Links:

• The Better Part | Fr. John Bartunek — Daily Meditation...keeps your faith lively, supple, and relevant. It irrigates the soil of your soul, making your life more fruitful and continually opening up new vistas along the path to spiritual maturity. Father John Bartunek, has created an extensive Christ-centered resource to serve as a daily meditation companion. The Better Part is meant to be a catalyst to personalize your times of prayer and meditation, enabling you to follow the Holy Spirit's lead more readily. The first section offers a detailed and practical guide to Christian meditation. The second and larger section is divided into units. Each unit consists of five parts: A passage from the Gospels and a four-part commentary based on the same four themes throughout the book Christ the Lord Christ the Teacher Christ the Friend, and Christ in My Life All four Gospels are contained and commented upon in their entirety. This structure is substantive, meditative, and flexible. Truly, this is a book for a lifetime!

The conversation tackles an honest challenge in modern faith formation: too often we expect young people to behave before they truly belong. Together, they explore why belonging comes first, how conversion happens through relationships and community, and what it means to form not only teens, but the adults who walk alongside them.

Plus, get a preview of exciting changes coming to youth ministry and Confirmation prep this spring.

Armchair Mystic| Mark Thibidaux - https://www.amazon.com/Armchair-Mystic-Easing-Contemplative-Prayer/dp/0867164301
Centering Prayer | M. Basil Pennington - https://www.amazon.com/Centering-Prayer-Renewing-Ancient-Christian/dp/0385181795/ref=sr_1_1?crid=311YY1VNH16RW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tq2yIxnd8Fbt8nREUtqP1PC-EKyXptJ7hOMoTVG57omOg8dyPscjLVfyxZkr3W1n.th88o7JQvdTRF17nV2CIpY2gcUKvcBcjPGW-xb5lw4E&dib_tag=se&keywords=centering+prayer+basil&qid=1750103595&s=books&sprefix=centering+prayer+basil%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1
Abandonment to Divine Providence | Jean-Pierre de Caussade - https://www.amazon.com/Abandonment-Divine-Providence-Spiritual-Commentary/dp/0870612530/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11PRRYPJS1OD4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qA0yKUxTa2wL7NTr-K_q_KdpVuX_Rjx-tfdE5suTlPbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.0DtNGdptbIOpC0M-7RYM81a1fWCu5oFkAVpQcGEbDd4&dib_tag=se&keywords=abandonment+to+divine+providence+classic+text+commentary&qid=1750104031&s=books&sprefix=abandonment+to+divine+providence+classic+text+commentary%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-1
Abraham | Bruce Feiler - https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Journey-Heart-Three-Faiths/dp/0060838663/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SB36G86HYM21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vg6AKl3F7V95u3deTCBiXfdphDbicMPUHnrxEOnkQ8BgjxdYdRrzAk016teNM49dZJJ85neBiWmig-5ENnW2YIfZHitmjW23aoSAFYZZ-4sSuwEDlvaow_NIT0se04eiWC49aikJk9DV0HI67wYsYA.UT7xKjUSMbD1TxruXRAVDfi5D9WFnv95PbDt8gDSf4M&dib_tag=se&keywords=abraham+bruce+feiler&qid=1750104309&sprefix=abraham+bruc%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1
Consoling the Heart of Jesus | Fr. Michael Gaitley https://www.amazon.com/Consoling-Heart-Jesus-Do-Yourself/dp/1596142227/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NYRYJIAONTTH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ORirxyiwHoxtv0jFcHM3_91BKD4kBkYmhUPqKoX_FYnP1JWtTbT0mhbAy99AGZSF7iEEUhD0EVUqD1bXdFT08MwBt-wir6vRB6uyNtPYGSz-GqlcQgwMPTgl5HSmyE1z7eIcavLqg3dWcZCERxze-7pIZP-zlZ0puwImXuY7-Tl_jr0nHMmG9BuizlH3EbRZ.LaPnXy5Vd_hg2oeVmUS_xG_J8DkVRkmzX5j3C6gpQc0&dib_tag=se&keywords=consoling+the+heart+of+jesus+by+fr.+gaitley&qid=1750104453&sprefix=consolin%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1
The Father | Fr. Mark Mary Ames https://www.amazon.com/Father-Meditions-Draw-into-Heart/dp/1954882351/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PJTZ90IYOWI7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NXd_XUorGcAJrA9XVyuefsO3x50KiPAzuqUW7i9fGhg.bDChSf9B7iCmBM1W00WxPmFPox_f448mi2hPO2nXyuU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+father+30+meditations+to+draw+you&qid=1750105175&sprefix=the+father+meditations%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1
I Thirst | Joseph Langford https://www.amazon.com/Thirst-days-Mother-Teresa-Paperback/dp/1732720886/ref=sr_1_1?crid=321CJSWYMPQMY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nh9giDcGFBrb2jeg4pDWVrZK0Cpqq-IFCN0YZNEKuWBjtPJAI4Niel92SLQSLXsyz9devW5FiNsPuw1CLzR_v1c2uZQjoERLuqi-88DrJLo.o92g96wTyW5Uu2hKt6icUHYLyQAWbhTMI3AHJOSVM-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+thirst+40+days+with+mother+teresa&qid=1750105270&s=digital-text&sprefix=I+thirst+%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1-catcorr

We'd love to hear your recommendations! Send us your favorite reads at: podcast@st-theresa.org.

John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/

Healing and Forgiveness Resource: https://archspmmainsite.s3.amazonaws.com/Synod/HHJohnPaulHealingCenterActivity4.2_Formatted.pdf

Forgiveness Meditation, led by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT: https://youtu.be/WTDWS6V3_Ow?si=ke9eyp3RO9OTrsod

Join them for a heartfelt conversation about transforming hurt into compassion and embracing forgiveness as a path to peace.

Psalm 51

Please submit any prayer intentions or feedback to: podcast@st-theresa.org.

This is the website about the process of appointing bishops that was referenced:
https://www.usccb.org/offices/general-secretariat/appointing-bishops

Join us for Lenten Soup and Spirit lunches, if you are in Austin! J.D. will lead discussions on C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce" every Thursday during Lent, starting March 6, at 12:15 PM in the Family Center.

How do deacons, priests, and bishops prepare a homily, and what is its purpose? How do we engage more intentionally with the message of Christ and his Church in a way that allows for greater impact on our lives? Can a Mass Journal help with focus?

Here is a link to the tilma discussed:

https://guadalupeshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/our-lady-guadalupe-heaven-tilma-infographic-theological-message-symbolism-english-lg.jpg)

Confession is complex, particularly for children and those with limited experience. How should you prepare? And what do your friendly associate pastor and liturgy director wish you knew about how to celebrate the sacrament? Take a load off your shoulders and listen. Deepen your understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation and grow your relationship with God!

https://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205&version=RSVCE

Casti connubii promulgated by Pope Pius XI on 31 December 1930

https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19301231_casti-connubii.html

Click here for the document they reference throughout the podcast:
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231015-santateresa-delbambinogesu.html

Don’t miss this inspiring episode, where you’ll find yourself drawn into a fresh perspective on St. Thérèse’s impact, not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for our modern journey of faith.

J.D. and Fr. Barry talk about movies, Peter Pan and happy thoughts, and continue their discussion about how giving in whatever way a person can is a beautiful and worthy response to God's goodness, love, and mercy.

Public revelation is God's self-disclosure to all people.
Private revelation is God's self-disclosure to an individual or a group.

Various devotions and piety exist within the Catholic Church due to its global nature and long history; but what beliefs are essential to our faith and lead us to salvation?

Fr. Barry also speaks a bit to his new role as Chaplain for Austin Community College.

This talk explores the distinction between public and private revelation in Catholicism. Public revelation, found in Scripture and Tradition, is essential for salvation. Private revelation, given to individuals or groups, is not necessary for salvation but can deepen faith.

The Church carefully examines private revelations to ensure they align with public revelation and do not introduce new doctrines. While private revelations can be powerful, they should not overshadow the central role of public revelation and the sacraments.

The talk emphasizes the importance of humility, discernment, and the Church's guidance in navigating the complexities of private revelation.

Marian Devotion

The talk also discusses Marian devotion, acknowledging its popularity but cautioning against excessive attachment to particular devotions. It encourages a balanced approach, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, and guided by the Church's teachings.

Veteran players often mentor those new to the team during training camp. Developing that same attitude towards those new to the church, welcoming them with experience and mentorship, can build community and connection.

Another image of the Church is used by Pope Francis and others, that of a field hospital. The Church forms and trains disciples, but it's also a place for the wounded to heal, a respite for those who may be bruised or injured by the world. J.D. and Fr. Barry share their experience of worship as an encounter with Christ the healer and Divine Physician.

Worship as a Relationship
Unconscious Worship and Rituals

• Unconscious worship occurs when things become central to our lives and make decisions for us.
• Rituals bring worship into consciousness and provide an ordered way of worshipping.

The Significance of Mass in Worship

• Mass is a universal and timeless event that transcends time and space.
• It is not a mere representation, but an actual participation in the original Last Supper.
• Through Mass, individuals around the world access the real presence of Jesus Christ among his disciples.

Noble Simplicity in Religious Worship

• Worship should be noble, offering the best and not being casual or careless.
• Noble simplicity is described as the uncluttered focus on the essentials of worship.

Understanding the Mass and its Impact on Our Lives

• The Mass remains constant, but our understanding and connection to it evolve over time.
• By reflecting on our lives and relating them to the Mass, we can experience transformation and spiritual growth.
• The Mass serves as a means to connect with the Lord, find solace, and receive blessings.

Staying in Love and Understanding God's Blessings

• Sometimes it's difficult to comprehend how certain events are blessings from God.
• We can approach God with gratitude even when we don't fully understand His gifts.
• The Mass provides an opportunity for intimate communication with God through the Eucharist.

Faith in God's Plan

• Suffering and pain can be woven into a greater tapestry of salvation.

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is,

than falling in love in a quite absolute final way.

What you are in love with,

what seizes your imagination,

will affect everything.

It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning,

what you do with your evenings,

how you spend your weekend,

what you read, who you know,

what breaks your heart,

and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love,

stay in love,

and it will decide everything." -Fr. Pedro Arrupe

Topics covered include:
The meaning of Confirmation and the Bishop's role.
Having a positive image of God for mental and spiritual well-being.
How God's justice and mercy work together.
Discerning God's voice and following a calling.
The importance of daily spiritual practices and prayer.
Developing a meaningful relationship with God.
J.D. and Father Barry emphasize the importance of understanding God's nature and building a personal connection through prayer and reflection.

Links:

• Father Mary Mary Ames : The Father Meditations — In The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, leads readers through a 30-day journey that unveils the boundless love of God the Father, who has “a plan of sheer goodness” for each of us (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1).
• Litany of Trust by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia — The Litany of Trust is a prayer composed by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV. In it, we ask Jesus to deliver us from the things that hold us bound, and we place our trust in His promises.
• Jesus, I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust — We were made for love, and love requires trust. In Jesus I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust, Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, S.V., learn what it means to place our trust in Jesus—no matter the circumstances. In this powerful invitation to a loving, trusting relationship with our Lord, you will pray with the Litany of Trust to overcome every obstacle to peace.

Fr. Barry emphasizes that priests are also human beings with fallibilities, just like everyone else.

• Eating salad is suggested as a starting point for various life challenges.
• Dental professionals face challenges when communicating with patients due to various dental appliances in their mouths.
• Some dentists and hygienists are skilled at understanding patients despite these obstacles.

Effective Listening and Understanding

• Dentists' skill in understanding patients' unspoken wishes can be applied to various fields, including priesthood.
• Effective listening is crucial for priests to comprehend confessions and help individuals discern God's messages.
• Spiritual guidance involves identifying and addressing underlying issues that cause suffering.

Redemptive suffering.

• Redemptive suffering involves going through difficult experiences for ultimate benefit.
• Priests face the challenge of finding relatable examples for the faithful.

God's Role in Our Lives

• God uses everything to bring about our greatest good.
• Suffering, both great and small, is a part of life.
• We should always be in conversation with God about everything.

Easter Reflection on Relationship with God

• Easter is a time to reflect on our relationship with God.
• We should allow ourselves to be loved by God and love Him in return.
• It can be challenging to maintain a close relationship with God, but it is important to remember that He cares about every aspect of our lives.

Understanding Love

• Love is not just an emotion, but can be a part of it.
• Love is a complex concept that is difficult to understand.
• Catholic understanding of love is not directly 100% an emotion.

Guardian Angels and Their Role

• Guardian angels help people get to heaven.
• They organize life in a way that leads to heaven.
• Sayings like 'offer it up' should be understood in context.

Redemptive Suffering and Comfort

• Redemptive suffering involves offering up one's suffering to God.
• The phrase 'offer it up' may not always be comforting to those who are suffering.
• St. Thomas Aquinas said that whatever is received is received in the mode of the receiver.

Offering Up in Grief

• Discussing the concept of offering up one's suffering in times of grief.
• Using a hypothetical example of someone in pain from joint pain.
• Encouraging the person to offer up their suffering with a smile.

God's Presence in Suffering

• God is always present in every moment and circumstance of our lives.
• He desires to cherish our dignity and wants us to participate in His work.
• We can offer our suffering as a gift and prayer for a particular intention.

God's Work and Scripture Interpretation

• Prayer can be for family, church, or personal intentions.
• Suffering can be a way to participate in God's work.
• Some scriptures, like the one about making up for Christ's sacrifice, can be challenging to understand.

Seeking Guidance from Scriptures during Difficult Times

• Discussion about the challenges of providing comforting words during difficult times.
• Importance of listening and understanding the significance of empathy.
• Exploration of relevant scripture passages that address suffering and resilience.

Christian Perspective on Suffering and Charity

• Christians do not seek suffering but accept it when it comes.
• Establish schools, orphanages, and charities to help people flourish.
• Acknowledge and address suffering as a part of life.

Suffering and God's Love

• Suffering is a mystery, even for those who have faith.
• God loves us, but suffering still exists.
• Seeking understanding through scripture and images.

God's Love and Our Response

• God's love for us should be met with a response of love from us.
• Our relationship with God is always a response to His love.
• We should never take credit for initiating love, as God loved us first.

God's Love Expressed Through Jesus

• God's love is beyond words, so he sent Jesus to be with us.
• Jesus showed us what we couldn't understand through his presence.
• God's answer to our prayers is always himself, sometimes in unexpected ways.

God's Presence and Compassion

• God's response to questions may not be explicit, but His presence is always with us.
• The church addresses suffering through practical actions like establishing schools and hospitals, while also providing emotional support.
• Participating in God's work involves both alleviating suffering and offering companionship to those in need.

Suffering as an Invitation to Turn to God

• Suffering can be an invitation to turn to God.
• God uses suffering to bring good things into our lives.
• We should remember that God is with us in our suffering and that His will is being done.

God's Love and Jesus' Revelation

• God is a loving father, as evidenced by Jesus' life and teachings.
• Jesus reveals the Father's love to humanity.
• Remembering God's goodness can help us cope with suffering.

Jesus' Passion and Unity with God's Will

• Jesus' passion reveals his unity with God the Father's will.
• He prays in the upper room, expressing his desire to fulfill the Father's plan.
• In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus accepts the Father's will despite his human suffering.

Suffering and Divine Plan

• Suffering is part of God's plan for salvation.
• Jesus' suffering on the cross is an example of this.
• Jesus' words on the cross show that he trusted in God's plan.

God's Will and the Power of Commendation

• Jesus teaches that even in difficult times, we should commend ourselves to God.
• During Easter, we should reflect on suffering and recognize God's work in our lives.
• God's ultimate plan is for our good, as seen in the 'endgame' of stories like Marvel's Avengers.

God's Plan for Victory

• God has a plan for victory, even when choices seem ridiculous or contrary to one's mission.
• Sacrifices are necessary to achieve the final victory.
• God uses everything in our lives, including death, to bring us closer to Him.

Faith and Doubt

• Losses are not the end but means to an increase in faith.
• Doubt arises during suffering, leading to questioning God's presence.
• Saint John the Baptist's example of faith despite imprisonment is highlighted.

John the Baptist's Doubt and Suffering

• John the Baptist, despite proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, expressed doubt while in prison.
• Jesus' disciples conveyed news of miracles and good news to John during his imprisonment.
• John's moments of doubt are recorded in scriptures as a reminder that suffering and doubt can coexist.

Church as a Sanctuary for the Imperfect

• The church is often seen as a ship carrying people to their destination.
• Pope Francis emphasizes the church as a field hospital for those struggling.
• The church is not a meeting room for the perfect, but a place for the imperfect to find solace.

Church as a Place for Doubt and Hope

• Church is for people who doubt during suffering.
• God is a good father who desires to give good things to us.
• God does not compare or despair his children.

Recognizing the Voice of God

• To recognize God's voice, we must spend time with Him.
• The examined prayer, a method from Saint Ignatius of Yola, helps us examine our conscience and track God's work in our lives.
• This prayerful practice allows us to discern God's voice amidst distractions.

A Simple Way to Examine Conscience

• A Franciscan friar, Mark Mary Ames, introduces a simple method called the 3/5 examine for self-reflection.
• The method involves expressing gratitude for five graces received, acknowledging five missed opportunities or shortcomings, and identifying five areas where divine assistance is sought.
• This practice encourages introspection and a deeper connection with God.

Recognizing God's Work

• Regular conversations with God help recognize His actions.
• God's work may be subtle or through missed opportunities.
• Recognizing God's fingerprints leads to growth in faith.

God's Love and Self-Knowledge

• God's love is personal and evident in both small and large ways.
• The practice of examination is common among priests and religious individuals for self-knowledge and spiritual growth.
• Request for a closing prayer.

Prayer for Divine Guidance and Understanding

• Prayer expressing gratitude for God's love and mercy.
• Seeking recognition of God's love and mercy in various forms.
• Requesting guidance and learning from imperfect attempts to love God and others.

Father Mark Mary Ames Video : https://youtu.be/FUcoHAqOFRs?si=XaChOLjVYSz0UF7z

Links:

• Father Mark Mary : Easy Way to Do a Daily Examen

1. A bishop teaches Fr. Barry to pray like a priest
2. What does it mean to be "catalyzed" --- St. Theresa men's group Catalyst meets at 6:00 AM Wednesdays during the school year. Women's Connections meets at 6:45 PM on Tuesday nights.
3. When Christ comes back, he says 'PEACE be with you not 'VENGEANCE be with you."
4. Things are NOT the same! Life after the Resurrection --- Jesus' followers don't recognize Him, nor know how to talk or interact with him. What does that mean for us?
5. How God wants to be loved, or moving out of a dry period to a more mature prayer life.
6. Why Peter is an Easter person.
7. Living as Easter people.
8. A call to Fr. Mike Schmitz to do an appearance on Greater Things!

In this episode we'll dive into:

• What is the Easter Octave and why is it like a bell?
• Fasting vs. Feasting
• Why does Easter occur when it does on the calendar? Can we move it next year?
• How Easter compares to a wedding or ordination celebration
• What is the best way to Feast
• Calendaring in time for God, including making a "lunchtime lexio"
• What is it like to receive "priest feedback?"
• JD and Fr. Barry offer their spiritual book recommendations for this season: Life of Christ by Archbishop Fulton J Sheen The Anxious Perfectionist Imitation of Christ by Thomas a'Kempis The Great Divorce by CS Lewis Jesus, I Trust in You | 30-Day Litany

In this episode we'll dive into:

• What Father Barry's motto would be if he were ever a bishop
• Whether Bartholomew and Nathaniel are the same person
• J.D.'s reflection of the kingdom of God being akin to a general store with a generous owner
• The verse the McQueens have cross-stitched on a pillow in their home
• Is your life a theo-drama or ego-drama?
• How to create space this Holy Week for God

• what J.D. actually stands for
• why the "why" of a Lenten goal is important
• the importance of Liturgy and attending Mass for Catholics
• what "penitential oatmeal" is