Formation Matters

Formation Matters

By Nicholas SheehyReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
Download on the App Store

Formation Matters episodes

  • Humility trumps despair
    But a man who is truly humble cannot despair, because in the humble man there is no longer any such thing as self-pity (Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation). Bilingual homily.
    14 min
  • Mass as a Sacrifice
    If you ask people why they go to Mass, you are sure to get a lot of answers. “I go because I want to receive the Eucharist.” “I go to spend time with family.” Others will remark “I want to hear the Word of God.” Someone else will say “I like the preaching,” Ok, maybe I just hope someone would answer that. However, all these answers fall short: Catholic Mass is about perpetuating the Paschal mystery. Mass is a sacrifice, in which we all participate, led by the priest.
    https://www.patheos.com/blogs/formationmatters/2024/02/catholic-mass-is-orthodox-right-worship-of-the-father/
    20 min
  • From Drudgery to Drive
    By being bold, Jesus shows us what it means to have meaning and purpose. We need meaning and purpose to transform drudgery into drive. In the Gospel, Mark describes one day in the life of Jesus. Strikingly, he knows what his purpose is. He is curing the sick, expelling demons, and preaching the Kingdom of God. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/formationmatters/2024/02/be-bold/
    11 min
  • Fighting the Devil like a Christian

    It seems so dramatic. His teaching strikes home and impresses his listeners. They want to hear more. He obliges and enjoys talking to them about the Kingdom of God. He is happy to share with them the life-giving message. “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” But then, someone objects to Jesus.

    “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mk. 1:24) His outcry chills the hearts of the bystanders. They don’t know what to do. The other learned men take a step back. What will they do? What will Jesus do?

    https://www.patheos.com/blogs/formationmatters/2024/01/jesus-is-more-powerful/

    10 min
  • Practical Take-aways from Oppenheimer’s Tragic Mistake

    Too often, we think about science and morality as completely different subjects of study. Many would balk at the term “science of morality.” However, both subjects are important and must work together if we are to progress as a society in a way that respects our own humanity.

    39 min

About Formation Matters

From the publisher's feed

Reflections on faith and humanity