Godsplaining

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. 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. 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. 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?

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob Bertrand discuss what it means to be Pro-Life. Is it simply to be against abortion or is there more to the discussion? Together, we'll appeal to the tradition of the Church for situating this important issue.

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory discuss the rules of the road. It seems that practically everyone speeds, and yet doesn't that count as breaking the law and even as sin? Join us as we chat through prudence, law, and the goods of driving.

In this episode Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory discuss the quest for the historical Jesus and how we can find resources for identify the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith in the writings of the Angelic Doctor.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick discuss the time-honored tradition of making New Year's resolutions and discuss how to make resolutions that help us to respond to the grace of God at work in our lives.

In this episode, Fr. Patrick and Fr. Joseph Anthony discuss the high points of the Christmas season. From Christmas mass to kitschy decorations, we've got it all covered.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure talk about one of their favorite contemporary authors--David Foster Wallace--and his commitment to truth as a new sincerity.

In this episode Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Bonaventure discuss the connection between Advent and the Four Last Things, discussing ways to prepare for both Christmas and death.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Joseph Anthony discuss what makes for a good coach and how those gifts translate to mentorship, ministry, friendship, and beyond.

In this episode, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Bonaventure compare and contrast the Franciscan and Dominican charisms. What is the common inspiration? Where do they depart in their pursuit of evangelical perfection?

In this episode, Fr. Patrick Briscoe and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss the difficulties couples experience in preparing for marriage and how to commit in an uncommitted world.

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure Chapman and Fr. Joseph Anthony Kress explore their experience of serving as chaplains on college campuses.

In this episode, Fr. Bonaventure and Fr. Gregory discuss contemporary author Cormac McCarthy and his approach to story telling--the good, the bad, and the violent. Is there meaning on offer, or is it all void of purpose?

In this episode, Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory describe the place of pilgrimage in the Christian life. What makes a particular site holy? Why is there greater importance assigned to some places rather than others? How can we benefit from this devout manner of being "on the way?"

In this episode, Fr. Patrick Briscoe and Fr. Jacob Bertrand discuss what discernment means for Christians, how to think well about the matter, and how to take practical steps on our own journey.

In this episode Fr. Patrick Briscoe and Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk discuss the rosary, its history, its connection with the Order of Preachers, and its place in Catholic life and devotion.