Martyrs Podcast

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.

Hebrews 10

In this second part of the class, Fr. Wahlmeier takes us on a deep-dive into the theology presented by Hebrews 10.

Hebrews 9

The bible begins and ends with a temple. In this first part of the class, Mark Heffley helps unpack this theme of the temple and how it sheds light on what Hebrews 9 is teaching.

The Big Picture of the Commandments

Fr. Hall helps unpack Jesus' statement, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Fr. Hall first explains how obedience like this can be understood on a natural level in our relationships with others. Then, he explains how the commandments of Jesus help us live more fulfilled lives.

If You Love Me, Do What I Say

Jesus tells his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Now, this might make us uncomfortable. After all, if someone were to say this to his or her spouse, we would rightly object. But what about a mom saying this to her child? This sheds a little more light on what Jesus says. As our creator and redeemer, Jesus knows what will bring us happiness, and his commandments are not burdens when properly understood. This is the case even though these commandments will often demand that we change our lives.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Much like at the time of Jesus, the prevailing culture today is marked by confusion. People are seeking happiness amidst a cacophony of voices and opinions. In today's Gospel, Jesus announces that he is the way, truth, and life. Fr. Hall, reflecting on this, invites us to follow Jesus on the way.