WM3 – “Why Baptism Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

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Episode 3 “Why Baptism Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

In this episode, we discuss “Why Being Baptism Matters.” Archbishop Lucas contiures to disucss why being a Catholic matters and moves into the importance of Baptism.

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 1267

1267 Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: “Therefore . . . we are members one of another.”⁷² Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”⁷³

From CHRISTIFIDELES LAICI no. 12

In the words of Saint Paul we find again the faithful echo of the teaching of Jesus himself, which reveals the mystical unity of Christ with his disciples and the disciples with each other, presenting it as an image and extension of that mystical communion that binds the Father to the Son and the Son to the Father in the bond of love, the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 17:21). Jesus refers to this same unity in the image of the vine and the branches: “I am the vine, you the branches” (Jn 15:5), an image that sheds light not only on the deep intimacy of the disciples with Jesus but on the necessity of a vital communion of the disciples with each other: all are branches of a single vine.

From DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH – LUMEN GENTIUM no. 32

32. By divine institution Holy Church is ordered and governed with a wonderful diversity. “For just as in one body we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Christ, but severally members one of another”.(191) Therefore, the chosen People of God is one: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”(192); sharing a common dignity as members from their regeneration in Christ, having the same filial grace and the same vocation to perfection; possessing in common one salvation, one hope and one undivided charity. There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality on the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex, because “there is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all ‘one’ in Christ Jesus”.(193)

For more episodes in this series visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

ROF#6 – Purgatory: Love Stronger than Death – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina

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Mike Aquilina - Fathers of the Church and so much more... 5

Episode 6 – Purgatory: Love Stronger than Death

Roots of the Faith – From the Church Fathers to You with Mike Aquilina, makes clear that just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the body of Christ we know today.

Pick up a copy of Mke’s book. You’ll find so much more and invaluable references and resources, as well

Also, visit Mike’s “Discerning Hearts” page for more audio downloads and information!

BKL223 – Living the Christ-like Life – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on Palm Sunday and recalls the feast of the Annunciation. He also speaks of the importance of confession.

Reading 2 PHIL 2:6-11

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

BK2 Chap 29 – 32 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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Saintly Masters of Prayer - writings, teachings, biographies 3

BK2 Chap 29 – 32 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 2

Wherein is treated the proximate means of ascending to union with God, which is faith; and wherein, therefore, is described the second part of this night, which, as we said, belongs to the spirit, and is contained in the second stanza, which is as follows.

STANZA II.

In darkness, and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
happy lot !
In darkness and concealment,
fily house being now at rest.

Chapter 29

Which treats of the first kind of words that the recollected spirit sometimes forms within itself. Describes the cause of these and the profit and the harm which there may be in them.

Chapter 30

Which treats of the interior words that come to the spirit formally by supernatural means. Warns the reader of the harm which they may do and of the caution that is necessary in order that the soul may not be deceived by them.

Chapter 31

Which treats of the substantial words that come interiorly to the spirit. Describes the difference between them and formal words, and the profit which they bring and the resignation and respect which the soul must observe with regard to them. ***

Chapter 32

Which treats of the apprehensions received by the understanding from interior feelings which come supernaturally to the soul. Describes their cause, and the manner wherein the soul must conduct itself so that they may not obstruct its road to union with God.

*** (footnote from the E. Allison Peers translation)
This chapter is notable for the hardly surpassable clarity and precisions with which the Saint defines substantial locutions. Some critics, however, have found fault with him for saying that the soul should not fear these locutions, but accept them humbly and passively, since they depend wholly on God. The reply is that, when God favours the soul with these locutions, its own restless effort can only impede His work in it, as has already been said. The soul is truly co-operating with God by preparing itself with resignation and humble affection to receive His favours: it should not, as some critics have asserted, remain completely inactive. As to the fear of being deceived by these locutions, both St. Thomas and all the principal commentators are in conformity with the Saint’s teaching. St. Teresa, too, took the same attitude as St. John of the Cross. Cf. her Life, Chap. xxv,and Interior Castle, VI, iii.

ROF#5 – Saints in Heaven “The Stones Cry Out” – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina

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Episode 5 – Saints in Heaven – The Stones Cry Out

Pick up a copy of Mke’s book. You’ll find so much more and invaluable references and resources, as well

Also, visit Mike’s “Discerning Hearts” page for more audio downloads and information!

BK2 Chap 26 – 28 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK2 Chap 26 – 28 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 2

STANZA II.

In darkness, and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
happy lot !
In darkness and concealment,
fily house being now at rest.

Chapter 26

Which treats of the intuition of naked truths in the understanding, explaining how they are of two kinds and how the soul is to conduct itself with respect to them.

Chapter 27

Which treats of the second kind of revelation, namely, the disclosure of hidden secrets. Describes the way in which these may assist the soul toward union with God, and the way in which they may be a hindrance; and how the devil may deceive the soul greatly in this matter.

Chapter 28

Which treats of interior locutions that may come to the spirit supernaturally. Says of what kinds they are.

BK2 Chap 23 – 25 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK2 Chap 23 – 25 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 2

STANZA II.

In darkness, and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
happy lot!
In darkness and concealment,
fily house being now at rest.

Chapter 23

Which begins to treat of the apprehensions of the understanding that come in a purely spiritual way, and describes their nature.

Chapter 24

Which treats of two kinds of spiritual vision that come supernaturally.

Chapter 25

Which treats of revelations, describing their nature and making a distinction between them.

BK2 Chap 22 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK2 Chap 22 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 2

STANZA II.

In darkness, and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
happy lot !
In darkness and concealment,
fily house being now at rest.

Chapter 22

Which treats of natural imaginary apprehensions. Describes their nature and proves that they cannot be a proportionate means of attainment to union with God. Shows the harm which results from inability to detach oneself from them.

MM2 – The Primacy of Love and The Revolution of Tenderness – The Mystery of Mercy with Sr. Gill Goulding C.J. – A Discerning Hearts Podcast

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Episode 2 The Mystery of Mercy with Sr. Gill Goulding C.J.

In our conversation on the Mystery of Mercy, we shall consider the primacy of love and the revolution of tenderness including the importance of hope. We consider the passion of Pope Francis for mercy and the questions that he raises about our understanding of mercy. We particularly focus our attention on the reality of mercy seen not as a static noun but as an active verb. We conclude our time engaging with St Mother Teresa of Calcutta the saint of mercy and Our Lady mother of mercy.

Sr Gill Goulding CJ is a member of the Congregatio Jesu an order founded by Mary Ward in 1609. The Congregation has the same constitutions as the Society of Jesus. Sr Gill is Professor of Systematic Theology at Regis College, the Jesuit Graduate School of Theology at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the Theological Commission of the Conference of Religious in Canada and was appointed by the Conference of Canadian Bishops as one of two RC members of the Council of Canadian Churches. In 2012 she was honored and humbled to be appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as a theological expert to the 2012 Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization and the transmission of the Christian Faith. In 2017 Sr Gill was awarded a Henry Luce III Fellowship for a project looking at the dynamic impact of mercy on the mission of the Church. During this sabbatical year, she spent a number of months in Rome and was thrilled to meet Pope Frances and to present to him an outline of her project and to receive his blessing on her work.

Sr. Gill’s project was made possible by a grant from the Luce Foundation

To obtain a copy of the book on which this series is based visit here

“Gill Goulding, C.J. invites readers to move beyond a debilitating polarization in the Church and to adopt an ecclesiology of communion. She presents the ecclesial disposition of St Ignatius of Loyola, rooted in love for Christ, alive to the inseparable union between Christ and the Church, and aware that to love Christ is to love the Church – the real, concrete, hierarchical, “institutional” Church, the people of God, the spouse of Christ infused by His Spirit. Goulding’s love for the Church is evident in all she writes and suffuses the exposition with warmth. One cannot read this book without feeling the call to communion in the Church. A Church of Passion and Hope also serves to highlight an underemphasized part of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises – the Rules for Thinking (sentir) with the Church – a valuable contribution to Ignatian writing and practice.” ―Fr Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V., Saint Clement Eucharistic Shrine, USA

BK2 Chap 20 – 21 – The Ascent of Mt. Carmel by St. John of the Cross – Mp3 audio & Text Podcast

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BK2 Chap 20 – 21 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

For the complete pdf text of the “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

For other audio chapters of “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” visit here

Book 2

STANZA II.

In darkness, and in safety,
By the secret ladder, disguised,
happy lot !
In darkness and concealment,
fily house being now at rest.

Chapter 20

Wherein is proved by passages from Scripture how the sayings and words of God, though always true, do not always rest upon stable causes.

Chapter 21

Wherein is explained how at times, although God answers the prayers that are addressed to Him, He is not pleased that we should use such methods. It is also shown how, although He condescend to us and answer us, He is oftentimes wroth.

Episode 3 “Why Baptism Matters” – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

For more episodes in this series visit the Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit: archomaha.org

Episode 6 – Purgatory: Love Stronger than Death

Reading 2 PHIL 2:6-11

BK2 Chap 29 – 32 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

Episode 5 – Saints in Heaven – The Stones Cry Out

BK2 Chap 26 – 28 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

BK2 Chap 23 – 25 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

BK2 Chap 22 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

Episode 2 The Mystery of Mercy with Sr. Gill Goulding C.J.

BK2 Chap 20 – 21 – “The Ascent of Mt. Carmel” by St. John of the Cross

translated by David Lewis read by Ed Humpal

For more episodes in this series visit the
Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal

translated by David Lewis
read by Ed Humpal