Why would a loving God allow suffering? Why do good people go through so much pain? In this episode, Father Graebe sits with the hard questions we all face — not with quick answers, but with a way of looking at suffering that’s grounded and rooted in hope.

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"Christian hope is not individual. It must always be a hope not only for myself but for others." Father Jonah Teller delivered a reflection on the meaning of All Saints and All Souls, and how we can strive to be like saints in our own lives here in NYC. 

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"God has given us as friends of each other to help us get to heaven." Heaven, Hell, Purgatory: What do we know, how do we know it, and what can we do to get to one and avoid the others? Father Graebe discusses these topics at our monthly Higher Word events in New York. To attend, please sign up for our mailing list at higherword.org.

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Step into the spirit of Advent with this special episode, featuring inspiring talks from our Christmas Advent Concert held on December 11th, 2024, at St. Agnes Church in New York City. Relive the evening’s profound reflections as Father Graebe illuminates the life of John the Baptist, Father Jonah delves into the steadfast faith of St. Joseph, and Father Justin Cinnante offers a heartfelt portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Accompanied by a stunning musical journey, this event brought the stories of these central Advent figures to life, leaving hearts uplifted and inspired.

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We revisit a 4-part series we posted last year on the significance of praying the Rosary. October is the Month of the Rosary, and October 7th is an important feast day. 

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We delve into the powerful story of St. John the Baptist, whose unwavering commitment to truth cost him his life. On August 29th, we commemorate his beheading—a moment that resonates deeply in the Catholic faith. This episode unpacks the Gospels' portrayal of St. John, highlighting his fearless proclamation of Christ and his call for repentance. Discover how his life and mission continue to inspire and challenge us today, urging us to stand firm in our beliefs, no matter the cost. Don't miss this insightful exploration of a true champion of faith.

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There's a dynamism about this feast of Pentecost and our entire faith. We'll look at how our faith continues to flourish ever since that first Pentecost. 

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The Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd is one of great feast days of the church year and it marks 40 days since Christmas. It’s the day when Mary and Joseph fulfill Jewish law, which says that a first-born son must be dedicated to God. 40 days after his birth, Jesus was not only presented in the temple, but it also marks the rite of Mary’s purification. After giving birth, a Jewish woman had to be declared clean; ritually pure, in order to resume public worship. Simeon, as we hear in the Gospel, declares that this Christ child is a light of revelation to the Gentiles.
 
Jesus is the light of the world, born at the darkest time of the year. And now, we notice the days get longer. For all the meaning and richness of the feast, we look at our part, and what we can extract from the examples that Simeon, Anna, and Jesus and Mary gave us.

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The day after Christmas, people may overlook what comes next. But there is something the Church is trying to tell us by following Christmas Day with the Feast of St. Stephen. Why do we move from this lovely feast of baby Jesus to the feast of a martyr? We'll look into it. 

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As Catholics, we honor Mary because God honors Mary. Today, Heaven and earth celebrate the beauty of our Queen who is the masterpiece of God's creation. 

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