The value of a new parishioner introducing him or herself to parish life and just asking the priest, “How can I help?” is priceless. 

When entering a new community, we may have all of these ideas about what we can do to help, but to listen and simply tell the leaders that you are available shows humility and understanding.

Fr. Mike knows firsthand about all of the different types of parishioners who are on fire for the Faith, and want to do something to enrich parish life. The ones who end up helping the most are those who in essence say, “I am your servant. Tell me what I can do for you.”<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Getting Involved in Parish Life

“I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus” In today’s episode, we’ll meet Jane and Sarah: two sisters taking refuge in an English convent during the second world war. Though they are surrounded by the confusion and fear of war, they find solace and hope when Sister Evelyn tells them the incredible story of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. Come listen with Jane and Sarah and learn more about the beauty and peace found in Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Parental Guidance Note: The beginning of this episode takes place during WWII - to skip these scenes for little listeners - start the story at 9:15.Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a>Please rate, review and share with friends and family!Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

Episode 214 - Father of Mercies, Series on "The Father" by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Part 9) Do you trust God's mercy? We are invited to bring to light those things that we are keeping in the dark, things that are tough, and trust that God in his mercy will love and care for us there. When we bring something to the Lord, it's forgiven and it's gone, He no longer sees us with that. He doesn't define us as a son or daughter who did this bad thing. To the Father's eyes, we are not defined by our sin and our weakness but by His love and our capacity to live like His son or daughter. But at the same time, sin still can seriously hurt us and the Father is also zealous to crush it and the things that lead us to them. Today we're looking at God and His Mercy and try to understand that a little bit. We'll take a look at both the merciful God and the God who is indifferent to sin. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you! 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at pocomerch.com! You can get your copy of The Father (by Fr Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) at https://ascensionpress.com/thefather

Father of Mercies

Fr. Mike continues to explain the parables Christ recites in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without practicing it in our lives. Jesus goes on to speak against the Scribes and Pharisees, reminding us that he's not only the Prince of Peace, but the Way and the Truth. Today's readings are Matthew 22-24 and Proverbs 19:17-20.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2025)

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Evangelizing Through Tattoos

We look at two more forms of prayer: intercession and thanksgiving. Fr. Mike emphasizes that in the age of the Church, intercession, or asking on behalf of another, is participating in Christ’s mediation. He also emphasizes that in all things we must give thanks, even in times of suffering and grief. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2634-2638.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 338: Intercession and Thanksgiving (2024)

Fr. Mike points out how Jehu followed God half-way, but God wants us to follow Him with our whole hearts. He also explains the prophecy of Amos, who is trying to call people back to the Lord before it is too late. The readings for today are 2 Kings 10, Amos 1-3, and Psalm 110.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 178: Called Back (2024)

Is it possible to overcome sin? It doesn’t seem possible, but in this episode Jeff brings in words from the saints and from Scripture to help us understand sin better so that we can work to overcome it. Find out what you need in order to avoid sin and strive for holiness.

Snippet from the Show 
When we hear the Gospel, we gain a sensitivity to sin.

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Five Essentials to Overcome Sin

Fr. Dave Pivonka TOR, president of Franciscan University joins us to discuss the integration of personal formation for college students.  We address the danger of over-spiritualizing – spiritual bypassing – and how many of the struggles in the Church in the last 50 years are due to human formation deficits.  Fr. Pivonka shares his insights about how transformation first happens interiorly, inside oneself – and then radiates outward to change the world.  We discuss the difficulties that college students frequently face, the importance of community, concerns about pietism, and embracing our true identity.  College students and their parents will not want to miss this episode.

148 The Integration of Personal Formation at Franciscan University

Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://soulcore.com/">SoulCore</a> – website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

SoulCore

In today's episode of Pints With Aquinas we ask Thomas about knowledge and stuff (that sounded smart right? "and stuff"). --- On this point the philosophers held three opinions. For Democritus held that "all knowledge is caused by images issuing from the bodies we think of and entering into our souls," as Augustine says in his letter to Dioscorus (cxviii, 4). And Aristotle says (De Somn. et Vigil.) that Democritus held that knowledge is cause by a "discharge of images." And the reason for this opinion was that both Democritus and the other early philosophers did not distinguish between intellect and sense, as Aristotle relates (De Anima iii, 3). Consequently, since the sense is affected by the sensible, they thought that all our knowledge is affected by this mere impression brought about by sensible things. Which impression Democritus held to be caused by a discharge of images. Plato, on the other hand, held that the intellect is distinct from the senses: and that it is an immaterial power not making use of a corporeal organ for its action. And since the incorporeal cannot be affected by the corporeal, he held that intellectual knowledge is not brought about by sensible things affecting the intellect, but by separate intelligible forms being participated by the intellect, as we have said above (Articles 4 and 5). Moreover he held that sense is a power operating of itself. Consequently neither is sense, since it is a spiritual power, affected by the sensible: but the sensible organs are affected by the sensible, the result being that the soul is in a way roused to form within itself the species of the sensible. Augustine seems to touch on this opinion (Gen. ad lit. xii, 24) where he says that the "body feels not, but the soul through the body, which it makes use of as a kind of messenger, for reproducing within itself what is announced from without." Thus according to Plato, neither does intellectual knowledge proceed from sensible knowledge, nor sensible knowledge exclusively from sensible things; but these rouse the sensible soul to the sentient act, while the senses rouse the intellect to the act of understanding. Aristotle chose a middle course. For with Plato he agreed that intellect and sense are different. But he held that the sense has not its proper operation without the cooperation of the body; so that to feel is not an act of the soul alone, but of the "composite." And he held the same in regard to all the operations of the sensitive part. Since, therefore, it is not unreasonable that the sensible objects which are outside the soul should produce some effect in the "composite," Aristotle agreed with Democritus in this, that the operations of the sensitive part are caused by the impression of the sensible on the sense: not by a discharge, as Democritus said, but by some kind of operation. For Democritus maintained that every operation is by way of a discharge of atoms, as we gather from De Gener. i, 8. But Aristotle held that the intellect has an operation which is independent of the body's cooperation. Now nothing corporeal can make an impression on the incorporeal. And therefore in order to cause the intellectual operation according to Aristotle, the impression caused by the sensible does not suffice, but something more noble is required, for "the agent is more noble than the patient," as he says (De Gener. i, 5). Not, indeed, in the sense that the intellectual operation is effected in us by the mere impression of some superior beings, as Plato held; but that the higher and more noble agent which he calls the active intellect, of which we have spoken above (I:79:4) causes the phantasms received from the senses to be actually intelligible, by a process of abstraction. According to this opinion, then, on the part of the phantasms, intellectual knowledge is caused by the senses. But since the phantasms cannot of themselves affect the passive intellect, and require to be made actually intelligible by the active intellect, it cannot be said that sensible knowledge is the total and perfect cause of intellectual knowledge, but rather that it is in a way the material cause. ST I, Q. 84, A. 6. --- Here's what Thomas said in response to what we now call idealism: This is, however, manifestly false for two reasons. First, because the things we understand are the objects of science; therefore if what we understand is merely the intelligible species in the soul, it would follow that every science would not be concerned with objects outside the soul, but only with the intelligible species within the soul; thus, according to the teaching of the Platonists all science is about ideas, which they held to be actually understood [I:84:1]. Secondly, it is untrue, because it would lead to the opinion of the ancients who maintained that "whatever seems, is true" [Aristotle, Metaph. iii. 5], and that consequently contradictories are true simultaneously. For if the faculty knows its own impression only, it can judge of that only. Now a thing seems according to the impression made on the cognitive faculty. Consequently the cognitive faculty will always judge of its own impression as such; and so every judgment will be true: for instance, if taste perceived only its own impression, when anyone with a healthy taste perceives that honey is sweet, he would judge truly; and if anyone with a corrupt taste perceives that honey is bitter, this would be equally true; for each would judge according to the impression on his taste. Thus every opinion would be equally true; in fact, every sort of apprehension. Therefore it must be said that the intelligible species is related to the intellect as that by which it understands: which is proved thus. There is a twofold action (Metaph. ix, Did. viii, 8), one which remains in the agent; for instance, to see and to understand; and another which passes into an external object; for instance, to heat and to cut; and each of these actions proceeds in virtue of some form. And as the form from which proceeds an act tending to something external is the likeness of the object of the action, as heat in the heater is a likeness of the thing heated; so the form from which proceeds an action remaining in the agent is the likeness of the object. Hence that by which the sight sees is the likeness of the visible thing; and the likeness of the thing understood, that is, the intelligible species, is the form by which the intellect understands. But since the intellect reflects upon itself, by such reflection it understands both its own act of intelligence, and the species by which it understands. Thus the intelligible species is that which is understood secondarily; but that which is primarily understood is the object, of which the species is the likeness. This also appears from the opinion of the ancient philosophers, who said that "like is known by like." For they said that the soul knows the earth outside itself, by the earth within itself; and so of the rest. If, therefore, we take the species of the earth instead of the earth, according to Aristotle (De Anima iii, 8), who says "that a stone is not in the soul, but only the likeness of the stone"; it follows that the soul knows external things by means of its intelligible species. ST I, Q. 86, A. 2. SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. 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62: How do we know stuff? (an intro to Thomas' epistemology)

Learn more about The Thomistic Institute here: <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/">https://thomisticinstitute.org/</a> See more show notes at PintsWithAquinas.com SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

105: How should we understand morality? With Fr. Dominic Legge

For another take on Catholic parts work look like in action, join Marion Moreland as she accompanies Caris in connecting, understanding, and loving Caris’ parts – not just the manager parts who are usually in front, but also some of Caris’ hidden exiled parts in this demonstration. Sarah is present in an observing role. This demonstration illustrates very typical ways of accompanying parts in inner work. Marion and Caris address themes of striving for productivity and perfection, control and rebellion, the pain of love rejected, among others and escape, and self-soothing. You are invited into the “observer role” with Sarah to connect with your own parts in your human formation as you experience the demo and your parts resonate with parts coming up in Caris’ work.

152 Internal Family Systems Demonstrations Part II with Marion Moreland

Happy Thanksgiving! Today, Jeff talks about how we can cultivate an attitude of thankfulness for everything we have, and how we can practice greater gratitude in our daily lives. Let’s start saying “thanks for everything” instead of “thanks for nothing!”

Snippet from the Show

“The secret to happiness is gratitude.” - GK Chesterton

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Gratitude: Thanks for Nutt'n or Thanks for Everything!

Today I interview my real life friend Sarah Kroger. She is an extremely gifted worship leader and musician. For this second part of our Catholic Creatives series, we will be giving away a copy of her new CD Bloom. It's so good y'all me and my kids are loving it! Head on over to instagram to enter into our giveaway!! 🌹 To Purchase Sarah's New CD: <a href= "https://mkt.com/sarah-kroger">https://mkt.com/sarah-kroger</a> 🌹 To Follow Sarah on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/skroger/">https://www.instagram.com/skroger/</a> 🌹 Visit Sarah's Website: <a href= "http://www.sarahkroger.com/">http://www.sarahkroger.com/</a> 🌹 Support me on Patreon <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies">https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies</a> 🌹 To follow me on Twitter: <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=pu24f9rDnlm8B9KEyjmwTNy_rU98MTU2MjQ0NDU2N0AxNTYyMzU4MTY3&v=7S5i-mO_uNQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmattfradd&event=video_description"> https://twitter.com/cameronfradd</a> 🌹 To follow me on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=pu24f9rDnlm8B9KEyjmwTNy_rU98MTU2MjQ0NDU2N0AxNTYyMzU4MTY3&v=7S5i-mO_uNQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmattfradd%2F&event=video_description"> https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies/</a> 🌹 To follow me on Facebook: <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=pu24f9rDnlm8B9KEyjmwTNy_rU98MTU2MjQ0NDU2N0AxNTYyMzU4MTY3&v=7S5i-mO_uNQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmattfradd%2F&event=video_description"> https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLilies/</a>

Ep. 111 Catholic Creatives Part 2 Sarah Kroger

This interview was originally aired on Pints with Aquinas but I loved it so much I decided to share it with y'all. In this episode Mr. Fradd interviews the lovely Sr. Natalia, who is a Byzantine nun. They talk about what it's like to be a religious sister, stupid questions you may be asked as a nun, what the funny hat nuns wear is actually called and how Jesus radically changed Sr. Natalias life. If you are discerning God's will in your life, then this conversation is ABSOLUTELY for you. Or if you're someone who just loves conversion stories about people radically loving Jesus, then you're going to LOVE this episode. We are so grateful that you are here and we hope you enjoy the show. If you enjoy this episode please consider giving Among the Lilies a rating here on itunes. It is extremely helpful in helping people find the show. If you are interested in supporting Among the Lilies please consider supporting us at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies">https://www.patreon.com/AmongTheLilies</a> you will find on our patreon page the many different benefits that come with being an ATL patron. We are always adding perks so watch for more fun things coming this summer for all our lovely patrons! Please join the Among the Lilies community on instagram and facebook! Facebook: <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLiliess/">https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheLiliess/</a> Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies">https://www.instagram.com/among_the_lilies</a>

Bonus Episode!

“A picture of a man dying on a cross can be a picture of hope.”Saints Alive presents the final installment of our three part episode on the life of Fulton Sheen! Today we’ll hear about the stories of two people whose lives were changed by Venerable Sheen. We’ll also hear about the humility of the man that reminded the world that life truly is worth living. This is an episode you don’t want to miss - listen today! This episode is part of our Hallow exclusive Lenten series for families: The Little Way! Tune in to a new episode everyday by joining the challenge on Hallow! https://hallow.app.link/ociVupCuZQb Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a <a href='http://hallow.com/saintsalive'>30-day free trial!</a>Please rate, review and share with friends and family!Find out more about Saints Alive at our website: <a href='https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/'>https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/</a>

Venerable Fulton Sheen Part III

If we can’t use the Lord’s name in vain, can we joke about God? Fr. Mike makes the case that there is room for humor about God in the context of love.

No one in the universe or beyond it deserves more honor, respect, and reverence than God, and we jeopardize our souls if we fail to see this. At the same time, though, Jesus called us his friends (John 15:15). Friends can joke about each other because they know there is mutual love and respect there.

It goes even deeper than that though, Fr. Mike argues. God is calling us to a whole different kind of relationship, a whole different kind of intimacy, through his son Jesus. If we enter into that relationship and nurture it, we may discover that God does indeed have a sense of humor, a whole new sense of humor we didn’t even think was possible. 

Catechism paragraph on the Second Commandment:

“Blasphemy is directly opposed to the second commandment. It consists in uttering against God - inwardly or outwardly - words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speaking ill of God; in failing in respect toward him in one&#39;s speech; in misusing God&#39;s name. St. James condemns those &quot;who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus] by which you are called&quot; (James 2:7). The prohibition of blasphemy extends to language against Christ&#39;s Church, the saints, and sacred things. It is also blasphemous to make use of God&#39;s name to cover up criminal practices, to reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death. The misuse of God&#39;s name to commit a crime can provoke others to repudiate religion” (CCC 2148)<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Can We Joke about God?

Homily from the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Faith must be lived, not merely believed. It is wise to take responsibility for one’s own time, resources, and family. And yet, we must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. This demands faith. Real faith is more than belief, but involves renunciation of any claim we might have on our lives in favor of the absolute claim Jesus has on every aspect of our lives. Mass Readings from September 12, 2021: Isaiah 50:5-9 Psalms 116:1-6, 8-9James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35

09/12/21 Not Mine

<ol><li>The Pitch -- Opening  <ol><li>Set the Scene Two Great Commandments  <ol><li>What is the whole point of your life? What is your mission and purpose? What is the most important thing for you to do?  Really think about that for a minute.  What is your ultimate goal on this planet as a Catholic man or woman?</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>All of us serious Catholics want to love God and neighbor.  </li><li> 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40  <ol><li>Mitch and Sri CCSS  "Together, the two love Commandments sum up the Ten Commandments, three of which delineate our responsibilities toward God and seven of which concern our duties toward others."  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Luke 10:25-28  25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul [being], and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”</li><li>Highest obligation of every person.  </li><li>Romans 13:8-10  8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.</li></ol></li></ol></li><li> </li><li>The Hurdle -- a problem we're all facing.  <ol><li>Simple, right?  But it's not that simple.  <ol><li>My Catholic Life  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> </li></ol>With this statement, Jesus gives a complete summary of the moral law found in the Ten Commandments.  The first three Commandments reveal that we must love God above all and with all our might.  The last six Commandments reveal that we must love our neighbor.  The moral law of God is as simple as fulfilling these two more general commandments. But is it all that simple?  Well, the answer is both “Yes” and “No.”  It’s simple in the sense that God’s will is not typically complex and difficult to comprehend.  Love is spelled out clearly in the Gospels and we are called to embrace a radical life of true love and charity. However, it can be considered difficult in that we are not only called to love, we are called to love with all our being.  We must give of ourselves completely and without reserve.  This is radical and requires that we hold nothing back.<ol><li>And that's the kicker -- to love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind.  With all of us.  <ol><li>Think about what that means.  <ol><li>Pablo Gadenz  CCSS Luke   "The idea is that the commandment to love God embraces every aspect of one's being."  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Every fiber of our being, every last little bit of ourselves.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>If we really think about this commandment -- what are the implications  <ol><li>To love God in every internal experience -- every thought, emotion, body sensation, intention, impulse attitude, belief, assumption, every desire -- every internal phenomenological experience oriented toward loving God.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>That requires harmony inside.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>That requires interior integration for Catholics  <ol><li>And Interior Integration for Catholics just happens to be the name of this podcast. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And this whole podcast is all about helping to you to get so much closer to loving God and neighbor and yourself with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole strength and your whole mind, with all of you -- and that is the whole mission of our online outreach Souls and Hearts at soulsandhearts.com</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Intro -- Welcome to Interior Integration for Catholics  <ol><li>I’m clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski and I am here to help guide you toward  loving God, neighbor and yourself in an ordered, healthy, holy way.  <ol><li>And how do I do that?  <ol><li>By focusing on your natural level impediments, your psychological obstacles to tolerated being loved and to loving God, neighbor and ourselves in the best ways possible</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>That is the mission of this podcast -- it's all about your human formation and what you need  on the natural level going forward in your life.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>John the Baptist is the patron saint of this podcast because he prepared the way for the Lord.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>I'm here to help you get ready by shoring up your natural foundation for the spiritual life </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>This is Episode 72, entitled What Keeps You from Loving?  Is it Really Only Your Vices?  (Spoiler Alert:  No!)</li><li>Chess analogy -- so the two great Commandments are both simple and complex -- like chess.  <ol><li>One Level -- Chess is a simple game -- the rules are really clear and can be learned in five minutes, and the trickiest part of the rules is castling -- rook/king switcheroo thing.  Or maybe the en passant pawn capture.  </li><li>On another level, chess is complex -- people spend their professional lives learning to play.  Grandmasters learning into old age.   </li></ol></li></ol></li><li>Love Your Neighbor as yourself  <ol><li>We are supposed to love ourselves</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Command is not to love our neighbor more than ourselves  <ol><li>Not because Jesus is lax:  Mt. 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>No one can love you in lieu of you.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li> Doesn't make sense if you think of a person has having monolithic, homogeneous personality -- no space for relationship there.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>In order to love ourselves other and God, we need interior peace.  <ol><li>Fr. Jacques Phillipe:  Searching For and Maintaining Peace  <ol><li>It is of the greatest importance that we strive to acquire an interior peace, the peace of our hearts.  p. 5</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The more our soul is peaceful and tranquil, the more God is reflected in it, the more His image expresses itself in us, the more His grace acts through us.  p. 5</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Quoting St. Seraphim of Sarov "Acquire interior peace and a multitude will find its salvation through you.  p. 8</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>p.11 Very frequently, spiritual combat consists precisely in this:  defending one's peace of heart against the enemy who attempts to steal it from us. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>p. 12.  The first goal of spiritual combat, that toward which our efforts must above all else be...</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>

72 What Keeps You from Loving?  Is it Really Only Your Vices?  (Spoiler Alert:  No!)

Have you ever gone to a carnival or fair and had a caricature drawn of yourself? Did it seem to highlight some parts of you but fail to really create a complete picture of who you are?

Today, Fr. Mike explores the nature of Jesus’ true physical appearance, and the spiritual reasons he may appear so diverse in different works of art.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

What Did Jesus Actually Look Like?

Homily from the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Transition always involves destruction. Jesus heals the man who was deaf and mute. In doing this, He was destroying something in the man’s life…his identity. Jesus has to take away the false identity in order to tell us who we truly are. Mass Readings from September 5, 2021: Isaiah 35:4-7 Psalms 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10James 2:1-5 Mark 7:31-37

09/05/21 Seen. Known. Loved.

Homily from the Epiphany of the Lord. We give God our best, our heart, and what He has asked for. As we know, the heart of religion is worship. But we need to put our hearts into worship. We give God our best, our heart, and what God has asked for. Not because He needs anything, but because it is right and just. Mass Readings from January 7, 2024: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

01/07/24 Worship is the Only Proper Response

What's wrong with moral relativism? Join Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. of Aquinas 101, Godsplaining, and Pints with Aquinas for an off-campus conversation with Prof. Francis Beckwith about his latest Thomistic Institute lecture, "Is There Anything Wrong With Moral Relativism?"

What's Wrong With Moral Relativism? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. &amp; Prof. Francis Beckwith (Off-Campus Conversations)

You can listen to the original lecture here: https://on.soundcloud.com/ukfZL

About the speaker:
Francis J. Beckwith is is a philosopher who teaches, publishes, and speaks on a variety of topics and issues in ethics, law, politics, and religion. He is currently Professor of Philosophy &amp; Church-State Studies, Affiliate Professor of Political Science, Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy, and Resident Scholar in the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University, where he has served on the faculty since 2003. He earned an Ph.D. and M.A. in philosophy from Fordham University, and a Master of Juridical Studies (M.J.S.) degree from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where he won the CALI Award for Excellence in Reproductive Control Seminar. Among his over twenty books are Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice (2007) and Taking Rites Seriously: Law, Politics, and the Reasonableness of Faith (2015), both published by Cambridge University Press, and Never Doubt Thomas: The Catholic Aquinas as Evangelical and Protestant (2019), published by Baylor University Press. Taking Rites Seriously was a winner of the American Academy of Religion’s 2016 Book Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion.

He has served as President of both the American Catholic Philosophical Association (2017-18) and the Evangelical Theological Society (2006-07), from which he resigned in the middle of his term in May 2007 to return to the Catholic Church of his youth. 

He and his wife, Frankie, make their home in Woodway, Texas.

What's Wrong With Moral Relativism? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. & Prof. Francis Beckwith

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.

🙏 Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! <a href="https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave" rel="nofollow">https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave</a>

Jeremiah 3:15: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding”

O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will.

Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you.

We pray, in Jesus’ name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.”<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 8

How do we come to accept the binding truths of the Faith? Fr. Mike explains how the dogmas of the Faith are boundaries designed to help us know God and ourselves accurately. He invites us to see these boundaries as lights along our path that enable us to love God and fully do his will. If we can understand that these dogmas are guided by love, we can come to receive them as gifts for the salvation of our souls. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 88-95.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 12: Receiving Dogmas (2024)

Fr. Mike breaks down the Catechism’s teaching that divine revelation consists of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and emphasizes why both sources are of equal importance in the Faith. He also clarifies the difference between Apostolic Tradition and ecclesial traditions. Lastly, Fr. Mike encourages us to receive with docility the teachings and directives of the Magisterium of the Church, trusting in the authority of the Pope and the bishops. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 80-87.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 11: Sources of Divine Revelation (2025)

Fr. Mike breaks down the battle against Midian and explains why God would allow destruction and warfare that can seem brutal. He also highlights how we can learn from Israel's weakness by destroying the things in our lives that lead us away from God. Today's readings are Numbers 31, Deuteronomy 30, and Psalm 116.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)

In this interview, Matt sits down with the one and only Fr. Mike Schmitz. The conversation focuses on accepting who God made you to be — as it relates to getting older, detachment (even from good things), anxiety, fatherhood, the spiritual life and more. Also discussed is fitness, the rising interest in Catholicism among young people today, Gen Z vs. Millennials, why Fr. Mike loves being a priest, the impact of Bible in a Year, God's love, grief, Fr. Mike's podcast, and the beauty or religious orders. 📚 Get my newest book, Jesus Our Refuge, here: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Our-Refuge-Matt-Fradd/dp/1968630023/ 🍺 Want to Support Pints With Aquinas? 🍺 Get episodes a week early and join exclusive live streams with me! Become an annual supporter at 👉 https://mattfradd.locals.com/support 💵 Show Sponsors: 👉 College of St. Joseph the Worker: https://www.collegeofstjoseph.com/mattfradd 👉 Truthly – The Catholic faith at your fingertips: https://www.truthly.ai/ 👉 Hallow – The #1 Catholic prayer app: https://hallow.com/mattfradd ￼ 💻 Follow Me on Social Media: 📌 Facebook: https://facebook.com/mattfradd 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattfradd 𝕏 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Pints_W_Aquinas 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pintswithaquinas 👕 PWA Merch – Wear the Faith! Grab your favorite PWA gear here: https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com 00:00:00 – Introduction and Matt's book 00:03:01 – The challenges and spiritual value of getting older 00:15:16 – Why are Gen Z and Gen Alpha different? 00:23:00 – Are young men becoming more interested in Catholicism? 00:32:52 – Wokeism 00:38:10 – Fr. Mike's early struggles with Catholicism 00:44:52 – How to talk to people the right way 00:50:32 – How Fr. Mike embraced the Church's sexual teachings 01:01:02 – Priestly celibacy and the challenges of being a priest 01:10:18 – Being introverted and dealing with fame 01:25:59 – Fr. Mike's most popular video and Bible in a Year 01:37:16 – Ministering to new Catholics and dealing with discouragement 01:51:05 – Fr. Mike's dating and marriage advice 02:01:28 – Matt loves 2025 02:05:53 – The danger of comparing yourself to others 02:09:13 – Confession and developing a stronger prayer life 02:21:40 – Spiritual reading recommendations 02:28:43 – Questions from viewers and closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Accepting Who God Made You to Be (Fr. Mike Schmitz) | Ep. 549

As we dive into a new chapter today, we learn about how we are called to respond to God’s Revelation. In particular, we discover that Mary and Abraham are models of faith who show us how to be obedient by submitting our intellect and will to God. Fr. Mike assures us that even though God doesn’t usually give us the whole picture of our lives, he gives us just enough light to take the next step in faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 142-149. 

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

Day 20: Stepping in Faith (2026)

Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Isaiah by explaining how our emotions can sometimes get in the way of us responding well to those around us. This means mourning with those who mourn, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, as Isaiah teaches us in preparation for the coming of Christ. Today's readings are Isaiah 66, Ezekiel 25-26, and Proverbs 14:1-4.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 223: Responding Well (2025)

The first and more manifest way is the argument from motion. It is certain, and evident to our senses, that in the world some things are in motion. Now whatever is in motion is put in motion by another, for nothing can be in motion except it is in potentiality to that towards which it is in motion; whereas a thing moves inasmuch as it is in act. For motion is nothing else than the reduction of something from potentiality to actuality. But nothing can be reduced from potentiality to actuality, except by something in a state of actuality. Thus that which is actually hot, as fire, makes wood, which is potentially hot, to be actually hot, and thereby moves and changes it. Now it is not possible that the same thing should be at once in actuality and potentiality in the same respect, but only in different respects. For what is actually hot cannot simultaneously be potentially hot; but it is simultaneously potentially cold. It is therefore impossible that in the same respect and in the same way a thing should be both mover and moved, i.e. that it should move itself. Therefore, whatever is in motion must be put in motion by another. If that by which it is put in motion be itself put in motion, then this also must needs be put in motion by another, and that by another again. But this cannot go on to infinity, because then there would be no first mover, and, consequently, no other mover; seeing that subsequent movers move only inasmuch as they are put in motion by the first mover; as the staff moves only because it is put in motion by the hand. Therefore it is necessary to arrive at a first mover, put in motion by no other; and this everyone understands to be God. ST 1. Q2. A3. --- SPONSORS EL Investments: <a href="https://www.elinvestments.net/pints">https://www.elinvestments.net/pints</a> Exodus 90: <a href="https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/">https://exodus90.com/mattfradd/</a> Hallow: <a href="http://hallow.app/mattfradd">http://hallow.app/mattfradd</a> STRIVE: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> GIVING Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd">https://www.patreon.com/mattfradd</a> This show (and all the plans we have in store) wouldn't be possible without you. I can't thank those of you who support me enough. Seriously! Thanks for essentially being a co-producer coproducer of the show. LINKS Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> Merch: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd">https://teespring.com/stores/matt-fradd</a> FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> SOCIAL Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfradd">https://twitter.com/mattfradd</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9">https://www.amazon.com/Does-God-Exist-Socratic-Dialogue-ebook/dp/B081ZGYJW3/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586377974&amp;sr=8-9</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4">https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Consecration-Aquinas-Growing-Closer-ebook/dp/B083XRQMTF/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&amp;keywords=fradd&amp;qid=1586379026&amp;sr=8-4</a> The Porn Myth: <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx">https://www.ignatius.com/The-Porn-Myth-P1985.aspx</a> CONTACT Book me to speak: <a href="https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform">https://www.mattfradd.com/speakerrequestform</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

19: Give me an argument for the existence of God?

As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 25: Summary of Faith (2026)

This lecture was given on November 18th, 2023, at the Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events About the Speaker: Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies) is from Pennsylvania and graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He previously served as the Assistant Director of Campus Outreach for the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC, and associate pastor of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught at Bellarmine University. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute. He is a contributor on the Pints with Aquinas show and a co-host of the Catholic Classics podcast. Fr. Gregory is the author of Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly (Our Sunday Visitor, 2022) and co-author with Matt Fradd of Marian Consecration With Aquinas: A Nine Day Path for Growing Closer to the Mother of God (TAN Books, 2020).

The Ecclesial Fruit of the Eucharist | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

During the Christmas season, we pause to think about the impact of one very special life—the life of Jesus—on the life of every single human being throughout history. It might be easy to see Christ's impact on the world, but do we ever pause to reflect on how precious and powerful every single human life is? Do you ever take time to think about how your life has powerfully impacted the world around you in ways you might not even know? Today's episode reflects on how every life carries great meaning in God's greater plan.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

OCD: Our Christmas Dilemmas

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition and the Secular University | Prof. Carlos Eire

Just as our bodies need water, our souls need nourishment too. Today, Jeff talks about the importance of renewing our relationship with Christ through his eternal fountain. 

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, <a href="https://tinyurl.com/yycd3xng" rel="nofollow noopener">Ave Maria University </a>

Snippet from the Show 
“God thirsts that you would thirst for him.” - St. Augustine

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Drinking From An Eternal Fountain

This lecture was given on June 3, 2023, at the 12th Annual Aquinas Philosophy Workshop at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY

For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.thomisticinstitute.org.

About the speaker:

Michael Gorman is a professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America. He has doctorates in philosophy and theology. He has authored over thirty-five academic papers and a book entitled Aquinas on the Metaphysics of the Hypostatic Union (Cambridge University Press, 2017). His main interests are metaphysics, human nature, and ethics. He is working on a textbook in metaphysics and on a short book on human nature and human dignity.

On Guilt | Professor Michael Gorman

A chat about Catholicism, Protestantism, and conversion with Cameron Bertuzzi &amp; Dr. Scott Hahn. 🤩 Join our Locals community: https://mattfradd.locals.com/ Join Locals as an annual subscriber at any tier, first 50 get a free Catholic Woodworker rosary! Best Rosaries Ever: (10% off with code: MATTFRADD): <a href="https://catholicwoodworker.com/collections/designer-rosaries?utm_source=MATTFRADD&amp;utm_medium=YOUTUBE&amp;utm_campaign=easter"> https://catholicwoodworker.com/collections/designer-rosaries?utm_source=MATTFRADD&amp;utm_medium=YOUTUBE&amp;utm_campaign=easter</a> Hallow! Get your first month FREE: <a href="https://hallow.com/mattfradd">https://hallow.com/mattfradd</a> Cameron's Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/capturingchristianity">https://www.youtube.com/c/capturingchristianity</a> Scott Hahn's Youtube presence: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/StPaulCenter">https://www.youtube.com/c/StPaulCenter</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Conversion to Catholicism, the Papacy, and Cameron Bertuzzi's Journey (Dr. Scott Hahn) | Ep. 337

Homily from the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. God uses what we have and gives us what we need. It is often very tempting to forget the heart of God. To forget that He notices us, delights in us, and rejoices in us. When the focus shifts from His love to our insufficiency and feelings of insignificance, He reminds us of the truth. Mass Readings from January 20, 2019: Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalms 96:1-3, 7-101 Corinthians 12:4-11 John 2:1-11

01/20/19  Insufficient and Insignificant

Dr. John-Paul Heil critiques modern marketing’s implicit anthropology, explaining that marketing driven by manipulation, simulation, and quantity undermines human dignity, authentic friendship, and the pursuit of truth, advocating for a vision of marketing grounded in transparency, service, and the intrinsic value of persons. This lecture was given on October 7th, 2025, at Washington and Lee University/Virginia Military Institute. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a>. About the Speakers: John-Paul Heil is a Core Fellow in history, philosophy, Catholic anthropology, English, and theology at Mount St. Mary's University. He received his PhD in history from the University of Chicago and is pursuing an MBA in marketing. He has received multiple awards from the U.S. and Italian Fulbright commissions. His writing has appeared in Time, Smithsonian, The Week, and Los Angeles Review of Books. He is the books editor at the University of Pennsylvania's Dappled Things. Keywords: Abusive Language, Anthropological Reductionism, Aristotle, Authentic Friendship, Cicero, Empathy In Marketing, Joseph Pieper, Regenerative Agriculture, Simulation And Dissimulation, Wendell Berry

Does Marketing Make Us Less Human? – Dr. John-Paul Heil

Opening Credits

Dedication

Introduction

Divine Origin is Necessary

Christendom A.D. 33 to A.D. 1517

Religious Revolution in Europe

The Reformation Spreads to the Americas

Defining the Term Church in the United States

The Church as the Living Bride of Christ

Intelligent Dissent

Do You Need Evidentiary Supernatural Proof?

Unity and Continuity Do Matter to God

Words of Encouragement

Epilogue

About the Authors

The End

Jesse Romero and Paul Zucarelli explore the origins and development of Christianity, emphasizing the establishment of the one true Church by Jesus Christ. They address questions about the nature of the Church, the proliferation of denominations, and the authority behind them. The book delves into early Church history, the formation of the Bible, and significant events that have shaped Christianity. 

One Lord, One Faith, One Church

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas' life, and highlights Jesus' words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today's readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 103: Judas' Secrecy (2026)

This lecture was given on Jun 12th, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies. For more information on upcoming events, visit us at <a href="https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events" target="_blank">thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events</a> About the Speaker: Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., is a priest of the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. He serves as the general editor of the <a href="https://clunymedia.com/collections/thomist-tradition-series" target="_blank">Thomist Tradition Series</a>, and he is co-author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506405959/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_EYV3PVDS19ZDJZEV4BGJ" target="_blank">Thomas and the Thomists: The Achievement of St. Thomas Aquinas and His Interpreters</a>. He has written for numerous publications on the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Thomist Tradition.

Thomas Aquinas on Peace: Part Two | Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P.

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they reflect on the meditations of Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene on the meaning of true glory.  Topics/Questions covered in the show: <ul> <li>How did the idea of honor and glory affect St. Teresa of Avila and the convent of the Incarnation?</li> <li>Why does honor and/or glory impede us in our pursuit of heaven?</li> <li>How does awareness of our sinful behavior help us stay humble?</li> <li>How can honor or glory present the opportunity for a sin against charity?</li> <li>How does our preoccupation with our rights lead us to sin?</li> </ul> Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.spiritualdirection.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spiritualdirection.com</a> - website</li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtn.com/radio/index.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EWTN Global Catholic Radio</a></li> <li><a href="http://avila-institute.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> - online</li> <li><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/Home+Page/SPECIALTY/Mother+s+Favorites/DIVINE+INTIMACY.axd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Divine Intimacy</a> by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene</li> <li><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/5" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a> - USCCB Bible link</li> <li>Questions? Send an e-mail to <a href= "mailto:Questions@myavila.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Questions@myavila.com</a> or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location, and question(s).</li> </ul>

March 9, 2018: Divine Intimacy Reflection #117 - True Glory

<ol><li>Intro: Welcome to the podcast Interior Integration for Catholics <ol><li>Interior Integration for Catholics brings to you in each episode the best psychological information essential for your human formation, knowledge that is fundamental in shoring up the natural foundation for your Catholic spiritual life.  </li><li>This podcast helps you focus inward on your interior integration -- to help you bring together the different parts of yourself into unity and harmony with God in the natural realm.</li><li>In this podcast, we confront the tough internal questions we Catholics have in our day-to-day lives, we confront head-on our struggles in the natural realm, the psychological difficulties that keep us from fully loving our Lord and our Lady in a deep, personal, intimate way and living out our vocations, including our vocation to Catholic marriage which necessarily brings in both sexuality and religion.</li><li>And we're dealing with sexuality and religion in this episode for two primary reasons: first to free you to love God our Father, Jesus our Brother, the Holy Spirit and Our Mother Mary more and more over time and </li><li>Second, to love you neighbor as yourself -- And who is your neighbor?  If you are married, your first neighbor, your closest neighbor, the neighbor toward whom you have the most responsibilities is your spouse.  Because of your marriage vows.  </li><li>I’m clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski and I am here with you, to be your host and guide.  </li><li>This podcast is part of Souls and Hearts, our online outreach at soulsandhearts.com, which is all about shoring up our natural foundation for the Catholic spiritual life, all about overcoming psychological obstacles to being loved and to loving God and neighbor</li><li>This is episode 59, released on March 15, 2021</li><li>This is the 11th episode in our series on sexuality the second in our subseries on Catholic marriages </li><li>Now we are zeroing in on sexuality within Catholic marriages and we're going diagnose some extremely common relational problems between Catholic spouses that get expressed through how they relate sexually.  </li><li>So this episode is titled Mystery, Covenant, Vocation, and Being "Submissive" in the Marriage Bed. So get ready, prepare yourself for light bulbs to switch on and shine brightly as we explore new and much clearer ways of thinking about sexual life in Catholic marriages, grounded in the perennial teachings of the Catholic Church and informed by the best of psychology. </li><li>I'm doing this subseries on sexuality within Catholic marriage because I want you to have ways out of the sexual traps that so many Catholic married couple find themselves in, the negative cycles, the problematic repeating patterns that are so frustrating, that cause so much conflict and that harm people, even Catholic spouses who want to do the right thing.   </li><li>And even if you're not trapped, your marriage is sound, love is growing -- there is going to be so much in these episodes to deepen the understanding, the awareness, the empathy, the commitment, and the love.  </li></ol></li><li>The lay of the land  <ol><li>Podcast oriented toward Catholic serious about the faith</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>But we are imperfect.   We forget who we are -- we forget that we are beloved children of God when we get blended with parts of us that are overcome with the intensity of emotions, passions </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And Marriage is a huge challenge.  Catholic Scripture Scholar Peter Williamson:  Catholic Commentary on the Sacred Scriptures Ephesians Baker Academic p. 154  "Probably no element of human life arouses more longing and hope for happiness, yet yields as much pain and disappointment as marriage."  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Conscious or unconscious assumptions:  <ol><li>Sex is dirty.  God doesn't want us to have sex.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>But sex is also necessary  <ol><li>I'm married</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Procreation: Be fruitful and multiply</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Shame.  Episode 49  <ol><li>Shame is at the center -- hard to talk about this because it is so personal and so intimate, and often so bound up with shame.  <ol><li>Sexuality not talked about, not discussed</li><li>Sexuality part and parcel of our bodies, all about our bodies</li><li>Catholics who are serious about their faith often have a propensity to start with self-judgement and self-condemnation, like at the end of a trial, without really understanding themselves well.  <ol><li>Internal self-shaming</li></ol></li><li> </li><li>And all of this makes sense, makes sense, because almost all of us Catholic adults have sinned sexually.  </li><li>So many unmet needs and coded messages being expressed through sexuality -- can seem like a minefield</li><li>Often leads to avoiding God</li><li>Model of suppression and condemnation. Out of conscious awareness, then it doesn't exist any more</li><li>Lots of bad advice out there. </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>So we try to go it alone and often that means without God</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Anthropological basis  <ol><li>All practices of psychology are grounded in an anthropology  <ol><li>Philosophy</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Theology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Epistemology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Metaphysics</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Logic</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Feminist Psychology</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>This episode -- more spiritual foundation.  I want you to understand where I am coming from.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Fundamental Need to Grip on to Romans 8:28  <ol><li>High stakes table</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Pain and disappointment  <ol><li>Wanting spouse to be God -- Unmet needs, episode 57</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>The Vision -- Considering Parts in Marriage  <ol><li>The real reasons why Catholic Sacramental Marriages Fail  <ol><li>Parts with unmet attachment needs.  Deep relational needs, often unconscious</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Attachment needs -- held by parts  <ol><li>Seen, Heard, Known, Understood</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Safety, Security</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Comforted, Soothed Reassured</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Cherished, Rejoiced in, Delighted in</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Willing the highest good</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Leads to self-absorption  <ol><li>Definition of self-absorption  -- preoccupied with oneself or one’s own affairs, sometimes to the point of excluding others or the outside world.”  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Needs for God not being met  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Makes sense that people look for these needs to be met in marriage  <ol><li>Marriage as the "last great hope"</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Puts tremendous pressure on the marriage</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Leads to utterly unrealistic expectations for the marriage -- spouse can't do anything right</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Wanting the Spouse to be God.  </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Parts taking over  <ol><li>It's parts of us that are angry, disappointed, disillusioned that want to give up on marriages and give up on God. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>It's parts of us that  </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol>

59 Mystery, Covenant, Vocation, and Being "Submissive" in the Marriage Bed

Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/hell">New Book on Hell</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Are You Going to Hell?

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke for this final episode on their marriage retreat, and how a powerful act that Jesus did for His Apostles can transform your marriage as well! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "spiritualdirection.com/events">Divine Intimacy in Marriage</a> - retreat</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

Divine Intimacy in Marriage: The Disposition that Changes Everything

Homily from the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Unimpressive does not mean unimportant. Most of life is made up of unimpressive moments and unimpressive seasons. If we are constantly waiting for the next “peak moment“ we will miss out on most of life…and also most peak moments. Mass Readings from February 2, 2020: Malachi 3:1-4 Psalms 24:7-10Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 <a href="https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/underestimated-unimpressive.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener">Download the Homily Study</a>

02/02/20 Underestimated: Unimpressive

Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they answer questions from listeners about distractions in prayer, contemplative aridity, and the importance of self-knowledge in overcoming sin. Topics/Questions Covered in the Show: <ul> <li>What should we do if we feel guilty when we get distracted while spending time in mental prayer?</li> <li>Is contemplation the same as meditation?</li> <li>How important are short prayers throughout the day?</li> <li>What if memories occupy your mind during prayer? Are those thoughts from God?</li> <li>How necessary is it to know your temperament to overcome sin?</li> <li>How can one overcome contemplative aridity?</li> <li>Are prayers of penance or reparation particularly important to contemplative prayer?</li> <li>What is the best way to start a prayer routine?</li> </ul> Resources: <ul> <li><a href="http://spiritualdirection.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Spiritualdirection.com</a> - website</li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtn.com/radio/index.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EWTN Global Catholic Radio</a></li> <li><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> - online</li> <li><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/Home+Page/BOOKS/Contemporary+Issues/INTO+THE+DEEP.axd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Into the Deep</a> by Dan Burke</li> <li><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/2018/05/17/aspirations-rising-up-like-incense-to-god" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aspirations Rising Up Like Incense to God</a> - post on SpiritualDirection.com</li> <li><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1thessalonians/5" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">1 Thessalonians 5:23</a> - USCCB Bible link</li> <li>Questions? Send an e-mail to <a href= "mailto:Questions@myavila.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Questions@myavila.com</a> or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location, and question(s).</li> </ul> What is Divine Intimacy Radio? The Divine Intimacy Radio Show is a haven of rest and wellspring of spiritual life for those people seeking intimacy with God and the enlightened path of Catholic mystical and ascetical wisdom. Every week our co-hosts Dan Burke and Melissa Elson explore topics related to the interior life and Catholic teaching, including prayer, spiritual direction, meditation, contemplation, and holiness. Divine Intimacy Radio Show and EWTN! This radio show can also be heard every Sunday on EWTN Radio, Sundays at 6:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 11:00 pm Eastern time. We are grateful to EWTN for their support!

August 10, 2018: Q&A - Distractions in Prayer, Contemplative Aridity, Self-Knowledge

Motherhood & the Mystery of the Cross In this episode I'm on the Logos Podcast, Fr. Max and Fr. Joseph sit down with me for a conversation on motherhood, spiritual warfare, and the deeper meaning of sacrifice. Drawing from my own life as a wife and mother, I reflects on the hidden suffering that often accompanies motherhood and how it reveals something profound about the Christian life. What does it mean for a mother to live the words of Christ — "This is my body, given for you"? And how can women confront the lies that distort their identity and vocation? Together they explore the beauty of the feminine genius, the spiritual battle for identity in modern culture, and the redemptive meaning of suffering in light of the Cross. This episode is a reflection on motherhood, sacrifice, and the mystery of love that gives itself away.