Apostles' Creed. Fr. Mike tells us that these Creeds help us to share the essential elements of Catholicism, acting as “symbols of faith,” and encouraging communion between believers. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 185-192. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In a rare virtual episode His Excellency Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Maria Santissima in Astana, Kazakhstan joins Pints With Aquinas host, Matt Fradd, to discuss his private meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the war on the Latin Mass, Europe's demographic transformation, and why young people are flooding back to traditional Catholicism. His Excellency delivers powerful and unflinching analysis of the Catholic Church's current crisis while offering profound hope for the future. Ep. 563 - - -
Where is God in Job's suffering? Today, Fr. Mike dives deeper into Job's questions as he wrestles with his suffering. We learn that God always uses our suffering for a purpose although we may not understand it in the moment. Today's readings are Genesis 47-48, Job 39-40, and Psalm 16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike takes a look at the dramatic moment when Joseph makes himself known to his brothers and weeps out of joy. Today's readings are Genesis 45-46, Job 37-38, and Proverbs 4:20-27. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.