What comes to your mind when you hear the word devil or Satan? Did the biblical authors intend the devil to be understood as an actual, physical being? Or might they have been using the devil as a symbol or metaphor for the internal struggles all humans experience? What is evil and where does it come from? In this Faith Talk I will share my thoughts on the devil and the notion of evil. I will use stories from the Bible and teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. These are my beliefs, and you may or may not agree with me. Certainly, this is open to interpretation. I hope I’ve at least given you some food for thought and another theological possibility to consider.

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Scripture cited: Genesis 3, Matthew 4:1, Matthew 3:16-17

Other sources: John Gregory Drummond, “Who is Satan?” Bible History Daily, August 8, 2023, Biblical Archaeology Society.

Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Have you ever asked the question, “Why me, God?” Have you ever blamed God for the sorrows of life? If you have, rest assured, you are not alone. Humans have been struggling with the question of suffering since the dawn of time, and we’re still trying to unlock the mystery. The Book of Job tackled this age-old subject over 2500 years ago by focusing on the personal experiences of one man – Job. The scriptural author specifically set out to understand and answer two of life’s big questions - “Is suffering God’s punishment for sin?” and “Why do bad things

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Scripture cited: Job 1:21-22, Job 2:9-10, Job 19:6, Job 21:7, Job 23:11-12; 27:6, Job 38:4-5, Job 40:4; 42:2-6, Job 42:12-17, John 9:1-3, Luke 6:20-23, Psalm 23

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are our Superpowers! Freely and unconditionally given to us by God. It is up to us simply to accept and use them to the best of our ability. I believe it is precisely our acceptance and utilization of these gifts that gives meaning to our lives. And when that happens – the world begins to change. Please join me as I reflect on these powerful gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Right judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, and Wonder and Awe.

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Scripture cited: Luke 1:35, Luke 3:22, John 14:16-17, 1 Cor 12: 4-7, Isaiah 11:2

Why am I here? A crucial question to ponder, to be sure. Without some type of answer to this question, or at least a search for an answer, life can seem empty. If we don’t occasionally stop and contemplate life, we’ll find that we’re just going through the motions – surviving, but not

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Sources cited: Mother Teresa of Calcutta. “Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.”

In this episode I invite you to “sit with God” through intentional breathing. Scripture offers us the image of God’s breath as Spirit - giving us life and sustaining us. In Genesis chapter 2 we read that God blew the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, making him a living being. In the book of Job we hear, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty keeps me alive.” And in John’s gospel we read that the risen Christ appeared to his disciples and breathed on them, saying “Receive the Holy Spirit.” So today, I invite you to meditate on the loving presence of the Holy Spirit through this short and easy intentional breathing exercise. If you’re new to meditation – don’t panic. Just relax and follow my words. It’s a good thing!

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Scripture cited: Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4, John 20:22

In this episode I continue with my top ten list of “Jesus’ words to live by.” For Christians these life lessons are our code of ethics. We need to hear and heed them so we can be an example for others. I hope my list of “Jesus’ words to live by” is helpful for you, and I encourage you to read through the gospels and make your own list of Jesus’ life lessons. It’s a great exercise for all Christians to engage in.

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Scripture cited: Matthew 5:37, Matthew 7:1-3, Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 7:12

The words of Jesus are the most powerful tool in our Christian toolbox. I believe that if more people followed the “words to live by” that Jesus offers us, we would all get along so much better, and the world would be a better place. In this episode I offer my list of Jesus’ greatest lessons – “words to live by” to be sure. I encourage you to read through the gospels and make your own list and compare it to mine.

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Scripture cited: Matthew 14:27, Luke 1:30, Luke 5:10, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:15, Matthew 5:13-16

Other Sources cited: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Robert Fulghum, 1986; Catholic Resources.org

This year, 2023, The Catholic Church will enter a significant period in the history of the Church with the beginning of the Synod on Synodality, which was called by Pope Francis. The words of Pope Francis and some of the bishops, regarding this synod give me a glimmer of hope that the church will take a decisive step towards becoming the Church God intends it to be. In this Faith Talk, I will explain the reasons for my hope.

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Sources cited:

Christopher Lamb, The Tablet, July 2, 2023; Analysis: Francis orders regime change at doctrine office.

Gerard O’Connell, America, the Jesuit Review, April 26, 2023; For the first time in history, Pope Francis gives women right to vote at synod.

You Tube videos cited:

Faith Talk with Anita Episode 6: Did Jesus make the All-Male Clergy? https://youtu.be/p7UOE-kOJLY

Faith Talk with Anita Episode 16: It’s time to change

Faith Talk with Anita Episode 7: A Plea for Fair Treatment of the LGBTQ Community within the Church. https://youtu.be/kxg4iNYGeNQ

There are many images of the Church. The best image that describes the Church for me is “community." What image best describes the Church for you? I think it is important to ponder this question. The way we see the Church informs our relationship with the Church. And quite often, our relationship with the Church determines our relationship with God. In this Faith Talk I explore the image of the Church as Community - with the help of Scripture and stories from my personal experience. I invite you to reflect on the image that best describes Church for you and how that affects your relationship with the Church and God.

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Scripture cited: Acts 2:42-45, Galatians 3:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Jesus was, in my opinion, the greatest storyteller of all time. And his parables were some of the greatest stories ever told. When asked why he spoke in parables, Jesus said, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’” (Matthew 13:13) Jesus’ parables capture our attention and stimulate our imagination like “plain talk” just can’t do. They paint a vivid picture in our minds and help us grasp what otherwise would probably be incomprehensible. In this Faith Talk, I explain parables and then share 4 of Jesus’ lesser-known parables, offering my

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Scripture cited: Matthew 13:13, Matthew 21:28-31, Luke 12:16-20, Matthew 20:1-16, Luke 18:1-8