There are many ways in which the Church is holy. The main source of its holiness is Jesus Christ, who is the head of the Church. He unites us to himself, through his Church, through our Baptisms, and through the Holy Eucharist. Join Fr. James Brent, O.P., as he leads us through a tour of the Church’s holiness in Episode 51 of Contemplata.

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In this bonus audio from Contemplata, we turn our attention to the Holy Eucharist—the gift that stands above every other gift given to the Church.

Drawing from the tradition of the saints and the Church’s own prayer, this meditation reflects on the unique power of the Eucharist in our sanctification. While many paths of prayer and devotion have been given to us, the Eucharist is not simply one among many—it is the Lord himself, given to us, working within us.

This reflection considers the Eucharist not only as a source of grace, but as its cause: actively forming charity in the soul, uniting us to Christ, and giving to each person exactly what is needed for that day.

Featuring a prayer attributed to Saint Basil the Great, this episode invites you to approach Holy Communion with greater faith, expectation, and devotion.

A quiet, substantial meditation to accompany your prayer.

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Often we are attacked by distractions and temptations, which distance us from God. But we do not need to despair, because of our Baptism. The first step towards living a life of constant prayer is to develop a constant awareness of God’s action in our lives. When we are vigilant, we can guard against the things that keep us from Jesus. Join Fr. James Brent, O.P. in Episode 50 of Contemplata, as he walks us through scripture and spiritual theology, on the Road to Constant Prayer.

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As humans we face many difficulties in our day to day lives. It is important to meditate on the presence of Jesus, and of his love, in order to be able to love in return. Loving our neighbors, and loving God through our sufferings can be hard, but a greater knowledge of God’s love for us can make all things easier to bear. In Episode 49 of Contemplata, join Fr. James Brent, O.P., as we learn more about God’s Love. 

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We all struggle with daily adversities, or with lifelong hardships. Who should we turn to for consolation and hope? There is only one good answer – Jesus Christ, who has both the desire, and the power, to help us on our path to happiness and heaven. Join Fr. James Brent, O.P., in episode 48 of Contemplata, to learn more about the real reason to hope. 

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Every time we make an act of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive new graces in our souls. Our union with the life of Jesus Christ will grow more and more. Fr. James Brent, O.P. recommends simple prayers of faith, like ‘Jesus, I believe in you,’ even when it feels like our prayer is dry, or God is not present. Learn more about prayer and our relationships with Jesus Christ in Episode 47 of Contemplata.

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Our sufferings are the sufferings of the Lord. We are not isolated individuals - God’s plan is unfolding in our lives. God calls us to become another Christ in our suffering. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Learn more about Christ's presence in our suffering in Episode 46 of Contemplata, hosted by Fr. James Brent, O.P. 

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How do we grow in true humility? In this episode of Contemplata, we meditate on Psalm 131 and learn how silence, prayer, and trust in God shape the humble heart. Drawing on the image of a child resting in its mother’s arms, this reflection invites us to set our souls in tranquility before the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to form us, little by little, in the humility of Jesus Christ.

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The Psalms point out to us the path to life. Learning how to read the Psalms in the light of Jesus can reveal layers upon layers of light - good food for contemplative souls. Watch as Fr. James Brent, O.P., leads a complete Lectio Divina of the very first Psalm in Episode 44 of Contemplata.

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We should love righteousness, which is a right relationship with God. How should we conduct ourselves? “Think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in simplicity of heart (Wisdom 1:1).” Learn how Fr. James Brent, O.P. explains this important Bible verse, and leads us into greater contemplation of God, in Episode 43 of Contemplata. 

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