Fr. Barry and J.D. explore the profound impact of language on our perception, relationships, and understanding of the world. From the influence of grammar and word choice on communication to the cultural nuances that shape meaning, they examine how language acts as a bridge to shared reality and how the language we use can transform our spiritual lives and our connection to God.
In this episode, Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen emphasize the interconnectedness of the community and the urgency of prioritizing the spiritual life. We often face challenges and overestimate our capacity to meet those challenges or underestimate what we face. How do we invite God into these challenges? Are we actually prioritizing our faith or taking it for granted? Living with spiritual urgency is not about fear but about embracing the gift of today to live fully in God's grace.
Fr Barry and JD discuss some of their favorite reads for summer. Do they only read religious books? Armchair Mystic| Mark Thibidaux - https://www.amazon.com/Armchair-Mystic-Easing-Contemplative-Prayer/dp/0867164301 Centering Prayer | M. Basil Pennington - https://www.amazon.com/Centering-Prayer-Renewing-Ancient-Christian/dp/0385181795/ref=sr11?crid=311YY1VNH16RW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tq2yIxnd8Fbt8nREUtqP1PC-EKyXptJ7hOMoTVG57omOg8dyPscjLVfyxZkr3W1n.th88o7JQvdTRF17nV2CIpY2gcUKvcBcjPGW-xb5lw4E&dibtag=se&keywords=centering+prayer+basil&qid=1750103595&s=books&sprefix=centering+prayer+basil%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-1 Abandonment to Divine Providence | Jean-Pierre de Caussade - https://www.amazon.com/Abandonment-Divine-Providence-Spiritual-Commentary/dp/0870612530/ref=sr11?crid=11PRRYPJS1OD4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qA0yKUxTa2wL7NTr-KqKdpVuXRjx-tfdE5suTlPbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.0DtNGdptbIOpC0M-7RYM81a1fWCu5oFkAVpQcGEbDd4&dibtag=se&keywords=abandonment+to+divine+providence+classic+text+commentary&qid=1750104031&s=books&sprefix=abandonment+to+divine+providence+classic+text+commentary%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-1 Abraham | Bruce Feiler - https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Journey-Heart-Three-Faiths/dp/0060838663/ref=sr11?crid=3SB36G86HYM21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vg6AKl3F7V95u3deTCBiXfdphDbicMPUHnrxEOnkQ8BgjxdYdRrzAk016teNM49dZJJ85neBiWmig-5ENnW2YIfZHitmjW23aoSAFYZZ-4sSuwEDlvaowNIT0se04eiWC49aikJk9DV0HI67wYsYA.UT7xKjUSMbD1TxruXRAVDfi5D9WFnv95PbDt8gDSf4M&dibtag=se&keywords=abraham+bruce+feiler&qid=1750104309&sprefix=abraham+bruc%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-1 Consoling the Heart of Jesus | Fr. Michael Gaitley https://www.amazon.com/Consoling-Heart-Jesus-Do-Yourself/dp/1596142227/ref=sr11?crid=1NYRYJIAONTTH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ORirxyiwHoxtv0jFcHM391BKD4kBkYmhUPqKoXFYnP1JWtTbT0mhbAy99AGZSF7iEEUhD0EVUqD1bXdFT08MwBt-wir6vRB6uyNtPYGSz-GqlcQgwMPTgl5HSmyE1z7eIcavLqg3dWcZCERxze-7pIZP-zlZ0puwImXuY7-Tljr0nHMmG9BuizlH3EbRZ.LaPnXy5Vdhg2oeVmUSxGJ8DkVRkmzX5j3C6gpQc0&dibtag=se&keywords=consoling+the+heart+of+jesus+by+fr.+gaitley&qid=1750104453&sprefix=consolin%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1 The Father | Fr. Mark Mary Ames https://www.amazon.com/Father-Meditions-Draw-into-Heart/dp/1954882351/ref=sr11?crid=3PJTZ90IYOWI7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NXdXUorGcAJrA9XVyuefsO3x50KiPAzuqUW7i9fGhg.bDChSf9B7iCmBM1W00WxPmFPoxf448mi2hPO2nXyuU&dibtag=se&keywords=the+father+30+meditations+to+draw+you&qid=1750105175&sprefix=the+father+meditations%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1 I Thirst | Joseph Langford https://www.amazon.com/Thirst-days-Mother-Teresa-Paperback/dp/1732720886/ref=sr11?crid=321CJSWYMPQMY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nh9giDcGFBrb2jeg4pDWVrZK0Cpqq-IFCN0YZNEKuWBjtPJAI4Niel92SLQSLXsyz9devW5FiNsPuw1CLzRv1c2uZQjoERLuqi-88DrJLo.o92g96wTyW5Uu2hKt6icUHYLyQAWbhTMI3AHJOSVM-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+thirst+40+days+with+mother+teresa&qid=1750105270&s=digital-text&sprefix=I+thirst+%2Cdigital-text%2C103&sr=1-1-catcorr We'd love to hear your recommendations! Send us your favorite reads at: podcast@st-theresa.org.
"The Journey of Forgiveness – Towards God and Ourselves" J.D. and Fr. Barry continue their discussion regarding forgiveness and direct it toward a part of the process that can sometimes be overlooked: forgiving God for what we feel he owes us, and forgiving ourselves when we were not at our best. How do we renounce self-judgment and embrace the truth of our identity as a beloved child of God?
Most of us know we're called to forgiveness, but how do we actually go about it? Fr. Barry and J.D. present a framework which involves seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, identifying hurts, renouncing lies and judgments, and moving toward conscious and intentional forgiveness. John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ Healing and Forgiveness Resource: https://archspmmainsite.s3.amazonaws.com/Synod/HHJohnPaulHealingCenterActivity4.2_Formatted.pdf Forgiveness Meditation, led by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT: https://youtu.be/WTDWS6V3_Ow?si=ke9eyp3RO9OTrsod
In this first part of a series, Fr. Barry and J.D. explore the deep human longing for forgiveness and community and discuss how forgiveness—rooted in the concept of releasing burdens rather than forgetting—fosters reconciliation and spiritual growth. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about transforming hurt into compassion and embracing forgiveness as a path to peace. Psalm 51 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/51) Please submit any prayer intentions or feedback to: podcast@st-theresa.org.
Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss the Litany of Humility. What is a litany? How can entering into this prayer help us grow this Lent.
In this episode, we explore how bishops are chosen and moved within the Church to serve different communities. Then, we shift to a more personal reflection: during Lent, how are we called to new growth, and how can we remember that we, too, are chosen and beloved? This is the website about the process of appointing bishops that was referenced: https://www.usccb.org/offices/general-secretariat/appointing-bishops Join us for Lenten Soup and Spirit lunches (https://st-theresa.org/events/soup-and-the-spirit/20250306), if you are in Austin! J.D. will lead discussions on C.S. Lewis' "The Great Divorce" every Thursday during Lent, starting March 6, at 12:15 PM in the Family Center.
Learn how to intentionally engage with the homily! How do deacons, priests, and bishops prepare a homily, and what is its purpose? How do we engage more intentionally with the message of Christ and his Church in a way that allows for greater impact on our lives? Can a Mass Journal help with focus?
J.D. McQueen and Fr. Barry discuss the celebration of Christmas in the Church and in our lives: are we gathering or scattering, isolating or forming connections with others? How can we serve and contribute positively to the experiences of those visiting St. Theresa for the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ?
Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss how Mary leads us to her Son in a deeply personal way, meeting us where we're at both culturally and individually. Her maternal love and intercession allows us to deepen our own faith and draw closer to Christ this Advent. Here is a link to the tilma discussed: https://guadalupeshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/our-lady-guadalupe-heaven-tilma-infographic-theological-message-symbolism-english-lg.jpg)
Our Advent penance service is coming up coming up Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM (https://st-theresa.org/events/advent-penance-service)! So are others in our area and around the diocese. https://austindiocese.org/advent-penance-services Confession is complex, particularly for children and those with limited experience. How should you prepare? And what do your friendly associate pastor and liturgy director wish you knew about how to celebrate the sacrament? Take a load off your shoulders and listen. Deepen your understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation and grow your relationship with God!
J.D. and Fr. Barry discuss a well-known yet difficult section of scripture for some: the closing of the fifth chapter of Ephesians. What does mutual submission and respect within marriage look like, and how is it analogous to Christ's relationship with the Church? https://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205&version=RSVCE Casti connubii promulgated by Pope Pius XI on 31 December 1930 https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hfp-xienc19301231casti-connubii.html
Fr. Barry and J.D. McQueen continue their discussion of the document C’est la confiance, an apostolic exhortation from Pope Francis that discusses the holiness of our patroness, Saint Therese. What value does simplicity have in our lives? How can we have more confidence in God's guidance? Click here for the document they reference throughout the podcast: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20231015-santateresa-delbambinogesu.html
Join Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen as they open the doors to a deeper understanding of one of the Church's most beloved saints—St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Through her humble yet profound "Little Way," Thérèse invites us to encounter God's love in the simplicity of our daily lives. Fr. Barry and J.D. lay a beautiful foundation, showing how this Doctor of the Church has the power to transform us as we dive deeper into her teachings. Discover how her life and spirituality connect to our own in new and powerful ways, leading us closer to holiness. Don’t miss this inspiring episode, where you’ll find yourself drawn into a fresh perspective on St. Thérèse’s impact, not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for our modern journey of faith.
This one is a bit longer, so feel free to divide it up and listen when you have free time! J.D. and Fr. Barry talk about movies, Peter Pan and happy thoughts, and continue their discussion about how giving in whatever way a person can is a beautiful and worthy response to God's goodness, love, and mercy.
Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss the concept of receiving gifts from God and what happens when these gifts are freely shared with others. When you enter into the flow of blessings, you will find yourself and your purpose and often be surprised by joy.
Catching up after summer activities, Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen discuss a topic and activity seen every day in the life of the Church: Blessings. What happens when someone or something is blessed and how can blessings have a profound impact on our lives?
Fr. Barry and J.D. speak about their study and experience of the three traditional stages of the interior life of one who is seeking God: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.
J.D. and Fr. Barry introduce a topic that can sometimes be confusing, and even a bit personal, to Catholics - the difference between public and private revelation. Public revelation is God's self-disclosure to all people. Private revelation is God's self-disclosure to an individual or a group. Various devotions and piety exist within the Catholic Church due to its global nature and long history; but what beliefs are essential to our faith and lead us to salvation? Fr. Barry also speaks a bit to his new role as Chaplain for Austin Community College. This talk explores the distinction between public and private revelation in Catholicism. Public revelation, found in Scripture and Tradition, is essential for salvation. Private revelation, given to individuals or groups, is not necessary for salvation but can deepen faith. The Church carefully examines private revelations to ensure they align with public revelation and do not introduce new doctrines. While private revelations can be powerful, they should not overshadow the central role of public revelation and the sacraments. The talk emphasizes the importance of humility, discernment, and the Church's guidance in navigating the complexities of private revelation. Marian Devotion The talk also discusses Marian devotion, acknowledging its popularity but cautioning against excessive attachment to particular devotions. It encourages a balanced approach, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, and guided by the Church's teachings.