Podcasts
Astronaut José Hernández Reflects on Faith and Perseverance
Father Dave welcomes José Hernández, former NASA flight engineer and the first migrant farm worker to travel to space. “A Million Miles Away,” a new Amazon Prime movie based on his life, follows José and his devoted family on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Mexico, to the fields of California, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station.
Encountering Jesus in the Gospels With Professor William Mattison
Whether you read the Bible daily or only hear Scripture proclaimed on Sundays, there are always fresh ways for us to connect more deeply to God’s word. Father Dave welcomes Notre Dame theology professor and author William Mattison to discuss his new book, “Follow Me: Walking with Jesus through the Gospels.”
Too Much of a Good Thing? Defining the Sin of Pride
We all try to avoid sin, but sometimes it is hard to determine wrongdoing from healthy behavior. A listener named Fred asks Father Dave, “I’m having trouble wrapping my head around the sin of pride…is [the sin] all pride or just too much pride?” Fred expresses his pride in his work and family, and wonders if that could be considered sinful.
Why Does the Priest or Deacon Process the Lectionary Before the Gospel?
A listener asks Father Dave a Mass Class question about the gospel. David asks, “I know it’s probably a sign of reverence, but what started the procession of the gospel book? It’s usually on the altar, and they usually process it around the front of the sanctuary.” He also attended a Mass recently where the congregation bowed and some near the altar touched the book.
Misheard During Mass: Parents Share Their Kids’ Funniest Church Responses
Brett recently found his childhood religious education assignments and recalls how he thought the Our Father began, “Our Father, go-kart in heaven” while growing up. Father Dave invites listeners to share the prayers or religious phrases that their kids have misheard.
Sharing More Than the Gospel
Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. Father Dave reflects on today’s feast as well as St. Paul’s message in today’s first reading. We are called to share the good news of the Gospel, but also to give of our very selves to others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-29-23
Pop Quiz From Jesus
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. As Father Dave preaches to college students, he notes how Jesus tests the disciples when asking them, “Who do you say that I am?” We should not get caught up in what the world says about Jesus. Rather, we each need to answer who he is in our lives. Preached at University Parish of Christ Sun of Justice, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY on 08-27-23
Mary Went in Haste
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption, preaching at a church where the feast is transferred to Sunday. He reflects on how Mary immediately jumps to serve Elizabeth, despite her own major pregnancy news. Preached at St. Mary of the Lake, Lake George, NY on 08-13-23
We Need St. Dominic Today
Memorial of St. Dominic. On today’s feast, Father Dave describes why St. Dominic founded the Order of Preachers. He notes how St. Dominic was able to build bridges across divides without diminishing truth, and how we should find ways to do the same. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-08-23
Moses: Model of Intercession
Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaches about how Moses defends and intercedes for the Israelites to God. We should also petition God to be with those we love who may not have a strong faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City on 08-02-23