Martyrs Podcast

Psalm 33

This week we continue our on-the-go Bible study series on the Psalms. And our psalm this week (Psalm 33) is the perfect prayer to follow up last week's psalm. In Psalm 51 we prayed for God's mercy so that we might rejoin the worshiping community. Psalm 33 is an answer to that prayer. And there are some other great nuggets in here, such us a glimpse of the Trinity, insight into God's providence over creation, and a call to trust in God even in the face of death. Read in light of this Sunday's readings, the beauty of God's plan in Christ comes spilling out into our lives. 

Facing Temptation with Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Our Gospel this Sunday presents the three-fold temptation of Jesus in the desert. First thing we need to understand, Fr. Hall explains, is that Jesus truly experienced temptation. Because he was truly tempted, he can sympathize with our own struggles. This means we should not allow our struggles to keep us from turning to God. Fr. Hall continues to explain how the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can aid us in our struggle against temptations. 

Psalm 51

The Psalms are the life-blood of the Church’s prayer life. That is why, this Lent, we are offering an on-the-go type of Bible study series on the Psalms! But we won't try and cover all 150 of them. Instead we'll be focusing in on those psalms which we'll pray together at each Sunday Mass of Lent. The hope is that you’ll find at least one thing in these brief reflections that you can take to prayer. And that this prayer will make your Lent all the more fruitful.
 
For this first Sunday of Lent (and also Ash Wednesday), we’re given Psalm 51, a great prayer of repentance, God's hesed, and the healing power of grace. 
 
So, open up your Bibles and dive in!

More than Justice

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to his disciples about turning the other cheek. But what does this mean? Fr. Hall helps unpack this enigmatic saying of Jesus, explaining that while justice is important, Jesus is inviting us into a way of life - much like his own - which seeks our neighbor's good even when they hurt us. 

19.2 Confession and the Anointing of the Sick

Fr. Hall finishes out teaching on the sacrament of confession by explaining how to prepare for it and responding to frequent reasons why Catholics might avoid "the box." He then moves on to the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, its purpose, when to get it, and more. 

19.1 Penance and Reconciliation

After some house-keeping regarding Ash Wednesday and the Rite of Election, Fr. Hall dives into the sacrament of confession. He touches on various things such as where this sacrament is found in scripture, how to go to confession, and the seal of confession. Plus, Fr. Hall addresses various questions from the audience. 

The Law of God

Moses carried down from Mt. Sinai two tablets of the law. Fr. Wahlmeier explains that this symbolized God's presence among his people. When Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "You have heard that it was said... but I say to you..." he makes himself equal to the Law of God. He is God among us. And as God among us, the Creator and fulfillment of the desires of our hearts, his law is what brings us authentic happiness. What robs us of happiness are sins, each of which can be traced back to one of the seven deadly sins. 

18.3 The Eucharist: Source and Summit

After showing how the Eucharist is prefigured in the Old Testament, Ryan Bliven now helps unpack the importance of the Eucharist in the life and teaching of Jesus, Paul and the Gospels, the early Church Fathers, and the Church throughout the ages. He closes with some practical tips on better preparing ourselves for Mass and reception of Holy Communion. 

18.2 Salvation History and the Eucharist

Ryan Bliven begins this class on the Eucharist with an invitation to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. He shares some of his own story, the importance of Scripture, and the difference between being "sacramentalized" and being "evangelized." Ryan then dives into the main topic for tonight by showing some of the ways in which the Eucharist was prefigured in the Old Testament.

18.1 RCIA Announcements

Fr. Wahlmeier discusses Lent and upcoming events for those entering the Church.