St. Philip Institute Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo concludes this series on the spiritual life by discussing the third stage of the spiritual life, known as the unitive way. This highest, most advanced stage of the spiritual life is seen in a special way by the experience of the Apostles after Pentecost, and it is part of the path all Christians are called to follow.     Recommended Books:   Dr. Brant Pitre, Int...

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the second stage of the spiritual life, known as the illuminative way. He shows how the New Testament gives us good examples of the “second conversion” that the Apostles and especially St. Peter experienced as they grew in their spiritual life and how we are all called to walk the same path.     Recommended Books:   Dr. Brant Pitre, Introduction to the...

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the first stage of the spiritual life, known as the purgative way. He explains the types of prayer common in this stage, the experience of temptation, and the signs commonly seen during the beginnings of the spiritual life. All Christians are called to grow beyond this early stage, but many of us never even know how to start! Join Dr. Arredondo as he g...

Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series focusing on the fundamentals of the spiritual life and the path to growing in holiness. This episode focuses on the idea that our prayer life, even while it involves our own effort, should be understood principally as a response to God’s call to us. In addition, he briefly introduces the three stages of the spiritual life: the purgative way, the illuminative...

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, by looking at his view of sacramental character. If we understand Aquinas’ teaching, it can help us see that Confirmation is a sacrament that prepares us to become disciples, so that we can be evangelists.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas on the sacrament of Confirmation, focusing especially on Aquinas’ view that we are all called, through this sacrament in particular, to enter into a spiritual battle. But who will help teach us how to fight in this battle? 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he discusses the purpose of Confirmation by looking at the effects of this sacrament. In addition, he highlights the way the Catechism frames the preparation for Confirmation and who can receive this sacrament.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues the series on the nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation. In particular, he focuses on the Eastern and Western approaches to this sacrament, and the signs and symbols used in the Rite of Confirmation itself.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo begins a new series on the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the opening paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s presentation of the sacrament. Confirmation is presented, in the Catechism, as something intimately linked with the sacraments of initiation, as being connected to our mission to evangelize, and as a perpetuation of Pentecost.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo is joined by Phillip Smith, for a discussion on the formation of the canon of the Bible, or the list of books which are considered Sacred Scripture.  

In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo discusses the crossing of the Red Sea, its relationship to Baptism, and its link to the liturgy of Lent. 

In this episode of the St. Philip Institute Podcast, Dr. Luke Arredondo examines the Passover liturgy in the Book of Exodus Ch. 12 and shows its connection to the Holy Thursday liturgy and the wider Christian view of the Eucharist.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the beginning of the book of Exodus, focusing on Moses’ birth and youth, as well as his calling to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo starts a new series focusing on the Book of Exodus and its connection to the liturgical season of Lent. In particular, he discusses the way the Exodus story is present in the prayer of the Church during Lent and the reason why our preparation for the Paschal mystery can be deepened by a familiarity with the Book of Exodus. 

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo gives a brief exegesis of the reading from the Gospel of Luke used at the Midnight Mass on Christmas. Leaning on the teachings of Bishop Robert Barron and Venererable Fulton Sheen, Luke shows the deep significance of calling Jesus the Lord and how Christ’s birth in symbolic, but meaningful ways, foreshadows his Passion.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the Book of Isaiah, both with respect to the history of Israel and its function in the liturgy leading from Advent into Christmas.

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo focuses on the Annunciation account in Luke’s Gospel and draws out some of the Old Testament connections in the text. In particular he focuses on Mary’s background, and the links between Luke Chapter 1 and 2 Samuel Chapter 7.  

Launching our Advent series, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the relationship between St. John the Baptist and Jesus, through a reading of the Gospel of Luke.  

In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo continues our discussion of the theology of baptism, focusing especially on the necessity of Baptism, the symbols used in the liturgical celebration of baptism, and the link between baptism and discipleship.  

Following our discussion of the biblical dimensions of Baptism in the previous episodes in this series, we now turn to consider more properly the theology of baptism. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo higlights three particular ideas:   What is a sacrament?   How is Baptism related to the other sacraments of initiation?   Finally, what are the various terms we might use to describe baptism, and...

In the Gospels, we see Jesus enter his public phase by receiving a baptism of water by John the Baptist, and at the end of his life he asks his disciples to baptize all the nations. We might say, then, that baptism forms the bookends of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the significance of baptism for Jesus and its connection to discipleship.    Show Notes: In t...

Often, when Christians think about baptism, we immediately turn to the New Testament, or speak about sacramental theology. But an important grounding for the sacraments is the rich biblical imagery evoked in the celebration of the sacraments, and in developing a full theology of the sacraments. In this episode, Dr. Luke Arredondo explores the deep Old Testament roots of baptism by turning to the p...

Throughout the Gospels, the Twelve Disciples get to spend extra time with Jesus, see him prayer, watch him perform miracles, etc. Yet they still struggle to understand precisely who Jesus is! Why is this and what does it show us about the spiritual life? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores this topic.   Passages discussed in this episode: Mark 4:10 ff: Jesus explains the parable of the sower; M...

In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus as a divine healer, a miracle worker par excellence, able to calm the storms and raise the dead. But we also read that, in some cases, he is “unable” to heal due to the unbelief of the crowds. Alternatively, Jesus sometimes tells someone: “Your faith has healed you.” What is the link between faith and healing? Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he discusses this aspect...

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus performs a ministry of exorcism that helps to reveal his identity as the Lord, as the Messiah. This is seen especially in the story of the Geresane Demoniac. Join Dr. Luke Arredondo as he explores Jesus’ exorcisms in Mark, and the way these stories help us to answer the key question of the Gospel: Who is Jesus?     Stories of Exorcism in Mark’s Gospel:  Jesus heals the...