Sunday Catholic Word

Episode 114: Year C – 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time In today’s episode, we focus on six details in the readings for this upcoming 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C. The first detail is the whole of the first reading, taken from Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, and 8-10. It’s not necessarily a detail that comes up in apologetical discussions. But it does serve an apologetical purpose insofar as it gives biblical justification for the Catholic Liturgy of the Word. The next three details come from the second reading, taken from 1 Corinthians 12:12-30. The relevant apologetical topics are the intercess...

Dive into the Wedding Feast at Cana, where the significance of Mary's sinlessness shines as she is depicted as the New Eve. Explore how Jesus' interaction with her reflects broader biblical themes, linking this miracle to creation. The discussion contrasts Catholic and Protestant views on Mary's pivotal role in salvation history, inviting listeners to rethink traditional narratives. It's a fascinating exploration of theology, history, and the rich symbolism of scripture.

The discussion revolves around the profound significance of Jesus' baptism and God’s declaration of Him as the beloved Son. The hosts tackle theological challenges to the understanding of Jesus' divinity, critically examining claims that He became God’s Son at baptism. They also explore the phrase 'today I have begotten you,' suggesting it marks the start of His public ministry rather than a shift in His divine relationship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the baptism narrative in understanding Jesus' divine nature and sonship.

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...