Category: Ascension

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 267 – The Church as Mother and Teacher

“The moral life is spiritual worship,” says the Catechism. From the Church, we receive moral guidance, with the Magisterium safeguarding and passing down authentic Christian moral teaching through the generations. This teaching reminds us who we are and how we should be, though it may sometimes deeply challenge us. In its prophetic role, Fr. Mike tells us, “the Church must both console and convict.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2030-2036.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/Gz5Mr-9vx_s?si=82mHEiPSzE5iEfPn

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 266 – The Gift of Grace

In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/thnwUFdtSAA?si=DVVzpWlHmaR3dmPY

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 265 – The Call to Holiness

Each of us is called to holiness. As Fr. Mike puts it, we’re all called to the “heights of holiness.” No matter our station in life, we’re meant for ever greater union with Christ, devoting ourselves to the love of God and neighbor. The path of holiness also entails the Cross, self-denial, and the sacrifice that ultimately leads to peace. And as Fr. Mike reminds us, even if we stumble or fail, we know that we can, time after time, “begin again.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2012-2016.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/ihxHvcFnRw0?si=jgdyFCi_Q-D6cJIQ

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 264 – Man’s Merit

Knowing that our good actions begin and end in Christ, we recognize that man’s merit is due to God. Fr. Mike explains that charity in Christ is the source of all our merits. In this way, merit is pure grace, and we should look to the saints for examples of how to live this truth out. St. Thérèse of Lisieux puts it best when she prays to God: “In the evening of this life, I shall appear before you with empty hands.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2006-2011.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/KQ9hoqoqmWE?si=Wp91gxPwjDeDmaNV

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 263 – Responding to Grace


God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/64MY5p9Jbiw?si=WMeNNBePyNPUqX_X

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 262 – Habitual and Actual Grace

Without God’s help, we can do nothing. The Catechism delves into grace today, explaining how grace works and helps us achieve our supernatural vocation to eternal life. Fr. Mike unpacks the difference between habitual and actual grace and reminds us that God is always the initiator of all our spiritual efforts. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1996-2001.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/XOO7zxAbFxc?si=k8ytZDDpjDtoT9WO

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 261 – Justification

What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God’s great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/7wI8VAchhG8?si=mX_GMDlMhGBgmdHH

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 260 – Summary of the Moral Law

In today’s “Nugget Day,” Fr. Mike reviews the significant takeaways that the Catechism teaches us about the moral law. Fr. Mike highlights that God has written the moral law in the depths of every human heart. Today’s In Brief section also reminds us that the moral law is a “fatherly instruction by God,” rooted in love and oriented towards our joy, freedom, and flourishing. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1975-1986.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/WYFhut9xMeI?si=eymb5BTifO0IUKVl

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 259 – The New Commandment

We continue our examination of the New Law or Law of the Gospel, specifically the Golden Rule and New Commandment of Jesus. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the New Commandment requires us to love God as the center of everything we are and everything we have. He also unpacks how the New Commandment is also known as the law of love, grace, and freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1970-1974.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/_8fnN5d7Hyc?si=z4qwYR-5Oc84SwXB

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 258 – The New Law

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the New Law or the Law of the Gospel. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the New Law “fulfills, refines, surpasses, and leads the Old Law to its perfection.” He also explains how the New Law of Christ that is expressed through the Sermon on the Mount is perfected by the grace of the Holy Spirit and works through charity and the Sacraments. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1965-1969.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/iFzIly8uPyk?si=H0Rp9KlzZIswzlT9