Martyrs Podcast

Why Love God above All Else?

In today's Gospel, Jesus says, "Whoever loves father or mother or son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Fr. Hall explains that Jesus does not want us to love others less but to love God more. Why? Because it's good for us and for others. Fr. Hall unpacks why this is the case. 

Do Not Be Afraid

Deacon Augustine talks about Jesus' words about fear in today's Gospel. What causes us fear? What fears keep us back from living and proclaiming the Gospel? Once we recognize our fears, we can overcome them, Deacon Augustine explains, with the love which God pours out into our hearts. 

Goodbye, Fr. Wahlmeier!

Fr. Wahlmeier says goodbye to North American Martyrs by reflecting on Father's Day, his own priesthood, and today's Gospel. 

Experiencing Christ in the Eucharist

After sharing a little about his story, Deacon Reimers reflects on the great gift of the Eucharist. 

Trinity Sunday: Getting God Right

Fr. Wahlmeier walks us through each of this Sunday's Mass readings, drawing out not only where we see the Trinity but also the powerful implications of our Trinitarian faith. 

The Spirit: Paraclete, Fire, and Love

On Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, many Catholics are unfamiliar with the Spirit. Fr. Hall invites us to pray for a deepened relationship with the Holy Spirit by focusing on three titles or images of the Spirit in Scripture. The Spirit is our "paraclete," our advocate or defender. The Spirit enkindles a fire, a desire for God within us. And, lately, the Spirit is love. 

Come, Holy Spirit

On this Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Wahlmeier walks us through not only who the Holy Spirit is but also the nature of spiritual struggles and how the Holy Spirit can heal the wounds caused by other spirits. 

Hebrews 11-13

In this final session of our Easter Bible Study Series on Hebrews, Fr. Wahlmeier and Mark Heffley walk through the text and pull out some of the big theological themes. 

Pray for Your Priests

Reflecting on Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17), Fr. Hall explains how Jesus models prayer for us. First, we see that Jesus prays for himself that he draw others to the Father. We are to imitate this in our prayer and in the way we live: may we, too, draw others to the Father. Second, we see that Jesus prays for his priests. Though priests have a calling to bring others to the Father in a unique way, they are human and need our prayers and support. 

Glory and the Holy Spirit

Fr. Wahlmeier first talks about glory and how it relates to our identity, mission, and destiny. He then connects glory with the Holy Spirit and unpacks the gifts, charisms, and fruits of the Spirit in preparation for Pentecost Sunday.