Catholic thoughts for the Everyday Catholic.
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This week I am honored to have author, podcaster, radio show host, and Shalom News anchor Kendra Von Esh on the program. Her journey of faith is inspiring, and we discuss how her journey started, some of her challenges, and what God has led her to now. Her story is inspirational! You can learn more about Kendra on her website at www.kendravonesh.com
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Tony Agnesi comes on the program and talks discusses the role of grace in our lives. He discusses how faith has sustained him through hard times and how faith and grace can sustain us. It is a very uplifting conversation that will make your day better. Tony also released a new book recently that is sure to benefit you. Visit tonyagnesi.com and use the code “friends” to get it signed, a 20% discount, and free shipping!
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In this week’s show I am honored to be joined my Efran Menny. Efran is a Catholic convert who has been a part of different variations of Protestantism. We discuss his journey, some key things that got him thinking about the Catholic church, and some struggles he experienced. He also has a great blog at www.mennythoughts.wordpress.com and has podcast titled Priestly Passion. Check it out!
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-3d6xi-bc36d6
Matthew is a husband, father, and pursuer of truth. He is a contributor to Epic Pew, Catholic Exchange, Managing editor at Catholic Stand, and runs a blog at thesimplecatholic.blog. He has earned an Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and recently started pursuing his dream of being a freelance writer. In this episode Matthew discusses the Catholic teaching on the Eucharist and the biblical evidence to support it. We attempted to record this episode a couple times had some technology difficulties. I highly recommend you check out Matthew’s article on the Eucharist at https://thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/07/27/3-reasons-why-critically-reading-john-6-will-convert-protestants/
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Keith Little joins me this week to discuss his faith journey and some aha moments that changed his life. We discuss his ministry “Biblical Principles for Growth”, and his upcoming podcast that launches on Aug 21 on Breadbox Media. Check out Keith’s website at www.biblicalpriciplesforgrowth.org to learn more.
One of the things I had trouble with during my journey to the Catholic Church was what went on at Mass. I can’t begin to tell you how frustrated I would get as everyone sat and kneeled while I was left wondering what was going on. As I started to understand the theology behind the Mass, I started to see a whole other issue entirely. I started to notice how some who have been immersed their whole lives have no idea about the beauty and majesty that they are partaking in.
In his book The Beauty of the Mass: Exploring the Central Act of Worship author Charles S. Johnston takes an in depth look at the Mass. The book is brilliantly laid out and describes exactly what is happening with every aspect of Mass. From the initial sign of the cross, to the final blessing, and everything in between the author lays out the reasons why we do what we do. Even ore importantly, at least to me, is that the Biblical basis is given for it. There is so much scripture in the Mass! As if having all the scriptural backup wasn’t enough, the author strengthens his research using church documents and writing from the early church fathers.
Would I recommend that you check out this book? Absolutely! It is solid and is good for those who are coming into the church because it gives a great explanation of the Mass. It is also good of those of us who have been around and I’m sure you will discover something that you didn’t know. The book is well written and is written in a style that everyone will be able to understand it. Check it out!
Please visit the author’s website at Nowthatimcatholic.com to learn more about his work.
You purchase the book here.
[Note: This book was provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.]
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God.
Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.
This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us,
that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify
that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.
God is love, and whoever remains in love
remains in God and God in him.-1 John 4:11-16
The second reading in today’s mass is from the first letter of St. John. This letter is a personal favorite of mine. There is so much theological depth and things we can use on an everyday basis. This letter is an extension of the Gospel he wrote, and we see a lot of talk about love. Today’s passage is especially challenging for us. St. John writes that to love is how we remain in God because God is love. In a world that seems to be about revenge and shaming to get what we want this may seem extreme. In fact, it is outright countercultural.
If we acknowledge and accept Christ as the Son of God then St. John says that we have come to know the love that God has for us. Since we know that love we have been called, and have the obligation, to love others. Even those who may not like us. This doesn’t mean that we need to have someone in our home who does us harm, but we have to acknowledge their worth as someone who is made in the image of God. Remember that God is love, and if we claim Christ then we have an obligation to reflect that love to others. Are we doing it?
Quote
The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.
–Pope St. Gregory the Great
