SeekingFaith

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Philip and Donna ruminate on the mystery of One God in Three Persons as a community of love flowing through all of creation. In this time of reconnecting to others, entering into the divine relationship of the Trinity can help us heal the "dis-ease" of any anxiety and darkness we may still be carrying after the pandemic. 

The Holy Spirit is front and center this week as we celebrate Pentecost, the "birthday of the Church." The Scripture story is thrilling and vivid, the stuff of which movies are made. But what does the Holy Spirit have to do with our modern lives? Fr. Philip and Donna discuss how we can develop a personal relationship, deeper and more profound than most people realize. 

The story of the Ascension of Jesus holds many images as well as many emotions. Was Jesus torn about leaving his earthly home and all of his beloved friends? In this podcast, Donna and Fr. Philip discuss the multiple possibilities and suggest that when you hear the account again, imagine hearing Jesus singing "I will always love you," as his exit song. 

The Easter Season continues into the depths of St. John's expansive vision of God's love which has no limits. Riffing on an old Beatles song, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the modern meaning of friendship with Christ and the mystery of embracing this singular need with all of creation. 

Developing a personal relationship with Christ is frequently talked about and yet rarely concretized. The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter provide a clear pathway, especially the images of vine and branches. Fr. Philip and Donna talk about their personal reflections and invite the listener into a deeper conversation about living a more personal faith in an impersonal world. 

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday for obvious reasons. But if Jesus is the shepherd, are we simply sheepish followers or are we being transformed into the strong One? In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna humorously discuss this interesting symbolism in the modern world.

In this episode, Fr. Philip reveals a hidden side of himself. He loves bungee jumping! What does that have to do with the Sunday readings? Take a listen to discover the connection between free-falling, faith, joy, and dancing. 

The Gospel about Doubting Thomas has a great deal to teach us about spiritual growth in post-resurrection times. Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the implications of doubt as a portal to grace in all of the readings for the Second Sunday of Easter. 

Christianity is essentially a mystery religion based on its sacramental nature. External and visible signs lead us into the invisible grace, a free gift, offered continually to us from God. The Sacred Triduum (three days leading up to Easter) makes this abundantly clear. In this podcast, Fr. Philip and Donna discuss the gospels from Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday and invite everyone to ponder their place in the resurrection story.

The Scripture readings for Palm or Passion Sunday, especially the two gospel readings, mark a big change in the history of the world. From the joy of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and to the despair of his crucifixion and death, the words stir the hearts of every modern disciple to conversion. Change can be painful and never easy but ultimately the only way we can embrace the Paschal Mystery and walk in the footsteps of Christ.