Podcasts about fr michael

Listen along to Fr. Michael Delcambre's 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time homily. The readings can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfm

Called to be Saints - Reflecting on Isaiah, Peter & Paul - Fr. Michael Flowers 02.09.25 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

On this weeks podcast we share a discussion with Fr Michael Liston who recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese in 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week in part 1 including the upcoming saints.In part three we have our reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is Lukes account of the calling of the apostles.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we share a discussion with Fr Michael Liston who recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.At celebrations in 2014 marking the 40th anniversary Fr. Liston reminded those in attendance at the celebration that Muintearas is Irish for the spirit of extended family and friendship and that's exactly what they have developed over the years. “The Muintearas achieved a way of doing things that gave evidence on our weekends to this great idea that being a Christian is about being part of a family. Muintearas is an extended family. Our Muintearas is accessible to everyone and our gatherings enables us celebrate the joy and friendship we have had in a glorious mixture of our ordinary humanity and the work of the Holy Spirit.”Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Tom McDonald on "Wicked," Fr. Michael Rennier discusses St. Thomas More and strong families, and Fr. Andrew Jones has our Sunday Gospel Reflection. 

Luke 2:22-40 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -and you yourself a sword will pierce- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Fr. Michael is back from his sabbatical! Listen along as he reflects on the graces received during his time away with the Lord and invites us to listen attentively to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Follow along with this Sunday's readings at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfm

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

John 2:1-11 There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it.  And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

This week's guest is Fr. Michael Sliney, who has competed in 10 marathons including the Boston Marathon. Host Ron Meyer talks with Fr. Michael about running and how he incorporates his priestly ministry on the racecourse.

This week's guest is Fr. Michael Sliney, who has competed in 10 marathons including the Boston Marathon. Host Ron Meyer talks with Fr. Michael about running and how he incorporates his priestly ministry on the racecourse.

Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Listening to the Voice from Heaven - The Baptism of Christ - Fr Michael Flowers 01.12.25.12.25 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Luke 2:41-52 Each year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

A thorough examination of Fr. Alexander Schmemann's views on the historical development and meaning of the Orthodox Church's prayer and worship. Fr. Michael Pomazansky, author of the popular book Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, provides an antidote to the poisonous stance of Fr. Alexander, which Fr. Seraphim Rose warns of, describing it as "the inevitable iconoclastic conclusions from Fr. Schmemann's already Protestant views". 0:00 Beginning 0:11 Introduction by Fr. Seraphim "Renovated Orthodoxy": The Liturgical Theology of Father A. Schmemann 2:10 Article Begins 3:50 The Orthodox Liturgical Order 9:51 The Constantinian Era 13:37 The Sacraments and the Sanctifying Element In Sacred Rites 21:53 The Hierarchy and the Sacrament of Priesthood 28:13 The Invocation and Glorification of Saints 41:43 Church Feasts 48:30 Conclusion Letters 51:13 "If Fr. Schmemann is their 'theologian'..." -Fr. Seraphim, Apr 26/May 9, 1970 52:31 “Who are not Orthodox” -Fr. Seraphim, June 8/21, 1970

1-1-2025: Mary Mother of God- Fr. Michael Passo by

The Wonderful Exchange The very Son of God, older than the ages, the invisible, the incomprehensible, the incorporeal, the beginning of beginning, the light of light, the fountain of life and immortality, the image of the archetype, the immovable seal, the perfect likeness, the definition and word of the Father: he it is who comes to his own image and takes our nature for the good of our nature, and unites himself to an intelligent soul for the good of my soul, to purify like by like. He takes to himself all that is human, except for sin. He was conceived by the Virgin Mary, who had been first prepared in soul and body by the Spirit; his coming to birth had to be treated with honour, virginity had to receive new honour. He comes forth as God, in the human nature he has taken, one being, made of two contrary elements, flesh and spirit. Spirit gave divinity, flesh received it. He who enriches others became poor. He took to himself the poverty of my flesh so that I might obtain the riches of his godhead. He who is full empties himself. He emptied himself of his godhead for a brief time so that I might share in his fullness. What is this wealth of goodness? What is this mystery that touches me? I received the divine image and I did not keep it. He receives my flesh to save the image and grant immortality to the flesh. This, his second communion with us, is far more marvelous than the first. It was necessary that holiness be conferred on man through the humanity God took to himself. In this way, conquering the tyrant by force, he freed us and led us back to himself through his Son, the mediator. The Son brought this about to the honor of the Father to whom, is all things he is seen to defer. The good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep, set out after the strayed sheep, on the mountain and hills on which you used to sacrifice. When he found the stray sheep he carried it on those same shoulders that bore the wood of the cross, and brought it back with him to the life above. The brightest of all lights follows the lamp that goes before him. The Word follows the voice in the wilderness. The bridegroom follows the friend of the bridegroom who is making ready for God a special people, cleansing them with water in anticipation of the Spirit. We needed an incarnate God who would die, that we might live. We died with him in baptism, that we might be cleansed. We rose with him because we died with him. We were glorified with him because we rose with him. Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)

Luke 2:1-14 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 1:39-45 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

4. The Canticle of Mary - Responding to Our Vocation - Fr. Michael Flowers 12.22.24 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Fr. Jim Willig reflects on the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting Mary's faith, obedience, and perseverance during her journey to Elizabeth. Through this reflection, he invites us to recognize the Spirit's stirring in our own lives and embrace the hope and renewal offered by the Advent season.from Luke 1:39-45and traveled to the hill country in hasteto a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariahand greeted Elizabeth.When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfmHeart to Heart Catholic Media MinistryEvangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples.--Join Heart to Heart: htoh.us/subscribeSupport Heart to Heart: htoh.us/donate

Luke 3:10-18 The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

12-16-24: Graces of Christmas – Fr. Michael Passo, FSSP by

12-13-24: Our Lady of Guadalupe - Fr. Michael Passo (Continued) by

Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, O.C.D., is a dedicated Discalced Carmelite priest currently serving as the Subprior and Director of Postulants at the Carmelite community in Holy Hill, Wisconsin. He was ordained in 2011 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and later joined the Carmelites in 2016. Known for his deep devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Fr. Paris has extensively studied her life and writings, sharing his insights through various platforms. He is also a co-host of the "Carmelcast" podcast and the "Catholic Classics" series on Ascension Presents, where he delves into profound spiritual and theological topics. — Discalced Carmelites, Immaculate Heart of Mary Province https://www.discalcedcarmel.org/ ICS Publications Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ICSPublications —

12-12-24: Our Lady of Guadalupe - Fr. Michael Passo by

Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Dr. Larry Chapp discusses our need for Sanctity as well as gratuity, Fr. Michael Rennier gives us 4 principles for giving a eulogy, and Ellen drops the blogosphere.

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

In his Confessions, Augustine dedicates the book's final section to reflecting on time. How do Christians live within time yet still live towards eternity, the telos of all time, the appointed time? Many Christians live in the past, bound by their memories, regrets and accomplishments, while others live in a state of anticipation, living in the future. But the past is past, never to return, and the future never exists in itself. We can get lost in the memory of—or anticipation of—non-existence. Rather than getting lost in time, Augustine explains how all time can be brought to immediate awareness in three different aspects. He writes: “The present considering the past is the memory, the present considering the present is immediate awareness, the present considering the future is expectation.” The only proper place for human attention is the present moment which ever presents itself. But this awareness must be “merged into” or brought before God Himself. The means that there is a need for humans to bring our existence in time to the eternal presence of God. We worship our way towards eternity. Our lives aim not to amass a hoard of things but to encounter God through sacred moments. Therefore, how we face time matters immensely. Christians sanctify or redeem time by bringing God's eternal reality into their present moment. The Church trains her sons and daughters to do this through the Sacraments in which God's own life is offered by grace. Through the sacraments the Church enters eternity, and most specially, the Holy Eucharist brings the faithful into the eternal moment of worship through the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christians also encounter God through sacred moments as they follow the Church's calendar by dedicating the seasons and weeks to the life of Christ and his saints. Living according to the calendar of the Church helps Christians realize that eternity is not some future reality after death but the ever present and commanding reality in which time unfolds. These events marked history as such to influence the naming of two epochs, B.C. and A.D. – Before Christ and In the year of our Lord. How shall we engage with time? Redeeming time (KJV): Ephesians 5:15-20 Sanctifying time: Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. OK, God didn't rest because He was tired! Shabat is mainly used as “to cease, to stop.” All done! Instead of God doing more, He ceased from doing. And that's the idea of the 7th day … a pattern for us to cease from doing and “be” still (cease from striving) and know (wonder, contemplate, imagine, exalt) … that I am God. So God sanctified time sort of like we sanctify food … we approach food sometimes like it's something to be crammed and flushed out our bodies! Sanctifying creation: I Timothy 4:4-5 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. We make created things holy by the word of God and prayer. Holy time, Holy water, holy oil, holy communion, holy food, and so forth! Holy? To set apart with thanksgiving to the one who created it and gifted it to us! This is a call to live in a sacramental universe. To be a royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices until the Lord returns.

John 18:33b-37 Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

God's Reign & Realm, Church & Kingdom - the Feast of Christ the King - Fr. Michael Flowers 11.24.24 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

24. Healing and the Kingdom of God - Fr. Michael Flowers 11.17.24 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Mark 12:38-44 In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

23. A Sacrament of Healing - Confession and Absolution - Fr. Michael Flowers 11.10.24 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

The Lord ALWAYS knows exactly what we need and when we need it! The love and laughter Fr. Michael DeBlanc brings to Holy Spirit Studios is truly a gift. Join us for a fun and fruitful episode where we learn more about purgatory, Fathers travels to Japan, the beauty of different cultures and the universal church and so much more! Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your holy son with us!......

Mark 10:46-52 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

10/24/24 - Have you ever had a question about annulments, but didn't know who to ask? Today's show is for you! Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia.

Mark 10:35-45 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

As Paul addresses some of the problems with the church in Corinth, he is most concerned with how corporate worship is conducted. Is it a symphony of harmonizing parts for the common good? Does it build up all who are gathered? Temple – build up, edify: seven times (3, 4 (twice), 5, 12, 17, 26 Paul is using a metaphor related to building a temple, of building up the corporate Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Jesus, Jesus himself being the True Temple. Peter uses the same metaphor: “You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood…” I Pet. 2:5 As we consider prophecy and spiritual language (tongues), we need to hear Paul address how the church should function in worship so that all the gifts of the Spirit are offered FOR THE COMMON GOOD. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I Cor 12:7 In verse 2 forward, Paul clarifies the proper use of prophecy and tongues in public worship. As we make love our aim, the use of our spiritual gifts has a specific impact on all those gathered in worship. How shall we understand these two gifts? “2 For one who speaks in a tongue speak not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” 1. This spiritual language called tongues is not speaking horizontally, but vertically, i.e., to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit. We understand that speaking to God is actually prayer, praise or worship directed towards God. So tongues is prayer, thanksgiving, in spoken word and song (14:15). 2. Speaking, singing, giving thanks in the Spirit (tongues) builds up the person employing the gift. Prophecy edifies the whole assembly. “ v. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself , but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” Paul is saying that praying in tongues is a powerful means of strengthening one's life in Christ. Paul refers to the use of tongues in public as needing interpretation, and when in private devotion, interpretation isn't necessary (one is built up by speaking directly to God in prayer. Let me return to this. For now, one's prayer in tongues edifies, strengthens the person actively praying. Jude 20 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith [and] praying in the Holy Spirit… KJV, NASV, RSV, NRSV do not add “and” … inferring how to build up your most holy faith, praying in the Spirit. Both Jude 20 and Romans 8:26-27 are interpreted by NT Scholars Gordon Fee and Peter Davids as praying in transcendent, trans-rational prayer language. They both refer to I Cor. 14:14-15. Praying in the Spirit? All forms of tongues are considered praying in the Spirit. Verse 5: Now I want you all to speak in tongues (public / private), but even more to prophesy. What is prophecy? A beginning definition might be “speaking forth something God has spontaneously brought to mind.” Michael Green's summary is another good working definition of prophecy: ‘a word from the Lord through a member of his body, inspired by his Spirit and given to build up the rest of the body.' Prophetic Impact (14:1–5) (I Corinthians by David Pryor) 1. Upbuilding: Any purported word of prophecy that undermines or shakes the faith of others must be rejected. conversation. (2) The second word is encouragement (paraklēsis), the same root as the word used in John to describe the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, Advocate, Counsellor. It literally means ‘to be called in alongside' to assist and support. (3) Paul's third word to describe how a true word of prophecy will help the church is consolation (comfort) (paramythia). This has the sense of whispering in the church's ear, probably in the sense of allaying fear and enabling God's people to be calm under pressure. ‘ If this is something of the impact prophecy can have on the church, it is no wonder that Paul wants every Christian to desire such a gift.

I met Fr. Maher a few years back through a mutual friend, Irini de Saint Sernin, the Society's Director of Philanthropy. We have become fast friends and I have to say, if you could just spend five minutes with Irini, you'd somehow believe, as I do, that her passion for the Bollandists played a role in the papal visit! So stay tuned after the news for Part II of my conversation with Fr. Maher.

In honor of the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Father Dave welcomes Father Michael-Joseph Paris of St. Thérèse, OCD to break down her autobiography, “Story of a Soul.” Father Michael-Joseph is a Discalced Carmelite priest and co-host of the “Catholic Classics” podcast from Ascension Press. His podcast dives into timeless texts from beloved saints, and season 3 featuring “Story of a Soul” is available now.   

We are excited to welcome the guest co-host for Season 3 of Catholic Classics: Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris, OCD. In this bonus episode, Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine get to know Fr. Michael-Joseph and learn more about his knowledge of Story of a Soul and his deep appreciation for the writings of St. Thérèse. Fr. Gregory also gives an update on his current assignment and his future involvement in Catholic Classics. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.