Today, we read CCC, 1928 - 1948 and discuss social justice, or that which allows others "to obtain what is their due." In addition to the basic material goods (food, drink, shelter), everyone deserves the truth and is made to receive the truth. In knowing and living the truth, we are able to live our humanity well and to achieve the goal, the end, the purpose of our humanity which is the one thing that we all want: happiness. And we're made for happiness not just in the next life, but even...

Today, we read CCC, 1897 - 1927 and discuss authority and the common good. Jesus told his apostles - the first bishops, the first leaders of the Church - "I have come not to be served but to serve," and he bids them do likewise. All authority figures, whether religious or secular, whether at the global, national, or local level, are called to do the same. We each will meet the Lord at the end of our lives, and we will be asked how we treated those entrusted to our care and our prayers... May...

Today, we read CCC, 1877 - 1896 and discuss, first, some insights I learned on last weekend's Godsplaining Retreat (hosted by the crew from the Godsplaining Podcast) and, second, why we are made to live in community. St. Augustine famously said that God created us without us, but He doesn't save us without us... it seems He also doesn't save us without others! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1833 - 1876 and discuss what constitutes mortal versus venial sins. Knowing reality helps us to navigate it more intentionally, so let's know the Truth and choose the Good and access all that this life has to offer! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1803 - 1832 and discuss the life of virtue. The Catechism talks about how the virtuous life allows us to give "the best of ourselves", to access all that God has given us, all that is within us and to set out, living a free and happy life. Through human effort and divine grace, we can be and become the best versions of ourselves. Not a bad way to live! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1776 - 1802 and discuss conscience... Rather than conscience being a cute little angel on one shoulder and a comical little devil on the other shoulder, each whispering in our ears to do this and not do that, conscience is "a judgment of reason" by which we are enjoined "to do good and to avoid evil." Conscience is "man's most secret core and his sanctuary", a place of quiet repose and peaceful stillness where we hear the voice of God and, by His grace, know the Truth and...

Today, we read CCC, 1749 - 1775 and discuss the three main ingredients of every moral act: the object, the end, and the circumstances. Being able to think about and to talk clearly about the what, the why, and the who, when, where, how, etc. makes for more fruitful discussion and for more happy living!

Today, we read CCC, 1730 - 1748 and discuss, once again, how human beings are made to know the truth and choose the good. The more that we use our rational intellect to know the truth, and the more that we use our free will to choose the good, the more free we become. Who doesn't love a free and happy life?! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1691 - 1729 and discuss how many people get stuck when it comes to the "rules" of Catholicism. Why does it seem like there are so many rules when it comes to the Catholic Church and one's relationship with God...? In reality, rules are simply the thing that helps us to achieve the real thing... the thing for which we're made and the thing to which it all points - a share in God's own blessed life... happiness! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1655 - 1690 and discuss marriage, sacramentals, and funerals. This brings us to the end of Part II of the Catechism and more than halfway through it. Way to persevere, and here we go... on to Part III: The Moral Life!

Today, we read CCC, 1621 - 1654 and discuss the bond of marriage. Through knowing something with one's intellect and choosing something with one's will, human beings have the power to form a bond that lasts forever, that no one and no thing (including the Church) can separate or break apart. How awesome and how terrifying that God gives us this power! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today, we read CCC, 1590 - 1620 and wrap up our discussion of Holy Orders and begin our discussion of Holy Matrimony. Celibacy "radiantly proclaims the reign of God" (CCC, 1579), meaning that those who live the celibate life, or "virginity for the sake of the kingdom", point to the union we all will experience - God willing - one day in Heaven. While marriage is an image and foreshadowing of our union with God, celibacy points to and lives now our future state. Both "come from the Lord...

Today, we read CCC, 1554 - 1589 and discuss the male priesthood and priestly celibacy. Many have said and continue to say, "The Church needs to get with the times and ordain women!" Others have asked and continue to question, "Why can't priests get married?" Like the other teachings and practices of the Catholic Church, these are not haphazard... Christ set things up in a certain way, and we - as "Christ-ians" - continue to live and learn from it.

Today, we read CCC, 1533 - 1553 and begin our discussion of the last two sacraments - "the Sacraments at the Service of Communion." These two sacraments - Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony - are especially ordered to "the other," and, if, in serving the other, we are made holy, praise the Lord, but... it's not about us!

Today, we read CCC, 1499 - 1532 and discuss the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick... In sickness and in health, God never does us part. He's here for it - all of it - and, while the road will look different for each of us, He wants us at the finish line because He loves us and wants our happiness, not just now... but forever.

Today, we read CCC, 1461 - 1498 and discuss the foundations of the sacrament of confession. Jesus clearly entrusts the power to forgive (and not forgive) sins to his apostles, the first priests, in John 20: 19 - 23. CCC, 1447 then reminds us that confession has been practiced since the first century. Finally, the Council of Trent, in 1551, referred to Scripture and Tradition and, while not changing or "updating" the teaching, simply continued to clarify and sing the praises of this sacrament....

Today, we read CCC, 1434 - 1460 and discuss the sacrament of Confession... Reconciliation... Penance! The Catechism lists a number of ways by which we may atone for our sins and experience conversion, but "the surest way" - says CCC, 1435 - is "taking up one's cross each day and following Jesus." Simple? Yes. Easy? No. The good news is that Jesus is with us (and helping us) every step of the way.

Today, we read CCC, 1402 - 1433 (we're halfway through the Catechism!) and discuss the term "communion." Through the Eucharist, Jesus brings us into relationship with Himself (God!) and each other (the Church!). What a gift!

Today, we read CCC, 1373 - 1401 and discuss how the Eucharist is set apart from the other sacraments. It is not just different in degree ("If only there had been a little more water at my baptism, then it would have been on the same level as my First Communion..."); it is different in kind ("... one of these things is not the same..."). The Eucharist - the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ... the Second Person of the Holy Trinity... God Himself - is truly unique!

Today, we read CCC, 1345 - 1372 and discuss the Eucharist. Why is it okay to make fun of all things Catholic? From Madonna's feature in "Vanity Fair" to multiple YouTubers' videos of Eucharistic desecration, ridiculing the Catholic Church and the teachings that she puts forth seem to be acceptable. Could it be that the devil doesn't waste his time with things that aren't true and, so, herein lies the Truth...?

Today, we read CCC 1322 - 1344 and discuss the Eucharist. When Jesus first proposed this teaching, reactions included, "How can this be?" and "This saying is hard... who can accept it?" At first glance, this is a strange teaching - "Lord, you want us to eat Your Body and drink Your Blood...?" - but, like all things Catholic, when put into practice, it makes sense!

Today, we read CCC, 1285 - 1321 and discuss the sacrament of Confirmation. Sadly, this sacrament is often treated as the end of the road in one's sacramental life or as a time to push the pause button on one's faith until marriage in a Catholic Church. The Catechism teaches that it is a sacrament of completion in that it seals what was begun at baptism. But it is also a sacrament of commencement, or a new beginning, in the life of a Christian as he or she sets out more boldly, confirmed in...

Today, we read CCC, 1246 - 1284 and discuss how "baptism is necessary for salvation." Many ask, "But, to enter Heaven, can't I just be a good person...?" Listen to find out!

Today, we read CCC, 1210 - 1245 and discuss how baptism is "the gateway to life in the Spirit," and, hence, the gateway to awesomeness. A seemingly simple ceremony, baptism brings a person to "the wellspring of holiness", ushers in "an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness", effects "liberation", and claims one's "blessed inheritance." All of that with a little water, a candle, and a white robe,,,? Yes! Note: Please excuse the sound quality/tech difficulties this week! We'll have it...

Today, we read CCC, 1179 - 1209 and discuss the Church's "unity and diversity." The Church spans countries, languages, and cultural traditions, but it professes the same faith, the same truth. What is it that ensures unity amidst diversity...? Apostolic succession... that direct line from St. Peter to Pope Francis that cuts through 2,000+ years.