Kresta in the Afternoon

Catholics are frequently challenged on the Marian teachings such as the Assumption or Immaculate Conception. But, as Brant Pitre points out, few of these discussions ever look to the Old Testament for defenses of Marian dogmas. As we celebrate the Month of Mary, Brant takes us on a tour of the Jewish roots of Mary

The gospel of John has been recognized as unique from the other Synoptic Gospels – but why? Michael Pakaluk looks for the answer by examining the subtle but powerful influence of our Blessed Mother within John’s Gospel, drawing out the deeper meaning of what happened when the beloved disciple took her into his home.

Marian devotion plays a special role in Catholic life. She appears in countless works of art, is the subject of hundreds of books, and is a central character in Mel Gibson’s film The Passion. But the Scriptures don’t often mention her. Do we overemphasize Mary? Al discusses.

Cardinal Joseph Zen is set to stand trial next month, along with four other people, in connection to his role as a trustee of a pro-democracy legal fund. It appears he has not been indicted under Hong Kong’s national security law, which would have carried with it much more serious penalties. Matthew Bunson talks with us about this and other Church news.

Great numbers of Michigan pro-lifers are needed next Wednesday at the Oakland County Circuit Courthouse to make their voices heard. That’s when Judge Jacob Cunningham will consider his blocking of enforcement of the 1931 state law that prohibits abortion. Wear white and stand up for life. Christen Pollo has the details.

Salman Rushdie, the author whose novel “The Satanic Verses” drew death threats from Iran’s leader in the 1980s, was attacked and apparently stabbed in the neck Friday by a man who rushed the stage as he was about to give a lecture in western New York. Al has the details.

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” So says Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. Peter Herbeck joins me as we discuss what Jesus meant when he said that he had come to establish division, dividing a son against his father and mother against her daughter, and why it’s time to set fire on the earth

Why is it that so many people, even Christians, have never really heard the Gospel? That they see the faith as a set of rules and disciplines rather than a radical and joyful encounter with Christ? Fr. John Riccardo’s Rescue project is an effort to tackle this problem and he’ll be joining us regularly over the next several weeks. He joins us today.

We live in troubling times. And we sometimes feel we just fall too short to be accepted by God. But throughout the Scriptures we hear of God’s mercy, and that He has great plans for us. Al discusses.

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.