Episode 111: Year C – The Epiphany of the Lord This upcoming Sunday is The Epiphany of the Lord, for which the readings are the same as the previous two years. The first reading is taken from Isaiah 60:1-6. The second reading is taken from Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6. And the Gospel is taken from Matthew 2:1-12. Given that we’ve already covered much of the apologetical material present in these readings for Years A and B, in this episode we provide a brief survey of the material already covered and simply highlight two extra details that we haven’t covered thus far: the identity of the magi an…

Explore the theological insights of the Feast of the Holy Family, focusing on family dynamics and the roles of spouses. Discuss the intriguing question of temporal punishment post-justification. Delve into Christ's growth in grace, examining how His divine nature influences His development. Unpack themes of obedience among children and the overall sanctifying grace within families. This discussion invites a deeper understanding of familial relationships in a faith context.

Episode 109: Year C – 4th Sunday of Advent In this episode, we focus on several details from all three readings for this upcoming 4th Sunday of Advent. The first detail comes from the first reading, which is taken from Micah 5:1-4a. The relevant apologetical topic is Jesus’ Messiahship. The second detail is found in the second reading, which is taken from Hebrews 10:5-10, and the relevant apologetical question there is whether this text supports the “once saved, always saved” doctrine. Finally, in the Gospel reading, taken from Luke 1:39-45, there is a cluster of details that all relate …

Episode 108: Year C – 3rd Sunday of Advent In this episode, we focus on details from each of the readings for this upcoming 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C. The first detail, which is found in the first reading, taken from Zephaniah 3:14-18, is the prophecy of the day for Israel to rejoice, the theme for Gaudete Sunday. The related topic, so I will argue, is Jesus’ divinity. The second detail comes from the second reading, taken from Philippians 4:4-7, and the related apologetical topic is the intercession of the saints. One of Paul’s exhortations seems to conflict with the Catholic practic…

Episode 107: Year C – 2nd Sunday of Advent In this episode, we focus on four details that are significant for apologetical discussions. The first two come from the second reading, which is taken from Phil 1:4-6, 8-11. The relevant topics that these details give opportunity to reflect on are the Intercession of the Saints and the possibility to lose the gift of salvation. The last two come from the Gospel reading, which is taken from Luke 3:1-6, and the relevant topics are the Historicity of Luke’s Gospel and the Divinity of Jesus. Readings: Click Here …

Episode 106: Year C – 1st Sunday of Advent In this episode, we focus on four details in the second reading and Gospel reading for this upcoming first Sunday of Advent, Year C. The second reading is taken from 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 and the details there, so we argue, relate to the nature of justification as interior righteousness versus the forensic model. The two details in the Gospel reading, taken from Luke 21:25-28, 34-36, gives opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ reliability as a prophet and the Protestant notion of “once saved, always saved.” Readings: Click Here …

Episode 105: Year B – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe In this episode, we focus on the readings for the last Sunday of Year B, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The details that are relevant to apologetical discussions come from the first and second readings—Daniel 7:13-14 and Revelation 1:5-8 respectively. The topics that these details give opportunity to reflect on are Jesus’ Messianic Kingship, which is the theme of the Solemnity, and Jesus’ Divinity. Readings: Click Here Looking for Sunday…

Episode 104: Year B – 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time In this episode, we focus on four apologetical details in the readings for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. The first detail comes from the first reading, taken from Daniel 12:1-3. The apologetical topic is the reality of hell. The second detail is found in the second reading, taken from Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, and the relevant topic is the “once saved, always saved” doctrine that some Christians profess. Finally, the last two details that we will focus on come from the Gospel reading, taken from Mark 13:24-32, and the relevant to…

Episode 103: Year B – 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time In this episode, we focus on six details that relate to apologetical conversations found in the Mass readings for this upcoming 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Four of the six details come from the second reading, which is taken from Heb 9:24-28. The topics that come to fore are the Sacrifice of the Mass, the scope of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, Purgatory, and Mary’s sinlessness. The last two of the six details come from the long version of the Gospel reading, taken from Mk 12:38-44. The related apologetical topics are Catholic litur…

Dive into the rich theological tapestry of intercession as believers are explored through scripture. Discover how Hebrews sheds light on Christ's eternal priesthood and His ongoing role as intercessor. The discussion tackles the relationship between the Sacrifice of the Mass and the intercession of saints, offering scriptural rebuttals to common critiques. Uncover the profound connection between justification, love, and the importance of fostering meaningful relationships with God and others.