Special Events: Recent Episodes
Real Presence Radio
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Lynne Devitt & Jerry Meier Guests: Sharon Meier, Roxane Salonen, & Jack and Doreen Kennelly
Location: St. Patrick's in Dickinson, ND Hosts: Karen Selesnky and Fr. Brandon Wolf Guests: Deacon Ron Keller, Chuck and Reba Olsen, & Liane Filkowski
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Brandon & Tonia Clark Guests: Bob Noel, Veronica Pavek, & Cy Kellet
Location: Divine Mercy Pastoral Center in Sioux Falls, SD Hosts: Heather Karrow and Doug Weingardt Guests: Fr. Mark Lichter & Rachel Mueller
Location: St. Leo's Church in Casselton, ND Hosts: Sunshine Diem and Wayne Sander Guests: John Grommesh, Paulette Schmitt, & Fr. Jamer Ermer
Location: St. James Coffee in Rochester, MN Hosts: Melissa Scaccio & Margaret Ricci Guests: Fr. Randal Kasel, John and Debbie O'Meara
Location: Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City, SD Hosts: Camille & Michael Pauley Guests: JD and Jennifer Henderson
Location: Crookston, MN Hosts: Sunshine Diem & Brandon Clark Guests: Hope Bach & Brian LaPlante
Location: O'Gorman School in Sioux Falls, SD Hosts: Doug Weingardt and Heather Karrow Guests: Larry Tentinger & Julie Dickes
Location: Duluth, MN Hosts: Fr. Richard Kunst and Cindy Jennings Guests: Marty LaPlante & Rosemary Tarnowski
Location: Christ the King in Mandan, ND Hosts: Karen Selensky & Fr. Fred Harvey Guests: Deacon James Belohlavek, Jan Frohlich, & Rose Krukenberg
Location: Crux Coffe in Fargo, ND Hosts: Sunshine Diem & Kevin Fischer Guests: Veronica Pavek, Aaron and Shanna Filzen, & Bishop John Folda
Location: St. Joseph, Spearfish, SD Hosts: Heather Karrow & Amy Julian Guests: Tami Whalen, Mike Ochoa, & Kyle Benjamin
Location: Chancery Library in Superior WI Hosts: Lynne Devitt and Peggy Ricci Guests: Bishop Powers, David Dusek, & Joy Pyle
Location: St. Philip Neri in Napoleon, ND Hosts: Karen Selensky & Jim Bitz Guests: Stephen & Lori Gross, Tom & Tori Gross, Tyler Moos
Location: St. Joseph's in Moorhead, MN Hosts: Sunshine Diem & Dcn. Rob Thom Guests: Bob Roers, Mike Prewedo and Fr. Chuck Huck
Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD Hosts: Doug Weingardt & Eric Gallagher Guests: Noah & Katie McCrary,
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Lynne Devitt & Tim Mosser Guests: Steve Splonskowski, Keith Braddock, and Micah Gallagher
Hosts Brandon Clark and Sunshine Diem come to you live from the Fargo Diocese Redeemed Eucharistic Congress in Jamestown, ND, Hour 2.
Guests Featured: Fr. Jeff Eppler followed by Julianne Stanz
(Note: Due to a technical issue only this second hour of the broadcast was recorded. We apologize Hour 1 was not able to be recovered)
Live from the course covering the 2024 Putt for a Purpose in support of the Diocese of Fargo!
The Fargo Diocese priests take on the Seminarians in a softball game for the annual collar classic
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Jack and Doreen Kennelly Student Prayer: Jack & Doreen's grandkids & Gast Kids Guests: Pete & Tammy Shaw, Steve Loegering, & Lynne Devitt
Location: Glen Ullin, ND, Sacred Heart Parish Hosts: Karen Selensky & Fr. Gary Benz Student Prayer: Jane or Pete Gardner & Hadley Morman Guests: David & Robin Johnson, Dcn. Lance and Anissa Gartner, & Walter Emter
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Wayne Sanders and Sunshine Diem Student Prayer: Pre K class @ Nativity Elementary Guests: Pam Clemens, John & Trasa Diem, & Dustin Moore
Location: Aberdeen, SD - Sacred Heart Parish Hosts: Doug Weingardt & Heather Karrow Guests: Morgan Stadler, Elissa Allen, & Lee Zacher
Location: Grand Forks, ND Hosts: Father Gross & Stacey Hanson Student Prayer: Holy Family- St. Mary's 5th grade class Guests: Margaret & Don Hoeger, Sal DeLio, & Brent Mikkelsen
Location: Rochester, MN - St. James Coffee Hosts: Melissa Scaccio & Lynne Devitt Guests: Jason Adkins, Peter & Theresa Martin
Location: Sioux Falls, SD Hosts: Heather Karrow & Doug Weingardt Student Prayer: Seanie & Conor Lynch Guests: Becky McQuistan, Ryan & Beth Noonan, & Scott Jucht
Location: Jamestown, ND Hosts: Brandon Clark & Fr. Chad Wilhelm Student Prayer: St John's Students Guests: Jeff Trumbauer, Deacon Ken Votava & Deacon Tom Geffre, & Whitney & Rory Somsen
Location: Belfield, ND Hosts: Mike Kiedrowski & Tony Krebs Student Prayer: Children of Bobby & Erika Kubas, Children of Wes & Andrea Krebs Guests: Fr. Shane Campbell, Chuck & Annette Steffan, Deacon Loren & Wendy Kordonwoy
Location: Duluth, MN - St. James Church Hosts: Fr. Richard Kunst & Cindy Jennings Student Prayer: Homeschooling Group Guests: Fr. Anthony Craig, Monica Hendrickson, and Loran Wappes
Location: Bismarck, ND - Ascension Church Hosts: Karen Selensky, Fr. Russ Kovash & Fr Juston Johns Student Prayer: Timothy McCaffrey & Garfield McCaffrey Guests: Mike Luger, Virginia Dolajak, & Alice Berning
Location: Fargo, ND - Crux Coffee Hosts: Brandon Clark & Sunshine Diem Guests: Msgr Schlesselmann, Benton Schmidt, Nate & RyAnne Carr
Location: Rapid City, SD - Terra Sancta Retreat Center Hosts: Fr. Andrzej & Lynne Devitt Student Prayer: St Elizabeth Ann Seton students Guests: Dcn. Phil Thompson, Justin Carlin, & Dr. Chad Carpenter
Location: Brookings, SD Hosts: Heather Karrow & Doug Weingardt Student Prayer: Buchholz Children Guests: Michael Pauley & Marcus Ashlock
Location: Mohall, ND - St. Jerome's Catholic Church Hosts: Karen Selensky & Fr. Greg Luger Student Prayer: Alan Michels & Matthew Michels Guests: Laura Mibek, Brian & Kristie Michels, & Paul and Nadia Smetana
Location: Fargo, ND Hosts: Nathan Sather & John Clark Guests: Bryan Wilburn, Fr. Luke Meyer, Casey and Jennie Davis
Location: Gillette, Wyoming St. Matthew's Parish Hosts: Lynne Devitt & Fr. Bryce Lungren Student Prayer: Vanessa @ JPII Guests: Kubacher Trucking, Zeke Zebrowski, John & Julie Chick, Ruth Peyrot
Location: Fargo, ND Hosts: Steve Splonskowski and Brad Grey Guests: Sunshine Diem & Chuck Huber
Location: Real Presence Radio Fargo, ND studio Hosts: Jack and Doreen Kennelly Student Prayer: American Heritage Girls and Deacon Flames Guests: Lynne Devitt, Deacon Pat and Brenda Breen, and Jerry and Sharon Meier
Location: Epiphany Catholic Church, Watford City ND Hosts: Mike Kiedrowski and Father Brian Gross Student Prayer: Watford City Students Guests: Linda Knudtson and Matt Schettler
Location: Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid City SD Hosts: Jacques Daniel and Fr. Mark Horn Student Prayer: St. Elizabeth Seton students Guests: Russ Leatherman, Deacon Robert Kinyon, and Dave McDonald
Location: Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan ND Hosts: Karen Selensky and Fr. Keith Streifel Student Prayer: Norrell Family and Elijah Kuntz Guests: Dennis Gustin, Jonathon Marohl, and Alice Gangl
Location: St. James Coffee, Rochester MN Hosts: Michael Wilde and Melissa Scaccio Student Prayer: The Martin Family Guests: Jeff Reisenauer, Deacon Sean Costello, and Cody Klamm
Location: Mustard Seed, Sioux Falls SD Hosts: Heather Karrow and Deacon Thane Barnier Student Prayer: Avery Brinkman Guests: Carol Kapperman and Glen Gauer
Location: Sacred Heart Parish Break Room, Aberdeen SD Hosts: Lynne Devitt and David Vetch Student Prayer: Schmitz Kids and Mueller Kids Guests: Darin Kucker, Chiara Wang, and Sara Vetch
Location: St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Linton ND Hosts: Karen Selensky and Fr. Mark Aune Student Prayer: Amelia and Therez Bichler and the Kuntz Children Guests: Deacon Ken and Connie Wolbaum, Bruce and Stephanie Doolittle, Joe and Pat Shea
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Steve Splonskowski and Tom O'Keefe Student Prayer: Holy Spirit Elementary Guests: Bishop John Folda, Bob Roers, Ed Schmitz
Location: Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Rapid City Hosts: Jacques Daniel and Father Brian Christenson Student Prayer: St. Elizabeth Seton Students Guests: Richard and Toni Rangel, Pamela and Bob Weaver, Jim Blackwell and Theresa Treinen
Location: St. Mary's, Grand Forks Hosts: Father James Gross and Father Jason Lefor Student Prayer: St. Michael's Students, Unterseher Kids Guests: Jake Unterseher, Dave Zavoral, and Bishop Peter Muhich
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Brad Gray and Lynne Devitt Guests: Fr. Greg Haman, Fr. Kevin Lorsung
Location: Cathedral, Crookston, MN Hosts: Blake Ritteman and Cassie Johnson Student Prayer: Cathedral Students Guests: Jess Foss, Hope Bach, and Lilah Zavoral
Location: Holy Spirit, Virginia MN Hosts: Ben Frost & Fr. Brandon Student Prayer: Students @ Marquette School Guests: Fr. Steve Langenbrunner, Virginia Stage, and Mark Cheney & Father Peter Akudugu
Location: Holy Spirit Mitchell, SD Hosts: Heather Karrow & Jeremy Behrens Student Prayer: JPII Students- 5th grade class and JPII Students- 6th grade class Guests: Norma & Mike Beeson, Christine Lemmer
Location: St. Cecilia's Catholic Church Harvey, ND Hosts: Fr. Kevin Boucher and Karen Selensky Student Prayer: Aubrianna Winegart, Dominic Winegart, Gabe Winegart & Noah Ziegler and Amber Ziegler Guests: Brad Olschlager, Denise Lagasse, and Larry Martin
Location: Stella Maris Academy, Duluth MN Hosts: Fr Kunst and Cindy Jennings Student Prayer: 1st and 6th Graders at Stella Maris Academy Guests: Tim Aldridge, Andrew Hilliker, and Fr. Nick Nelson
Location: Fargo Studio Hosts: Blake Ritteman and Paul Braun Student Prayer: Ritteman Kids Guests: Lynne Devitt, Deacon Stu Longtin, and Father Sean Mulligan
Deacon Ben Seitz and Fr. Eric Seitz join Dr. Ryan Capouch and Tim Mosser for the final segment of the 2023 Spring Live Drive!
Father Bob Shea talks about the impact of RPR with Karen Selensky and Kent Maershbecker!
Deacon Victor Dvorak shares about the importance of faith in radio with Karen Selensky and Kent Maershbecker!
David Douglas speaks with Fr. Nick Nelson and Deacon John Foucault for a segment of the Spring Live Drive!
Beth Bigelow shares her faith journey with hosts Fr. Nick Nelson and Deacon John Foucault!
Bishop Felton of the Diocese of Duluth speaks about the importance of RPR with Fr. Nick Nelson and Deacon John Foucault!
Bishop Kagan speaks with Mark Weyrauch and Mike Kiedrowski about the importance of RPR to the Bismarck Diocese!
Tom Sabinash speaks with Mark Weyrauch and Mike Kiedrowski about the impact of RPR on his life
Fr Craig Vasek speaks with Blake Ritteman and Mark Hollcraft during the Spring Live Drive!
Fr Bill DeCrans, pastor of St. Phillip's in Bemidji, shares his faith with Blake Ritteman and Mark Hollcraft!
Carrie Vetter and her children, Jacob and Maria Vetter speak with hosts Blake Ritteman and Steve Splonskowski during the last segment of Day 2 in the Spring Live Drive!
We wrap up with Suzanne Thibert and Bishop Folda of the Fargo Diocese speaks with hosts Brad Gray and Brandon Clark!
We finish our time with Jeff and Audrey McGee and then Marie Vetter speaks with Fr. Jason Lefor and Fr. James Gross
Bishop Cozzens talks about his work with RPR and later Jeff and Audrey McGee speak with Fr Lefor and Fr Gross!
We continue speaking with Matt Langsdale and Bishop Robert Barron shares his stories of working with RPR!
Michael Wilde starts Day 2 by speaking with Marilyn Baker and Matt Langsdale in Rochester, MN!
Fr. Jadyn Nelson and Karen Selensky speak with Laura Braunberger and Bishop Muhich of the Diocese of Rapid City!
Deacon Thane Barnier and Fr. Kevin O'Dell talk about the impact of RPR on the last segment of day one during the Spring Live Drive! *Second half of segment is missing due to a recording error
Michael Donnelly speaks with Deacon Paul Treinen and Steve Castle during the Spring Live Drive!
Tracy and Linda Norris share their faith journey with Mark Hollcraft and Father Bryce Lungren!
Chad Ekberg speaks with Mark Hollcraft and Father Bryce Lungren about his faith journey!
Matt and Jennifer Eberle, parishioners at St Anne's, share their faith and family journey with Karen Selensky and Father Kregg Hochhalter!
Alice Golik shares her faith and the impact of RPR with Karen Selensky and Father Kregg Hochhalter
Sophia Janssen, a student at UMary joins Karen Selensky and Father Kregg Hochhalter for a segment of the Spring Live Drive!
Ashley Murr joins Father Rich Kunst and Cindy Jennings to talk about vocation and the impact of RPR!
Bishop Powers of the Diocese of Superior, WI joins Father Rich Kunst and Cindy Jennings for a segment of the Spring Live Drive!
Trisha Lasky joins Father Rich Kunst and Cindy Jennings for a conversation and some friendly competition!
Ernie Castilla joins Jack and Doreen Kennelly to kick off the first hour of the Spring Live Drive!
Nathan Sather & Roxane Salonen begin the last hours of the Live Drive with some amazing guests!
Hosts Mark Hollcraft & Blake Ritteman visit with our guests about their faith journeys.
Hosts Jack & Doreen Kennelly start out the first hour of the last day of the Live Drive with Bob Noel & Fr. Craig Vasek.
Hosts Fr. Jim Steffes & Nick Modelski visit with Gary & Laurette Kasel & Fr. Jim Steffes about the impact of Real Presence Radio.
Hosts Fr. Brandon Moravitz & Ben Frost visit with Bishop Cozzens from the Diocese of Crookston and Fr. Daniel Hammer!
Hosts Fr. Jason Lefor & Fr. James Gross visit with Stacey Hanson & the new Underwriting Coordinator at Real Presence Radio, Cody Klamm.
Continued conversation with Marlou Mogck, and Bishop Donald DeGrood joins to share his thoughts!
Hosts Theresea Curley & Christine Lemmer kick off day two of the Fall Live Drive with Jeremy Behrends & Marlou Mogck!
Our hosts wrap up the last hour of the first day of the Live Drive with some wisdom from Dr. Chris Burgwald!
Hosts Theresea Curley & Dan Johnson visited with board member Larry Canfield and Ryan & Beth Noonan.
Our hosts visit with Philip & Katie Zubrod about how Real Presence Radio contributes their family life.
Hosts Mark Hollcraft & Blake Ritteman start off the 3:00 PM hour with Fr. Raymond Courtright and Jessica Kuznia.
Our hosts visit with Amy Julian about how Real Presence Radio has influenced her faith.
Hosts Heather Karrow & Kathleen Kovarik visit with Lisa Fahey about her story of faith and her ministry
Hosts Melissa Scaccio & Nick Modelski start out the 11 AM hour visiting with Fr. Randal Kasel!
Hosts Mark Hollcraft & Blake Ritteman visit with Fr. Bob Schreiner & Dan & Aubrey Johnson.
Our hosts visit with Johanna Nagel about how Real Presence Radio has impacted her life!
Hosts karen Selensky & Fr. Kregg Hochhalter kick off the Live Drive with Kevin Martian & Gerald Vetter!
Hosts Fr. Jadyn Nelson & Karen Selensky visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Neil Pfeifer & Mark Hollcraft visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Brian Christensen & Karen Gebes visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Theresea Curley & Heather Karrow visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Nick Modelski & Mark Hollcraft visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Theresea Curley & Fr. Tim Cone visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Corey Nelson & Karen Selensky visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Kunst & Cindy Jennings visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Gross & Fr. Lefor visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Brad Gray & Jeanine Bitzan visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Heather Karrow & Theresea Curley visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Janelle Gergen & Fr. Bob Schreiner visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Randal Kasel & Nick Modelski visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Fr. Bryce Lungren, Mike Kiedrowski & Kathy Kovarik visited with our guests during these hours of the Live Drive!
Hosts Msgr. Patrick Schumacher & Karen Selensky visited with Ryan Bleth, Chuck Huber & Ed Konieczka about the impact of Real Presence Radio!
In these hours of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Dcn. Stu Longtin, Bishop Folda and Josh Decock
Enjoy the annual Know Your Faith Competition brought to you from Shanley High School in Fargo, ND. Mark Hollcraft and Fr. Justin Waltz hosted this year's contest between St. Mary's Central High School from Bismarck, Shanley High School from Fargo, Trinity High School from Dickinson, Bishop Ryan Catholic School from Minot, and Sacred Heart School from East Grand Forks, MN.
Enjoy the annual Men in Black Basketball Game from St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, SD. Tune in for this match-up between the priests of the Diocese of Rapid City and the STM students!
Join us for this inspiring pro-life event, from the steps of the State Capitol in Bismarck, ND!
Friends, today we continue our “Word on Fire Show” series on how to understand Genesis by focusing on Jacob, the son of Isaac and a patriarch of the ancient Jews. How should we understand his early struggle with Esau, the famous “Jacob’s ladder,” and his mysterious wrestling match and name change? That’s what we discuss today. A listener asks, why is it that we just got this information from God, from the Bible, only 2,000 years ago? What happened to all those people who lived before the Bible?
Join us for this special broadcast of the Installation of Bishop Andrew Cozzens and the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston!
If you want to watch the Mass, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/NIMop1VZLYM
We are not yet who we are called to be. Sometimes, in order to become the person we are called to be, we need to stop holding on to what is holding us back. Other time, we need to keep holding on. The ability to make and keep a promise is one of the ways we are called to become who we are created and redeemed to be.
oday we begin a five-part series of discussions on the book of Genesis. In this first episode, we focus on the Creation story.
Genesis is of course the first book in the Bible and perhaps the most foundational, but it’s also the source of so much confusion. Bishop Barron clarifies what the author is intending to convey and the theological and spiritual truths we can pull from the narrative.
A listener asks, how do I start mental prayer, especially if I’m always distracted?
There are things that we need to stop holding on to if we are going to allow Christ to change our lives. Often, we know exactly what those things are. The things that our hands reach for, our eyes look at, and our feet lead us to can the exact things that are keeping us from God.
Why do so many young people drift away from God and the Church, and how can we help them return? This is a pressing question for all Catholics, but especially for parents who are brokenhearted about their own sons or daughters who have become unaffiliated. In today’s episode, Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss Brandon’s new book, just published by Word on Fire, titled Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, which provides a game plan for parents hoping to see their loved ones come back to the faith. A listener asks, what is the promise that God gives us if we keep His commandments? Eternal life, or something else? And what, exactly, is eternal life?
"The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation." We do not merely desire, we have inordinate desire driven by fear. We do not merely have ambition, we have selfish ambition in which we can only envision one possible outcome. To escape this trap, we must lean into honesty, trust and thanking God ahead of time.
In order to draw closer to Jesus, it's important to not only know him and know about him, but it's important to know myself as well. Although it's often overlooked, self-knowledge is crucial to growing as a missionary disciple of Jesus Christ. But how, exactly, do we do it? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae discuss in this episode!
Dr. Christian Smith has written a new book titled Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation. It’s based on new research about how parents successfully raise children to become religiously-practicing adults. In this episode, Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt walk through his findings and discuss what actually helps our kids to retain their faith into young adulthood. A listener asks, how do we know which religion is right, Catholicism or Protestantism?
It is wise to take responsibility for one’s own time, resources, and family. And yet, we must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. This demands faith. Real faith is more than belief, but involves renunciation of any claim we might have on our lives in favor of the absolute claim Jesus has on every aspect of our lives.
Stoicism is experiencing a cultural moment, especially among Millennial techies. What is this ancient school of philosophy? Why is it seeing a revival today? And how does it compare to Christianity? Bishop Barron discusses both worldviews in this episode of the “Word on Fire Show.”
A listener asks if the word “holy” means set apart for a particular purpose, what exactly does it mean when we say God himself is holy?
Hosts Karen Gebes & Brett Eckert talked about the impact of RPR, and visited with Bishop Peter Muhich!
Hosts Karen Gebes and Fr. Mark Horn chat with Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek about how Real Presence Radio has had an influence on his faith.
Our hosts chat with Phil Kraemer about his involvement with Real Presence Radio over the years.
Hosts Fr. James Gross & Fr. Jason Lefor visit with Deacon Sam Pupino about the effect Real Presence Radio has had on his life.
Hosts Brad & Jeanine talk with Fr. Neil Pfeifer about the importance of Real Presence Live.
Hosts Brad Gray & Jeanine Bitzan visit with Msgr. Joseph Goering about the impact of RPR.
Our hosts talk with Brian Rodgers about the effect Real Presence Radio has had on his life.
Hosts Karen Selensky & Fr. David Richter chat with Fr. Gregory Luger about his appreciation for Real Presence Radio.
Hosts Fr. Kunst & Cindy talk with Dave Dusek about how RPR has had an effect on his life.
Hosts Heather & Theresea visit with Kenny Marquardt about why he encourages others to listen to RPR!
Hosts Heather Karrow & Theresea Curley discuss RPR's impact on those in prisons with Deacon Tim & Julie!
Often we avoid doing what is essential by filling our lives with many things that are optional.
It's Labor Day Weekend! Have you ever wondered, though, why we celebrate the thing that most of us want to avoid? And relatedly, did you know that the Church actually has something to say about labor, about work? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae discuss in this episode of Ignition!
The annual United Nations World Happiness Report, which measures the happiness of different countries, is always dominated by Scandinavian nations. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland have always been in the top ten. But what’s striking is that these happiest countries are also those which rank among the least religious. On the flip side, most African countries, which tend to be the very religious, consistently land near the bottom of the U.N. Happiness Report. What does Bishop Barron make of this? How should we actually define happiness, and what have the great thinkers and saints throughout time said about finding happiness? That’s what we discuss in today’s episode. A listener asks how we reconcile all the violence/competition seen in nature with the Creator God of peace.
The Rutten Brothers questioned reality and talked about charisms as they reviewed their movie of the month: "A Beautiful Mind"
The worst days of our life often com after the best days of our life. But even in those "worst days", you are not done yet. God has more for you to do and further for you to go. He wants to feed you with what you are going to need to have enough strength for the journey.
Today we discuss a recent article by Tim Keller, the popular Protestant pastor, titled “The Fading of Forgiveness: Tracing the Disappearance of the Thing We Need Most”. Why are people increasingly skeptical about forgiveness? Keller proposes two reasons: a therapeutic culture, and religion without grace.
A listener asks, how did God create the universe if not from potentiality?
Catholics are called to walk with everyone we encounter, doing our part to lead them into a deeper relationship with Jesus. But what if they are walking away from Him? What if they are living or believing in ways that are deeply at odds with His teachings? What are we to do in those circumstances? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode!
The signs point to Jesus and Jesus is the point of the signs. When we are challenged to merely consume… When we are challenged to want the gifts more than the Giver of the gift, we must allow ourselves to be trained in a trust in God. To be trained in freedom.
Everyone wants to be free. And Jesus said that "the truth will set you free". But what, exactly, does that mean? How can facts free us? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
How do we make sense of all the names, groups, and movements surrounding the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965)? What are the key things to know, and how have they shaped today’s Catholic Church? Bishop Barron explains.
A listener asks why secular philosophy departments tend to discount Scholasticism in favor of modern philosophy.
The apostles asked the question, "What good are these for so many?" Yet, Jesus invited them to give what they had and to trust Him with all of it. Jesus invites us to do the same: Give everything and know that nothing will be wasted.
Bishop Barron visited Reddit for another #AMA (ask me anything). Over 15,000 comments poured in from young skeptics around the world, making it the third most-commented on #AMA of the year, and the ninth most popular in Reddit history. Today, Bishop Barron reflects on the experience and four main patterns of questions he noticed. A listener asks for a concrete example of mercy mocking justice. *This episode has previously aired
One of the temptations many of us fall prey to is to "seize": to grab at or reach for the things we want. And while that can sometimes bring happiness in the short-term, in the long term it is a recipe for disappointment and regret. Instead, the Lord invites to live an attitude of receptivity. But what does that look like and how can we do it? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
There are many opportunities to waste one’s life. One of those ways is to allow one’s circle of interest to outstrip one’s circle of influence.
Here in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, we have a vision: Lifelong Catholic Missionary Discipleship Through God's Love. But how do we live that vision? How does one "be" a missionary disciple? In other words, what are the "habits" of missionary discipleship? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
Today we share an interview about Brandon Vogt’s new book Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, recently published by Word on Fire. The book is full of concrete advice and practical strategies to help draw any loved one back to the Church.
You are special. We’ve heard that for so much of our lives that we’ve either grown numb to it or no longer believe it. But what if it is true?
Have you ever felt like you're wandering aimlessly through life? Like life is happening to you? Like you're just playing a part and not living your life? There's good news... it doesn't have to be that way! It's possible to really live your life, and one easy way to do so is by having a plan. That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
The first annual Word on Fire Conference for Priests brought 300 Catholic priests to Huntington Beach, CA, for a three day reflection on the art of preaching. Bishop Barron delivered four talks, in addition to a talk by Dana Gioia, California’s state Poet Laureate, and the conference closed with a lively Q&A where priests asked Bishop Barron whatever questions they had about preaching. Today, we share the Q&A with you. Enjoy!
Too often, when we encounter our own brokenness and woundedness, we either pretend it isn’t there or we just want it to be taken away. But surrendered to God, our weakness is more than replaced and more than erased, they are redeemed.
Is parenthood suffocating or liberating? Do children keep you from self-discovery, or can they facilitate you finding your identity? Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss those questions in light of two controversial articles about parenting, one in Time Magazine and another in the New York Times.
A listener asks, what does a priest go through that validates his authority for the sacraments?
As Catholics, most of us know that we are supposed to pray. But why are we supposed to pray? And how, exactly do we pray? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
Many of us make plans. And many of those plans don’t end up working out the way that we had expected. Fortunately, God calls us to be courageous even when things don’t work out as we had expected.
Jesus told us that He is always with us, in every person we meet and in every circumstance we face. But is that really true? And even if it is, how can we grow in our ability to recognize Him? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
Thomas Aquinas not only shaped the Church, but influenced much of Western civilization. Who was this great saint? What are some of his important writings? And how should we begin to read his masterful Summa theologiae? Bishop Barron offers some answers in this week’s episode. A bright 14-year-old listener asks about Bertrand Russell’s famous criticism of Aquinas, and how to respond.
There are times when we do everything God has asked us to do…and we still find ourselves in the midst of a storm. In those moments, we are called to resist resentment and embrace courage. In those moments, we are called to run into the storm, confident that God is in the storm.
Bishop Barron recently joined Jordan Peterson for a second long discussion titled “Christianity and the Modern World,” which has been viewed over 780,000 times. On today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” we revisit and reflect on some of the key moments in the dialogue.
A listener asks, how can I answer my Protestant friend who claims that Catholics focus too much on Jesus’ suffering and death, and not enough on his Resurrection?
Apart from Mary and Joseph, there's only one saint who is important enough that he gets two feast days: St. John the Baptist. Why is that? What's so special about John the Baptist? And how is he particularly relevant for us today? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss on this episode of Ignition.
Most people who call themselves Catholic do not believe one of the most central and most powerful teaching in the Church. Is it because they lack hearing? Do they lack the opportunity to know about this teaching? Do they lack faith? Or is something else missing?
According to a recent Wall Street Journal headline, “Catholic Schools Are Losing Students at Record Rates, and Hundreds Are Closing.” Catholic schools peaked in the 1960s with about 5.5 million students in 11,000 schools. Today, Catholic schools boast only 1.6 million students in 5,900 schools. What explains this decline? And what can we do about it?
Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss the situation of Catholic schools, the purpose of Catholic education, and where Catholic schools should move in the future.
A listener asks, how can we be better friends with our friends who are not Christian?
What we are is shaped and revealed by what we choose. Who we are is established by relationships.
Bishop Barron recently visited the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where he had the great privilege of preaching at their baccalaureate Mass. In his homily, shared today on the podcast, he said we must remember that the primary purpose of a Catholic university is evangelization, the proclamation of the lordship of Jesus Christ. Therefore, education must equip and form graduates to sanctify the world, so that the light of Christ can be brought into workplaces, classrooms, and trades.
We heard parts of the Gospel at every Mass, but have you ever read them from beginning to end? In this episode, Dr. Chris and Dr. Bob Rice talk about the importance of reading each of the Gospels so that we might come to know Jesus more deeply.
At Pentecost, the disciples received the Holy Spirit and the subsequent gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts glorify the Father and have changed the world. If we were given these gifts, we could also glorify the Father and change the world…but would we?
What is the Catholic response to racism? That's what Dr. Chris discusses with Deacon Omar Gutierrez on this episode of Ignition. And make sure and listen to episode 458 in which we discuss the Catholic perspective on racism as well.
On today’s episode, Brandon Vogt and I discuss my recent conversation with Alex O’Connor (aka @CosmicSkeptic), one of the most popular atheists in the world. We replay and unpack some of the most important clips from the dialogue. (Watch the full dialogue here.)
A listener who was raised Christian, but became atheist for many years, asks advice on re-engaging with Christianity.
Jesus doesn't call us to simply be "nice people." Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit so that we can be more than we are now...so that we can do more than we can do now. Jesus sends His Holy Spirit so that we can have the strength to be the kind of people who bear witness to Him and His love in this world. He gives His Spirit so that people can be saved and God can be glorified.
Today we share the second half of Bishop Barron’s 2020 address at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, titled “Called Into the Depths.” He discussed three sailors from the Bible: the patriarch Noah, the prophet Jonah, and our Savior Jesus Christ.
The sea can be thought of as something frightening and terrifying, standing athwart the purposes of God with its unforgiving power and discouraging darkness. However, when we allow ourselves to be swallowed up by the Lord’s will, we will find a peace that is sure and unshakable, even in the midst of the worst storms.
What is the Catholic perspective on racism? That's what Dr. Chris and Deacon Omar Gutierrez discuss in this episode of Ignition. Make sure and listen to episode 459 in which we discuss the Catholic response.
We can choose joy only insofar as we can choose the source of our joy. Joy comes as a consequence; it is a fruit. And the depth and permanence of our joy is only going to be as deep and long lasting as what we place our confidence in. Only when we surrender to the love of God can we have a joy that is deeper and more permanent than any amount of suffering that comes from life.
A new Gallup survey found that the proportion of Americans who consider themselves members of a church, synagogue, or mosque has dropped below 50% for the first time in American history. In 1999, around 70% of Americans attended a church, synagogue, or mosque–today it’s just 47%. Bishop Barron and Brandon discuss these results, what they mean, and why it matters whether someone belongs to a church. They also respond to commenters on Reddit who reveal why they stopped going to church and will never go back.
A listener asks, why doesn’t the spiritual life get easier?
What is right worship, why do we do it, and how do we do it? That's what Dr. Chris and Dr. Jason Heron discuss in this episode of Ignition.
We find ourselves always moving and never done. We have so many options that we experience decision paralysis and subsequent decision dissatisfaction. But we are made for a full life. A full life is only possible when we intentionally limit ourselves by making the decision to love this person or to root ourselves in this place. Ultimately, unless we truly decide to remain in Christ, we will never experience the life we have been made for.
Today we share the first half of Bishop Barron’s 2020 address at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, titled “Called Into the Depths.” He discussed three sailors from the Bible: the patriarch Noah, the prophet Jonah, and our Savior Jesus Christ.
The sea can be thought of as something frightening and terrifying, standing athwart the purposes of God with its unforgiving power and discouraging darkness. However, when we allow ourselves to be swallowed up by the Lord’s will, we will find a peace that is sure and unshakable, even in the midst of the worst storms.
While most of us don't worship statues of our own making, there are still plenty of ways in which we unwittingly worship false gods. That's what Dr. Chris and Dr. Jason Heron discuss in this episode of Ignition.
In this last hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Jean Eppler & Cindy Naughton - plus RPR Executive Director Mark Hollcraft announced to winners of the Incredible Parish Challenge!
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Ryan Capouch & Lynn Devitt
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Thomas Sabinash and Keith & Sharon Anderson
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Deacon Tom Geffre & Terry Schwartzenberger
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Bishop Folda & Steve Loegering
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Linda Baldwin & Chris Motz
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our host visited with Msgr. Joseph Goering & Dr. Jay Hershberger
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Collette Mooney & Doris Swedmark
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Brett Beyeler & Jan Fetrel
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Bishop Donald DeGrood & Fr. Jeff Norfolk
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Bob Ackermann & Blase Gebes
Hosts Deacon Paul Treinen & Fr. Brian Oesterich start out the third day of the Live Drive with the St. Joseph Chaplet and Dominic Rolfsmeier
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Meredith Hollcraft & Mary Elizabeth Rongen
Hosts Fr. David Richter & Mark Hollcraft start out the 3:00 hour with the Divine Mercy Chaplet & Bishop John Quinn from the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Our hosts visited with Bishop James Powers from Diocese of Superior & Msgr. Tom Richter from the Diocese of Bismarck.
Hosts Steve Splonskowski & Tom O'Keefe start out the day with the St. Joseph Chaplet & Ed Schmitz!
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, out hosts visited with Fr. Keith Streifel, Dr. James & Cheryl Brooke!
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, our hosts visited with Fr. Robert Shea & Fr. Bill Ruelle!
In this hour of the Spring Live Drive, meet the newest member of the RPR family - Nick Modelski!
Our hosts continued from Gillette visiting with Fr. Bryce Lungren & Staff and Jack Kuhbacher
Our hosts continued by visiting with Bishop Steven Biegler, Fr. Bryce Lungren & Staff on the Spring Live Drive!
Our hosts continued the Spring Live Drive visiting with Fr. Shaun Haggerty & Bishop David Kagen!
It is possible to encounter God and go back to the same life. It is possible to live as if the miracle had never happened. It is possible to say "I believe" and not be a witness. But it is also possible to not see a miracle and still bear witness to Christ by how we live, what we choose, and what we love.
Missionary Disciples are called to engage with the culture, not run away from it. But why? And how? That's what Dr. Chris and Dr. Bob Rice discuss in this episode of Ignition.
The Word on Fire Bible series is one of the most ambitious and significant projects we’ve ever taken on. Listen as Bishop Barron and Brandon discuss where the idea came from and the future of the project. They also give you a sneak peek at Volume II of the series, which will cover Acts, Letters, and Revelation.
It is possible to encounter God and go back to the same life. It is possible to live as if the miracle had never happened. It is possible to say "I believe" and not be a witness. But it is also possible to not see a miracle and still bear witness to Christ by how we live, what we choose, and what we love.
Most people know that saints are an important part of our Catholic faith. But what, exactly, is a saint? And what do saints matter for us today? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode of Ignition.
Today we share Bishop Barron’s talk at the 2021 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress titled “Catholics, Media Mobs, and the Culture of Contempt.” The talk focuses on how to address the swell of negative and nasty behavior we’re seeing online, not just in general but especially among Catholics.
Virtually everyone has scars. And every scar has a story. Scars are reminders of our past...they are reminders that won’t go away. And Jesus has kept His wounds in order to help us to never forget His story.
Many people, including many religious people, think that faith and reason contradict one another. But the Catholic Church has always taught that just the opposite is true: that there is a profound harmony between them, and that includes between science and faith as well. That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode of Ignition.
From politics to COVID, this past year has been filled with disagreement. That led Christian apologist Natasha Crain to write an article titled “Disagreement Fatigue and 2020: How the Events of the Year Will Shape Christian Interactions in 2021 and Beyond.”
Bishop Barron and Brandon discuss the article, focusing on three of Crain’s predictions for 2021: more Christians will be hesitant to speak publicly about their faith, Christians will increasingly see apologetics as a contributor to (unhealthy) disagreement, and belief in a generic God will continue to be acceptable in culture, but belief in Jesus as God will become increasingly gauche.
A listener asks, what form was Jesus in before the incarnation?
Death is final. The death of Christ was thought to be final. But it wasn’t the end...it was just the beginning.
Today we share Bishop Barron’s talk from the FOCUS SEEK 2021 conference. The talk is titled “The Identity of Jesus” and explores how Christ had the authority to fulfill the Law of the Old Testament and bring about the will of God through the Church.
We're still in the Easter Season, celebrating the Resurrection. But sometimes our own sufferings and wounds from the past make it hard for us to experience the Resurrection, to experience God. Our human hurts harm our relationship with God. So what do we do with that? That's what Dr. Chris and Alison Conemac discuss in this episode of Ignition.
The brothers Rutten talked about hope, suffering, and embracing the Cross as they reviewed their movie of the month: The Passion of the Christ!
In our culture today, we are able to avoid thinking of death. But death is the inevitable reality of living. Still, the fact that we will all die is not the problem. The problem is that we pretend that we won’t.
What is the “dark night of the soul”? How does it differ from general depression, sadness, or confusion? Bishop Barron and Brandon explore this spiritual concept from St. John of the Cross, and discuss a famous saint from recent times who experienced this “dark night” in a profound way.
We've just celebrated Jesus' resurrection. But how do we know it really happened? And what does it matter?
What good is it to have a heart that can be hurt by this world? Many choose to numb themselves rather than feel the pain of life. But becoming numb leaves us with a heart that is unable. Unable to feel pain but also unable to feel joy. As Christians, we are called to have a heart like the heart of Jesus: vulnerable and able.
Today we share the second half of Bishop Baron’s talk titled “Knocking Holes in the Buffered Self: Approaches to the Question of God.” (Click here to listen to the first half.) He gave the talk at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as part of their Kenrick Lecture series.
Many—especially the young—in today’s time have absented themselves from the practice of faith. Our culture and time is anomalous in the extreme, in that it’s the first ever to widely entertain God’s nonexistence. Christians, at least in the West, are facing a practically unprecedented crisis of disaffiliation. But there are paths out of the cave, and that’s what Bishop Barron reveals.
It's Holy Week! What, exactly is it, and why is it holy? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
The People of Israel were brought into exile. It was imposed from the outside. But after King Cyrus game them a way home, many of them chose to live in self-imposed exile. The same is true for all of us who have been exiled by our sin and slavery to death. Jesus has made it possible to step into the light and come home, but many choose to live outside the light...many of us live in self-imposed exile.
Parts of the Old Testament depict God commanding the Israelites to massacre entire populations—every man, woman, child, and animal. How should Christians make sense of these passages? They seem to present God as angry, vindictive, and genocidal, contradicting the New Testament presentation of God as loving and merciful. That’s what Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss in today’s episode.
The Catholic Church claims that it is the church established by Jesus Christ. What does that mean? And how do we know it's true? That's what Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz discuss in this episode.
Looking back, there are some things we could have known. And looking back, there are some things we could never have known. But one thing is unfailingly true when seen through hindsight: every decision comes at a price and every choice has a cost. Making the decision is risky, but there are things that are more important than staying safe.
Today we share the first half of Bishop Baron’s talk titled “Knocking Holes in the Buffered Self: Approaches to the Question of God.” He gave the talk at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as part of their Kenrick Lecture series.
Many—especially the young—in today’s time have absented themselves from the practice of faith. Our culture and time is anomalous in the extreme, in that it’s the first ever to widely entertain God’s nonexistence. Christians, at least in the West, are facing a practically unprecedented crisis of disaffiliation. But there are paths out of the cave, and that’s what Bishop Barron reveals.
Being a holy human usually requires being a healthy human. Join Dr. Chris and Emily Leedom as they discuss human formation: what it means and why it matters.
We are made for adventure. But adventure means mystery and uncertainty. Often, what holds us back from action is a lack of knowing why. But what if there is a better question than “why?”? What if the adventure of obedience means asking “how?”
Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade’s spiritual classic, Abandonment to Divine Providence, taught that everything falls under God’s will, from our delights to our challenges, and our happiness will only be fully realized in cooperating with that will. But does this include painful and traumatic experiences? What about COVID? Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss these questions as well as a priest, Fr. Walter Ciszek, who heroically embodied this spiritual principle.
A listener asks, if all of us were like Jesus, wouldn’t the world be really boring?
What was the Second Vatican Council and what does it matter to your life? Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz as they answer these and other questions about this monumental event in Church history.
Trust is a challenge for all of us. Trust in God is a battle that every person faces at some point in their lives. Often, we might find is easier to trust God if He were a “tame god”, but He is not. This Lent, our invitation is to not only trust in God’s mercy, but also in His justice.
What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church and why should you care about it? That's our topic for this episode of Ignition with Dr. Chris Burgwald and Renae Kranz.
Bishop Barron recently joined students from Princeton University in a virtual Q&A about God, faith, reason, and evangelization. The event was led by Leah Libresco Sargeant, a fellow of the Word on Fire Institute, and graciously hosted by The Aquinas Institute at Princeton’s Catholic Campus Ministry. Today on the podcast, we share the second half of the Q&A.
We are often tempted to run away from God and from difficult moments in life. We might even be tempted to escape from all that has been taken from us over the past year. But to choose to embrace this moment is to choose to embrace the Lord and His Providence.
Why do so many young people drift away from God and the Church, and how can we help them return? This is a pressing question for all Catholics, but especially for parents who are brokenhearted about their own sons or daughters who have become unaffiliated. In today’s episode, Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss Brandon’s new book, just published by Word on Fire, titled Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church, which provides a game plan for parents hoping to see their loved ones come back to the faith.
A listener asks, what is the promise that God gives us if we keep His commandments? Eternal life, or something else? And what, exactly, is eternal life?
Many Catholics find the Bible sometimes hard to understand. The good news is, there's a thread that runs throughout it, which helps make sense of the whole. Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz as they discuss the big picture of the Bible.
One of the many things that life teaches us is that life is always changing. To grow is to change. There are times that are good and there are times that are bad. All of us go through good times and bad times and neither of them are permanent. In both good times and bad, Jesus is Lord and He loves the person in a desperate situation and the person in a bright situation.
Bishop Barron recently joined students from Princeton University in a virtual Q&A about God, faith, reason, and evangelization. The event was led by Leah Libresco Sargeant, a fellow of the Word on Fire Institute, and graciously hosted by The Aquinas Institute at Princeton’s Catholic Campus Ministry. Today on the podcast, we share the first half of the Q&A.
Ash Wednesday is coming! Are you ready for Lent? Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz as they discuss this holy season and how to prepare for it.
Knowledge is powerful. Having lived through this past year, and looking back on what we have been through is essential. We can have learned a great number of things over 2020. But unless we are willing to act on that knowledge, hindsight will be powerless.
If we seek to grow closer to Jesus, one powerful way to do so is by reading, praying with, and studying the Bible. But many Catholics are intimidated at the thought. So how can we ease our way into reading the Bible? Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz as they dive into this topic!
Today, Bishop Barron answers questions from children all over the world, including:
Is God bigger than an elephant? Why did God make bad germs? How did God come to exist? How can God see us from up in heaven if we can’t see him? Do you think animals go to Heaven? Why do bad things happen? If God knows everything, did he make my thoughts? Why did God not give the 10 commandments to Adam and Eve?
Enjoy the annual Know Your Faith Competition brought to you from Bishop Ryan High School in Minot, ND. Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Fr. Justin Waltz hosted this year's contest between St. Mary's Central High School from Bismarck, Shanley High School from Fargo, Trinity High School from Dickinson, Bishop Ryan Catholic School from Minot, and Sacred Heart School from East Grand Forks, MN.
Enjoy the annual Men in Black Basketball Game from St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, SD. Tune in for this match-up between the priests of the Diocese of Rapid City and the STM students!
While no one can predict the future, all of us can learn from the past. While none of us can control when the big moments of our lives are going to happen, all of us can choose what we are doing in the moments before The Moment.
Bishop Donald DeGrood is inviting all Catholics to lifelong Catholic Missionary Discipleship Through God's Love. But what does that mean? And what does it matter to your life? Join Dr. Chris as he interviews Father Scott Traynor.
According to YouVersion, the popular Bible app, 2020’s most-read Bible verse was Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Bishop Barron discusses this verse, the Bible’s repeated encouragement not to be afraid, and how we can overcome our fears of sickness, loss, and death.
A listener asks, was Jesus subject to things like doubt and ignorance?
What difference does the Baptism of Jesus make? It means that God doesn't stay away from our sins, but that He takes them upon Himself.
As Catholics, we are called to evangelize, to share our faith. But why? Why, exactly, are we supposed to evangelize? Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz as they explore this topic!
Listen to this sample lesson from Fr. Paul Murray’s new course inside the Word on Fire Institute titled “Prayer, Beauty, Mission: The Hidden Springs of the New Evangelization.” The spiritual life is typically understood to begin in ascent. However, in Christianity it begins with descent, namely the descent of God. As 1 John 4:10 says, God has loved us first. In this lesson, Fr. Paul Murray explores the significance of such a beginning.
In Christ, your past might not be the thing that prevent you from being a part of God’s great work… It might be the thing that has prepared you.
Although 2020 is behind us, many of its lessons remain, and one of them is the reality of our mortality. How do we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, think about death and care for the dying? Join Dr. Chris and guest Cameo Anders in their conversation.
As 2020 winds to a close, Bishop Barron reflects back on his five most popular YouTube videos of the decade. He and Brandon Vogt discuss why these particular videos resonated with so many people.
A listener asks, if Jesus already did what he came to do, and Satan realized he was beat, why wasn’t that the end of the story? What are we still doing here?
We all have the temptation to pretend to be someone or something other than we are. To pass ourselves off as someone else…to be an imposter. We do this most often when we know the truth but live in fear of the truth. John the Baptist shows us what it looks like to know the truth and live in the freedom of the truth.
We are about to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But who is He, really? That was the very question which He posed to His disciples at one point during His public ministry: who do you say that I am? Who is Jesus Christ, really? And what does He matter to me? Join Dr. Chris and Renae Kranz in their conversation.
Today, we share the second half of Bishop Barron’s recent discussion with Dave Rubin on the topic “Has Liberalism Failed?” It’s part of the “Bishop Barron Presents” series of conversations with various thinkers and cultural influencers.
In this discussion, Bishop Barron and Dave uncover the underlying issues fueling today’s partisan politics and the culture of contempt. Further, they discuss how to engage in constructive dialogue for the sake of the common good.
Is it possible to have peace in the midst of battle? Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of something more powerful that war and trial. Peace is found when one is ready for the current challenge because they have done what they needed to do. This principally involves being in right relationship with one’s self, with others, and most especially with God. Repentance leads to right relationship…and Confession is the great gift that God has extended to us so we can be found at peace.
There seems to be a growing sentiment, both within the Church and the wider culture, that if you share a public conversation with someone, or say something nice about one particular aspect of their work, you’re necessarily endorsing everything they’ve ever said or done and can therefore be easily dismissed, a fallacy known as “guilt by association.”
Bishop Barron discusses this problem, how it undermines evangelization, and why he chooses to engage people from across the religious and cultural spectrum.
No one ever sets out to lose. But losing is entirely possible: in business, relationships, and in the spiritual life. It is possible to lose one’s soul. No one wants to lose, but many people do. Even with a great roadmap, we need regular checkpoints to make sure we are on course and haven’t gone off track.
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Jason Heron about his answer to the question, "What does it mean to be a Christian?"
Today we hear the second half of Bishop Barron’s recent talk to the Knights of Malta, in which he explains that behind much of the rioting and deep unrest in our country stand ideas stemming from four influential thinkers: Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Michel Foucault. Once we understand some of their most basic ideas, we will recognize their influence everywhere today.
The one question that can either deflate or motivate a person is “When?” This question reveals whether our goal is an actual goal or merely a wish. But if we want to escape a life of accidents and craft a life of excellence, we need to make the decision of “when” are we going to choose excellence carefully, consistently, and quickly.
A new survey from Ligonier Ministries titled “The State of Theology” revealed lots of interesting things. But one finding that stood out, and generated lots of headlines, was that most Christians believe about Jesus. Nearly 70% of Catholics believe “Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God,” while 57% of Catholics believe “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” Bishop Barron and Brandon discuss this survey and the ancient heresy these statements reflect.
A listener asks if confirmation is supposed to make us fiery defenders of the faith, then why do some Protestants seem to have more fire for the faith, even without this sacrament?
Dr. Chris and guest cohost Renae Kranz talk about the four areas of formation for missionary discipleship: spiritual, intellectual, human and apostolic, and why they all matter.
No two saints are the same. There is no “cookie-cutter” path to holiness. While there are certain givens that must be present, each person has to assess where they are in their relationship with the Lord in order to know best where to place wise guardrails in their own life.
In a recent talk given to the Knights of Malta, Bishop Barron addressed this convulsive time in our national history, demonstrated by the global pandemic, unstable politics, and outbursts of violence. What he shows is that behind much of the rioting and deep unrest stand ideas stemming from four influential thinkers: Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Michel Foucault. Once we understand some of their most basic ideas, we will recognize their influence everywhere today.
Dr. Chris interviews Chris Motz about lessons that we can learn from the 2020 election.
The Rutten Brothers talk courage, strength, and fortitude as they review their movie of the month - "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King".
Plus in the second half-hour, the share their thoughts on all souls day, and purgatory!
There is one true goal in life: to be a saint. Many of us believe this, but is there a path? Without a plan, we will certainly fail to hit the goal. Without a roadmap, we will spend our time on this planet wandering as if we neither know where we are or where we are going.
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Jason Heron about the life and thought of Italian priest Fr. Luigi Giussani
In this special episode, Word on Fire’s John Barron interviews the design team responsible for the mesmerizing Word on Fire Bible, including Rozann Lee, Michael Stevens, and Nic Fredrickson. Listen as they share the story behind its creation and the workings of Providence that made it happen.
Modern indifference is the inability to take joy in in one's situation regardless of the circumstances. It is seeing "no difference" between the awesome and the awful...as well as the awesome alright.
With the presidential election around the corner, Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt consider principles that should inform our voting decisions. They also discuss a recent Pew Research Center report titled “8 facts about Catholics and politics in the U.S” and explore the voting guidance provided by the U.S. bishops through their document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
A listener asks, what can a person of faith do that an atheist can’t do?
Dr. Chris and guest cohost Renae Kranz talk about evangelization by means of accompaniment.
The Rutten brothers talk about strength, good motivations, evil, and free will in this months episode of Rutten Radio!
Many people are overwhelmed by anxiety. Anxiety over all the things that need to get done and over all that they have been through. But God calls us to have no anxiety at all. And to surrender our past, present, and future to His dominion.
Listen to this sample lesson from Dr. Anthony Pagliarini’s course for the Word on Fire Institute titled “How Nones Can Misread the Bible.” To access the other six lessons in this course, join the Word on Fire Institute today. You’ll also receive a copy of Bishop Barron’s new book, the latest issue of the Evangelization & Culture Journal, and immediate access to all of Bishop Barron’s films and study programs!
Our hosts talked with Mario & Karina Rangel & Bishop Peter Muhich on the impact of RPR!
We continued on our Fall Live Drive with more great stories of how RPR has impacted people in our listening area!
We continued our Fall Live Drive talking with another great guest about the impact of RPR!
In this segment, Fr. Brandon Moravitz talked about his great parish in our Incredible Parishes Challenge!
Our hosts talked with Fr. Keith Striefel about his Parish in our Incredible Parishes Challenge!
Forgiveness is neither excusing nor enabling evil. There is always a debt that needs to be paid…and somebody needs to pay it.
In his wildly popular book, A Manual for Creating Atheists, Peter Boghossian, a philosophy professor at Portland State University, outlines his process of “street epistemology,” which is intended to be a process of anti-evangelization, or talking people out of their religious faith. Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss this method of “street epistemology” and whether it’s a good approach for religious dialogue.
Dr. Chris interviews Cameo Anders about the characteristics of a Catholic living their faith fully.
We all have experienced the temptation to see someone who has failed or someone who has hurt us as a non-person. But taking responsibility for the people in our lives means fighting that temptation. And it means doing what we can to fight for that person.
Dr. Chris interviews Fr. Andrew Dickinson about how to live with tension, both in our faith and in daily life.
Listen to this sample lesson from Bishop Barron’s classic study program, “Untold Blessing,” which explores the three paths of holiness. Today, we’ll hear the first half of Bishop Barron’s reflections on the third path, knowing that your life is not about you. Enjoy!
Homily from the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Christians must not only live differently in the world, we must look differently at the world.
Today, Bishop Barron answers questions from several non-Catholics, including:
How to foster unity between Protestants and Catholics? Why focus on Mary and the saints instead of the Trinity? I’m converting to Catholicism, but how will that affect my wife? Why doesn’t the Church canonize non-Catholics? How to recognize genuine spiritual movements of the soul? What is apostolic succession? Why must bread and wine be used in the Eucharist?
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell about philosopher and convert St. Edith Stein and what she means for us today.
The Rutten Brothers talk about friendship, mission, and active participation in life as they review their movie of the month: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.
Sharon digs deeper into the imagery of John 15, showing us how God the father is the husbandman of the vineyard, tending to the vines, pruning away the dead branches so that the vine may grow and flourish. If we allow, God will cut out our sinful tendencies. This discipline, while at times painful, is necessary for us to abide with Him. He wants us to bear eternal fruit that will last, and have a sober intoxication of His Holy Spirit, the sap that flows through the vine as we climb the trestle back to the Father.
Jesus is either one among many or He is the One and Only. In a culturally diverse world, it is easy to see Christianity as simply one more religion among many. Jesus could easily be seen as just one more holy person among many. Is there any evidence that could lead us to staking our entire lives on the Christian claim? And the entire Christian claim rises and falls on the answer to this one question: is Jesus merely one among many? Or is he the One and Only?
Our culture holds many different concepts of morality. In this episode, Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss three major theories–consequentialism, deontology/legalism, and virtue ethics–and how compatible each is with Catholicism.
A listener asks about the Word on Fire strategy for discipleship after we evangelize someone.
“I am the true vine.” With this seventh and final “I am” statement, Chapter 15 of John’s Gospel focuses on our need to abide in Christ, remaining in His love. The image of a vine reminds us of the many allegories in the Bible related to wine, grapes and vineyards. Jesus uses the same imagery in John 15 when he describes the blessings to those who abide in him and the destruction that occurs to those that do not. God’s vine of Israel was meant to spread throughout the world, but instead became an un-kept, disgraceful vineyard. Israel was in need of a new and true vine, and Jesus fulfills that need.
Listen to this sample lesson from Bishop Barron’s film and study program “Eucharist,” and then get access to the full study program by joining the Word on Fire Institute.
Sharon gives us a wonderful teaching about first century Jewish wedding customs, which helps us to better understand the rich symbolism found in this chapter. In ancient Palestine, extended families lived together in an expansive house called an insula. The marital ritual began when the groom and his father journeyed to the bride’s home and negotiated the terms of the marriage. The son would return home and prepare the insula for the arrival of his bride. The bride prepares herself for the return of the groom, but she does not know how long it will take for him to return. Knowing this, we now have a much better understanding of Jesus’ promise to return to us after he prepares a place for us in his Father’s house.
All of us have gifts in our lives and all of us have real struggles in our lives. What weight do we give our blessings and what weight do we give our struggles?
It’s an exciting day as we celebrate the launch of Bishop Barron’s newest book, Renewing Our Hope: Essays for the New Evangelization (CUA Press). The book pulls together 17 academic essays, talks, and papers that Bishop has composed over the past few years, and covers everything from evangelization to theology, philosophy, the sex abuse crisis, the priesthood, relativism, liberalism, and even contemporary movies. Brandon and Bishop discuss the book in today’s episode. A listener asks how to dialogue with those who believe that Jesus is just one of many incarnations of God.
Dr. Chris interviews Fr. Paul Rutten about men's spirituality and some specific ways that men can grow in their Catholic faith.
The Rutten brothers talk about forgiveness, human dignity, relationships, and much more as they review their movie of the month: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"
Chapter 14 has an abundance of nuptial imagery. God designed marriage as a way to image the Trinity. Just as life flows from the one flesh union of man and woman, the life of the Holy Spirit flows from the union of the Father and Son, who are one. From the beginning in Genesis, to the end in Revelation, the story of salvation is the story of the marriage between God and His people.
We spend our lives on any number of pursuits. It is a great gift to discover someone to whom you can give your life. Fathers are meant to be this gift for their children. Christ is this gift for us. In His strength and service, Jesus is the model of fatherhood: when you find something worth living for, the best gift is your presence.
Dr. Chris interviews Carl Olson about the twentieth century American author and convert, Walker Percy.
How do we share the Faith in a culture where many people don’t understand what we mean by words like “sin” or “salvation”—and where the media constantly bombards us with the idea that the teachings of the Church are irrelevant, outdated, or bigoted?
All too often, people aren’t even interested in hearing about the Faith! Especially when we seek to reach young people or bring back those who have left the Church, we must find ways to communicate more effectively—in short, to make our arguments meaningful. Here, the imagination is essential, but often neglected.
In this sample lesson from her Word on Fire Institute course, Dr. Holly Ordway focuses on the role of the imagination in apologetics, showing how attention to language and meaning can make the work of catechesis and evangelization much more effective.
Over the years, a number of saints have experienced a spiritual marriage with Jesus, and Sharon tells us the story of Catherine of Sienna who suffered from the invisible stigmata in her union with Christ. Turning back to the foot-washing, Sharon shows us the spiritual meaning of this story. Before a wedding, the bride must be blemish-free, washed free of the stain of sin. Baptism cleanses us from original sin, while reconciliation removes the filth of all other sin in our lives.
Homily from the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
What we love determines the course of our lives more than anything else.
Last month, Jon Steingard, frontman of the Christian rock group Hawk Nelson, revealed that “he no longer believes in God” after spending his life as a devout Christian. His prominent de-conversion was profiled by The TODAY Show, People Magazine, NPR, and numerous other outlets. In today’s episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt explore the reasons Steingard gave to explain why he lost his faith.
A listener asks how to explain to a “none” the role of the Church’s magisterium.
Dr. Chris interviews Chris Motz about the importance of political engagement for Catholics.
Chapter 13 of the Gospel of John marks the end of the Book of Signs and the beginning of the Book of Glory. The hour of glory—the hour of the crucifixion—has started. Chapters 13-16 are an extended discourse by Jesus, who is preparing his disciples for his exodus, his departure from this world back to his heavenly Father. The washing of the disciples’ feet is laden with nuptial imagery, a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible.
The narrative that science and Christianity are enemies is false. Not only are they not enemies but Christianity helped science develop beyond the limits imposed on it by ancient cosmologies. In this sample lesson from her Word on Fire Institute course titled “Science for Evangelists,” Dr. Trasancos introduces us to the basics of science and why there is no real conflict between science and Christianity.
Want access to the rest of the course? Join the Word on Fire Institute today!
Mary of Bethany breaks open an enormous jar of spikenard and anoints the feet of Jesus and then dries them with her hair. Mary desires to give everything to Jesus and enter into a spiritual marriage. She wants to lavish him with not only her most precious earthly gift, but even more, with the priceless gift of her total self: heart, mind, soul and strength.
The Founding Fathers gave the world a republic that necessitated a people who were virtuous, moral, and religious.
In today’s episode, Bishop Barron fields questions from people all over the world, including:
How do we reconcile love as willing the good of the other with more exclusive love, such as the love between a husband and wife? Some Protestant theologians say that John 6 is not talking about transubstantiation because this dialogue took place before the institution of the Eucharist. What do you think? What does the Catholic Church say about predestination and free will? Why does God need to be worshiped and glorified, and need sacrifices? On human terms, this sounds like his love is conditional and he is insecure. Can dogma be changed or overthrown? Was Jesus a socialist? What are the essential qualities/qualifications needed for evangelism? Degrees or degree program recommendations?
The brothers Rutten talk faith, family, and have lots of fun while reviewing their movie of the month: "Same Kind of Different as Me".
Looking more closely at the story of Lazarus, Sharon teaches us that John is theological and not necessarily chronological in how he presents the life of Jesus. As when he healed the man born blind, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead so that God will be glorified. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, death no longer separates us from the Father; death becomes the gateway back to the Father.
Jesus tells us to “fear no one.” Not because there is no danger, but because He is calling us to not be safe.
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Jason Heron about his journey of faith from a Wesleyan pastor's kid into the Catholic Church.
We’re all hyper-distracted, pulled in so many directions from our phones, to TV, to social media. We’re plagued by notifications, texts, pings, and alerts. Why do we put up with all these distractions? How can we avoid them? Bishop Barron shares how to fight back and find pleasure in “useless things.”
A listener asks how to prove there’s a transcendent dimension if it’s not mathematically or scientifically provable.
In John 11, we read about the 5th sign (the raising of Lazarus) and the 7th “I Am” statement: “I am the resurrection and the life.” The resurrection of Lazarus not only foreshadows the resurrection of Christ but it is also a confirmation of the universal resurrection of the dead. Sharon emphasizes a fundamental tenant of our faith: at the second coming of Jesus Christ, we will all experience a bodily resurrection, either to the resurrection of life in heaven or to the resurrection of condemnation in hell. We will be reunited with either our glorified or condemned bodies.
Homily from the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. The moment worship becomes about “what I get” it ceases to be an act of love and becomes idolatry.
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Jason Heron about the relevance of Catholic Social Teaching for us today.
Today marks the launch of the long-anticipated Word on Fire Bible! Learn more about this project, which has been four years in the making. Discover what makes The Word on Fire Bible unique, how we chose the translation, and why its captivating beauty and insights can lure even nonbelievers to pick up the Scriptures.
Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and at the Chrism mass, the bishop breathes the Holy Spirit into the oil that will be used for anointing. To help us understand Jesus as 'the gate' Sharon teaches us more about the nature of shepherding. Jesus is the gate to the Kingdom, through which is the sure way to salvation. The shepherd would literally lay down his life to protect his flock, unlike the hireling who would abandon the sheep at the first sign of danger.
Human worth is rooted in our deepest identity. And our deepest identity comes from being made in God’s image and likeness. And God’s deepest identity is love.
Dr. Chris interviews Fr. Tyler Mattson about Chiara Lubich, a 20th century Italian woman who founded the movement Focolare.
If you aren’t familiar with the sweeping story of salvation, the “theo-drama,” you won’t fully grasp any particular part of the story. Today, Bishop Barron unveils the five acts of the biblical drama: Creation, the Fall, the formation of Israel, Jesus Christ, and the Church.
In this next chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus reveals two more "I am" statements: I am the gate, and I am the good shepherd. To help us better understand this beautiful imagery, Sharon teaches us about shepherding in Biblical times. Throughout scripture, we see a multitude of references to shepherds, and how a good shepherd protected his sheep, binding wounds, rescuing from danger, gathering together, seeking the lost.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so that we could receive the first gift of the Holy Spirit: to know what it is to be loved by the Father.
Kids ask the best questions, and today Bishop Barron responds to many from around the world:
Why did Jesus die on the cross rather than some other death? Why did God make other planets that people can’t live on? Where does God sleep? Will you have friendships in Heaven and will they be the same as friendships on Earth If God can do anything, can he make a mistake? Is an angel a spirit or soul? Also, could there be two Supreme Beings? Why did God allow the Devil to exist? What is the point of people? Why did God decide to create us?
In the first half hour of this month's episode, the Rutten Brothers reflected on overcoming restrictions that we place on ourselves as they reviewed their movie of the month: "The Peanut Butter Falcon". During the second half hour, they talked about working through our pasts and struggles.
Return from exile is not about a change in location, it is about a change in vocation. It is less about geography and more about mission. The goal is not Resurrection, the goal is Restoration.
An article by the Protestant pastor Timothy Keller offers “6 Principles for How to Argue When You Disagree.” Bishop Barron and Brandon walk through the article and discuss how we can have better conversations with people who hold very different views than us.
A listener asks if, as a priest, Bishop Barron ever gets bored at prayer.
As we so often see, John’s Gospel is intimately connected with the book of Genesis: the pre-incarnate Jesus created, while the incarnate Jesus recreated. We remember that after forming man from the dust of the ground, the Lord breathed His own divine breath of life into man, imparting an eternal soul into Adam. The soul and body unite in a single nature, separated only at death, but to be reunited at the resurrection of the dead.
One day in 1961, the famous physicist Richard Feynman stepped in front of a Caltech lecture hall and posed this question to a group of undergraduate students: “If, in some cataclysm, all of scientific knowledge were to be destroyed, and only one sentence was passed on to the next generation of creatures, what statement would contain the most information in the fewest words?”
In today’s episode we apply that same thought experiment to some of the greatest thinkers and saints from our tradition. What one sentence would encapsulate their thought? We look at Moses, Jesus, Paul, Augustine, Aquinas, Merton, and even Bishop Barron’s own “cataclysm sentence”!
A listener asks whether God made a mistake in creating humans.
At some point, the exile will end. You will be able to go back. But why? What is the reason why you will go back?
Dr. Chris talks with Deacon James Keating about his personal journey of faith and what we can learn from it.
As we begin our study of John 9, the man born blind, Sharon reminds us that John’s Gospel contains 7 signs. Sharon shows how the disciples were passing moral judgement against the man born blind, asking if it was his or his parent’s sin that caused his blindness. Sharon then takes us to the story of Job, who lost his possessions, his health and his children, yet never sinned by cursing God. As with the man born blind, Job’s sufferings were not without meaning but instead were an opportunity for the Lord to be magnified.
In this lecture, we learn why Christmas is celebrated on December 25 th . The dates of Jesus conception, birth and passion have a cosmic significance. Sharon then returns to John 8. The morning after the final day of the feast of Tabernacles, a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought before Jesus. Attempting to trap Jesus, the elders are actually convicted of their own sin by failing to uphold the judicial laws that they so rigidly observed. Sharon then unveils the meaning of Jesus’ writing in the dust.
If we are wise, we will think about the future and plan for it. And if we are even wiser, we will be able to let go of those plans when we need to.
A recent New York Times story claimed to reveal “Why the Big Bang Produced Something Rather Than Nothing.” Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss the article and whether science is capable of answering this classic philosophical question.
A listener asks about the fear of God, and whether it’s appropriate since God is all loving.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Tim Biren & Matt Willkom visited with Scott and Theresa Fritton.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Tim Biren & Matt Willkom visited with John and Debbie O'Meara.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Tim Biren & Matt Willkom prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with seminarian Michael Churchill.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. James Gross & Fr. Jason Lefor visited with Msgr. Brian Donahue.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. James Gross & Fr. Jason Lefor visited with Fr. Donald Calloway.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. James Gross & Fr. Jason Lefor visited with Fr. Charles LaCroix.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. James Gross & Fr. Jason Lefor visited with Phil & Laurie Kraemer.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Fr. Brian Gross, & Lori Lefor visited with Gene & Sue Jackson.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Fr. Brian Gross, & Lori Lefor visited with Bob & Jane Schettler.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Fr. Brian Gross, & Lori Lefor visited with Bishop David Kagan.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Fr. Brian Gross, & Lori Lefor talked about the impact of RPR.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Nick Nelson & Ben Frost visited with Tammy Palmer & Amy Fox.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. John Rutten, Fr. Paul Rutten & Heather Karrow visited with Travis Myers.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. John Rutten, Fr. Paul Rutten & Heather Karrow visited with Joe Rutten.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. John Rutten, Fr. Paul Rutten & Heather Karrow visited with Joe Rutten
In this segment, our hosts Fr. John Rutten, Fr. Paul Rutten & Heather Karrow visited with Mark Conzemius.
In this segment, our hosts Steve Splonskowski and Brandon Clark visited with Steve Loegering, Ed Schmitz, and Fr. Russell Kovash
In this segment, our hosts Steve Splonskowski and Brandon Clark visited with Steve Loegering, Ed Schmitz, Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Dr. Ray Gruby.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault visited with Oscar Delgado.
Dr. Chris talks with Deacon James Keating about his personal journey of faith and what we can learn from it.
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom and Fr. Randal Kasel prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault visited with Bishop James Powers.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault visited with Erick and Dee Anderson.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault visited with Cindy Jennings.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault visited with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Tim Smith and Thomas Eskro visited with Brandei Schaefbauer.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Tim Smith and Heather Karrow visited with Dr. David Anders.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Karen Gebes visited with Bishop-elect Peter Muhich
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Karen Gebes visited with Fr. Andrzej Wyrostek.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Karen Gebes visited with Fr. Brian Christensen.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Lori Lefor, and Fr. Russ Kovash visited with Fr. Joseph Evinger.
In this segment, our hosts Lori Lefor, and Fr. Russ Kovash visited with Mike Kiedrowski.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski, Lori Lefor, and Fr. Russ Kovash visited with Aaron and Kristal Schmit.
In this segment, our hosts Mike Kiedrowski and Lori Lefor visited with Fr. Russ Kovash.
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom & Fr. Jason Kern visited with Bishop John Quinn.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Jayden Nelson, Mike Kiedrowski, & Lori Lefor visited with Bev Kushing & Fr. Bruce Krebs.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Jayden Nelson, Mike Kiedrowski, & Lori Lefor visited with Fr. Bill Ruelle.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Jayden Nelson, Mike Kiedrowski, & Lori Lefor visited with Fr. Jason Signalness.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Jayden Nelson, Mike Kiedrowski, & Lori Lefor prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
In this segment, our hosts Brandon Clark & Nathan Sather visited with Fr. Keith Streifel.
In this segment, our hosts Brandon Clark & Nathan Sather visited with Fr. Donald Calloway.
In this segment, our hosts Brandon Clark & Nathan Sather visited with Fr. Andrew Ricci.
In this segment, our hosts Heather Karrow & Joe Rutten visited with Fr. Shaun Haggerty.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Brandon Moravitz, Ben Frost & Dan Hammer visited with Chris and Dr. Lisa Seeber.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Brandon Moravitz, Ben Frost & Dan Hammer visited with Dr. Michael and Rachel Miskovich.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Brandon Moravitz, Ben Frost & Dan Hammer talked about the impact of RPR.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger & Jeanine Bitzan visited with Msgr. Joseph Goering
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger & Jeanine Bitzan visited with Mike Kiedrowski during our Heart of Your Legacy segment.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger & Jeanine Bitzan talked about the impact of RPR.
In this segment, our hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger & Jeanine Bitzan visited with Pat and Brenda Nistler.
In this segment, our hosts Heather Karrow & Dr. Chris Burgwald visited with Miles Beacom.
In this segment, our hosts Heather Karrow & Dr. Chris Burgwald visited with Msgr. Charles Mangan.
In this segment, our hosts Karen Gebes & Fr. Mark Horn visited with Fr. Tim Hoag & Fr. Adam Hofer.
In this segment, our hosts Karen Gebes & Fr. Mark Horn visited with Msgr. Michael Woster.
In this segment, our hosts Karen Gebes & Fr. Mark Horn prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom & Scott Schwalbe visited with guest Deacon Harold-Burke Sivers.
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom & Scott Schwalbe visited with guest Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC (St. Joseph Series).
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom & Scott Schwalbe visited with guest John Arens.
In this segment, our hosts Matt Willkom & Scott Schwalbe visited with guests Scott & Mary Schwalbe.
In this segment, our hosts Deacon Dan Goshey & Fr. Daniel Weiske visited with guest Deacon John Weiske.
In this segment, our hosts Deacon Dan Goshey & Fr. Daniel Weiske visited with guest Fr. Jason Lefor.
In this segment, hosts Steven Splonskowski and Brandon Clark interviewed guest Fr. Brian Oestreich
In this segment, our hosts Steven Splonskowski and Brandon Clark visited with Bishop John LeVoir.
In this hour, hosts Fr. Craig Vasek & Mike Kiedrowski visited during our Heart of Your Legacy segment.
In this segment, our hosts Deacon Dan Goshey & Fr. Daniel Weiske visited with guest Dan Johnson & Katie Jacobson.
The Feast of Tabernacles continues as we enter John 8. Also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, Tabernacles is a joyous feast of endless light. On the climatic final day of the feast, Jesus declares that he is the light of the world. Before continuing with the story of the woman caught in adultery, Sharon gives us an in-depth look into the feast of Tabernacles.
Dr. Chris interviews Dr. Jason Heron about what some call the Church's best-kept secret: her teaching about the principles of living together as a society.
In a world of insecurity, it is less important to know where one is being lead, and more important to know who is doing the leading.
What are the basics we should know about the Holy Spirit? Who is he? And why is the Holy Spirit even necessary? Why not just God the Father and God the Son? In today’s episode Bishop Barron reflects on the Holy Spirit and explains how to grow closer to him and receive all his gifts.
A listener asks, what type of items would belong in a home devotional corner?
In the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on acceptance, friendship, and "fitting in" while they reviewed their movie of the month: "The Sandlot". During the second half hour, they talked about COVID-19 and how we can change the world from home.
Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem was dedicated on the Feast of Tabernacles. A joyous celebration, the Feast of Tabernacles was meant to be a feast for all nations and all peoples. Throughout salvation history, many important events occur on the Feast of Tabernacles. Sharon then paints a picture of the Feast of Tabernacles at the time of Christ, describing the week of endless night culminating in the water libation ceremony.
In a recent article for The Atlantic, David Brooks claims “The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake.” He contends that the model of a married couple with 2.5 kids was an anomaly in the 1950s and 1960s, and that this nuclear family model is no longer working for many Americans, especially those who are less privileged. To address this family crisis, Brooks argues we need to break out of the nuclear-family-is-best mindset and “thicken and broaden” family relationships by incorporating extended families and “families of choice” (e.g., friends, co-religionists, and other voluntary groups living together) as better ways to raise children. Bishop Barron offers his thoughts on the article and how they compare with Catholic social teaching on the family.
A listener asks how to define beauty prove that it’s objective?
Dr. Chris talks with Dr. Carole Brown about her answer to the question, What does it mean to be a Christian?
Our lives can be spent wishing for certain outcomes. But a security built on specific outcomes is a conditional and temporary security. We need true hope to walk in confidence.
As we transition from John 6 to John 7, Sharon teaches us about the significance of bread throughout the story of salvation history. The theme of bread is intertwined with the theme of tabernacles. After the Israelites finally arrive in the Promised Land, they built a substantial, yet still temporary tabernacle at Shiloh. 400 years later, the Lord admonishes David about the lack of a permanent tabernacle, but forbade David from actually building it, leaving it to his son Solomon to complete the task.
Jesus has naturally been a key person of interest for Western thought, but over the last few hundred years, there have been some major shifts in what scholars describe as the “quest for the historical Jesus.”
Bishop Barron provides an overview of these developments and the problematic attempt to separate the “Jesus of history” from the “Christ of Faith.”
Dr. Chris talks with Deacon James Keating about how to find Easter joy in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic and everything that's happening because of it.
In the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on sin and the need for forgiveness. During the second half hour, they talked about COVID-19 and how we can still encounter Jesus and be filled with hope.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: A Life Freed From the Slavery of Sin, Created Free by God, Set Free by Christ
Moving into the heart of John 6, Sharon shows us the Old Testament pre-figurement of the Eucharist, beginning with the animal sacrifices prescribed throughout Torah. Even though the Israelites ate manna in the desert, they sill died. Jesus, the new Moses, is the heavenly bread that gives us eternal life. Sharon transitions to a teaching about the Jewish feast days, showing us how Jesus fulfills the feast days that are law as described in Torah.
Christianity is an historical religion that is not based on feelings, philosophies, or myths. It is based on a fact: the fact of the resurrection of Jesus. The one thing that changes everything.
Alleluia! We’ve just entered into the joyous season of Easter, where we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection, but what does it mean to say that Jesus is risen from the dead? That’s what Bishop Barron answers in today’s episode.
Dr. Chris talks with Bp. Donald DeGrood of the Diocese of Sioux Falls about the power and importance of the Resurrection for us today
Jesus accomplished the Father’s will in His passion, death, and resurrection. His mission of salvation is “finished.” And yet, Christ’s Body on earth still lives out the mission of Her Head: we are called to unite our sufferings to His for the salvation of the world. And this work — the work He has entrusted to us — remains unfinished.
In last week’s episode, we shared the first half of Bishop Barron’s talk on “The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.” It focused on the biblical and patristic basis for the doctrine. This week, we hear the second half of his talk which looks at the Eucharistic theology of Thomas Aquinas, the Council of Trent, and a letter on the Eucharist from Pope Paul VI. Enjoy!
Dr. Chris talks with Jeff Heron, a Protestant pastor who converted to Catholicism in 2015, about what Holy Week means to him and how he and his family will celebrate it this year
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The First-Born of All Creation, The Fullness of Deity Dwells in Bodily Form, Mary, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church
1: John 6 begins with the feeding of the 5000. Sharon teaches about the typology of Jesus, the new Moses. Sharon then goes on to teach us about the harrowing of Hades, outlining the scriptural basis for this belief that we profess each time we recite the Apostles creed.
Suffering, sickness, and death are devastating. But nothing is worse than losing one’s heart. A broken heart is still home in Jesus’ Heart.
Bishop Barron answers questions from non-Catholics around the world, including:
If we are beloved children of God, how could he banish anyone to an eternity of Hell? Why do priests have to be celibate? What’s the difference between the Jewish Bible, Catholic Bible, and the Koran? How do we read similarities between the Virgin birth and similar stories found in other myths/religions? Why do Catholics need to confess their sins to a priest, and not directly to God?
Dr. Chris talks with Cameo Anders about the Christian meaning of human suffering, something which we are all experiencing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
God made this world good, but He did not make it unbreakable. This world has come undone, and our sickness and suffering reveals the deeper ways our hearts have come undone.
Friends, the coronavirus outbreak has left countless people all over the world asking themselves: Why is God allowing this to happen? How do we respond? And where can we find hope? In this bonus episode of “The Word on Fire Show,” we discuss these and other questions, exploring the ancient problem of evil, the impact of the virus on Catholic sacramental life, and other spiritual dimensions and effects of this crisis. Please listen and share!
In John 5, we hear the story of the man who lay paralyzed for 38 years at the pool of Bethzatha. Sharon combines archaeology, mythology, scripture and theology to reveal the deeper meaning of this passage. The pool of Bethzatha was actually a healing pool dedicated to the Greek mythological deity Asclepius, the god of medicine, health and healing. Jesus does not use the pagan waters when he heals the lame man. Jesus is the true source of healing.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Life and Death in Christ, God Raises the Humbled One,The Lord Is Our Boast and Joy
Before an in-depth look at John 5, Sharon reminds us of some of the themes of John’s Gospel, including “the hour” and “the seven signs”. Christ offers salvation to all: Jesus came for the common Jews at Cana, for the Jewish aristocracy with Nicodemus and for the Samaritans.
We live in a world that has come undone with hearts and relationships that have come undone. Jesus comes to that wound to undo what has been undone.
The fathers of the Second Vatican Council referred to the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life, that from which authentic Christianity flows and that toward which it tends. Yet a recent Pew Forum study found that only 30% of church-going Catholics believe what the Church teaches about the Eucharist, that under the forms of bread and wine, Christ is really present in the sacrament. That alarming statistic is why Bishop Barron devoted an hour-long keynote address to the topic at the 2020 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. Today we share the first half of his talk, which looks at the Biblical and patristic basis for the doctrine of the Real Presence, and next week we’ll share the second half. Enjoy!
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Bride and Bridegroom of the Covenant, The Fourth Commandment, The Armor of Christian Warfare
Dr. Paul Carson, infectious disease and public health specialist is back with the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic, how it’s spreading in the US, and what we should all be doing.
Dr. Paul Carson, infectious disease and public health specialist, helps make sense of the coronavirus outbreak. He covers fact and fiction about what the disease is, how it’s spreading, and what everyone needs to know about prevention and treatment.
n this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Our Unity in View of Many Differences, Sin Is Darkness, Holiness Is Light.
Dr. Chris talks with Deacon Omar Gutierrez about the cause for canonization -- the process by which someone is declared a saint -- and why it matters to us
Contrary to the Jews who worship at the temple in Jerusalem, the Samaritans believe that Mt. Gerizim is the original holy place and center of worship. This background sets the stage for the dramatic interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Her story is an intimate encounter with the person of Christ.
The Universe is indifferent to us. People can be vicious to us. The Christian’s response is not indifference nor viciousness. The Christian response is to love in the face of indifference and evil.
Gnosticism was one of the earliest heresies of the Church, and it remains among the most enduring. With an emphasis on special knowledge acquired only by a small group of enlightened elites, as well as a sharp division between spirit and matter, with spiritual things being good and material things being evil, Gnosticism still thrives today everywhere from crack conspiracy theories to Hollywood movies to our culture of self-invention. Bishop Barron discusses Gnosticism and why it ultimately fails to satisfy. A listener asks Bishop to help her understand the resurrection of the body.
Dr. Chris talks with Deacon Omar Gutierrez about the challenges today in handing on the faith to our teens and how we can do so more fruitfully
As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, Sharon looks back at John 3, showing how the bridegroom imagery flows into chapter 4. With the fall of mankind, marital discourse entered the world and has persisted ever since. Sharon then teaches us about the Samaritans, whom the Jews consider to be apostates. Believing they preserve the authentic faith, the Samaritans practice the ritual of circumcision and observe the Sabbath, but they only follow the five books of the Torah.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Hymn to the Praise of God’s Glory, Fullness of Life Is Knowledge and Vision of God.
Just recently, Catholics were devastated to learn of another case of sexual abuse, this time involving Jean Vanier, the esteemed founder of L’Arche and a man once considered to be a living saint. Vanier, who passed away last year, was accused of sexually assaulting six women in France, using his religious position to abuse and manipulate them. How do we make sense of all this? How can a man who produced enormous good fruit fail so abysmally? And how should Catholics respond to this sort of abuse, and prevent it from happening again? Bishop Barron offers advice on all these questions and more. A listener asks how energetic young people, passionate about apologetics and evangelization, can take their study to the next level.
This world is not perfect. And we are not perfect. But imperfect does not mean unloved.
During this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: 1917.
Dr. Chris talks with Fr. Paul Rutten about the distinctiveness of male spirituality and how men can foster their spiritual lives.
Chapter 3 Part 2: Chapter 3 continues with the story of Nicodemus and focuses on the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus, who struggles with understanding the meaning of being born from above by water and spirit. Nicodemus, a teacher of the law, would have understood the significance of his earthly lineage, yet he failed to recognize the divine lineage of Jesus Christ, who was born from above. John 3 concludes with nuptial imagery, as John the Baptist identifies himself as the best man to Jesus, the bridegroom. Sharon teaches us about a traditional Jewish wedding, shedding light on the significance of John as the best man, whose role was to bear witness to the consummation of the marriage.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses:Life in Christ Is True Spiritual Worship, The Strong Must Bear with the Weak, and The Spirit Is Drawing All Nations to Christ
We all desire to be heard and seen…to know we matter. Jesus reveals that even your actions in secret are known by the Father and they matter to Him.
With the beginning of Lent right around the corner, Brandon Vogt and I talk about this ancient period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter, and offer several recommendations on how to have a more spiritually powerful Lent. A listener asks: If God made us in his image, and the family is composed of a husband, wife and children, then is there a motherly dimension in God?
The Sermon on the Mount reveals the truth about our hearts: we need the Law. But God wants us to be free from the Law. Not by abolishing the Law, but by making our hearts like His. We can let Him do this by taking responsibility, taking action, and taking hold of the strength He offers.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: God’s Choice of Israel and God Mercy Toward the Gentiles
Stoicism is experiencing a cultural moment, especially among Millennial techies. What is this ancient school of philosophy? Why is it seeing a revival today? And how does it compare to Christianity? Bishop Barron discusses both worldviews in this episode of the “Word on Fire Show.” A listener asks if the word “holy” means set apart for a particular purpose, what exactly does it mean when we say God himself is holy?
Before focusing on John 3, Sharon gives us a teaching on how Catholics approach scripture study. We are encouraged to use a canonical approach when studying the Bible; that is, we should consider the entire canon of the Bible whenever trying to understand a particular passage. The Bible is not meant to be a collection of isolated stories.
In addition, we learn about the senses of scripture: literal and spiritual, with the spiritual sense further divided into allegorical (foreshadowing of future events and people), moral (virtues that can be learned) and anagogical (referencing eternity or the eschaton). We then turn our attention back to John 3 and learn about Nicodemus, whose spiritual journey is a beautiful example of a progressive growth in faith.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Old Law: Imperfect but Good, The New Law: Spirit, Grace, and Freedom.
Chapter 2 Part 2: Chapter 2 continues with the wedding feast of Cana, which occurs on the seventh day, the third day after the fourth day. The wedding feast at Cana is a symbol of a new creation, a new covenant and serves as the backdrop of the mystical marriage: Jesus, the new Adam, enters into a spiritual marriage with Mary, the new Eve, and the fruit of this marriage is the Church. The marriage is consummated at the cross and the church is birthed at Pentecost. Another theme that runs through John’s Gospel are the Jewish feast days. In this the first of three Passovers found in John’s Gospel, Jesus clears the Temple of merchants and money changers.
How did Bishop Barron get drawn into the life of the mind? What are his reading and writing habits like? In this episode, he discusses the intellectual life and gives advice to aspiring intellectuals. A listener asks which literature books Bishop would recommend for a Catholic high school English class.
God trusts us with being His representatives in this world. He has made us His and He has made us good. But to what end? God has made us good for a purpose. Do we live in such a way that we have been made good for nothing?
Dr. Chris talks with Msgr. Charles Mangan about the importance of Mary in the season of Lent.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The First Adam, The Last Adam, and Baptism: Death to Sin and Life in Christ.
Most of life is made up of unimpressive moments and unimpressive seasons. If we are constantly waiting for the next “peak moment“ we will miss out on most of life…and also most peak moments.
In today’s episode, Bishop Barron fields questions from people all over the world, including: - How do I evangelize in remote areas where people are simple, and can’t even read the Bible, without dumbing down the message? - What’s the Catholic response to worry and anxiety? - Was Purgatory divinely revealed or just a human invention? - How to evangelize young people about hot-button issues without sounding preachy and condemnatory? - When praying, should we always go to God with requests or can we sometimes just praise him? - How can God be outside the universe but still have an effect on it? - Can you talk about Rabbi Wolpe’s argument against the Trinity, that if God is perfect, how could there be three persons in the Trinity?
During this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Tommy Boy.
Picking up from where we left off last week, Sharon takes us to John 1, where we count the days as described by John. Day 1: the Jewish leaders come to visit John in the wilderness wondering if he is Elijah returned or the prophet or even the Messiah. Day 2: Upon seeing Jesus, John cries out, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” Day 3: the call of the first disciples, including Andrew and his brother Simon, whom Christ renames Peter. Day 4: the call of Phillip and Nathanael.
Dr. Chris Burgwald talks with Msgr. Charles Mangan about the role and importance of a diocesan bishop.
Dr. Chris talks with Emily Leedom about the importance of knowing our identity as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and what that means for us.
After finishing the theme of identity, this lecture then turns to John the Baptist, whose purpose was to bear witness to Christ. John is the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord as prophesied by Isaiah. Sharon then focuses on typology: John, the new Elijah and Jesus, the new Moses. She concludes her lecture with the first of several examples of bridegroom imagery found in John’s Gospel.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: God Showed His Justice in the Past by Withholding His Hand. Abraham’s Faith Was Credited to Him as Justice
There are seasons of silence, and hiddenness, and brokenness in all of our lives. These times are not just useful, they are necessary for us to become the kind of people God needs us to be.
The hit movie 1917 vividly depicts the horrors of World War I, including its great spiritual peril. In this episode, Bishop Barron reflects on the Great War, discussing its impact on twentieth-century theology and philosophy, the Pope, and the Catholic Church’s relationship to the world. A listener asks why Jesus chose to live a quiet, mostly obscure life.
Enjoy the annual Know Your Faith Competition brought to you from St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, ND. Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Frs. Josh and Justin Waltz hosted this year's contest between St. Mary's, Shanley High School from Fargo, Trinity High School from Dickinson, Bishop Ryan Catholic School from Minot, and Sacred Heart School from East Grand Forks, MN.
Enjoy the annual Men in Black Basketball Game at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, SD. Andy Shaw and Fr. Michel Mulloy provided this year's play-by-play and color commentary of this match-up between the priests of the Diocese of Rapid City and the STM students.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Obedience of Faith; The Retribution of God Against an Ungodly World; and The Position of the Jews in View of Retribution.
What is your deepest identity? As we begin our study of John, Sharon poses this fundamental question: Who are you? What is your identity? The answer can be found in scripture: you are a beloved son or daughter of God. This powerful theme runs deep in this lecture. Beginning at the beginning, Sharon focuses on John 1 and Genesis 1, illuminating the nature of Jesus, the Word, who was with God, was in God, and was God before the beginning of time.
Dr. Chris Burgwald talks with Marcie Stokman about her faith story, and particularly about how good books and good conversation help her see Jesus more clearly in her daily life.
Today, we share a sample lesson from a course inside our Word on Fire Institute on “Reaching the Indifferent.” The course is taught by Dr. Matt Nelson and teaches how to evangelize friends and family who are apathetic about God and don’t care about religion. To get the rest of the course, along with 10 other full courses and all sorts of bonuses, join the Institute at https://wordonfire.institute.
The Rutten Brothers talk about stereotypes, community, relationships and so much more as they reviewed their movie of the month: "With Honor"!
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: King Agrippa Is Eager to Hear Paul; Paul Considers Himself Fortunate; and Festus and Agrippa Respond to Paul’s Message.
Dr. Chris Burgwald, Director of Adult Discipleship and Evangelization for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, begins a conversation with Cameo Anders about St. John Paul II's document on the relationship between Faith and Reason.
We begin our study of the beautiful Gospel of John with an overview lecture. John the Evangelist wrote this powerful book for a specific purpose: “So that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name (Jn 20:31).” John’s Gospel differs from the synoptic Gospels, presenting a highly theological perspective of the life of Christ. Unlike the synoptic writers who begin with historical facts surrounding the life of Christ, John begins at the beginning, drawing us back to Genesis and the creation of the world. His Gospel is rich with imagery, irony, symbolic themes.
We know that God is faithful because He has fulfilled what He has promised. But He does not need to do what He has not promised to do.
How many Christmas cards and nativity scenes have you seen presenting the baby Jesus as soft and saccharine? Well, that’s not how the Bible describes him. There, Jesus is presented as a warrior king, who came with a heavenly army to battle against the dark powers of the world. In this episode, excerpted from Bishop Barron’s CATHOLICISM film series, discover the real meaning of Christmas, and the extraordinary infant king at its center.
During this month's episode, the Rutten brothers introduced themselves to the entire RPR listening audience and reflected on their movie of the month: This is Water, a graduation speech by David Foster Wallace.
Enjoy the Diocese of Fargo's 26th annual Priests vs. Seminarians Basketball Game. Hosts Chad Prososki and Jack Kennelly bring you the play-by-play from Shanley High School in Fargo.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Shepherd’s Exhortation to His Sons, The Spirit Tells the Apostle He Must Suffer, and Paul in Jerusalem.
The Prophet says that the great gift of the Spirit is the fear of the Lord. But what is it?
Who were the Church Fathers, and why do they still matter today? Bishop Barron introduces these spiritual masters and shares their key contributions. In this first part of the conversation, he also discusses the Apostolic Fathers: Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp. A listener asks about the difference between faith and hope.
This is a special broadcast with your hosts Dr. David Anders and Brandon Clark, as we continue the conversation with your comments and questions on the faith, coming to you live from Autoimmune Angels in Rochester, MN.
This is a special broadcast with Dr. David Anders on Called to Communion as he and Brandon Clark broadcast live from Autoimmune Angels in Rochester, MN!
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: The Pursuit of Happyness. In the second part of the hour, they reflected on and shared stories of the most impactful moments with their mother, who recently passed away.
Listen as Fr. Gary DeRouchey of the Diocese of Sioux Falls shares moving stories of his many years as a military chaplain.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Council of Jerusalem; The Holy Spirit Guides Us; and They Sang Hymns of Praise in Chains. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
When someone else being honored or loved more than we are meets our insecurity, we are tempted to tell stories…about them and about ourselves. But when we know who we are and are grateful for what we have, we have security. And comparison is powerless.
What did St. Ignatius mean when he counseled followers to “discern the spirits”? How do we do this? Bishop Barron unpacks the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and offers practical tips on how to discern God’s will in your life.
Hear how Oscar Delgado won the lottery for the Lord as he talks about the incredible things he did with the money.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Manchester by the Sea. In the second part of the hour, they talked about where to begin when it comes to evangelizing marginalized Christians.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Paul Proclaims Christ to the Jews; Opposition to Christ and His Servant the Church; and Paul Proclaims Christ to the Gentiles. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Comparison is the desire to be “more” than another. At the heart of that desire is fear. Vulnerability breaks through that fear.
Joe Rogan, host of the one of the world’s most popular podcasts, recently interviewed Richard Dawkins about Dawkins’ new book, Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide. It’s a follow-up book to Dawkins’ bestselling The God Delusion, although this one is aimed at younger readers. The Rogan/Dawkins interview went immediately viral, drawing over a million views within 48 hours. Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt talk through the first half of the interview, responding to arguments raised against God and religion.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Peter’s Imprisonment and Deliverance (by king Herod); The Holy Spirit Sets Apart Saul and Barnabas for His Work; Paul’s Treatment of Elymas the Magician. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Continuing to walk in the midst of failure, rejection, and imperfection is a sign of a great life. In your life, you will take hundreds of first steps. But in a great life, you will take thousands of next steps.
Surveys show 61% of people sleep with their phones and 75% grab their phones as soon as they wake up. We’re addicted to our smartphones. In this episode, Bishop Barron reflects on this problem (including his own smartphone use), offering guidance from some of the greatest saints and spiritual masters in the Catholic tradition. A listener asks whether saints feel emotions in heaven, such as feeling sad when friends or family on earth struggle with sin.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Peter Raises the Dead; Peter Proclaims Salvation to the Gentiles; The Church at Antioch. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Last month, Bishop Barron visited Reddit for another #AMA (ask me anything). Over 15,000 comments poured in from young skeptics around the world, making it the third most-commented on #AMA of the year, and the ninth most popular in Reddit history. Today, Bishop Barron reflects on the experience and four main patterns of questions he noticed. A listener asks for a concrete example of mercy mocking justice.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek continued the conversation with Fr. Leo Patalinghug as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with Fr. Leo Patalinghug as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek continued the conversation with Avera Maria Santo as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with Avera Maria Santo as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with Msgr. Chad Gion as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with African Mission Missionaries as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with Kendra Tierney as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Craig Vasek sat down with Jeremy and Carrie Davis as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Kregg Hochhalter continued the conversation with Amanda Zurface as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Kregg Hochhalter sat down with Amanda Zurface as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Kregg Hochhalter continued the conversation with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Host Fr. Kregg Hochhalter sat down with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers as he hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Hosts Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Mike Kiedrowski continued the conversation with Janette Howe as they hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Hosts Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Janette Howe as they hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Hosts Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Mike Kiedrowski continued the conversation with Bishop Kagan as they hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
Hosts Fr. Kregg Hochhalter and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Bishop Kagan as they hosted live from the Thirst Conference 2019.
This was a special live broadcast from outside the Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls, where a courageous group known as The Jericho Wall prayed the rosary for an end to abortion.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Philip in Samaria; Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch; Saul’s Conversion. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
The saving work of Jesus was accomplished in is life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The saving work of Jesus meets our lives and transforms them through the tangible gifts of His love: the sacraments.
How do we make sense of all the names, groups, and movements surrounding the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965)? What are the key things to know, and how have they shaped today’s Catholic Church? Bishop Barron explains. A listener asks why secular philosophy departments tend to discount Scholasticism in favor of modern philosophy.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Work of God Is Indestructible; Deacons in the Early Church; and The Martyrdom of Stephen. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
God’s grace is the cause of our salvation. God’s free gift is what gives us the power to even choose Him or choose to do good works. We do not merely “collect” or “receive” His grace, but we become active participants with Him.
A recent article in The Atlantic claimed “A Famous Argument Against Free Will Has Been Debunked”. It focused on an experiment during the 1980s that seems to show our brain “decides” on our behavior before we actually make particular choices. Many believed this confirmed we don’t have free will, that all our thoughts and behaviors are determined. But is this the case? Is free will just an illusion? Bishop Barron explains some of the classic arguments for free will and its relationship to God and Christianity. A listener asks why in Catholicism pride is a deadly sin, but Aristotle describes it as a virtue.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Name of Jesus; Faith and Miracles; and Life in the Christian Community. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
When we come face to face with our sin, we realize that we owe a debt we cannot pay. When we come face to face with Jesus, we realize that He paid a debt He did not owe. This is the free gift that saves us from hopelessness: we are saved by grace through faith working itself out in love.
This week, we share the second half of a talk from Bishop Barron on John Henry Newman’s book The Grammar of Assent. We shared the first half last week, so be sure to listen to that first. The Grammar of Assent concerns question about how we come to believe in God, and is widely considered Newman’s most important text. Also, it’s a timely topic, since John Henry Newman will be canonized in just a couple weeks, on October 13. Bishop Barron will be attending the canonization, then a few days later will deliver a talk at Oxford University on “John Henry Newman and the New Evangelization.” That talk, which we’re planning to livestream, will focus primarily on The Grammar of Assent.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Inside Out. In the second part of the hour, they talked about how we might think and feel about our own life experience and reality.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Christ’s Ascension (and the preparation for Pentecost); Matthias Replaces Judas as Apostle; and Pentecost. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
I was saved at my Baptism. I am being saved. I hope to be saved. The Father has adopted us in Christ. And He cannot take it back. But do we live as children of the Father?
This week, we share the first half of a talk from Bishop Barron on John Henry Newman’s book, The Grammar of Assent. The book concerns the question of belief–how we come to believe in God–and is widely considered his most important text. Also, it’s a timely topic, since John Henry Newman will be canonized in just a couple weeks, on October 13. Bishop Barron will be attending the canonization, then a few days later will deliver a talk at Oxford University on “John Henry Newman and the New Evangelization.” That talk, which we’re planning to live stream, will focus primarily on The Grammar of Assent. So enjoy the first half of this talk, and we’ll share the second half next week.
During this hour, hosts Thom Price and Steve Splonskowskisat down with Fr. Richard Kunst and Fr. Ryan Moravitz, as they hosted live from Duluth, MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Thom Price sat down with Carol Spielman, as they hosted live from Duluth, MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Ryan Moravitz & Thom Price sat down with Bishop Paul Sirba, Tom and Georgiann Kuberra, as they hosted live from Duluth, MN.
During this hour, hosts Todd Tobin and Karen Gebes sat down with Clark & Cathy Sowers, as they hosted live from Spearfish, SD.
During this hour, hosts Todd Tobin and Karen Gebes sat down with Fr. Mark Horn, as they hosted live from Spearfish, SD.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Neil Pfeifer and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Deacon Gary Schumacher as they hosted live from Napoleon, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Neil Pfeifer and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Lori Gross & Tanya Schneider as they hosted live from Napoleon, ND.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Jerry Klein sat down with Tom & Kim Kovash as they hosted live from Sioux Falls.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Nick Nelson and Thom Price sat down with Deacon Dan & Janet Schultz as they hosted live from Tower, MN.
During this hour, hosts Thom Price & Steve Splonskowski sat down with Fr. Nick Nelson as they hosted live from Tower, MN.
During this hour, hosts Jack Kennelly & Jeanine Bitzan sat down with Deb Howland, as they hosted live from the studio in Fargo, ND.
During this hour, hosts Jack Kennelly & Jeanine Bitzan sat down with Deacon Paul & Shawn Erickson, as they hosted live from the studio in Fargo, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. James Gross and Fr. Jason Lefor sat down with Ben and Janelle Gergen, as they hosted live from the studio in Grand Forks, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. James Gross and Fr. Jason Lefor sat down with Phil and Laurie Kraemer, as they hosted live from the studio in Grand Forks, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Tim Smith & Chris Uhler sat down with Megan Schulz, as they hosted live from Aberdeen, SD.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Tim Smith & Chris Uhler sat down with Fr. Andy Thuringer, as they hosted live from Aberdeen, SD.
During this hour, hosts Matt Wilkom & Michael Goldsmith sat down with Bishop John Quinn and Elizabeth Willkom as they hosted live from St. James Coffee in Rochester, MN.
During this hour, hosts Matt Wilkom & Michael Goldsmith sat down with Chris and Heidi Miksanek as they hosted live from St. James Coffee in Rochester, MN.
During this hour, hosts Matt Wilkom & Michael Goldsmith sat down with Marilyn Baker as they hosted live from St. James Coffee in Rochester, MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Justin Waltz & Barbara Stuart sat down with Fr. David Richter, as they hosted live from Bishop Ryan Catholic School in Minot, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Justin Waltz & Fr. Jayden Nelson sat down with Russel Behm, as they hosted live from Bishop Ryan Catholic School in Minot, ND .
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy & Karen Gebes sat down with Drs. David and Cecilia Lang, as they hosted live from Rapid City, SD.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy & Karen Gebes sat down with Drs. David and Cecilia Lang, as they hosted live from Rapid City, SD.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Craig Vasek and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Joseph & Barbara Stuart, as they hosted live from Bismarck, ND
During this hour, hosts Fr. Craig Vasek and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Nick & Lauren Emmel, as they hosted live from Bismarck, ND.
During this hour, hosts Thom Price and Fr. Randal Kasel sat down with Teddy & Sarah Bauer as they hosted live from St. Michael’s Church in Pine Island, MN.
During this hour, hosts Thom Price and Fr. Randal Kasel sat down with Ren and Ann Tescher as they hosted live from St. Michael’s Church in Pine Island, MN.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Thom Price sat down with Teddy & Sarah Bauer as they hosted live from St. Michael’s Church in Pine Island, MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger & Roxane Salonen sat down with Jay Hershberger & Doug Holston as they hosted live from the studio in Fargo, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger and Roxane Salonen sat down with Blake & Breanna Kobiela as they hosted live from the studio in Fargo, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Kyle Metzger and Roxane Salonen sat down with Drs. Todd and Molly Ferguson as they hosted live from the studio in Fargo, ND.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Dr. Chris Burgwald sat down with Paul Heiberger, as they hosted live from the Mustard Seed in Sioux Falls, SD.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Dr. Chris Burgwald sat down with Fr. Brian Eckrich, as they hosted live from the Mustard Seed in Sioux Falls, SD.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: God’s Plan for Our Redemption; The Death of Jesus; and The Sorrowful Mysteries of Our Lord’s Passion. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
In our lives, we continually divide ourselves and divide our hearts by giving away our small “yesses”. Jesus calls us to experience freedom, joy, and clarity by giving Him our big “Yes” because He is the priority.
Bishop Barron takes questions from kids, including: Why did Jesus pick Judas to be one of his disciples when he knew Judas would betray him? Does Heaven have night time? How is St. Michael an angel and a saint? How does a family with young kids perform the corporal/spiritual works of mercy?
Jim Wallner, parishioner at St. Lawrence in Duluth, MN, on how he helped with the confessionals and used his gifts and talents to help at Built Upon a Rock Fest.
In the second hour, hosts Fr. Ryan Moravitz and Kevin Pilon sat down with Marie Mullen to talk about all the work that goes into organizing Built Upon a Rock Fest. Then, Jim Wallner shared with our hosts how he used his gifts and talents to help Built Upon a Rock Fest. After that, we heard from a few concert attendees about their excitement for Built Upon a Rock Fest.
Dana Catherine, musician for Built Upon a Rock Fest, on praying with her music and how music aids in worship of God.
Fr. Kevin McGoldrick, musician for Built Upon a Rock Fest, on how God works through his music and his ministry.
In the first hour, hosts Fr. Ryan Moravitz and Kevin Pilon sat down with Fr. Kevin McGoldrick, one of the performers at Built Upon a Rock Fest, to talk about the beauty of how God works through music. Then, Dana Catherine, the other musical artist of the evening, spoke about praying with her music and how music aids in worship of God.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Parable of the Wicked Tenants; Paying Tribute to Caesar; Marriage After the Resurrection; The Widow’s Mite; and The False Prophets of the End Times. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
It is easy to think of vanity as nothing more than being conceited or overly concerned about one’s appearance. But the vice of vanity comes at a cost. A person could even find themselves living someone else’s life.
The annual United Nations World Happiness Report, which measures the happiness of different countries, is always dominated by Scandinavian nations. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland have always been in the top ten. But what’s striking is that these happiest countries are also those which rank among the least religious. On the flip side, most African countries, which tend to be the very religious, consistently land near the bottom of the U.N. Happiness Report. What does Bishop Barron make of this? How should we actually define happiness, and what have the great thinkers and saints throughout time said about finding happiness? That’s what we discuss in today’s episode.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Gran Torino. In the second part of the hour, they talked about what it means to live in authentic Christianity.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Christ’s Teaching on Marriage and Divorce; Docility to Revealed Truth; Detachment from the World, Ourselves; and The Necessity of Fruitful Lives. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
We have to do difficult things all of the time. Why do we do them? We do them because we hope. We have the confidence that what we do makes a difference. The hope that, even when discipline becomes difficult, the discipline makes a difference.
Bishop Barron answers questions from all over the world about God, the Church, and the culture. Will it be possible to upload one’s consciousness to a computer and attain immortality? Why was Christianity started in the West? If humans are born with original sin, then why does the Bible encourage us to have children and increase the amount of sin in the world? Listen for Bishop Barron’s answers!
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Salvation Comes Through Israel; God Ministers to Us Through the Humanity of Christ; Knowledge of Christ Leads Us into His Mysteries; and Union with Christ is Our Strength. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
So many people have been “raised Catholic, but…” They have never embraced the inheritance of the Faith they have been given. They may even have the answers to all of the questions, but those who can say “I’ve been raised Catholic, and…” are those who have actually met the living God. We want to be the kind of community where we don’t just “know about” God, but a group of people who have encountered the God who is present when we are honest.
A recent Pew Research Center study revealed that “just one-third of U.S. Catholics agree with their church that Eucharist is body, blood of Christ.” What’s the cause of this? And moving forward, how do we fix the problem? Bishop Barron discusses in today’s episode. A listener asks if the Eucharist gives us life, why do we reserve it only for Catholics?
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: We Look at Appearances but God Looks at the Heart; Conscience Is the Voice of Christ in Us; The Miracles of the Loaves and Fish Prefigure the Eucharist; and Jesus’ Teaching on Clean and Unclean. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Faith is more than belief. It “acts.” It can be seen. In fact, what we choose reveals our faith. And our decisions shape our lives, here on earth and in eternity.
Today, we discuss a recent article in Teen Vogue titled “Who is Karl Marx?”, which shows how many teens and teachers have begun dabbling in Marxism. There have been a slew of other articles noting the rise of millennials supporting socialism. Having done his masters work in philosophy on Karl Marx, Bishop Barron introduces us to this influential thinker and his main ideas, noting the problems the Catholic Church has with them. A listener asks why the Apostle’s Creed says Jesus “descended into hell.”
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Parables and Riddles in Divine Revelation; The Parable of the Sower and the Seed; Jesus Asleep on the Stormy Sea; Why the Gerasenes Beg Jesus to Leave Them; The Woman with the Hemorrhage and Jairus’ Daughter. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Following Jesus is not merely a matter of behaving or “being good”. It ultimately rests on whether or not we will allow the Father to get close enough to carry us. But too many people find themselves divided, afraid, and bound by their sins, their fears, and their weakness. With a word, Christ can set us free. We can be free to be held rather than bound by what enslaves us.
Today, we use Google’s autocomplete feature to have Bishop Barron respond to some of the top questions people search for beginning with the phrase “Does God…”. Does God love everyone? Does God change his mind? Does God have a name? Listen and find out! A listener asks what evidence we have for the existence of Jesus.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Braveheart. In the second part of the hour, they talked about how we can live daily in the presence of Christ.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: It is Jesus Who Speaks the Word We Hear; With Love God Calls All Sinners; In the Presence of the Lord We Do Not Fast; Our Response to the Law of Christ Reveals Our Hearts; Christ Founds His Church on the Apostles; and Our Relationship with God Takes Precedence Over All. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Question: How does a sinful people live in the presence of an all-holy God? Answer: By allowing Him to make us holy and by living on purpose.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: We Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God, The Baptism of Jesus, The Miracles of Jesus and the Messianic Secret, and What Jesus Says to the Paralytic. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Bishop Barron is traveling overseas to film the last two episodes of his Pivotal Players series. So in this episode, we share a clip from one of his classic study programs, “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues”. The clip focuses on the sin of pride and the corresponding virtue of humility. Get access to the full study program (and all of Bishop Barron’s films) when you join the Word on Fire Institute at wordonfire.institute.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: Jesus’ Last Words, Jesus Dies and Is Buried, and The Road to Emmaus. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
Why does Bishop Barron focus heavily on ad extra evangelization, the type of ministry aimed at the peripheries of the culture? That’s the focus of this episode. Bishop also responds to some of the criticisms he’s received for his appearances at Facebook, Google, and Amazon, along with his interviews with Dave Rubin, Ben Shapiro, and Jordan Peterson. A listener asks how why Jesus often tells people not to tell anyone about his healing miracles.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Last Supper and The Passion of Christ. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
When following Jesus, the first things He invites us to give up are safety and control.
Bishop Barron spoke to all the U.S. bishops about the “nones” during their recent USCCB gathering. In this episode, we walk through Bishop Barron’s talk and discuss some of the criticism he’s received about his presentation, particularly his reference to the Jordan Peterson phenomenon. A listener asks how we can stay optimistic as Catholics in light of all the challenges the Church faces.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: What's Eating Gilbert Grape. In the second part of the hour, they talked about the theme of freedom and what freedom means to us as Catholics.
In this lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Authority of Christ and His Church Is Heavenly in Origin, Christ’s Warning About the Last Days, and The Psalms Teach us How to Pray. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
As the Word on Fire Institute launches a new course by Dr. Christopher Kaczor on “Myths of the Catholic Church,” Bishop Barron and host Jared Zimmerer talk about seven of the most common misunderstandings people have about Catholicism. A listener asks about blessings–what they are, and what they do.
In this eleventh lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Corrupt Judge and the Importunate Widow, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, and Zacchaeus’ Encounter with Jesus. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
In his recent interview with Ben Shapiro, Bishop Barron said that he wants to “re-Judaize Catholicism”—to read Christ, the Bible, and the Christian faith through the lens of Israel. How do we do this? That’s what he and host Jared Zimmerer discuss in today’s episode. A listener asks why the East and West churches split, and why they haven’t been reunited.
In this tenth lesson, Dr. Jan George, a retired university teacher of literature with a Master of Theology from the University of Dallas and founder of Sacred Heart Productions, discusses: The Parable of the Enterprising Steward, The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, and The Healing of the Ten Lepers. To find a study guide for each part of the program and to learn more visit: sacredheartproductions.org/
The promised Holy Spirit gives many gifts, but few are more powerful and profound than the Spirit’s gift of peace.
Non-Catholic listeners send in their questions for Bishop Barron. Questions include: As a Christian, do you ever think, “What if God doesn’t exist”? How are Adam and Eve guilty of disobedience if they had no knowledge of good/evil until after they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? Why did the disciples betray Jesus despite seeing miracles? Why is God almost exclusively referred to as a masculine entity in the Catholic Church? How do I understand Mary’s important in the Catholic Faith? Is it essential? How can we trust the Bible, when evidence shows the Old Testament isn’t true? Did John Henry Newman have any disagreements with the Catholic Church before his conversion?
Several recent bestselling books have focused on the Enlightenment, including Stephen Pinker’s Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. But what was the Enlightenment, and how should we view its effects? Bishop Barron offers his take today.
A listener asks how Christians determine which parts of the Mosaic law in the Old Testament are still in effect today.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Winter's Bone. In the second part of the hour, they talked about fatherhood and how spiritual fathers have similar roles to biological fathers.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Karen Gebes sat down with Megan Fassero, Cheri Frame and Anne Bielejeski as they hosted live from the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN.
During this hour, hosts Michael Goldsmith and Karen Gebes sat down with David Stokman and Sonya Romens, as they hosted live from the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Randal Kasel and Michael Goldsmith sat down with Seminarian Nick Vance, Amber Sechser, and Laurie Mueller, as they hosted live from the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Fr. Randal Kasel sat down with Cathie Baier, Stephen Maas, and Walter Crawford, as they hosted live from the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN.
Failure is not final and failure is not fatal. As long as we don’t stop, and as long as we are willing to learn from our failures, they have no power to defeat us but only to educate us and make us better.
A recent bill proposed in the California Senate will force priests to report any crimes of sexual abuse they hear about in the confessional, breaking the seal of Confession. Bishop Barron speaks about the sacredness of this sacrament and what the Church should do if, suddenly, the sacrament of Confession becomes functionally illegal.
During this hour, host Jack Kennelly sat down with Doreen Kennelly, Colleen Kranda & Jean Eppler, as they hosted live from the Fargo studio.
During this hour, hosts Jack Kennelly and Brad Gray sat down with Den & Megan Bolda, as they hosted live from the Fargo studio.
During this hour, hosts Michael Goldsmith and Michael Wilde sat down with Fr. Kurt Farrell, as they hosted live from Albert Lea.
During this hour, host Fr. Michel Mulloy sat down with Darren & Karen Gebes, as they hosted live from Rapid City.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Karen Gebes sat down with Angela Linster & Marcia Williamson, as they hosted live from Rapid City.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Thom Price sat down with Deacon Tim and Julie Dickes & Fr. Jeff Norfolk as they hosted live from Sioux Falls.
During this hour, hosts Brandon Clark and Thom Price sat down with Fr. Tyler Mattson & Fr. Joseph Scholten as they hosted live from Sioux Falls.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Thom Price sat down with Bishop Paul Swain as they hosted live from Sioux Falls.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault sat down with Bishop Paul Sirba & Bishop James Powers as they hosted live from Duluth.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Richard Kunst and Deacon John Foucault sat down with Mike Krois as they hosted live from Duluth.
During this hour, hosts Msgr. Patrick Schumacher and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Bishop David Kagan and Bill Jerome as they hosted live from Dickinson Trinity High School.
During this hour, hosts Msgr. Patrick Schumacher and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Todd & Luke Schweitzer, as they hosted live from Dickinson Trinity High School.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Fr. Mark Lichter sat down with BJ & Brandei Schaefbauer, as they hosted live from the Sacred Heart Parish.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Fr. Mark Lichter sat down with Lee & Peggy Goetz, as they hosted live from the Sacred Heart Parish.
During this hour, hosts Heather Karrow and Fr. Mark Lichter sat down with Thomas & Katie Eskro, as they hosted live from the Sacred Heart Parish.
During this hour, hosts Brad Gray and Nathan Sather sat down with Greg & Jennifer Anderson, as they hosted live from the Fargo studio.
During this hour, hosts Brad Gray and Nathan Sather sat down with Larry Geffre, as they hosted live from the Fargo studio.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Thom Price sat down with Cris & Ana Hlucny as they hosted live from Rapid City SD.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Thom Price sat down with Roch & Rita Bestgen as they hosted live from Rapid City.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Michel Mulloy and Thom Price sat down with Bishop Robert Gruss as they hosted live from Rapid City.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Jason Lefor and Fr. James Gross sat down with Bishop John Folda then Dave and Lynette Cudnik as they hosted live from the studio in Grand Forks.
During this hour, hosts Michael Goldsmith and Michael Wilde sat down with John & Debbie O'Meara, as they hosted live from St. James Coffee in Rochester.
During this hour, hosts Michael Goldsmith and Michael Wilde sat down with Fr. Randal Kasel, as they hosted live from St. James Coffee in Rochester .
During this hour, hosts Fr. Greg Luger and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Tom & Corrie Enander as they hosted live from Williston, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Russell Kovash and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Dwight Richter as they hosted live from Williston, ND.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Russell Kovash and Mike Kiedrowski sat down with Aaron & Kristal Schmit as they hosted live from Williston, ND.
During this hour, host Fr. Ryan Moravitz continued live from Duluth, MN, as he sat down with Andrew & Hanah Bonilla.
During this hour, host Fr. Ryan Moravitz sat down with Deacon Rick & Diana Moravitz as he hosted live from Duluth MN.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Thom Price sat down with Nancy Murphy & Jack Kuhbacher as they hosted live from Gillette WY.
During this hour, hosts Brandon Clark and Thom Price sat down with Tracy & Linda Norris as they hosted live from Gillette WY.
During this hour, hosts Steve Splonskowski and Thom Price sat down with Chad & Suzi Ekberg as they hosted live from Gillette WY.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Will Thompson and Michael Goldsmith sat down with Fr. James Steffes & Bishop Quinn as they hosted live from St. Augustine Parish in Austin MN.
During this hour, hosts Fr. Will Thompson and Michael Goldsmith sat down with Sue Anderson & Jaci Brennan as they hosted live from St. Augustine Parish in Austin MN.
During this hour, hosts Jack Kennelly and Ed Schmitz sat down with Brad Starry & Deacon. Stu Longtin as they hosted live from the studios in Fargo ND.
During this hour, hosts Jack Kennelly and Ed Schmitz sat down with Msgr. Gregory Schlesselmann as they hosted live from the studios in Fargo ND.
Many people battle with perfectionism. God’s mercy in the midst of failure is His remedy for the fear that failure is the end.
In March 2019, Bishop Barron was interviewed by Dr. Jordan Peterson for the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast. To say the discussion was highly anticipated is an understatement. Fans of both Dr. Peterson and Bishop Barron have asked for these two great minds to meet, and their wide-ranging, nearly two-hour discussion is worth the wait. Although the interview hasn’t been made public yet on Jordan Peterson’s channels, in this episode we discuss some of the most interesting parts of the interview.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on their movie of the month: Unplanned. In the second part of the hour, they talked about investing in relationships and the importance of living aware of God's presence in our lives and how that can impact those relationships.
We can think that God loves us because we are good and we deserve it. The truth is that He loves us because He is good and we need it.
Recently, The New York Times featured an op-ed by philosophy professor Peter Atteton, who tried to show that the idea of God is incoherent. Bishop Barron responds to Atteton’s points and shows how there are no logical problems with believing in God. A listener asks whether Catholic universities should begin offering an evangelization major or concentration.
If I live in such a way that I merely follow the crowd, I will find myself praising Jesus on Sunday and crying out for His Crucifixion on Friday. This world is a “not friend“ of the Christian. Therefore, we must stand against the world and for Jesus.
We record this episode the day after a tragic fire at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris has destroyed the spire, roof, and interior of one of the most important and magnificent religious sites in the world. Bishop Barron shares his close ties to Notre Dame, including his time as tour guide, and explains why these Gothic churches are so significant. A listener asks about Robert Sokolowski and which of his books to read.
Behind enemy lines, we find ourselves in a battle with the Enemy of God. Satan is real and Satan must be resisted. But the Catholic Christian has been given the tools to engage in the fight and thrive with the strength provided by God Himself.
Bishop Barron and Joe Gloor record live from the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, discussing what’s new and exciting at Word on Fire.
While all of us struggle with different sins and temptations, we all ultimately have the same enemy: pride. Pride is a chameleon and can disguise itself in many different ways. Ultimately, pride will work to keep you holding onto something other than God and to remain outside the Father’s house. Telling the truth…and hearing the Father’s voice…is the way to let go of what we cling to and come inside.
Kids from around the world ask Bishop Barron their burning questions about God’s favorite food, whether heaven has an edge, and why the ground shook when Jesus died on the Cross.
During this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on different aspects of education of the heart.
God has freely given so much to us…and we are grateful. But why do we still experience the consequences of slavery? God gives us the chance to grow in trust of Him and His love…and He allows us to grow stronger in our ability to walk as His children.
Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt record live from Rome, where they visited for Bishop’s reception of an honorary doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (aka The Angelicum.)
We started the Word on Fire Show back in 2015, right after Bishop Barron was consecrated bishop. Now, three years later, after 170 episodes and 6 million downloads, we’re ready for the next phase. But to get there, we need your help! Learn about the future of the show and why your support will be critical to making it happen.
We are in a battle, but our primary enemy is closer than we might like to imagine. In order to gain true freedom and victory, we have to know this enemy and know when to say no to them.
During the last half hour of this special broadcast from the University of Mary's Vocations Jamboree, host Fr. Craig Vasek and RPR Executive Director Steve Splonskowski had the pleasure of visiting with Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia and Msgr. James Shea, U-Mary President. Our hosts were also joined by Msgr. Gregory Schlesselmann of the Diocese of Fargo to offer his thoughts and reflections on the Jamboree.
During the first hour of this special broadcast from the University of Mary's Vocations Jamboree, host Fr. Craig Vasek and RPR Executive Director Steve Splonskowski sat down with two sisters from the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation to talk about their order and what drew each of them to the religious life. Following this, our hosts were joined by the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus from New Ulm, MN to share more about the Handmaids and their joy for being called by God to the religious life. Finally, Jerome Richter, Vice President for Public Affairs, and Marianne Hofer, University Ministry Event Coordinator, sat down with Fr. Vasek and Steve to talk about the beauty of having an event like this on campus and how U-Mary works to support vocations and vocational discernment.
For many of us, our default assumption about life is: it’s fine. Even when things are obviously broken, we can pretend that they will “fix themselves.” But Lent reminds us that we are in a battle that won’t be won unless we are ready to engage the enemy who will attack us like our Lord was attacked in the wilderness…behind enemy lines.
John Henry Newman’s classic book An Essay on the Development of Doctrine shows how doctrine isn’t stagnant but in fact develops over time, much like an acorn grows into a sprouting oak tree. In today’s episode, we share the first half of a talk Bishop Barron gave on the book and its influence.
Homily from the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We often are a mystery…even to ourselves. But Christians must come to a place of self-knowledge so we can present our true self to the true God.
What’s actually happening when we pray? In this episode, Bishop Barron answers the deepest questions about prayer—not necessarily how to pray but what is prayer? A listener asks about the Rosary prayer and how it operates.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reflected on the beginning of Lent and discussed their movie of the month: The Tree of Life. In the second part of the hour, they talked about an event called New York Encounter that Fr. John and Fr. Paul recently attended.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies. But how can we do that when we don’t even love the people we like? When we often don’t effectively love ourselves?
Bishop Barron reflects on the basic message of Christianity. Is it merely about justification or our own personal salvation? Or is there much more to it than that?
In this hour, Steve Splonskowski, RPR Executive Director, and Brandon Clark, Programming Coordinator, came to you live from the Capitol building in St. Paul, MN. They sat down with Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and Bishop John Quinn of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester to talk more about this day of prayer and advocacy. Steve and Brandon then visited with Nichole Heinrichs, also of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, about her role as a District Leader and the power of stories and how they can impact others.
In this hour, host Michael Wilde came to you live from the RiverCentre in St. Paul, MN. He previewed this year's Catholics at the Capitol event and its importance as he visited with Jason Adkins, Executive Director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, and Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Hope is not a “soft” virtue. It is a fighting virtue. Hope is what enables us to live in the present with strength and conviction. It takes hope to take action.
Recently, Bishop Barron watched several YouTube conversations between Sam Harris, a well-known atheist, and Dr. Jordan Peterson, one of today’s most prominent and beguiling intellectuals today. We’ve talked in past episodes about Dr. Peterson’s reliance on Carl Jung, and his archetypal reading of the Bible, but today we explore Dr. Peterson’s similarities to Immanuel Kant, especially when it comes to the question of God. A listener asks why a Hindu should become Christian if Hinduism seems to have a more peaceful history.
There are some things in our lives (our decisions, our wounds, our weaknesses) that we wish and pray were gone. God calls you and I in our weakness; He doesn’t necessarily call us out of our weakness.
The recent confrontation between a grinning young high school student and a Native American elder has led to much anger and vitriol, especially on social media. But as Bishop Barron suggests, it also exemplified the “scapegoating mechanism” described by philosopher René Girard. How do we avoid this scapegoating? How can we bring more light to the online world? Bishop Barron has some advice. A listener asks whether our memories will transfer to Heaven.
There are many people who would look remarkably average on paper. Our stats would reveal that we are unqualified for being a part of God’s great work. But the Lord calls us to the greatest of these: love.
In this episode, Bishop Barron discusses a recent New York Times article by David Brooks titled “The Morality of Selfism: The Gospel of Saint You.” It’s a tongue-in-cheek affirmation of a culture that puts tremendous emphasis on self, self-care, and self-display. Bishop Barron explores some of the dangerous outcomes of such a culture. A listener asks whether it’s helpful or troubling that the Catholic tradition includes so many definitions of God.
Enjoy the 10th annual Know Your Faith Competition brought to you from Shanley High School in Fargo, ND. Frs. William Slattery and Kyle Metzger hosted this year's contest between Shanley, St. Mary's Central High School from Bismarck, Trinity High School from Dickinson, Bishop Ryan Catholic School from Minot, and Sacred Heart School from East Grand Forks, MN.
During this month's episode, the Rutten brothers discussed different aspects of prayer including: personal encounters with Christ, why prayer is hard, and ways we can improve our prayer life.
Enjoy the annual Men in Black Basketball Game at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, SD. Andy Shaw and Fr. Michel Mulloy provided this year's play-by-play and color commentary of this match-up between the priests of the Diocese of Rapid City and the STM students.
In Christ, your past might not be the thing that prevent you from being a part of God’s great work… It might be the thing that has prepared you.
Ross Douthat recently published an op-ed in the New York Times titled “The Return of Paganism.” He argues that maybe there actually is a genuinely post-Christian future for America, one that mixes pantheism with civic religion. Bishop Barron and Brandon Vogt discuss the article. A listener asks why God needed a second coming of Christ and couldn’t have accomplished everything during his first coming.
It is often very tempting to forget the heart of God. To forget that He notices us, delights in us, and rejoices in us. When the focus shifts from His love to our insufficiency and feelings of insignificance, He reminds us of the truth.
Bishop Barron takes listener questions from all over the world, including: What are examples of popular films that convey the Gospel without being preachy or poorly produced? Which beings have souls, and where do we draw the line? If prayer doesn’t change God’s mind, then when we get what we pray for, would we have gotten it anyways? How can laypeople encourage priests to do more evangelization? Since there’s no time in heaven, when I die, will the rest of my family already be there even if they’re not dead yet? How do you defend the faith through social media when so few people are willing to engage serious arguments? How can Catholic laypeople determine which Church leaders to follow and imitate? Are we at a spiritual disadvantage without deep friendships in our lives? Are there any virtues of loneliness?
Enjoy interviews with local pilgrims from across our listening area who are in Washington, D.C. at the March for Life.
Interviews (In Order):
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Kelsey Fuerstenberg from Fulda, MN
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Jordan Rentschler from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD
- Bridget Finley from Bishop Ryan Catholic School in Minot, ND
- Grace Beauchamp from Shanley High School in Fargo, ND
- Tim Hellwig from Duluth, MN
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Morgan Gorman from St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Rapid City, SD
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Jose Jimenez from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND
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Fr. Dominic Bouck from St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, ND
In the beginning, God made human beings for work. Work is one of the attributes we share with God. We are made to be God’s co-workers in this world. This reality wasn’t lost after the Fall, but it was obscured. We work for the wrong things or in the wrong way. But work is still a blessing if we look at it with the proper vision.
A recent Christianity Today article titled, “Christian, What Do You Believe? Probably a Heresy About Jesus, Says Survey” explores a State of Theology survey conducted in the United States by LifeWay Research, based on interviews with 3,000 Americans. Bishop Barron discusses the alarming results. A listener asks what it feels like for Bishop Barron to act in persona Christi capitis.
Real freedom and joy…real relationships and holiness…are based off telling the truth. The essential virtue of telling the truth about one’s self is humility. Without humility, I remain a mystery to myself and hidden from God and others. With humility, I can finally hear the voice of the Father.
How should Christians use social media? How can we escape its dangers (venomous rhetoric, echo chambers, etc.) and instead use these tools well? Bishop Barron offers his advice and shares how he personally uses these tools. A listener asks whether Bishop Barron is now part of the Intellectual Dark Web after speaking with Ben Shapiro and Dave Rubin.
During the first part of this month's episode, the Rutten brothers reviewed their movie of the month: Ready Player One. In the second part of the hour, they talked about how we can look at the new year as Catholics and if that includes having a New Year's resolution.