Martyrs Podcast

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.

Preparing for Death

Christians should approach death with joy and hope. However, they often feel anxiety instead. Fr. Hall invites us to reflect on the fact that one day we will meet God face to face. People sometimes neglect to consider this because they dwell inordinately either on their failings and regrets of the past or on what can go wrong in the future. Forming a habit of seeing our past as well as our future in light of Christ can reduce our anxiety. It can also help us as we prepare ourselves for the day of our death.