Deep in Scripture Radio

With so many Christian denominations out there, how can a follower of Jesus know that they're a part of a congregation that has a historic claim to uphold the teachings of Jesus? Does it matter for a Christian to be connected to his or her own religious forbears, or are we meant to figure it out for ourselves in every generation? In this Deep in History podcast, Marcus and JonMarc Grodi look at the conversion of Cornelius in Acts 10, and the thought of John Henry Newman, in regard to how the true Church of Jesus must maintain its core of fidelity, but also develop in continuity with that core.

For many who come from other Christian backgrounds, the Catholic practices that surround Holy Week can seem foreign, or even excessive. Some things, such as foot washing on Holy Thursday, are widely practiced by Christians. But the idea of venerating the cross, the fasting and silence, and the notion of a vigil on Holy Saturday to welcome Easter, can seem odd those who come from non-liturgical Christianity. Marcus and JonMarc Grodi reflect on coming to love these traditions as former Presbyterians who are now Catholic, and how these observances don't run counter to Scripture, but rather follow the devotional trajectory of Scripture.

What does it mean to sin against the love of God? We may not worship the false pagan gods that were popular in the early days of Israel, but our affections are pulled in a number of different directions if we don't take care to keep our focus on God. In paragraph 2094, the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five sins against the love of God: indifference, ingratitude, lukewarmness, acedia and hatred of God. Marcus and JonMarc Grodi unpack these five sins and look at practical ways to combat them.

Marcus and JonMarc Grodi continue their discussion of St. Paul's wise counsel on how to seek godliness with contentment. In Part I of this discussion, they looked at Paul's joyful exhortation to the Philippians, and began to unpack a list of ten "ingredients" for spiritual fulfillment. This time around, they look at more practical ways to remember God's blessings in everyday life, and share the joy of our Catholic faith with all whom we encounter.