Episode 76 - Trust God With Your Past, Week 2 of a series on A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust, by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., available here: https://stpaulcenter.com/trust10/ Grace is in the present; there is no grace in the past or in the future. The challenge, though, is that we're all professional escape artists. We can get antsy and we don't know how to be present, which means we don't know how to receive God's grace. We've got to give up the hope of a better past—it has happened and there's nothing we can do about it. We also have to stop living in a fantasy future that doesn't exist—there's no grace there, either. Jesus is Lord of our lives; the past, the present, the future. Trust him, and allow yourself to embrace today and all the grace he is waiting to give you here. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of generous donors like you. You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Trust God With Your Past

Fr. Mike and Deacon Jacob take us back to where it all began... the book of Genesis. The two discuss marriage, the beauty and complexity found within the vocation and the war on marriage.

Marriage on Mission

Fr. John and Fr. Sean explore this week’s topic through the lens of two thought-provoking writings: A Meditation on Givenness by St. John Paul II and The Thoughtful Home by Dia Boyle. Together, they reflect on the essence of home and its profound impact on a a family as well as a priest’s life in a rectory.

A Meditation on Givenness and Home

Is sacrifice just offering up something to make someone else's life better? Theology makes it sound more complex. So, what is Sacrifice? How is the Mass a sacrifice? 📖 Fr. Pine's Book: <a href="https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F">https://bit.ly/3lEsP8F</a> 🖥️ Website: <a href="https://pintswithaquinas.com/">https://pintswithaquinas.com/</a> 🟢 Rumble: <a href="https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas">https://rumble.com/c/pintswithaquinas</a> 👕 Merch: <a href="https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com">https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com</a> 🚫 FREE 21 Day Detox From Porn Course: <a href="https://www.strive21.com/">https://www.strive21.com/</a> 🔵 Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd">https://www.facebook.com/mattfradd</a> 📸 Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd">https://www.instagram.com/mattfradd</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

Why Sacrifice is SO Important | Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Jeff gives thanks to God for the seven people who changed his life for the better. 

Who has influenced your life? Jeff encourages you to make a list of those who have influenced your life, and thank God for them this year. 

Get Jeff’s Shownotes by texting “jeffcavins” to 33-777 or email Jeff at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow noopener">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Thanksgiving for 7 People Who Have Changed My Life!

This lecture was given on June 13, 2023, at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., as part of the 2023 Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship: "Friendship, Happiness, and the Search for God: Aristotle, Augustine, &amp; Aquinas."

For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events

Speaker Bio:

Russell Hittinger is a leading scholar of Catholic political and social thought. From 1996-2019, Dr. Hittinger was the incumbent of the William K. Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, where he was also a Research Professor in the School of Law. He has taught at the University of Chicago, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Fordham University, Princeton University, New York University, Providence College, and Charles University in Prague. In January 2020, Dr. Hittinger gave the Aquinas Lecture at Blackfriars, Oxford. Since 2001, he has been a member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, to which he was elected a full member (ordinarius) in 2004 and appointed to the consilium or governing board from 2006-2018. On 8 September 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Dr. Hittinger as an ordinarius in the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, in which he finished his ten-year term in 2019.

He is currently a Fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at The Catholic University of America, where he also serves as the inaugural co-Director of the Program in Catholic Political Thought.

The Prodigal's Return: Augustine's Confessions, Books IV & IV | Professor Russell Hittinger

Is truth something that we each get to decide for ourselves? In this rerun episode, Jeff Cavins explains the difference between valuing the individual and the radical individualism that is still prevalent in our world today.

Snippet from the Show 
The individual matters and has inestimable value.

<ul>
<li>Email us with comments or questions at <a href="mailto:thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com" rel="nofollow noopener">thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com</a>. </li>
<li>Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff’s shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit <a href="https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show" rel="nofollow noopener">https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&amp;page=2&amp;category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&amp;category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show</a> for full shownotes!</li>
</ul><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast)</a>

Jesus and Radical Individualism (Rerun)

Fr. Mike shares more details surrounding the Old Testament laws, including why God would give us these laws in the first place. Today's readings are Numbers 23, Deuteronomy 24-25, and Psalm 106.

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 71: The Source of the Law (2024)

Today in the Abiding Together Podcast, Sr. Miriam, Heather, and Michelle progress with the book study on the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (chapters 9-12). They continue to relate the story concepts with our spiritual life by discussing themes like the false narrative of the enemy, the dynamic of stoney hearts that God wants to restore and turn to flesh, true living of the paschal mystery, and the power of God's resurrection power in our lives. We hope you enjoy this episode! Visit <a href= "http://www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether" rel= "nofollow">www.ascensionpress.com/abidingtogether</a> to subscribe to the shownotes and receive them in your email every Monday! One Thing We Love This Week: Sr. Miriam's One Thing - <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Within-Teresa-Gospel-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0031B09YC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548699022&sr=8-2&keywords=the+fire+within" rel="nofollow">Fire Within</a>- Fr. Thomas Dubay Michelle's One Thing - The movie "<a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI01wBXGHUs" rel= "nofollow">Gifted</a>" Heather's One Thing - The Abiding Together small groups! We love you! Discussion Questions: 1) What is one of the false narratives that the enemy has been telling in your life? 2) What do you think the Father wants to say about that? 3) What area of your heart do you feel has been turned to stone or has been hardened? Why? 4) "Hurting people, hurt people". Discuss this concept and how we can offer a response of healing. 5) Where have you settled for the dry bread from the enemy instead of the banquet that God is offering to you? Journal Questions: 1) Instead of being child like, we can be childish with God. What is the difference between those two dynamics that you can see in your own life? 2) The enemy makes empty promises. What is one that you can see he has made to you in your life? 3) What is one promise of God and His faithfulness that you have seen at work in your life? 4) "Battle looks like surrender". What is one battle that you need to move into a disposition of surrender to God? Quote to Ponder: "Aslan is on the move" - C.S. Lewis - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe *Scripture for Lectio Divina - Ezekiel 36:26 * "A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

S05 Episode 05: Book Study Part 3 - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe - Chapters 9-12

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine both our respect for the integrity of creation as well as the Church’s broader social doctrine. Fr. Mike emphasizes that we owe animals kindness because they have been entrusted to our stewardship, but also that we must have a balanced relationship with them. He then goes on to examine the Church’s Social Doctrine in our postmodern world, focusing on capitalism, socialism, and communism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2415-2425.

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 315: The Church’s Social Doctrine

In this free-for-all Friday, Trent reflects on recent news stories that show how people misunderstand the danger of drowning.

#933 FFAF: Drowning in Plain Sight - Trent Horn

Jesus Christ established the Church, but the Holy Spirit continually sanctifies the Church with wisdom, guidance, and charismatic gifts. The Church’s mission is to proclaim and establish the beginning of God’s Kingdom on earth, and we participate in this mission through charity, humility, and self-denial. Fr. Mike helps us understand the seemingly paradoxical idea that the Church is visible and spiritual, both human and Divine. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 767-771.

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 108: Revealed by the Holy Spirit (2025)

Fr. Mike explains how the signs and wonders Jesus demonstrates in the Gospel point to the truth of his identity. He also touches on Proverbs 5, especially the last verse touching on discipline. Today's readings are John 7-9 and Proverbs 5:15-23.

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 101: Signs and Wonders (2026)

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they continue talking about beauty and entrustment, and how they bring us closer to God and to each other! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <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>

How Beauty Drives Us to God and One Another

In this episode of Pints with Aquinas, Fr. Gregory Pine and I discuss the "3 Omnis": God's omnipresence, His omniscience and His omnipotence. What do they mean, and what are the common objections to them? In this episode, watch as we: <ul> <li>DESTROY Richard Dawkins' argument against God's omniscience and omnipotence</li> <li>Discuss the concept of "Molinism"</li> <li>Talk about Ricky Gervais' comment that "God is in my butthole" (sorry, his words, not mine)</li> <li>Plus, we answer a lot of common questions about the "omnis," like, "If God knows everything, then He knows if I'm going to Hell or not. What can I do about that?"</li> </ul> Buckle up, and get ready for an INTENSE theological episode! 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/pints_w_aquinas/">https://www.instagram.com/pints_w_aquinas/</a> MY BOOKS Does God Exist: <a href="https://amzn.to/2MaKf7V">https://amzn.to/2MaKf7V</a> Marian Consecration With Aquinas: <a href="https://amzn.to/2Xf94pC">https://amzn.to/2Xf94pC</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> -- Website - mattfradd.com Facebook - facebook.com/mattfradd/ Twitter - twitter.com/mattfradd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

What is God like? (Fr. Gregory Pine) | Ep. 206

If you’re wondering about the difference between jealousy and envy, Fr. Mike clears up the confusion in this video. Simply put, jealousy is not wanting to share something or someone you possess or hope to possess, and envy is resentment toward the possessions of someone else. There can be some intersecting of the two, because it is possible to have an excessive or distorted kind of jealousy that’s actually based in envy, but jealousy can be good while envy is always sinful. 

This is an important distinction because on the one hand we have God who is jealous about us. Likewise, a husband and wife should be jealous about each other. 

On the other hand, St. Augustine described envy as the diabolical sin, basing his reasoning on Scripture: “through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it” (Wisdom 2:24).

Worthy of note is the fact that good translations of the Bible translate 1 Corinthians 13:4 to say “love does not envy.” 

Rather than allowing the blessings of others to sadden us, let us rejoice in them and our own.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

The Difference Between Jealousy and Envy

Put simply, “[e]very person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” The Catechism explains to us the purpose of Baptism for both adults and infants. Fr. Mike doubles down and makes sure we understand that Baptism is for everyone. God wills Baptism for all people. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252.

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 170: Who Can Be Baptized? (2025)

This week Fr. Sean and Fr. John hash through the difficult challenges that face parents in selecting a high school. Distilling down the four basic motives, they hope to offer a deeper engagement of the question, one that offers salient and helpful suggestions for the cultivation of faith and the impartation of a worldview.

The School I Seek

<ol><li>Intro: Welcome to the podcast Coronavirus Crisis: Carpe Diem!, where by God’s grace, you and I rise up and embrace the possibilities and opportunities for spiritual and psychological growth right now, in these days, all grounded in a Catholic worldview.   We are going beyond mere resilience, to rising up to the challenges in our lives and becoming even healthier in the natural and the spiritual realms.  I’m clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski and I am here with you, to be your host and guide.  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 -- it short, this podcast is all about relationships -- it's all about becoming much more relational in our lives and in our faith.  <ol><li>This is episode 45, released on December 7, 2020</li><li>Thank you for being here with me.  </li><li>and it is the ninth episode in our series on shame.  </li><li>and it is titled: How Shame Leads Us to Idolatry</li><li>We are now Diving into the spiritual dimension of shame.</li><li>This podcast is all about transformation -- fundamental transformation of all of us -- all parts of us.  Even the parts we keep secret, hidden.  <ol><li>This podcast is all about removing psychological obstacles to following the two great commandments</li><li>Not entertainment.  Not about having a good time, just enjoying a entertaining podcast, funny and distracting.</li><li>No this podcast is about developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship with God our spiritual Father, and a personal relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual Mother</li><li>Any psychological obstacles you have to relating with others, you will have in relating to God.  <ol><li>You will bring those relational inhibitions, those relational problems into your spiritual life because they are formed into you and they have not been healed through experiencing throughout your whole being who God really is.   </li><li>Spiritual realm is not some special place where the relational limitations you have are just dispensed, you're no longer trouble with them.  No, you are still you in the spiritual realm.  </li></ol></li><li>Any psychological issues you have with your earthly father and mother you will bring into your relationship with God as Father and Mary as Mother.  <ol><li>Child psychologist -- transferences</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li><li>Two major assumptions in the natural realm for why we don't have a personal relationship with a loving God.  <ol><li>Assumption 1.  We do not believe that we are worthy to be in relationship with God -- driven by shame</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Assumption 2.  We do not believe that God is worthy to be in relationship with us -- driven by negative God images -- see episodes 23-29  <ol><li>Idolatry.  We are not worshiping God as He is. </li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And here is the more tragic part:  We stay with those assumptions, even though they are so manifestly problematic and harmful.  We don't seek, we assume that assumptions one and two are true.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Her is the great offer I am making to you.  I am inviting you on an adventure, an adventure to discover who you really are, an adventure to discover who God really is, and adventure in learning to relate and to connect with our God, our God who is personal, who is relational, who is loving, who is Love Himself.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>If you really knew who God was and you really knew who you are, and you really knew how God truly saw you -- you would always run to His loving arms.  You really would.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>But you don't know these realities at a deep, integrated level.  We know them to some degree in our heads, in a theological way, in an abstract way, we can quote the Catechism.  But not in our hearts, our souls, and our bones.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>In fact, at a gut level, at an intuitive level  the vast majority of us have varying degrees of certainty or confidence in very warped assumptions about ourselves and assumptions about God.  These assumptions are wildly different from what God reveals to us about who he is and who we are through Scripture, through Tradition, and through the perennial teachings of our Catholic Church.  In our hearts, in our bodies, in the depths of our souls, in our unconscious, We believe in lies.  This is so common.  And it's deadly and so much of it is driven by shame.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Review of Shame  <ol><li>Definition of Shame  <ol><li>Explored this in a lot of detail in Episode 37, the first in our series on shame.  Shame is: <ol><li>The primary problem we have in the natural realm -- foundational problem.  Grace perfects nature, if our natural foundation is infused with shame, it makes the foundation for our spiritual life shaky, unreliable, uncertain.  </li><li>That gives birth to so many secondary problems -- we tend to focus on the secondary problems, the problems that are further downstream -- so we are not getting to the root.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Shame is:  a primary emotion, a bodily reaction, a signal,  a judgement, and an action. (Click to episode 38 for a summary)</li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Qualities of shame  <ol><li>Shame is hidden.  Hidden from others, hidden from God, often hidden from the therapist, hidden from self.  </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>  Shame inhibits positive emotions</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Strategies for coping with shame</li></ol></li><li> </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Chronic shame needs to be attenuated, reduced, titrated, ordered, regulated. <ol><li>Chronic shame develops when a little boy or little girl has a sense of being rejected, unwanted, a burden.  </li><li>When the child changes behaviors, does what he can to be better in the eyes of the adult and still is rejected, he can conclude that he just is a bad kid.  </li><li>The difficulty is in the response of the others -- the caregivers.  </li><li>But the child bears the burden of shame caused by the shaming of the caregivers.  </li><li>Child sees parts of himself that are unacknowledged and unacceptable</li><li>Ostracized or invaded.  </li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>And we assume that God responds to us like our shaming caregivers -- soulset.  We generalize from our experiences of shame and assume that God is like those caregivers.  This is called a transference.  <ol><li>Transference is a phenomenon within psychotherapy in which the feelings a person has about their parents, as one example, are unconsciously redirected or transferred onto the therapist. It usually concerns feelings from a primary relationship during childhood.</li></ol></li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Ubiquity of Shame.  </li></ol></li><li> </li><li>Shame as the silent killer -- Episode 37  <ol><li>Shame can lead to spiritual death. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Shame is the Silent Killer who Stalks you from inside  (episode 37) and despair is the murder weapon. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Spiritual view on this  <ol><li>Primary struggle is against powers and principalities. </li></ol></li><li> <ol><li>Satan's goals -- personal relationship with you. <ol><li>Satan is real, folks.  Big effort in certain very mainstream Christian c...</li></ol></li></ol></li></ol></li></ol>

45 How Shame Leads Us to Idolatry

Inspired by Fr. Sean’s recent ministry in retirement homes, he and Fr. John reflect on the challenges and heartache that come with retirement and the deep value of staying connected to loved ones.

Retirement and Capitalism

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

Episode 289 - An Unfading Mercy Do you ever feel stuck confessing the same sins over and over again? Continuing their reflection on the Prodigal Son, the friars explore a powerful truth: God's mercy isn't a one-time moment, it's something we encounter again and again. Like a path worn into the ground, the Father continually goes out to meet His children, never tiring, never holding back. In this episode, they reflect on what it means that God's mercy is "new every morning", and how His love doesn't diminish, no matter how many times we return. For those who struggle with discouragement, shame, or the feeling of "starting over," this is a reminder that the Father's embrace is always full, always real, and always waiting. Join us as we rediscover a mercy that never fades and a Father who never stops coming to meet us. 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 <a href= "https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco">https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco</a>. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi: <a href= "https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi"> https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi</a> Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints <a href= "https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home"> https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home</a> <a href= "https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page">https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page</a> 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at <a href= "https://www.pocomerch.com/">https://www.pocomerch.com/</a>

An Unfading Mercy (Lent 2026)

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A Meditation for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas

Are angels real? Why did God make them? What do guardian angels do? Do I have one? Does it have a name? Can I name it?

...All these questions and more answered today by Fr. Mike Schmitz.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

How Guardian Angels Actually Work

Resources: <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/false-mercy">False Mercy</a> - Christopher Malloy</li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li><a href="http://onelink.to/92tyk4">The Contemplative Rosary App</a> (phones and tablets only)</li> <li><a href="http://SpiritualDirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> <li><a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com">Sophia Institute Press</a> - online</li> </ul>

False Mercy

Fr. Mike knows the tricks we can play on ourselves when it comes to picking something for Lent. So he gives a straightforward guideline: Don’t pick something that’s arbitrary. Pick something that is necessary. 

In other words, don’t say you’re giving up watermelon when you know you will hardly eat watermelon anyway; and don’t give up hot showers if you know cold showers actually won’t help you grow in holiness. We can easily fool ourselves into thinking strictness equates to holiness. Likewise, we can fall into the trap of thinking that the easiest thing will be the most helpful. 

What do I really need to do or give up for Lent? If I take an honest look inside myself, it may be something difficult, but I will know.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

Picking a Thing for Lent

In this episode, we review several definitions of gaslighting, discuss the tactics of gaslighting, explore the inner experience of both gaslighters and gaslightees, describe gaslighting in the workplace and with children, and list the four relationship dynamics of gaslighting.  Then we describe how gaslighting and being gaslighted connects to deep, unmet attachment and integrity needs.  We also address the special aspects of spiritual gaslighting with examples.  Finally, we cover how to assess whether you are being gaslighted, describe recovery from gaslighting and address gaslighting from an Internal Family Systems perspective.

122 Narcissism and Gaslighting: What Catholics Should Know

As we step into Part Three of the Catechism on How We Live, we begin with an overview of our high calling as sons and daughters of God. Truly our “first and last point of reference” will always be “Jesus Christ himself, who is ‘the way, and the Truth, and the life.’” Fr. Mike identifies for us that when most people say, “I can’t accept what the Church teaches”, it’s rarely about dogma, like the Trinity or the divinity of Christ. More often than not, it’s about Christian morality, and that’s the journey we’re embarking on. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1691-1698.

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.