Martyrs Podcast

1.2 The Gospel Message

In this second part, Fr. Hall presents the kerygma - the basic Gospel message. 

1.1 Intro to RCIA

In this first part of the class, Fr. Hall discusses the format and schedule for RCIA, answers some anonymous questions, and explains why he has a beard.

How To Hate Your Family the Christian Way

How do we love those who are close to us but who have left the faith or have embraced a way of life which is contrary to the Christian faith? Fr. Hall helps unpack the enigmatic saying of Jesus about "hating" our families and gives practical advice on how to open up genuine dialogue with others.

Friends of Mercy

Jesus teaches his disciples that they should take the lowest place when invited to a dinner, and when hosting a dinner they should invite not their friends but the poor, the crippled, and the blind. What does this mean? Fr. Wahlmeier helps us unpack this by contrasting friendships of justice and friendships of mercy.  

Fr. Hall and Noelle Heffley Talk Mental Health and Meaningful Suffering

Fr. Hall and Noelle Heffley chat about mental health, suffering, superpowers, and Noelle's upcoming parish talk. 

True Humility

Humility often gets a bad rap. But Fr. Hall reminds us today that humility is not the "wet blanket" of the virtues. It does not involve self-deprecation but rather the honest and confident assessment of yourself and your gifts in the light of God's love for you. 

The Narrow Way: Understanding Salvation in Terms of Communion, Tradition, and Direction

Salvation is a fascinating topic. Oftentimes, it is presented in an individualistic manner as being merely about you and Jesus. Certainly, there is truth in this, but Fr. Wahlmeier helps us think about salvation from a different angle. He invites us to think of salvation in terms of your communion with God and others, you being grafted into the chain of tradition, and you following the direction of the narrow way that leads to the Kingdom of God.

Will Only A Few Be Saved?

When asked if many will be saved, Jesus responds by talking about the narrow way and how few will choose it. How do we make sense of this statement and of the whole idea of hell? Today, Fr. Hall helps us begin to reflect on this topic by considering how our choices, in a real sense, determine who we are at the end of our life. Additionally, he invites us to consider our reaction to Jesus' teaching. Do we respond with a holy fear, prompting us to strive to enter the narrow way? Or do we respond with indifference?

Jesus Brings Division?

If Jesus came to restore our relationship with God and with each other, why does he say that he came not to bring peace but rather division? Fr. Hall helps unpack this enigmatic statement within its context in the gospel by reflecting on the nature of truth and the reality of sin. 

Your Identity in Christ

In a cultural climate which emphasizes more and more the various identities and labels which divide people, St. Paul reminds us that we have "put on Christ." Your core identity is not to be found in a man-made label, but rather in Christ. You are a beloved child of God. Reflecting on St. Paul's letter to the Colossians, Fr. Hall discusses those divisive identities and labels in the broader culture as well as those found within the Church and offers advice on how to overcome those and put on your new identity in Christ.