Father Ed Wills: Recent Episodes
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Father Ed shares about peace as a fruit of the Spirit. He discusses the dimensions of peace, the characteristics of peace, and the origins of peace. Join him now.
In this second podcast on the Fruit of the Spirit, Father Ed discusses the gift of Joy.
In Galatians, Saint Paul records the Fruit of the Spirit. In this series, Father Ed discusses each fruit individually. The first fruit is Love/
Why is "Kyrie Eleison" the only portion of the Mass still recited in Greek? Father Ed shares the origin and full meaning of this powerful prayer and why it remains in Greek.
We celebrate the secret life of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth on the Sunday after Christmas. On this special day, Father Ed sings, "Cowboy Christmas."
At Christmas, God lives among us in the infant in the manger, Jesus. Every day can be Christmas if we invite God to live among us in Jesus through prayer, worship, and acts of kindness.
John the Baptist leaped in his mother's womb when the Blessed Virgin visited with Jesus in her womb. Are we ready to leap for joy to welcome Jesus this Christmas?
John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming of Jesus the Messiah by calling them to repentance. Join Father Ed as he explains repentance for children.
Jesus speaks of the end of time, but promises that even though heaven and earth may pass away, His Word will endure forever.
As we reflect on Christ's "Good Shepherd" discourse, we realize he is teaching us a good bit about discernment. Join Father Ed as he shares the insights Jesus is giving us about discernment and listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the Holy Spirit and Life. But the words of Saint Peter apply to all who seek a relationship with the Holy Spirit and the fullness of life.
When Jesus proclaimed, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me," he did not leave any authority to the devil. So, why is the devil so much trouble? The devil can lie, and if we believe his lie, we give our power to him. Join Father Ed as he leads us into victory of the lies and accusations of the devil.
In his Resurrection, Jesus proves that his claim to be "the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form" is true. With that fact established, what is left but for us to fully submit to him? Easter is a clarion call for us to take time to learn Christ's teachings and fully submit to our God.
During the Veneration of the Cross celebrated on Good Friday, Father Ed shares how the wounds of Christ heal us of the wounds of sin.
25% of the Gospel of John is dedicated to Holy Thursday. Join Father Ed as he discusses the importance of this night durign which Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples. During this meal he institutes the Holy Eucharist. But it begins with the washing of the disciples' feet.
Today's Gospel begins Christ's passion with the Judas' plan to betray Jesus. How does Christ's betrayal help us deal with betrayal in our own lives? Join Father Ed as he explores this question.
This second session in my Wounded Soul Retreat guides us on a journey to forgiveness and the healing of bitterness.
This conference talk from Fr. Ed's Wounded Soul Retreat, teaches us to invite Christ into our deepest wounds and bring love, forgiveness, and acceptance. And, in the fullness of that healing, to love, forgive, and accept ourselves.
The Prophet Joel wrote, "The multitude is gathered in the valley of decision." Join Father Ed as he discusses the choices that we face each day.
Jesus gave the Keys to the Kingdom to Peter. Inherent in the authority of the Keys is the power to make decisions regarding Truth. Join Father Ed as he discusses how we can be safe within the teaching authority of the Church.
As we approach Lent, Father Ed, author of Learning to Listen to God, offers some advice for spiritual growth.
Father Ed asks the question, "Why does the Church exist?" In this homily, we learn the purpose for which Jesus instituted the Church.
On the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Father Ed discusses the nature and effect of conversion.
Following an amazing miracle in a synagogue on a Sabbath day, Jesus seeks some privacy from the crowds.
The feast of Epiphany celebrates a historical event. However, it means much more for our current existence and calling in this life. Father Ed begins explaining Epiphany to the children, then challenges all to live in Epiphany.
Throughout the Christmas season the First Epistle of John has been read in most daily masses. Because of its size and location in the New Testament, we often overlook the amazing importance of this book. This book undoubtedly shares some of the private teachings of Jesus given to his disciples during his earthly ministry. Join Father Ed as he gives an insightful introduction to the book and shares how St. John's instruction can help us understand how we can better follow Jesus.
This homily delivered on the feast of St. John the Divine reflects on the impossible story of the incarnation. God has become man. And what does that mean for us and for all mankind.
Father Ed gave this talk at a Holy Spirit Retreat at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita, Colorado.
This Sunday's Gospel reading refers to a heavenly banquet. Many were to busy to come, but those who responded were filled with the choicest of foods. Father Ed describes his own vision of the throne room of God and his understanding of the heavenly banquet.
As the Synod on Synodality begins, Pope Francis has responded to several dubia (doubts) presented by a number of Cardinals who seem concerned that Pope Francis is seeking to change the Catholic Faith. In this podcast I deal with these dubia and discuss Pope Francis' response to them. I hope this is helpful to those who find themselves confused or concerned about various issues raised about Pope Francis.
King Herod learns about Jesus and hears that some people believe that John the Baptist has come back from the dead. He asks the question, "Who is this Jesus?" As Christians we believe we know the answer to this question, but many disagreements exist about who Jesus is. Over the centuries many depictions of Jesus have demonstrated the stark differences. In our day we are strongly affected by what we have heard from different teachers and by cinematic presentations of Jesus. So, the question, "Who is Jesus?" is one we should consider carefully and take seriously.
There seems to be a great deal of confusion about what sin is, or even if there is such a thing as sin. Reflecting on Jesus' command to cut off the hand that causes you to sin, Father Ed explains just what sin is and what Jesus is telling us to do about it. Don't worry. No hands will be cut off in this homily.
On Divine Mercy Sunday, Father Ed discuses Jesus' greeting to the disciples who had abandoned him. "Peace be with you."
The reading describes the first time Samuel the prophet heard God's voice as a young man. Is God speaking to us as well? How do we hear him? How do we know it is God who is speaking to us? Join Father Ed as he answers these questions and more in this homily on hearing God's voice.
Love is not something God does. Love is who God is. Therefore, there is nothing you can do to make God love you any less, and there is nothing you can do to make God love you any more.
Jesus sent the Apostles to take the Gospel of the Kingdom into towns and villages. They not only taught but worked miracles as well. This had never happened in the history of Israel. It was revolutionary. The Jesus Revolution continues with us today.
Guest speaker Andy Fox shares his testimony of Catholic Faith. Fr. Ed then discusses the Holy Eucharist and shares a number of Eucharistic miracles.
Guest speaker, Deanna Ricke, shares about her experience with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
On the Feast of Guardian Angels, Father Ed discusses the ministry of angels and how these ministering spirits light, guide, and guard us.
A reflection on the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin. The importance of purpose in sorrow.
Psalm 23 is a favorite of all. Join Father Ed as he reflects on the Shepherd Psalm in the context of the daily readings.
What happens when we forget our God? Join Father Ed as he reflects on today's reasons that deal with how that issue led to the destruction of Jerusalem. Could it lead to the destruction of our culture as well?
In the Old Testament, Joshua declared that all Canaanites be killed. Yet, in this Gospel, Jesus (whose Hebrew name is also Joshua) encounters a Canaanite woman and heals her daughter. Join Father Ed as he explains the historical and cultural background to this encounter. Jesus declared this Canaanite a woman of great faith. How can we learn from her example to increase our own faith?
This is one of the most powerful stories in the Bible. So, to let the story speak for itself, Father Ed leads the listener through an exercise of imaginative prayer. This prayer modality introduced by Saint Ignatius Loyola is an excellent way to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as the Scriptures come alive in our imagination.
Nahum was a prophet during Israel's exile. He prophesied the fall of Assyria and the destruction of Nineveh. He also looked forward to a time of peace and security for the people of God. "How lovely on the mountain are the feet of him who brings good news (Gospel)."
In a reflection on Jeremiah 28 Fr. Ed explains how we can discern truth and free ourselves from the manipulation of the lie.
Fr. Ed reflects on the 13th chapter of Jeremiah in which the prophet prepares the people of Jerusalem for exile by explaining how their pride, their pride, their disobedience, their stubbornness & their idolatry has brought them to impending destruction. This was their choice. But he says this was not God's desire. His desire was that they should be His people, His renown, His praise & His beauty.
From today's epistle reading, Father Ed reflects on the life of St. Paul as he explores his declaration that "God works all things for the good of those who love God, who are called to fulfill His purpose."
Many Catholics doubt that the bread and wine actually become the Body and Blood of Christ. God understands our struggle and has given us little miracles through the centuries to help us with our unbelief. Join Father Ed as he relates a few of these stories and draws from them what God is trying to tell us.
Join Father Ed as he relates the doctrine of the Holy Trinity to our relationship to God, to ourselves, and to one another.
Join Father Ed as he continues his theme from Ascension and discusses the Resurrection Life. Given on the Feast of Pentecost 2020.
Jesus promised that as Christ was one with the Father, so we would be one with Christ. That is difficult to comprehend. Join Father Ed as he demonstrates how we are one with God and express his glory in the earth.
Jesus promises that he will prepare a home for us. This expression that comes from the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony tells us of Christ's intense love for us. Join Father Ed as he opens a deeper understanding of what Christ is speaking of in this passage.
As the two disciples travelled to Emmaus on that first Easter Sunday, they were confused and despondent. But Christ in disguise instructed them in the meaning of the Scriptures beginning with Moses. Then they recognized him in the breaking of the bread. Join Father Ed as he looks at the Genesis account of the Garden of Eden and discusses how the Emmaus story is the Eden story in reverse.
St. Peter says Christ has given us a new birth into a living hope. Join Father Ed as he shares the story of Divine Mercy.
Easter Sunday in the Covid-19 pandemic. The church is empty save a small crew live streaming mass. The faithful are gathered in their homes, not unlike the first Easter when the disciples were hiding for fear of their lives. But Jesus went to them and said, "Shalom. Peace be with you." Join Father Ed as he reflects on this unique Easter celebration from Christ's perspective. It's all about you.
25% of the Gospel of John is dedicated to the events of Holy Thursday. In the English Catholic tradition, the night is called Maundy Thursday from the Latin, Mandatum or Commandment. It refers to the New Commandment Jesus gave, "Love one another as I have loved you."
In this reflection on the Passion narrative read on Palm Sunday, Father Ed focuses on the tearing of the veil and what that says about our relationship with God.
In the midst of this pandemic crisis, we may feel like Lazarus, alone in a dark tomb, sealed with a large stone. But on the other side of the stone, Jesus stands weeping and calls to us, "Arise." Join Father Ed as he reflects on the story of Lazarus and asks how it relates to us in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jesus healed a man born blind. He was able to see for the first time in his life. What he longed to see was the face of Jesus. Join Father Ed as he shares from this gospel passage and guides us to hope in the midst of the Covid-19 panic.
In the Old Testament reading the people of Israel test God. "Why did God do this? Where is he now?" In the Gospel a broken woman comes in search of water from the earth. She receives living water from Christ. In dark times it is easy to doubt God. In darkness we need to experience the light, then carry that light to others. Join Father Ed as he relates these passages to the dark crisis that is facing us all and calls us to band together in faith.
We are all shaped by our background and experiences. In this very personal talk by Father Ed, he shares a few stories about his background and experiences and how they affect his approach to liturgy and ministry.
Jesus was always going of by himself to pray. On this occasion, he invited Peter, James, and John to accompany him. There on the Mount of Transfiguration, the three disciples witnessed the Divine Dance of Prayer. Join Father Ed as he shares our steps and God's steps as we embrace in the Divine Dance of Prayer.
The reading today cover both the temptation of Adam and Eve and the temptation of Jesus. Join Father Ed as he explores the results of these temptations on our lives.
Father Ed begins his Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount in this discussion that covers some introductory material on the sermon as well as a discussion on the Beatitudes.
Lent means Springtime. As a seed must work in the dark underground before it can blossom into a flower, so we labor through Lent so that we can blossom in Easter into the gift God has for us, as well as through us.
In today's Gospel reading Jesus gives his disciples three principles to live by: Blessing, Generosity, and Forgiveness. Join Father Ed as he explores today's teaching from Jesus.
Philosophers have long debated which is important, Being or Doing. Join Father Ed as he looks at the Sermon on the Mount to see how Jesus teaches that doing rises out of being as the law of obligation gives way to the law of love.
Jesus told his disciples they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What does it mean to be salt and light? How do we become salt and light? Join Father Ed as he explores this wonderful teaching of Jesus and shares his own personal story of how Jesus called him to be salt and light.
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we read the Song of Simeon, "My eyes have seen God's Salvation, a Light to the nations and the Glory of Israel." In this homily, Father Ed reflects on the image of light in the Scriptures and how Jesus, as the Light to the nations, changed mankind forever.
On this first Word of God Sunday, so designated by Pope Francis, Father Ed talks about growing up in a literalist tradition and how de discovered simple principles for understanding the Scriptures. Those principles are covered in detail in his podcast, Four Keys to Understanding the Bible.
Most of us would agree that there is, in fact, still sin in the world. But perhaps we can expand our understanding of sin, of paschal sacrifice, and of healing. Join Father Ed as he explains what the Scriptures mean when we say that the Lamb of God has taken away the sin of the world.
On this Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, Father Ed discusses the history and meaning of our baptism. We have all heard that baptism removes the taint of original sin, but what is the taint of original sin? What changes in the individual when he or she is baptized? Join Father Ed to learn more.
Epiphany is about revealing the hidden, discovering the unknown, and discovering the invisible. Join Father Ed as he shares the meaning of Christ's Epiphany and our role to keep the epiphany going.
On this feast of the Holy Family, Fr. Ed asks the questions. What makes a family holy? How can the Holy Family be a model for our families? Why is it important to create holy families in our modern culture? Join Fr. Ed as he explores these important questions for family life.
Father Ed clarifies some misconceptions about Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin who will conceive. Many Bible scholars have stated that the prophecy only refers to a young woman. Father Ed explains why the Hebrew specifies a young woman who is a virgin and the differences between how the prophecy was understood in Isaiah's time and in Jesus'.
On this Sunday of Joy, Father Ed discusses the joys of the Messianic Kingdom and why we so often seem to miss the joy.
Fr. Ed takes the occasion of the Second Week of Advent to discuss not only John the Baptist, which is the customary reading for the week, but also the Immaculate Conception. Both are great themes for the preparation of the Nativity.
On the first Sunday of Advent 2019, Fr. Ed discusses some misconceptions about Christ's second coming.