Does reading the book of Revelation intimidate you? As an apocryphal text, it can be difficult to read. However, this book of the Bible has much to teach us about our faith. In fact, it teaches us something about Mary. Dr. Sri explains some of what we can learn about Mary from the book of Revelation. Snippet from the Show It is a great gift that Christ gave us Mary to be our spiritual mother. She intercedes for us before the throne of her Son.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Does reading the book of Revelation intimidate you? As an apocryphal text, it can be difficult to read. However, this book of the Bible has much to teach us about our faith. In fact, it teaches us something about Mary. Dr. Sri explains some of what we can learn about Mary from the book of Revelation. Snippet from the Show It is a great gift that Christ gave us Mary to be our spiritual mother. She intercedes for us before the throne of her Son. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Is Mary the Woman of the Apocalypse?

Sarah Swafford

What does it mean to have heroic virtue? Today, Dr. Sri is joined by Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford to discuss their new book Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue can change your life and relationships. Together, they talk about the challenges young people are facing spiritually and socially. Snippet from the Show Chastity liberates love from use.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

What does it mean to have heroic virtue? Today, Dr. Sri is joined by Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford to discuss their new book Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue can change your life and relationships. Together, they talk about the challenges young people are facing spiritually and socially. Snippet from the Show Chastity liberates love from use. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Relationships and Heroic Virtue (with Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford)

What are the most important virtues? How do you attain them? Dr. Sri explains what the most important virtues are and how they bring us into deeper union with God. He also shares how we can attain these virtues and live them out in our everyday lives. Snippet from the Show If I want to see reality clearly, I must have faith. Faith is a light for our feet.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

What are the most important virtues? How do you attain them? Dr. Sri explains what the most important virtues are and how they bring us into deeper union with God. He also shares how we can attain these virtues and live them out in our everyday lives. Snippet from the Show If I want to see reality clearly, I must have faith. Faith is a light for our feet. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Three Most Important Virtues

What’s the point of a pilgrimage? Is it just about sightseeing? Today, Dr. Sri explains the reasons it is good for any person to go on a pilgrimage. He also shares ideas on how to make pilgrimages without even leaving your own diocese. Finally, Dr. Sri offers four tips to follow when preparing for a pilgrimage. Snippet from the Show We need to step out of our normal routines and see the whole of our lives. We need to see where we’ve been and to see where God is leading us next.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

What’s the point of a pilgrimage? Is it just about sightseeing? Today, Dr. Sri explains the reasons it is good for any person to go on a pilgrimage. He also shares ideas on how to make pilgrimages without even leaving your own diocese. Finally, Dr. Sri offers four tips to follow when preparing for a pilgrimage. Snippet from the Show We need to step out of our normal routines and see the whole of our lives. We need to see where we’ve been and to see where God is leading us next. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Why Go on a Pilgrimage?

Have you ever set out to do God’s will, but later experienced confusion or discouragement? On location in Rome, Dr. Sri shares the story of St. Camillus and some of the significant challenges he faced. Dr. Sri also points to the examples of many other saints who overcame discouragement, disappointment and other challenges as they pursued the will of God. Snippet from the Show When you dare to boldly trust God with your life, anticipate that the devil is going to come and try to rattle you. But remember, you are not alone. The Lord is with you.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Have you ever set out to do God’s will, but later experienced confusion or discouragement? On location in Rome, Dr. Sri shares the story of St. Camillus and some of the significant challenges he faced. Dr. Sri also points to the examples of many other saints who overcame discouragement, disappointment and other challenges as they pursued the will of God. Snippet from the Show When you dare to boldly trust God with your life, anticipate that the devil is going to come and try to rattle you. But remember, you are not alone. The Lord is with you. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Expect to Be Rattled

How do you change the world? How are we supposed to influence the people in our lives so that they can know Christ? Dr. Sri shares the story of St. Benedict and encourages us to follow his example in seeking interior renewal so that we can renew the world for Christ. Snippet from the Show If you want to be someone who influences the world, someone who makes a difference for Jesus Christ, you have to be willing to pull back from the world.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

How do you change the world? How are we supposed to influence the people in our lives so that they can know Christ? Dr. Sri shares the story of St. Benedict and encourages us to follow his example in seeking interior renewal so that we can renew the world for Christ. Snippet from the Show If you want to be someone who influences the world, someone who makes a difference for Jesus Christ, you have to be willing to pull back from the world. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

How to Renew the World with St. Benedict

In this second part of Dr. Sri’s interview of Fr. Mark-Mary, they continue their discussion of growing in holiness. Fr. Mark-Mary shares more wisdom from his book, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. Snippet from the Show Caring for the poor is an essential component of our faith.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

In this second part of Dr. Sri’s interview of Fr. Mark-Mary, they continue their discussion of growing in holiness. Fr. Mark-Mary shares more wisdom from his book, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. Snippet from the Show Caring for the poor is an essential component of our faith. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Part 2: How to Grow in Holiness (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)

No matter where we are in life, we are able to grow in holiness. Today, Dr. Sri sits down with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to discuss his book, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. Snippet from the Show The spiritual life is real life.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

No matter where we are in life, we are able to grow in holiness. Today, Dr. Sri sits down with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to discuss his book, <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/habits-for-holiness-small-steps-for-big?utm_campaign=gs-2020-10-16&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=smart_campaign&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw7uSkBhDGARIsAMCZNJt1Mgncci6_U-BomMAfWxQEzxwU61BCiSGhSrUV3F36odBiyZLuVIIaAk-nEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress.</a> Snippet from the Show The spiritual life is real life. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Part 1: How to Grow in Holiness (With Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)

How do you deal with the struggles you have in prayer? It can be very easy to become discouraged in prayer. Perhaps you are experiencing dryness in prayer or loneliness. Maybe you are being attacked with doubts. Today, Dr. Sri addresses some of the challenges we may face in prayer and how we can respond to those challenges. Snippet from the Show It is in the moments of dryness and darkness in prayer that God is inviting us to take that next step in our relationship with him.  For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

How do you deal with the struggles you have in prayer? It can be very easy to become discouraged in prayer. Perhaps you are experiencing dryness in prayer or loneliness. Maybe you are being attacked with doubts. Today, Dr. Sri addresses some of the challenges we may face in prayer and how we can respond to those challenges. Snippet from the Show It is in the moments of dryness and darkness in prayer that God is inviting us to take that next step in our relationship with him. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

When God Tests Your Heart in Prayer

Prayer is essential in the Christian life…but why is it so hard sometimes? Dr. Edward Sri shares insights from the Saints about where God is in the midst of our struggles and how we are called to respond. Snippet from the Show It’s the Devil who wants you to think that your prayer isn’t worth it.   For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Prayer is essential in the Christian life…but why is it so hard sometimes? Dr. Edward Sri shares insights from the Saints about where God is in the midst of our struggles and how we are called to respond. Snippet from the Show It’s the Devil who wants you to think that your prayer isn’t worth it. <ul> <li>For full shownotes, visit <a href="http://Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic</a>, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox. </li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

When You Don’t Feel Close to God

Join well-known theologian and author Edward Sri for weekly insights on understanding and living out the Catholic faith. Delve deeper into the Bible, prayer time, virtue, relationships, marriage and family and culture with practical reflections on all things Catholic. Don't just go through the motions. Live as an intentional Catholic, a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Just starting listen. Excellent topic and delivery.

Very good

Short but deep discussions on the Catholic faith!

Fantastic!

All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Why do the Gospels never mention Jesus appearing to Mary on Easter? Does that mean it didn’t happen?  Actually, the Risen Jesus probably appeared to Mary first - eagerly rising from the dead as early as possible on Easter morning so he could be reunited with his mother.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Why do the Gospels never mention Jesus appearing to Mary on Easter? Does that mean it didn’t happen?  Actually, the Risen Jesus probably appeared to Mary first - eagerly rising from the dead as early as possible on Easter morning so he could be reunited with his mother.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Did Jesus Appear to Mary on Easter?

Mike Schmitz

In this special live interview with Father Mike Schmitz, Father identifies the major barrier to decision-making that he sees plague so many Catholics: the fear of making the wrong choice and disappointing God. This fear might keep someone from making a major vocational step of discernment, (e.g. entering the seminary or proposing), or it could keep someone from making other types of life decisions, (e.g. starting a Bible study or sending your kids to a new school). Father and I talk about this paralyzing tendency and share observations, insights, and practical steps to help you peacefully move forward in following God’s will for your life.  Today’s episode was recorded last week live at the FOCUS SLS Student Leadership Conference in Phoenix Arizona. Thank you for all your prayers during this incredible, life-giving week spent with so many amazing young people on fire for the Lord!  Snippet from the Show Our emotions don’t necessarily reveal the truth about reality, but they do reveal the conditions of our heart.  SHOWNOTES “I just want to do what God wants me to do!” Father Mike talks about the tendency to want God to intervene in our lives in explicit ways so that we don’t have to bear the responsibility of making decisions.  In a new book he helped co-author with the Angels, Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry, Fr. Mike explains that a large part of discernment is actually making decisions, and trusting that even if we’re wrong, God will take care of us. And in almost all cases, this decision is simply the first decision in a series of decisions that will lead us to in our walk of faith. Over-Spiritualization We often hear the phrase “I don’t feel called” when opting not to do something, but how much of that is truth versus just not feeling like doing something. Dr. Sri explains that some things we are meant to be called, and that’s a beautiful thing, but other decisions are meant to be made with a little uneasiness. Think of Jesus in the Garden: was Jesus totally at peace and calm about his decision to die on the cross? No! He was terrified, stressed out, he was even sweating blood! But he did it anyway because it was what he needed to do, same with some of the situations we find ourselves in. Not everything we do in life is going to be pleasant, but even unpleasant and difficult can be led by God. However, when we do God’s will, we will experience a deeper peace that is stronger than fleeting emotional responses.  Early Jesuit Maxim: “Your first emotional response usually is not a sign of God’s will, it’s a sign of your own disordered attachment to something.” Fr. Mike’s Scuba Diving Analogy When Father made the concrete decision that he was going to enter seminary, he knew he had a deep peace about the decision that could not be stirred. He relates this feeling to the experience of scuba diving. He explained that before jumping into the water, sitting on the edge of the boat, all you can see are these rough and rocky waves that you’re about to submerge into. The waves have no peace to them, and are even quite violent, but once you make the jump and submerge, you get a couple feet down and find that everything is still—so still that you can’t believe just a few feet above you such violent waves are forming.  Deciding to join seminary was not an easy decision for Father. He was jumping into a new realm of life, and saying goodbye to a girl he was ready to marry. But through that jump, though he experienced heartbreak and trials, he could feel a deep-rooted peace within him that evidenced his decision was aligned with God’s will.  Emotions and Discernment We’ve been told to follow our passion and pursue them with everything we have, but Fr. Mike disagrees. He explains that our passions change and that what we should focus on are our passions paired with our God-given abilities and gifts. If we focus on what we can do, using the specific abilities God has given us, and cultivate them into a skill, then we will find passion in doing our jobs well, no matter what they are.  Fr. Mike’s Steps in Discernment Gather data: seek advice, get more information, go explore… just learn! Move forward with the Lord: our steps become clearer the closer we get to our goal **Discernment Tip: **If your intentions are true and good in your discernment, God will bless whatever you’re doing, even if it’s only for a short time Resources Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bobby and Jackie Angel Subscribe to our show by texting “allthingscatholic” to 33-777 Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

In this special live interview with Father Mike Schmitz, Father identifies the major barrier to decision-making that he sees plague so many Catholics: the fear of making the wrong choice and disappointing God. This fear might keep someone from making a major vocational step of discernment, (e.g. entering the seminary or proposing), or it could keep someone from making other types of life decisions, (e.g. starting a Bible study or sending your kids to a new school). Father and I talk about this paralyzing tendency and share observations, insights, and practical steps to help you peacefully move forward in following God’s will for your life. Today’s episode was recorded last week live at the FOCUS SLS Student Leadership Conference in Phoenix Arizona. Thank you for all your prayers during this incredible, life-giving week spent with so many amazing young people on fire for the Lord! Snippet from the Show Our emotions don’t necessarily reveal the truth about reality, but they do reveal the conditions of our heart. SHOWNOTES “I just want to do what God wants me to do!” Father Mike talks about the tendency to want God to intervene in our lives in explicit ways so that we don’t have to bear the responsibility of making decisions. In a new book he helped co-author with the Angels, Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry, Fr. Mike explains that a large part of discernment is actually making decisions, and trusting that even if we’re wrong, God will take care of us. And in almost all cases, this decision is simply the first decision in a series of decisions that will lead us to in our walk of faith. Over-Spiritualization We often hear the phrase “I don’t feel called” when opting not to do something, but how much of that is truth versus just not feeling like doing something. Dr. Sri explains that some things we are meant to be called, and that’s a beautiful thing, but other decisions are meant to be made with a little uneasiness. Think of Jesus in the Garden: was Jesus totally at peace and calm about his decision to die on the cross? No! He was terrified, stressed out, he was even sweating blood! But he did it anyway because it was what he needed to do, same with some of the situations we find ourselves in. Not everything we do in life is going to be pleasant, but even unpleasant and difficult can be led by God. However, when we do God’s will, we will experience a deeper peace that is stronger than fleeting emotional responses. Early Jesuit Maxim: “Your first emotional response usually is not a sign of God’s will, it’s a sign of your own disordered attachment to something.” Fr. Mike’s Scuba Diving Analogy When Father made the concrete decision that he was going to enter seminary, he knew he had a deep peace about the decision that could not be stirred. He relates this feeling to the experience of scuba diving. He explained that before jumping into the water, sitting on the edge of the boat, all you can see are these rough and rocky waves that you’re about to submerge into. The waves have no peace to them, and are even quite violent, but once you make the jump and submerge, you get a couple feet down and find that everything is still—so still that you can’t believe just a few feet above you such violent waves are forming. Deciding to join seminary was not an easy decision for Father. He was jumping into a new realm of life, and saying goodbye to a girl he was ready to marry. But through that jump, though he experienced heartbreak and trials, he could feel a deep-rooted peace within him that evidenced his decision was aligned with God’s will. Emotions and Discernment We’ve been told to follow our passion and pursue them with everything we have, but Fr. Mike disagrees. He explains that our passions change and that what we should focus on are our passions paired with our God-given abilities and gifts. If we focus on what we can do, using the specific abilities God has given us, and cultivate them into a skill, then we will find passion in doing our jobs well, no matter what they are. Fr. Mike’s Steps in Discernment Gather data: seek advice, get more information, go explore… just learn! Move forward with the Lord: our steps become clearer the closer we get to our goal **Discernment Tip: **If your intentions are true and good in your discernment, God will bless whatever you’re doing, even if it’s only for a short time Resources <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/pray-decide-and-don-t-worry-five-steps-to-discerning-god-s-will" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry</a> by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Bobby and Jackie Angel Subscribe to our show by texting “allthingscatholic” to 33-777 <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Live with Father Mike Schmitz on Discerning God’s Will 

Beth Sri

Nothing can fully prepare you for the real challenges of married life. Edward Sri hosts his first guest, his wife Beth, as they share three things they wish they did before they were married...and they continue to work on today.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Nothing can fully prepare you for the real challenges of married life. Edward Sri hosts his first guest, his wife Beth, as they share three things they wish they did before they were married...and they continue to work on today.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

What We Wish We Knew Before Marriage - with Beth Sri

Edward Sri discusses the real challenges every married couple faces but not many people talk about. And he unpacks three practical ways to experience the beautiful transformation God wants to work in our hearts - not in spite of, but precisely through the real struggles of daily married life.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Edward Sri discusses the real challenges every married couple faces but not many people talk about. And he unpacks three practical ways to experience the beautiful transformation God wants to work in our hearts - not in spite of, but precisely through the real struggles of daily married life.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Marriage Reality Check

A young mom once said to me, “No one every told me how hard marriage would be!”  But it’s through the challenges and messiness of marriage that God wants to shape us the most.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

A young mom once said to me, “No one every told me how hard marriage would be!”  But it’s through the challenges and messiness of marriage that God wants to shape us the most.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Marriage Messy & Beautiful

Damon Owens

Marriage is hard. But it’s right there in the hard that God wants to bring out something beautiful.  Join Beth and Edward Sri with International TOB speaker Damon Owens for a conversation about the deeper love that can be found in the real struggles of marriage. Learn more about Damon’s ministry at joytob.org Learn more about Beth’s ministry at borntodothis.orgSupport All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Marriage is hard. But it’s right there in the hard that God wants to bring out something beautiful.  Join Beth and Edward Sri with International TOB speaker Damon Owens for a conversation about the deeper love that can be found in the real struggles of marriage. Learn more about Damon’s ministry at <a href="http://joytob.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">joytob.org</a> Learn more about Beth’s ministry at <a href="http://borntodothis.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">borntodothis.org</a><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Marriage-The Struggle is Real - with Beth Sri & Damon Owens

Right now there's a battle going on for your mind - for how you look at reality. What is love? What brings happiness? What is a successful life? The secular world is doing everything it can to get you to look at these fundamental questions a certain way. But Jesus offers an alternative view. How can you make sure you are not conformed to this world but are transformed by a renewal of your mind? Episode Notes: This episode is based on a chapter in Edward Sri's latest book, Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple (Ignatius Press-Augustine Institute)  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Right now there's a battle going on for your mind - for how you look at reality. What is love? What brings happiness? What is a successful life? The secular world is doing everything it can to get you to look at these fundamental questions a certain way. But Jesus offers an alternative view. How can you make sure you are not conformed to this world but are transformed by a renewal of your mind? Episode Notes: This episode is based on a chapter in Edward Sri's latest book, Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple (Ignatius Press-Augustine Institute) <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Battle for Your Mind

Which biblical figure showed the most trust in God? Dr. Sri makes a good case for a man from the Gospel of John whose son is dying and explains how we can use his example to trust God more. Snippet from the Show “We can’t experience God’s providence unless we let go, unless we have confidence in his promise, unless we are willing to jump.” SHOWNOTES John 4:46-54 - So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper′na-um there was an official whose son was ill. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live”; and he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. Fr. Jacques Philippe - As long as a person who must jump with a parachute does not jump out into the void, he cannot feel that the cords of the parachute will support him, because the parachute has not yet had the chance to open. One must first jump and it is only later that one feels carried. And so it is in spiritual life: “God gives in the measure that we expect of Him,” says Saint John of the Cross. And Saint Francis de Sales says: “The measure of Divine Providence acting on us is the degree of confidence that we have in it.” This is where the problem lies. Many do not believe in Providence because they’ve never experienced it, but they’ve never experienced it because they’ve never jumped into the void and taken the leap of faith. They never give it the possibility to intervene. They calculate everything, anticipate everything, they seek to resolve everything by counting on themselves, instead of counting on God. -Fr. Jacques Philippe How to Trust God More  Admit your fear. Say, “God, I’m afraid to jump,” and give him your fears about the outcome. Pick something you’re afraid to do (it can be small), and do it anyway. Trust that whatever the outcome, God has a hand in it. Invoke the help of Mary and the saints. Ask a saint to pray for you and intercede on your behalf.   Resources  Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph Journal The Advent of Christ Dr. Sri is traveling to the Holy Land! Send your prayer intentions to info.edwardsri@gmail.com Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Which biblical figure showed the most trust in God? Dr. Sri makes a good case for a man from the Gospel of John whose son is dying and explains how we can use his example to trust God more. Snippet from the Show “We can’t experience God’s providence unless we let go, unless we have confidence in his promise, unless we are willing to jump.” SHOWNOTES John 4:46-54 - So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper′na-um there was an official whose son was ill. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live”; and he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee. Fr. Jacques Philippe - As long as a person who must jump with a parachute does not jump out into the void, he cannot feel that the cords of the parachute will support him, because the parachute has not yet had the chance to open. One must first jump and it is only later that one feels carried. And so it is in spiritual life: “God gives in the measure that we expect of Him,” says Saint John of the Cross. And Saint Francis de Sales says: “The measure of Divine Providence acting on us is the degree of confidence that we have in it.” This is where the problem lies. Many do not believe in Providence because they’ve never experienced it, but they’ve never experienced it because they’ve never jumped into the void and taken the leap of faith. They never give it the possibility to intervene. They calculate everything, anticipate everything, they seek to resolve everything by counting on themselves, instead of counting on God. -Fr. Jacques Philippe How to Trust God More <ol> <li>Admit your fear. Say, “God, I’m afraid to jump,” and give him your fears about the outcome.</li> <li>Pick something you’re afraid to do (it can be small), and do it anyway. Trust that whatever the outcome, God has a hand in it.</li> <li>Invoke the help of Mary and the saints. Ask a saint to pray for you and intercede on your behalf. </li> </ol> Resources <ul> <li><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/collections/collection-book/products/rejoice-advent-meditations-with-joseph-journal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph Journal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Advent-Christ-Scripture-Reflections-Christmas/dp/1616366516" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Advent of Christ</a></li> <li>Dr. Sri is traveling to the Holy Land! Send your prayer intentions to <a href="mailto:info.edwardsri@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">info.edwardsri@gmail.com</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

How to Trust God More

Many Catholics are feeling bewildered in the wake of horrific revelations about clergy abuse. We must, however, go deeper spiritually and theologically to face the present challenges. In times of sorrow and crisis, Scripture and the Catholic Tradition have always pointed to the three crucial acts of penance as a source of healing and hope.  But can my prayer, fasting and almsgiving really make a difference? Can these practices really help the Church through these troubled times and comfort the victims, their families and the wider community of believers and even unbelievers alike who have been effected by these atrocities?  Discover a Biblical response to the recent scandal in the Church.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Many Catholics are feeling bewildered in the wake of horrific revelations about clergy abuse. We must, however, go deeper spiritually and theologically to face the present challenges. In times of sorrow and crisis, Scripture and the Catholic Tradition have always pointed to the three crucial acts of penance as a source of healing and hope.  But can my prayer, fasting and almsgiving really make a difference? Can these practices really help the Church through these troubled times and comfort the victims, their families and the wider community of believers and even unbelievers alike who have been effected by these atrocities?  Discover a Biblical response to the recent scandal in the Church.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

A Biblical Response to Church Scandal: What Can We Do?

Dr. Edward Sri answers listeners' questions about topics such as Mary, marriage and this week's feast of the Ascension of Our Lord.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Dr. Edward Sri answers listeners' questions about topics such as Mary, marriage and this week's feast of the Ascension of Our Lord.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Q&A with Dr. Sri - The Ascension

Catholics are often criticized for praying to Mary, but every part of the Hail Mary has biblical roots which reveal that the focus of this prayer is actually Jesus. St. John Paul II put it this way, “Although the repeated Hail Mary is addressed directly to Mary, it is to Jesus that the act of love is ultimately directed, with her and through her.” Dr. Sri unpacks the biblical roots of the Hail Mary to help us truly understand the significance of this powerful prayer.  Snippet from the Show “Every time we pray the Hail Mary, we enter into the ecstatic praise of heaven and earth. Heaven represented by Gabriel, earth represented by Elizabeth. We’re entering into their words of praise, which are in Scripture and are inspired by God.” SHOWNOTES “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you … ” Luke 1:26-28 -  In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” “ ... Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb … ” Luke 1:39-45 -  In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit* and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”   filled with the Holy Spirit - this language is used to describe someone who is given prophetic insight.  “ … Jesus … ” Philippians 2:8-11 - And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow*, 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.  at the name of Jesus - there is immense power in the name of Jesus, and his name is at the very center of this prayer, making it literally a Christocentric prayer. St. John Paul II called it the “hinge” of the Hail Mary. He said, “The centre of gravity in the Hail Mary, the hinge as it were which joins its two parts, is the name of Jesus. Sometimes, in hurried recitation, this centre of gravity can be overlooked, and with it the connection to the mystery of Christ being contemplated. Yet it is precisely the emphasis given to the name of Jesus and to his mystery that is the sign of a meaningful and fruitful recitation of the Rosary.”  “ … Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” Luke 1:8 -  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”*  let it be to me - Mary’s Fiat, her yes to God, is exactly what we seek to emulate. This part of the Hail Mary is where we ask Our Lady to intercede for us, so that we may accept Jesus into our hearts as she did.   RESOURCES  Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Apostolic letter of St. John Paul II Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Dr. Edward Sri How to Pray Like Mary by Sonja Corbitt Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Catholics are often criticized for praying to Mary, but every part of the Hail Mary has biblical roots which reveal that the focus of this prayer is actually Jesus. St. John Paul II put it this way, “Although the repeated Hail Mary is addressed directly to Mary, it is to Jesus that the act of love is ultimately directed, with her and through her.” Dr. Sri unpacks the biblical roots of the Hail Mary to help us truly understand the significance of this powerful prayer. Snippet from the Show “Every time we pray the Hail Mary, we enter into the ecstatic praise of heaven and earth. Heaven represented by Gabriel, earth represented by Elizabeth. We’re entering into their words of praise, which are in Scripture and are inspired by God.” SHOWNOTES “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you … ” Luke 1:26-28 - In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” “ ... Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb … ” Luke 1:39-45 - In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit* and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” <ul> <li>filled with the Holy Spirit - this language is used to describe someone who is given prophetic insight.</li> </ul> “ … Jesus … ” Philippians 2:8-11 - And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow*, 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. <ul> <li>at the name of Jesus - there is immense power in the name of Jesus, and his name is at the very center of this prayer, making it literally a Christocentric prayer. St. John Paul II called it the “hinge” of the Hail Mary. He said, “The centre of gravity in the Hail Mary, the hinge as it were which joins its two parts, is the name of Jesus. Sometimes, in hurried recitation, this centre of gravity can be overlooked, and with it the connection to the mystery of Christ being contemplated. Yet it is precisely the emphasis given to the name of Jesus and to his mystery that is the sign of a meaningful and fruitful recitation of the Rosary.”</li> </ul> “ … Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” Luke 1:8 - And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”* <ul> <li>let it be to me - Mary’s Fiat, her yes to God, is exactly what we seek to emulate. This part of the Hail Mary is where we ask Our Lady to intercede for us, so that we may accept Jesus into our hearts as she did. </li> </ul> RESOURCES <ul> <li><a href="https://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20021016_rosarium-virginis-mariae.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosarium Virginis Mariae</a>, Apostolic letter of St. John Paul II</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Rosary-Like-Never-Before/dp/163253178X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItq6t0YXO5AIVCa_ICh05QAlgEAAYASAAEgJXnfD_BwE&amp;hvadid=241659387557&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9007348&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvpos=1t1&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=9773729536675742179&amp;hvtargid=kwd-368857893333&amp;hydadcr=19737_10212462&amp;keywords=pray+the+rosary+like+never+before&amp;qid=1568386133&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;psc=1&amp;spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWjM0VlhZMFM4M1lZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjYxMzEyMks0VURVS1k3RDg0WSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTAxNTQ1TERSNVpQWUdHVFEmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Praying the Rosary Like Never Before</a> by Dr. Edward Sri</li> <li><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/collections/collection-book/products/how-to-pray-like-mary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Pray Like Mary</a> by Sonja Corbitt</li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Biblical Roots of the Hail Mary

Purgatory often gets treated like a time out—the place you go because you did something bad—but it’s much more than that. Dr. Sri uses biblical images of fire and an analogy from St. John of the Cross to illuminate the Catholic teaching of purgatory. This episode will leave you with an essential truth about the all consuming love of God, motivation to continue your own spiritual growth, and several spiritual practices to help you remember the dead.  Who Goes to Purgatory? Sometimes Catholics think of purgatory as a place where bad Christians go for a supernatural “time out” before they can get into heaven. But, that’s not at all what the Church teaches. At its simplest level, we can understand the three states of the afterlife as this:  Heaven is for those who die loving God with “all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).  Hell is for those who die without loving God at all.  Purgatory is for those who die with divided hearts—they love God, but their hearts are also held captive by love of sin or attachments to this world.  *What Are the Fires of Purgatory Really All About? * In 1 Corinthians 3:15,  St. Paul says that some will be saved, but only through fire. Oftentimes, we view fire as dangerous and frightening, but the Bible uses fire as an image of God’s closeness. This is the type of fire that is associated with purgatory; it’s not fire of God’s wrath—it’s fire of God’s love.  Scripture provides us with several images where fire indicates the closeness and power of God’s presence: Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Exodus 3:1-3 – “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Mid'ian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” Exodus 13:21-22 – “The LORD preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire* to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. Neither the column of cloud by day nor the column of fire by night ever left its place in front of the people.” Acts 2:3-5 “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” St. John of the Cross on the Fires of Purgatory St. John of the Cross provides us with a beautiful analogy of a heart in love with God as a log in the midst of a burning flame. The flame consumes the log, and the log begins to burn from within. St. John of the Cross explains that this is what happens when a soul is consumed by God’s love—flames of love leap up through the soul itself   But what happens when God draws close to souls who have many imperfections and weaknesses? Those souls experience the flame of God’s love in a way that is painful or afflictive.  It’s similar to a damp log placed into a fire—it resists the fire, causing it to take longer for it to catch and burn.  So what difference does the doctrine of purgatory make in our lives today? The doctrine of purgatory reminds us that in order for us to enter into heaven, our hearts must be fully in love with God and detached from all sin. So, let’s not wait for purgatory to begin this purification of our hearts and souls.  Let’s root out sin in our hearts and try to love God with all our hearts here on earth.  This doctrine calls us to remember the dead. We must not assume that our relatives and loved ones are in heaven, and thus neglect to pray for their souls. In her final words to  her son, St. Augustine, St. Monics begs him to pray for her after she dies. If such a holy woman asked for continued graces through prayer after her death, we shouldn’t assume anyone is in heaven unless they are canonized by the Church.  *How do we pray for the dead? * Write a list of names and pray daily for each soul Offer up a rosary, a decade, or even just a Hail Mary for those souls.  Pray for those holy souls in purgatory who don’t have anyone to pray for them by name.  Offer communion for all holy souls in purgatory Visit a local cemetery and pray for the dead Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Purgatory often gets treated like a time out—the place you go because you did something bad—but it’s much more than that. Dr. Sri uses biblical images of fire and an analogy from St. John of the Cross to illuminate the Catholic teaching of purgatory. This episode will leave you with an essential truth about the all consuming love of God, motivation to continue your own spiritual growth, and several spiritual practices to help you remember the dead. Who Goes to Purgatory? Sometimes Catholics think of purgatory as a place where bad Christians go for a supernatural “time out” before they can get into heaven. But, that’s not at all what the Church teaches. At its simplest level, we can understand the three states of the afterlife as this: Heaven is for those who die loving God with “all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Hell is for those who die without loving God at all. Purgatory is for those who die with divided hearts—they love God, but their hearts are also held captive by love of sin or attachments to this world. *What Are the Fires of Purgatory Really All About? * In 1 Corinthians 3:15, St. Paul says that some will be saved, but only through fire. Oftentimes, we view fire as dangerous and frightening, but the Bible uses fire as an image of God’s closeness. This is the type of fire that is associated with purgatory; it’s not fire of God’s wrath—it’s fire of God’s love. Scripture provides us with several images where fire indicates the closeness and power of God’s presence: Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” Exodus 3:1-3 – “Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Mid'ian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” Exodus 13:21-22 – “The LORD preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire* to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. Neither the column of cloud by day nor the column of fire by night ever left its place in front of the people.” Acts 2:3-5 “And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” St. John of the Cross on the Fires of Purgatory St. John of the Cross provides us with a beautiful analogy of a heart in love with God as a log in the midst of a burning flame. The flame consumes the log, and the log begins to burn from within. St. John of the Cross explains that this is what happens when a soul is consumed by God’s love—flames of love leap up through the soul itself But what happens when God draws close to souls who have many imperfections and weaknesses? Those souls experience the flame of God’s love in a way that is painful or afflictive. It’s similar to a damp log placed into a fire—it resists the fire, causing it to take longer for it to catch and burn. So what difference does the doctrine of purgatory make in our lives today? The doctrine of purgatory reminds us that in order for us to enter into heaven, our hearts must be fully in love with God and detached from all sin. So, let’s not wait for purgatory to begin this purification of our hearts and souls. Let’s root out sin in our hearts and try to love God with all our hearts here on earth. This doctrine calls us to remember the dead. We must not assume that our relatives and loved ones are in heaven, and thus neglect to pray for their souls. In her final words to her son, St. Augustine, St. Monics begs him to pray for her after she dies. If such a holy woman asked for continued graces through prayer after her death, we shouldn’t assume anyone is in heaven unless they are canonized by the Church. *How do we pray for the dead? * Write a list of names and pray daily for each soul Offer up a rosary, a decade, or even just a Hail Mary for those souls. Pray for those holy souls in purgatory who don’t have anyone to pray for them by name. Offer communion for all holy souls in purgatory Visit a local cemetery and pray for the dead <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Fires of Purgatory

What was that first Christmas really like? Was Joseph really a carpenter?  Was Jesus born in a stable, a house or a cave? Join Edward Sri on location in Israel as he discusses the Christmas story from an ancient Jewish perspective. He interviews his favorite Jewish guide - a man full of faith and passionate about helping Christians see their own faith through ancient Jewish eyes.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

What was that first Christmas really like? Was Joseph really a carpenter?  Was Jesus born in a stable, a house or a cave? Join Edward Sri on location in Israel as he discusses the Christmas story from an ancient Jewish perspective. He interviews his favorite Jewish guide - a man full of faith and passionate about helping Christians see their own faith through ancient Jewish eyes.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Christmas through Jewish Eyes

“I said to her, ‘What if we stopped having sex?’ It wasn’t a serious proposal. But she started to cry. It tapped into something deep in her heart. I saw in her eyes that she saw me as a man that I wasn’t yet, but a man that I wanted to be.”   International TOB speaker Damon Owens shares how his relationship with his wife was completely transformed when they realized the emptiness of the world’s view of sexuality - and found joy in God’s plan. Learn more about Damon’s ministry at joytob.org  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

“I said to her, ‘What if we stopped having sex?’ It wasn’t a serious proposal. But she started to cry. It tapped into something deep in her heart. I saw in her eyes that she saw me as a man that I wasn’t yet, but a man that I wanted to be.”   International TOB speaker Damon Owens shares how his relationship with his wife was completely transformed when they realized the emptiness of the world’s view of sexuality - and found joy in God’s plan. Learn more about Damon’s ministry at <a href="http://joytob.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">joytob.org</a> <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

Something Greater-with Damon Owens

We all sin and fall short. But in those moments of unfaithfulness, will we be faithful at least in repentance? Faithful in admitting our faults, saying sorry and intentionally trying to be better next time? Though Peter denied Jesus three times, he models true repentance - and the path to new life.  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

We all sin and fall short. But in those moments of unfaithfulness, will we be faithful at least in repentance? Faithful in admitting our faults, saying sorry and intentionally trying to be better next time? Though Peter denied Jesus three times, he models true repentance - and the path to new life. <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

True Repentance

Does love really exist? Am I worthy of love? We hunger for a deeper love than what the secular world has offered us.  This week, Edward Sri interviews Frances Hopkins of the Culture Project in Sydney, Australia, who shares how God’s amazing love can still penetrate the thickest darkness in our secular age.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Does love really exist? Am I worthy of love? We hunger for a deeper love than what the secular world has offered us.  This week, Edward Sri interviews Frances Hopkins of the Culture Project in Sydney, Australia, who shares how God’s amazing love can still penetrate the thickest darkness in our secular age.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Ache of Love

Why does the Catholic Church hold up Matthew’s Gospel as so crucial for passing on the Faith--whether as a parent, teacher, catechist or friend? And why does Matthew stand out in times of evangelization and renewal in the Church? Matthew’s background as a tax collector gives an important clue into how he gave his Gospel a beautiful structure - a structure that is the key to understanding the story of Jesus as the climax of the history of the world.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Why does the Catholic Church hold up Matthew’s Gospel as so crucial for passing on the Faith--whether as a parent, teacher, catechist or friend? And why does Matthew stand out in times of evangelization and renewal in the Church? Matthew’s background as a tax collector gives an important clue into how he gave his Gospel a beautiful structure - a structure that is the key to understanding the story of Jesus as the climax of the history of the world.<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Secret to Matthew's Gospel - Reading Matthew (Part 1)

When we fall short, it’s easy to despair and berate ourselves for our failings. We’re tempted to turn our focus inward, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us.  Using the theology of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Dr. Sri explains how this is the opposite of what God wants us to do. When we fail, instead of navel-gazing, we can recognize our littleness and let the Lord into our hearts by surrendering our shortcomings to him. Snippet from the Show Paradoxically, the real victory in the spiritual life comes from surrender. When you say, “Lord, I give this to you because I can’t do it on my own.” SHOWNOTES St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Letter 243 - “As soon as God sees us convinced of our own nothingness — He stretches out His hand to us; but if we wish to attempt great things, even under the pretext of zeal, He leaves us alone. It is sufficient therefore to humble oneself and to bear our imperfections meekly: that is true sanctity.” 2 Ways to Surrender  Morning offering prayer  O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen. O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits ; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen. (Offering Prayer by St. Thérèse of Lisieux) Offer up your suffering.  Next time you face a trial or difficulty, use it as an opportunity to surrender your weakness to God. Say, “God, I give this to you.”  Resources * Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love  Story of a Soul Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

When we fall short, it’s easy to despair and berate ourselves for our failings. We’re tempted to turn our focus inward, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us. Using the theology of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Dr. Sri explains how this is the opposite of what God wants us to do. When we fail, instead of navel-gazing, we can recognize our littleness and let the Lord into our hearts by surrendering our shortcomings to him. Snippet from the Show Paradoxically, the real victory in the spiritual life comes from surrender. When you say, “Lord, I give this to you because I can’t do it on my own.” SHOWNOTES St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Letter 243 - “As soon as God sees us convinced of our own nothingness — He stretches out His hand to us; but if we wish to attempt great things, even under the pretext of zeal, He leaves us alone. It is sufficient therefore to humble oneself and to bear our imperfections meekly: that is true sanctity.” 2 Ways to Surrender <ol> <li>Morning offering prayer </li> <li>O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.</li> <li>O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits ; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen. (Offering Prayer by St. Thérèse of Lisieux)</li> <li>Offer up your suffering. </li> <li>Next time you face a trial or difficulty, use it as an opportunity to surrender your weakness to God. Say, “God, I give this to you.”</li> </ol> Resources *<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/men-women-and-the-mystery-of-love-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Men, Women, and the Mystery of Love</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBY4BGE/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&amp;btkr=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Story of a Soul</a></li> </ul><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

St. Thérèse and the Power of Surrender

If you’re at Thanksgiving dinner and the topic of life after death comes up, how confident would you be in articulating the Catholic position? Is there really a hell? If God is so merciful, would he really send people to hell? And what’s purgatory all about? Does God really bake us for a few hundred years in purgatory before letting us into heaven? Where is that in the Bible?  The Church has rich teaching about judgment, heaven, hell, and purgatory. But some Catholics are fuzzy on the details or have never heard about these matters from a truly Catholic perspective. In this episode, Edward Sri clearly and concisely unpacks what you need to know about the Last Things and equips you to answer confidently the question, “What Happens After We Die?"Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

If you’re at Thanksgiving dinner and the topic of life after death comes up, how confident would you be in articulating the Catholic position? Is there really a hell? If God is so merciful, would he really send people to hell? And what’s purgatory all about? Does God really bake us for a few hundred years in purgatory before letting us into heaven? Where is that in the Bible? The Church has rich teaching about judgment, heaven, hell, and purgatory. But some Catholics are fuzzy on the details or have never heard about these matters from a truly Catholic perspective. In this episode, Edward Sri clearly and concisely unpacks what you need to know about the Last Things and equips you to answer confidently the question, “What Happens After We Die?"<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

What Happens After We Die?

Sometimes we think our intercession for others will work only if we say enough prayers or say the right ones, but the power of intercessory prayer lies in the love we put into the prayer and the love of our God who hears them.    Dr. Edward Sri records this week’s episode from a place on the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum--where Jesus healed the paralyzed man who was lowered through a roof by his friends. Reflecting on the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends, Dr. Sri explains how Christ invites us to be part of his healing ministry by interceding for our friends, loved ones, co-workers, and even total strangers. Snippet from the Show:  "God does not need our help or our prayers. But even though he doesn't need them, he invites us to pray. He is moved by our love for someone else." The Healings of Christ’s Public Ministry St. Luke and St. Matthew’s Gospels tell us about many sick people who were brought to Christ by their loved ones for healing.  In Matthew 8, we see that Jesus cleanses a leper, heals a centurion’s servant, heals many at Simon’s house, and drives out demons from the Gadarene demoniacs. In Luke 4, we also hear about the healing of the man with an unclean spirit.  Perhaps one of the most famous of Christ’s healings was that of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof of a house by his friends. This paralyzed man could not walk to Jesus on his own. We don’t have any record of the paralyzed man asking his friends to take him to Jesus, but we know that his friends take the initiative to do just that … they bring their friend to Jesus. Determined, they go through great lengths to do this—they take him through crowds, up onto the roof of a house, and lower him down through the ceiling. That’s how much they love their friend and that’s how much faith they have in Jesus Christ.  We know the end of the story—Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins. But we often forget what the scripture says—Matthew tells us that when Christ saw “their faith” (the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends), he forgave the paralyzed man’s sins and healed him.  What does this teach us about the power of intercessory prayer? It’s not the prayer itself, it’s not about how many prayers or novenas you say, it’s about how much love we put into those prayers. It Is Good for Us to Intercede for Others God doesn’t need our help or our prayers, but he invites us to help. Why? Interceding for others is good for us...it grows our love and expands our hearts  God is moved by our love.  When he sees a humble heart come before him petitioning him for someone else, he can’t resist.  Practical:  The first thing to do is identify what friends, family members, co-workers need prayers. Ask yourself, who in my life is “paralyzed?” Who can’t/won’t walk to Christ themselves? Next, commit to interceding for them. Ask yourself, do you love them enough to pray for them?  Finally, bring them to Jesus. Bring them to him especially in the Eucharist. Pray for them at Mass, offer communion for them, pray for them in the Adoration chapel.  Our chapels should be packed! When Jesus visited towns, he couldn’t even move because of the crowds who gathered.   Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed … a great multitude, hearing all that he did, came to him.  And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him; for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits beheld him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.  Resources: God With Us: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew  Matthew: The King and His KingdomSupport All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Sometimes we think our intercession for others will work only if we say enough prayers or say the right ones, but the power of intercessory prayer lies in the love we put into the prayer and the love of our God who hears them. Dr. Edward Sri records this week’s episode from a place on the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum--where Jesus healed the paralyzed man who was lowered through a roof by his friends. Reflecting on the story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends, Dr. Sri explains how Christ invites us to be part of his healing ministry by interceding for our friends, loved ones, co-workers, and even total strangers. Snippet from the Show: "God does not need our help or our prayers. But even though he doesn't need them, he invites us to pray. He is moved by our love for someone else." The Healings of Christ’s Public Ministry St. Luke and St. Matthew’s Gospels tell us about many sick people who were brought to Christ by their loved ones for healing. In Matthew 8, we see that Jesus cleanses a leper, heals a centurion’s servant, heals many at Simon’s house, and drives out demons from the Gadarene demoniacs. In Luke 4, we also hear about the healing of the man with an unclean spirit. Perhaps one of the most famous of Christ’s healings was that of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof of a house by his friends. This paralyzed man could not walk to Jesus on his own. We don’t have any record of the paralyzed man asking his friends to take him to Jesus, but we know that his friends take the initiative to do just that … they bring their friend to Jesus. Determined, they go through great lengths to do this—they take him through crowds, up onto the roof of a house, and lower him down through the ceiling. That’s how much they love their friend and that’s how much faith they have in Jesus Christ. We know the end of the story—Jesus heals the man and forgives his sins. But we often forget what the scripture says—Matthew tells us that when Christ saw “their faith” (the faith of the paralyzed man’s friends), he forgave the paralyzed man’s sins and healed him. What does this teach us about the power of intercessory prayer? It’s not the prayer itself, it’s not about how many prayers or novenas you say, it’s about how much love we put into those prayers. It Is Good for Us to Intercede for Others God doesn’t need our help or our prayers, but he invites us to help. Why? Interceding for others is good for us...it grows our love and expands our hearts God is moved by our love. When he sees a humble heart come before him petitioning him for someone else, he can’t resist. Practical: The first thing to do is identify what friends, family members, co-workers need prayers. Ask yourself, who in my life is “paralyzed?” Who can’t/won’t walk to Christ themselves? Next, commit to interceding for them. Ask yourself, do you love them enough to pray for them? Finally, bring them to Jesus. Bring them to him especially in the Eucharist. Pray for them at Mass, offer communion for them, pray for them in the Adoration chapel. Our chapels should be packed! When Jesus visited towns, he couldn’t even move because of the crowds who gathered. Mark 3:7-12 Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed … a great multitude, hearing all that he did, came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him; for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits beheld him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known. Resources: God With Us: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew Matthew: The King and His Kingdom<a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri</a>

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

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