In this July 4th Episode, I will dispense with the usual format.  This episode will be shorter and will focus on our country, recent events and what is means for our country.  Unlike all the other episodes of this podcast, part of the content is my opinion.  I believe everything said in this podcast is in complete communion with the Catholic Church, although my bias and views will be evident in this podcast.  So lets get started on this Independence Day edition of What is Truth.

In Episode 44, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”,  St. Irenaeus who defended the truths of our faith.  We will hear a homily for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time about Jesus and his healing of two people.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about an international organization and their efforts to feed the poor.   In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will look at the new encyclical written by Pope Francis .  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to make sense of a recent auction in Paris.   Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth from the Archbishop of Los Angeles about the assisted suicide bill in California.  All of this plus music from Perry Poor Boys who sings,“Beach” which is where my family and I will be heading for soon.  This and more on Episode 44 of What is Truth.

In Episode 43, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”,  St. Paulinus of Nola, who although tempted to retire, devoted his life to Christ.  We will hear a homily for the 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time about Jesus reminding us to keep calm in the storms of life.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a young nun who with members of her community work with Native peoples in Arizona.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a book that teaches us about prayer .  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to make sense of ESPN’s choice for an award.   Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth from Pope Francis about what is necessary for peace to prevail.  All of this plus music from Allison Kitchen who sings,“Courts of the Lord”.  This and more on our Father’s Day edition , Episode 43 of What is Truth.

In Episode 42, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Anthony of Padua, a loved and admired man who was canonized only a year after his death.  We will hear a homily for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time about the Kingdom of God.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a man who loved to talk about the faith.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a new book that teaches what love really is .  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to understand why California would consider a new law regarding suicide.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth  about choosing to be a virgin.  All of this plus music from the Steve’s who reminds us that,“I’m Only Human”.  This and more on Episode 42 of What is Truth.

In Episode 41, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Willibald who was a Bishop and missionary.  We will hear a homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi about the great gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood to his disciples.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a Catholic Chaplain and his service in the Korean War.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a new book that features the challenges of a Canadian journalist in his battle against physical disabilities..  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to understand a new kind of party that recently came to Phoenix.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth being lived in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  All of this plus music from Perry Poor Boys who sings,“We Will Wait For You”.  This and more on Episode 41 of What is Truth.

In Episode 40, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Cyril of Alexandria who defended the truth of the faith.  We will hear a homily for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity about the great commission given by Jesus to the Apostles.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will discuss the recent vote in Ireland concerning marriage.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a new book that features reflections of family members of Holocaust survivors.  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to wrap my brain around what is happening to a Catholic Parish Church in Ontario.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth from the Holy Father about what is really important in being a coach of a sports team.  All of this plus music from Jon Bauer who calls us to live a “Life of Worship”.  This and more on Episode 40 of What is Truth.

In Episode 39, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St David I of Scotland, although a king lived his life devoted to Jesus, the Church and the poor. We will hear a homily for the Feast of Pentecost about descent of the Holy Spirit.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a Canadian doctor’s fight to practice medicine according to her conscience.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will learn about a German philosopher and his battle to speak the truth in Nazi Germany.  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to wrap my brain around what a woman did to get an abortion.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth from Pope Francis who exhorts the Bishops of Africa and us all to support and defend the family.  All of this plus music from Big Methuselah who asks the Lord to “Breathe Into Me”.  This and more on Episode 39 of What is Truth.

In Episode 38, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Pascal Baylon, who lived his life in love with the Eucharist.  We will hear a homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord about Jesus’ commission and his Ascension into Heaven.  In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a man who dealt drugs, went to prison, and is now working for the Lord.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about an artist whose art depicts the pain of war and its victims.  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to understand the decision of a French court regarding a statue.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discover the truth about the importance of continuing to develop Jewish/Catholic relations .   All of this plus music from Tina Osborn who sings about a “Glorious God”.  This and more on Episode 38 of What is Truth.

In Episode 37, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Solange who paid the ultimate price for living her faith.  We will hear a homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter about Jesus who entreats us to keep His commandments. In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a nun who has spent her life as a missionary.  In  “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a new biography of a Bishop who led a challenging life.  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to understand the Canadian Supreme Court’s decision about prayer before meetings.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will discuss the truth from the Vatican about climate change.   All of this plus music from Fred Haring who reminds us that we are all a “Work in Progress”.  This and more on Episode 37 of What is Truth.

In Episode 36, we will first discuss our “Saint of the Week”, St. Philip, one of the original 12 Apostles.   We will hear a homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter about Jesus who tells us that He is the vine and if we remain on the branch, we can bear good fruit.    In the segment “Catholics in the News”, we will learn about a Cardinal who recently died after devoting his life to serving the Church.  In our segment, “Truth in the Media”, we will hear about a new biography written by a nun discussing the life of a Catholic actor.  In the segment entitled “I Don’t Get It”, I will try to make sense of how the state of Utah treated a prisoner who was ill.  Finally, during our Truth Topic of the Week, we will learn the truth from Pope Francis about persecution of Christians throughout the world.   All of this plus music from Toby Walters who asks God to “Light My Way”.  This and more on Episode 36 of What is Truth.