

Catholic Bible Study
Augustine Institute
World-renowned Catholic Scholars from the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology lead in-depth Catholic Bible Studies to help the faithful encounter the Scriptures to further understanding and devotion to the inspired Word of God. These Bible Studies are brought to you by Formed and are made possible by the Mission Circle giving society. Consider furthering the mission of the Augustine Institute to help Catholics understand, live, and share their faith by visiting missioncircle.org today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 28min
Lectio Mark: The Way of Discipleship
As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, three times he predicts his approaching Passion. In response to the disciples' rejection of his words, Jesus works to heal their understanding both of his kingship and of the true nature of Christian discipleship.
See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceBuy Your Bible on Catholic.Market.Watch Bible Studies on Formed.Sign Up for Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 6, 2026 • 29min
Lectio Mark: The Mystery of the Bread
Explore the miraculous story of bread as Jesus reveals his divine nature, linking it to Israel's manna in a new Exodus. Witness the surprising command to feed the crowds and the deeper symbolism in the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Delve into the Eucharistic verbs that connect these miracles to early Christian worship. Discover the significance of faith and perception, as Jesus embodies the 'one loaf' and urges followers to see him as the bread of life. This journey illuminates profound themes of belief and divine presence.

11 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 29min
Lectio Mark: Faith Not Fear
Dive into a gripping portrayal of faith as the disciples confront a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus asks them why they fear, challenging listeners to reflect on their own storms of life. The discussion moves to the transformative power of faith, highlighted by the healing of a woman who simply touches Jesus' garment. Rembrandt's artwork ignites a deeper understanding of these biblical events. The message is clear: amidst fear, the call is to trust fully in Christ's presence.

Jan 4, 2026 • 29min
Lectio Mark: The Parable of the Sower
Explore the divine authority of Jesus as the voice of God and the powerful imagery in the Parable of the Sower. Delve into the meaning of the four types of soil and the surprising generosity of the sower. Discover why Jesus uses parables and the mystery of the Kingdom of God as illustrated through Isaiah's call. Reflect on the disciples' struggles and the hope for cultivating receptive hearts to God's word. This discussion beautifully intertwines scripture with life-changing insights.

Jan 3, 2026 • 29min
Lectio Mark: Binding the Strong Man
The discussion dives into the powerful moment when Jesus appoints the Twelve Apostles, showcasing his role as a savior. It highlights the controversy surrounding healing on the Sabbath and exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The concept of discipleship is defined as being present with Christ. A significant parable illustrates Jesus' authority to bind the strong man, a metaphor for conquering evil. The connections to Isaiah emphasize Jesus as the liberator, while demoniac stories reveal his profound impact on hearts and communities.

Jan 2, 2026 • 28min
Lectio Mark: Feasting and Fasting
Exploring the authority of Jesus, the discussion reveals his role as a new Moses delivering from sin and the divine power bestowed upon him. The calling of Levi symbolizes resurrection and conversion, enriched by Caravaggio’s artistic interpretation. The podcast tackles Jesus' challenge to Pharisaic traditions by dining with sinners and defending his disciples. With striking imagery of bridegrooms and new wine, it emphasizes the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings and his lordship over the Sabbath.

Jan 1, 2026 • 29min
Lectio Mark: Come, Follow Behind Me
The discussion dives into the urgency of Jesus calling his first disciples, illustrating the dramatic moment when Peter, Andrew, James, and John are invited to follow him. It connects Jesus' actions to profound biblical figures like Elijah and Moses, showcasing his authority in teaching and performing miracles. The podcast also highlights his compassionate healing of Peter's mother-in-law and a leper, emphasizing the themes of restoration. Additionally, it explores the significance of forgiveness and the divine identity revealed through Jesus' miraculous signs.

Dec 31, 2025 • 28min
Lectio Mark: Prepare the Way of the Lord
The opening lines of Mark's Gospel proclaim that Jesus is, without a doubt, the Son of God. He is the one for whom the way is being prepared. As Jesus sets out on that way, fulfilling the Old Testament _prophecies and prefigurements, Mark shows the Son doing precisely the work of the Father.
See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceBuy Your Bible on Catholic.Market.Watch Bible Studies on Formed.Sign Up for Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
Lectio Mark: Saint Mark the Evangelist
Just who is St. Mark, the author of this short but action-packed Gospel? Using outside sources, other books of the Bible, and the Gospel itself, Dr. Gray takes a closeup look at St. Mark, and his connection with St. Peter and the Christians of Rome.
See the work of Jesuit Refugee ServiceBuy Your Bible on Catholic.Market.Watch Bible Studies on Formed.Sign Up for Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute on the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 29, 2025 • 20min
Luminous Mysteries: Institution of the Eucharist
Join Dr. Mark Giszczak, a professor at the Augustine Institute and expert in sacramental theology, as he dives deep into the Institution of the Eucharist. He explains the profound meaning behind 'luminous' mysteries and how they reveal divine light. Mark discusses the Mass as a continuation of Christ's sacrifice and unpacks the relationship between the Eucharist and the Passover. He highlights Jesus as the new Paschal Lamb and explores the significance of covenant in Scripture, emphasizing the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.


