Godsplaining

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick explore the human experience of fear? To what is it a response? How can we hope to overcome it? How does God address Himself to our fears?

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick examine the philosophical roots of our contemporary culture. What exactly is the Enlightenment, and how does it bear upon our culture, our morality, and our relationships?

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand discuss the place that judgment occupies in human perfection. What ought we to judge? What ought we not? And, should I fear being thought judgmental?

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Patrick discuss one of their favorite contemporary Catholic authors - Michael O'Brien. Tune in to learn about the author's life, novels, and the motivation for his literary exploits.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure discuss the literary merits of Ernest Hemingway. Why the brutally terse prose? Why the swaggering machismo? Listen in and find out.

In this episode Fr. Gregory, Fr. Jacob Bertrand, and Fr. Joseph Anthony discuss the changes that ordinary human interaction have undergone since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. What does it mean to be with others in this new setting? How can make our relationships more intentional and fruitful given the obstacles to be overcome?

In this episode Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph Anthony discuss the virtue of temperance. Does the virtue simply curb the appetite or does it heal and elevate desire? Is it just a "No" or is there a more profound "Yes" at work?

In this episode Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick chat about the eldest daughter of the Church and her many excellent merits.. From whence the great number of saints, theologians, and artists? Listen in to learn more about Peguy, Bloy, Claudel, and their countrymen.

In this episode Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure (unironically) discuss the virtue of humility and the Litany of Humility--a favorite prayer of the last century. What about the virtue of humility is so foundational? Why is this prayer so challenging?

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Patrick discuss the trials of friendship. Why are good friends hard to find and harder to keep? What virtues can help us to survive trials and wounds? Tune in to consider these questions and more.

Join Frs. Patrick, Bonaventure, Jacob Bertrand, and Gregory for our fiftieth episode of Godsplaining. In this episode we consider the hallmarks of the Dominican form of life: preaching, contemplation, study, and joy.

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory reflect on the current crisis in the conversation surrounding race in America. Why is it so hard to talk about? Is it impossible? If not, what resources do we have for discussing the issue?

As our culture continues to consider the meaning and need for equality, join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Patrick as they consider the nature of the Catholic priesthood. Why are Catholic priests only men? Is this an affront against women? Tune in as we consider these and other pressing questions.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure chat about the literary merits of Flannery O'Connor. What role does violence play in her literature? Why the emphasis on the grotesque? Where do free will and grace meet in the heart of the human person?

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory discuss the literary genius of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Why do so many Christians seem to love his work? What about it is enduring? What can we learn from his peculiar insights into humanity?

In this episode, Fr. Joseph Anthony and Fr. Gregory discuss what it means to be prudent in present circumstances. Man is made for moral agency and yet so much of what we hear nowadays is about contagion and caution. How does the prudent person wend her way between risks without succumbing to paralysis?

Just can't get enough of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Well, you're in luck. Join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Bonaventure as they discuss the history and theology of the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church.

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 8th Sunday of Easter - the Solemnity of Pentecost.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph Anthony chat about the architecture and symbolism of the new Church of St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlottesville, VA as the project nears completion.

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter - the Solemnity of the Ascension.

In this episode Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Patrick discuss different ways of reacting to the past. If you come across a tradition, do you hand it on or tear it down? Who’s to say, and what to do?

Join Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand inquire into what it means to be free. What does the prevailing culture think of freedom? What does Christianity think of freedom? What does freedom have to do with options and choice? What has it to do with virtue and commitment?

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter.

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory consider the Blessed Virgin Mary. Especially during this month of May, we turn to our Lady in veneration and for intercession. Listen in to learn why . . .

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter.

In the episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Patrick recount stories of St. Pius V, a Dominican saint of the 16th century who is commemorated today on the Church calendar. Listen in to hear more about a man who popularized the rosary and won the Battle of Lepanto.

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Jacob Bertrand examine the question of what we owe to the environment. In what sense is the contemporary concern for climate "justice" in accord with the Christian understanding of stewardship? In what sense is it not?

Join Fr. Patrick and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for Divine Mercy Sunday.

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory discuss the method and merits of Exodus90 within a theology of fasting and feasting. What's for a time and what's forever? How do we open our hearts to the graces that God gives by a spirit of habitual asceticism?

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the Easter Sunday.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Jacob Bertrand, and Fr. Patrick take you through a virtual tour of the seven Old Testament readings of the Easter Vigil. Together, we'll meditate upon these different moments in the story of salvation that lead the People of God to the revelation of Christ in the fullness of time.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Jacob Bertrand, and Fr. Patrick take you through a virtual Seven Last Words--a traditional devotion for the afternoon of Good Friday. Together, we'll meditate upon each of the Lord's words from the cross.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Jacob Bertrand, and Fr. Patrick take you through a virtual Seven Church Walk--a traditional pilgrimage for the night of Holy Thursday. We'll make "stops" at each of the great Churches of Rome, meditating on the mysteries of the Lord and his salvation.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand conclude our Back to Basics series with a conversation on the priesthood. All are priests (common priesthood) by baptism. From these, some are consecrated priests (ministerial priesthood) by ordination. But, what does priesthood have to do with holiness?

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob Bertrand as we meditate on the Mass readings for the 6th Sunday in Lent.

In this episode Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Patrick give perspective and practicals on mental prayer and how best to open our hearts to the graces that God gives in his Eucharistic presence.

Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob as we meditate on the mass readings for the 5th Sunday in Lent.

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Bonaventure take us through the next theme of our Back to Basics series. Why is the mass so efficacious? How can I be better disposed to receive the grace it makes available and applies to my life?

Public masses are canceled all over the USA and shelter-in-place is becoming the new normal. Though it's devastating, it's still possible to become a saint, and the Word of God is living and effective. Join Fr. Gregory, Fr. Patrick, and Fr. Jacob as we meditate on the mass readings for Laetare Sunday, the 4th Sunday in Lent.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick chat through another episode of Back to Basics, this time on friendship. It's easy to see how prayer and sacraments encourage us in holiness, but friendship? What does friendship have to do with Christ, with grace, and with heaven?

With new precautions in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus, it is difficult or impossible for many to get to mass. To help those who find themselves in this situation, we're sharing this and future bonus episodes with lectio divina on the Sunday readings. We pray that it helps you to make a fruitful spiritual communion. This episode includes commentary from Fr. Jacob Bertrand, Fr. Gregory, and Fr. Patrick.

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Jacob Bertrand continue our Lenten theme of back to basics with a discussion of the place of prayer in the spiritual life. What is prayer? Why is it so vital? And, why the emphasis on prayer during Lent?

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Gregory continue with the next theme in the Back to Basics series: fasting. How does fasting contribute to spiritual growth? How does it grow our hunger for the Lord?

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph Anthony kick off our Lenten Backs to Basics series with an episode on Confession. What is confession, and how do we make the best use of it? What's a sin, and what's not? How can we mature in my practice of the sacrament this Lent?

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Bonaventure discuss dragons as they appear in life, literature, and Scripture. Nots sure how this applies to the spiritual life? Listen in to find out how!

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick discuss a healthy approach to keeping up to date on current events. How can we hope to stay apprised without getting thrown for a loop by sadness or anger? More fundamentally, what is the good at stake?

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand discuss the virtue of chastity and how each person can appropriate it in his or here state of life. How is chastity a denial of self? How is it a renunciation of self? How is it an affirmation of love?

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory discuss the life, sanctity, and theological contribution of St. Thomas Aquinas? Why is he such a big deal, and why should we care?