A listener asks Father Dave about watching live streamed Masses online. Cara says, “Since COVID, I have been to an in-person Mass a handful of times, preferring to attend online. I especially enjoy the Masses from St. Paul the Apostle. The music and sermons inspire me spiritually. How is this viewed? Should I be making more of an effort to go to Mass in person?”

A Christian listener named Jennifer asks Father Dave for clarification regarding who can receive the Eucharist in a Catholic Church. She explains that she is a lifelong Methodist, but periodically attends Catholic Mass and struggles with the Catholic Church’s teaching on receiving the Eucharist.

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Father Dave describes an unfinished painting in the Berlin Museum of Art, where the artist waited to paint the most important element last. However, the artist passed away before finishing his work. Father Dave reminds us to not wait to put Christ at the center of our lives. Preached at St. Austin Church, Austin, TX on 11-26-23

The holiday season is filled with joy, but can also be a difficult time of year for many people. Father Dave welcomes back friend of the show and USCCB Associate Director for the Laity Paul Jarzembowski to discuss his new book, “Hope for the Holidays: Finding Light at the Darkest Times of the Year.”

The holidays are fast approaching, and Father Dave welcomes Father Agustino Torres, CFR to discuss his new devotional to help center ourselves for Christmas. His new book is called, “Prepare Your Heart: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation.”

Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recalls a recent gala where they honored certain individuals in the community. While we can be celebrated for our work, we should not feel entitled to praise or success. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-14-23

We all encounter suffering in life, and Father Dave welcomes Joni Eareckson Tada to offer hope in difficult situations. She is an author, radio host, and worldwide advocate for those with disabilities who became a quadriplegic at age 17 as a result of a diving accident. Her latest book is called, “The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior.”

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts a current TV commercial that highlights an app for delivering items. He explains how shortcuts can’t help us create a meaningful relationship with God, and we must put in the time and effort. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 11-12-23

With Advent a few weeks away, Father Dave welcomes the writer and director of the new Christmas movie-musical “Journey to Bethlehem” hitting theaters tomorrow! Adam Anders is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and two-time People’s Choice Award winner who spent many years as the executive music producer of the TV show “Glee.” His film “Journey to Bethlehem” retells the story of the Nativity through song and stars Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim, and Antonio Banderas.

A listener asks Father Dave a question about penance during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. James wonders, “How did something as wonderful as prayer become a Confession punishment?”