All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Sometimes we approach the Gospel readings as a sitcom rather than a series. Today, Dr. Sri dives into the Gospel of Matthew to show us how the stories in the Gospel are not isolated events. Dr. Sri teaches us about four key moments in the Gospel of Matthew and explains the historical context behind these stories to grasp the larger story revealed in the life of Jesus. Snippet from the Show The stories we hear in the Gospel are not isolated events. If we truly understand the larger context of these stories, we will marvel at the grand love story God reveals in the life of Jesus. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

This week, the Catholic Church celebrates the great feast of St. Augustine. Many of us are familiar with his first conversion story but we often forget his second conversion story. Today, Dr. Sri shares St.Augustine’s ongoing conversion and how we can learn from this saint’s complete reliance on God in his weakest moments. Snippet from the Show “It is not as though I do not suffer wounds , oh Lord, but I feel rather that you heal them over and over again”- St. Augustine _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Our hunger for God cannot be forgotten, even during COVID we can find ways to encounter him. Today, Dr.Sri uses St.John Paul II’s leadership and perseverance in Communist Poland to inspire us to seek the Sacraments and cling to Christ in a safe but faithful way during COVID. Snippet from the Show Our hunger for God cannot be forgotten, may we continue to seek him with all of our hearts no matter how difficult our external circumstances are. For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi, a heroic saint who was known for her courage, perseverance, and indomitability in times of trial. In this episode, Dr. Sri shares riveting stories about St. Clare and offers us valuable lessons we can learn from her life. This episode was originally recorded back in 2018 right outside the church of St. Clare in Assisi while Dr. Sri was on pilgrimage. Snippet from the Show _ _ What made St. Clare so heroic was her indominability in moments of trial. When her faith was tested, she turned to Jesus, clung to the altar, dropped to her knees, and ran to the Eucharist. For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Jesus’ Transfiguration is not just a magnificent scene in his life, it’s a sign of what Jesus wants to do in all of us, he wants us to share in his glory. Today, Dr. Sri shows us the parallels between Moses at Mt. Sinai and Jesus at Mt. Tabor during the Transfiguration. Most importantly, he reminds us how Jesus wants to change us so we can also radiate God’s glory. Snippet from the Show “Jesus wants to meet us in the valley so he can take us up the mountain of Transfiguration, and make us so radiant that we begin to reflect the Glory of God.” _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Do you ever have moments or seasons in life when you don’t feel close to God? Although dryness in prayer can be frustrating and defeating, it is a natural part of our relationship with God. Today, Dr. Sri offers us advice to navigate those times when God feels far away, and encourages us to remain faithful no matter how we may feel in prayer. Snippet from the Show “One act of trust at such moments, gives greater glory to God than hours passed if prayer is filled with consolations.”- St. Faustina _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

There is a battle for our minds and modern media often presents images and narratives about life and happiness that are contrary to the Gospel. Today, Dr.Sri explains why the media we consume matters and challenges us to examine whether the media we use is leading us closer to God. Snippet from the Show “God made us in such a way that what we put in our minds matters.” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Have you ever wondered where Christ fits in the story of salvation? The letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament beautifully shows us how Christ is the fulfillment of the old covenant and the pinnacle of this story. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Swafford gives us an insight into his new study on the letter to the Hebrews, which unveils the heavenly grandeur of the new covenant. In Christ, we can now experience heaven on earth! Snippet from the Show “What you get out of Hebrews is that the new covenant is not a text, it’s a living liturgical reality” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Parables in the Gospels represent a key turning point in Jesus' public ministry. By unfolding the details of parables, we can better understand their purpose and context in Jesus’ teaching. In preparation of this upcoming Sunday’s Gospel, on the parable of the sower, Dr. Sri unlocks the secret of parables to help us integrate them into our lives. Snippet from the Show “The more we understand the historical context of these parables, the more we can make a direct application that really challenges us today.” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Falling in love is easy, but persevering in marriage can be challenging. In this episode, Dr. Sri explains the difference between eros and agape love, and reminds us that marriage must go beyond our own personal feelings and emotions. He offers couples four ways to move from eros to agape love in order love like Christ in marriage. Snippet from the Show “If you want to grow in agape love in your marriage, you’ve got to turn to the source of agape love itself, Jesus Christ.” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Distracted during Mass? Focusing on the liturgy of the word during Mass can be difficult, especially when you have pressing issues on your mind. To help focus on God’s voice in the scriptures, Dr. Sri shares three practical ways we can prepare our hearts for the liturgy of the word. Snippet from the Show “Every time you go to Mass, there’s a personal word that God has for you. Are you welcoming it into your life?” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

This week’s episode is from a LIVE Facebook event that was done on Corpus Christi last week. Dr. Sri covers the beauty of the Eucharist, and answers questions from listeners. Snippet from the Show “The greatest place to offer your life as a gift from God, to worship him, is in the Mass, because you’re united with Jesus who made the perfect gift of self.” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

In this week’s episode, Dr. Sri is joined by his wife, Beth Sri, as they talk about the Holy Trinity and its relationship with marriage and family life. They talk about things like how love plays its part in the Trinity, fighting perfectionism in marriage, and practical ways to build unity in your marriage and family. Snippet From the Show “The real goal in marriage is embracing the truth of our imperfections.” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic and so many other life-altering events taking place in our world, Dr. Sri poses a question that is very important for Catholics to consider: Should physical health be our first priority? Drawing from the Saints and from Church doctrine, this episode reminds us that while physical death is inevitable for all of us, what comes after death is determined by how we prioritize here on earth. Snippet from the Show “The true foundation of our lives is God. ” For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic Text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

As we approach the feast of Pentecost, Dr. Sri explains the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: what they are, where they come from, and how they are important to our faith. _Snippet from the Show “We’re talking about the simple things: what God wants to do in every ordinary Christian is to guide them, prompt them, and for them to live according to his plan.”_ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

This week, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord! In honor of this solemnity, Dr. Sri spends time reflecting on the days surrounding the Ascension, and what they could mean for our faith. Dr. Sri will be speaking on “Men, Women & the Mystery of Love” at the Free virtual LoveLife Conference. Text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

Even in Catholic circles, it’s not uncommon to hear, “Emotions are neither right nor wrong.” But would St. Thomas Aquinas fully agree? In this week's episode, Dr. Sri encourages us to seek emotional healing from God and gives us a tool from St. Thomas Aquinas to help us evaluate whether our desires and emotional reactions are firmly rooted in Christian virtue. For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

It’s officially May, and you know what that means: It’s Mary’s month! In today’s special episode, recorded on location at the Wedding Church in Cana, Dr. Sri explains the unprecedented moment during the wedding feast wherein Jesus calls his mother, “Woman." Dr. Sri then points out the often overlooked choice that Mary faced in response to Jesus’ strange words. For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.

You may have heard of St. John of the Cross’ “Dark Night of the Soul,” but do you know how to endure it? Using the writings of St. John of the Cross, Dr. Edward Sri explains how to turn to God when you don’t feel his presence.

Without the Resurrection, the story of Salvation is only half complete! In today’s episode, Dr. Sri explains how the Resurrection confirms Christ’s divinity and enables us to join God in heaven as his children. Dr. Sri also reflects on how the Resurrection fulfills the Old Testament, pointing out how Jonah and the Whale foreshadows Christ’s resurrection and our call to spread the Gospel to all we meet. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com/AllThingsCatholic or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

In today’s episode, we focus on Luke 24: 36-43 and discover that Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in the Upper Room was about more than simply convincing them that he had risen from the dead. Jesus did then what he wants to do with us now: he broke through the walls of their hearts, calling them to face their weakness and meeting that weakness with his peace. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com/allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

Every single detail in the Good Friday story shows us God’s love and the fulfillment of his amazing plan for salvation. In today’s episode we look at seven symbolic details of the Crucifixion—the climax of Salvation history. Through these details, we gain immense insight into who Christ is, how he fulfills the Old Testament, and the nature of his relationship to the Church. For full episode shownotes visit AscensionPress.com/allthingscatholic or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

As Holy Week draws near, let’s turn our focus away from the events of our world and instead focus on Jesus. The best way to do this is to dive into the Scriptures and meditate on certain moments leading up to and through Jesus’ Passion. Dr. Sri suggests four scripture passages for reflection, walking through Jesus’ Agony in the Garden to demonstrate a method of meditation that will enable you to grow closer to Jesus this Holy Week. For full shownotes, visit [AscensionPress.com](media.ascensionpress.com) or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

Turning to Scripture can help dispel our worries and fears. Dr. Sri sits down with Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, author of Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life, to talk about the ways that God shows up in Scripture during the sufferings of his people, and what we can learn from these examples in this period of uncertainty. See the full shownotes at ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic or subscribe by texting “allthingscatholic” to 33-777

Jesus wants to meet us in our uncertainty, our fears, and our disappointments. He wants to do something in our souls. In all of this, he’s inviting us to rely more on him and not on ourselves. On today’s special edition podcast, my wife Beth joins me to address unique challenges Catholics are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We respond to listener questions about financial fears, the dangers of working outside the home when one has vulnerable family members, discernment without time before the Blessed Sacrament, and diocesan recommendations to receive Communion on the hand. We then give you tips to help you respond with openness to the graces the Lord wants to bring to you during this time. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

Today’s special episode reflects on the escalating climate around COVID-19 and provides three concrete actions to take when faced with Sunday Mass cancellations in your area. What should you do on Sunday if your diocese has been affected by the novel coronavirus or your health requires you to self-isolate? Tune in for a step-by-step guide to keeping the Sabbath holy and trusting in the Lord during these times of great uncertainty. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

We celebrate the Transfiguration as we inch closer to Christ’s Passion, but it’s easy to forget that the two events are closely related. During the Transfiguration, God tells Peter, James, and John, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” What does God mean when he says “listen to him”? Dr. Sri explains the hidden message embedded in this command. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

Society preaches three seemingly innocent phrases: “Be true to yourself;” “You be you;” and “You do you.” They all communicate the same philosophy: everyone should unapologetically do what he or she wants, because that’s the path to freedom. Dr. Sri argues how much more freeing and incredible it is to follow the call of the Christian Gospel, which shows us how we are most true to ourselves when we die to ourselves and “put on Christ.” Snippet from the Show The world tells us “you be you,” but Jesus didn’t die so that I could just be “me”... he died so that I could become like him. For full episode resources, text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777

A device of torture, shame, and suffering, the image of the cross struck fear into the hearts of first century Jews. Against this backdrop, Jesus tells his disciples, “Pick up your cross and follow me.” And he doesn’t just say to pick it up once; he says we must do this daily if we want to be his disciples. To pick up our cross, we must accept and embrace the sufferings that God has allowed in our lives, knowing that they can sanctify us. It's not easy, but the paradox is that we will find joy by picking up our cross and following the savior who took up his own cross for our sake. For full episode shownotes, text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777.

What are the three essential practices that all Catholics are called to embrace during the Lenten Season? What does the desert have to do with these practices? This Lenten season, let's commit wholeheartedly to the three disciplines of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. By doing so, we go into the desert of our hearts to encounter our Lord and hear his spirit prompting, challenging, and encouraging us.

Peace in the present moment doesn’t come easily. It’s part of human nature to fixate on disappointments of the past, and if we’re honest, the self-talk can be brutal: “How could I ever have said that?” “Why did I make that horrible mistake?” “Will everyone remember me for this?” Worries about the future can be overwhelming, too: “Will everything turn out OK with this relationship?” “What if I make the wrong choice?” “What if we don’t have enough?” Today’s episode focuses on how to gain peace by inviting Christ’s presence into all these moments of anxiety. By totally surrendering and entrusting your past, present, and future to the Lord, you can rest in his love, here in the present moment.

On Candlemas, Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus and bless the candles that will be used in the Church's liturgical life throughout the following year. Reflecting on the prophesy of Simeon that we read in Scripture on this great feast, Dr. Sri explains how Jesus’ Presentation marks a climactic moment in all of Salvation History. Today’s episode draws amazing connections between God’s “glory” in the Old Testament, Jesus’ incarnation in the New Testament, and Christ’s continued real presence in the Holy Eucharist.

Pontius Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but he didn’t have the courage to stand up for truth. So, he allowed Jesus to be crucified. While literal crucifixions don’t happen today (at least not in our society), that’s figuratively what happens when we don’t stand up for truth—people suffer. Standing up for truth is often incredibly uncomfortable, especially when we’re facing today’s hot-button issues. But Jesus tells us that the truth will set us free. Only by trusting in that promise will we find the courage and the fortitude to do what’s right—and say what’s true—in the face of criticism.

St. Mother Teresa's chapel was bare, austere, and simple, yet two simple words were written on the wall where a large crucifix hung: “I thirst.” What do you think these two words meant to Mother Teresa? Is this phrase simply a statement of God’s collective love for mankind, or did Mother Teresa understand it to mean more than that? Today’s episode begins by reflecting on this simple, yet amazingly profound phrase that reminds us of how much Jesus longs for love from each one of us. It ends with the reminder that the way to quench our Lord's thirst is by making time to encounter him in prayer. Snippet from the Show Jesus thirsts for you. He thirsts for your soul, your love, your time, your attention, your surrender. The infinite God begs for your whole-hearted love—how often do you make time to quench his thirst? Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity If you’ve ever had the chance to visit a chapel of the Missionaries of Charity, you’ll notice that they are marked by three characteristics: simplicity, devotion, and austerity. However, in every chapel the sisters have a large crucifix, with the words “I thirst” painted next to it. These words are among the last words said by Jesus before dying on the cross, and they acted as a constant reminder to St. Mother Teresa about the Lord’s love for each one of us. The Theme of “Thirst” The word “thirst” can be found several times throughout the Bible and within the writings of the saints, but Mother Teresa had a special way of understanding this phrase. Often times, when people think of thirst, they think of people’s thirst for God, such as in Psalm 42: “As a heart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” And in the writings of St. Augustine when he says: “...our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” However, another way we can look at thirst is through God’s love for each of us, and further, his thirst for souls. St. Mother Teresa takes this even further, explaining that it’s not just God’s thirst of souls in general, but a thirst for her soul, for my soul, and for your soul. She makes this thirst incredibly personal, saying: “At that most difficult time on the cross, Jesus proclaimed “I thirst.” People thought he was thirsty in an ordinary way and gave him vinegar, but it was not for that thirst, it was for our love, for our affection, that intimate attachment to him. He said “I thirst” instead of “give me your love.” “I thirst.” Let us hear him saying it to me, and saying it to you.” Putting This Into Practice Mother Teresa would often encourage her sisters to picture themselves as the subject of the Lord’s thirst, and we can do the same. Take some time to sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and prayerfully imagine Christ calling out your name and saying, “I thirst.” For example, I’d pray, “Edward, I thirst.”  Mother Teresa gives further advice on this prayer, saying: “Just put yourself in front of the tabernacle, don’t let anything disturb you, hear your own name, and “I thirst.” I thirst for purity, I thirst for poverty, I thirst for obedience, I thirst for that whole-hearted love, I thirst for that total surrender. Are we living a contemplative life? Jesus I thirst for that total surrender.” What should be our response? How should we respond to this overwhelming thirst Jesus has for each one of us? Mother Teresa was in awe of this thirst—that the Lord, who’s so great a being, wanted her, little tiny her.  “[How bewildering] that God, who is so big, needs something from me. That he wants my love, he thirsts for my love, he begs for my love. I cannot understand it, I cannot understand it, I cannot understand it." Have you ever been overwhelmed by God’s love? The saints realized how profound God’s love was and how he craves our love and attention. The Woman at the Well If you look at this story under the original Jewish context, Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman becomes much more powerful. Back then, Samaritans were seen as great sinners for their separation from Israel, intermarriage with pagans, and idolatry of pagan gods. Because of this, Jews did not have any relations or contact with the Samaritans. So Jesus spending time with a Samaritan, let alone a Samaritan woman who’s had several impure relationships, was wildly shocking.  Despite her past, however, Jesus seeks to give her a future with him. In John 4 we read that Jesus, for some reason, has a strong urge to go to Samaria, and no doubt to meet this woman. In fact, in John 4:4, Scripture tell us Jesus had to take this route to get to his destination of Galilee, saying: “He had to pass through Samar′ia.”John 4:4 Yet, it’s easy to see on a map that there are other routes Jesus could have taken to get to Galilee. In fact, going through Samaria would have been one of the tougher and more rugged paths to take, as he would have had to go through mountains and rocky terrain, not to mention through a city as hos

We know that spending time in Eucharistic Adoration is an incredible thing, but it’s so easy to get distracted! And when it comes to the practicals, should you sit, stand or kneel? Should you read a spiritual book or write in your journal? What kinds of things should you pray about? How can you listen better and actually hear God’s voice? Father Josh Johnson joins me live at the SLS20 FOCUS conference in Phoenix to share helpful advice on how exactly to spend your time in Eucharistic Adoration. In this conversation, Father Josh shares insights from his own Adoration experiences, the writings of the Saints, Church tradition, and Holy Scriptures that will help you focus on the face of our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. _ ** Snippet from the Show If you wouldn’t look at your cell phone in the middle of your wedding ceremony, why would you look at your cell phone in the middle of your prayer time? _ ** SHOWNOTES What Should You Do in Adoration? What we know: Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity In Adoration, we can encounter God in the Eucharist, in what’s normally called a “holy hour” But the question is, what should we do in a holy hour? Father Josh’s First Holy Hour Fr. Josh first encountered Christ in Adoration at a Steubenville Youth Conference, and the experience was so powerful for him that he vowed to go to Adoration every single day after that. However, when he went to Adoration away from the conference, without the lights and music and incense that Steubenville had, Father found himself not knowing what to do. Father realized that a lot of people are faced with this question in Adoration, which drove him to write his book, Pocket Guide to Adoration. Tips from Father on what we should and shouldn't do in Adoration: We should… Pray vocal prayers: if you’re alone, take the opportunity to pray out loud Bring our Bible: Fulton Sheen says that the Eucharist is the face of Christ, and scripture is the voice of Christ Bring our thoughts and desires to the Lord, and listen to what he says: tell the Lord what’s on your heart and mind, but then stop and listen to what he has to say Meditate on the Gospels: if you’re reading the Bible in Adoration, Fr. Josh recommends starting with the life of Jesus told in the Gospels Have a resolution upon leaving Adoration: this is recommended by the saints and will help build upon the graces you received in Adoration Be open to the Holy Spirit: it’s good to have a plan going into Adoration, but we have to make sure we’re allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us in our prayer We shouldn’t... Adore ourselves: know who you’re talking to, and what you’re talking about Ignore the way we live outside of prayer: the way we live outside of prayer affects the way we live in prayer Have our cell phones nearby: if you have to have it for prayers, put it on airplane mode to avoid distractions Turn Adoration into study hall: it’s okay to read in the presence of the Holy Sacrament, but we shouldn’t call it Adoration because we’re not adoring the Lord Why go to Adoration? Fr. Josh explains why Adoration is so important through the context of the mass. Not only does it intensify our relationship with God, but it causes us to long for him more. When we go to Adoration and see the Lord in the Eucharist, we are drawn to him more, so much so that we want to experience his love in a more intimate way, such as in mass. Adoration calls us to live a life of worshiping God in everything we do. “Adoration leads to imitation.” The more we hang out with Christ in Adoration, the more we become like him. You’ve heard it said that you become a combination of the three people you hang with most, and the same is true with spending time with God. If we want to imitate Christ in his thoughts, words, and actions, we have to spend time with him. ** Additional tips from Fr. Josh: If you struggle with...** Getting distracted in Adoration Sit near the front of the chapel: This will prevent you from being distracted by others Focusing too much on the discomfort of kneeling Sit down or lay prostrate: It’s better to focus fully on the Lord than to do what you think is “correct” or “normal” Staying focused for a full hour Start with 15 minutes: begin with either Lectio Divinia or a rosary, and stay longer as you build endurance Resources Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson He and I by Gabrielle Bossis Check out Fr. Josh’s podcast, “Ask Father Josh” Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Johnson Subscribe to our show by texting “allthingscatholic” to 33-777

In this special live interview with Father Mike Schmitz, Father identifies the major barrier to decision-making that he sees plague so many Catholics: the fear of making the wrong choice and disappointing God. This fear might keep someone from making a major vocational step of discernment, (e.g. entering the seminary or proposing), or it could keep someone from making other types of life decisions, (e.g. starting a Bible study or sending your kids to a new school). Father and I talk about this paralyzing tendency and share observations, insights, and practical steps to help you peacefully move forward in following God’s will for your life. Today’s episode was recorded last week live at the FOCUS SLS Student Leadership Conference in Phoenix Arizona. Thank you for all your prayers during this incredible, life-giving week spent with so many amazing young people on fire for the Lord! Snippet from the Show Our emotions don’t necessarily reveal the truth about reality, but they do reveal the conditions of our heart. SHOWNOTES “I just want to do what God wants me to do!” Father Mike talks about the tendency to want God to intervene in our lives in explicit ways so that we don’t have to bear the responsibility of making decisions. In a new book he helped co-author with the Angels, Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry, Fr. Mike explains that a large part of discernment is actually making decisions, and trusting that even if we’re wrong, God will take care of us. And in almost all cases, this decision is simply the first decision in a series of decisions that will lead us to in our walk of faith. Over-Spiritualization We often hear the phrase “I don’t feel called” when opting not to do something, but how much of that is truth versus just not feeling like doing something. Dr. Sri explains that some things we are meant to be called, and that’s a beautiful thing, but other decisions are meant to be made with a little uneasiness. Think of Jesus in the Garden: was Jesus totally at peace and calm about his decision to die on the cross? No! He was terrified, stressed out, he was even sweating blood! But he did it anyway because it was what he needed to do, same with some of the situations we find ourselves in. Not everything we do in life is going to be pleasant, but even unpleasant and difficult can be led by God. However, when we do God’s will, we will experience a deeper peace that is stronger than fleeting emotional responses. Early Jesuit Maxim: “Your first emotional response usually is not a sign of God’s will, it’s a sign of your own disordered attachment to something.” Fr. Mike’s Scuba Diving Analogy When Father made the concrete decision that he was going to enter seminary, he knew he had a deep peace about the decision that could not be stirred. He relates this feeling to the experience of scuba diving. He explained that before jumping into the water, sitting on the edge of the boat, all you can see are these rough and rocky waves that you’re about to submerge into. The waves have no peace to them, and are even quite violent, but once you make the jump and submerge, you get a couple feet down and find that everything is still—so still that you can’t believe just a few feet above you such violent waves are forming. Deciding to join seminary was not an easy decision for Father. He was jumping into a new realm of life, and saying goodbye to a girl he was ready to marry. But through that jump, though he experienced heartbreak and trials, he could feel a deep-rooted peace within him that evidenced his decision was aligned with God’s will. Emotions and Discernment We’ve been told to follow our passion and pursue them with everything we have, but Fr. Mike disagrees. He explains that our passions change and that what we should focus on are our passions paired with our God-given abilities and gifts. If we focus on what we can do, using the specific abilities God has given us, and cultivate them into a skill, then we will find passion in doing our jobs well, no matter what they are. Fr. Mike’s Steps in Discernment Gather data: seek advice, get more information, go explore… just learn! Move forward with the Lord: our steps become clearer the closer we get to our goal **Discernment Tip: **If your intentions are true and good in your discernment, God will bless whatever you’re doing, even if it’s only for a short time Resources Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bobby and Jackie Angel Subscribe to our show by texting “allthingscatholic” to 33-777

How do you know if you truly love someone? Is it when you have a powerful romance with intense feelings? Is it simply a deep desire to be with a certain person? St. Pope John Paul II reveals THE indicator of true love for another: a profound sense of responsibility to care for their heart. Today’s episode of All Things Catholic examines that reality through the lens of Adam and Eve’s relationship before the Fall, giving you keys to understand how this mystery of love can unfold in your own relationships. **_Snippet from the Show Ask God to help you to tear down the walls of shame and sin in your marriage so you can care for your beloved and have a greater sense of responsibility for their heart._ What is the True Measure of Love? Saint Pope John Paul II on Love (4:33) “The greater the feeling of responsibility for the person, the more true love there is.” Genesis 2:25 (6:22) “And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.” *St. Pope John Paul II (JPII) Unpacks the Concept of Shame * What does it mean for Adam and Eve to be naked and unashamed? First let’s define shame: shame is when we are afraid of another seeing us as we are, we are afraid of being vulnerable. JPII suggests in his Theology of the Body, that God’s original plan for marriage was for there to be no shame between the couple, using the first couple, Adam and Eve, as an example of this (Genesis 2:25) They were able to fully be themselves and to share their souls with each other. *Imagine you’re in a marriage like Adam and Eve's… * Before the Fall, there was no sin, no selfishness, no use in marriage. Adam and Eve had total trust and security in their relationship, and sought the good of their spouse at all times. Because of this, they were able to fully love one another as God intended it, and were able to be fully intimate with each other, without the barrier of shame. Saint Pope John Paul II They lived their marriage “Looking at each other with the vision of the Creator.” They looked at each other like God looks at them. “Freedom exists for the sake of love.” *How did God look at Adam and Eve? *“And it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) God is delighted in humanity, he rejoices in us. Just as we are, Adam and Eve are his children made in his own image and likeness. When Adam looks at Eve, he sees more than just her physical beauty, her purpose as a “helper” (Genesis 2:18), and as a feminine companion. He saw her as a daughter of God, that she was made in his image, and that she is very good. Adam is in awe over the gift of Eve, and the fact that she chose to be with him. **Adam and Eve had free will. **God created Adam and Eve with free will, meaning that when God created Eve, she didn’t have to marry Adam, she didn’t have to give her life to him, but she did anyway. Eve gave up all the other things she could have done for herself in the garden and chose to give herself fully and intimately to Adam, to serve him, to seek his good, and to give herself to him. *My Baseball Card Analogy… * I love to collect baseball cards, and there’s one particular card that I have that is worth a lot: a Nolan Ryan mint condition (brand new) rookie card. It’s worth thousands of dollars, and if the slightest scratch, bend, or mark is made on the card, it loses thousands of dollars in profit. Now imagine I hand you that baseball card. How would you feel? Nervous? Anxious? Honored? That’s what Adam experienced when God handed him Eve in Creation. Eve, something much more valuable and important than a baseball card, was given to Adam by God, and then chose, with her free will, to love and serve him wholly and selflessly. Adam is holding the heart of Eve in his hands, and is in awe of this gift God has given him. He had a profound sense of responsibility for her heart. How can we model our marriages after Adam and Eve’s Marriage before the Fall? The first step is fostering that attitude of responsibility for the other. Think to yourself: “How can I help my spouse today?” “What does my beloved need from me?” “How can I honor my husband/wife with my words, actions, and thoughts?” The more we create an environment to treasure, honor, and respect our spouses as something much more important than a Nolan Ryan Rookie card, the more we will show them that they can give their hearts to us, and we can give our hearts to them. Resources Text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC at 33-777 to subscribe to the free weekly shownotes email. Visit my website at www.edwardsri.com Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love by Dr. Edward Sri

Merry Christmas to you and your family! I’m taking a break from my regular recording schedule to celebrate this beautiful Christmas octave, but if you're looking for some extra spiritual and theological enrichment, I encourage you to check out Episode 62 from the All Things Catholic Archives: "Christmas Through Jewish Eyes." Please pray for me as I join Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sister Miriam, and other Catholic speakers at the FOCUS SLS Conference. Please pray that the Lord guides our words as we speak to thousands of Catholics and Christian young adults, and that the Holy Spirit guides their hearts into a deeper union with him. Resources FOCUS SLS 2020 Conference SLS 2020 Live Streaming on Facebook

As Christmas draws closer, the Gospel readings focus on the Gospel of Matthew, which begins with something seemingly mundane—the genealogy of Christ. Why does Matthew start his Gospel with a genealogy? If you look at it from the point of view of a first century Jew, it’s completely captivating. These names reveal a lot about the history of God’s chosen people, and builds up to reveal the identity of the new king and Emmanuel, Jesus. Snippet from the Show “Jesus is Christ the King and Emmanuel, God with us.” Get the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic

Do you put Mary on such a pedestal that you feel like you can’t relate to her at all? As we celebrate the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dr. Sri explains the beauty of God’s choice to create Mary without sin and offers several practical ways you can seek Mary’s help in your own quest for holiness. Please share any traditions that help you celebrate Christmas as a Catholic with Dr. Sri at [email protected] so that he can include them in next week’s episode! _ Snippet from the Show What God did in Mary in an instant, he wants to do in you throughout a lifetime. Mary is an icon of God’s plan for your holiness. _ Why would God preserve Mary from sin? It wasn’t for her own sake that God preserved Mary from sin! The Immaculate Conception of Mary is in fact all about Jesus. This dogma reveals that Jesus is no ordinary child—he’s the all holy, eternal Son of God. Mary is like the ark of the covenant, carrying the almighty holy presence of God. In the Old Testament, Jews build the Ark of the Covenant with the best of materials, the purest of gold. It’s most fitting that the God of the universe would choose to dwell in the purest of human vessels—a woman without sin. *What Does the Immaculate Conception Mean for Your Spiritual Life? * Everything about Mary shows us what God wants to do in our lives. Mary is full of grace, and God wants to fill us each with grace, too. What God wants to do in each of us over time, he did in Mary in an instant. Mary is an icon reminding us of God’s plan for our own holiness. Two Ways to Seek Grace Alongside Mary Think about a specific sin in your life that you’re really struggling with, and turn to Mary. Say a Hail Mary, and ask her for her help in conquering that sin. “You who are full of grace, pray for me in this weakness.” Reflect on Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth (Luke 1:39) Imitate her “going in haste” to serve Elizabeth and be in communion with her as they rejoice together in God’s plan. This week, “go in haste” to visit Jesus in the chapel, and “go in haste” to the people who matter most in your life. ** The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe** On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, remember to ask Our Lady’s intercession to bring about a true culture of life in the midst of this culture of death.

From assigning secret “Advent Angels” to your family members to a Las Posadas door-to-door procession and celebration, these ten meaningful Advent traditions will bring your whole family closer together as you experience the joyful anticipation of this liturgical season. *_Snippet from the Show * People who are truly alive in the Catholic faith shape their entire lives with the Gospel. This next four weeks, let’s shape our homes, shape the minds of our children--shape everything we do around the joyful anticipation of this holy Advent season._ *Advent Wreath: * Ours is a circle of evergreen branches surrounding four candles (four violet, one pink) representing the four weeks of Advent. Bless your Advent wreath with this special liturgical blessing Put it on your dinner table (or nearby), and light it each night leading up to Christmas with your children or grandchildren. *Advent Prayers During Dinner * During dinner, pray a short Advent prayer or sing an Advent hymn with your family. O God, Who gladdens us by the annual expectation of our Redemption, grant that we, who now receive with joy Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may behold him without fear when He comes as our judge. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Your Only begotten Son, that we may attain to serve You with purified minds, through His Advent. Who with you lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen. The Empty Manger Place an empty manger in a special place in your home. Have your family members place a piece of straw in the manger every time they do a kind deed or make a sacrifice. This symbolizes their effort to prepare a special place in their hearts for the baby Jesus. “Advent Angels” Randomly assign your family members as secret “Advent angels” to each other. The goal is for each person to perform acts of kindness and service for the person to whom they’ve been assigned. *Make a Jesse Tree * The tradition of the Jesse tree comes from the passage in Isaiah: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.” The symbols hung on the Jesse tree tell the story of salvation history and lead up to the birth of Christ at Christmas Dr. Sri’s “Advent Cards: Retell the story of salvation history with simple illustrations Bless Your Christmas Tree (and Recall the Tradition's Historical Roots) If possible, wait to put it up later, like the original tradition of the Christmas Tree (symbolized the tree of Adam on Christmas Eve, was decorated with Candles on Christmas to symbolize Christ the light of the world) Special blessing of a Christmas Tree *Celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas * Have your children put their shoes by the fireplace or by their bedroom door. While they are sleeping, put little surprises in their shoes (saint cards, gold chocolate coins, a few pennies) Teach your children about the life of this great saint. A great way to do this is through the animated movie Nicholas: the Boy Who Became Santa Celebrate Las Posadas Read Tomie dePaola’s book The Night of Las Posadas Gather friends and neighbors to organize a night of Las Posadas in your community. Children dressed in nativity costumes go from house to house asking for lodging but are refused until they reach the final house, whenthey are welcomed into the “inn,” where they have a party with food and drink ** Listen to Advent Music Instead of Christmas Music** Follow the Church’s lead--the Church does not sing Christmas hymns until the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass. Dom Gueranger: “The Church also, during Advent … suppresses the angelic canticle, Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra paz hominibus bonae voluntatis; for this glorious song was sung at Bethlehem over the crib of the divine Babe; the tongues of the angels are not loosened yet; the Virgin has not yet brought forth her divine Treasure; it is not yet time to sing. It is not even true to say, ‘Glory be to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men of good will.’” *Some suggestions: * Advent of Ephesus by the Benedictines of Mary Advent Promise by Roger Wilcock & The London Fox Players The Advent of Christmas by Matt Maher Handel's Messiah

After Thanksgiving, it’s all too easy to jump into the chaos of December, and Advent takes a backseat to the busyness of the season. How do we avoid that frantic pace and actually make room for Jesus in our hearts this year? Dr. Edward Sri explains how this Advent, the Lord has special graces in store for you, if only you make space for him in your life. Snippet from the Show “Make room for the Divine infant, for he desires to grow within your soul.” -Dom Prosper Louis Pascal Guéranger **Why four weeks of Advent? **Recalls the four thousand years of Biblical history. Advent walks us through that biblical story. We’re entering into Israel’s longing for the messiah—into humanity’s yearning for a savior. That’s what the season is all about. **Why So Much Purple During Advent? **Advent is a penitential season, a time we do some acts of penance. In the early Church, it was almost treated as if it were another lent. It included forty days of fasting, from the feast of St. Martin through Christmas. In the ninth or tenth century, the Church eventually changed the fasting to abstinence. *What Abbot Dom GuérangerSays about Advent * There are three different kinds of men: Those who live saintly lives, living deeply in Jesus Those who have completely rejected God The last category is the largest: those of us who want friendship with Jesus but don’t live it out well. We sin and we get lukewarm. Dom Guéranger describes this group, writing, “Jesus is in them, but they are sick and weakly. Because they do not care to grow in his divine life. Their first love has become cold.” Advent is for those of us who are in that final group..those of us who feel like we aren’t progressing in the spiritual life, or who are going backwards. “Our Lord knocks at the door of our hearts. He comes to ask us if we have room for him, for he wishes to be born in our house.” When we are so busy, we don’t hear him knocking. “You who have had him within you, without knowing him, and have possessed him without relishing the sweetness of his presence, open your hearts to welcome him this time with more care and with more love.” “Jesus repeats his visit of this year with an untiring tenderness. He has forgotten your past slights. He would make all things new.” Maybe we’ve become slack in our spiritual life or in our relationships with others This Advent is the time to start over: “Make room for the Divine infant, for he desires to grow in your soul.” ** Practical Ideas to Make Room for Jesus ** Sacrifice: picture that the manger is your heart. It has a whole lot of stuff in it...your music, your entertainment, your money, your dreams, your obsessions. This advent, give up a little something to make room for the baby Jesus to be placed in that manger. Make a gift to our Lord in this season: An extra devotion, some spiritual reading, act of service or kindness to someone in your home or workplace, extra time for prayer. Make time for prayer each day in Advent: December is hard…ask yourself, how can I encounter God in the midst of all the expectations and pressure? Take a little time each day to close your eyes and talk to the Lord. You can tell him all the things you need to do, but that little space of extra care and attention for Jesus will allow him to make you new. Resources The Advent of Christ

Sometimes we think our intercession for others will work only if we say enough prayers or say the right ones, but the power of intercessory prayer lies in the love we put into the prayer and the love of our God who hears them. Dr. Edward Sri records this week’s episode from a place on the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum--where Jesus healed the paralyzed man who was lowered through a roof by his friends. Reflecting on the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends, Dr. Sri explains how Christ invites us to be part of his healing ministry by interceding for our friends, loved ones, co-workers, and even total strangers. Snippet from the Show: "God does not need our help or our prayers. But even though he doesn't need them, he invites us to pray. He is moved by our love for someone else." The Healings of Christ’s Public Ministry St. Luke and St. Matthew’s Gospels tell us about many sick people who were brought to Christ by their loved ones for healing. In Matthew 8, we see that Jesus cleanses a leper, heals a centurion’s servant, heals many at Simon’s house, and drives out demons from the Gadarene demoniacs. In Luke 4, we also hear about the healing of the man with an unclean spirit. Perhaps one of the most famous of Christ’s healings was that of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof of a house by his friends. This paralyzed man could not walk to Jesus on his own. We don’t have any record of the paralyzed man asking his friends to take him to Jesus, but we know that his friends take the initiative to do just that … they bring their friend to Jesus. Determined, they go through great lengths to do this—they take him through crowds, up onto the roof of a house, and lower him down through the ceiling. That’s how much they love their friend and that’s how much faith they have in Jesus Christ. We know the end of the story—Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins. But we often forget what the scripture says—Matthew tells us that when Christ saw “their faith” (the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends), he forgave the paralyzed man’s sins and healed him. What does this teach us about the power of intercessory prayer? It’s not the prayer itself, it’s not about how many prayers or novenas you say, it’s about how much love we put into those prayers. It Is Good for Us to Intercede for Others God doesn’t need our help or our prayers, but he invites us to help. Why? Interceding for others is good for us...it grows our love and expands our hearts God is moved by our love. When he sees a humble heart come before him petitioning him for someone else, he can’t resist. Practical: The first thing to do is identify what friends, family members, co-workers need prayers. Ask yourself, who in my life is “paralyzed?” Who can’t/won’t walk to Christ themselves? Next, commit to interceding for them. Ask yourself, do you love them enough to pray for them? Finally, bring them to Jesus. Bring them to him especially in the Eucharist. Pray for them at Mass, offer communion for them, pray for them in the Adoration chapel. Our chapels should be packed! When Jesus visited towns, he couldn’t even move because of the crowds who gathered. Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed … a great multitude, hearing all that he did, came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him; for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits beheld him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. Resources: God With Us: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew Matthew: The King and His Kingdom

Purgatory often gets treated like a time out—the place you go because you did something bad—but it’s much more than that. Dr. Sri uses biblical images of fire and an analogy from St. John of the Cross to illuminate the Catholic teaching of purgatory. This episode will leave you with an essential truth about the all consuming love of God, motivation to continue your own spiritual growth, and several spiritual practices to help you remember the dead. Who Goes to Purgatory? Sometimes Catholics think of purgatory as a place where bad Christians go for a supernatural “time out” before they can get into heaven. But, that’s not at all what the Church teaches. At its simplest level, we can understand the three states of the afterlife as this: Heaven is for those who die loving God with “all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Hell is for those who die without loving God at all. Purgatory is for those who die with divided hearts—they love God, but their hearts are also held captive by love of sin or attachments to this world. *What Are the Fires of Purgatory Really All About? * In 1 Corinthians 3:15, St. Paul says that some will be saved, but only through fire. Oftentimes, we view fire as dangerous and frightening, but the Bible uses fire as an image of God’s closeness. This is the type of fire that is associated with purgatory; it’s not fire of God’s wrath—it’s fire of God’s love. Scripture provides us with several images where fire indicates the closeness and power of God’s presence: Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Exodus 3:1-3 – “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Mid'ian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” Exodus 13:21-22 – “The LORD preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire* to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. Neither the column of cloud by day nor the column of fire by night ever left its place in front of the people.” Acts 2:3-5 “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” St. John of the Cross on the Fires of Purgatory St. John of the Cross provides us with a beautiful analogy of a heart in love with God as a log in the midst of a burning flame. The flame consumes the log, and the log begins to burn from within. St. John of the Cross explains that this is what happens when a soul is consumed by God’s love—flames of love leap up through the soul itself But what happens when God draws close to souls who have many imperfections and weaknesses? Those souls experience the flame of God’s love in a way that is painful or afflictive. It’s similar to a damp log placed into a fire—it resists the fire, causing it to take longer for it to catch and burn. So what difference does the doctrine of purgatory make in our lives today? The doctrine of purgatory reminds us that in order for us to enter into heaven, our hearts must be fully in love with God and detached from all sin. So, let’s not wait for purgatory to begin this purification of our hearts and souls. Let’s root out sin in our hearts and try to love God with all our hearts here on earth. This doctrine calls us to remember the dead. We must not assume that our relatives and loved ones are in heaven, and thus neglect to pray for their souls. In her final words to her son, St. Augustine, St. Monics begs him to pray for her after she dies. If such a holy woman asked for continued graces through prayer after her death, we shouldn’t assume anyone is in heaven unless they are canonized by the Church. *How do we pray for the dead? * Write a list of names and pray daily for each soul Offer up a rosary, a decade, or even just a Hail Mary for those souls. Pray for those holy souls in purgatory who don’t have anyone to pray for them by name. Offer communion for all holy souls in purgatory Visit a local cemetery and pray for the dead

Which biblical figure showed the most trust in God? Dr. Sri makes a good case for a man from the Gospel of John whose son is dying and explains how we can use his example to trust God more. Snippet from the Show “We can’t experience God’s providence unless we let go, unless we have confidence in his promise, unless we are willing to jump.” SHOWNOTES John 4:46-54 - So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper′na-um there was an official whose son was ill. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live”; and he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. Fr. Jacques Philippe - As long as a person who must jump with a parachute does not jump out into the void, he cannot feel that the cords of the parachute will support him, because the parachute has not yet had the chance to open. One must first jump and it is only later that one feels carried. And so it is in spiritual life: “God gives in the measure that we expect of Him,” says Saint John of the Cross. And Saint Francis de Sales says: “The measure of Divine Providence acting on us is the degree of confidence that we have in it.” This is where the problem lies. Many do not believe in Providence because they’ve never experienced it, but they’ve never experienced it because they’ve never jumped into the void and taken the leap of faith. They never give it the possibility to intervene. They calculate everything, anticipate everything, they seek to resolve everything by counting on themselves, instead of counting on God. -Fr. Jacques Philippe How to Trust God More Admit your fear. Say, “God, I’m afraid to jump,” and give him your fears about the outcome. Pick something you’re afraid to do (it can be small), and do it anyway. Trust that whatever the outcome, God has a hand in it. Invoke the help of Mary and the saints. Ask a saint to pray for you and intercede on your behalf. Resources Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph Journal The Advent of Christ Dr. Sri is traveling to the Holy Land! Send your prayer intentions to [email protected]

What does the Bible say about praying to saints? Are there biblical foundations for the Catholic tradition of asking saints to intercede for us? Oftentimes we’re challenged by our protestant brothers and sisters with the question, “Why pray to saints when you can just pray to Jesus?” You’re not alone if you believe there’s a good answer to that question but struggle to explain it yourself. As All Saints Day approaches, Dr. Edward Sri walks us through scripture passages wherein holy men and women from the Bible intercede before God for their communities. This episode not only will leave you with a good apologetic answer to these questions, but—more importantly—will leave you with a renewed sense of appreciation for the cloud of witnesses who inspire us, intercede for us, and draw us deeper into communion with the blessed Trinity. *Intercessory Prayer Is Scriptural * The Bible shows us that the saints aren’t disconnected from and uninterested in those who are living. *Old Testament: * Jeremiah 15:1–Long after their deaths, Moses and Samuel are depicted pleading for the Israelite people on earth *New Testament * Revelation 8:3–The prayers of the saints rise up before God, and then God acts on earth. John 15 – “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” St. Paul – We are the “body of Christ.” It doesn’t make sense that death would rupture this bond. Hebrews 12:1 The saints are a “cloud of witnesses” *Intercession Is Not Optional for Christians * Love of God and love of neighbor go hand in hand. The saints are our neighbors. They are our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. When we grow in fellowship with our fellow Christians, we grow in fellowship with Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:11–St. Paul commands the Christians in Corinth to pray for him. 1 Timothy 2:1–Timothy commands the Christians to pray for each other *How to Grow in Fellowship with the Saints * Pick a few saints that you want to get to know. Read their writings and learn about their lives. Fill your mind with their stories and their example. Talk to the saints, every day. Share your weaknesses with them and ask them to walk with you in your difficult times. Don’t just ask them to pray for you...invite them to be with you in every part of your life.

If you’re stressed or anxious, you will find great comfort in Pope John Paul II’s famous phrase: “Be not afraid … Open wide the doors to Christ!” In this episode of All Things Catholic, Dr. Sri explains the meaning behind Pope John Paull II’s words and shares a simple way you can begin bringing your fears and anxieties to Christ in prayer. Once you surrender those fears to Christ, you might be surprised at the amazing plan that unfolds. _Snippet from the Show Whatever is burdening you right now, talk to Jesus, name your fear, and beg Jesus to give you the grace to open the doors of your heart to him. _ *Our Modern Condition * How many of us live in fear and anxiety? We’re anxious about work, success, our relationships, our dreams for our family ... Pope John Paul II addressed this reality in his inaugural address: “So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life.” So what did Pope John Paul II urge us to do? He prescribes a life-changing remedy for our anxiety: “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power…. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” What Christ Says about Anxiety: Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.” Questions to Ask Yourself when You’re Anxious or Afraid What is God trying to tell me? Is this a sign that something is off spiritually? Am I too attached to something—someone’s esteem of me, my position at work, a plan for my children or family? Do I want too much control in my life? The First Step to Opening Your Heart Wider to Christ In prayer, name your fear to Jesus. Tell him everything about it. Don’t ask him to resolve it; just be honest with him. Admit your weakness and ask for his grace. Ask Jesus if there’s something he wants to do in your heart surrounding the issue of your anxiety. Pray a prayer of surrender. Tell Jesus you want to let go of your attachments and open the doors of your heart to him Tell him you trust in his plan for your life! Repeat St. Faustina’s prayer of trust: “Jesus I trust in you.” *Pope John Paul II: An Example of a Man Whose Heart Was Wide Open to Christ * Think about Pope John Paul II risking his life to meet in clandestine Catholic small groups during the Nazi occupation. It was by taking that risk and opening his heart that his vocation took root. See the great fruit that has come from his surrender! God will do incredible things with you as you surrender your life more completely to him. When you ask him to open your heart and help you overcome your fears, you’re going to be able to bless others in an incredibly powerful way. For an exclusive bonus episode on what we can learn from three historic moments in the life of Pope John Paul II, sign up for the All Things Catholic weekly shownotes!

Do we really need a church? Why can’t we just be spiritual instead? Dr. Edward Sri explains not only why God gave us the Church, but why it is a gift for us and a necessity to be brought into a familial relationship with him. Snippet from the Show “God sent his son, Jesus Christ, and he set up a church. He gave his authority to the apostles and their successors to pass on his teaching.” Go to ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic to get the shownotes!

We’ve talked about the Biblical roots of the Hail Mary, but what about the Rosary? What makes this prayer so powerful that St. Padre Pio called it “the weapon for these times”? Dr. Edward Sri explains why the Rosary is not “vain repetition”, points to the Biblical source of each prayer in the Rosary, and gives practical advice on how we can better incorporate this impactful prayer into our daily lives. Get the shownotes for this episode at ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic

When we fall short, it’s easy to despair and berate ourselves for our failings. We’re tempted to turn our focus inward, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us. Using the theology of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Dr. Sri explains how this is the opposite of what God wants us to do. When we fail, instead of navel-gazing, we can recognize our littleness and let the Lord into our hearts by surrendering our shortcomings to him. Snippet from the Show Paradoxically, the real victory in the spiritual life comes from surrender. When you say, “Lord, I give this to you because I can’t do it on my own.” SHOWNOTES St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Letter 243 - “As soon as God sees us convinced of our own nothingness — He stretches out His hand to us; but if we wish to attempt great things, even under the pretext of zeal, He leaves us alone. It is sufficient therefore to humble oneself and to bear our imperfections meekly: that is true sanctity.” 2 Ways to Surrender Morning offering prayer O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen. O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits ; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen. (Offering Prayer by St. Thérèse of Lisieux) Offer up your suffering. Next time you face a trial or difficulty, use it as an opportunity to surrender your weakness to God. Say, “God, I give this to you.” Resources * Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love Story of a Soul