In Part B of our exploration of St. Paul in the Acts of the Apostles, we continue following Paul’s mission as he establishes the Church in Ephesus, faces persecution, and journeys toward Jerusalem and Rome. Luke presents Paul’s hardships—including riots, imprisonments, and trials—not as defeats, but as moments that parallel Christ’s own passion and glorify the spread of the Gospel. We trace Paul's fateful voyage to Rome, his final witness to Jewish leaders there, and Acts’ triumphant conclusion with Paul proclaiming the Kingdom of God to “all nations.” Though Acts leaves Paul's death unmentioned, the narrative ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the unstoppable mission of the early Church.

In this episode, we begin our deep dive into how Acts of the Apostles presents St. Paul. From his early role in the persecution of Christians to his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Luke traces Paul's transformation into a passionate preacher of Christ. We explore the early missionary journeys of Paul, his complex relationship with Jewish law, his tensions with Barnabas, and his initial struggles in cities like Athens and Corinth. Along the way, we examine how Acts sometimes smooths over conflicts recorded in Paul's own letters, offering a theological portrait of a man willing to become "all things to all people" for the sake of the Gospel.

Join us as we follow Paul's bold steps across the ancient world—and stay tuned for Part B, where we continue with his ministry in Ephesus and beyond.

In Part 1 of our look at the major characters in the Acts of the Apostles, we explore how Acts presents Jesus, Peter, and Paul as central figures in the story of the early Church. From Jesus' ascension to Peter’s leadership in Jerusalem and the beginnings of Paul's missionary journeys, Luke carefully shapes a narrative of bold preaching, persecution, and the unstoppable spread of the Gospel. We’ll also trace Peter’s role, his mission among both Jews and Gentiles, and his gradual transition out of the story as Acts shifts its focus to Paul. Along the way, we reflect on how the early Christian community lived out its faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the challenges they faced from within and without.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue exploring the lives and missions of the early apostles.

In Part 2 of our introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, we follow the dramatic unfolding of the early Church’s mission, guided by the Holy Spirit. From Pentecost in Jerusalem to Paul's house arrest in Rome, Acts reveals the challenges, triumphs, and growth of the Christian community. Discover how Luke structures the story through cycles of expansion and persecution, the development of leadership through apostles and deacons, and the Church’s outreach to both Jews and Gentiles. We also reflect on Luke’s vision of Christian life: humility, generosity, unity, and unwavering witness to the Kingdom of God.

In this first part of our introduction to the Acts of the Apostles, we explore the unique nature of this New Testament writing. What is the meaning behind its title? Who exactly are the "apostles" it refers to? How does Acts present the early Church's expansion from Jerusalem to all nations? And what can we learn about its authorship, sources, and historical reliability? Join us as we dive into Luke’s remarkable storytelling, the theological shaping of history, and how Acts frames the Church's mission under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll examine the structure of Acts and what Luke hoped to accomplish through this vibrant account.

In previous episodes, we explored the penitential Psalms 51 and 130, where the psalmists lament their sins and seek God’s mercy. Psalm 22, however, presents a different kind of suffering—one marked not by personal guilt but by abandonment, ridicule, and physical torment. It is perhaps the most famous lament in the Psalter, as its opening words were spoken by Jesus on the cross: "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

In this episode, we examine Psalm 22’s two striking halves: the first, a desperate cry of anguish, and the second, an outpouring of praise and trust in God’s salvation. How does this psalm foreshadow Christ’s Passion? Why does Jesus pray it in His final moments? And what does it reveal about the tension between suffering and divine presence?

Join us as we delve into this powerful psalm, its connection to the Gospels, and its profound role in understanding the mystery of Christ’s suffering and redemption.

In the previous episode, we explored the intimate dialogue of the sinner with God in Psalm 51. Now, Psalm 130 expands this vision beyond the individual, drawing us into a communal plea for God’s mercy. Known by its Latin title De Profundis, this penitential psalm is a powerful meditation on human frailty and divine forgiveness.

Psalm 130 begins with a desperate cry "From the depths, I cry to You, O Lord," leading us into a reflection on sin, waiting, and redemption. What does it mean to trust in God's mercy when we feel unworthy? How does this psalm connect our personal repentance with the broader redemption of God's people?

Join us as we unpack the rich theology of this psalm, its role in the spiritual journey of both ancient pilgrims and modern believers, and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who brings the abundant redemption we long for.

Psalm 51 is one of the most powerful prayers of repentance in all of Scripture. In this episode, Catherine Petrany explores its depth, guiding us through its three main movements: confession of sin, petition for God's forgiveness, and the promise of testimony and praise.

Rooted in King David’s own fall and redemption, this psalm is a profound meditation on human brokenness and divine mercy. How does Psalm 51 shape our understanding of sin, grace, and renewal? How does it move us from sorrow to hope? Join us as we unpack the timeless relevance of this penitential prayer and its role in both personal and communal faith.

Join Catherine Petrany, Associate Professor of Theology at Saint Vincent College, as she explores the penitential lament psalms in this insightful podcast series for the season of Lent. Rooted in her expertise on the Book of Psalms and her forthcoming book, The Psalms of Lament: Suffering and Salvation, Catherine guides listeners through the deeply personal and communal dimensions of these prayers.

A few years ago, a commercial aired during the Super Bowl premiering the “Metaverse.”It featured a group of friends looking at a fantastical painting of jungle animals. Soon, the painting comes to life, and the friends find themselves in the painting itself. The painting is full of life, the animals are dancing to a beat, and the friends join in the dance. The commercial ends with a sentence of print:“This is going to be fun.”The Metaverse features an immersive virtual reality wherein people can create virtual avatars of their own design that interact with each other. Recently, Apple released the “Apple Vision Pro”; again, the commercial for this product featured enticing images.A man puts on electronic goggles and, as Roger Hodgson’s “Dreamer” plays in the background, screens appear before his eyes and icons that he can click with his hands inspace.Then, we see a montage of different users of the Apple Vision Pro.Throughout, these virtual projections transpose themselves onto the person’s physical surroundings, and the screens merge into the user’s eyes. Perhaps the most striking image is the final one, when the first man we saw is actually making toast for his daughter. Once it is ready, he turns off his screen and serves her the toast as he smiles at her through his goggles. While these commercials might very well sound like something straight out of a dystopian novel, our culture has certainly been prepped for this transition.Many of us, at least many younger people, spend most of our days on screens that can transport us anywhere we want anytime we want, often at the expense of those physically around us. We live like angels who can escape the physical limitations of time and space. That’s our cultural moment