Podcasts

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Jesus says that before we can cast judgement on another person and attempt to take the splinter out of their eye, we must first pull the plank out of our own. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 06-20-16.

A caller named Steve asks, “Why do you need to be in a state of grace to receive Communion?” If someone is not in a state of grace, wouldn’t the Eucharist help them become closer to Christ? Father Dave explains that if we are not in a state of grace, it means that we are in state of mortal sin, which severs our relationship with God. He also highlights a passage from 1 Corinthians, in which St. Paul says that if we receive Communion unworthily we eat and drink judgement on ourselves. Original Air 6-06-18

A caller named Dan wonders if the language at Mass is becoming less community-focused. He cites the language shift from “we believe” to “I believe” in the Creed as an example. Father Dave explains that the new translation is a more literal translation of the Mass, and therefore more accurate. He also points out that the Latin word “credo” in the Creed, translates to “I believe” which is why we have corrected it in English. Original Air 6-04-18

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle. Father Dave considers how a job description lists a person’s duties, and relates this to today’s Gospel in which Jesus gives the Apostles a job description as they embark on their mission to preach. He sends them forth to share the faith, just as we are called to go forth today. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-11-18

Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville joins us to discuss his new documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” a film that tells the story of children’s television host Fred Rogers and the impact he had on the world. Morgan discusses Mr. Rogers’ religious background, his goal for the show, as well as how he subtly tackled social issues. Original Air 6-07-18

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses the advice in St. Paul’s letters from prison. In today’s reading, St. Paul tells everyone to avoid meaningless disputes. Father Dave relates this to our tendency to argue over things that don’t really matter. The only thing we have to fear is denying Christ. Preached at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, on 6-07-18

A caller named Eric asks why Catholics believe in Mary’s perpetual virginity if the Bible states that Jesus had brother and sisters, and that Mary and Joseph did not consummate their marriage until after the wedding? Father Dave points out that the Catholic Church does not rely on Scripture alone, we also follow Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church. Father Dave also explains the Greek translations, and notes that “brother” was used to mean both blood brothers and cousins. Original Air 6-04-18

Friend of the show Rabbi Brad Hirschfield stops by to talk about the recent controversy surrounding Roseanne Barr, the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and the Jewish view of the Holy Spirit. He also discusses the recent move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and the potential consequences. Original Air 5-31-18

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave highlights that sometimes God uses people we might regard as insignificant in society to do big things. In this case, God uses Mary and Elizabeth to help carry out some very important tasks. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 05-31-17.

Father Stephen Gadberry, a priest in the diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, joins us to chat about this appearance on the NBC show “American Ninja Warrior.” He reveals how he got the chance to compete, and shares his hopes for evangelization through the experience. Original Air 5-29-18