Podcast appearances and mentions of Christian Joy

God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64. 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.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice,” Paul writes in Philippians 4. In the midst of sadness and sorrow, can we really have joy always? And if so, how? While being honest about the darkness around and inside, Pastor Jordan Kologe explores what authentic Christian joy is and is not and how we can grow in it.

Send us a textOn this 3rd Sunday of Advent, Fr. Stan reflects on the profound question asked by tax collectors, soldiers, and all who approached John the Baptist: “What should we do?” This question is as relevant today as it was then, not only as an ethical and spiritual inquiry but as a guide to finding true joy and purpose in life.Fr. Stan draws from the Gospel of Luke, showing how John the Baptist pointed to the Messiah while embracing his unique role as a prophetic voice in the wilderness. His life teaches us that true happiness comes from accepting ourselves as God made us and living out our vocation authentically.Let this reflection inspire you to embrace yourself and live your calling confidently and joyfully. Subscribe for more reflections, share your thoughts in the comments, and let's journey together through this Advent season.

Three Requirements for Christian Joy

Are you searching for deeper joy and true contentment in your life? In this message, we explore how to transform fleeting happiness into lasting joy by focusing on three key elements: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Through relatable stories, biblical wisdom, and the science of happiness, you'll learn how to cultivate joy in your daily life—even when challenges arise.

Rev Callum Macleod preaches on 1 Peter 1:1-12

Brody Thibodeau preaches on the “recipe for Christian joy” from John Ch 2, highlighting prayer, obedience, purity and other features from the record of the Lord turning water into wine in Cana of Galilee. (Recorded at Roseisle Gospel Hall conference, MB, Canada, 28th Sept 2024) The post The Recipe for Christian Joy (44 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

Rev Callum Macleod preaches on 1 John 1:3

Scripture Reading: John 15:1-17 Rev. Susan Clayto Part 5 of "I Have A Question" Sermon Series    

Join us as Pastor Seth Carter delivers a message titled "The Characteristics of Christian Joy" (Philippians 1:3-8)

Have you ever caught yourself people-watching, noticing a spark missing in the eyes of those around you, especially those who share your faith? This week's FBC El Dorado Sermon Podcast is all about rediscovering that spark—joy. As we wander through the poignant teachings of the book of Philippians, we'll unlock the profound secrets that the apostle Paul reveals about joy, a treasure that remains steadfast in the face of life's tempests. Our interim Pastor Tim Noel will guide you through the labyrinth of common joy-stealers, showing you how to safeguard your heart's contentment against the unpredictable nature of circumstances, the test of difficult people, the lure of materialism, and the weight of worry.The journey doesn't end with identifying the thieves; it's about mastering the art of maintaining our joy. We'll learn from Paul's unwavering focus on Jesus, how he found exuberance even while confined within prison walls. His teachings in Philippians inspire us to adopt a mindset shaped by Christ's humility, a resolve to serve rather than be served, and an unshakable peace that comes from entrusting our worries to God through fervent prayer and heartfelt thanksgiving. This episode isn't just a lesson; it's a transformation of perspective, an invitation to align our minds with the eternal and the divine, and in doing so, experience the harmony intended for our interactions with the world.Lastly, we cannot overlook the cornerstone of our faith and the ultimate source of our joy—Jesus Christ. Whether you're well-versed in the Christian walk or standing at the crossroads of decision, this episode offers a compelling call to embrace the life-altering salvation that Jesus provides. It's here, at the foot of the cross, where we find the kind of joy that outlasts all earthly pleasures, the joy of a heart set free. So, let this be your gentle nudge, or perhaps your profound awakening, to reignite the joy of your salvation and walk confidently in the fullness of God's grace. Join us, and let's embark on this soul-stirring journey together.

Philippians 3:1-8 "Defining and Defending Christian Joy" Blake Johnson May 5, 2024 by Evangelical Fellowship Church

April 21, 2024 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stjohnrandomlake/support

Bulletin: https://tinyurl.com/Jubilate-24   Congregation at Prayer: https://tinyurl.com/Jubilate-Podcast-24

This world of ours has little joy, real joy. Perhaps there exists some sort of superficial happiness, but transient and really unfulfilling, but little more.It seems that so much of our world is sad, hopeless in feeling, even hateful. Our world is angry, antagonistic, so very jealous and greedy, negative in so many ways.I wonder, are you afraid, feeling uncertain and insecure, perhaps even from time to time hateful and angry, untrusting, are you? I wonder sometimes, how much of the joy of Christianity, rejoicing in the relationship with Jesus Christ, in possession of a thankful heart, the promises of the Son of God have been lost as the wiles of the devil seem to permeate this world.The carpenter of Nazareth, the Son of the Living God, told us quite plainly that He came not only to forgive but to bring us who believe His JOY that our lives may be full, full of that joy. How tragic it would be if once we have met him, and believed in Him, that the joy of our relationship with Him should be tarnished, even eliminated by the ever-growing hateful things in this world.And more. REJOICE, said He, and even more:BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD.Let gladness permeate your heart, your mind, your emotions, your attitude, your entire life. Be happy, no matter what. For not only are you forgiven but you are born again into a brand-new life of joy, happiness, and rejoicing! I wonder if you take time every day, EVERY DAY, to rejoice, rejoice in Him and for the life you should have now, and you will definitely have hereafter. Do you?The Apostle Paul tells us to give thanks, GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING, the good, the bad, the average, the day-to-day, IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS, thanks to God for His unspeakable gift. Do you? The strongest possession any Christian can have is a thankful heart.And our Lord says that we should love our enemies. Is there anything harder to do in this world than that? When someone identifies as an enemy, comes at you, does you wrong, hurts you or ones you love, is there anything harder than to love that person? But, the love we have for Jesus Christ never fails, transcends everything, is stronger than anything and it is always there, always. Our God is love and we his people should love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, even if that neighbor is our enemy so says the scripture. That essential principle, that basic tenet of Christianity, that emotional command, is the hardest thing for any Christian to do, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, IT IS THE MOST REWARDING! We should never accept the wrong, but we should always love the wrongdoer, thus saith the Lord. To carry a grudge, to return hate with hate, to get even, to make a wrongdoer pay, works havoc on the believer, even more so than the evildoer. Be glad, be happy says our Lord when you are persecuted for His name's sake, when evil comes after good, and never forget, NEVER that ultimately:GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN!Even, says HE, if you weep now, you will laugh sooner or later. YOU WILL LAUGH, you will be happy. Never forget that. You will laugh, you will be happy as David says in the Psalms, even as our Lord laughs at the wicked. Full belief in the love of God in Jesus Christ can do nothing but make one, the believer, be glad, rejoice, be happy and LAUGH!The smile, the facial smile, the real smile is a rarity today. The heavy heart makes for a sad face. The happy heart, the loving heart produces a cheerful face as Solomon tells us in Proverbs. Our Lord confirms that when he tells us that we should:BE OF GOOD CHEER!Life is short, so very short, and any hour of any day spent glum, sad, angry, jealous, or hateful is simply the waste of a part of THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HAS MADE! The spirit of the loving God is at the ready to help, to remind you of this part of your life which you are wasting. Be glad, says the spirit of the living God, and rejoice, and always remember, says the Lord:I AM COME THAT YOUR JOY MIGHT BE FULL!I AM COME THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE LIFE AND LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!And more. James tells us that the happy heart breaks out in singing, singing songs of love, praise, and joy. David confirms in the Psalms when he tells us to be glad and sing for joy. Even if you can't carry a tune, sing anyway. Sing songs of praise every day, let your heart sing, be cheerful, be glad, be happy, and never let any part of this sad world, this world hateful, angry, jealous, and itself without joy, bring you down. NEVER!When the rich man met the Lord Jesus Christ, He sold everything he had, and he did so with JOY. Nothing mattered to him but the joy he found in Jesus Christ. Never forget, my fellow Christians, that a cheerful heart is good medicine. It heals like nothing else, and also remember the wise words of Solomon in Proverbs that:A CRUSHED SPIRIT DRIES UP THE BONES!Avoid at all costs the dry bones of Ezekiel. Every day, even all day, you can live with the joy, the happiness, the rejoicing that our Lord provides, which is only a taste of that JOY TO COME!So, in everything give thanks. In the testings, the trials and tribulations, the sicknesses, the losses, the betrayals, the hateful, the persecution, give thanks, be grateful, for our Lord who never left the Apostle Paul when he suffered in the dungeon all alone, will never leave us. The key to claiming that promise, says the Apostle Paul, is to give thanks:GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING.And that is especially so when the trials, the tribulations, the persecutions, the hurt and the pain are the worst. When life is at its worst, our Lord is at HIS BEST.Now abides safe in Him, hope in Him, and the love because of Him. Never let go of a cheerful heart any hour of any day. That is what the Lord of the abundant life wants for YOU!

Lisa and I continue our conversation on the roots of marital woes. Why the left loves to cast conservatives as dangerous extremists. The bizarre sin of Lot's daughters, the wisdom of Hagar in calling God, "The God Who Sees" and why Christians should be the most cheerful of all.

February 2, 2024 DAVID REECE, Pastor of Puritan Reformed Church of Phoenix, AZ & CEO of ArmoredRepublic.com who will address: “The POWER of CHRISTIAN JOY to OVERCOME MISERY”   Subscribe: iTunes  TuneIn Android RSS Feed Listen:

As those reconciled to God and to each other, Christians support each other in their physical needs. St. Paul returns to this topic from his first letter to the Corinthians as he speaks about their participation in the offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Out of their joy and poverty, the saints in Macedonia have given generously according to their means. Now St. Paul calls the Corinthians to similar particpation in this act of grace, which flows from the grace that Jesus has shown by becoming poor so that we could share in His riches. As the Corinthians finish their participation in this offering, God will continue to supply His people with their daily bread. Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. “A Letter of Comfort” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 2 Corinthians. St. Paul writes again to the Christians in Corinth to bring them the ongoing comfort of the Gospel in the midst of the attacks of false doctrine from so-called “super apostles.” He seeks to give confidence to the Corinthians—and to us—that the good news of Christ crucified and risen proclaimed by His called ministers will accomplish all that He intends.

God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64. 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.

Broadcast for January 5, 2024 on Christian Joy

Broadcast for January 4, 2024 on Christian Joy

Broadcast for January 3, 2024 on Christian Joy

In this episode, Grettelyn speaks with Ted Janiszewski of St. Irenaeus Ministries about Saint Irenaeus Ministries and about how to winsomely present Catholic truth in its full historical and joyful dimensions. https://siministries.org/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzV2YYCue4QaJNhm7uoYnZg

A Study of John 10:10 on the passion of chasing Christian Joy!

A Study of John 10:10 on the passion of chasing Christian Joy!

A Study of John 10:10 on the passion of chasing Christian Joy!

A Study of John 10:10 on the passion of chasing Christian Joy!

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Today's episode of the Daily Radio Bible takes you on an uplifting journey through the entire book of Philippians. As we explore chapters 1-4, we delve into the Apostle Paul's heartfelt message of joy, perseverance, and unity in Christ, written from his place of imprisonment. In Philippians 1, we uncover the themes of partnership in the Gospel and the courage in proclaiming Christ. Chapter 2 challenges us with the humility of Christ, encouraging believers to adopt a similar mindset. Moving forward, Philippians 3 focuses on the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, while chapter 4 concludes with powerful teachings on peace, contentment, and reliance on God. This episode offers a profound look into the joyous heart of Paul's epistle, providing invaluable insights for finding joy and strength in our faith journey, regardless of circumstances. Perfect for listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of the New Testament, join us as we explore these encouraging scriptures. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, they kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: follow us at www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Partner with us! Click HERE to give! Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured ______        

The Bible says that God is our father, or in other words, our dad. What is your dad here on Earth like? Your relationship with him can taint your view of God as a father. In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is a perfect father. You don't have to earn his love. He will ALWAYS be there for you. And unlike your earthly father, God doesn't mess up. It's for this very reason that you can have abounding joy in ALL circumstances. Keep listening to learn how you can claim your joy.

The Bible says that God is our father, or in other words, our dad. What is your dad here on Earth like? Your relationship with him can taint your view of God as a father. In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you that God is a perfect father. You don't have to earn his love. He will ALWAYS be there for you. And unlike your earthly father, God doesn't mess up. It's for this very reason that you can have abounding joy in ALL circumstances. Keep listening to learn how you can claim your joy.

Are you living in the joy that Jesus made a way for you to have? The world often gets joy and happiness confused. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on circumstances, but joy is a deeply rooted state of being that cannot be uprooted by circumstances. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you that Jesus's death and resurrection have made a way for you to have everlasting joy in all seasons of life. Keep listening to learn how to take hold of the joy that God has for you right here, right now. 

Are you living in the joy that Jesus made a way for you to have? The world often gets joy and happiness confused. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on circumstances, but joy is a deeply rooted state of being that cannot be uprooted by circumstances. In today's message, Pastor Bill will teach you that Jesus's death and resurrection have made a way for you to have everlasting joy in all seasons of life. Keep listening to learn how to take hold of the joy that God has for you right here, right now. 

Jesus's life, death, and resurrection were God's way of being undeniably clear that He loves us. God is a God of truth, not confusion. One thing that He is clear on in scripture is that your sorrows WILL be turned to joy. That's a big promise to keep, but after all, if He can defeat death, I think that we can take him at his word. In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you that YOU can have lasting joy in all circumstances. Keep listening to learn how to discover the joy that God wants you to live with.

Jesus's life, death, and resurrection were God's way of being undeniably clear that He loves us. God is a God of truth, not confusion. One thing that He is clear on in scripture is that your sorrows WILL be turned to joy. That's a big promise to keep, but after all, if He can defeat death, I think that we can take him at his word. In today's message, Pastor Bill will show you that YOU can have lasting joy in all circumstances. Keep listening to learn how to discover the joy that God wants you to live with.

CAFETERIA CATHOLICS COME HOME | Spreaker

Costumiére Christian Joy Hultquist first established her name when she collaborated with Yeah Yeah Yeahs' lead singer, Karen O to design her stage costumes, and she has never looked back. Christian was born in Marion, Iowa in 1973, the second oldest of six children to Connie and Jim Hultquist. Her parents had their own challenges raising a family while each spending time in the prison system. Her mother became a ‘born again Christian' and so instilled a religious upbringing to her children. She was creative, teaching them to be resourceful using DIY—a skill Christian would later adopt in her craft. Connie was also a writer, and her father a singer. Coming from a poor background, Christian soon learned that she needed to make her own way and, while she excelled at sport in school, she had no academic ambitions. Instead she decided to make her own way and is entirely self taught—aside from one year studying photography, she had no training to become an artist or costume designer. Once she left Iowa and headed east to Chicago, her world began to open up and she spent time in Europe before, at the age of 24, realizing her future was destined to be in New York. It was there that she worked in retail and made the most of networking, which paid off, and it wasn't long before she met Karen O, herself a burgeoning artist. Thus began a partnership that would showcase her work on stage, and give her the name recognition she needed to establish herself in the industry. Consequently, international success followed. Christian's work has been exhibited in The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Mode Museum in Hasselt, Belgium and The Museum of Art and Design in New York City. She has also held her first solo show at the AVA Gallery in New York. Christian's work has been featured across all major publications, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, Billboard, Spin and Rolling Stone. Her next show will be in September 2023 at a new gallery space in New York alongside her husband, the actor and artist, Jason Grisell.Host: Chris StaffordFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramEmail: hollowellstudios@gmail.comChristian's website: https://www.christianjoy.us.com/Instagram: @christianjoycostumesChristian's favorite women artists:Melissa Godoy NietoAlex Murray-LeslieJulia @ioulexMariangela LopezCaroline McAuliffeJanelle RabbottNaomi Sarah ClarkRachel NelsonMichelle ImCamilla CarperCammi ClimacoChristian's Playlist:Our Lips Are Sealed: Fun Boy 3Here Come the Warm Jets: Brian EnoNight Shift: The CommodoresArt Star: Yeah Yeah YeahsOnly You- YazSinead O'Connor- Jump In the RiverEmahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou: The Homeless WandererGaby Les Soul Men:Oh Maloya Kronos Quartet: Oh mother the handsome man tortures meThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4769409/advertisement

The Bible rings with the language of pleasure and joy in God. But how can we explain that pleasure and joy in ways non-Christian loved ones may understand?

The Bible rings with the language of pleasure and joy in God. But how can we explain that pleasure and joy in ways non-Christian loved ones may understand?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3279340/advertisement

Costumiére Christian Joy Hultquist first established her name when she collaborated with Yeah Yeah Yeahs' lead singer, Karen O to design her stage costumes, and she has never looked back. Christian was born in Marion, Iowa in 1973, the second oldest of six children to Connie and Jim Hultquist. Her parents had their own challenges raising a family while each spending time in the prison system. Her mother became a ‘born again Christian' and so instilled a religious upbringing to her children. She was creative, teaching them to be resourceful using DIY—a skill Christian would later adopt in her craft. Connie was also a writer, and her father a singer. Coming from a poor background, Christian soon learned that she needed to make her own way and, while she excelled at sport in school, she had no academic ambitions. Instead she decided to make her own way and is entirely self taught—aside from one year studying photography, she had no training to become an artist or costume designer. Once she left Iowa and headed east to Chicago, her world began to open up and she spent time in Europe before, at the age of 24, realizing her future was destined to be in New York. It was there that she worked in retail and made the most of networking, which paid off, and it wasn't long before she met Karen O, herself a burgeoning artist. Thus began a partnership that would showcase her work on stage, and give her the name recognition she needed to establish herself in the industry. Consequently, international success followed. Christian's work has been exhibited in The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Mode Museum in Hasselt, Belgium and The Museum of Art and Design in New York City. She has also held her first solo show at the AVA Gallery in New York. Christian's work has been featured across all major publications, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, Billboard, Spin and Rolling Stone. Her next show will be in September 2023 at a new gallery space in New York alongside her husband, the actor and artist, Jason Grisell.Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramEmail: hollowellstudios@gmail.comChristian's website: https://www.christianjoy.us.com/Instagram: @christianjoycostumesChristian's favorite women artists:Melissa Godoy NietoAlex Murray-LeslieJulia @ioulexMariangela LopezCaroline McAuliffeJanelle RabbottNaomi Sarah ClarkRachel NelsonMichelle ImCamilla CarperCammi ClimacoChristian's Playlist:Our Lips Are Sealed: Fun Boy 3 Here Come the Warm Jets: Brian EnoNight Shift: The CommodoresArt Star: Yeah Yeah YeahsOnly You- Yaz Sinead O'Connor- Jump In the River Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou: The Homeless Wanderer Gaby Les Soul Men:Oh Maloya Kronos Quartet: Oh mother the handsome man tortures me

Throughout the Scriptures, God's people feast as an expression of their joy in the Lord. What would it look like for the church to be known for celebration and joy?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3279340/advertisement

In sports news, the Denver Nuggets have won their first NBA Championship, in their 47th year in the league. That was this week. Last week, it was the Oklahoma Sooners women's softball team that dominated headlines, winning their third straight and seventh overall NCAA championship.   For those of us who don't typically follow this particular sport, the OU team was as well known for their celebrations and press conferences as for their dominant play. The word that comes to mind, partly because it was repeated over and over by those in the program and those watching, is joy. To be clear, for these Sooners, joy is not a consequence of winning. It's the other way around. When asked about their joy, during a press conference a few days before winning the national title, team captain Grace Lyons said this:   Well, the only way that you can have a joy that doesn't fade away is from the Lord. And any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes. I think Coach has said this before, but joy from the Lord is really the only thing that can keep you motivated, just in a good mindset, no matter the outcomes. Thankfully, we've had a lot of success this year. But if it was the other way around, joy from the Lord is the only thing that can keep you embracing those memories, moments, friendships, and all that.  Following Lyons, her teammate Jayda Coleman discussed her own journey of learning the proper order of winning and joy:  1,000% agree with Grace Lyons. I went through that my freshman year, I was so happy to win the [College World Series]. I've talked about this before, but I was just so happy that we won the College World Series, but I didn't feel joy . . . . I didn't know what to do the next day. I didn't know what to do for that following week. I didn't feel filled. And I had to find Christ in that. And I think that is what makes our team so strong is that we're not afraid to lose, because it's not the end of the world. If we do lose, yes, obviously, we worked our butts off to be here and we want to win. But it's not the end of the world because our life is in Christ. And that's all that matters.  It's not unusual at a press conference for an athlete or two to express thankfulness to God. What is unusual is for three in a row to do so, while also expressing how their faith in Christ has completely changed their perspective on sports and life. Sophomore Alyssa Brito then iced the press conference (that's a sports metaphor for an athlete who finishes out a game and secures the win), describing how the game is not life, only part of a life that's completely reoriented by focusing on Christ and not self:  I think a huge thing that we've really just latched on to is eyes up. And you guys see us doing this and pointing up, but we're really like fixing our eyes on Christ. And that's something we're, like they we're saying, you can't find a fulfillment in an outcome, whether it's good or bad. And I think that's why we're so steady in what we do and in our love for each other and our love for the game, because we know this game is giving us the opportunity to glorify God. And I just think once we figured that out, and that was our purpose, and everyone was all in with that, it's really changed so much for us. And I mean, I know myself, I've seen so much of a growth in myself . . . . once I turned to Jesus, and I realized how He had changed my outlook on life, not just softball, but understanding how much I have to live for. And that's living to exemplify the Kingdom. And I think that brings so much freedom. And I'm sure everyone's story is similar, but we all have those great testimonies that have really, like, shown how awesome it is to play for something bigger.  To be clear, this is a talented team, but there is also a culture in place at OU that just looks different. In another press conference, Coach Patty Gasso attributed their success to knowing “they are defined not by softball . . . . . They never play tight, they never play afraid . . . . because . . . . they've really found their freedom … through their faith.”  In a “Dear Softball” letter, senior captain Grace Lyons echoed her coach when she said her perspective changed “when I realized you were just something I did, not who I was.”   The expectation is to idolize you. And the promise is that true joy comes from reaching a goal that you have put all of your effort into. Yes, we as Christians are expected to work hard at all that we do for Christ. But the real victory has already been won on the cross: Jesus dying for my sin and saving me. Because of this, I have an eternal hope that allows me to play your game free with fullness of joy that comes only from the Lord. With this mindset, I have played the most joyful softball the last five years.  And that joy has pointed millions to the One who is the Giver of all good gifts. Congrats Grace and OU softball, and thank you for sharing this gift with us.  For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.  

God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64. 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. 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.