Catholic Classics
Ascension
Welcome to Catholic Classics from Ascension! Each season we'll read through a great Catholic spiritual writing providing insightful commentary and practical guidance along the way. Informative and enriching, these 20-30 mins episodes will allow you to learn from the Catholic Church’s most revered saints and teachers as you seek to cultivate your spiritual life.
In season three of Catholic Classics, join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris as they read and explain Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse shows us that, despite our weakness, (or perhaps because of it) God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love.
Find out more about the Catholic Classics podcast at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.
In season three of Catholic Classics, join Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Michael-Joseph Paris as they read and explain Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. In her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse shows us that, despite our weakness, (or perhaps because of it) God can make us saints through unbounded confidence in his love.
Find out more about the Catholic Classics podcast at ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 24, 2023 • 21min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 13 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss St. Augustine's emphasis on God's goodness in Confessions. They highlight how Augustine stresses that God created humanity out of the abundance of his goodness, not out of need. The podcast explores themes of humility, interpretation of life, and God's goodness in creation, emphasizing the unity of all beings in praising God.
Nov 23, 2023 • 24min
Day 53: Living God's Word (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the importance of living a life of Scripture, emphasizing the need to exclude ways of life incompatible with God's teachings. The podcast explores the richness and profundity of interpreting sacred texts, with a focus on understanding God's messages in different ways. St. Augustine's insights on moral and spiritual journeys are also highlighted, showcasing the transformative power of embracing God's principles in daily life.
Nov 22, 2023 • 26min
Day 52: Interpreting Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss St. Augustine's approach to interpreting Scripture, emphasizing the importance of humility and multiple layers of meaning in biblical narratives. They also touch on the necessity of charity in understanding the divine truths conveyed through the text.
Nov 21, 2023 • 24min
Day 51: Truth in Scripture (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
While Sacred Scripture can be interpreted in different ways, it always conveys the truth. St. Augustine explores the way we find truth in Scripture, acknowledging the different perspectives that arise as we study Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine paves the way for the Church’s ongoing discernment of the various ways God speaks to us through his Word. Today’s readings are Book 12, Chapters 16-21.
To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777.
Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Nov 20, 2023 • 26min
Day 50: God's Unchanging Nature (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Exploring St. Augustine's contemplation on God's unchanging nature, creation, and the heavens of heavens. Delving into neoplatonic philosophy and the soul's longing for God's essence. Reflecting on the challenge of reconciling creation with God's eternal qualities and relationship with humanity.
Nov 19, 2023 • 25min
Day 49: Genesis (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
This podcast dives into St. Augustine's contemplation of the creation account in Genesis, exploring the fusion of Neoplatonic and Christian ideas. It delves into the complexities of form and formlessness, philosophical musings on creation and existence, and the depths of love and God. The speakers discuss theological studies, divine mysteries, and the balance between understanding and humility.
Nov 19, 2023 • 18min
Bonus Episode: Introduction to Book 12 (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine discuss the richness and complexity of Sacred Scripture in Book 12 of St. Augustine's Confessions. They explore the transformative nature of the Word of God, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness and receptivity when interpreting scriptures. The podcast delves into the relational aspect of divine communication, highlighting the profound personal relationship between humanity and God through prayer, grace, and scripture.
Nov 18, 2023 • 25min
Day 48: Remembering the Past (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Explore St. Augustine's musings on memory and time, the essence of measuring moments, divine omniscience, time's significance in human existence, and reflections on truth, time, and relationships with the divine in this intriguing episode.
Nov 17, 2023 • 25min
Day 47: Measuring the Present (The Confessions of St. Augustine).
A contemplative exploration of time, measuring the present in St. Augustine's Confessions. Reflecting on the nature of time, its essence, and motion's role. Delving into philosophical complexities of time measurement and existence. Exploring human experience through St. Augustine's eyes, emphasizing living in the moment.
Nov 16, 2023 • 24min
Day 46: Past, Present, and Future (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the significance of being present in the moment according to the teachings of St. Augustine. They explore how people engage with memories and the future, emphasizing the importance of living in the present. The podcast reflects on the interconnectedness of past, present, and future in human existence, encouraging listeners to seek God's grace in the present moment.
