How to Love the World—the Right Way | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

How to Love the World—the Right Way | Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Matthew 13 and Christ's parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price.Jesus does not teach that the Christian life is about despising the good things of this world. Rather, He reveals that every created good finds its proper place when ordered to the greatest good: God Himself.The saints do not hate the world. They simply love God more than the world. When we discover Christ, every sacrifice becomes intelligible because nothing compares to the treasure of knowing Him.The Christian life is not ultimately about what we lose, but about the One we gain. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe [https://www.ectplus.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Too Many Problems in Prayer | Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Romans 8 and St. Paul's teaching that "we do not know how to pray as we ought."Prayer is not something we accomplish on our own. Even in our weakness, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid, interceding within us and raising our minds to God.The Christian life does not begin with finding the perfect words or mastering the right formula. It begins with God's own Spirit drawing us into communion with Him.Before we know how to pray, the Holy Spirit is already praying within us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe [https://www.ectplus.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Why are Theologians Unhappy? | Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower.Every seed hears the word, but not every seed bears fruit. Some receive it with joy, yet have no root. Others hear and understand, becoming deeply rooted in Christ.Jesus reveals that lasting faith is more than an emotional response or intellectual interest. True understanding comes only by remaining rooted in Him, the eternal Word.The Christian life begins by hearing Christ, grows through understanding Him, and bears fruit by remaining rooted in Him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe [https://www.ectplus.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

From Selling Porsches to Catholic Theology | Dr. Richard DeClue

In this episode of the Encyclopedia of Catholic Theology podcast, Dr. Richard DeClue reflects on his journey from studying biology and selling Porsches to becoming a Catholic theologian and professor at the Word on Fire Institute. He discusses his formation at Belmont Abbey College, Boston College, and the Catholic University of America, before exploring Eucharistic ecclesiology and why the Eucharist is essential to understanding the Church's origin, nature, structure, and mission. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe [https://www.ectplus.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Ethics is Never “First" in the Christian Life | Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. reflects on Matthew 11 and Christ’s words: “You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and revealed them to little ones.” Jesus is not condemning intelligence or praising ignorance. He reveals that the mysteries of God are not mastered through human ingenuity but received through union with Him. The little ones are those who allow themselves to be shaped by Christ rather than relying upon themselves. Divine reality is greater than any human mind can grasp on its own. The Christian life does not begin with moral effort or self-improvement. It begins with Jesus, who reveals the Kingdom to those willing to receive it. Only little ones are content to live in Him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ectplus.org/subscribe [https://www.ectplus.org/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]