The War on Mediocrity

The theological virtue of faith is often misunderstood as believing without reason, but is that really what the Church means by faith? In this episode, we look at why faith and reason are not opposed, what happens when reason reaches its limits, and how faith actually perfects our intellect.

The supernatural virtue of hope is more than believing things will get better. Fr. Zarse and Carson Ackerman explore what Christian hope actually gives us when life is uncertain, suffering hits, or we find ourselves falling into the same sin again.

The guide to breaking free from habitual sin. Fr. Zarse and Carson Ackerman dig into why certain sins become so difficult to shake, how repeated choices begin to shape us, what we can learn from the patterns surrounding our falls, and what it actually takes to begin breaking free.

One year in, Fr. Joseph looks back on the people and moments that have made Sacred Heart feel like home. From parish life and priesthood to learning to swim, Kansas City barbecue, and the World Cup, he shares some of his favorite memories from his first year.

What if one of the most active, driven men in The Odyssey is also guilty of sloth?

This week, Fr. Zarse and Carson use Odysseus as a surprising entry point into one of the most misunderstood deadly sins. What does sloth really look like? Can you be busy, productive, and constantly moving while still falling into it?

What happens in the moments after we fall into sin matters. Fr. Zarse & Carson Ackerman unpack how to turn back to God without getting trapped in shame or despair, how to trust His mercy, and why Confession is always the way home.

The Liturgy of the Hours is the prayer of the Church, but why should you pray it? Fr. Zarse explains the beauty of praying the Hours, his commitment to them, why they matter, and what's changing next year.

"God will forgive me anyway." What happens when God's mercy becomes part of our justification for sin? Fr. Zarse & Carson explore presumption, the ways we justify sin, and what happens when we abuse the mercy of God.

Fr. Zarse explores the purpose of fasting, how to approach it with the right disposition, and why fasting without prayer can quickly become little more than dieting. He also discusses different ways to fast and what the Church actually teaches about Friday penance and abstaining from meat.

God may be more present in your day than you realize. Fr. Zarse & Carson explain how the daily examen can reveal what you missed, expose the patterns holding you back, and help you follow God's will more closely.