Today we present the seventh lesson of Bishop Barron’s lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. We will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy!
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What is the nature and purpose of prayer? The question may sound simple, but it unearths some complex philosophical and theological issues. If God is omniscient, what is the point of speaking with him, either out loud or in our thoughts if he already knows what we have to say? If God is all good and all powerful, why does it sometimes appear that our prayers go unanswered? More practically, what are we to make of the great diversity of prayers—liturgical prayer, petitionary prayer, worship prayer, the Rosary? Are some forms of prayer more efficacious than others? Here are some tips on how we can understand and grow in our prayer life.
A listener asks why Catholics pray for the dead and if we should pray for the souls of non-Catholics too.
00:00 | Intro
01:34 | Bishop Barron’s holiday season recap
02:45 | What prompted the publication of An Introduction to Prayer?
03:37 | What does it mean to pray?
05:31 | If God knows everything, why do we pray?
07:38 | If God is unchanging, how does prayer change things?
15:53 | If God is all-good, why do prayers go unanswered?
18:40 | How is prayer different for the Christian?
21:56 | The importance of liturgical prayer
23:47 | Understanding contemplative prayer
28:24 | Properly understanding the intercession of the saints
31:25 | Practical principles for growing in prayer
33:41 | Forgiveness as a prerequisite for answered prayers
35:07 | Listener question
37:31 | Join the Word on Fire Institute
NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
We bring you the sixth lesson of Bishop Barron’s lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. We will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy!
NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.
A cultural shift seems to be underway, at least within the United States, that is potentially making society more open—perhaps even more positively disposed—to the wisdom of the Catholic social thought tradition. If there is an opportunity for Catholic teachings to have more cultural and political traction now, how should the Church take advantage of it? What counsel can the Church give on complex policy issues like education, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy? Today we discuss the Catholic understanding of the common good and how it is especially relevant in this moment.
A listener asks, what is the kingdom of God?
00:00 | Intro
01:41 | Bishop Barron visits a mentor
02:52 | Religion: public or private?
06:56 | Assessing recent shifts in culture
08:09 | Common good vs. utilitarianism
10:49 | Dignity vs. autonomy
14:35 | Common good vs. social justice
18:37 | Common good vs. generic conservatism
21:25 | Nonnegotiable moral principles vs. variable prudential judgments
24:27 | Common good and education
28:23 | Common good and the economy
30:30 | Common good and immigration
33:38 | Common good and foreign policy
35:38 | Listener question: What is the kingdom of God?
37:38 | Join the Word on Fire Institute
NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.