Podcasts about holy days

Why does the Ascension of Jesus—one of the great feasts of the Church—end up celebrated on a Sunday in most dioceses, while others keep it on Thursday? And what does that tell us about our faith, traditions, and the challenges of Holy Days of Obligation? Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack the significance of the Ascension within the Paschal Mystery, showing why it's more than just a “tag-on” after Easter, but a powerful reminder of Christ's victory and our shared destiny in Him. But as usual, sports, movies, and mild chaos before the theology kicks in. Join them as they recap the NBA and NHL playoffs, share stories from the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and Coca-Cola 600, and offer a review of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (complete with seat mix-ups and a D-Box adventure). They also chat about Father Dave's solo Thai food outing, pay tribute to the late George Wendt—aka Norm from Cheers—and reflect on how these everyday moments can point us toward joy, gratitude, and community. The episode wraps with humor, brotherhood, and a reminder that no matter where you are—whether at a car race, a movie theater, or Mass on Sunday—our true hope is in Jesus Christ. And yes, the Topps Pope Leo XIV baseball card is still on their wish list. Highlighted Sections (00:00) Playoff Plot Twists, Fast Cars, and Father Dave's Almost-Trip to the Indy 500 Father Dave and Deacon Bob kick off the episode with a rundown of the latest sports headlines, including the Pacers and Knicks battling in the NBA playoffs, and the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers making waves in the NHL. They also discuss the excitement surrounding the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Coca-Cola 600. (12:07) Movie Review: Mission Impossible + Solo Movie Etiquette Father Dave recounts his solo movie theater adventure to see Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, complete with a funny seating mishap and his first-ever D-Box chair experience. They reflect on the perks (and occasional awkwardness) of going to the movies alone, and whether movie theaters are best for deep conversations or just a chance to unwind. (20:03) Thai Food, Pity Tips, and Remembering Norm The conversation shifts to Father Dave's recent solo Thai food experience—one of the best meals he's ever had, which he may or may not have posted about on Instagram—and a reflection on how dining alone can be a quiet joy. They also pay tribute to the late George Wendt (Norm from Cheers)and share laughs about a show that captured the essence of community in the most unexpected places. (26:13) Relics on Display and Catholic Curiosities The hosts dive into the story of St. Teresa of Avila's relics being publicly displayed, exploring the beauty, reverence, and quirkiness of Catholic traditions. They discuss how relics inspire faith, connect us to the saints, and remind us that the Church is both ancient and alive. (28:41) Thursday or Sunday? The Ascension's Place in the Paschal Mystery Father Dave and Deacon Bob unpack why the Ascension is a crucial part of the Paschal Mystery, how it's celebrated differently across dioceses, and why it's much more than just a calendar quirk. They encourage listeners to see these Holy Days as not just “rules to follow” but as moments to pause, celebrate, and remember the story of salvation. (37:45) Closing Blessings, Pentecost Prep, and Hope in the Everyday The episode wraps with reflections on Pentecost, Holy Days of Obligation, and staying grounded in faith—whether you're at a playoff game, a movie theater, or wrangling kids at home. Father Dave offers a prayer for graduates, families, and the entire They That Hope community, with a reminder that hope is our anchor—on Thursdays, Sundays, or any day in between. Resources Mentioned Steubenville Conferences – SteubenvilleConferences.com Discipleship Quads – dquads.com Topps Pope Leo XIV Baseball Card

By Jorge de Campos - Paul expounds in greater practical detail how to Walk worthy of this calling with all humility and meekness to BUILD UNITY in LOVE. He uses practical examples of how to build unity in love in our family, both in the marriage relationship and in the parental-child relationship, as well as in our work

By Gary Smith - This Bible Study by Mr. Smith is the first of a two part message with the second part coming in his sermon this Sabbath. He begins the study by showing how the Jews believe that the giving of the Ten Commandments was on the day of Pentecost. He spends the rest of the study talking about the various

By William Fred Crow - God has provided a powerful tool for spiritual growth - fasting is not just for the Day of Atonement.

By Craig Scott - Carefulness in how we worship God is not more important than sin and salvation... neither is it less important. God wants both.

By Mike Phelps - God chooses us and imparts His righteousness without forcing us into relationship with Him.

By Richard Schultz - In this sermon Rich looks at how the people of Gibeon deceived Israel into believing they were not among the nations Israel wa told to expel from the land by God and thus Israel made a peace treaty with them. Israel failed to consult God before making this treaty and the consequences of this error

By Alvin Walker - As children, our parents, to a certain degree, represent God and are on our lifeline to this world and its ways. This is why God wants parents to revere their children in God's way, and hopefully, they will choose His way as time moves on.

By Kenneth J Cline - The Bible is full of instructions and encouragements and events. It gives advice as well as warnings. When we read them we will do well if we do not forget them.

By Gregory Sanny - This message is an exercise in comparative religion, distinguishing key differences between the universal church and the seventh-day observing United Church of God.

By John Elliott - In Part Two of this sermon series, John Elliott expounds further on God's forgiveness of all of our sins, and how he sees us despite all of our shortcomings. He is excited to give us eternal life and for us to be in His family. However, God also expects us to work towards perfect unity among

By Raymond Stapp - What does it mean to fear God? Do we fear Him correctly? The answers to these questions and much more in this very interesting video sermon.

By Andrew Lee - As in sports - where a team must come together as one to accomplish their goal - we are called to be part of the Body of Christ as our primary identity. Let's take a look at some examples in the early Church on the need to overcome personal and cultural identities and how we can apply that to

By Robin S Webber - How do you explain the unexplainable? How does one make sense from the senseless? It doesn't come by wishful thinking or momentary inspiration, but rather reaching deep into a core understanding of the rhythms of life deposited in one's heart. This message focuses on the rhythms of life, death, and

By Jorge de Campos - How to live a life that is worthy of God's calling to be His children in holiness and glory.

By Derek Einersen - Derek continues his sermon series on the Beatitudes by looking at the question What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness?

By Ryan Hall - Fasting is a spiritual discipline designed by God for our benefit. However, it's one of the most under-utilized spiritual tools that has been made available to us. Why is fasting is important for us today & How does this spiritual discipline actually Works. When used along with Prayer and Meditation

By Greg Thomas - In this sermon we explore the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). We will see in Scripture where it was originally instructed, how it was counted, and what it symbolizes. Something unusual happened in 2025 when the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread fell on the first day of the week (Sunday), and the 7th Day of

By William Flaman - Our friendships here on Earth are a template, a model of what our friendship with God should be. Strengthening friendships with godly men and women strengthens our friendship with God.

By Scott Brummett - In his sermon, Mr. Scott Brummett highlighted 6 characteristics of someone who truly knows God, and contrasted that with those in the Bible who knew about God or who were religious, but didn't truly know God personally.

By Andrew Lausted - Drawing from the inspiring story of the University of Washington rowing team, this sermonette illustrates how the Church, like the rowing team, is a diverse body joined by God's Spirit. Through 1 Corinthians 12, we review that every member is indispensable, called to move together in humility, love

By David Rains - Why is it important for us to endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit?

By Joshua Vazquez - This message emphasizes the importance of engaging in respectful conversations about faith within various Christian denominations. It encourages Christians to understand others' beliefs while sharing their own, using Paul's approach in Acts 17 as an example. Paul leverages their religous nature and

By Ken Loucks - This message explores the deep spiritual process of transformation that prepares us to become equally yoked with Jesus Christ as a Bride made ready for His return. Through real sacrifice and overcoming we change and transform our lives. We are called to bear the yoke Christ offers and be changed by

By David Chornomaz - This sermon discusses the principles of Sabbath keeping, emphasizing its importance as a holy time for worship, rest, and reflection. It highlights that the Sabbath, rooted in the commandment from Exodus 20, is a day to refrain from work and engage in activities that honor God, such as worship

By Robert Nettles - We are defined by the decisions we make. Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he became of age refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

By Kevin Call - Today as we begin, we will concentrate on the Parable of the Sower. Do we understand? Is it limited? The importance to understanding wisdom is the principal thing. We can't lose our focus. We must remain focused until the very end.

By Richard Kennebeck - God has a great plan for our salvation. Without that plan we would not exist, and we could not have eternal life or enter into His Kingdom. This message discusses various aspects of salvation, how much it costs, whether we can earn it, and if we can lose it.

By Rick Shabi - This Bible study focuses primarily on Daniel 8 and 11 -- 2300 Days Prophecy and Abomination of Desolation, continued

By Ken Loucks - Many believe Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man proves that souls go to heaven or hell at death. But what if that's not what the parable is teaching at all? In this study, we'll uncover what the Bible actually says about death, judgment, and the powerful message Jesus was delivering—not

By Justin Massie - As we approach the Feast of Harvest, what biblical lessons can we learn from wheat.

By Garret Snyder - We have all experienced the sting of death during our lifetime. We have lost loved ones, brethren and friends over the years. We can be comforted knowing that Christ died and rose again conquering sin and death. The scripture is from 1 Cor. 15:55, "O Death, where is your sting?"

By Obey Parker - This message is loosely based on the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" by W. Phillip Keller, and includes the speaker's own personal experiences in raising sheep. Psalm 23 tells us to view our Lord as a shepherd. There are aspects of how a shepherd deals with his flock that indicate how God cares

By Lewis Vanausdle - The sermon reflects on personal experiences in the Church of God and emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical truths, particularly regarding the Sabbath and the challenges faced by the Church over the years. It provides a personal reflection of his Church experience, and the significant

By Gary Petty - Is the true meaning of the Sabbath getting lost?

By Salvatore Cimino - Jesus Christ's ministry lasted three and a half years. During that time, He called twelve young men to follow Him as His disciples. These men walked with Him daily, learning powerful and life-changing lessons. Yet, tragically, one of them chose to walk away—betraying Jesus just hours before His

By Mario Seiglie - In this PowerPoint message, we look at the life of artist Norman Rockwell and some of his paintings which express different forms of American life. Though Rockwell suffered from chronic depression, his art offers us hope and joy. We also look at the sufferings in Christ's life and how we can seek

By Mark Kasperson - Join us for this very interesting video sermon on the subject of walking with God.

By David Chornomaz - This Sermonette focuses on the biblical lessons found in the story of Eli, the high priest, and his failures as a father to his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. It emphasizes the importance of parental responsibility and the consequences of neglecting the proper discipline of our children.

By Robert Fahey - This message is a study of Ephesians 4, helping us to better emulate Christ in how we speak, to add grace to our speech, and to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit.

By Dan Preston - Spiritual drift is a dangerous condition that starts small but leads to disastrous results. In this message, we'll ask three hard questions to help us examine if we are in danger of drifting away from God.

By Joe Greene - Everyday we have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world and the lives of others. Examples from the Bible where just one individual made all the difference. Four questions to ask God on how you can make a difference.

By James H Butler - Big subject, but one foundational principle that is very important in achieving unity, in any area of life, is prioritizing relationships. Disagreements will happen. Unless they are very significant disagreements many disagreements can help those involved grow and mature.

By Ken Loucks - Scripture shows that words have weight. They can strengthen or wound—especially when spoken within relationships of trust. This message explores how what we say and what we hear are both shaped by what's happening in the heart—and why neither can be truly transformed without the help of God's Holy

By Patrick McKee - In this sermon Patrick McKee looks at two temptations by Satan recorded in the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see his tempting Eve where he was successful. In Matthew 4 we see his attempt to temp Jesus where he failed. Patrick shows us that Eve failed because she followed the pattern in James 1:13-15 that

By Brian Shaw - Whenever the living stones of God's temple become discouraged, Zechariah 4:6 gives them perspective and encouragement to continue in His work.

By Matt King - Part 3 of the Sabbath series takes a deeper look at the purpose of the Sabbath viewed in the context and purpose of His law. In addition, it explores how the Sabbath is woven into the broader biblical pattern of God's relational intent.

By Jason Musgrove - This sermon, rooted in Proverbs 16:3 and the Nazarite vow from Numbers 6, challenges graduates—and all believers—to commit their lives to God by embracing a set-apart, holy calling. Using the vow's conditions as spiritual metaphors, it emphasizes living differently from the world, sacrificing self

By Stephen Bouchette - Why is a sacrificial love for one another so difficult? Jesus commanded us to have this love, just as He had this love for us, and stated this would be a sign for all. How can we do this?

By James Ginn - In this sermon, we look at the state of the world and the defensive posture many nations are taking as they watch what is going on, prepare for conflict, and stand ready with allies. As Christians we must do the same as we prepare for what's to come in the future.