In this episode from the Sonrise Morning Show, Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Holy Land tour leader, describes what it is like to sail on the Sea of Galilee and to look down upon it from the mountains and hills upon which Jesus prayed.  Surprising details about this body of water, also known as the Lake of Genessaret, that explain how sudden and violent storms can often arise that can catch even experienced mariners like Peter and the apostles off guard.

In this episode from the Sonrise Morning Show, Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Holy Land tour leader, describes what it is like to sail on the Sea of Galilee and to look down upon it from the mountains and hills upon which Jesus prayed.  Surprising details about this body of water, also known as the Lake of Genessaret, that explain how sudden and violent storms can often arise that can catch even experienced mariners like Peter and the apostles off guard.

The parable of the foolish virgins who let the oil in their lamps run out recalls the recurring nightmare that so many experience, of being caught totally unprepared for a test or presentation.  For the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle A.

On this episode of the Sonrise Morning show, Dr. Italy shares about the way pilgrimage has been a central theme and serious obligation for Jews and Christians alike from Abraham through Jesus right down to the present time.  God seems very concerned to get across the idea that we are pilgrims and wayfarers, not settlers who get comfortable amidst the concerns and priorities of the present life.  Having just returned from leading his 24th pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Marcellino has fresh in his mind the poignant power of leaving the familiar behind to follow in the footsteps of the Savior.

A reflection on the Solemnity of All Souls, November 2, touching on the mystery of death and the afterlife including heaven, hell, and purgatory, and the validity of prayers for the dead.

Each November 1st Catholics are obliged to attend Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints.  This feast is more than a dutiful remembrance of the various saints that don't make it into the Roman calendar of feast days.  It is celebrates us - the fact that all of us are destined to attain the heights of holiness, that all of us are called and equipped to become saints, and will do so if we don't get in the way of the Holy Spirit.  Dr. Italy discusses where the feast comes from and why some consider it to be even greater than Easter in a curious way.

In this podcast, historical theologian Marcellino D'Ambrosio ("Dr. Italy") clears up misunderstandings about the holiday that are nearly universally believe by Christians, neo-pagans and secularists a like.  It will be of great help to grandparents and parents trying to decide how to approach this celebration.

When his enemies quiz him about what commandment is the greatest, Jesus reveals just how radical he really is.  His answer goes to the very root of every single one of the 613 commandments found in the law of the Old Testament – the distinct kind of divine love known as charity or agape is the great commandment.  For the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, liturgical cycle A.

When the Pharisees and the Herodians brought up the issue of paying taxes to the Emperor, Jesus uttered the famous line “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”  So what does this say about the role of government in our lives?  What do we owe to the state?

Why would people decline a royal invitation to a wedding feast, a banquet fit for a king?  This parable of Jesus describes a situation we see around us everyday – pervasive apathy in the face of the offer of salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.  The cause?  A sneaky but deadly sin called sloth.