Stoking the Embers

Voiceover/Reading of my article, "Are You Judas, Peter, or John" on my Substack During the mass readings for Palm Sunday, I was overwhelmed by thoughts and ideas that came to my mind as we read the Passion narrative in the Gospel . I usually don’t like this Gospel reading in the mass very much because I always feel awkward reciting the parts spoken by the crowd. I don’t like saying things like “Cr...

Today remember that the people will exultantly shout, "Hosanna, hosanna!" and line the path of Jesus to throw palms on the ground before him. On Good Friday, they'll shout, "Crucify him, crucify him!" and line up along the path to Golgotha to spit on him. What changes a heart from "Hosanna!" to "Crucify him!"? Why do we hear of only women weeping for Our Lord, Veronica wanting to tend to him, and...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com For paid subscribers; free/audio version will be published tomorrow. I share my personal struggles with the idea of abandoning everything to God Drawing on Father Jacques Philippe's book 'Finding and Maintaining Peace,' I reflect on a common fear that surrendering everything to God might lead to losing everything w...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.stokingembers.com Freedom is one of those words that have been redefined by secular culture over a long period. True Freedom: Understanding the Liberty to Live According to Our Nature. St. Thomas Aquinas teaught that freedom is the capacity to act in accordance with reason and will, and to choose what is good . He believed that true...

In this episode, we discuss 'Credo vs. Fide,' or belief from knowledge versus faith—confidence of the heart—and how only one makes a saint. Many Catholics recite the creed without understanding its deep meanings, leading to a deficiency in true faith—fide. To bridge this gap, I offer ways to build good credo and fide, emphasizing the importance of genuine, heartfelt belief. Additionally, explore m...

Advent: More Than Letting Jesus’ Light In – Prepare for the End Times! In this video, we dive into the true meaning of Advent, a season of anticipation not just for Christmas but for the second coming of Jesus. Contrary to popular belief, Advent isn't just about letting the light of Jesus into our hearts – it's about commemorating His first coming and preparing for His return. Learn how to prepare...

Spiritual maturity and immaturity are real conditions. I fear many in the Church are trapped in spiritual immaturity, and may sadly  even be content with it. I hope to encourage listeners to be better than that. Starting things off with an article on NC Register about British Catholics fearing the rumored cancelation of the Traditional Latin Mass, I get into the theme of spiritual maturity contras...