Matthew Becklo, Publishing Director for Word on Fire and author of The Way of Heaven and Earth, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to explore the Protestant Reformation's famous five “solas” and the Catholic “both/and” approach to questions of faith, works, grace, Scripture, Tradition, and the Church.

Becklo explains why Catholics can affirm the importance of the truths emphasized by the Reformers while rejecting the idea that they must stand alone or in opposition to other dimensions of Christian faith. His central theme is that Catholicism holds together realities that can mistakenly be treated as either/or choices.

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Alan Smith, a member of the advisory board for the cause of soon-to-be Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to continue exploring Sheen's reflections on the Holy Hour. Drawing from Lord, Teach Us to Pray and the writings of St. Peter Julian Eymard, Smith reflects on Sheen's meditation on the Eucharist as “the Need of Our Heart.”

The discussion centers on three powerful themes: Christ's presence, His generosity, and our union with Him. The Eucharist is not merely a reminder of Jesus or a gift that He gives us—it is Jesus Himself, waiting for us in the tabernacle and offering us His merits, His grace, and ultimately His very self.

Smith and the Son Rise Morning Show also explore how Eucharistic devotion transforms us into disciples: we become what we adore. Through time spent with Christ in Eucharistic prayer and Holy Hours, we are gradually drawn into deeper union with Him and formed to become more like Him.

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Kris McGregor of DiscerningHearts.com joins the Son Rise Morning Show to reflect on the life and spiritual legacy of St. Monica, whose feast is celebrated on August 27, the day before the feast of her son, St. Augustine.

Drawing from the Office of Readings and Augustine's Confessions, Kris explores the beautiful final conversations between Monica and her son at Ostia shortly before her death. After years of praying for Augustine's conversion, Monica had finally witnessed him become a Catholic Christian—and discovered that God had been transforming her through those years of prayer as well.

Kris also shares a personal story of unexpectedly encountering St. Monica's relics in Rome and reflects on Monica's profound lesson in patient, trusting prayer: sometimes God asks us not simply to pray harder, but to learn how to wait for His timing.

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Matt Swaim welcomes Steve Ray of CatholicConvert.com to explore the fascinating biblical history and symbolism of nard, one of the precious oils mentioned in Scripture. Steve explains where nard came from, why it was extraordinarily expensive, and how it was used in the ancient world.

The conversation then turns to the woman who anointed Jesus with costly spikenard. Steve explains how the Gospel of John connects this act to the Song of Solomon, highlighting Jesus' kingship and foreshadowing His burial. The discussion also considers why the Church gives beautiful and precious things to God, and what that teaches us about detachment and offering our lives to Christ.

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Art historian and author Liz Lev joins the Son Rise Morning Show on the feast of St. Louis IX, King of France, to explore one of his greatest contributions to Christian art and architecture: Saint-Chapelle in Paris.

Liz explains how St. Louis acquired the Crown of Thorns in 1239 and why the chapel was constructed as a magnificent reliquary for the Passion relics. She also explores the profound spirituality behind the project, including Louis' understanding of kingship as service and his desire to create a space that would draw people beyond the ordinary world and into the mystery of salvation.

The conversation takes listeners inside Saint-Chapelle's breathtaking stained-glass windows, which tell the story of salvation history from Genesis through the arrival of the Crown of Thorns in Paris. Liz also shares what it is like to walk into the chapel for the first time—and why sometimes the best response to great sacred art is simply wonder.

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Joseph Pearce joins Matt Swaim on the Son Rise Morning Show to explore Hilaire Belloc's haunting poem “Twelfth Night.” Set on a dark winter night, Belloc describes encountering a mysterious company of travelers whose song leads him to reflect on the journey to Bethlehem.

Pearce explains how Belloc uses the imagery of darkness, fear, mystery, and light to explore the Christian life and the importance of trusting God even when we cannot see where the road is leading. The conversation also connects Belloc's poem with the tradition of ghost stories at Christmas, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and even Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

At the heart of Belloc's poem is a beautiful question: What might we discover if we are willing to follow the light rather than give in to fear?

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Dr. Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to discuss the life and holiness of St. Louis IX, King of France.

Dr. Bunson begins with the profound influence of Louis' mother, Blanche of Castile, who taught her son to love God above everything—even telling him she would rather see him dead than commit a mortal sin. From there, they explore Louis' remarkable example of Christian kingship, his efforts to establish justice and fair trials, his care for the poor, his patronage of the arts and architecture, and the building of the Sainte-Chapelle to house the Crown of Thorns.

The conversation also examines Louis' participation in the Crusades, his reputation as a peacemaker and arbiter among European rulers, and what his life can teach Catholics today about leadership, responsibility, and putting Christ first.

St. Louis IX's enduring message is simple: whatever our station in life, Christ must come before everything else.

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Marlon De La Torre, senior director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Columbus, joins the Son Rise Morning Show to discuss his new book, Teaching Toward Heaven: Unveiling a Symphony of Faith and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Marlon explains why Catholic education must ultimately be directed toward our eternal destiny—not simply toward changing the culture or winning temporary battles. He discusses the role of parents as the primary educators, the importance of teachers living their faith with conviction, and how the Catechism can become more than a reference book: a tool for prayer, discernment, and growing closer to Christ.

As the new school year begins, Marlon challenges Catholic educators, parents, and catechists to ask a fundamental question: Are we truly teaching our children toward heaven?

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On the Son Rise Morning Show, Matt Swaim welcomes Dina Dwyer-Owens to discuss the importance of having people in our lives who can challenge us, encourage us, and hold us accountable. Drawing from her experience as a CEO, mentor, and Catholic speaker, Dina explains how turning dreams into concrete goals—and having someone help us stay accountable—can make a tremendous difference.

The conversation also turns to the importance of spiritual direction. Dina shares her own experience of becoming a spiritual director and explains how a trained spiritual director can help us recognize and respond to God's presence and action in our lives. In a world where we can get endless advice from books, podcasts, and even AI, the conversation highlights the irreplaceable value of real human relationships that call us to grow in holiness.

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Happy feast of King St. Louis IX! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to share more about this monarch who became a saint. Other guests include Steve Ray on the oil that was used to anoint Jesus’ feet, Fr. Augustine Wetta on foul language, and Kris McGregor to reflect on a selection from the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

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Collect Prayer for the Feast of King St. Louis IX

O God, who brought Saint Louis from the cares of earthly rule to the glory of a heavenly realm, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that, by fulfilling our duties on earth, we may seek out your eternal Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

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Full list of guests

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