The Quest Atlanta Catholic Radio

Dr. Matthew Petrusek

Welcome back to the Word on Fire Show. I’m Matthew Petrusek, senior director of the Word on Fire Institute and the host of the Word on Fire Show. Thank you for joining us. The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday, marking two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That a country as expansive and diverse as ours has remained united under a single Constitution for two and a half centuries—passing through multiple existential wars, including a civil war, and numerous periods of traumatic political and economic upheaval—is a monumental achievement by any historical standard. How might we assess this moment from a Catholic perspective? What is it about the United States of America that is politically and morally distinctive? What binds us together as a people? Is it accurate to say that we are a Christian nation? If not, what conception of “God” is operative in the founders’ references to the divine? If so, what should we make of the future of America given the dramatic decline of Church attendance among both Catholics and Protestants in recent decades? Perhaps most importantly for this moment, what can we learn from our collective past as Americans to guide us into the future? Here to address these questions, and to share his experience participating in the recent Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, is Bishop Robert Barron.

00:00 | Introduction
01:28 | Bishop Barron visits Orlando (The US bishops consecrate the nation to the sacred heart of Jesus
02:50 | Rededicate 250 in Washington DC
04:01 | Is this a Christian nation?
07:10 | How did the Founding Fathers view God?
08:51 | Mere Christianity or Protestant theology?
12:30 | The founding documents and God
14:38 | The Declaration of Independence: a declaration of dependence on God
16:07 | Connecting freedom with human dignity
22:33 | Relating equality with freedom
24:21 | Can patriotism and piety agree?
27:04 | Responding to the post-liberal critique of the American experiment
34:01 | Evangelism and the American Republic
35:28 | Listener question: Is praying for politicians effective?
37:49 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

Together, we continue our exploration of the sacrificial memorial of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike reiterates that the whole Church, both visible and invisible, is united in the Sacrifice of the Eucharist. He also further unpacks the importance of a quote from St. Ignatius of Antioch, which states that the offering of the sacrifice of the Eucharist must be united with the apostolic succession of our Pope and bishop. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1369-1372.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike recalls Hezekiah's prayer for more time and reveals how Hezekiah did not use that time wisely. We are all only given a specific amount of time on this earth, and it's up to us to use that time to become more like Christ so we can spend eternity with him in heaven. Today's readings are 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 32, and Psalm 145.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they continue speaking with Steve and Becky Greene about understanding the mission God has called you to and finding your identity in Christ!

Resources:

• Reasonably Rational - podcast
• The Catholic Conversation - podcast
• Avila Summit: Spiritual Warfare and the Family - event
• Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits - video series
• Discernment of Spirits for Beginners - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke
• Into the Deep - video series
• Finding Peace in the Storm - Dan Burke
• Into the Deep – Dan Burke
• Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits - Dan Burke
• The Contemplative Rosary - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini
• A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness - Susan Brinkmann OCDS
• SpiritualDirection.com/Events - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• EWTN Religious Catalogue – online