The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Robert Barron, Bishop and founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, reflects on Pope Francis's impactful legacy following his passing. He discusses the pope's unique role as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, highlighting his commitment to the Church as a 'field hospital' and his encyclical, Laudato Si, on environmental stewardship. Barron compares Francis to his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II, while addressing the complexities of Church teachings on property and the common good. Plus, insights on managing regret and embracing a hopeful future.

Dive into the fascinating concepts of St. Thomas Aquinas as he defines God as 'ipsum esse,' shedding light on its relevance to Catholic social teaching. Discover how Aquinas' insights on governance reveal the dangers of tyranny and the importance of moral responsibility in ownership. Explore the theological grounds of economic activity, emphasizing the need for wealth to benefit society as a whole. Lastly, connect the dots between ethics and divine understanding, highlighting our duty to share resources and promote the common good.

Word on Fire is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. That’s twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel, evangelizing the culture, and working hard to bring people to—or back to—Christ and his Church. It’s worth pausing to look back to remember where it all began and how the ministry has grown along the way. What is Word on Fire’s origin story? When, where, and why did Bishop Barron—then Fr. Barron—first conceive of the idea to found Word on Fire? What were the early years like? What have been some major developments along the way? What obstacles were encountered, what lessons learned? And what does the future look like for the next five, ten, and even fifty years? A listener asks how he might be able to become a part of the Word on Fire religious order.  00:00 | Introduction 01:22 | Minnesota bishops visit state capital 02:55 | A brief look at Bishop Barron’s early priestly life 06:18 | Bishop Barron’s cathedral project 06:58 | Word on Fire’s beginning 09:49 | Beginning the Catholicism series 11:24 | Cardinal Francis George 14:30 | Early days with Fr. Steve Grunow 15:41 | Reddit’s “Ask Me Anything” 18:48 | Sunday Sermons 23:22 | Bishop Barron Presents 25:45 | The Word on Fire Show 27:07 | Public speaking events 28:32 | Speaking at Google and Facebook 29:57 | Expanding into the United Kingdom 31:17 | Word on Fire’s Institute and Publishing 33:58 | The Word on Fire Bible 37:08 | Looking into the future 38:32 | A message to donors 39:17 | Listener question: How can I join Word on Fire’s Third Order? 40:35 | Join the Word on Fire Institute Links: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

In a compelling lecture at Charles University, Bishop Barron delves into St. Thomas Aquinas' concept of God as 'ipsum esse.' He connects this profound idea to key themes in Catholic social teaching. The discussion uncovers Aquinas' insights on creation, emphasizing God's essence and existence. It also examines how morality and social order intertwine in Thomistic thought, asserting that true freedom is rooted in the common good. This exploration invites listeners to reflect on the moral dimensions of community and law.

In a compelling conversation, Bishop Robert Barron, the Bishop of Winona-Rochester and founder of Word on Fire, joins Brenden Thompson to discuss their experiences in London and the powerful role of preaching in Christianity. They delve into the historical and emotional significance of Parliament, touch on the symbolic connection between the Union Jack and the crucifixion, and reflect on Thomas More's enduring influence on faith. The dialogue emphasizes the need for educated Catholics to engage courageously with a secular world.

The discussion dives into the life and theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Catholic thought. Bishop Barron emphasizes the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus, exploring its foundational role in Christian faith. This powerful event not only deepens believers' relationships with God but also influences their mission in the world. The episode wraps up with reflections on Balthasar’s lasting impact on the Church and culture, urging listeners to evangelize with renewed vigor.

Robert Barron, a Catholic bishop renowned for his modern approach to sharing the faith, engages in a captivating conversation with Brenden Thompson, the UK Program Manager for the Word On Fire Institute. They delve into the art of public speaking, emphasizing the necessity of thorough preparation and emotional delivery. Barron shares insights on balancing logic, credibility, and emotional appeal in sermons. The duo discusses the power of repetition for improving audience retention, making this a treasure trove for aspiring communicators!

Dive into the intricate Paschal Mystery as interpreted by Hans Urs von Balthasar, highlighting Jesus' silent surrender amid betrayal. Explore the theological reflections on sin, the nature of divine justice, and the implications of Christ's Passion. Discover the transformative power of His suffering, along with insights on death, divine love, and the haunting theology of hell. This conversation weaves together deep spiritual concepts, illustrating the tension between divine love and human rejection, all while fostering hope in universal salvation.

Is love in Christianity truly equal for everyone? The podcast explores diverse types of love, from familial bonds to loving one's enemies. It questions the moral obligations we hold towards different relationships. The concept of 'neighbor' is dissected, revealing how obligations shift depending on circumstances. Insights on self-love and forgiveness are discussed, along with the influence of love in evangelization. The balance between personal responsibilities and caring for others in need adds depth to the conversation.

Bishop Barron delves into the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, emphasizing the profound significance of the Paschal mystery during Holy Week. The discussion contrasts the views of Aquinas and Scotus on Christ's incarnation, highlighting Balthasar's synthesis. The centrality of Jesus’s passion in redemption is explored, alongside the unique role of the cross in John’s Gospel. The reflections on Holy Thursday underscore the Eucharist's importance, showcasing Jesus' selflessness amidst His poignant journey in Gethsemane.