Deep in Scripture Radio

In a special episode of Deep in Scripture, Marcus Grodi shares some verses from the Bible to help us put the COVID-19 crisis in perspective. Marcus looks at what St. Paul, St. James and others had to say about steadfastness in times of persecution, and also reflects on how this time of quarantine has affected the way we approach our work with people who are interested in the Catholic Church.

As we continue to deal with the challenges that have come about due to COVID-19 and its effects, Marcus Grodi and Jim Anderson look at some passages that show forth God's providence and peace in the midst of uncertainty. Looking at Paul's hopeful remarks in chapter 8 of his Epistle to the Romans, as well as Matthew's account of Jesus calming a storm at sea, Marcus and Jim share how Scripture has been a source of strength for them in these uncertain times.

"We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28

"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, 'Save, Lord; we are perishing.' And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?' Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, 'What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?'" Matthew 8:23-27

Marcus Grodi and Ken Hensley conclude their study of the Epistle of St. James by giving a larger look at the perspective on trials and priorities that we hear about in this rich letter from the New Testament.

After recalling the opening verses of James, which focus on perseverance in the face of testing, Marcus and Ken look at the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic provides a fresh opportunity to revisit how James reminds us of what's truly important in the sight of God, and why the call to holiness remains, no matter what circumstances the Church may face at any point in history.

Marcus Grodi and Ken Hensley continue their series on the Epistle of St. James from their perspective as former Protestant pastors. They look specifically at James 1:5-8, and what it means to ask for wisdom from God. Why is it that so many pastors, of varying denominations, ask for such wisdom, but come up with so many varying conclusions as to how to interpret the Scriptures? Marcus and Ken share their experience, and why they eventually came to the conclusion that there was an authoritative and apostolic interpretation of the Scriptures.