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The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

Join Bishop Robert Barron for a weekly podcast on faith and culture. Find more episodes at http://WordOnFireShow.com and submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.com.
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The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 27, 2016

On the first day of the calendar year, the Church celebrates The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This day honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the aspect of her motherhood of Jesus. With her great "yes" to the Divine Will, Mary effectively reverses the negative trajectory caused by the great "no" of the world's first woman, Eve. Today's episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses how Mary, the Mother of God, represents the New Eve who ushers forth the New Adam, the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. The listener question asks about the perpetual virginity of Mary.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  Introduction: Bishop celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe in Los Angeles
  • 5:08 - Why is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God so important
  • 7:02 - What is the controversy behind calling Mary "The Mother of God"?
  • 9:40 - Why were people parading through the streets when Mary was named "Theotokos"?
  • 11:05 - How does Mary compare to Eve?
  • 14:13 - What is the theological foundation for reverencing Mary?
  • 16:10 - Was Mary aware of her role in salvation history?
  • 18:16 - How should we understand the Angel's words to Mary, "Hail, full of grace"?
  • 19:40 - How is Mary the first disciple?
  • 21:03 - How should we respond to Protestants or those who say that we ought not reverence Mary?
  • 22:40 - Question from listener: What is the necessity of the Marian doctrine regarding Mary's perpetual virginity?

Bonus Resources

 

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Dec 20, 2016

St. Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, which is read at Midnight Masses all over the Catholic world, commences by invoking the first-century’s most powerful man: “In those days Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole world.” Then the story continues by introducing a new King, one born in straw poverty, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough. This is the poetry by which God enters into our world, not as a tyrant surrounded by powers of earthly violence but as a fragile baby surrounded by an army of heavenly angels set to usher him to the cross. Today's episode of the Word on Fire Show discusses this subversive Christmas tale and encourages us to consider which king we choose to follow. The listener question asks about the relationship between mind, body, and spirit.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction: What was Word on Fire doing in New York City?
  • 3:40 - What is the political backdrop of the Christmas story?
  • 5:42 - Who were Mary and Joseph of Nazareth?
  • 8:00 - What is the significance of Bethlehem?
  • 9:50 - How strange is it that God came in the form of a baby?
  • 12:33 - What is the significance of the manger?
  • 13:32 - How does The Lord of the Rings relate to the Christmas story?
  • 16:00 - Why is the birth of this baby good news for the shepherds?
  • 17:42 - What is the terrifying undertone signaled by the angels who appear above the manger?
  • 20:45 - How might Catholics get in the Christmas spirit?
  • 21:47 - Question from listener: What is the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Dec 13, 2016

The most recent meeting of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops ended with a prayer service and a sermon by Archbishop Peter Sartain, wherein his excellency referenced the mystical prayers of St. Catherine of Siena. In this episode, Bishop Robert Barron recounts this wonderful sermon and reflects on the use of the word "thee" in St. Catherine's prayers as well as the common prayers of the Church. Bishop explains that the purpose of this sort of language is to remind us of the intimacy we share in God through the Son. Sharing this personal relationship with Jesus is the real purpose of evangelization. The listener question wonders about the purpose of petitionary prayer.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:15  - Introduction, information about the USCCB meeting and Bishop Barron's newly elected office
  • 3:53 - Word on Fire Show reaches 1 million downloads
  • 4:30 - Overview of Archbishop Sartain's Sermon
  • 9:03 - What language did Jesus use when he prayed?
  • 11:25 - How does the language we use about God relate to evangelization?
  • 13:10 - How do we navigate the fact that God is so far beyond us but also so intimately near?
  • 15:38 - What are some common misunderstandings about how to speak about God?
  • 18:15 - How do we grow in intimacy with the Lord?
  • 20:47 - Question from listener: When does it make sense to participate in petitionary prayer?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Dec 6, 2016

“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” is the simplest form of the Jesus Prayer. Bishop Robert Barron has professed the spiritual power of this short prayer for decades and was recently reintroduced to The Way of a Pilgrim, a short book, which narrates one man's quest to "pray without ceasing" by way of the Jesus Prayer. This episode serves as an encouragement for all Christians to adopt this prayer, which has long been a revered tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The listener question comes from an atheist who wonders what, precisely, is the correct way to read the Bible.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction, background information about “The Way of a Pilgrim”
  • 2:53 - Spiritual greatness of the Eastern Orthodox tradition
  • 5:17 - What is the Jesus Prayer and how do you pray it?
  • 7:50 - What happens after you pray the Jesus Prayer 1,000 times?
  • 9:03 - What is the difference between mindful route prayers and mindless babbling?
  • 10:40 - How can the Jesus Prayer become an extension of your body and soul?
  • 13:29 - What happens to the pilgrim in the story? (Spoiler Alert)
  • 15:28 - What is the one thing you cling to most?
  • 18:30 - What is the connection between “The Way of the Pilgrim” and TV's “Vikings”
  • 20:32 - What advice does Bishop Barron have for helping us detach ourselves from the material world?
  • 22:00 - Question from listener: How ought an atheist read the Bible?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Nov 29, 2016

One of the most popular forms of content at Word on Fire continues to be Bishop Robert Barron's theological commentaries about movies. In fact, the very first Youtube video Word On Fire ever produced was a commentary on Martin Scorsese's Oscar-Winning film, “The Departed.” Since then, the bishop has reviewed dozens of movies and received high praise for his spiritual interpretations, even from the films' own directors. So for this episode, we thought we would ask Bishop Barron to share his ideas about two recent movies, namely, “Doctor Strange" and “Hacksaw Ridge” (SPOILER ALERT). The listener question asks where we Christians should draw the line for viewing graphic content.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction, Cubs win the World Series
  • 5:45 - What is the premise of “Doctor Strange”? (Spoiler Alert)
  • 9:12 - How does “Doctor Strange” participate in the religious tradition?
  • 12:49 - How do modern films profess a kind of Gnostic spirituality?
  • 18:40 - What is the premise of “Hacksaw Ridge”? (Spoiler Alert)
  • 21:39 - How does “Hacksaw Ridge” witness to both a violent and nonviolent fight against evil?
  • 24:36 - How is the protagonist in “Hacksaw Ridge” a man of the bible?
  • 26:04 - Question from listener: Where should Christians draw the line when it comes to graphic content in art?

Bonus Resources

  • Websites

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Nov 22, 2016

Bishop Robert Barron recently had the privilege of speaking to around nine thousand students from the Catholic middle schools and high schools of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, he invited them to internalize three spiritual truths as they come of age. In today's episode, Bishop Barron recounts the event and explains some lessons that all Catholics but particularly young Catholics need to take to heart. The listener question asks what Gospel passages are difficult for the bishop to come to terms with and how Catholics ought internalize Jesus' more troubling messages.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction, The Word on Fire Show 50th Episode, Youth Event Details
  • 2:50 - Lesson 1: The Law of the Gift, what does that mean?
  • 5:55 - What do you say to someone who claims total happiness in the secular world?
  • 8:49 - How does St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta represent the Law of the Gift?
  • 10:35 - Lesson 2: Spiritual Excellence, why not settle for spiritual mediocrity?
  • 12:50 - How does Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati best represent aspiring young Catholics?
  • 14:30 - What does it mean to say that holiness is broad, vibrant, and colorful?
  • 16:45 - Lesson 3: Be a Rebel! What is true rebellion?
  • 19:36 - Who is Jose Sanchez del Rio?
  • 22:57 - Question from listener: What does Bishop Barron consider to be the most difficult messages of Jesus? How ought we wrestle with them?

Bonus Resources

  • Websites

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Nov 15, 2016

Normally, in each episode we take one listener question. But we've received such a large number of outstanding questions from around the globe that we’ve decided to devote another episode to answering a range of questions from listeners like you. Bishop Barron answers several questions, rapid fire, on many different topics.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:24  - Intro: Bishop Barron talks about the PBS premier of Pivotal Players
  • 3:00 - If goodness is just part of God's nature, why are we under any obligation to make ourselves into good human beings?
  • 6:11 - What is the Catholic way of dating?
  • 8:35 - What is the difference between hope and wishful thinking?
  • 12:19 - How do you explain Old Testament animal sacrifice to vegans?
  • 15:10 - Is evil really just an absence of good or a force of its own, opposing the Kingdom of God?
  • 19:45 - How do we reconcile centuries old philosophy with modern science?
  • 23:35 - Why do we focus so much on interpreting the Greek words in scripture when anything Jesus spoke was in Aramaic?
  • 26:30 - How does a new parent, busy parent find time to deepen her prayer life?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Nov 8, 2016

October 31st, 2016 marked the beginning of the 500th year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, which is decidedly the greatest split in Christian Church history. Pope Francis traveled to Sweden that Halloween weekend to meet with Lutheran Church leaders, commemorate the historical significance of the Reformation, and emphasize unity amongst the Christian faithful. In today's episode, Bishop Barron offers a brief history of the Reformation and explains his hopes for continued dialogue between Protestants and Catholics. The listener question asks about St. Augustine's views on the theological topic of predestination.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's meeting with Pastor Rick Warren
  • 2:50 - What is the Reformation and who were the major players?
  • 5:13 - What are some points of doctrinal contention in the Reformation?
  • 6:40 - What does Bishop Barron make of Pope Francis' visit with the Lutherans?
  • 09:21 - Why is it a sign of respect that Protestants can't receive Catholic Communion?
  • 12:10 - Was the Reformation an entirely bad thing?
  • 15:08 - What is the Catholic Counter-Reformation?
  • 17:00 - Should Catholics actively try to convert Protestants?
  • 19:02 - What should the Catholic Church do to end this schism?
  • 20:38 - Question from listener: What does St. Augustine think about predestination and what does the Church teach about it?

Bonus Resources

  • Websites

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Nov 1, 2016

How do we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in today's culture? In a talk he gave at the Religious Education Congress, Bishop Barron offers recommendations for effective evangelization, aimed to permeate our densely secularized society with the beauty and joy of Catholicism. In Part Two of the Bishop's great talk we hear him discuss the remaining four "Keys to the New Evangelization".

Bonus Resources 

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Oct 25, 2016

How do we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in today's culture? In a talk he gave at the Religious Education Congress, Bishop Barron offers recommendations for effective evangelization, aimed to permeate our densely secularized society with the beauty and joy of Catholicism. In Part One of the Bishop's great talk we hear him discuss three of his "7 Keys to the New Evangelization".

Bonus Resources 

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Oct 18, 2016

After perusing the latest Pew Study on why young people are leaving the active practice of Christianity, Bishop Barron noticed that (once again) the reasons they offer for abandoning Christianity are entirely not compelling. That is to say, any theologian, apologist, or evangelist worth his salt should be able easily to answer these objections to faith and hopefully encourage the youngster to reconsider the Truth of the Church. With this in mind for today's episode, Bishop offers smart, passionate responses to the common misconceptions and objections that continue to lure young people away from God. The listener question asks which books are best for evangelizing atheists from both a rational and emotional standpoint.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Introduction, Bishop's trip to Lake Placid and current reading list
  • 3:25 - Bishop's reaction to young people leaving the church?
  • 5:15 - Should we avoid pressuring them and let young people return on their own?
  • 7:48 - Some common objections: Is religion the opiate of the people?
  • 11:10 - Has science disproven religion?
  • 15:15 - If religion causes so much violence, how can it possibly be right?
  • 17:50 - Does the sex abuse scandal invalidate the Church?
  • 20:53 - Is it better to be open-minded to all world religions?
  • 26:48 - What if church is too boring and you don't have time?
  • 30:40 - How would Bishop Barron encourage young people to return to the Church?
  • 32:09 - Question from listener: What are some good books to battle atheism both from a rational and emotional standpoint?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and, again, be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Sep 20, 2016

We are taking the next few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on the joyful English journalist and evangelist, G.K. Chesterton. A larger-than-life figure, Chesterton charmed his way into the heart of the modern culture and illuminated the dull philosophy of the age with his clever, Catholic brilliance. Our listener question asks Bishop Barron about praying for intercession from those souls who've not yet been named saints.

*In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: FrBrown

Visit PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon!

Topics Discussed

  • 1:30  - Bishop Barron discusses the Pivotal Players World Premier Party
  • 2:40 - Who was G.K. Chesterton?
  • 5:03 - What is G.K. Chesterton's impact on modern evangelism?
  • 6:10 - What inspiration can married laypeople find in Chesterton?
  • 7:37 - How was G.K. Chesterton an artistic evangelist?
  • 9:21 - Why is Chesterton called a "happy warrior"?
  • 10:48 -How did Chesterton separate ideas from people?
  • 11:33 - Why did Chesterton love the paradoxical?
  • 14:17 - How did Chesterton highlight the vibrant paradoxes of Catholicism?
  • 16:45 - What is Chesterton's Orthodoxy? 
  • 21:56 - What is Chesterton's Everlasting Man?
  • 23:48 - How did Chesterton take on religious relativism?
  • 27:35 - Listener Question: How do we know when it is appropriate to pray for intersession from the holy departed?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Sep 6, 2016

We are taking the next few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on St. Catherine of Siena. One of the most beguiling figures in Church history, St. Catherine had a profound connection to the Lord that was displayed by her miraculous mysticism, her impact on the papacy, and her love for the poor. Our listener question asks Bishop Barron how he chose the Pivotal Players and what's next on the horizon for Word On Fire.

*In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: SIENA33

Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon!

Topics Discussed

  • 1:15  - Bishop Barron discusses his upcoming trip to Rome
  • 2:44 - Who was Saint Catherine of Siena?
  • 7:33 - How does St. Catherine represent the power of women in the Church?
  • 10:20 - What is found in St. Catherine's "Dialogues with God"?
  • 13:31 -Why does St. Catherine use the metaphor of a bridge for Christ?
  • 15:13 - How is St. Catherine a doctor of grace?
  • 16:23 - How is St. Catherine accessible to people unfamiliar with mysticism?
  • 19:00 - Why is it significant that she is named a "Doctor of the Church"?
  • 21:00 - Why is Saint Catherine a pivotal player?
  • 22:35 - Listener Question: How did Bishop Barron choose the Pivotal Players?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Aug 30, 2016

We have been taking the past few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured in Word on Fire's epic new film series, CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players. Today we're focusing on a pivotal player of our own time, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Globally recognized as Mother Theresa, this diminutive Albanian nun was widely considered the greatest living saint during the latter half of the 20th century. Now, nineteen years after her death, she will be officially canonized, "Saint Teresa of Calcutta" by Pope Francis. In this episode Bishop Barron discusses her life, her faith, and why, according to Fr. Paul Murray, she's a saint who "loved Jesus in the night." Our listener question wonders how it's possible to unite our suffering with Jesus on the cross.

Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to get your copy of this film series right now!

Topics Discussed

  • 0:18  - Bishop Barron's Pivotal Players Premier
  • 1:10 - Bishop Barron's friend, Father Paul Murray
  • 3:29 - Who is Mother Teresa?
  • 9:00 - How does Mother Teresa represent all the best of Catholicism?
  • 11:05 - What was Mother Teresa's connection to the Eucharist?
  • 12:5o - How do we explain Mother Teresa's "dark night of the soul"?
  • 18:25 - Bishop Barron explains his experience in Calcutta
  • 21:29 - How is Mother Teresa a spiritual master?
  • 21:03 -Listener Question: How can we offer up our suffering?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Aug 23, 2016

We are taking the next few episodes of the show to discuss each of the great men and women featured on Word On Fire's epic new film series, Catholicism: The Pivotal Players. The focus of this episode is Saint Thomas Aquinas. Widely considered one of the greatest minds in the history of Western Civilization, Thomas angelically and definitively articulated our Catholic understanding of God in his famous Summa Theologica. Our listener question asks about Thomas' argument of God as the "unmoved mover."

*In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on Catholicism: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: DumbOx 

Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon!

Topics Discussed

  • 1:30  - Bishop Barron discusses his meetings with local ministries
  • 2:47 - Who was Saint Thomas Aquinas?
  • 5:16 - Why was Saint Thomas nicknamed Dumb Ox?
  • 6:50 - What can Thomas teach us about who God is?
  • 11:16 - How does a misunderstanding of God form modern atheism?
  • 12:3o - What light does Thomas shed on who we are as humans?
  • 16:25 - What makes Thomas Aquinas a saint?
  • 18:46 - What was the most poignant part of filming Thomas' history?
  • 20:24 - What is the connection between Aquinas and Chesterton?
  • 23:30 - Listener Question: How can God be the "Unmoved Mover"?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Aug 16, 2016

We are taking the next six episodes of the Word on Fire show to discuss each of the great men and women featured on Word On Fire's epic new film series, Catholicism: The Pivotal Players. The focus of this episode is Saint Francis, the great reformer of the Church from the early 13th century who truly embodied the life of Christ through his radical ministry of mercy and love. Our listener question asks about mysticism in the Church today.

*In this episode we include a limited time Word on Fire Show discount on Catholicism: The Pivotal Players with Coupon Code: Fran1226  

Click on www.PivotalPlayers.com to purchase and act now because this offer expires soon!

Topics Discussed

  • 0:19  - Bishop Barron discusses his trip to Poland for World Youth Day
  • 3:00 - Intro about Pivotal Players and St. Francis in particular
  • 6:23 - Why is Saint Francis so universally revered?
  • 8:18 - What's the most misunderstood element of Francis?
  • 10:17 - How did Saint Francis come to faith?
  • 12:25 - How did the Franciscan order come to fruition?
  • 14:44 - What does it mean that the Pope chose the name Francis?
  • 16:14 - What are some of Bishop Barron's favorite Francis stories?
  • 19:48 - Why is Saint Francis a pivotal player?
  • 21:25 - Listener Question: What does it mean to be a mystic today?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Aug 2, 2016

"Beige Catholicism" is a phrase Bishop Barron coined early in his career as a way of describing the Church's lackluster adoption of the post-conciliar movement. Much of Bishop Barron's evangelical work, including his famous Catholicism book and film series, focuses on bringing Christ's radical distinctiveness and the Tradition's beautiful vibrancy back into our understanding of the Church. In this episode Bishop Barron details the problems with beige Catholicism as well as the path to a solution. Finally, a listener asks about the Benedict Option for Catholics struggling to keep the faith alive in contemporary culture.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Bishop Barron discusses the new Word On Fire office and studio
  • 2:32 - What is beige Catholicism?
  • 4:45 - What is the history of beige Catholicism?
  • 6:48 - What is the problem with accommodating the culture?
  • 9:30 - What does it mean to domesticate Jesus?
  • 11:45 - Why should we see Jesus as "dangerous and strange"?
  • 13:55 - How the hit show Vikings illustrates the strangeness of Christianity
  • 15:33 - What does a full sacramental vision of the church look like?
  • 17:36 - What does a vibrantly colorful Catholicism look like?
  • 19:20 - How has Bishop Barron's work targeted this problem?
  • 20:20 - Question from listener: How about the Benedict Option?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jul 26, 2016

How should we go about evangelization? Especially for those of us living in a highly-secularized society, what techniques should we employ and what pitfalls ought we avoid? Bishop Robert Barron shares his advice in Part Two of his popular keynote talk on evangelizing the culture.

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jul 19, 2016

How should we go about evangelization? Especially for those of us living in a highly-secularized society, what techniques should we employ and what pitfalls ought we avoid? In this episode we get advice from one of the greatest evangelists of the postmodern age, Bishop Robert Barron, as we listen to Part One of his popular keynote talk on evangelizing the culture.

Bonus Resources

 

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron..

Jul 12, 2016

Whenever there's a survey asking Christians, "What's one area in your spiritual life you'd like to improve?",  the answers almost inevitably center around prayer. In today's episode, Bishop Barron explains what precisely prayer is and then offers some simple steps as well as some more advanced techniques to help us all grow in intimacy with God. With this goal in mind, Bishop Barron leads listeners down five different avenues of prayer that range from informal dialogue to the mass itself. Finally, the listener question comes from a seminarian in Phoenix who wonders where Catholics should draw the line when it comes to the teachings of a notable 21st-century Christian writer.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:18  - Bishop Barron discusses his upcoming trip to World Youth Day
  • 4:00 - What is prayer and how does conversational prayer begin?
  • 8:42 - How does God speak to us in prayer?
  • 10:58 - What is "Lectio Divina" and how do we pray it?
  • 14:45 - What are some forms of rote prayers and what is their benefit?
  • 20:40 - What is the Liturgy of The Hours and how do we access it?
  • 24:00 - How is the Liturgy of The Hours a universal prayer?
  • 26:00 - How can enter into the Holy Mass specifically as a prayer?
  • 28:00 - How might we advance through these five forms of prayer?
  • 29:25 -  What does Bishop Barron's holy hour entail?
  • 35:20 - Listener Question: Where should we draw the line with N.T. Wright?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jul 5, 2016

Normally, in each episode we take one listener question. But we've received such a large number of outstanding questions from around the globe that we’ve decided to devote this entire episode to answering questions from listeners like you. Bishop Barron answers several questions, rapid fire, on many different topics.

Topicss Discussed

  • 0:24  - Intro: Bishop Barron talks about his recent work and vacation plans
  • 4:17 - How should Catholic school teachers evangelize their pupils?
  • 5:19 - Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?
  • 9:28 - Has the Church ever changed its doctrine?
  • 13:10 - How does one evangelize the culture and not be corrupted by it?
  • 20:22 - How do we encourage young people to engage in philosophy?
  • 26:00 - What is the difference between faith and belief?
  • 31:30 - What book is Bishop Barron currently reading?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jun 28, 2016

Pope Francis recently invited Bishop Barron to speak to hundreds of English-speaking priests at a gathering in Rome for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In today's episode, Bishop Barron reflects on the talk he shared with his fellow clergymen about Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. From this account, he distills four major lessons on divine mercy. The listener question comes from a practicing Catholic in London who wonders whether a vigorous spiritual life is necessary if we are ultimately reconciled to God.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Bishop Barron goes to Rome to talk about divine mercy
  • 3:03 - How is God's mercy relentless?
  • 5:28 - How does the story of the woman at the well dismantle religious mythology?
  • 8:01 - How is God's mercy divinizing?
  • 11:40 - Connections to marriage and the Old Testament
  • 13:14 - What does "God became man that man might become God" actually mean?
  • 16:11 - How is God's mercy demanding?
  • 20:01 - The vibrant paradox of extreme demands, extreme mercy
  • 22:34 - How is God's mercy a summons to mission?
  • 25:30 - The highest life is a summons to Mission
  • 26:42 - Question from listener: Why bother engaging in the spiritual life?

Bonus Resources

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jun 21, 2016

Bob Dylan is one of the most spiritually interesting songwriters of our generation. In today's episode, Bishop Barron reflects on some of Dylan's best-known hits to show how they subtlety put Biblical themes on display. A listener wonders if Bishop Barron has any tips on how to evangelize in a secular workspace.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:17  - Bishop Barron at the Bob Dylan concert last weekend
  • 2:40 - Can Bob Dylan serve as a gateway to God?
  • 4:45 - Who is Bob Dylan?
  • 8:32 - Why Bob Dylan is best read as a spiritual poet
  • 10:11 - Bob Dylan's religious views
  • 12:17 - Biblical elements of Blowin' in the Wind
  • 15:39 - Bishop Barron on Like a Rolling Stone
  • 21:41 - Bob Dylan and the Resurrection
  • 22:10All Along the Watchtower and the Book of Isaiah
  • 26:41 - Finding Jesus in Dylan's Make You Feel My Love
  • 28:43 - Question from listener: How can we evangelize in a secular workspace?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron.

Jun 14, 2016

What is Catholic social teaching and what does it have to say about the economy, business, and our everyday work lives? That's what Bishop Barron explains in this episode. Surveying the insights of popes and saints, he shows why the Catholic Church rejects socialism and embraces a nuanced, careful endorsement of the market economy.

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron

Jun 7, 2016

Venerable Fulton Sheen is remembered as one of the greatest Catholic evangelists of the twentieth century. A master of both television and radio, he shared the Gospel with millions using his unique blend of wit, humor, and insight. Bishop Barron reflects on Sheen's legacy and the lessons he offers us. A deacon listener asks how Bishop Barron prepares his own homilies each week.

Topics Discussed

  • 0:56  - Bishop Barron's summary of the New Evangelization Conference in Latrobe, PA
  • 1:45 - Who was Archbishop Fulton Sheen?
  • 4:54 -  One thing we must do before we evangelize
  • 6:42 - The significance of a Catholic priest on primetime, network TV
  • 8:47 -  How Sheen reached 30 million viewers through his TV show
  • 11:02 - Sheen's strategy for evangelizing a broad audience
  • 13:05 - Would Fulton Sheen be on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram?
  • 14:32 - The importance of Sheen's book, The Mystical Body of Christ
  • 17:29 - The common thread connecting Ronald Knox, G.K. Chesterton, and Fulton Sheen
  • 18:26 - How Sheen's "Holy Hour" grounded all his writing and preaching
  • 20:40 - Sheen's commitment to do a "Holy Hour" every day during his priesthood
  • 22:42 - Bishop Barron's experience giving the "Tre Ore" talks at St. Patrick's Cathedral
  • 24:38 - Question from listener: How does Bishop Barron prepare his homilies?

Bonus Resources

 

Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron

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