The Melancholic Monk Podcast: Musings in Mercy & Meaning

Today is a meditation for those who feel "outside the camp," as is written in Hebrews 13:11-16.  But Jesus himself was sacrificed "outside the camp."  Perhaps if we are feeling a bit alienated or lost, there is some comfort in this meditation for us?

Are zombies really looking for brains?  Maybe they're looking for hope -- and maybe we are as well.  If you find that your hope is fragile, join me for a little while for a few insights into this fragile but vital virtue!

What does it really mean to be a priest?  Have you realized that YOU were baptized as PRIEST, prophet and King?  If that is who and what you are, do you understand it?  In this episode, using the Catechism, popes, philosophy, and the saints, we will delve into the "missing" priestly dimension of our identity.

On November 14, 2003, Pope Saint John Paul II delivered an address to the 18th International Congress sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care.  I recite this address and offer some comments of my own related to our present COVID-19 crisis as well as general spiritual concerns.

In this episode I finish the sermon, "Learning in Wartime" by the writer C.S. Lewis.  He warns us of three dangers to continuing our lives as we should during war (or pandemic, in our case):  excitement, frustration, and fear.  I comment on these and apply them to our present situation.

In this episode I read a sermon by the famous writer and Christian thinker, C.S. Lewis entitled "Learning in Wartime," preached in an English Church during WWII.  We may not be in a war, but we find ourselves in pandemic, and some of his logic very much applies to our present situation.  What should we Christians be doing with ourselves during such a disaster?  I will read Part One of the sermon and offer a few comments, and within a few days will complete the sermon.

"From where do we get our consolation?"  Is it from God, or from distraction, oblivion and pleasure?  Because it might be little wonder why we are depressed if we are drinking at a well that cannot satisfy thirst!  If that sounds possible, spend a few minutes and listen!  (Please be patient as I experiment with new software and microphones -- I want to start publishing during this quarantine but am still dedicated to providing you with a clear, high quality sound!)

The spiritual life is not all about spirit.  That may sound odd, but it's true.  We are embodied spirits, and as such, we have bodily needs that alter our spiritual life.  This is a short reflection on what that might mean for us.

False expectations can often cause more anxiety and sadness than we bargained for.  In this podcast, we delve into some of the key dimensions of what is expected of us by Jesus, particularly regarding trials and suffering.

In this episode I discuss several terms for a "melancholic" personality:  sadness, mourning, depression, desolation and melancholia itself.  When we are delving into the interior life it is helpful to have concepts and terms available to us so that we might begin to understand our internal experience.  These terms are more philosophical and theological and not meant to replace medical terminology.