Kresta in the Afternoon

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us of two men who went to pray. One, a Pharisee, lauded himself for his virtuous lifestyle. The other, a tax collected, begged God to forgive his sins. Peggy Stanton connects this story to the Catechism and to her own life.

Protests continue in Iran following last month’s death of Mahsa Amini and they have taken a new twist. Elnaz Rekabi is a competitive climber who competed in an event last week without her hijab. Cheering, jubilant crowds greeted her upon her return to Tehran, and it is unknown how authorities will respond. We talk more with Jim Phillips.

Paul Jernberg is a composer and conductor who has worked in the fields of ballet, theater and opera. More recently, though, he has worked to compose sacred music, including music for Mass. He has composed a new fully-sung Mass for Persecuted Christians, which raises awareness and encourages prayer for Christians facing persecution around the globe. It will premiere this Friday in Massachusetts.  He joins us to share what it is like to compose music like this.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the North American Martyrs – Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf, and their companions. The enduring witness of these martyrs reaches far beyond the political conflicts of their day and provides a great lesson for Catholics today confronting their own evangelical challenges. Dr. Christopher Shannon is our guest.

In the opening address for Vatican II, Pope St. John XXIII announced that his goal for the council was to strengthen the faith and transmit it more effectively. Fr. Roger Landry points out that the entire work of the Council can be looked at through a Eucharistic key. He joins us, and also shares his experience leading a Eucharistic procession on the anniversary of the Council.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. Fr. Pablo Gadenz joins us with a close look at his Gospel, highlighting its themes and connecting it to the Old Testament.

Although all the Gospels are rich in theology, it is the Gospel of John that stands out in making the point that Christ is not just the last of the Prophets; He is the Creator of Earth and Heaven. So much can be gleaned from the first 18 verses alone. Anthony Esolen is our guest.

In 1998, Michigan voters were presented with Proposal B, which would have legalized assisted suicide. Months before the election, polls indicated the bill would pass - but it was defeated thanks in part to the efforts of Catholics educating their fellow voters.

When the Dobbs decision was announced, several large corporations announced they would help financially assist any employee seeking an abortion. Peter Rex is taking a different approach - his company has pledged to support any pregnant employee who wants to keep their child and seek an adoption. He explains how he came to make this decision.

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. This devotion is intimately linked to our response in love to the Eucharistic Christ. It lies at the core of Catholic spiritual life and is the key to effective renewal of individuals, the Church and the world. We talk with Tim O’Donnell about living this devotion more fully.