True Wealth: Recent Episodes
WCAT Radio
In this episode of True Wealth, the series finale, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss God's Justice and Mercy. Dave describes mercy as God's dome covering us and sheltering us. If we leave God's mercy and depart from the dome we then encounter God's justice.
Link to an amazing conversion story - a turning to God's mercy:
"Jewish Harvard Professor Roy Schoeman Becomes Convinced Catholic"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeDzSfquYcs&ab_channel=SalvationisfromtheJews
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the recent beatification (October 10, 2020) of Blessed Carlo Acutis who died in 2006 at the age of 15. Blessed Carlo had a profound love for Our Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and before he died he set up a website of Eucharistic Miracles all over the world. (October 12, 2020)
Two short videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFmj9Fw6Acw&ab_channel=EWTN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf_Zuq2OzXQ&ab_channel=EWTN
Could you stand the Gaze of God peering into the depths of your soul? It is what will happen to each one of us at the moment of our death. For Father Kevin, a priest in a southeastern Connecticut parish, this encounter with God - some call it an "illumination of conscience" - happened during his lifetime, in his 20's. This very real and very personal experience, this face to Face meeting with Our Lord, took him from being a bartender and bouncer to eventually becoming a diocesan Roman Catholic priest.
In this episode of True Wealth, Dave Basconi and Maria Smith also discuss Father Federico's video (link below) on confession, titled "How to Have a Clear Conscience," in which Father Federico tells us it's not enough to stop doing sinful things - although it is certainly a crucial beginning - but we must also grow in knowledge, we must educate and form our conscience, and grow in virtue. "Virtue is a stable disposition; it is excellence that has become a habit."
How do we form our conscience and grow in virtue? The Catechism (1785) tells us, "In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path..."
Father Federico video "How to Have a Clear Conscience" (and attain joy and peace of heart!):
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=325585442050321&ref=watch_permalink
In the Gospel reading of Sunday, September 20th, a landowner pays a day's wages to all his hired workers, the same wage to those who worked all day and to those who worked but briefly towards the end. Is this fair? Dave Basconi brings out a great point that this landowner pays everyone a day's wage so that each laborer could take care of himself and his family, so that no one would be left in poverty. (September 28, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on growth in holiness. To grow in holiness is a two-step process: first the natural or physical and then the spiritual or supernatural. Saint Paul tells us, in 1 Cor 15:46, "But it is not the spiritual which is first but the natural, and then the spiritual." It is natural to work, to labor, and the greatest labor we can do is prayer, which is both a natural and a supernatural work. Everyone is called to labor in the Lord's Vineyard. (September 21, 2020)
The Liturgy of the Eucharist comes after the Liturgy of the Word.
During the Eucharist time collapses - we are there, at the foot of the Cross! In the video (link below) Father says that after we receive Communion and go back to our seat this is the moment we can obtain anything we ask for in prayer. There are many good things to pray for, for ourselves and our loved ones, for physical healing as well as emotional, mental and spiritual healing. The best thing to pray for is to know and do God's Will. Ask Our Lord sincerely to desire His Will at that moment and always.
God has one plan for us:
Plan A: Become a Saint!
Plan B: God has no plan B. Neither should we:)
Link to the video we refer to (it starts at the 6:00 minute spot):
https://www.facebook.com/stbridgetofswedenparish/videos/3047421152052897
It's an excellent presentation and explanation of the Mass by Father Frederico. (September 14, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask if you were asked to define what the Mass is in one sentence what would you say? Dave says, "The Mass is a mission to take us from a state of sin to a state of grace." Maria says, "The Mass is both the re-enactment of Holy Thursday - Good Friday and also the transportation which carries us into our eternal home."
Link to the video we refer to (it starts at the 6:00 minute spot):
https://www.facebook.com/stbridgetofswedenparish/videos/3047421152052897
It's an excellent presentation and explanation of the Mass by Father Frederico.
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith speak on Acedia, also known as Sloth, one of the seven deadly sins. They also go off on tangents and so their beginning conversation centers quite a bit on painting. More house painters are men but more women enjoy painting the rooms in their homes. Why is this?
And yes, a person can be both very active and "lazy" because the spiritual sin of acedia or sloth is doing anything or everything that you should not be doing while neglecting the one thing you should be doing.
Two resources to check out:
Acedia & Me, by Kathleen Norris
https://www.amazon.com/Acedia-Marriage-Monks-Writers-Life-ebook/dp/B001ANYDB8/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=acedia&qid=1598291225&sr=8-2
and
The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times
by Jean-Charles Nault
https://www.amazon.com/Noonday-Devil-Acedia-Unnamed-Times-ebook/dp/B0182YPFH8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1598291026&sr=8-2
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on the question: Can man rule mankind? Can a human being, utilizing only his own human nature, rule society with justice and wisdom? (August 17, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith touch upon various topics: Gratitude and appreciation, sacrifice, the problem of evil, conquering fear through love, pleasure vs happiness and joy, love as the right response to people, and the truth as a source of great power - it hits a nerve, it plants a seed that may be dormant, even for a very long time, but is always waiting to sprout and blossom. (August 10, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present on the question of theodicy. If there is a deity, a god, and if that deity is "good" why is there evil? Is the "god" not good enough or strong enough? A weak god... There is a God, He is All-Good and All-Powerful, so much so that He can and He will bring a much greater good out of any and every evil. He has done it in the past, He is doing it now, and He will continue to until the end of time, until we go to the "happily ever after" place where He will wipe away every tear and suffering and evil will cease for all eternity. (August 3, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Baconi and Maria Smith talk about an intimate connection between the crosses in our lives and "new life." Intimate connections - relationships - is what the human person is created for, intimacy is the very essence of man and woman. Intimacy first and foremost with God, and then with others. The lack of an intimate relationship with God and others is at the root of so many (all?) problems, it is the cause of despair. Intimacy with God and others is the source of hope and love - of "New Life." (July 27, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith take on two seemingly contrasting topics but somehow tie them together:)
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A totalitarian government inflicts pain on the people to get them to "believe" in its principles. However, Jesus took the pain upon himself for people to believe in his message of love.
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Over the weekend Maria heard the personal testimony of a local priest who experienced a living encounter with Our Lord. Father Kevin said that this profoundly emotional experience was "simultaneously the greatest moment in my life and the most sorrowful." He was shown the true state of his soul and the tremendous love Jesus had for him. Although Father did not use this term himself, it was what some call an "illumination of conscience." (July 20, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith present that forgiveness is not optional, it's a requirement: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Forgiveness is a process, not a one time event. Forgiveness requires one person, reconciliation requires both the person who has done the wrong as well as the one wronged. If the one who did the wrong refuses to admit and/or be repentant, there can be no reconciliation, yet forgiveness must still be offered. (July 13, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the book "Ten Universal Principles: A Brief Philosophy of the Life Issues," by Father Robert J. Spitzer in which he gives us the Silver Rule - the precursor to the Golden Rule: "Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do to you." This contrasts with the Platinum Rule (originating on college campuses): "Treat others the way they want to be treated." (July 6, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss this maxim: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (June 29, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask, "What do people mean by saying they are a 'good person?' They think it means 'I haven’t killed anyone.' They think it’s a statement of a bare minimum of human decency, a vague moral standard by which people congratulate themselves for not being a horrible person... Being a 'good person' is easy... being holy is a lot more difficult." (From https://www.stbridgetcheshire.org/bulletin June 21, 2020, page 12) (June 22, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss disorder as starting in the heart; the disorder we see in society is only the symptom, the outward expression. The heart is its source. (June 8, 2020)
THE BLESSED TRINITY:
The Father creates,
The Son redeems,
The Spirit sanctifies...
The Father makes man,
The Son makes man a Christian,
The Spirit makes the Christian a Saint. (June 8, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how without the Holy Spirit, there would be no Incarnation and no Church. (June 1, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that supernatural hope can only come from God. With hope life becomes more joyful and more exciting. Faith is belief which matures into trust; hope is trust which matures into confidence. Supernatural faith and hope give birth to supernatural love! (May 18, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about as Catholics we each have been given a birth mother, a godmother, and also our beautiful Heavenly Mother, AND Holy Mother Church, too! Adopted children have an additional Mama offering guidance and prayers for them: their adoptive mother as well as their birth mother. Our religion is a personal religion; it is a familial religion; it is a community of love that begins right now on earth and extends for all eternity in Heaven. Happy is the soul who has Blessed Mary as his Mama!
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that Jesus told us to love one another, but that doesn't mean we will always like one another. What is true love? It's wanting the best for the other, it's not enabling them. (May 4, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about government assistance in light of coronavirus. They offer quotes from the Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Donald H. Calloway. "Our Lord’s ability to create far exceeds anything we can possibly imagine. When he became flesh, Jesus sanctified human work and elevated it to a level of greatness that did not exist prior to his Incarnation." "God our Father, creator and ruler of the universe, in every age you call man to develop and use his gifts for the good of others. With St. Joseph as our example and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. — Opening Prayer for the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker." (April 27, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith What is the worst thing about this pandemic for you? Have you found any good you never noticed before?
Is there light at the end of the pandemic tunnel? What is true peace? (April 20, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss what the Apostles were thinking and doing on Holy Saturday. How were they on Easter Monday? What a difference from Saturday to Monday! On Saturday they were devastated. On Monday filled with joy.
Divine Mercy Sunday concludes the Octave of Easter. Everyone is called to a deeper faith, to a greater trust in Our Lord. Above all during this global coronavirus pandemic and lockdown Trust in Jesus is more and more essential and valuable than ever before. Do not place your trust in the world or worldly things, place your trust in God.
JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU (April 13, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about Suffering: a topic very relevant to the current global pandemic and to Holy Week. Some thoughts:
Faith & Reason converge: Suffering is necessary, suffering leads to a good. "If there were a better way than suffering, Jesus would have shown us by His Life."
~"The Imitation of Christ."
~"Feeling good is not compatible with suffering; being good is."
~ in "Making Sense out of Suffering" by Peter Kreeft.
(April 6, 2020)
Body --> Soul --> Spirit --> God
The body is the material part. The soul is the will & intellect, given at conception, and separates from the body at natural death. The spirit is the liaison between God and us. Spirit is prayer, when we talk to God, and intuition, God speaking to us.
1 Thess 5:13
May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.
May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From Saint Bridget bulletin:
That phrase is Saint Paul's way of referring to the entire human person.
In everyday language, 'spirit' and 'soul' are often used interchangeably.There is, however, a slight technical distinction.
The soul is that part of us which is not physical, which is the principle of life given by God, the part which will live forever.
The spirit is that part of us which inclines us towards looking beyond ourselves, beyond the physical realm, into the supernatural world.
As the Catholic apologist Tom Nash explains:
Soul when distinguished from spirit means that which gives life to a body. Spirit when contrasted with soul simply means those aspects of human life and activity that transcend our bodily limitations and so open the soul toward the supernatural life of grace.
Catholic Answers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO9G9PNv54
Tim Staples blog "Is Man BiPartite or TriPartite?"
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/is-man-tripartite-or-bipartite
The Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 367:
Sometimes the soul is distinguished from the spirit: St. Paul for instance prays that God may sanctify his people “wholly”, with “spirit and soul and body” kept sound and blameless at the Lord’s coming. The Church teaches that this distinction does not introduce a duality into the soul. “Spirit” signifies that from creation man is ordered to a supernatural end and that his soul can gratuitously be raised beyond all it deserves to communion with God.
1 Cor 2:14-15
The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. RSVCE
Romans 8:5-13
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, indeed it cannot; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, you are in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him… for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask: Is God using this worldwide health crisis to expose and heal our spiritual health? (March 23, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that for the believer living through a pandemic is not that much different. We are called to place our trust in God at all times, in peace and in strife. God had everything under control. This is a great test for everyone. How much do we trust Him? What are our priorities? What are our highest values? In addition, what good can come out of this crisis? Remember that out of evil the Omnipotent God can and does bring greater good. (March 16, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how Satan's lies are a continual source of misery, both personal and collective. (March 2, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about how Lent is a time to cultivate a deeper relationship with Our Lord. There are many good videos and talks on Lent. Here's one you may find beneficial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UvXsQgLmPM&t=2018s (February 24, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss: What does Our Lord mean by the Narrow Gate? Are our possessions an impediment for getting through this gate? Is learning to suffer well a requirement? (February 17, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the debate between William Craig Lane and Christopher Hitchens: Does God Exist?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYm41hb48o (February 10, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the Purification of Our Lady (which was Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020). They also talk about the holy martyr Saint Blaise, Kobe Bryant, and all things Faith. (February 3, 2020)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about faith, the true belief in God and His Kingdom, which opens up a whole new dimension of the experience of life. (January 27, 2020)
All we have is from God. Acknowledge your achievements and successes by giving praise to God.
"Faith is not knowing what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future." "God who created you without your cooperation, will not save you without your cooperation." (January 20, 2020)
Hypocrites, Pharisees, and narcissists think they are always right; they don't want to see and admit their faults/sins; they don't want to apologize - there's no need to, since they're always right and they don't have faults; when they do something wrong someone else is at fault.
The "new" epidemic of narcissism is actually quite old. The narcissist wants what is innately, essentially, a very good thing. He wants to be like God. This is actually very good. GOD Himself wants us to be "like" Him. That is what He promises us, that we will be His adopted children and share in His Kingdom.
The trouble comes when a person wants to do it his way and not God's way. The Pharisees and narcissists do not want to do it God's way - through repentance of one's sins, through forgiveness of others. through the virtues especially compassion humility obedience, and mercy.
Actually the Pharisees, hypocrites, and narcissists want not just to be like God but want to take the place of GOD and here we have an imitation of the first rebellion - of Lucifer who would not serve; and this also brings to mind Saint Michael whose name states "Who is like God?" (January 13, 2020)
Never, ever give up. The only way to lose is to give up. Failure isn't losing. Failure can be a great aid to learning and improving. Resolve to make changes to better yourself, to get closer to Our Lord - changes that will last all your life, not a week, month or year. Pray just 10 minutes a day, set the time apart, make it a priority. Do it for one year and it will become a part of you and elevate you! (January 6, 2020)
There seems to be an epidemic - or even pandemic - of narcissism in the modern world. Countless videos, articles, and books. In fact, here's one with a title that first clued me in: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissism-Epidemic-Living-Age-Entitlement/dp/1416575995/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+epidemic+of+narcissism&qid=1576415095&sr=8-1
Pharisees = Narcissists & Hypocrites:
Place heavy burdens on others and do not lift a finger to help.
Keep all the secondary rules but neglect the primary ones of mercy and compassion.
Have no empathy.
Pretend to be someone they are not.
Duplicity becomes an ingrained part of them.
Seek to be well thought of, admired, empowered.
Crave power over others.
Crave the best seats, positions, etc.
They boast, are prideful and feel entitled.
They believe themselves to be superior to others.
They seek to be "better" than others by putting others down (re: the Pharisee and the tax collector in the Temple)
They don't share their heart (even with themselves!)
They don't believe in God, no matter how "religious" they appear/claim to be. The Pharisees are concrete proof of this.
They believe that they themselves are gods. That is why Our Lord was a threat to them.
They believe poverty, humility, and obscurity are evils.
Their goal is to become "God," by their own means. They don't care or believe that if we follow Our Lord's way we will be given a share in His Kingdom, and share in His Divinity.
They want to rule, not to serve.
They are not grateful.
They believe they have become successful, superior by their own hands, work, skills, and talents.
They don't believe these are gifts from God and that these talents should be used in aiding others and giving glory to God.
They always have to win.
They never apologize because they are never wrong because it's always someone else's fault.
They have to crush anyone who threatens or questions them or their lifestyles.
They have to get rid of anyone who opposes them, who is "on to them."
Hence the fate of the prophets, Saint John the Baptist, Our Lord Himself, and His Apostles.
Our Lord Jesus did not have patience or tolerance or kind words for the pharisees.
Yet in our times, this "Age of entitlement," where, far from God, so many display unhealthy and sinful behaviors and attitudes, can these modern day "pharisees" be helped?
"The greater the sinner, the greater the mercy." Jesus' message to Saint Faustina is one of tremendous hope. For "as sin abounds, grace abounds all the more."
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the idea that "well-begun is half-done," which applies to everything: the spiritual life, marriage, education, etc. (December 9, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith, talk about preparing the final journey to God. "As we plan and prepare for any trip or journey we will be going on, all the more we should plan and prepare for The Journey each and every one of us will one day be required to take." (December 2, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk ask a pertinent question: What do you give primacy to - the natural world or the supernatural world? (November 25, 2019)
Don't just try to manage things in life that are bringing you down, disrupt them! Instead of playing not to lose, play to win! (November 18, 2019)
We touched on several topics today, including: Relating to other people if you yourself have experienced something similar or if you've spoken to many concerning the same situation; the loss of reality in our culture nowadays. Technology has removed us more and more from person-to-person contact, from getting to know others well - in our modern world we know other people in a much more superficial way. (November 11, 2019)
Do everything you can for others without expecting anything in return!
Do just the right amount and for the right reason, and you will never be resentful or upset that you are not "appreciated."
"Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:12-14) (November 4, 2019)
Those who want to go from a bad life to a good are many. Those who want to go from a good to a holy life are few. (October 28, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith ask if there is no God what is right and what is wrong? Is stealing wrong? Killing? If so, why? (October 21, 2019)
Horse owners and lovers have their own jargon, their own language. Catholics also have a way of conversing and discussing that is incomprehensible to outsiders. Can you speak Catholic? (October 14, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about prayer as us talking to God; intuition is God talking to us. (October 7, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss the question of which Shepherd do you follow? Who is your General? Christ or the culture?
A Catholic "military" classic: The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli.
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Combat-Dom-Lorenzo-Scupoli/dp/1783792744/
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss what is meant by "Truth is true for everyone or else it's true for no one." (September 23, 2019)
Why does God allow evil or, as is often said, "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" This question is a "false question" in that you are presuming that you are "good" whereas we are all sinners.
God's Will consists of His "Ordaining Will" and His "Permissive Will."
God's ordaining will only wants the good always.
God "permits" evil because He gave His human creatures the gift of free will and He permits us to use this gift. (September 16, 2019)
From the book "Preparation For Death" by St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church:
"To accept death in order that the will of God may be fulfilled, merits for us a reward similar to that of the martyrs, because they accepted death to please God. He who dies in union with the will of God makes a holy death; and the more closely he is united to it, the more holy death he dies. The Venerable Blosius declares that an act of perfect conformity to the will of God at the hour of death not only delivers us from Hell but also from Purgatory."
https://www.olrl.org/pray/resignation.shtml
Saint Therese said that we would offend God if we didn't trust enough that we would get to heaven right after dying.
Saint Therese to her novices:
"Oh! How you grieve me! You do a great injury to God in believing you're going to Purgatory. When we love, we can't go there....It is true that God will judge us at one point, but He is always and first our Father Who... suffers when He has to punish His child and sees its suffering....And this really means that God does not want Purgatory!"
https://healwithgrace.blogspot.com/2011/11/teaching-of-st-therese-of-lisieux-on.html
Dave asked what's new with me... and this simple question led us off our scheduled topic and into a totally different topic, one of urgent importance for our children and society.
One thing that's new with me is I will be starting a Teen Workshop this fall, using Peter Kreeft's "Because God is Real: Sixteen Questions, One Answer."
https://www.amazon.com/Because-God-Real-Sixteen-Questions/dp/158617200X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1566832548&sr=8-1
The Workshop title is: "Sixteen Reasons Why," a play on words, using part of Dr. Kreeft's subtitle and correlating it to the title of a dangerous and deadly recent Netflix series aimed at adolescents: "13 Reasons Why"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Reasons_Why
This series, based on a book by the same title, gives 13 reasons for committing suicide. Dr. Kreeft's book gives young people sixteen powerful reasons for living.
Hell
1. What is it?
2. How do you get there?
3. Is it crowded or empty?
4. Is it eternal?
BIBLE PASSAGES:
MT 7:21-23
“Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’
Mt 7:13
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Mt ch 25
The wise and foolish virgins (Note: all were virgins)
Mt Ch 25,
the Parable of the Talents:
For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’
Mt Ch. 25
The shepherd separated the sheep from the goats
Lk Ch. 16
"The Rich Man and Lazarus" - can't warn his brothers.
Rev 21:8
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
2 Peter 2
4 For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of nether gloom to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven other persons, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction and made them an example to those who were to be ungodly.
BOOK
"Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?" by Hans Urs von Balthasar
ttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158617942X/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
RELEVANT VIDEOS:
Father Terrence "Fake News on Hell"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVeKA2bzphw&t=328s
Dr. Scott Hahn "Why the Hell?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEyFcv931Og&t=816s
Bishop Barron on whether Hell is Crowded or Empty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmsa0sg4Od4&t=31s
Dr. Ralph Martin "Is Hell Empty?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MBv59vMeJY&t=15s
Dr. Ralph Martin "How Could a Good God Send People to
Hell?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7CXseRzV74
he Act of Abandonment / Surrender Novena is a powerful prayer of total trust and confidence in Our Lord. Many people say that it has become their "go-to prayer" when facing a difficult situation, be it large or small.
We also spoke about the wise words of Dave's parish priest: "Only what you do for Christ will last." Make that your criteria for all your decisions, actions, and relationships.
Blow are links to Don Dolindo Ruotolo and the Act of Abandonment
Jesus, You take over - written form on a pdf file
http://www.dolindo.org/english/JESUS%20YOU%20TAKE%20OVER%20.pdf
All of Father Dolindo's works that have been translated into English:
http://www.dolindo.org/english/prayers.html
Jesus, You take over - audio/video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlGMJw4htG8&t=272s
Article on Aleteia:
"A thousand prayers do not equal one act of abandonment."
https://aleteia.org/2017/10/28/jesus-said-there-is-no-better-novena-than-this-one-and-it-has-only-11-words/
(August 5, 2019)
Everything is connected, the natural and the supernatural. We all share each other's atoms, the fish eats the worm, the fisherman eats the fish, the Catholic, in receiving the Eucharist, receives Jesus, and becomes One with Him.
Many people see religion as just a set of rules that infringe on one's freedom. Yet it is truly the exact opposite. The rules are there, not to give freedom, but to enable freedom. "The truth shall set you free." (July 29, 2019)
A Good Samaritan could perhaps have helped a young suicide who left this note: "Going to the bridge. If anyone smiles at me I won't jump." An old US Marine slogan stated: "Long Hours, Hard Work, Low Pay - Satisfaction Guaranteed!" An excellent maxim for the committed Christian to adopt. If we persevere in working for the Good Master in His harvest till the end, an eternal reward is guaranteed! (July 17, 2019)
Fear of the Lord = Awe, Wonder, Respect, Reverence. In the English translation of the Latin Hymn "Adoro Te Devote," the last line of the first verse is "Lost, all lost in wonder at the God Thou art." Fear of the Lord is this tremendous reverence and wonder at the power and greatness of Our God. We also began a discussion on the Gospel passage of the Good Samaritan - how important it is to bring God to others, that is, by showing mercy and compassion to all, perhaps even just a simple smile can save a life. (July 15, 2019)
Two relevant Spiritual works of Mercy regarding anger are "Admonish the Sinner" and "Bearing wrongs patiently." Sometimes, it is the right choice to admonish the sinner, and to do so with anger even. Other times the right choice is to bear wrongs patiently. Wisdom is the virtue that allows us to know when to speak up and admonish and when to be silent and bear patiently. (July 8, 2019)
Humans want to follow, they want to be led. Depending on what or who they follow they can be misled. All of life basically comes down to 2 choices: Follow God or follow the evil one. "If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." (1 Kings 18:21) (July 1, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith discuss how Jesus, the strongest man ever, was also the meekest. Saint Joseph is known for his meekness. Moses was a meek man. Meekness is an inner strength, an inner confidence. Also, knowing vs believing, "living" your faith. Don't just know your faith, LIVE it! (June 24, 2019)
The only reason to believe in anything is because it's true. If it's not true, why believe? Dr. Peter Kreeft's books: "Forty Reasons I Am a Catholic" and "Because God is Real."
Saint Josemaria: "To begin is for everyone. To persevere is for saints." Seeking truth takes time and effort... persevere until the very end! Change is always difficult, but if we persevere in changing ourselves - in converting, in turning ourselves always towards God and closer to Him, that's when we can most effectively help others to draw closer to God. NOT by attempting to change them but by continuing to change ourselves, those things about us that need to be changed. That's how we become the magnet for others, that's how we bring God's Light to others: by being full of His Light ourselves. If you want to help your children, your spouse, your parents and siblings, your neighbors and friends, then everyday strive to be a better person, a more virtuous person.
That's a great question to think deeply about: Who started your Church? We Catholics believe our Church was started by Jesus Christ who entrusted Saint Peter with the Keys - Saint Peter was not the founder but the steward, the servant, the pastor-shepherd who was commanded by his master to "Feed my sheep." The Church was founded by Jesus Christ and came into earthly existence through the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Catholics believe that the first Pentecost Sunday, in the upper room, the Cenacle, was the "Birthday" of our Church. The Holy Spirit filled all who were present in the upper room with supernatural gifts and graces. Men who had been lying low in fear of the Jews - in fear for their lives - now stood up strong and brave. Those who had just moments ago been full of fear and cowardice were now paragons of strength and courage. Peter, who in fear and weakness denied his Lord, now went out and boldly proclaimed the Lord's death and resurrection to a multitude - and converted 3,000 on the spot.
The power of the Holy Spirit is limitless. He can turn a weak coward into a fearless soldier for Christ. Come, Holy Spirit! (June 10, 2019)
Power over others is weakness disguised as strength. Pilate was weak and gave into his fears: "You are no friend of Caesar."
If you don't have power over yourself (self-control) AND a firm conviction in a Supreme Being who has power over you, and believe that this Supreme Being is Love, then you will act out of fear and weakness. "Perfect love casts out fear." God is perfect love and the more we love Him the more fearless we will be.
Is your religion a preference or a commitment? If you succumb to pressure from family, peers, worldly pursuits, etc., then your religion is merely a personal preference or ingrained habit. A firm commitment actually grows stronger the more it is opposed. (June 3, 2019)
The importance of taking the time to spend quietly with God, neighbor, and self cannot be emphasized enough! Group gatherings are wonderful but the best is one-on-one time, in order to delve deep into communion, both with Our Lord and with others. You have to MAKE the time, it won't just happen. A proverb goes "We cannot see our reflection in running water, it is only in still waters that we are able to." We need to take the time to "Be still and know that I am God." No matter how busy you are, find at the very least 15-20 minutes a day to spend in reflection, in God's presence. If you persevere in doing this you will be greatly rewarded with clarity and peace and will get all your many tasks and obligations done quicker and more efficiently! (May 27, 2019)
The closer you get to Jesus the more you see yourself for who you really are. That you are helpless, hopeless, incapable of doing anything without Him. "Without Me, you can do nothing." Whereas "I can do all things in Him who strengthens me."
Seeing our misery can lead us to despair, addiction, even suicide or it can be the motivation for making positive changes in our lives. With God, all things are possible.
Karol Wojityla in his book "Love and Responsibility" tells us that the more we know Christ the more we will truly know ourselves. The more we know ourselves the more we can understand others. It is the beautiful trinity of GOD, us, and neighbor. This is what comprises the whole of the Two Greatest Commandments - Love of God, neighbor, and self. We love ourselves to the degree that we love God and neighbor. (May 20, 2019)
Natural Law and the book of Genesis teach that marriage existed from the beginning of time. Jesus Himself tells us that from the very beginning God made man and woman for one another, and that what God has joined together, let no human put asunder.
Many see the Church as enforcing a bunch of distasteful, unwanted rules and oppose the Church and authority. But the Church loves each and every one of us, and the rules are there for our benefit, to help us to love. In fact, Love is, essentially, the ONLY rule. As Saint Augustine concisely exhorts: "Love and do what you will." (May 13, 2019)
One way to answer that question is: Pain is weakness leaving the body.
In this segment we speak of the importance of accepting our sufferings and viewing them from the perspective of God. If we do so, we will find that sufferings hides a greater good. The Curè of Ars became aware of this great truth, so much so that during nights of intense suffering he realized that soon a repentant sinner would come to him for Confession. In fact, the Curè would say, "Tomorrow, I will catch a big fish!"
We also touched upon the harmony and correlation between music and mathematics. (May 6, 2019)
In today's show we share our thoughts about Divine Mercy, Saint Faustina, and the benefits and difficulties of aging. Joining us today is our dear friend Dr. Ronda Chervin.
A Saint Faustina quote: “The Holy Spirit does not speak to a soul that is distracted and garrulous. He speaks by His quiet inspirations to a soul that is recollected, to a soul that knows how to keep silence.” Do any of us really know how to be silent? Even introverts can often be constantly distracted by thoughts and inner monologues that keep them from being recollected and able to hear God's voice. Being silent is more than simply not talking or being around people. It's a turning away from the noise of the world and cultivating an active listening for that "small, still voice" with which God often speaks to His children. (April 29, 2019)
Which would you say is preferable (just choose one): 20 years of good solid teaching/preaching about the Catholic Faith or 20 years of Holy Communion but no preaching? The answer may surprise you. Good preaching comes first otherwise we would not know what - WHO - we are receiving. Did Jesus give His followers His Body and Blood at the start of His preaching or at the end? Even after 3 years of daily living among His disciples and teaching them, even then many could not accept His greatest teaching on His greatest gift to us. “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” (Jn 6:60)
Consider suffering as a mystery, something that we will never fully understand in this world. Charles Rich assures us that "God could take all your troubles away instantly, but you wouldn’t have God. The condition for having God is the troubles!”
Suffering, the "Cross," is a part of everyone's life. Finding meaning and purpose in your life and thus in your suffering makes all the difference. Meaningless suffering is despair. Jesus Himself tells us repeatedly that to be His followers we must "take up our cross daily."
Charles Rich quote: "You have a cross. You mistake your cross for a problem, so you try to solve it. But it can’t be solved. That is your problem!” (from "Give Me Your Heart" edited by Ronda Chervin).
Carl Jung quote: “Mental illness is the foundation of the avoidance of true suffering.” In other words go ahead and make efforts to solve your problems but understand that not all can be solved. Some are "sufferings that can't be avoided," and "crosses that can't be solved" but instead must be lived with and accepted. If we do this God can and will bring greater good out of whatever causes us suffering and pain.
And "Joy is the inner delight of knowing I am loved by God," Saw this quote on a board at the Franciscan Friary I attend and was struck by its simplicity and truth. (April 8, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Dave Basconi and guest Louise Walkup discuss the Prodigal Son. (April 1, 2019)
We are created to know, love, and serve God and neighbor. Thus our work, our labor in God's harvest, will never be done here on earth! Our true "retirement" is reserved solely for Heaven, where we will finally achieve pure beatitude for all eternity. With that in mind, the cessation of one job or career is the invitation to begin another, making all our labors, from early youth to our golden years, for the Glory of God. (March 25, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, hosts Dave Basconi and Maria Smith talk about pleasing people. (March 18, 2019)
In this episode of True Wealth, Dave Basconi and Maria Smith introduce their program. (March 11, 2019)