In this episode host Dr. Ron Snyder discusses St. John Henry Newman's sermon "Christian Reverence" with Joe O'Sullivan, editor of the Bayou Catholic Magazine. Joe brings a unique perspective shaped by his formative experience in Dr. Don Briel's Newman course at the University of St. Thomas, which he credits as the most faith-solidifying class of his education. Throughout the discussion, Joe demonstrates Newman's gift for holding theological tensions—particularly the balance between Christ's mercy and kingship, and between fear and love in our relationship with God. He emphasizes Newman's remarkable ability to illuminate complex theological concepts through relatable human experiences, making his 19th-century sermons surprisingly timeless and relevant to contemporary Christians. Joe also shares how Newman's pastoral wisdom and personal struggles—being rejected by both Catholics and Protestants—make him a saint for those who feel marginalized, and how he works to bring Newman's insights into his magazine's content to reach more people with this profound spiritual guidance.

To approach Newman's majestic thought it is highly recommended to download the formatted sermon at www.newmanontap.com. Comments and suggestions are appreciated on the same site.