All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Why is Simon of Cyrene a model of compassion? He didn’t lovingly volunteer to carry Jesus’ Cross. He was forced to do so! The Gospels, however, give us one small detail that indicates Simon was personally transformed through his encounter with the Cross on Good Friday.  And his example reminds us that the crosses bearing the most fruit are often not the ones we seek out, but the unexpected crosses--if we embrace them when they come.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Do you know the Palm Sunday Prophecy? Discover the Biblical background to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Edward Sri unpacks the prophecies fulfilled in this scene and the personal application for our lives today. Finish Lent strong by starting Holy Week well.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

"Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass." What did Jesus mean by this prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Was he trying to back out of the cross at the last minute? This prayer actually offers a window into Jesus' soul, revealing how he gives it all in the garden. Jesus goes on to say, "...not my will, but yours be done." And in so doing, he shows us the model of perfect love.Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

What did Jesus mean when he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Did Jesus really think he was abandoned by the Father? Far from a cry of despair, Jesus' words are a prayer of great hope in the midst of great darkness. Jesus quotes Psalm 22, fulfills prophecy and models for us how to turn to the Lord amid the crosses we face.  Episode Notes: For the YouTube video of Edward Sri's presentation on this topic, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRfDD10q6z0 This episode is based on a chapter in Edward Sri's book 'Love Unveiled: The Catholic Faith Explained" (Ignatius Press)  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Finding silence in a house with 8 kids and a busy apostolic life is not easy. But Beth and I both felt drawn this Lent to turn off the noise, be more unplugged and more tuned in to God in silent stillness. In the silence, we encounter our true selves at a deeper level. And we also have the interior space to encounter God and others more.  Why do we tend to fill the spaces in our day with so much noise and distraction? Edward and Beth Sri share from their own experiences and offer practical ways to build more silence in the midst of busy lives. Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

Right now there's a battle going on for your mind - for how you look at reality. What is love? What brings happiness? What is a successful life? The secular world is doing everything it can to get you to look at these fundamental questions a certain way. But Jesus offers an alternative view. How can you make sure you are not conformed to this world but are transformed by a renewal of your mind? Episode Notes: This episode is based on a chapter in Edward Sri's latest book, Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple (Ignatius Press-Augustine Institute)  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

The words "Lent" and "Romance" typically don't go together. Lent brings to mind drudgery, sacrifice and slogging through the dreary days of February without your favorite treats. What's romantic about that? At its essence, however, Lent is all about love. It's about creating more space in our hearts to encounter God. Edward Sri offers practical ideas for starting Lent well as he unpacks how the three main devotions of Lent help us love God with all our heart, soul and strength.  Episode Notes: See Edward Sri's article "The Romance of Lent" at edwardsri.com  Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

A crucial moment in the spiritual life comes when we hit the wall: when we experience our weaknesses and sins and fear that we'll never get better - we'll never change. In those low moments, we might be tempted to give up trying and settle for mediocrity.  But when we dare to come to Jesus in our weakness, as we really are, in the valley of humility, God does the most profound work of healing and transformation in our souls. Episode Notes: Edward Sri, Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple (Ignatius Press-Augustine Institute)Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

The Feast of the Presentation (Feb 2) commemorates a significant turning point in the history of the world: God's glory returning to the temple. Edward Sri unpacks the prophecies fulfilled in this scene to help prepare our hearts for this great feast. Recorded on location in Jerusalem on the Southern Steps of the Temple. Episode Notes: For more on the Biblical background of the Presentation, see Edward Sri's Walking with Mary (Image Books); Dawn of the Messiah (Servant) and Praying the Rosary Like Never Before (Servant). See also his film documentary Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother (Ascension). Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri

We like to pray when we feel we're getting something out of it. But what do we do when the feelings fade, when we're "too busy" or prayer is dry? Will we still show up? Faithfulness to Jesus in prayer is more important than the feelings we might receive in prayer. And sometimes God withdraws the feelings of His closeness in order to test our hearts - to test whether we'll still come to Him for Him alone - and not what He gives us in prayer.    Episode Notes References Edward Sri's new book Into His Likeness: Be Transformed as a Disciple of Christ (Ignatius Press - Augustine Institute)Support All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri