Catholic Answers Live

Episode 150: 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C In today’s episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry.   Hey everyone, Welcome to The Sunday Catholic Word, a podcast where we reflect on the upcoming Sunday Mass readings and pick out the details that are relevant for explaining and defending our Catholic faith. I’m Dr. Karlo Broussard, staff apologist and speaker for Catholic Answers, and the host for this podcast. In today’s episode, our main focus will be on the second reading for this upcoming 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, taken from 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. There are couple of details that we will focus one. One relates to the topic of Apostolic Succession. The other relates to Sacred Tradition. The Gospel reading, taken from Luke 17:5-10, does provide us a detail worthy reflecting on, but it is not apologetical in nature even though it can help us in our apologetics ministry. Here’s the second reading, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14. Paul writes, Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. The first detail that I want to highlight is Paul’s statement, “the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.” There’s a considerable amount of debate surrounding this passage as it relates to Apostolic Succession. And that’s what I’d like to focus on. For some Catholics, this passage is clear-cut evidence for Apostolic Succession—the idea that the apostles ordained others to succeed them in the apostolic ministry. Paul speaks of a “gift” given to Timothy, which would seem to be a reference to the indelible mark that’s given in priestly ordination. Paul also says that this gift was given through “the imposition of hands,” which would also fit with the Catholic understanding of priestly ordination. So what should we make of this interpretation? Well, let’s first take the appeal to the “gift.” I don’t think this refers specifically to the character or mark that’s given in priestly ordination. The reason is that such a character, in the words of R. J. Foster in A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, “would have no need of being revived and is incapable of diminution or decline” (pg. 1148). Rather, it seems to be a reference to what theologians call “the grace of a calling,” actual graces that a minister has access to for the sake of fulfilling the duties that the office requires. Foster argues this is evidenced by Paul adding, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” Now, this doesn’t mean this is not a reference to priestly ordination, since “the grace of a calling” comes with the priestly ordination. And that it is a reference to Timothy’s priestly ordination is strongly supported by this “gift” being given through the “imposition of hands.” We have to be careful, however, with our appeal to the imposition of hands. The “laying on of hands” has multiple meanings in the Bible. Curtis Mitch and Scott Hahn give a nice list in their Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: It’s a gesture used to perform healings (Mark 16:18), confer bles

“Can the Hierarchy Change Itself?” This episode delves into the complexities of Church authority and reform, addressing questions such as whether the Church still uses canon priests and how to trust the hierarchy. We also explore intriguing topics like Pope Leo’s blessing of ice and the implications of a heretical pope according to Bellarmine. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Does that Church still set up canon priests to assist and convey messages for bishops? 06:57 – Does the Church hierarchy have the authority to change the Church hierarchy? 15:05 – I’m returning to the Church but I’m having a hard time trusting the hierarchy. 24:09 – Why should we conform to a magisterium who has abandoned Christ? 37:55 – Are you familiar with Pope Leo blessing the block of ice and the whole significance behind that? 48:30 – When Robert Bellarmine said that there can be a heretical pope, what did he mean by that?

“Does God Want Organized Religion?” In this episode, we explore the role of organized faith and its significance, along with questions like why Protestants should respect the Pope and how a priest can absolve sin. We also delve into the historical presence of bishops and the continuity of apostolic authority, providing a comprehensive look at these vital topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:01 – Does God Want An Organized Religion? 13:37 – How do I explain to protestants why they should at least respect the pope? 17:38 – How can a priest absolve a person from sin if he is also only a man? 29:05 – What are biblical or historical proofs that bishops were present from the beginning and not an addition in the 4th century? 42:00 – How would we address someone who agrees that Jesus gave authority to his apostles but disagrees that it was passed on? 47:49 – I’m distressed with the pope. How can I have any confidence in the Church? I need guidance.

“Choosing Anglican or Catholic ” This episode explores the complexities of Marian dogmas and their biblical foundations, addressing concerns about the Assumption of Mary and the concept of sinlessness. Additionally, we delve into the journey from Orthodoxy to Catholicism and the implications of mortal sin on the Holy Spirit, along with the topic of idolatry in worship practices. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 07:11 – I have trouble with Marian dogmas because I believe they contradict the bible. The Assumption of Mary is never mentioned in scripture. How can Mary be sinless if the bible says that all have sinned and have fallen short. 18:15 – I’m going to leave Orthodoxy for either High Church Anglican or Catholicism. What advice do you have for me? 28:40 – I’ve studied Catholicism as a Protestant for years now. Does the Holy Spirit leave you when you commit a mortal sin and get the Holy Spirit back when you repent? 40:32 – I grew up protestant and was taught that worshipping idols is wrong. Praying to the dead seems wrong.

“Can Mary be sinless if all have sinned?” This question opens a discussion on Marian dogmas and their biblical foundations, alongside inquiries about the Catholic Church’s stance on divorce and communion, and the journey from Orthodoxy to Catholicism. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 5:40 – The Catholic Church teaches that the reason why we stand in a right relationship with God—that’s to say, the reason we’re justified—is because of the interior righteousness that is brought about within us when we’re initially justified. But if that’s the case, then the focus would move away from the perfection of the work of Christ to the believer who has to maintain the state or condition, thereby dividing the glory between the savior and the saved. 7:11 – I have trouble with Marian dogmas because I believe they contradict the bible. The Assumption of Mary is never mentioned in scripture. How can Mary be sinless if the bible says that all have sinned and have fallen short. 18:04 – I’m Protestant interested in Catholicism. My Methodist church has fallen away from biblical teachings. Why aren’t divorced people allowed in the Church but people who advocate for abortion allowed to receive communion? 18:15 – I’m going to leave Orthodoxy for either High Church Anglican or Catholicism. What advice do you have for me? 28:40 – I’ve studied Catholicism as a Protestant for years now. Does the Holy Spirit leave you when you commit a mortal sin and get the Holy Spirit back when you repent? 30:54 – What’s the true faith and how can you know it’s true? 40:32 – I grew up protestant and was taught that worshipping idols is wrong. Praying to the dead seems wrong. 40:35 – I wasn’t raised with religion forced upon me. What is Protestantism?

“How To Talk About Jesus to Anyone” explores effective ways to share your faith with others. This episode also addresses questions about the importance of evangelization in today’s world and practical tips for faith sharing in everyday conversations. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these vital topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – How To Talk About Jesus to Anyone

“What Saints Battled Addiction?” This episode delves into healing and devotion, offering practical advice for those struggling with addiction. Additionally, we explore the role of devotion in the healing process and address concerns about judgment when returning to the Church during recovery. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on these important topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 0:00 – What Saints Battled Addiction? 15:35 – What is your advice on how to overcome sexual addiction? 33:35 – What are your thoughts on having a devotion to help with healing? 36:15 – I’m on the road to recovery. I have a fear of being judged while trying to return to Church. How is recovery and the church intertwined?

“Is Faith a Gift or a Choice?” This episode explores the intersection of faith and popular culture, while also addressing questions about the power of relics in 2 Kings 13:21, the implications of AI-generated art, and the complexities of faith as a gift. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on these diverse topics. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:20 – Is Billy Batson sinning by using the powers of Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury? 06:43 – Do you think 2 Kings 13:21 could be used as proof for the power of relics? 10:00 – In a past AMA, you said that if someone were assimilated by the Borg, the state of their soul adjacent to confession would remain unchanged. If someone were assimilated, could they conceivably receive the anointing of the sick? 15:57 – Can AI generated images be considered art? 21:44 – If faith is a gift, how can someone be culpable for not having faith? 29:06 – As it pertains to the dating of the Gospel of John, I think there’s good internal evidence that it’s written before 70 AD, but I’ve heard people say that Irenaeus teaches that it’s dated in the 90-95 AD range. Is there any perspective out there that can hold that both Irenaeus is correct, and a pre-70 AD Gospel of John is correct? (For example, are people just misreading Irenaeus to make it seem like he’s saying it’s in the 90s but in reality he might not even be saying that?) 37:53 – Why is Catholicism a better option than Oriental Orthodoxy? 45:55 – As a Protestant converting to Catholicism, what duty does one have to inform family, friends, and former pastors/church members of one’s conversion to Catholicism? How should conversation be done? Any advice? Thanks! 52:42 – Has Catholic Answers thought of making a list of the De Fide statement found in Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma? I know this is a resource used by Catholic Answers and it would be great to have a bullet point list

Join Jimmy Akin, a senior apologist and host, as he dives into intriguing theological questions. Can souls in purgatory know their fate? Jimmy explains that they are assured of salvation but might experience initial confusion post-death. He also discusses the authenticity of the Greek New Testament and how its style can affirm its credibility. Plus, learn the intricacies of Catholic marriage law and the defense of Mary’s immaculate conception, drawing from Scripture and tradition.

Questions Covered: 02:02 – Is time itself a created substance? Can there be change or motion before there ever was time? 05:30 – what is redemptive suffering? 13:23 – Why did Christ allow himself to be baptized if he was without sin? 17:55 – What’s a biblical defense of souls living in heaven? 21:53 – How do know the difference between Gods voice and your own? 24:45 – John 20:32 Are there sins that were retained by the disciples? 33:42 – If someone is diagnosed with terminal cancer, is it morally ok to deny treatment? 41:20 – Jewish boys at the age of 12 have bar mitzvah. Is there a connection between this and Jesus being found in the temple at 12? 43:47 – What doesn’t God only make the people who will choose heaven? 50:11 – How would you recommend I bring up the permanence of marriage to a large protestant group?