Heart to Heart: Fr. Jim Willig - Gospel Teachings

Rather than a Gospel Study for the Sunday Gospel, this week's Gospel teaching is for the All Saints Day gospel reading. Fr. Jim unpacks one Jesus' most famous teaching moments, the Sermon on the Mount and this section we call, "The Beatitudes."

from Matthew 5:1-12a
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied. ...

Read the full scripture passage: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012923.cfm

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This Gospel Study addresses Matthew 18:15-20. In this scripture reading, Jesus tells His disciples that whenever two or more are gathered in His name, He is always present.

Fr. Jim gives a great analogy of one suffering from anorexia, as he calls it spiritual anorexia or bulimia. We need to be fed on the best of food, which is Jesus Christ himself. He fills us up with His Holy Spirit. This is a diet that is the spiritual nourishment we desperately need.

from Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that 'every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.
If he refuses to listen even to the church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Read the full Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091023.cfm

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Tammy Bundy offers a poignant closing to Fr. Jim's powerful story. Stay tuned to the end for a special thank you message from Fr. Michael.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

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As Fr. Jim's suffering increased he felt himself more and more becoming childlike and enveloped by God's loving embrace.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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Fr. Jim stresses the need for a deep, compassionate heart in all of our relationships, whether someone is sufferingly deeply like he did or not.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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Doubt and despair. These are two powerful emotional demons that can threaten us even when we aren't facing life threatening illness. Listen to what Fr. Jim went through and how he was able to respond.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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Fr. Jim sees Good Friday in a whole new light as he attends the service and venerates the cross after spending 12 days in the hospital.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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Meet Jesus in Paradise. When all seems lost, turn to Jesus with your sufferings and sorrows, just as the good thief did.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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Control or lack there of, that is what Chapter 5 is about. It is about losing one kind of control and gaining another through trust in the guiding Spirit of God. Learn also the powerful role Fr. Michael played in helping align Fr. Jim with the Holy Spirit through this trying ordeal.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
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In chapter 4, Fr. Jim unites himself to Jesus through the Eucharist, the bread of life.

Continuing the newly produced and digitally restored version of Lessons from the School of Suffering, the audio book, originally published to tape, then converted to CD and now released digitally as part of Heart to Heart's 30th Anniversary.

Produced by Nathaniel Stubblefield for Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry

Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry
Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples.
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