Every Knee Shall Bow (Your Catholic Evangelization Podcast)

How do you evangelize your family during Christmas? Today, Gomer and Dave “Pinball Wizard” VanVickle talk about their Christmas traditions and answer a listener’s question about balancing parish responsibilities. Snippet from the Show “To me, the sweep of salvation history is my favorite way to enjoy this season.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The sacrifice of Christ should be seen everywhere in our faith, especially in our parishes! Today, Gomer and Dave “Dead-Lifting the Devil” VanVickle answer a listener’s email about evangelizing through the true cross of Christ. Snippet from the Show “Preach the true cross, and watch people be resurrected.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Rural communities have Catholic parishes too, and they should be celebrated! Today, Gomer shares a talk he gave to Omaha Archdiocesan "Rural Lead" program to help parishes become missional communities. Snippet from the Show “We worship God through the sacraments, so we wanna make sure people understand what it means to worship God at the mass. It doesn’t mean you sing really loudly, it means you worship from ever greater depths of the core of your being.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

New year, new role, new opportunities for evangelization. Today, Gomer and Dave “the taxman“ VanVickle talk about practical ways to kickstart evangelization at your parish in the new year. Snippet from the Show “Having solid relationships just means that the tasks and mission of the Church is going to flow that much easier. You’re investing in the people around you, so that they can be invested in the mission.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Thanksgiving is here, are you ready to navigate faith conversations with your family? Today, Dave “The Turkey”and I give you some quick evangelization pointers so you can navigate faith conversations smoothly and lovingly with your relatives. Snippet from the Show “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”- Mark 12:31 We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Reaching out to adults looking to convert to Catholicism and guiding them through RCIA is a key part of parish ministry. Today, Dave “Not a Mouth Breather” VanVickle and I discuss different ways to run an RCIA program at a parish and offer helpful tips in preparing adults to enter the Catholic Church. Snippet from the Show Converting to Catholicism is a journey that must accompanied by the lives of the saints, community life, prayer and theology. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

There are ripe evangelization opportunities everywhere, we just have to be willing to notice them and bring Christ into them. Today, Dave VanVickle answers listener questions and offers us practical tools when it comes to evangelizing at bars, in schools, and at work. Snippet from the Show To transform society, we must first reach those souls in our local spheres of influence. There are ripe evangelization opportunities everywhere, we just have to be willing to notice them and bring Christ into them. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The New Age movement is on the rise in our culture and we have to understand how to reach those being drawn to its spirituality. Dave “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” VanVickle and I answer a listener’s question about how to reach those involved in the New Age movement. We discuss the reasons behind the popularity of this spirituality today, and offer practical tools to evangelize those involved in this increasingly widespread spirituality. Snippet from the Show The attempt in the New Age movement to get in touch with a power that is non-personal and non-rational does not succeed in satisfying our spiritual hunger because we were made for a personal God. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Navigating Confirmation preparation with teenagers in today’s times is not easy. Today, Colin MacIver and I discuss his newest book ,The Catechists Field Guide to Confirmation, how to reach the hearts of teenagers, and how to implement practical tools to create the best confirmation experience for candidates. Snippet from the Show The main goal of Confirmation is not to check off a box in Sacramental preparation, it’s to reach the hearts of candidates and form them into lifelong disciples of Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

There are two fundamental doctrines every Catholic needs to understand; the Trinity and the Incarnation. Today, I share a fun RCIA talk that I recently gave to help you understand the very identity of God. I delve into salvation history in Scripture to demonstrate how the incarnation shows us the eternal self-giving love of the Trinity. Snippet from the Show The mystery of the Incarnation points us to the eternal self-giving love of the Trinity. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “I’m the Hurricane” VanVickle and I answer a listener’s question about practically guiding someone in the midst of a conversion, and also speak on the importance of leaving room for the dynamism of the Holy Spirit when we approach spiritual multiplication. Snippet from the Show Evangelization cannot be reduced to merely mechanics or processes, it must always leave room for the dynamism of the Holy Spirit. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Discipleship with Jesus truly flourishes when we are faithful to a few basic disciplines. Today, Dave VanVickle dives into four disciplines that are key in the life of a new disciple in order to live a fruitful Christian life. Snippet from the Show Discipleship with the Lord must eventually turn outward. Once our thirst for Christ is quenched, he will lead us into deserts where we can share his living water. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Well Prepared” VanVickle and I chat about returning to Mass, the craziness in our lives, and continuing to evangelize and reach the faithful creatively during these uncertain and challenging times. Snippet from the Show In times of isolation and uncertainty, we have the gift of the crucifix to gaze at and identify with. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

It is easy to get worn out when you work for the Kingdom of God. Today, Dave VanVickle shares a word of encouragement for all who feel weary and tired laboring for the Lord. Dave gives us practical advice to find rest when evangelization gets hard and tiring. Snippet from the Show When you feel overwhelmed by the weight of sin in the world, root yourself deeply in the peace of Christ and let him give you rest. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Storytelling is essential in evangelization. Today, Dave VanVickle and I discuss the importance of narrative and contextualizing Church doctrine with powerful stories when we share the Gospel. Snippet from the Show The Gospel is an adventure story that we must not only live, but also share and pass down through generations like all great stories. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Life is messy, but we are sanctified through it. Today, Dave "How are you" VanVickle and I catch up on a bunch of random topics and the chaos in our lives. We chat about Dave's wife's cancer treatment, suffering at the parish, embracing the cross, and ideas for a discipleship think tank! Snippet from the Show When life gets messy, there is incredible grace in not asking “why?” and just letting God carry you. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

The intercession of the saints and angels is life-changing in our work of evangelization. This time it’s just me, Dave VanVickle, and today I share how to engage these incredible groups of persons in your apostolate! Snippet from the Show The angels and the saints want to be involved in our work of evangelization, they are experts in loving Jesus. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “The Body” VanVickle and I reunite to discuss mission beyond the parish and the responsibility of being on mission that every disciple of Christ has. The laity must not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and go beyond the parish to share Jesus Christ with others. Snippet from the Show We desperately need a movement of lay evangelists who understand the urgency of mission, and aren’t afraid to bring Jesus into the world. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

How exactly does the death and resurrection of Jesus bring us salvation? Today, I’m not joined by Dave “Double Portion of the Spirit” VanVickle unfortunately, so this episode is a little shorter. In this episode, I dive into the art of sharing the Gospel and offer you the tools and resources you need so you can effectively share the powerful reality that Jesus saves! Snippet from the Show We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Is our hope in ourselves or is it in Christ? Dave “I’ll lift weights in your living room” VanVickle and I discuss the importance of the theological virtue of hope as we journey towards Christ and help others encounter him as well. Snippet from the Show We are pilgrims on earth and citizens of heaven, our ultimate hope is eternal life in Jesus Christ. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave and I brainstorm ideas and share opinions on how to approach catechesis and faith formation during this upcoming year, when groups can’t meet in person or at parishes. As you, dear listeners, know, Dave and I have lots of thoughts, and sometimes they’re pretty controversial ones--this episode might contain more of those than normal. If nothing else, our major message is this--we both agree that the way forward is to strengthen the domestic church and focus on forming adults, so that they can in turn hand on the faith to their children. This will be an ongoing conversation, so please email us with your ideas, strategies for addressing this at your parish, and feedback. Snippet from the Show “ The faith cannot be given in a disembodied manner.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “The Icon” VanVickle is back with me to continue our series on sin. Today, Dave shares his comprehensive devotional model as a tool to help us overcome sin in our lives. Inspired by the lives of the saints, this model offers us a practical routine and structure to concretely drive out sin in our lives. Snippet from the Show “You can’t have a new heart if you insist on returning to the same sin.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Sin is deadly, it reproduces and reinforces itself in our lives. In this episode, I continue our discussion of sin by delving into the deadly nature of sin. By understanding the way sin wounds our nature, and how we can combat temptation, we can experience true freedom and healing in Christ. Snippet from the Show “Christ doesn’t just want to get you to stop sinning, he wants to go to the root of the sin and bring healing.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Sin destroys the life of charity between us and God, but how do we talk about it? Dave “The Hope is Real” VanVickle and I discuss sin in our walk with Christ, and share helpful ways to talk about habitual sin in discipleship. Snippet from the Show “It’s in the confrontation with sin that the fullest flowering of mercy is made manifest.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Living Large”' VanVickle and I address a question sent in by one of our listeners, Dante, on the Catholic Church’s struggle to engage men. We discuss the importance of community for men, and share tactics on how to transform men’s ministry in your parish. Snippet from the Show “Every man wants a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, and an adventure to live”- John Eldredge We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dave “Do you even lift bro?”' VanVickle and I answer a question from a listener about how to guide your family in the Catholic faith without overdoing it. Snippet from the Show “It’s time to be a saint.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave “The Navy Seal of Sitting”' VanVickle and I sit down with a question from listener, Father Timothy, about how to make disciples and not social workers, focusing on works of mercy. Snippet From the Show “Christ wants to give us full and complete liberation that starts with feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned and the sick. But it culminates in bringing your heart in silence before the throne of God.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave “It’s-not-delivery-it’s-Dave'' VanVickle and I talk about how we can bring people to the faith with beauty, from classic Christian films, to Lord of the Rings, to marriage prep. Snippet From the Show Beauty pulls us up out of ourselves, up into the realm of the transcendental. Eventually you will see what truly makes us beautiful, and that is God who is wild beauty. Throw yourself into excellence. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Mike “I-drive-a-little-too-fast-but-I-like-it'' Gormley and I talk about what role the papacy and the kerygma play in our lives. Thanks to our listeners for inspiring this topic! Snippet From the Show > When preaching the kerygma around people (Evangelicals) who have spent their whole lives dedicated to preaching the gospel, I show them the Catholic Church is the home of the kerygma. The papacy safeguards the basic gospel message. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave “Slippery Slope'' Vanvickle and I address a listener’s email about teaching the faith to teens and heroic virtue. Snippet from the Show “Just as Dave said to unleash the saints, unleash Jesus.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Today, Dave “Homefool” Vanvickle and I are answering questions from you! This week, we talk about how we can pass on the faith to our kids without forcing it on them, tithing, and how to do youth ministry during quarantine. Snippet from the Show “People don’t just want to belong, they want to contribute. Belonging makes people feel welcome, but contributing brings them into the mission.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with your questions/comments and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe!

Dave VanVickle is joined today by Franciscan University President, Fr. Dave Pivonka. Together they share their thoughts on forming intentional disciples, including Father's decision to offer free tuition to incoming freshmen next year.

Dave “Gym Shorts Only” Vanvickle and I give some recommendations and tips for picking up evangelization with limited resources after COVID-19 and the difficulties of a digital church. _Snippet of the Show “Your role in the kingdom of Heaven is to advance the Gospel in the world, and maybe this quarantine can reemphasize the power of the laity.”_

Today's show, is from a talk I gave at the Fullness of Truth Conference last year. It was a weekend long conference on Mary from an apologetics standpoint. My talk was on Mary and the spiritual warfare. Typically someone like Dave VanVickle would give this talk. In fact, Dave sorta did give this talk because in my preparation for this, while driving from Houston to San Antonio, I listened to Dave's Ten Principles of Spiritual Warfare in Every Knee Shall Bow and it helped me formulate my thoughts. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe!​ You can also go to [AscensionPress.com](media.ascensionpress.com) full shownotes.

Dave “the Luddite” VanVickle and I are eating meat and answering emails (not at the same time). We answer questions about the importance of signs, wonders, prophecy, and miracles when it comes to evangelization. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] and don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe!

If we could re-do our parish ministries knowing everything we know now, what would we do? Dave and I zero in on the number one thing we would focus on if we could go back in time. This is a good exercise for parishes to do every year, to help focus in on the things that will have the biggest impact, and also a good idea to do right now, as many parishes will have to streamline programs in the coming year. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes.

Dave “The Vengeance” VanVickle and I are geeking out today, because we’re talking to Dr. Scott Hahn—yes, that Dr. Scott Hahn. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!

Dave “Can’t Spare a Square” VanVickle joins me today, as well as our illustrious producer, Marisa Beyer, to talk about life as a Catholic during these crazy COVID-19 times. We reflect on the Catholic response we’re seeing so far, share ideas for making your home the domestic church, and round things out with a special Coronavirus edition of the 5 Practical Takeaways. Check out the shownotes at AscensionPress.com or text EKSB to 33-777.

Today I’m speaking with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P., the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute. We mix apologetics, intellectual formation, campus ministry, and morality, and sprinkle a healthy dose of Aquinas on top. Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at [email protected] Snippet from the Show “What we’re experiencing in the last five years as concerns same sex attraction and transgenderism has a lot of people afraid. We’re nervous that if we were to treat those issues, we would be genuinely persecuted.”

Dave “He Must Increase, I Must Decrease” VanVickle is not joining me (Mike “Gomer” Gormley) today, but we’ve still got a great show. First, I talk about the poverty of the Cross, how Jesus was stripped of everything, and suffered like no one else ever has or ever will and how that needs to be at the absolute center of everything we do. Next, I read some glory stories from our audience (someone from Ireland wrote in, so we’re bonafide international now). It’s amazing to hear about the good things happening in parishes, since we’re constantly inundated with negative news. Finally, I answer a couple questions about how to make meetings more Christocentric, and how to include the kerygma in training efforts. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] and be sure to check out the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/everykneeshallbow or text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe!

A thorough understanding of the world Jesus lived in is vital to a thorough understanding of Jesus himself. I’m talking to Marcellino D’Ambrosio, aka “Dr. Italy” founder of Crossroads Initiative and co-author of Jesus: The Way, The Truth, and The Life about the historical context of the Old Testament, the world in which Jesus began his ministry.

Dave “The Kangaroo” VanVickle and I are bouncing around (see what I did there?) answering your questions about spiritual direction, Church scandals, and bringing Jesus into secular work environments, like the medical field and academia. Snippet from the Show “Every Catholic needs spiritual direction, but you don’t necessarily need a regular spiritual director.”  SHOWNOTES *Please continue to pray for Dave’s wife and family during this difficult battle with cancer. Janet’s Email (7:57) - Using the Kerygma in the Medical Field Jen’s Email (11:26) - Are Spiritual Directors Necessary?  Matthew’s Email (21:04) - How to Encourage Parishioners Not to Leave after Scandal Kiara’s Email Pt. 1 (28:22) - Prayer Request Kiara’s Email Pt. 2 (33:39) - How to Call Our Colleagues to a Life with Jesus 5 Practical Takeaways Pray for the plenary council mentioned in Kiara’s emailPray for Janet and her group of nurses in Cincinnati Pray for Matthew’s parish, that God sends them healing and great leadersPray for Kiara’s PhD thesis Pray that God sends more spiritual directors to those who need them Resources Email us at [email protected] Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Gomer and Dave’s email list!Previous Episode: Prison Stories with GomerCatching Foxes Podcast with Gomer and LukeLearn more about Opus Dei and Regnum ChristiThe Activated Disciple: Taking Your Faith to the Next Level by Jeff CavinsJesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life 

Dave “The Meateater” VanVickle and I talk about the trap of thinking we need to earn God’s love. This idea is what leads us to that “holier-than-thou” attitude where we congratulate ourselves for not sinning, and then look down on those who are struggling with sin. The reality is that God is a loving father who will give us what we need to serve and love him (aka grace). It’s not through our own efforts that we earn God’s love, it is a free gift that we can respond to … or not.

Today, I’m talking to the one and only Brandon Vogt, Content Director at Word on Fire, and expert in all things online evangelization. We talk about Bishop Barron, debating with atheists, proving the existence of God, and how to read more books. Email us at [email protected] Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get added to Gomer and Dave’s email list!

Dave “The Exception for Every Rule” Van Vickle is back with me, Mike “Gomer” Gormley, as we talk about the ups and downs of prison ministry. 5 Practical Tips for Prison Ministry Connect with a corrections ministry in your diocese so you don’t reinvent the wheel or cause any missteps that could get you in trouble.If you have a relative in prison, put money in their commissary account and call them or write to them.Donate Bibles, Catechisms, and apologetics books to your local unit, including ones in Spanish.Pray a Rosary this week for the incarcerated and for the correction officers.Check out the Romans Bible study by Ascension Press. Email us at [email protected] or text “EKSB” to 33-777 to subscribe and get the shownotes!

First off, I want to thank you all for your pouring of prayers, concern, and even money to the VanVickle family as his wife battles cancer. He wanted me to tell you that he has been uniquely blessed by your love and support and he is praying for you all. Today we are pulling an episode from the archives about spiritual warfare, becuase it's a hugely important topic. Quite literally, spiritual warfare is a struggle between two kingdoms—a battle between man and that which draws man away from God. This fighting and resisting evil is a common experience, yet many don’t believe they are at war. Therefore they come unprepared to fight the battle. We discuss the Church Fathers’ understanding of spiritual warfare, the context behind the Church’s teachings on the subject, and practical ways you can resist evil and equip yourself with the best possible resources.

Dave “Brother from the Blessed Mother” VanVickle is unfortunately not with us today. Just before Christmas, Dave’s wife was diagnosed with stage four cancer, so please storm heaven with your prayers for Amber VanVickle and their family! Today is a short episode about the meaning of generosity in the Christian life. We don’t usually hear about generosity until tithing time, but generosity extends far beyond dollars. We need to practice generosity at all times, especially when it comes to our prayers and participation in the Church. Snippet from the Show Generosity is not God asking too much of us, it is God asking for a fraction of what he has already done for us. SHOWNOTES 2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Philippians 2: 5-8 - Have this mind among yourselves, which was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. GoFundMe for the VanVickle family

Happy New Year! We’ve got five resolutions for Catholics who want to continue to spread the Good News in 2020. 5 Resolutions for Catholic Evangelizers Read a Gospel a week. Read The Soul of the Apostolate by Jean-Baptiste Chautard. Begin the practice of mental prayer. Look for one chance each day to evangelize by listening first, and then maybe speaking. Pray the Memorare each day asking Mary to bring people to you, so you can introduce them to her Son. We want to hear from you! Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe and email us at [email protected] with your comments and questions—or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.

On this glorious Christmas day, I, Gomer, give an abbreviated recap of King Herod’s dark, violent, and corrupt history. It was in the face of this proud ruler who did anything to secure his worldly power and wealth that God sent the most humble Christ-child. This Christmas, remember that no matter how small and insignificant you might feel, your “yes” to God will allow Christ to be born into this proud and haughty world in which we live. As a practical takeaway, meditate on this reality while praying the words of Mary’s Magnificat: “My soul magnifies the Lord And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name; And His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him. He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.” **Snippet from the Show **God always works through the hidden, the small, and even the despised things of this world. Resources Text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get on our email list! Daniel 9: Daniel’s Prayer for the People 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees

Dave “The Wolf of Main Street” VanVickle and I wrap up our Advent series on repentance. We talk about interior repentance and how that shows up through things like fasting, keeping Fridays a day of penance, forgiving others, serving the poor, and constantly reorienting our lives towards Christ. We can’t buy heaven with these acts, (the cross of Christ is our salvation) but true repentance will always show up in our words and deeds. Snippet from the Show “Penance is not about paying for sin, it’s about being more free to surrender to what God is doing in your life.” Get the shownotes! Text ESKB to 33-777 to subscribe or email us at [email protected]