Podcasts about Church Fathers

Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdg7q4yf6II E. Michael Jones recently wrote a book titled: "Walking With A Bible And A Gun: The Rise, Fall, and Return of American Identity. He discusses some of the interesting subjects that The book contains in its 50 chapters. The underlining theme is the bold assertion the the hidden grammar of Protestantism is Satanism. In various ways in this discussion Dr. Jones attempts to prove his thesis. One aspect of this Satanism is what Dr. Jones assumes to be John Calvins heretical notion of total depravity. That man is basically evil even to the point of evil that the Church Fathers never taught. That discussion was not developed here. But what was developed was how Thomas Paine quotes Satan in Milton's poem: Paradise Lost. The American experiment in self government Dr. Jones points out get much of its foundation in Satan's speech for self-government. Satan says: "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven" in Book 1 (line 263) of Paradise Lost. In the pamphlet wars between the American Patriots and the British of 1775 and 1776 John Fletcher defended John Wesley's harsh critique of the Patriots. Fletcher did indeed suggest that the patriots doctrines were the same as Satan as articulated in his speech in Paradise Lost. For example the Patriots declared that they were not to be subject to the King but rather the King should be subject to them. Likewise in all the Biblical relationships. Under this new world order experiment the women would be able to come out from under her husbands authority, slaves would be able to come out from under their masters etc. etc. Dr. Jones Books: fidelitypress.org/ Subscribe to Culture Wars Magazine: culturewars.com Donate: culturewars.com/donate Follow: https://culturewars.com/links CW Magazine: culturewars.com NOW AVAILABLE!: Walking with a Bible and a Gun: The Rise, Fall and Return of American Identity: https://www.fidelitypress.org/book-products/walking-with-a-bible-and-a-gun

Greg introduces Jacob, a 34-year-old software engineer (working in AI), husband, and father of soon-to-be-four who's recently come into the Catholic Church after a rich intellectual and spiritual journey from evangelical Protestantism. Jacob shares how reading the early Church Fathers, St. John Henry Newman, and even deep mystical works like St. Teresa of Ávila's Interior Castle gradually broke down his skepticism and drew him forward through beauty, truth, and the living tradition of the Church. Rather than tackling a laundry list of objections, Jacob describes how encountering the fullness of historic Christianity felt like discovering a vast, living civilization he'd only glimpsed from afar. This conversational two-part series begins here, with Jacob explaining the early steps that led him to cold-call a Catholic parish and start asking questions. Part 2 coming soon! SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.  

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce and PhD candidate, James Gilbert, examine Gavin Ortlund's claims that infant baptism and icon veneration are later accretions rather than apostolic practices. As a Catholic and Orthodox team, we walk through Scripture, the early Church Fathers, archaeology, and conciliar history to show that these traditions are rooted deeply in the first centuries of Christianity. If you're exploring the early Church, apostolic succession, baptismal theology, or the role of sacred images in worship, this conversation is for you.Here is the link to Gavin's Video on Infant Baptism: https://youtu.be/3WE0Ea2ke_c?si=pnQTfv524Ce7B5zVHere is his link to Icons and Nicaea II: https://youtu.be/aoU4PO5d6kQ?si=jjsfAhB36x6J4F1CHere is a link to Nicaea II Documents: https://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum07.htmIf you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we close out 2025 and enter 2026 with Christmas and Epiphany sermons from St. Pope Leo the Great, delivered on Christmas Day 444, and January 6, 445 respectively. May these reflections from a Saint, Church Father, Doctor of the Church, and Pope challenge and edify you as we enter what seems likely to be a turbulent year.Thank you to Catholic University of America Press for permission to read from their "Fathers of the Church" series. You can purchase the volume these sermons came from here: https://www.cuapress.org/9780813228297/sermons/VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAs a non-profit, you can support our mission with a tax-deductible gift. Help us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free: https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out our “Becoming Catholic” resources, where you'll find 1 million+ words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/SUBSTACKSubscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content: https://eternalchristendom.substack.com/EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DISCOUNTShttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction07:43 - Sermon 25: Christmas Day, 44423:17 - Sermon 35: Epiphany, 44534:24 - Concluding ReflectionsThis podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

What did the early Church Fathers teach about authority? Can there be any new divine public revelation? Cale also looks at failed prophecies of Joseph Smith.

It's a Fireside Chat with the Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky (Professor of Historical Theology, Dean of Advanced Studies, Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO) who joins us to discuss why the Church Fathers talk about two births for Jesus during the season of Christmas. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Patristic Pillars is a series on Radio Maria England, bringing the Church Fathers to life with Fr Joseph Hamilton.Fr Joseph Hamilton is the Rector of the Domus Australia in Rome and a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney Australia. Prior to his appointment at Domus, he served as private secretary to George Cardinal Pell, until the Cardinal's untimely death. Fr Joseph completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at Christ Church College Oxford and his license at the Patristic Institute 'Augustinianum' in Rome. Prior to entering seminary he worked as an investment banker. Having left the economy of Mammon for that of Salvation, he studied at the Pontifical North American College. A native of Ireland, he is a keen but mediocre (his words) surfer, and enjoys reading and cooking.Patristic Pillars airs live on Radio Maria England every Monday in our CREDO slot at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning. Radio Maria broadcasts 24/7 on digital radio (DAB+) in selected regions, the Radio Maria Play app (Europe/England), the website live-player and via a smart speaker. (Digital regions: London, Cambridge, Bristol, South Birmingham, Liverpool, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Stockport, Norwich, King's Lynn and Peterborough.)If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠

They weren't kings, there weren't necessarily three, and they brought a funeral spice—Greg unpacks the Magi like you've never heard. Matthew 2 meets the Church Fathers as pagan astrologers from Rome's rival empire trek west, hijacked by a divine star, and end up worshiping a Jewish child. Explore the prophetic gifts, the reversal of Babel, and why Epiphany reveals Christ to the nations. Perfect for anyone rethinking the Christmas story from an evangelical angle. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Patristic Pillars is a series on Radio Maria England, bringing the Church Fathers to life with Fr Joseph Hamilton.Fr Joseph Hamilton is the Rector of the Domus Australia in Rome and a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney Australia. Prior to his appointment at Domus, he served as private secretary to George Cardinal Pell, until the Cardinal's untimely death. Fr Joseph completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at Christ Church College Oxford and his license at the Patristic Institute 'Augustinianum' in Rome. Prior to entering seminary he worked as an investment banker. Having left the economy of Mammon for that of Salvation, he studied at the Pontifical North American College. A native of Ireland, he is a keen but mediocre (his words) surfer, and enjoys reading and cooking.Patristic Pillars airs live on Radio Maria England every Monday in our CREDO slot at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning. Radio Maria broadcasts 24/7 on digital radio (DAB+) in selected regions, the Radio Maria Play app (Europe/England), the website live-player and via a smart speaker. (Digital regions: London, Cambridge, Bristol, South Birmingham, Liverpool, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Stockport, Norwich, King's Lynn and Peterborough.)If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠

December 25th, 2025:  The Nativity According to the Gospels & Church Fathers;  Christmas - The World Changing Event & the Story of Ruth;  A World Undone Without Christmas

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we officially inaugurate an annual Eternal Christendom Christmas tradition with our friend and colleague Dr. Gavin Ashenden: "Christmas with the Church Fathers." Last year, we were privileged to have Gavin's beautiful voice read a profound and moving Christmas sermon by St. Augustine, upon which we reflected.This year, Gavin reads and we reflect upon two powerful sermons by St. Pope Leo the Great: Sermon 19 for Advent (delivered December 14, 452) , and Sermon 21 for Christmas (delivered December 25, 440). This great Saint, Church Father, Doctor of the Church, and Pope reminds us in both of these sermons that the coming of God in the flesh as a baby ought remind Christians of their profound dignity, from which flows their serious duties and high calling.A Happy Advent, and Merry Christmas to all!See 2024's "Christmas with the Church Fathers" reading of St. Augustine: https://youtu.be/r4U3fRLV558?si=AtuAcmSCwl-vPLV5HUGE HOLIDAY GIVING OPPORTUNITYhttps://youtu.be/FbIqyA4z6XY?si=5RlKoJvWmDM77nbjVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAs a non-profit, you can support our mission with a tax-deductible gift. Help us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free: https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out our “Becoming Catholic” resources, where you'll find 1 million+ words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/SUBSTACKSubscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content: https://eternalchristendom.substack.com/EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DISCOUNTShttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro05:28 - Sermon 19 (Pope Leo the Great) for Advent14:33 - Sermon 19 Reflection27:52 - Sermon 21 (Pope Leo the Great) for Christmas35:29 - Sermon 21 Reflection and ConclusionThis podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

In this interview I'm joined by Dr. Brandon Smith to discuss his book, Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church. We talk about how Christians have read Scripture over the course of history, what we can learn from the way the Fathers, the Reformers, and others read Scripture. We also talk about what this looks like in a Protestant context. Smith earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University, an M.A. in Theological and Biblical Studies from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Theology from Ridley College (Melbourne). He is the author of numerous books, book contributions, and journal articles. His books include The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), and Taught by God (B&H Academic, 2024).Read the Book: https://amzn.to/4qcvdQ6Check out his channel:  @churchgrammar Want to support the channel? Here's how!Give monthly: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity  Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityBook a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austinRead my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/Support the show

After looking at the Didache we now consider St Ignatius of Antioch and his letters - the Bishop whom tradition tells us may have been the child Jesus took placed before the Disciples and told the disciples, 'Unless you become like one of these little ones you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven'. (Matt 18:2) We follow his fascinating journey to Rome to be thrown to wild beasts.Patristic Pillars is a series on Radio Maria England, bringing the Church Fathers to life with Fr Joseph Hamilton.Fr Joseph Hamilton is the Rector of the Domus Australia in Rome and a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney Australia. Prior to his appointment at Domus, he served as private secretary to George Cardinal Pell, until the Cardinal's untimely death. Fr Joseph completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at Christ Church College Oxford and his license at the Patristic Institute 'Augustinianum' in Rome. Prior to entering seminary he worked as an investment banker. Having left the economy of Mammon for that of Salvation, he studied at the Pontifical North American College. A native of Ireland, he is a keen but mediocre (his words) surfer, and enjoys reading and cooking.Patristic Pillars airs live on Radio Maria England every Monday in our CREDO slot at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning. Radio Maria broadcasts 24/7 on digital radio (DAB+) in selected regions, the Radio Maria Play app (Europe/England), the website live-player and via a smart speaker. (Digital regions: London, Cambridge, Bristol, South Birmingham, Liverpool, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Stockport, Norwich, King's Lynn and Peterborough.)If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠⁠

Fr Joseph and Fr Toby chat about the recent Jubilee of Youth, Pope Leo and Rome in the summer. Fr Joseph introduces us to the next hero of Nicaea, St Gregory Nazianzus. Patristic Pillars is a series on Radio Maria England, bringing the Church Fathers to life with Fr Joseph Hamilton.Fr Joseph Hamilton is the Rector of the Domus Australia in Rome and a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney Australia. Prior to his appointment at Domus, he served as private secretary to George Cardinal Pell, until the Cardinal's untimely death. Fr Joseph completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at Christ Church College Oxford and his license at the Patristic Institute 'Augustinianum' in Rome. Prior to entering seminary he worked as an investment banker. Having left the economy of Mammon for that of Salvation, he studied at the Pontifical North American College. A native of Ireland, he is a keen but mediocre (his words) surfer, and enjoys reading and cooking.Patristic Pillars airs live on Radio Maria England every Monday in our CREDO slot at 4pm and is rebroadcast at 4am the following morning. Radio Maria broadcasts 24/7 on digital radio (DAB+) in selected regions, the Radio Maria Play app (Europe/England), the website live-player and via a smart speaker. (Digital regions: London, Cambridge, Bristol, South Birmingham, Liverpool, Warrington, Greater Manchester, Stockport, Norwich, King's Lynn and Peterborough.)If you enjoyed this programme, please consider supporting us with a one-off or monthly donation. It is only through the generosity of our listeners that we are able to be a Christian voice by your side. ⁠⁠www.radiomariaengland.uk⁠⁠

In this week's Let's Talk About This, Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. reflects on tradition, warning against celebrations that keep the sentiment while sidelining Christ Himself. Drawing on Scripture, the Church Fathers, and emotive Christmas poetry, he identifies the most decisive event of human history. He concludes with Weekend Readiness, preparing you for Sunday Mass. Show Notes Are Your Christmas Traditions Fire or Ashes?  The O Antiphons: A Sacred Countdown to Christmas  Christmas Traditions:  Ashes or Fire  Can't Go Home for Christmas? | Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. Advent: Time to Take Out the Trash! (Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J.) iCatholic Mobile The Station of the Cross Merchandise - Use Coupon Code 14STATIONS for 10% off | Catholic to the Max Read Fr. McTeigue's Written Works! "Let's Take A Closer Look" with Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J. | Full Series Playlist Listen to Fr. McTeigue's Preaching! | Herald of the Gospel Sermons Podcast on Spotify Visit Fr. McTeigue's Website | Herald of the Gospel Questions? Comments? Feedback? Ask Father!

Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutYou're to be familiar with the popularized details of the Mary and Nativity stories—the manger, the shepherds, the star. But this week, Dr. Jacobs takes you beyond the familiar Sunday school narrative to explore the robust early Christian tradition surrounding Mary's birth, her betrothal to the elderly widower Joseph, and the supernatural drama unfolding behind the scenes. This episode examines what the Church Fathers believed about the devil's frantic attempts to thwart the Incarnation, from his watchful surveillance of Israel's virgins to Herod's demonic massacre of the innocents. Dr. Jacobs traces the cosmic war between the powers of light and darkness, revealing how God orchestrated an elaborate divine ruse to veil the Messiah from Satan's gaze. Drawing from sources like the Gospel of James, Irenaeus, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom, this deep dive recovers the fuller Christmas story that shaped Christian understanding for centuries.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMWe are very excited to finally present this episode on St. Irenaeus of Lyon, the great 2nd century Church Father (one generation removed from the Apostles) who did so much to help me convert from protestantism to the Catholic Faith.Specifically, we dive into everything he said in his great work, "Against Heresies" (written around AD 180) about the Catholic doctrine of Apostolic Succession, which says that the one true Church is governed by the successors of the Apostles, the bishops, and preeminently the successor of St. Peter, the Pope in Rome. St. Irenaeus even describes, in proto form, the infallibility of the Church, and how the Holy Spirit will always guide the Church into all truth through the successors of the Apostles.Suffice it to say, St. Irenaeus's testimony was absolutely shocking to me as a protestant, and played a huge role in my conversion to the Catholic Faith. So much of what he said about the Church's teaching remains true in the Catholic Church to this day. Likewise, much that he said about heretics and schismatics is "disturbingly similar" to protestantism to this very day.HOLIDAY GIVING OPPORTINITY FOR MONTHLY PATRONShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbIqyA4z6XYVISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONAs a non-profit, you can support our mission with a tax-deductible gift. Help us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free: https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out our “Becoming Catholic” resources, where you'll find 1 million+ words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/SUBSTACKSubscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content: https://eternalchristendom.substack.com/EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DISCOUNTShttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro06:08 - Historical Context07:36 - Preface and Book 1 (Against Heresies)12:07 - Book 3 (Against Heresies)36:25 - Eternal Christendom Bookstore36:51 - Book 4 (Against Heresies)52:19 - Book 5 (Against Heresies)01:02:45 - ConclusionThis podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.

(3:05) Bible Study: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Father talks about the resurgence of Faith in our world today among young people Matthew 21:28-32 Does this say that works matter in the Faith? (19:22) Break 1 (20:59) Letters: Father talks about non-Catholics coming to Catholic worship. How do you report a miracle in the Church? Father talks about yokes and how they relate with Jesus. Father answers these and other questions, send him a letter at simon@relevantradio.com (31:22) Break 2 (33:36) Word of the Day Tax Collector (36:05) Phones: Cathy - My stepson and his girlfriend are living together and I am having reservations about Christmas eve at their house. Patrick – What are sins are covered by 'love covers a multitude of sins' Chris - Why are Catholics forbidden to be Mason? Alex - When Jesus said for give 'them' who is them?

Kirk Cameron's recent comments on hell have reignited a long-standing debate within Christianity: Is hell eternal conscious torment, annihilation, or something else entirely?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce moves beyond modern soundbites and return to the early Church Fathers to examine what the earliest Christians actually taught about judgment, punishment, and the fate of the wicked. We explore how early Christian writers used biblical language such as “death,” “destruction,” “fire,” and “eternal,” and whether that language supports eternal conscious torment, annihilationism (conditional immortality), or a more complex historical picture.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfmOn December 11, the Marian Fathers celebrate the spiritual founding of our community, dating back to 1670 when St. Stanislaus Papczyński made his solemn oblation and offered his whole being to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without original sin. In his vow, he promised to promote and defend her honor even to the cost of his life. Today, Fr. Matt reminds us that this mission continues.Before the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was officially defined in the 1800s, St. Stanislaus endured opposition and misunderstanding—yet he remained steadfast. Why? Because Mary is the New Eve, created immaculate to cooperate perfectly with Christ, the New Adam, in God's plan of redemption. As Fulton Sheen often noted, humanity fell through a man, a woman, and a tree—and God redeemed us through a Man, a Woman, and the Tree of the Cross.Mary's sinlessness reveals the beauty of the new creation, where Jesus makes all things new. She shows us not only who she is, but who we are called to become through grace. Fr. Matt explains why the Church Fathers taught that Mary experienced no birth pains in Bethlehem: her true labor pains came later at the Cross, where she became the Mother of all the living. Her Immaculate Conception is not a detail—it is the key to understanding who we are in Christ and the destiny God desires for us.As we approach Christmas, distortions about Mary often resurface, especially depictions that undermine her immaculate dignity. But honoring her means honoring God's work in her. St. Stanislaus's vow challenges us today: defend her honor, protect the truth of the faith, and never allow the Queen of Heaven to be diminished. When we keep Mary in her rightful place, the Holy Spirit finds a dwelling place in us just as He did in Nazareth. ★ Support this podcast ★

Contribute to the East West Lecture Series fundraiser: theeastwestseries.com Join Jacobs Premium: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/membershipThe book club (use code LEWIS): https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/offers/aLohje7p/checkoutThis episode explores the Eastern patristic understanding of Christmas through the doctrines of divine energies, synergy, and man as microcosm. Drawing on Aristotle, Philo of Alexandria, and Church Fathers like Athanasius, the discussion examines why all creation groans for the incarnation and how Christ's becoming creature rebuilds the bridge between God and cosmos. The incarnation is presented not merely as a legal transaction but as the initiation of cosmic healing—a "good infection" that restores humanity's mediating role and allows all creation to partake of divine nature.All the links: Substack: https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastWebsite: https://www.nathanajacobs.com/X: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobs

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.” Matthew 11:11–12The two sentences in the passage above can be challenging to comprehend, but the insights of Church Fathers and saints offer us a deeper understanding.In the first sentence, Jesus declares John the Baptist to be the greatest of those born of women, highlighting John as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. However, John did not live to see the fullness of Christ's work—His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This is why Jesus adds, “yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In other words, even the smallest person who receives sanctifying grace through Christ's redemptive work is greater in spiritual privilege than the greatest person before the era of grace.The second sentence may be even more puzzling. How can the Kingdom of Heaven suffer violence, and who are the violent ones taking it by force? The Greek words translated as “violence” and “violent” can also be understood as “forcefully advancing” and those who “advance with force and determination.” Jesus is teaching that entering the Kingdom of God requires great determination, a forceful rejection of sin, and a vigorous pursuit of holiness.Together, these sentences reveal Jesus' message about the incredible blessing of living in the time of grace. We are more privileged than even John the Baptist because we live in the fullness of the Christian dispensation. However, this privilege comes with a responsibility: we must engage in a “violent” battle against our fallen nature, the temptations of the world, and the deceptions of the devil. Entering the Kingdom of God requires zeal, determination, and an all-consuming passion for the things of God.It's easy to fall into a mediocre practice of our Christian faith, letting our disordered desires and emotions dictate our actions. But Jesus calls us to something greater. Those who understand the Christian life as a spiritual battle against sin will be prepared to move beyond mediocrity into a fervent, committed embrace of God's grace, becoming fuller participants in the Kingdom of Heaven. Reflect today on how actively you are receiving and cooperating with God's grace. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone, repent of every sin, and passionately choose to follow Christ? Though this path requires great sacrifice, the reward of the Kingdom of Heaven is worth it a hundredfold. My most glorious Lord, the gift of Your grace is all I need to achieve the greatness to which You call me. Please pour forth that grace in abundance, and help me to respond to Your invitation to repent of my sin so that I may become a more active member of Your glorious Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and ultimately in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Patrick welcomes callers with questions about Christ’s divinity and humanity, referencing Church Fathers and resources that clarify centuries-old mysteries. Stories about homeschooling surface alongside practical tips for families navigating education and faith, then shift to conversations about marriage, family conflict, and the reliability of artificial intelligence tools for research. Through personal anecdotes, resource recommendations, and candid exchanges, Patrick keeps listeners thinking and engaged. David - I am thinking about the divinity and humanity of Christ. How is Jesus both fully God and fully man and yet not a created being? (00:32) Susan - Homeschooling concerns: I am a homeschool parent who deals with disability. This is a possibility. Also, some Catholic Schools have excellent financial aid. (07:15) Lisa - My son no longer wants to be Catholic. He is marrying a girl who is Lutheran. What does this entail for us a family? How do I handle this? (16:51) Todd - Do you think that AI are more like influencers than fact providers? (28:40) PJ - My father-in-law started going to Mass after years of not going. There is abuse going on in the family. How can I as a young man intervene and help him? (35:32) Alexandra - I am 6 months pregnant and it is becoming very difficult to kneel at Mass. Should I suffer through it or sit back? (44:07) Ruth - The K12 program for homeschoolers is no longer Catholic friendly. It has become highly woke. (46:22)

Send us a textIn this second installment of our Advent 2025 series, Tim and Steve reflect on the Advent theme of peace—not a passive feeling, but a bold, active calling to become peacemakers in a world marked by anxiety, division, and injustice.Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and personal stories, they explore what it means to receive Christ's supernatural peace and extend it to others.

In this episode of Tin Foil Hat, Sam is joined by Dr. Joseph P. Farrell for a deep dive into the idea of a global campaign against Christianity and how this contrasts with the teachings of the early Church Fathers, who emphasized what they saw as the authentic message of Christ, far removed from what many modern preachers present today. They explore the view that contemporary culture has taken a turn toward the satanic, pushing people away from God and nature, and discuss the belief that powerful elites are deliberately degrading architecture, music, comedy, and art as a way to demoralize society. Thank you for your support.Please check out Joseph P Ferrell's Books: https://bit.ly/3GlSZYrPlease subscribe to the new Tin Foil Hat youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinFoilHatYoutubeCheck out Sam Tripoli's 4th Crowd Work Special "Deep Dish: Live From Chicago" Oct 4th on Youtube.com/SamTripoliComedyGrab your copy of the 2nd issue of the Chaos Twins now and join the Army Of Chaos:https://bit.ly/415fDfYCheck out Sam "DoomScrollin with Sam Tripoli and Midnight Mike" Every Tuesday At 4pm pst on Youtube, X Twitter, Rumble and Rokfin!Join the WolfPack at Wise Wolf Gold and Silver and start hedging your financial position by investing in precious metals now! Go to samtripoli.gold and use the promo code "TinFoil" and we thank Tony for supporting our show.CopyMyCrypto.com: The 'Copy my Crypto' membership site shows you the coins that the youtuber 'James McMahon' personally holds - and allows you to copy him. So if you'd like to join the 1300 members who copy James, then stop what you're doing and head over to: https://copymycrypto.com/tinfoilhat/ You'll not only find proof of everything I've said - but my listeners get full access for just $1LiveLongerFormula.com: Check out https://www.livelongerformula.com/sam — Christian is a longevity author and functional health expert who helps you fix your gut, detox, boost testosterone, and sleep better so you can thrive, not just survive. Watch his free masterclass on the 7 Deadly Health Fads, and if it clicks, book a free Metabolic Function Assessment to get to the root of your health issues.Want to see Sam Tripoli live? Get tickets at SamTripoli.com:Minneapolis: Headlining The House Of Comedy Dec 11th-13th https://samtripoli.com/events/?paged=3 Morris Plains, NJ: New Year's Eve At The Dojo Of Comedy Dec 31st https://www.tiffscomedy.com/events/121228 Atlantic City, NJ: Word War Debate: WW1 Live At the ACX1 inside Caesar's Place Jan 10thhttps://www.showpass.com/wordwardebate/Please check Dr. Joseph P Farrell's internet:Please check out Joseph P Ferrell's internet:website: https://gizadeathstar.comPlease check out Sam Tripoli's internet:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/samtripoli Sam Tripoli's Stand Up Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@SamTripoliComedy Sam Tripoli's Comedy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolicomedy/ PSam Tripoli's Podcast Clip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samtripolispodcastclips/ Please check out and support our sponsors:Blue Chew: Make life easier by getting harder and discover your options at BlueChew.com! And we've got a special deal for our listeners: Try your first month of BlueChew FREE when you use promo code TINFOIL -- just pay $5 shipping. That's promo code TINFOIL. Visit BlueChew.com for more details and important safety information, and we thank BlueChew forsponsoring the podcast.MASA Chips: Snacking on MASA chips is nothing like eating regular chips, with MASA you feel satisfied, light, and energetic, with no crash, bloat, or gross sluggish feeling afterwards. Ready to give MASA a try? Go to MASAChips.com/TINFOIL and use code TINFOIL for 25% off your first order. That's MASAChips.com/TINFOIL, and code TINFOIL for 25% off your first order.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, we interview Hayden Haggerman, co-author and editor of the new book Converting the Blue Devils: Becoming Catholic at Duke. As many of you know, both Bo and Bud became Catholic while at Duke Divinity school, so to see a generation a decade younger than us have enough converts to get a book together intrigued us, and the conversation did not disappoint. Check out how it is that for a run of years, a Protestant Seminary that emphasized Ethics, the Church Fathers, and the Sacraments served as the fertile soil for multiple Catholic Converts! Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManusBe Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian MoncadaCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonMaking It Personal with Bishop William JoensenMan Up! with Joe StopulusThe Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo BonnerThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rediscover the comfort and protection of your childhood prayer in its original language. In this episode of the Latin Prayer Podcast, we explore the Angele Dei (Angel of God), the ancient prayer to our Guardian Angels. We begin with a brief history of the devotion to Guardian Angels, tracing the roots from the Book of Exodus and the Psalms through the early Church Fathers like St. Basil and St. Jerome. We then dive into a comprehensive Latin learning guide, breaking down the prayer line-by-line to understand the rich meaning behind words like custos (guardian), pietate (divine love), and gubernare (to steer or guide). Whether you are teaching this prayer to your children or deepening your own trust in God's providence, this episode will help you pray the Angele Dei with confidence and understanding. In this episode, you will learn: - The biblical and historical roots of the Guardian Angel prayer. - How to pronounce and translate the Angele Dei line-by-line. - The etymology behind English words like "custodian" and "govern" found in the Latin text. - The theological meaning of entrusting oneself to a heavenly protector. Help us restore sacred tradition and bring timeless prayers to new ears. Support our mission and gain access to our Latin learning guides, feast day resources, and audio devotionals. Find the Free Latin Learning Guide on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thelatinprayerpodcast A huge thank you to my Patrons! To follow me on other platforms Click on my LinkTree below. linktr.ee/dylandrego Submit Prayer Requests or comments / suggestions: thelatinprayerpodcast@gmail.com To Support FishEaters.com Click Here (  / fisheaters  ) Join me and others in praying the Holy Rosary every day; here are the Spotify quick links to the Rosary: Joyful Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yhn... Sorrowful Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/3P0n... Glorious Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/3t7l... Luminous Mysteries https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vlA... 15 Decade Rosary https://open.spotify.com/episode/2q33... Know that if you are listening to this, I am praying for you. Please continue to pray with me and for me and my family. May everything you do be Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. God Love You! Valete (Goodbye)   This podcast may contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advanced the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church for the promulgation of religious education. We believe this constitutes a "fair use” of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US copyright law, and section 29, 29.1 & 29.2 of the Canadian copyright act. Music Credit: 3MDEHDDQTEJ1NBB0

Text us and let us know what you think! Tap HEREIn this episode, Jayce and James share real stories of bringing people into the Church with a question, like an agnostic who came for the music and said yes to OCIA after a gentle ask; a seeker who loves liturgy but hesitates because of family wounds; a friend wrestling with the Eucharist and the early Church. Along the way, they name what's working—and why. Reverent worship that lets people pray without a sales pitch. Access to thoughtful sources like the Didache, the catechism, and the Church Fathers. A culture where the Holy Spirit leads and we follow with patience, courage, and love. Instead of trying to “win,” we learn to keep the door open, ask honest questions, and offer timely invitations.If you've ever wondered how to walk with someone who's curious but cautious, this episode offers a field guide. They also cover thresholds of conversion, practical tools like a simple “pick five” intercessory list, and how to speak without jargon so friends actually hear the good news. Lastly, they talk about when to be bold, when to be quiet, and how prayer reshapes hard conversations. The result is a hopeful picture of evangelization grounded in beauty, truth and real friendship.************Links and other stuff from the show:Pastoral Letter, "On the Unity of the Body and Soul:" archokc.org/pastoral-lettersRed Dirt Catholics Email Address: reddirtcatholics@archokc.orgThe Book "From Christendom to Apostolic Mission" (Digital and Print): AmazonThe Social Dilemma: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224Daily Examen Prayer: https://bit.ly/309As8zLectio Divina How-To: https://bit.ly/3fp8UTa

Send us a textEpisode 96 of 'The Open Forum' where Christians, Atheists are invited to join the discussion. Guests will be invited on a first come first serve basis. Please note we can only have a maximum of 10 panelists (including efdawah panelists) at any one time.Link to join the panel: TEARS OF GAZA Donation Link: https://givebrite.com/gazacrisis© 2025 EFDawah All Rights ReservedDonate to Ijaz's medical expenses: https://buymeacoffee.com/ijazthetriniWebsite : https://efdawah.com/https://www.patreon.com/EFDawahhttps://gofund.me/7cb27d17https://www.paypal.me/EFDawahhttps://www.cashbackmycharity.co.uk/?...https://www.facebook.com/efdawah/Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:05 - EF Dawah Panel join: Format of the Stream02:03 - Origins of The Open Forum Stream04:28 - Goals of the Stream09:01 - Message to Muslims about Self Worth13:15 - Dawah & Debate in Church18:07 - Arguments for the Unreliability of the Bible 19:53 - Comparison of the Qur'an vs the Bible22:32 - Analysis of textual criticism of the Gospels30:09 - Truth about the Authorship of the Gospels32:43 - Examining the textual variants of the Gospels39:05 - The Church Fathers' view of the Gospels44:30 - Message to Christians about the Bible51:21 - Exploring the muslim-christian dialogues55:02 - Advice about giving better dawah1:01:05 - Explanation of the Q Source1:01:56 - Christians in the 7th century Arabia1:04:24 - Frank (Christian) joins1:05:01 - Claims about the Bible & the Q1:06:02 - Refutation of the Claims1:11:09 - Implications of the Corruption of the Bible1:16:07 - Debunking the arguments of Frank1:17:46 - Discourse on authenticity of religious texts1:25:57 - Reason behind having dialogue with Frank1:28:54 - Message to Christians & Non-Muslims1:30:19 - Lessons from the discussion with Frank1:33:02 - Problems with Christianity 1:36:11 - Roy (Christian) joins1:37:35 - Arguments for the Reliability of the Bible 1:42:03 - Refuting claims against liberal scholars1:44:01 - Debate on the Authenticity of the Bible1:54:14 - Examining evidence of biblical manuscripts1:56:10 - Issues with Roy's arguments1:58:08 - Non-Preservation & Variants of the Bible2:01:54 - Roy's arguments for Christianity2:05:12 - Debunking the arguments of Roy2:07:40 - Discussion on "Is Jesus the only God?"2:15:43 - Inconsistencies in Christian Theology 2:18:11 - Scrutinizing the Reliability of the Gospels2:28:43 - Advice to Christians2:32:49 - Analysing the history of syriac christianity 2:35:19 - Discussing the Preservation of the Qur'an2:40:00 - Issues with the Christian beliefs 2:47:57 - Approach of christian scholars to Q Source2:49:39 - Historicity of the Biblical Manuscripts2:51:07 - Is Qur'an's 7 sleepers a christian fiction?2:54:21 - Truth about the variatians b/w the Gospels2:57:17 - Problems with the concept of the Trinity2:58:21 - Dawah to Non-Muslims3:04:19 - Chinwag 3:05:33 - Message to Christians 3:10:26 - Inosa (Christian) joins3:11:19 - What was the religion of Jesus pbuh?3:14:13 - Evaluating Jesus' Nature: Man or God?3:22:30 - Debunking the argument of Incarnation 3:24:26 - hindsite (Christian) joins3:25:25 - Discussion on the Nature of God3:40:13 - Closing Remarks & Wrapping UpSupport the show

In this episode, we dig into the idea that the Antichrist might not show up as some dark, terrifying figure, but instead as a really nice guy. The article we're discussing suggests he'll look peaceful, tolerant, reasonable, and even compassionate. In other words, the kind of leader most people would cheer for. We talk about why that kind of "niceness" can actually be the most dangerous form of deception. Modern culture often tells us that being a good person just means being kind, promoting unity, and making life comfortable, but the article points out that goodness without God slowly pushes real spiritual life out of the picture. We get into how our culture's obsession with progress, peace, and material well-being makes it easy to confuse charm with truth. We also look at what the Church Fathers say about the Antichrist's personality: that he'll win people over with flattery and a gentle demeanor before revealing what he's really after. In short, this is a conversation about discernment: how to recognize the difference between true goodness and a polished counterfeit, especially in a world that loves a friendly face. For the article , go here:  https://open.substack.com/pub/inklesspen/p/the-antichrist-is-a-nice-guy  Sponsors: Fox n Sons Coffee: https://www.foxnsons.com  Code: BUCK15 Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Read OnlineAt that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. Matthew 15:29–30Why did Jesus perform so many miracles when He walked the earth? The Church Fathers and saints offer various insights. His miracles were personal acts of compassion, expressions of divine love welling up within His human Heart. They were also testaments to His divine authority, reinforcing His teachings and instilling faith. Additionally, Jesus' miracles fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and served as powerful metaphors, such as the healing of physical blindness, symbolizing the gift of spiritual sight.But why don't we see similar miracles today? In many ways, we do. Throughout history, miracles have accompanied the ministry of great saints. Saints Francis of Assisi, Vincent Ferrer, and Phillip Neri, to name a few, were known for the countless miracles attributed to them during their lifetimes and through their intercession after their deaths. More recent saints, such as Saints Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, Padre Pio, André Bessette, and Charbel Makhlouf have also been credited with miracles, both during their lives and since their deaths.Miracles often accompany saints who have entered into profound union with Christ through prayer and service. These saints, filled with compassion, become channels of God's healing grace. Their miracles give credence to their ministries and fulfill Jesus' promise: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).If you desire to see miracles, strive for holiness. Though the sanctity that seems to make miracles a normal part of life is extraordinarily high, it is achievable by God's grace. For the saints, the goal was never to perform miracles; miracles were simply a by-product of their burning love for God and others. Reflect today on the fact that God desires you to become as holy as the greatest saints. He wants His divine charity to overflow from your soul into the lives of others. The holier you become, the more God can use you as His instrument, sometimes even through miracles. Strive to be one of those rare saints whose union with God transforms the world with love. My miraculous Lord, though the gift of salvation far exceeds the value of miracles, You have used miracles to reveal Your compassion and deepen our faith. Please make me holy so that I can become a greater instrument of Your grace in whatever way You choose. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

If you want to reignite evangelization and renewal in your parish, listen to this episode. Click here to get a free sneak peek of Ron's chapter from our upcoming book Road to Renewal: https://mailchi.mp/huntleyleadership.com/7nd1q77agc In this episode of the Huntley Leadership Podcast, Ron sits down with Terry Quinn—a fiery Catholic revert who spent 30 years as a Pentecostal–Evangelical pastor, Bible teacher, and evangelist before returning to the Catholic Church. Terry shares how a devastating season (the death of his young son) led to a powerful encounter with Jesus in a Catholic charismatic prayer group, why he eventually left the Church in frustration, and what drew him back after decades of preaching, planting churches, and leading missions all over the world. He talks candidly about the hunger for Jesus that drives many Catholics out of the pews, the power of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the urgent need for real preaching, evangelization, and ongoing formation for clergy and laity alike. If you're a priest, parish leader, or lay disciple who feels stuck in “keeping things running” and longs to see real spiritual growth and conversion, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. About Our Guest – Terry Quinn Terry Quinn returned to the Catholic Church after a 30-year journey in the Pentecostal–Evangelical world of churches, where he served as a pastor, international Bible teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. He now leads Catholic Revert, a ministry dedicated to apologetics, evangelization, and discipleship within the Catholic Church. Terry's speaking ministry has a no-nonsense, prophetic edge—proclaiming Catholic teaching in a way that is bold, practical, and deeply challenging. His heart is to see Catholics fall in love with Jesus, be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and be equipped to reach the truly lost. Learn more about Terry and Catholic Revert: https://catholic-revert.com Terry's book, Bring Me Back Lord: https://www.amazon.com/BRING-BACK-LORD-Terry-Quinn-ebook/dp/B0FPGFYF9M/ref=sr_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r3wN3XnoY1MaqWDUbnKAiWPBqUEY23EIoDtdpF7Mr9iVwnDcileveaGp90-tyqJ2yJgH_7nLjKyZ2qJqMWjKK_YXwNEpsiyjAT1R5-F-NJw.ppeNuAXgjt4b2fFmRk5-DYRdE7Pk6Qk3A3cH-pskkwA&dib_tag=se&qid=1764594158&refinements=p_27%3ATerry+Quinn&s=books&sr=1-4 In this episode: - Terry's first encounter with Jesus in a Catholic charismatic prayer group - How his mother's “baptism in the Holy Spirit” changed their whole family - Why he left the Catholic Church for a Pentecostal congregation - Stories from 30 years of evangelization, street ministry, and church planting - The painful moment he walked away from the parish… and the simple prayer: “Lord, bring me back” - How Scott Hahn, Catholic apologetics, and the early Church Fathers helped rebuild his faith - What he found when he returned to the Church after three decades - Why he believes many parishes lack “CPD” (continuous professional development) for clergy - The challenge of running sacramental life AND going on mission as a Catholic parish - Why evangelization must focus on the truly lost and broken—not just the already-churched ___ You can also listen to the podcast weekly on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Listen on Spotify ⇥ https://spoti.fi/3PYXGa6 Listen on Apple ⇥ https://apple.co/3vjltcS Subscribe on YouTube ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ Work with Huntley Leadership! Contact us to inquire about coaching or speaking ⇥ https://www.huntleyleadership.com/contact-us Visit our course website ⇥ https://courses.huntleyleadership.com ___ Connect with Huntley Leadership! Connect on LinkedIn ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on Twitter ⇥ / ron_huntley Follow on Instagram ⇥ / huntleyleadership Follow on Facebook ⇥ / huntleyleadership Subscribe to our YouTube channel ⇥ @huntleyleadership ___ QUESTION: What kinds of videos and podcasts would you like to see from us?

Welcome to Advent! On today’s show, Matt Swaim welcomes Fr. John Gavin to talk more about the Church Fathers and Christian maturity. Other guests include Stephanie Mann on Robert Hugh Benson and Advent, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** An Advent Prayer Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God’s own work for justice. Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself. Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father’s joy. I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love. Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail. Amen. ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWe're kicking off a powerful four-part Advent series with this week's theme: HOPE. But not hope as wishful thinking—hope as trust.In this deeply reflective episode, Tim and Steve explore what it means to wait well. Drawing from scripture, Church history, and personal experience, they show us how waiting is actually an active, hope-filled posture of spiritual maturity.

“Who Thought the Eucharist Was Just Symbolic? ” This episode delves into the early Church’s beliefs about the Eucharist, exploring questions like the origins of the symbolic view and whether early Church Fathers spoke symbolically. We also tackle the significance of “breaking bread” in the early Church and the implications of transubstantiation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:30 – Where did the symbolic view of the Eucharist come from? 05:13 – Didn't some early Church Fathers speak symbolically about the Eucharist? Doesn't that challenge the idea of unanimous early belief? 07:30 – Didn't the disciples fail to object during the Last Supper because they understood Jesus metaphorically? 09:00 – If “breaking bread” was common in the early Church, doesn't that just suggest a fellowship meal, not a literal body and blood? 15:25 – The Eucharist doesn’t seem to do anything to believers? 20:30 – How Do I Properly Receive the Eucharist? 21:50 – How does transubstantiation actually work—and why does it rely on medieval Aristotelian philosophy rather than Scripture? 29:05 – How do we know that the early Church actually believed in transubstantiation and not just a spiritual or symbolic presence? Why does the Catholic View win out? 35:22 – The priesthood is against going directly to God. We don't need Earthly priests. 42:20 – Does the Eucharist cause more division than Unity? 48:08 – Is the Eucharist just an adaptation of pagan rituals?

What is a human—dust and breath, body and spirit—without tearing ourselves in two? Deacon Anthony (St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church, San Diego) joins Cloud of Witnesses with hosts Mario Andrew, Jeremy Jeremiah, and John for a rich, practical conversation on an Orthodox vision of the whole person and the mind (phronema) of the Church.We trace a path away from the twin traps of indulgence (living by our appetites) and denial (pretending we're already angelic), toward a fearless embrace of reality in Christ. Through Scripture, the Fathers, and stories from parish life, Deacon Anthony shows how God meets us in the tangible—mud on eyes, bread and wine, water and oil—to heal the heart and remake our lives.In this episode you'll hear:Body & Soul together: why the Incarnation means Christianity is never “purely spiritual” or “only physical.”The phronema (mindset) of the Church: how a Christian way of seeing reshapes what we notice, how we judge, and whom we love.Using God-given tools rightly: judge ourselves, not our neighbor; fear sin, not repentance; hate the illness, not the person.Confession as healing: real accountability, a spiritual father, and why naming sin breaks its power.Community over isolation: salvation is ecclesial and relational—you can't be saved on an island.Heaven & hell begin now: entitlement and isolation taste like hell; humility and communion taste like heaven.Saints as role models: why children (and adults) need holy examples more than celebrities.Eucharist & the senses: why worship that engages sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch anchors faith in reality.If “symbolic religion” has felt thin—or if modern “live-your-truth” scripts leave you empty—this conversation offers a hopeful, time-tested alternative: sacrament, repentance, and daily love that form the whole person in Christ.Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss The Four Marks of the Church Father and Patrick share some thanksgiving stories (5:52) What are eh four Marks of the Church? What does the mean that the Church is one? (23:19) Break 1 (27:29) What does it mean that the Church is Holy? (33:18) E-Frain - You are talking about the 4 marks. What do you think of the Palmarian Catholic Church? Are they a valid Catholic Church? (37:03) Break 2 (39:03) What does it mean that the Church is Catholic? (45:25) what does it mean that the Church is apostolic?

Many claim the rapture is a modern invention, a doctrine created in the 1800s, or a fantasy Christians have embraced without biblical support.But Scripture, Church history, and Jesus' own teaching say otherwise.In this message, Pastor Jason Daughdrill walks through what the Bible actually says about believers being caught up (harpazō) to meet the Lord, why the event itself is not up for debate, and why the timing is.

We apologize to listeners for our error in the first release of this episode, and have corrected the error in this release. Please enjoy this interview with Stephen Presley!In the West, the term "God" has become virtually a placeholder, a moniker kept pristinely vacant. Even Christians have been known to treat the scriptures as butterflies to pin, probe and prod, comb and codify, until some "value" can be extracted. For the Church Fathers, things worked differently. They came to scripture armed with convictions about God, which in turn provided the framework and habitat in which they incubated their biblical theology and cultivated a genuinely ecclesial culture. What might it mean to retrieve patristic culture-craft — the formation of communal life that flowed from their inhabiting the Bible — in the midst of contemporary secular society?Join Sam Fornecker for a ⁠second⁠ conversation with Stephen Presley, Senior Fellow for Religion and Public Life at the Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy and associate professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, on his recent book, ⁠Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church⁠ (Baker Academic, 2025), on how the Church can learn from our ancient grandparents the liturgical, sacramental, and storied habit of scriptural engagement necessary to renew the Church in her vocation of "culture-craft" today.Enjoying this podcast? To keep abreast of what's going on at The Ridley Institute, or to learn more about opportunities to grow and train for Christian discipleship and mission, connect with us online: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ridleyinstitute.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@RidleyInstitute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To learn about training for Anglican gospel work, check out Ridley's ⁠⁠Certificate in Anglican Studies⁠⁠, and other ⁠⁠lay theological formation offerings⁠⁠.

What happens when Christians lose confidence in the truthfulness of Scripture?In this episode of the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast, Dr. Paul Weaver interviews Dr. Richard Howe, Provost of Southern Evangelical Seminary, to discuss one of the most foundational doctrines of the Christian faith—Biblical Inerrancy.Together they explore:

“Do Some Orthodox Traditions Allow for Multiple Marriages?” This episode explores the nuances of Catholic and Orthodox relations, addressing questions like which Church Fathers and Councils support the Papacy, the historical split between the two churches, and how to respond to those drawn to Orthodoxy. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of these important topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:55 – What Fathers and Councils should I read that support the Papacy? 11:26 – Who led the parting of the Orthodox church with the Catholic church? What was the key disagreement? 16:15 – How can I respond to someone who feels that they are being led from Catholicism into Orthodoxy? 30:00 – Do some Orthodox traditions allow for more than one marriage? 40:40 – Are we allowed to take communion if a Catholic attends an Eastern Orthodox Church? 42:41 – Does it affect our Salvation if we don't believe in a Catholic church teaching? 52:22 – What is the difference or similarity between Eastern Orthodox or Catholics disagree with their leaders’ teachings?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Adrian Lawson (@sipswithserra on YouTube) to talk about his wild childhood, what it was like growing up in a broken home, living in the foster care system, dealing with parents who were drug addicts, to becoming Catholic and defending that decision against his Protestant family.

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link!A flooded basement, a dead furnace, and three kids shivering through a New York winter. We start with a human story and a fundraiser that turned into a lesson in Christian charity—how a community can change a family's life overnight. Then we pivot into one of the most charged theological conversations of the moment: Scott Hahn's interview with Gavin Ashenden and the fault lines it exposed.We unpack why Hahn refused to let the conversation stall at labels, and instead zeroed in on a deeper danger: bicovenantalism. Is it anti-Semitic to critique Zionism? Hahn says no—and shows why conflating political critique with hatred is lazy and misleading. Walking through Romans 9–11, he offers a vivid image: remaining within the Old Covenant without Christ is like living in a mansion on fire. That line reframes everything. We explore how Catholic liturgy—altar, priest, sacrifice—fulfills biblical worship, while post-70 AD rabbinic Judaism marks a real discontinuity from temple-centered Israel. Along the way, Augustine and Aquinas remind us why the preservation of the Jewish people is providential and prophetic, pointing toward a future conversion near the eschaton.The conversation broadens with clips of Benjamin Netanyahu invoking “Jews against Rome” and calling the United States the “new Rome.” We connect that to the Church Fathers on the “restrainer,” the unraveling of Christendom, and how propaganda pressures Catholics to fall silent. The challenge is clear: resist panic labels, reject hatred, speak truth, and stay rooted in doctrine. We close with a heartfelt letter from a 27-year-old father discerning Catholicism while priced out of housing and ignored by leadership. It's a sobering snapshot of the moment—and a call for the Church to engage young men with honesty and hope.If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations that don't dodge the hard questions, and leave a review with your takeaways. Your voice helps others find these talks.Support the showTake advantage of great Catholic red wines by heading over to https://recusantcellars.com/ and using code "BASED" for 10% off at checkout!********************************************************Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1https://www.avoidingbabylon.comMerchandise: https://avoiding-babylon-shop.fourthwall.comLocals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.comFull Premium/Locals Shows on Audio Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1987412/subscribeRSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rssRumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Beloved in Christ, join us in this soul-stirring exploration of Romans 3:9-20, where St. Paul boldly declares that all—Jew and Gentile alike—are held captive under sin's shadow. With heartfelt wisdom, we delve into humanity's universal fall, the law's inability to save through fleshly weakness, and God's glorious remedy: righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Drawing from ancient liturgies of holy baptism and the Church Fathers, discover how free will led to corruption, yet divine grace lifts us to eternal inheritance. A faith-filled reminder to cling to the Good Shepherd's perfect goodness, seek His will daily, and live out deeds of love. Amen—may this message ignite your heart for deeper obedience!Rom 12:2John 10:11;151 Cor 13:9Phil 3:12-141 John 3:6

This greatest of Christian orators is commemorated not only today, but as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (with St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian) on January 30.   He was born in Antioch to pious parents around 345. His mother was widowed at the age of twenty, and devoted herself to rearing her son in piety. He received his literary and oratorical training from the greatest pagan teachers of the day. Though an illustrious and profitable career as a secular orator was open to him, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. He lived as a monk from 374 to 381, eventually dwelling as a hermit in a cave near Antioch. Here his extreme ascetic practices ruined his health, so that he was forced to return to Antioch, where he was ordained to the priesthood. In Antioch his astonishing gifts of preaching first showed themselves, earning him the epithet Chrysostomos, "Golden-mouth", by which he became universally known. His gifts became so far-famed that he was chosen to succeed St Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken to Constantinople secretly (some say he was actually kidnapped) to avoid the opposition of the Antiochian people to losing their beloved preacher. He was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398.   Archbishop John shone in his sermons as always, often censuring the corrupt morals and luxurious living of the nobility. For this he incurred the anger of the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled to Pontus in 403. The people protested by rioting, and the following night an earthquake shook the city, so frightening the Empress that she had Chrysostom called back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Saint John did not at all moderate the intensity of his sermons, and when the Empress had a silver statue of herself erected outside the Great Church in 403, accompanied by much revelry, the Patriarch spoke out against her, earning her unforgiving anger. In 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, near Armenia. When Pope Innocent of Rome interceded on his behalf, the imperial family only exiled him further, to a town called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was so difficult and his guards so cruel that the frail Archbishop gave up his soul to God before reaching his final place of exile, in 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things."   Saint John Chrysostom is the author of more written works than any other Church Father: his works include 1,447 recorded sermons, 240 epistles, and complete commentaries on Genesis, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles of St Paul.   His repose was on September 14, but since that is the date of the Exaltation of the Cross, his commemoration has been transferred to this day.

This greatest of Christian orators is commemorated not only today, but as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (with St Basil the Great and St Gregory the Theologian) on January 30.   He was born in Antioch to pious parents around 345. His mother was widowed at the age of twenty, and devoted herself to rearing her son in piety. He received his literary and oratorical training from the greatest pagan teachers of the day. Though an illustrious and profitable career as a secular orator was open to him, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. He lived as a monk from 374 to 381, eventually dwelling as a hermit in a cave near Antioch. Here his extreme ascetic practices ruined his health, so that he was forced to return to Antioch, where he was ordained to the priesthood. In Antioch his astonishing gifts of preaching first showed themselves, earning him the epithet Chrysostomos, "Golden-mouth", by which he became universally known. His gifts became so far-famed that he was chosen to succeed St Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken to Constantinople secretly (some say he was actually kidnapped) to avoid the opposition of the Antiochian people to losing their beloved preacher. He was made Patriarch of Constantinople in 398.   Archbishop John shone in his sermons as always, often censuring the corrupt morals and luxurious living of the nobility. For this he incurred the anger of the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled to Pontus in 403. The people protested by rioting, and the following night an earthquake shook the city, so frightening the Empress that she had Chrysostom called back. The reconciliation was short-lived. Saint John did not at all moderate the intensity of his sermons, and when the Empress had a silver statue of herself erected outside the Great Church in 403, accompanied by much revelry, the Patriarch spoke out against her, earning her unforgiving anger. In 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, near Armenia. When Pope Innocent of Rome interceded on his behalf, the imperial family only exiled him further, to a town called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was so difficult and his guards so cruel that the frail Archbishop gave up his soul to God before reaching his final place of exile, in 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things."   Saint John Chrysostom is the author of more written works than any other Church Father: his works include 1,447 recorded sermons, 240 epistles, and complete commentaries on Genesis, the Gospels of Matthew and John, the Acts of the Apostles, and all the Epistles of St Paul.   His repose was on September 14, but since that is the date of the Exaltation of the Cross, his commemoration has been transferred to this day.

Jesus Carrying the Fallen Home: Recovering the Divine Image Within Today's Homily examines Luke's parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, . . . . . . traditionally understood as images of God's mercy toward individual sinners. However, the Homily recalls the early Church Fathers' broader view: that these parables describe God's saving action toward all humanity . . . the whole human race as the “lost sheep” and “lost coin.” Christ, the Good Shepherd, leaves heaven to rescue fallen humanity, lifting it upon His shoulders through the Cross and carrying it home in the Resurrection. Yet salvation is not passive . . . grace strengthens sinners to repent and cooperate with redemption. Those who respond actively to grace and strive to restore the divine image within themselves bring great joy to heaven. Humanity made in God's Image but Disfigured by Sin The parable of the woman and the lost coin deepens this image: the coin bears the image of the King, symbolizing humanity made in God's image but disfigured by sin. The woman's lamp represents Christ, the light of the Incarnation, illuminating and searching the “house” of the human soul. True repentance, then, is an interior cleansing—overturning what hides God's image until it shines again. Finally, as November continues . . . the Church's month of prayer for the departed . . . the Homily connects this teaching to the work of mercy in praying for souls in purgatory. Just as Christ carries fallen humanity, we carry our departed loved ones by prayer, helping them journey toward full union with God. This act renews the divine image in us as well, joining us to Christ's redemptive mission and the joy of heaven. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Jesus Carrying the Fallen Home: Recovering the Divine Image Within The Parable of the Lost Sheep: William George Rich: late 1800s Return to Meditation Media Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10 First Reading: Romans 14:7-12

CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we complete our dive into the writings of the Church Father who "Red Pilled" me on the Catholic Church while I was still a protestant: St. Ignatius of Antioch. If you haven't seen it, start with Part 1 first, which is Episode 44: https://youtu.be/CK1_22AjdIQSt. Ignatius of Antioch was ordained by the Apostles, and barely 70 years after Christ's Ascension wrote astoundingly Catholic things about: the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, apostolic succession, the authority of the priesthood, the Christian altar, the necessity of unity, the greater authority of the Roman Church, and even the very name of the one true Church: the "Catholic Church." Today we are publishing Part 2 of this two-part series in honor of my patron saint, who did so much to "Red Pill" me on the Catholic Church.VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONWe are a non-profit, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Help us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free:https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPERCheck out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find more than 1 million words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/SUBSTACKSubscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@eternalchristendomEPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction03:37 - Help Us Build Eternal Christendom04:24 - Letter to the Philadelphians16:14 - Letter to the Romans39:28 - Eternal Christendom Bookstore39:55 - Letter to St. Polycarp47:40 - Ancient Testimony About St. Ignatius of Antioch01:02:35 - Conclusion: The Church Father Who "Red-Pilled" MeLISTEN ON APPLEhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eternal-christendom-podcast/id1725000526LISTEN ON SPOTIFYhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3HoTTco6oJtApc21ggVevu

In this episode, Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss Caiaphas and the temptation of unholy compromises. An excerpt from Villains of the Early Church: CAIAPHAS IS mentioned everywhere in the Church Fathers, but almost as furniture—“ and Jesus was brought before Caiaphas.” If the early Christian writers are interested in anything about him, it's that he could prophesy truly because of his office. Otherwise, they don't seem to find much remarkable in him. He's the banality of evil. A bureaucrat. Yet, Caiaphas, like many of the characters caught up in the Passion story, was in a complicated position—more complicated than we may realize when we hear the story in the Gospels. The post VEC2 – Caiaphas – Villains of the Early Church with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Read OnlineGreat crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”  Luke 14:25–26After this startling opening line from our Lord, Jesus concludes today's Gospel by saying, “In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Thus, at first read it appears that we are called to not only renounce all we possess but also to hate those within our own family. But is this truly what our Lord means? Let's begin with the idea of “hating” those within our family and even our own life.Obviously the word “hate” in this Gospel passage is not the same as the sin of hate and anger. In commenting on this passage, one Church Father explains that there are some cases when the best way to love another is through a form of hate. That is, if another were to act as an obstacle to God, working to deter us from the will of our Lord, then our “hatred” for the actions they do must be firmly expressed. But this is love. A refusal to turn from God, by rejecting another's disordered actions, is a way of sharing the Gospel with them. Let's take an extreme example. Imagine that you lived at a time and circumstance where being a Christian was a crime. You were arrested and commanded to publicly renounce your faith. Instead, you renounced that command with every strength of your soul. In this case, you exercise a form of holy “hate” for the persecution the person is imposing upon you. But that is also an act of love toward them as you fully reject their action by renouncing their command.Or consider also how you hate even your “own life.” Let's say that you fall into serious sin, over and over. The appropriate response is not only to repent but also to have a form of holy hatred for the habit into which you have fallen. This is a true hatred for yourself in the sense that it is a hatred for that which you have become by your sin. But this holy hatred has the ultimate goal of passionately overcoming your sin and is therefore a true act of love for yourself.The concluding line of today's Gospel mentioned above calls us to renounce all of our possessions. In other words, we must renounce anything that we are attached to in a way that is contrary to the will of God. Of course, in God's providence most people (except those who take a vow of poverty) are invited by God to have various possessions so as to meet the material needs of life. But even in this case, we must “renounce” all that we possess, meaning, we must not allow ourselves to become attached to anything other than God. But this is freedom in the truest sense. Even if you have many things, it must be understood that those things do not make you happy. Only God and His will can fulfill you. Nothing else. Thus, we must learn to live as if God and God alone suffices. And if it is God's will that you obtain a house, car, computer, television and other modern conveniences, then so be it. But true “renunciation” of all of these possessions simply means that if at any time you were to lose them, then this would be fine. Therein is perfect detachment. The loss of something material would not deter you in any way from loving and serving God and His holy will.Reflect, today, upon these radical words of Jesus. Try to hear them in the way our Lord meant them. Work to be detached from everything that is contrary to the will of God and everything that becomes an obstacle to God in your life. In the end, possessing God alone is more than you could ever hope for. And only if you fully possess our merciful God will you be able to love yourself and others with the pure heart and love of Jesus our Lord. My demanding Lord, You call us all to a life of radical holiness. You desire that I come to love You above all with all my heart. Please give me the grace and wisdom I need to renounce all that is an obstacle to my love and service of You. May You and You alone be glorified in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Rembrandt, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.