The Way is Love : The Focusing Way

THE GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW The Gospel of Saint Matthew, is the first of four Gospels of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time .  Saint Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when Jesus called him to be one of His Apostles. About the AudioBook of The Gospel of Saint Matthew Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to have it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 1-6 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 7-13 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 14-19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 20-24 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 25-28

THE GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW   The Gospel of Saint Matthew, is the first of four Gospels of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time .  Saint Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when Jesus called him to be one of His Apostles. About the AudioBook of The Gospel of Saint Matthew Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to have it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 1-6 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 7-13 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 14-19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 20-24 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 25-28

THE GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW   The Gospel of Saint Matthew, is the first of four Gospels of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time .  Saint Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when Jesus called him to be one of His Apostles. About the AudioBook of The Gospel of Saint Matthew Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to have it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 1-6 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 7-13 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 14-19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 20-24 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 25-28

THE GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW   The Gospel of Saint Matthew, is the first of four Gospels of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time .  Saint Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when Jesus called him to be one of His Apostles. About the AudioBook of The Gospel of Saint Matthew Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to have it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 1-6 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 7-13 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 14-19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 20-24 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 25-28

THE GOSPEL OF SAINT MATTHEW   The Gospel of Saint Matthew, is the first of four Gospels of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time .  Saint Matthew was collecting taxes at Capernaum when Jesus called him to be one of His Apostles. About the AudioBook of The Gospel of Saint Matthew Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to have it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 1-6 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 7-13 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 14-19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 20-24 The Gospel of Saint Matthew - Chapters 25-28

In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 8 Verse 33 Jesus, responds to St. Peter's rebuke of His preaching.  Matthew 8:33  "Who turning about and seeing his disciples, threatened Peter, saying: Go behind me, Satan, because thou savourest not the things that are of God but that are of men."  In this moment in the Gospel of St. Luke which might shock some of us, Jesus utters these works to one of His closest disciples. St. Peter, the man who was to become the first Pope and the rock upon which Christ builds His church on earth, is suddenly and publicly rebuked by Our Lord. It's a moment that shows us that even the most devote followers of Christ from within his own inner circle fall into temptation, humans living with the fallout of original sin.   I strongly suggest you read Matthew Chapter eight. The phrase Jesus utters in more modern translation is of course, 'Get Behind me satan' and that is the title of the Father Gabriel Amorth book we are discussing in this episode.  Originally published in Italian, this English translation, republished by Sophia Institute Press, is a pragmatic guide to spiritual warfare and aimed toward dispelling myths and fears and to get to the truth, teaching every Christian and follower of Christ should understand. In the very next line of the Gospel of Matthew lies an essential teaching Jesus gives to the whole world after rebuking St. Peter.  Matthew 8:34  "And calling the multitude together with his disciples, he said to them: If any man will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." To speak more about this moment and the Father Amorth's book, Get behind me Satan, I am joined by Michael Litchens of Sophia institute press.  Get the Book Sophia Institute Press

THE APOCALYPSE OF SAINT JOHN - REVELATION The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation, is the last book of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time but in particular it is considered at the end of the Liturgical year. As we approach advent, Roman Catholics are invited to contemplate the end times. This is the last book in the deposit of the Catholic faith, although it is the first book that Saint John wrote as it was dictated to him by and Angel of God while he was on the island of Patmos. About the AudioBook of The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to own it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.

  THE APOCALYPSE OF SAINT JOHN - REVELATION The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation, is the last book of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time but in particular it is considered at the end of the Liturgical year. As we approach advent, Roman Catholics are invited to contemplate the end times. This is the last book in the deposit of the Catholic faith, although it is the first book that Saint John wrote as it was dictated to him by and Angel of God while he was on the island of Patmos. About the AudioBook of The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to own it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  

  THE APOCALYPSE OF SAINT JOHN - REVELATION The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation, is the last book of the Roman Catholic Bible. It can be enjoyed at any time but in particular it is considered at the end of the Liturgical year. As we approach advent, Roman Catholics are invited to contemplate the end times. This is the last book in the deposit of the Catholic faith, although it is the first book that Saint John wrote as it was dictated to him by and Angel of God while he was on the island of Patmos. About the AudioBook of The Apocalypse of Saint John - Revelation Over three episodes David Battistella reads the complete version as it is preserved in the Douay-Rheims Bible. It is suggested to follow the text at DRBO.org or alternatively you can follow along in the iPieta app if you happen to own it or want to download this fabulous resource. Thank you for listening.  

Angels and Demons have been with us since creation and particularly after the fall of Adam. A new book Angelic Virtues and Demonic vices is a study of virtue and vice. The volume is a detailed analysis of Vice and Sin and the remedy for each. Drawing from many sources but mainly the teaching of Saint Tomas Aquinas, Father Basil Cole, a professor of Moral Theology helps break down Saint Tomas's teaching and apply it to our everyday lives.  As one reads through this volume it feels like the brain is being re-oriented to logic and reason, the kind that help us live happy lives by recognizing our faults and becoming humble and by recognizing the faults in others and becoming charitable.  In Angelic Virtues and Demonic Vices, Saint Thomas guides us on how to pursue our true celestial homeland while avoiding running to a false heaven. He outlines the various vices, and their forty plus daughters, and details how to conquer them.  In even simpler terms, it is a book for our times, despite the increase of challenges we face to remain virtuous and "live a clean life"  the book lays out logically the how our own choices and behaviour is what makes the difference and this has to happen on a moment to moment basis. The devil does not rest.  Joining me to talk about his book Angelic Virtue and Demonic Vices is father Basil Cole.  TAN BOOKS

The Catholic Controversy. It's a phrase that seems as old as the bible and as modern as present day. The Catholic faith has never been short of controversy and over the centuries it has endured challenge after challenge from bot outside and from within. One such controversy was when 72,000 Calvinists in Chablais had separated themselves from the Roman Church.  Their reasons were seemingly many, valid and justified, until a young future Saint, Francis de Sales, volunteered to re-evangelize the Calvinists. He was met with discord, made a fortress his home and  was forbidden to preach, so he began to write in defense of the faith and slipped these notes under the doors of the good people of Chablais, that they may reconsider their choice and come back into the faith. His arguments are incredibly detailed, laden with scriptural reference, humble, strong, tough, loving, raw and honest about what being catholic means and that it is far from attaining perfection but rather instead falling constantly while striving for it. The text could have bee written last week as nearly every argument presented in 1594 is relevant and true for our age. With me to talk about this volume is Father Lawrence Carney. BUY THE CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY

The Catholic Controversy. It's a phrase that seems as old as the bible and as modern as present day. The Catholic faith has never been short of controversy and over the centuries it has endured challenge after challenge from bot outside and from within.  One such controversy was when 72,000 Calvinists in Chamblais had separated themselves from the Roman Church.  Their reasons were seemingly many, valid and justified, until a young future Saint, Francis de Sales, volunteered to re-evangelize the Calvinists.  He was met with discord, made a fortress his home and  was forbidden to preach, so he began to write in defense of the faith and slipped these notes under the doors of the good people of Chamblais, that they may reconsider their choice and come back into the faith.  His arguments are incredibly detailed, laden with scriptural reference, humble, strong, tough, loving, raw and honest about what being catholic means and that it is far from attaining perfection but rather instead falling constantly while striving for it.  The text could have bee written last week as nearly every argument presented in 1594 is relevant and true for our age.  With me to talk about this volume is Father Lawrence Carney.  BUY THE CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY

How can we really begin to understand the Bible? It's a fairly daunting task to approach the reading of the bible from cover to cover. It is loaded with history, law, prophecy, stories and the Holy word of God. Sacred Scripture requires attention and understanding and frankly, time to absorb and comprehend the Word of God. as 2 Timothy 3:16 states All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. The Bible, as it is widely read today, was given to us by the Holy Roman Catholic Church and with the New Testament of Jesus Christ is wholly worth exploring, understanding and digesting for it's wisdom on both spiritual and the practical questions of life. Approaching something this beneficial requires assistance and so these next few episodes we will be going through, Understanding the Bible a book by Father Jeffrey Kirby who joins us to take us through and guide us on this important subject matter. A quick note that we will be referencing the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, but feel free to reference Douay-Rheims as well. Father Kirby Joins us now for Episode One, Overview and Genesis to Deuteronomy. LINK TO THE BOOK

The classic Learning test (CLT). We all, in one way or another, have been tested. Tests are designed to help us to know where we are, but they can also act as goal and provide a marker of sorts in our progress toward an education or knowledge about something.  Tests and testing are also an important passage way toward the next level of our education as we learn and grow. We have no doubt heard of the site to S.A.T test that many universities require for admission. Students and parents alike sweat over the scores obtained on these tests.  Why the Classic Learning test? Well, what if these tests were flawed or even, by design, could lead students away from a specific type of education and in another direction entirely. A test is something one prepares for and tunes their learning accordingly toward the end goal which is to attain a high score.  Tests move us toward learning required for a successful test result.  To use and athlete analogy, an arm wrestler would prepare differently from the test of facing another arm wrestler, than the way a tennis player or hockey player would prepare for their opponent.  Education is no different, students prepare for the questions they are going to be asked. But what if those questions don’t line up with a classic type of education? With me today to talk about tests is the inventor of the classic learning test, Jeremy Tate. VISIT CLT EXAM

Memento Mori. Latin phrases have a way of tickling our intellect, even when we perhaps do not fully understand them. A short phrase like Memento Mori let's us know that  latin can accomplish much with two words. The short phrase translates to "Remember Death", or another translation also suggests this overall thought;  "that a person remember that he will one day die. One day our earthly end will have arrived and it is good to remember the one inevitable, unavoidable fact that death awaits every one of us. We will all have our last our, our last breath and our last heartbeat. Meditations on death are an important part of living. The book "Imitation of Christ", attributed to Thomas A Kempis,  is the most read book on earth after the Holy Bible and now we have a new volume by the same author, translated for the first time into English by Father Robert Nixon, Director at the New Norcia Institute for Benedictine Studies Western Australia. Death might seem like a macabre topic to start a new year, but the book, Meditations on Death, Preparing for Eternity, instead brings us to an appreciation of life with a healthy respect for it's fragility and helps us ponder and reflect on our use of the precious gift of life that God has given us. Death can be seen as a doorway to eternity and the beginning of our eternal existence. Joining me to discuss this work is the translator of the Latin text, Fr. Robert Nixon. BUY MEDITATIONS ON DEATH VISIT TAN BOOKS  

The book complied by Paul Thigpen, The Life of Saint Joseph as Seen by the Mystics. Often thought of as the silent Saint - The Blessed Saint Joseph, is a quiet and strong figure. The man who was the foster father of Jesus on this earth is a somewhat mysterious figure often prompting questions or quick judgements. In some ways he very much in the background and not a single word he spoke was recorded in sacred scripture. This for reasons only God can know.  The book is a narrative account of Saint Joseph's life as seen through the visions of Catholic mystics throughout the centuries. The author compiled and arranged the texts of these visions into this volume, as a way of possibly deepening the understanding of the life of this incredible father.  The life of Saint Joseph is a trial of suffering and of great honor and of perfection of virtue. The writings of the mystic visionaries are a vivid account of well known bible stories, but the way they are revealed gives one’s heart a new outlook and a more detailed understanding of the Holy Family.  The volume leaves you enlightened, uplifted and appreciative of the life of the Holy family, particularly the marriage between Mary and Joseph and their unique task of raising the Savior of the world, in poverty and in many dangerous situations.  The book will inspire even a hardened heart and touch it with a loving tenderness that can only be delivered through mystical sanctity.  Here to speak with me about the Life of Saint Joseph - as Seen by the Mystics is Paul Thigpen.    THE LIFE OF SAINT JOSEPH VISIT TAN BOOKS

CHRISTMAS BLOSSOMS - Priscilla Smith McCaffrey Christmas Blossoms is an illustrated book written by Priscilla Smith McCaffrey and it warms my heart. As we approach the advent season we may be pulling out our advent calendar, or preparing our Christmas decorations reading our homes for the wonderful season which annually comes upon us. It's a time to prepare for the celebration of the arrival of Jesus and to remember Him in His humility, poverty and innocence. He came to us as a child to conquer our hearts with HIs love. Year upon year, despite the distractions and all of the other reasons to renounce this season, the story of Jesus as the Christ child can only serve to deepen our faith, hope and charity. Christmas Blossoms is a thoughtful, heartfelt and delicate book which tells the story of Factory worker Jian, a painter, artisan and pre Mao Chinese Christian who lost everything, but placed his faith and love in the child Jesus in the form of a small figure he had created and kept secret in his pocket.    It's a difficult story at times, one of broken hearts and broken lives but uplifting too recounting the friendship of Christ and also the kinship and love that can be exchanged between people. It is also a story of Christmas Miracles. Christmas Blossoms,  had me weepy a couple of times and the volume beautifully illustrated with it's watercolor and sketches. The illustration was crafted by sacred art painter, Gwyneth Thomposon-Briggs. Here to reveal more about Christmas Blossoms is Priscilla Smith McCaffrey. CHRISTMAS BLOSSOMS VISIT SOPHIA INSTITUTE PRESS HERE

ALTER CHRISTUS - Fr. Ezra Sullivan O.P. Alter Christus is a latin term for how a Holy Priest acts as "another Christ" and it is the title of a book prepared by Fr. Ezra Sullivan. The Authority that flows from the Kingship of Christ into this world, through his Holy Church and Holy priests seems to have been mangled in Modernism and the modern world. The role and Authority of Priests themselves in our lives has eroded over the decades and through it is sometimes hard to grasp that this moment too is completely God will, Catholics are called to understand this. In Alter Chritus we see how Many Catholics have completely lost touch with the origins of their faith, I know I was once of them, and also the call of their Baptism. Fr. Sullivan has put together a book that seeks to reinvigorate priests to the initial and original understanding of their Holy Ordination and he writes a manual of sorts, to assist these Holy men, many who have fallen in some way in this modern world, to restore the gift of their ordination. As a layperson it was inspiring to read this book, not only because it outlines and reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices that Ordained religious of Christ's church make, but of the scriptural continuity that logically connects Our Christian faith through the centuries. The Catholic priest leaves behind his family, and every inkling of leaving an earthly legacy and heredity other than, if grace allows, his work and life to the spiritual deposit of the faith. Alter Christus  reminds us that Holy Priests and Bishops should be in our prayers, especially in these times. Thankfully Father Sullivans book, can give Priests and their spiritual directors solid reasoning and scriptural references to correcting errors and moving toward the fullness of their vocation and calling.   In modern times the Holy Catholic Priest has had un uphill battle. The church seems to be under constant attack and with this volume Alter Christus becomes one tool to add to the many a Holy Priest needs to fulfill his mission. Fr. Ezra Sullivan joins me to talk about his book Alter Christus. ALTER CHRISTUS VISIT SOPHIA INSTITUTE PRESS HERE

The Once and Future roman Rite. R.I.T.E.  No matter what time we are living in, we are always living in God’s Time. Sometimes the future is found in the past. Sometimes we must move toward tradition, a way that we once did things in order to understand what "was" and use that new understanding of the "old way" to shape our future. Long before the New World Order was a catch phrase everyone came to know and somewhat understand, Roman Catholics were dealing with a the Latin version of the same phrase.  For Roman Catholics in the 1960 the words Novus Ordo, or NEW ORDER, were the two small latin words that the earthly leadership of the the One, Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church of Jesus Christ were floating as the bright and fantastic future of the faith. The Once and Future Roman Rite. Before Pope Pius the VI presented the Roman Catholic world with his vision of a new way to pray, Roman Catholics had been praying a Liturgy carefully handed to them through 15 centuries of tradition. The church moved slowly and carefully for 1500 years and it took just ten years to dismantle it completely.  50 years later, with virtually none of the promises fulfilled, fewer vocations, less attendance and a free-for-all in the liturgy Catholics are turning back to traditional ways and the liturgy that was practically snatched from their hands.  Author Peter Kwasnewski has crafted a detailed account of what happened with compelling and significant arguments helping us piece together what happened and what was lost.  The Future Roman Rite It helps one understand the depth and profound beauty of the Roman Catholic faith as it was celebrated in the Traditional Roman Rite.  Here to speak with me about his book is Dr. Peter Kwasnieswki.    THE ONCE AND FUTURE ROMAN RITE VISIT TAN BOOKS HERE 

THE SECRET OF THE HOLY FACE - Fr. Lawrence Carney III The secret of the Holy Face. The human face is a is a window into a person's life.  Our face, The face we present to the world and the faces of people we know and see are a focal point to our humanity. An expression, a smile, a frown or even the most subtle muscle move can reveal so much about a person.  Our face tells the world who we are, moment to moment.  In his recent book, The Secret of the Holy Face, Father Lawrence Carney reveals to us a detailed account of the three instances Jesus revealed to us his very face through three separate and distinct miracles which have been the subject of study and fascination ever since. The Secret of the Holy Face. Whether it is the veil Saint Veronica used to wipe the face of Jesus on his walk to Calvary or the imprint on the shroud of Turin or the linen veil and Manoppello Italy the very idea that God, through these miracles left for us an image of Himself as the second person of the Holy Trinity is a testament to the life of Christ.  The Holy Face of Jesus Father Carney revives a somewhat lost, but very important devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus in his book and he provides us with a detailed understanding of the Holy Face of Jesus.  BUY THE SECRET OF THE HOLY FACE VISIT TAN BOOKS HERE