Category: Ascension

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 251 – Authorities in Society

The Catechism shows us that, in order for any good in society to last and flourish, legitimate authority must be instituted and respected by all. Furthermore, it is our duty as those under authority to obey those invested with authority. Fr. Mike acknowledges that most of us resist authority, but he bolsters the Catechism’s claim that legitimate authority in society is good and necessary. “Anarchy doesn’t work.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1897-1904.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/NlhdB7i5jCs?si=tDaXdFYSZ4ZGgYUh

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 250 – Conversion in Society

Before we can see outward changes for the good in society, there must be inward conversion in the hearts of its members, so says the Catechism. Fr. Mike highlights the fact that societies are made up of people with both body and soul—and the soul is often overlooked. Because we are broken, there is a “permanent need” for our conversion, and any society that fails to take this into account is doomed to do violence to human dignity. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1886-1896.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/mOpAqc8qXIw?si=-Gdc0uFuCLfgzyhO

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 249 – The Person in Society

Man is made for communion. God created man in his triune image, making us naturally social and communal beings. We learn that various societies weave us together: the family, the state, our professions, and recreational activities, among others. Fr. Mike explains how the Church promotes the principle of subsidiarity to protect the goodness of the various levels of society as each level pursues the common good. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1877-1885.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/rgJw5LXbddA?si=gkYn2n4B1gntrVsI

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 248 – The Spread of Sin

We close the section on human dignity and goodness by learning how sin engenders vice. Our readings today discuss the proliferation of sin and how capital sins, in particular, lead to vices that can become rooted in a person or society. Fr. Mike reminds us that while sin is a personal act, it is also possible for us to cooperate in and encourage the sins of others. This can lead to the formation of “structures of sin” that lead others down the path of evil and contribute to establishing “social sins.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1865-1876.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/VMTeuwyLFkM?si=66uy7AnEDCawStSX

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 247 – The Weight of Sin

We can consider the variety of sins in light of their gravity or seriousness. In doing so, we see that some sins weaken charity while others destroy it. The first we call venial sins, the second mortal. Our very freedom makes possible this rejection of God. Yet, God’s mercy has no limits. God can and will forgive every sin of which we repent. Fr. Mike invites all listeners to seek this forgiveness and go to Confession. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1854-1864.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/znPskrw8Zm0?si=tNqp79pCkXiKPsYL

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 246 – Mercy and the Mystery of Sin

Jesus reveals God’s offer of loving mercy to sinners. To accept this gift, we must identify and admit our failings. Recognizing our sins enables us to further cooperate in our redemption. Sin can be understood and categorized in several ways, but every sin wounds our nature and damages our relationships with God and neighbor. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1846-1853.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/2Mr4na4vOGc?si=Uy1Z3LOgWEZ8SJtt

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 245 – Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit

As we end our exploration of the virtues, we learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts perfect our virtues and increase our ability to respond to God’s guidance and inspiration. The fruits of the Holy Spirit perfect us, are signs of a life lived in the Spirit, and are “the first fruits of eternal glory,” as the Catechism tells us. Our cooperation with the Holy Spirit sustains and perfects our moral life, enabling us to live a more full and joyful life. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1830-1845.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/v88TP_B42mg?si=fjMYgYfuebuc7M4O

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 244 – The Virtue of Charity

The greatest of all the theological virtues is charity. Fr. Mike explains that charity, or love, is to love God above all things for his own sake and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This includes loving our enemies and also obeying God’s commandments, two actions that are not always easy. Most importantly, today’s readings remind us that true charity is not loving the Father as servants in fear or as mercenaries looking for a reward but rather as his beloved children responding to him who “first loved us.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1822-1829.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/Q1Mudp6-0zc?si=szBvRxBoHU4z8W8H

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 243 – The Virtue of Hope

A desire for the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life is at the heart of the virtue of hope. Fr. Mike breaks down the definition of the theological virtue of hope and explains how it protects us from discouragement and selfishness. By placing our trust in Christ’s promises, we are free to love the people around us and endure all circumstances because we know that God is faithful. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1817-1821.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/lVEe_SHZbzA?si=IpyEUUFpAU26OKe-

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 242 – The Virtue of Faith

The origin, motive, and object of the theological virtues are God himself. Today, we dive into the theological virtues, beginning with the virtue of Faith. Fr. Mike unpacks the meaning and purpose of the virtue of Faith and emphasizes that Faith is deeply rooted in trust in God. Lastly, Fr. Mike reminds us that Faith should be lived out along with Hope, and Love, and also professed to those who do know yet know God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1812-1816.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/CBL3LGHBCUA?si=KZOMnrHHPJcMwYhj